Turning back to Vick, who was rendered speechless from shock, I made my point again as a magician.
"...I will say it one more time, but whether or not one can become a magician is unrelated to talent. Of course, if you ask whether one can become one of the world's leading magicians, then talent and how one puts in the effort may also be related."
After I said that, Vick grit his teeth so hard that it made a sound. And then Pitty barked as if to bite.
"You ugly thing! I won't forget that you went against Father! Do you know what will happen!?"
Pitty was on the verge of tears and was spitting out threatening words in anger. I tilted my head and opened my mouth.
"Well, what will happen, I wonder? I'll look forward to finding out. By the way, I'll also remember being called ugly and 'you' by you."
After I said that, Pitty was about to open her mouth to retort further, but Vick stopped her, noticing the gazes around them.
"That's enough, Pitty. It's a waste of time to spend it on someone so lowly. Let's go."
"...Yes, Father."
Pitty, a little hesitant after Vick’s words, also realized that the eyes of the people around were focused on them and obeyed. Although young, it seemed she had been properly educated as a noble, judging by how she could sense how she's being viewed.
However, judging by the way she clicked her tongue loudly as she left, it left me with doubts about that educational policy.
After confirming that the two had left, the gallery that had gathered around erupted into cheers.
"That was amazing, sis!"
"C-can I become a magician too!?"
"That was refreshing!"
"You're amazing too, kid! You’ll be an amazing magician!"
People came rushing over, and it instantly turned into a crowd.
"Excuse me, please. My friend has a magic presentation from the afternoon."
I tried to leave after saying that, but I couldn’t move easily. While I was worrying about how to get to my destination, someone looked at my face and called out.
"Ah! You're that rumoured amazing new teacher!"
"I see! From Fiddiq Academy! So, Fiddiq Academy's teachers are amazing after all!"
It seemed like there was someone who knew about me. I was wondering what to do about the situation which was becoming noisier, when the previously seen Martin and James approached me.
"Please, this way."
When James said that, Martin took my hand and moved toward the academy building.
"I’m sorry! We're in a hurry!"
James said his words of apology while pushing through the crowd. Since I was grateful, I honestly followed the two of them.
We successfully completed the escape and arrived under the shade of a tree in the courtyard.
"Thank you for earlier."
When I said that, James shook his head from side to side as if feeling embarrassed.
"No, no, let me thank you! My Martin has always yearned to be a magician, but no magician has ever come from my family line… I thought it would probably be impossible. Thank you so much. However, I’m worried that we may have been offended that Vick-sama..."
I returned a smile to James who said this worriedly, and lightly nodded.
"It's okay. At Fiddiq Academy, status and power don't matter. Principal Glenn-sensei will handle it. Please rest assured."
To reassure the two, I mentioned Principal Glenn's name. If I mentioned Glenn's name that was known throughout various countries, it would be persuasive.
"I see. It is said that Principal Glenn-sensei has connections with the royal families of various countries. Fiddiq Academy is special after all."
As expected, James muttered that with a relieved look. Then, Martin opened his mouth a bit hesitantly.
"U-um! Can I, go to Fiddiq Magic Academy too…?"
I looked at Martin's eyes, who asked with his head down and seemed anxious, and nodded back deeply.
"Yes, of course. If you'd like, please visit the magic academy sometime. I’ll talk to Principal Glenn-sensei about it."
"Really!?"
When I answered, Martin raised his face with shining eyes. I nodded again, and then looked at James next.
"This is unrelated to the conversation, but I’d also like to increase the total number of magicians, so I’d be grateful if you could introduce me to a good merchant. I’d prefer someone who sells things individually, but do you have anyone you know?"
When I asked, James raised the corner of his mouth and narrowed his eyes. He had a somewhat wild and powerful smile, not the kind of smile that someone good-natured would give.
"If so, then leave it to me. It's not very large yet, but I'm running a trading company. It’s called the James Trading Company, and within this town, we have a decent sales network. If I could repay you, even by a bit, I'd like to cooperate with all my strength..."
"Is that so? That's reassuring. Then, if you don’t mind, I’d like you to sell the light magic tools from earlier… If those spread to the general public, the total number of magicians will surely increase. Soon, there should be voices asking for those magic tools from other countries too."
"P-please wait a moment!"
As if he thought of something from my words, James suddenly put both hands out in front to stop me.
"Um, do you have many of those wonderful magic tools from earlier? Or are you selling them in the form of rentals? Either way, I don’t think it is something that the general public can easily buy…"
To James who seemed a little flustered, I raised one hand and shook it from side to side.
"No, I’ll make them, so the cost of materials should be fine. Let's see... about the price of five meat skewers sold at that shop over there."
When I answered that, James’ eyes widened, and he froze. After a few seconds, just as he finally started moving, James began to laugh loudly.
"Hah hah hah! I-I apologize! But, as expected, we can’t simply not make any profit. I'll prepare the materials as inexpensively as possible here. We'll keep the raw material costs low and make a profit. My trading company will take 10% of that profit, so please take the rest.”
Listening to James' words, I realized that magic tools were only very simple were the ones that were widespread. Most of the items that could be called magic tools were ancient relics and were valuable.
I thought I had made a slight mistake in my approach, but either way, it’s a necessary step if I want to increase the number of magicians. I convinced myself of that and, lightly introducing myself to James, I left that place.