Published: August 31, 2025
I’m Satou. Although there are many encounters, for some reason they always end there—such a disappointing Satou.
Is it my face?! Is it really my face?!
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Yesterday was eventful, so after dinner I fell into a deep sleep.
Today, I planned to read in my room!
…but the room is dark. There’s a window for light, so it’s not impossible, but it’s a bit too dim for reading a book.
I’m pretty sure there’s an open terrace café nearby the inn.
Maybe I’ll have breakfast at the café and enjoy a morning set. Though, I’m not sure if they have it…
The tavern on the first floor of the inn was crowded with people having breakfast. It seems the number of customers has been gradually increasing since yesterday.
I left my room key with the landlady and headed out. As I was leaving, I caught Martha’s cheerful greeting. She’s so lively this morning, it almost dazzles an old man like me.
The area near the gate was noticeably livelier than two days ago. Several carts were coming through the gate, pulled by what looked like farmers. Why aren’t they using oxen or horses to pull them?
Looking around the square, I quickly found the café with a terrace. It was a little farther than I remembered.
Inside the café, those who came for meals sat indoors, while tea drinkers used the open terrace. When I asked a staff member later, they said it just naturally happened and wasn’t an official policy. The indoor seating was somewhat dark, so I chose a spot on the terrace where I could read easily.
For breakfast, I ordered fruit juice and a sandwich. The sandwich was made with malt bread filled with ham, vegetables, and cheese. The fruit juice had a citrus flavor—stronger than mandarin oranges. The container was not glass, but a copper cup, which was nicely chilled and enhanced the taste. Maybe they’re using life magic to keep it cold? That motivates me to learn magic♪
Oh, the café staff consisted of three women. There was a plump redhead about 20 years old, a slender 16-year-old girl with chestnut hair and a distinctive teardrop mole, and finally a little girl around 12 with long black hair down to her waist.
They all worked briskly and cheerfully.
Enjoying that lively scene from the corner of my eye, I read an introductory book on life magic.
Life magic is a collection of practical spells that don’t fall under elemental categories like earth, water, fire, or wind. Compared to spells sorted by individual elements, life magic effects are relatively weak. However, they require less magic power and can be handled even by those who can’t use offensive magic. Despite many useful spells, magicians tend to look down on life magic. Magicians who only use life magic are called charm casters, and they’re treated more like town handymen than professional magicians. Because of this prejudice, few full-fledged magicians learn life magic. The beginner book even has some complaints lamenting this treatment.
“Good morning, Satou-san!”
A greeting came from outside the terrace. It was Nadi.
I thought she might still be bedridden after yesterday’s shock, but she looked surprisingly well. Maybe it’s fake cheer, but she’s strong!
“Good morning. How are you feeling, Nadi-san?”
“Thank you for your help yesterday. Not only did you save me in a dangerous moment, but you also gave me a ride in your carriage.”
“No, I’m just glad you’re okay.”
I offered her a seat since she was here.
“Is that a life magic book?”
“Yes, I bought it the other day and am studying the basics to be able to use it.”
I already have life magic skill up to Lv 10, so now I just need to learn the spells.
“If you want to practice life magic, I’d recommend either Water Spring or Dry spells, depending on your specialty attribute. The book often recommends Tender (ignition), but starting fires in town could be disastrous.”
True, that makes sense.
“For Water Spring, it’s easier if you put hot water in a bucket, then place an empty metal cup next to it, and cast the spell aimed at the cup.”