"This... this is a bit inappropriate, sir..."
Zenjou looked at the newcomer, his expression troubled.
The blond young man, displeased that someone was competing for the person he had chosen, turned his gaze toward the newcomer.
Among the refugees, the high school girl who had been trying to keep a low profile realized she had become the center of attention. She looked up, her expression clearly uneasy.
At the entrance of the hall, a slender figure stepped through the door and entered.
It was a boy who appeared to be around sixteen or seventeen years old.
He wore a striped baseball cap, from under which a few strands of white, slightly curly hair peeked out. His hair was pure white, like untouched snow.
His features were delicate, more elegant than handsome, as if they had been carefully crafted by an artist. A soft, gentle smile played on his lips, making him seem approachable and likeable at first glance.
Unfortunately, he wore a pair of black-framed glasses, which made his eyes difficult to read.
For a moment, as you looked at him, it seemed as if you could see a crimson glow in his eyes.
Upon closer inspection, the pupils hidden behind his glasses were a vivid blood-red, giving off a striking, almost bloody beauty that drew you in unconsciously.
On the chest of his plain black coat, he also wore a badge, inscribed with the words "Frame."
"Sir, those two refugees have already been chosen by this magus. Perhaps you could select another refugee instead?"
Zenjou glanced at the badge on the white-haired boy's chest and nervously made the suggestion.
In Fuyuki City, those who wore such badges were none other than the legendary "magus," a group that held the fate of the city in their hands. They were extremely rare, each one standing high above the rest. Someone like Zenjou, a mere refugee shelter manager, wasn't even worthy of their attention.
"A magus?!"
From among the refugees, someone exclaimed in surprise.
"Is that the supernatural power from legends? The kind that often appears in fantasy light novels, where people wield magical energy? Does this world really have magic?!"
Following the voice, it was a black-haired boy with black-framed glasses, looking excitedly at the two magi in the room. His eyes sparkled as if something from his fantasies had come to life.
Coincidentally, the girl with the black hair and headband was sitting right next to him.
Seeing his sudden outburst, the black-haired girl glared at him fiercely.
The situation was already complicated enough. Who knew what kind of trouble such a conspicuous action might bring? It was incredibly thoughtless!
Some refugees remained silent, others whispered among themselves, and a few even cast gloating looks their way.
The black-haired girl couldn't help but tremble, her long, shapely legs clad in black stockings twitching nervously.
The reactions of the refugees didn't affect the two magi in the room.
"Actually, I'm quite fond of that girl as well, Atram. I wonder if you could let me have her?"
The white-haired boy ignored Zenjou's unease and instead turned to the blond young man, his face adorned with a kind smile.
Zenjou was filled with dread.
What if these two magi started fighting right here in his shelter?
He felt a growing anxiety. He had heard that "Frame" was the lowest rank among magi, while "Cause" was the third rank. How could this boy dare to ask for someone else's chosen? Wouldn't it be wiser to back off gracefully?
"...Oh, I was wondering who it was. It's you, Roy."
The blond young man, Atram, first showed no expression, but then a bright smile suddenly spread across his face.
"Of course, no problem. After all, it's just a refugee. If it makes you happy, Roy, feel free to take her!"
Zenjou was stunned for a moment, then let out a sigh of relief.
The two seemed to be on good terms, which put his mind at ease for the time being.
"Then I'll proceed with the paperwork! By the way, sir, as an Cause-rank magus, you have the right to select two servants per month. You've used one now. Would you like to choose the other one as well?"
"I'll choose now. I don't have the luxury of making multiple trips. That loud-mouthed kid will do."
"Understood!"
Zenjou quickly agreed and went to the counter to process the paperwork.
Soon, the paperwork for the three servants was completed. The burly man and the bespectacled boy were assigned to the Middle Eastern blond young man, Atram.
The black-haired girl was handed over to the white-haired, red-eyed boy, Roy.
"Roy, if you have time, why not come to my place to discuss magic? Of course, if your family is available, that would be even better."
"Thanks for the invitation, but there's no one at home. Goodbye."
Roy gave Atram a flawless smile and left the refugee shelter with the black-haired girl in tow.
Only after he had left and was out of sight did Atram's smile finally fade.
"Pah, what a piece of trash!"
Atram's face twisted into a look of disdain as he spat in the direction Roy had left, his eyes filled with contempt and a cold sneer.
Zenjou's scalp tingled, and he lowered his head, pretending not to see.
***
Fuyuki City was located on the edge of the sea, nestled between mountains and water.
Originally, as a coastal city, the scenery here should have been breathtaking.
But as they stepped out of the shelter, what greeted them was not the refreshing sight of green mountains and clear waters, but a land that was pitch black, as if scorched, and a sea that was murky and polluted.
Even the air carried a suffocating, burnt smell.
"What's your name?"
As they walked, Roy kept his eyes forward.
The pedestrians on the street, upon seeing the badge on his chest, cast looks of awe and respect, instinctively making way for them as if they were walking through an empty path.
"...Utaha Kasumigaoka."
The black-haired girl hesitated for a moment, then honestly gave her name.
Just as I thought.
Roy nodded inwardly.
When he had seen her in the refugee shelter, he had already had a suspicion.
"My name is Roy."
"Yes, Lord Roy."
Utaha obediently nodded.
Roy didn't respond to her form of address, showing no reaction, leaving it unclear whether he was satisfied or not.
This made Utaha, who had been carefully watching his expression, feel a bit disheartened.
Soon, she noticed something else.
They didn't seem to be heading into the city but rather toward the outskirts. The evidence was the massive city wall, over ten meters high, that surrounded the city, growing closer and closer.
She didn't know what he was planning, but for the sake of caution, she suppressed the urge to ask.
"You'll be working at my place from now on, so it's best to learn some essential knowledge about this world."
But Roy, as if sensing her thoughts, turned to her and smiled.
It was a genuine, infectious smile, and Utaha's unease gradually subsided.
"Take a look. This is just the tip of the iceberg of this world!"
The two of them climbed onto the city wall.
A corner of the vast world was unveiled before the girl's eyes.
***
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