Quorido beamed at the introduction of the device. “There have been more offices lent to its production at the Magician’s Guild lately, if I am not mistaken. Speaking of which, are you all aware of the new ‘switch’-type Sol Glasses that have come from there? They, too, are utterly fascinating. One is able to dismiss and retrieve the light at will by the simple pulling of a string. It completely removes the issue of light leaking out from the cloth one covers it with!”
“Ah, yes,” said Ceylan. “I witnessed several such marvels on my visit to the Guild.”
“You have seen them then, sir? House Zeele is already in negotiations to introduce them to our home.”
“They will soon transform the palace too...but again, I digress.”
“No, sir, I sincerely apologize for distracting us from the matter at hand. To you as well, Romalius and Saifice.”
“If anything, less serious discussion is also a necessity,” Brendan said.
“I am sure that it helps to put His Royal Highness at ease,” Egberd agreed.
Though the pair seemed forgiving enough, it was impossible to know what they were really thinking. They may have been in agreement, or not, or perhaps they were simply impressed by Quorido’s ability to converse so lightheartedly with the prince.
“Nonetheless, the preparations to announce the aethometer’s existence to the public are complete,” said Ceylan.
“How exciting,” Brendan said.
“Indeed. It will not be possible to sweep Nadar’s uprising under the rug. Instead, we shall unveil this extraordinary device in order to wipe that shameful incident from the public’s mind.”
“Sir, it is difficult to find a connection between that incident and this invention that will make such a gambit successful.”
“Not so. The aethometer was used to train a number of the units that took part in the war. Our military gains in the conflict were impressive, and we were able to suppress the insurrection at the earliest stages. That result will be known by the nations surrounding us, and its cause attributed to our thorough preparedness. And that is no exaggeration; the magic troops deployed for the fighting showed remarkable improvement compared to any we have known before.”
“I expect the difference comes in the quality of the incantations?”
“Correct. Not one of our magicians mis-incanted during the conflict. Furthermore, I hear they kept perfect time with one another.”
“Will the device’s creator be made known at the same time?” Quorido asked.
“No, it is too soon for that. We shall announce that the aethometer exists and nothing more.”
“Might I ask why? The creator is sure to become a household name.”
“People will be more grateful for the blessing that is the aethometer after they have experienced it for themselves. Its full benefits are not immediately obvious. Only once its usefulness is widely known will the inventor be able to receive maximum renown.”
“But we already know of its full potential...” The amount of thought that Ceylan had put into this surprised Quorido. However, House Zeele was made up of civil officials rather than soldiers; the full benefits of the aethometer eluded them.
Egberd was staring intently at the device and stroking his long beard thoughtfully. “When one looks back at Lainur’s history, the number of inventions as impactful as this one can be counted on a single hand. I daresay it even rivals the development of Sol Glasses. Personally, I believe its maker ought to be handsomely rewarded.”
“Is it truly that magnificent a thing?” Quorido asked.
“It is. When I first got ahold of it, my heart danced like it hadn’t in many, many years. It won’t be long now until it becomes a staple for every student of magic, and nothing could bring me more joy. It will reduce the time required to learn any spell, allowing that extra time to be put to good use elsewhere.”
“Egberd,” Ceylan began, “it grieves both my father and myself that we could not have the aethometer introduced to the Institute any earlier.”
“It was unavoidable. The device being what it is, I do not think anyone can refute that.” Egberd bowed his head.
“I shall now officially share with you three the name of its creator. He is Arcus Raytheft of the eastern military houses. Brendan, you were present for the presentation at the Guild, so you should already know his name and face. What about you, Egberd?”
“I have heard the name, sir.”
“You know him, Saifice?” Brendan said. “I could barely believe my eyes when I first saw him at the presentation.”
“Because he was so young?” Ceylan prompted.
“Indeed. Especially since I was expecting Abend to be unveiling something.”
Quorido, the least informed in the room, spoke then. “Are you talking about the Raythefts’ eldest son? I heard he accompanied Your Royal Highness on the battlefield and achieved great things.”
“You heard correctly. Were it not for Arcus, I might not be here today.”
“However, there is a much more prominent rumor that he was disinherited for his shocking lack of skill compared to the other magic houses.”
“That can be attributed to his father’s blindness,” Ceylan explained. “His skill with a blade and his grasp of magic saw him fit to fight by my side.”
“Said father is younger brother to a state magician, and he himself achieved great success fighting on the front lines to subjugate the Hans. They are a capable pair,” said Brendan.
“The Raythefts are certainly one of the most prominent noble houses of Lainur, and one with a long history,” Egberd added. “When offered the chance to rise through the ranks, however, they have historically refused. Otherwise it might have been a march by now, having surpassed even House Cremelia that stands above them.”
“I was not aware of that,” said Brendan.
“Alas, but it is true. The situation is rather complex.”
“I have heard the same,” Ceylan interjected. “Hence the house’s good name, despite its relatively low standing.”
Egberd began to explain, his words flowing like a fast river. “From what I have heard, it all started shortly after the kingdom’s sudden rise in power. Disapproving of the Crosellodes’ prosperity, a militant faction from Bǎi Liánbāng invaded. The kingdom was still small, and had very few vassals it could rely on. The Raytheft head went to buy time until the royal family could get its forces together, meeting the enemy accompanied by a flaming titan. Once the eastern houses and royal family were able to join the fighting, they succeeded in pushing back the invasion. Raytheft, however, had fought hard and died in the battle, leaving his territory and population heavily damaged. That was one of the main factors behind the Raythefts’ decline in power and House Cremelia granting them its protection.”
“That is also why the bond between the Raythefts and the Cremelias is stronger than those between the other eastern houses,” Brendan said. “Purce Cremelia was likely looking to strengthen that connection further by having his daughter marry into House Raytheft.”
“It was their pride as a guardian of Lainur’s eastern front that led the house to turn down promotions too,” Egberd continued. “The same pride that presumably sees it stick stubbornly to certain outdated traditions.”
“And yet, their loyalty to the royal family is unwavering. It used to be said that the Raythefts would be the last family standing by His Majesty’s side, although not as many people are aware of that reputation these days.”
Quorido listened carefully to his seniors’ assessment. “About Arcus Raytheft, then. Is it true that his aether runs lower than the average for those military houses?”
“Unfortunately, it is so. If only his aether had been higher, he, too, might be known as a Lionheart.” Ceylan sighed before continuing. “I am considering making him a state magician.”
The three dukes looked at him in surprise.
Brendan knitted his brow. “Is it not too soon to be making such a decision, sir?”
“Oh? He ought to be rewarded for his efforts, and I believe that would include conferring unto him a suitable position.”
“Do you really mean that, sir?”
“It was in jest. As you said, it would be rather hasty to make that decision at this point.”
Though Ceylan laughed it off, Egberd looked none too pleased. “If I may, sir, he ought to be made to take the exam, lest the public suspect favoritism.”
“Certainly. I was not suggesting anything as tyrannical as neglecting due process. I do consider it something of a waste of time, however. I can already predict how he will fare. Unfortunately...”
“His lack of aether will pose a problem, won’t it?” Egberd said.
“Yes. I doubt that the other military houses will stay quiet, considering that his aether lies below the average.”
“So unveiling this device will also serve to lay the groundwork for his eventual appointment?”
“Frankly speaking, yes. However, I am not asking you to act at this time. Nor is his magic yet at a level worthy of the title of state magician. Do not forget that father and I are keeping a very close eye on him, given what he has created.”
Ceylan’s message was clear: the royal family expected great things from Arcus and favored him besides. They had laid claim to him, and woe betide any of the dukes should they do anything to interfere.
Having already established himself as the one to ask the most questions at this meeting, Quorido turned to Brendan. “What are your thoughts, Romalius?”
“The boy may have invented the aethometer, but that is all he has done. That is indeed impressive in its own right, but is it enough to become a state magician? I agree with His Royal Highness. A state magician must possess both tremendous magic and the power with which to use it.”
“And you, Saifice?”
“It is difficult to say without having met the boy in question. I shall no doubt have plenty of opportunities to do so at the Institute.”
Neither of them had given Quorido an especially satisfying answer.
“In any case, the aethometer will be announced to the public shortly. Now, on to the next topic of our agenda...”
With that, Ceylan moved on to other matters.