During someone’s birthday, I always bring them gifts. But before I did give them something, I had hard time thinking on what to give. Sometimes I end up staying awake the whole night just thinking about it.

***

“So, what now, what’re you going to give the Viceroy when you meet him?”

“Give? Like a gift?”

Currently, Sora and I are in the kitchen eating the beef steak Jane just finished cooking.

For the past few days, everything has been peacefully quiet. Normally, I would have called it good. But since there are people aiming for my life, I can say that this is really dangerous.

For now, I’m facing another problem: About my meeting with the Viceroy.

Just yesterday, a letter came from the Viceroy himself said that he wanted to meet me at his mansion which is the old castle of the former Royal Capital which is located in the middle of the capital. It will be on the day before tomorrow, so I have some time to prepare.

Since he can’t come with me because he’s hiding our relation from public, Sora is giving me advices and at the same time, teaching me common courtesy in meeting with important people.

“When you visit a noble with higher peerage than you, it is normal to give offer some presents and gifts to them. Since you’re just an aristocrat, giving only a few will not be a breach of etiquette.”

“I don’t really have any problem in giving them something. My problem lies on ‘what’ I should give.”

“Why not jewels? Noble people like jewels.”

“I have a lot of jewels inside the mansion, but Petal said that they’re cursed so I can’t give it to them.”

“That sounds troublesome.”

I look around the kitchen to finds some ideas.

When I saw the chocolate jar, I thought “why not give them Chocolates?” but then I remembered Cherry and Matt’s first impression so I put that idea aside for now.

Just then, I can hear footsteps from behind coming closer towards me.

“What are you two discussing about? Is it something important?”

“Ah, Matt, I could use some different perspective right now.”

I’m slightly surprised to see Matt today. It’s because she’s been busy inside the library reading the books of my grandfather. She only found out about it during the time I talked with God Lithius. Since most of the books of the library are, according to her, rare, she’s been inside there for almost 2 days now. Not to mention the fact that she also slept there.

“What help can I give?”

“Well, we were discussing about what to give the viceroy the day after tomorrow. I can’t think of anything good to get his favour. Mind giving me an idea?”

Before answering, Matt sat on the free chair beside me and snatched the fork I’m holding together with the steak attached to it then ate it. She could’ve have asked for some.

“You can just give him some nice expensive jewels. Higher nobles have a great liking to jewellery whether they’re a man or a woman. If not, maybe some sculpture or pieces of art. Depending on the person himself, maybe that would suffice.”

Good thing I asked Matt.

Jewels are out of the question. I don’t have any sculpture in the house, but pieces of art? There are some paintings in here, but I’m feeling slightly bad since the one who collected these is Grandfather. It would be terrible of me if I were to sell it, let alone giving them.

“Ah, if you’re thinking about paintings, that’s a very wrong idea.”

Matt suddenly spoke like she read my mind. Are my thoughts really that obvious?

“What do you mean?”

“Due to traditions, culture, and religion, most paintings are made from those as references. If you were to give one to someone, there’s a chance that you might insult them indirectly even if you didn’t mean to.”

There’s that too huh, I guess my options are running out.

“Do you have some good ideas in what to give?”

I have so much power inside me, but it’s totally useless now. I guess money is more powerful than magic.

Matt beside me put a finger on her chin while looking above. Matching with her glasses, she really looks like a genius, a glasses beauty at her finest.

“Why not use [Transmutation]?”

“What the heck is that?”

After a brief explanation from my fiancée, I was able to grasp the concept of [Transmutation]. Before telling you that, I must explain some few things.

There are 4 category of magic in this world: [Elemental], [Non-Elemental], [Forbidden], and [Lost]. The concept of [Transmutation] is from the [Lost Magic] category. [Lost Magic] is the forgotten part of magic. It is also said that most [Lost Magic] came from the derivation of [Age of Gods Magic]. Since no books could tell what [Age of Gods Magic] is, it fell to the category of [Lost Magic].

Back to the real topic, [Transmutation] is a type of magic that doesn’t need any chanting, but consumes a lot of mana. It can interfere with inorganic materials such as metal to be shaped by will. It could be said that it’s the same with blacksmithing, but given the mana consumption rate, no one could actually use it.

“However, the Elven race can use this magic.”

Matt added some words before she finished talking.

Elves huh, I did remember mom telling me that. Oh right, this is the world where fantasy is real. Almost forgot about that.

“Elves huh? Even though I managed to get in and out of the [Eternal Forest], I never managed to meet one myself.”

While listening listlessly, Sora spoke his thoughts out. I could hear him muttering, “They say that the female elves are all beauties.”

“Come to think of it, if Elves exist, so do dwarves are there?”

“Huh?”

Sora tilted his head while looking confused.

“Didn’t you notice?”

“Notice what?”

“You already met one.”

“A dwarf, where?”

“Dishi, he’s a dwarf. Didn’t you notice from his build?”

“Come to think of it, he did really look like a dwarf. But his moustache was small…”

“He’s still 132 years old. For their kind, that age is still young for them.”

13-what?! What kind of age is that?

“Okay boys, back to the main topic.”

Matt clapped her hands in front of us to get our attention.

“Okay, normally, [Transmutation] magic is something very rare for humans to use. However, it’s not generally uncommon. In Key’s case, he might have the aptitude to use such magic.”

“And what do you suggest by telling me that?”

***

The three of us come down to the basement of the mansion where there’s a lot of space for working something secretly. The only thing that’s illuminating the room is four lamps on each wall. We chose to keep this a secret since it would impose to the people chasing me that I’m getting stronger every day.

It’s sad to say that the power I currently have can be used by me only to be used for crafting things, so sad…

“Okay, according to the book, the secret behind [Transmutation] is [accurately perceiving and projecting] the thing you want to make.”

Since Matt’s the one who suggested all of this, she’s on my side instructing me the things I need to do. On the other side, Sora’s sitting on a chair while watching looking bored.

“In other words, I must [imagine] the thing I want.”

“Well, in a nutshell, yeah.”

She could’ve just said it the simple way.

I look on the table in front of me. There, three pieces of bar made out of pure gold is sitting, waiting to be transformed by me.

“I have a question. Why gold?”

“According to studies, gold has the capability to absorb and fuse with magic. If we use silver, there might be a slight resistance. But if we use iron, it will be too hard for you to use it.”

“What a demanding magic…”

I grab one of the gold bars and put it close to my face. Now that I held it in my hand, it really is heavy.

“Now, start picturing something. And at the same time, pour your mana inside it.”

I close my eyes and concentrated on the item I want to make.

I haven’t really decided on what I should give to the viceroy.

“Now open your eyes.”

When I did, I can see the gold bar slightly glowing in yellow. I can also feel a little heat from it. It’s probably friction.

“If you can feel the gold like it’s a part of you that is when you can start moulding it with your thoughts.”

Following her instructions, I start shaping the gold bar to my will. However, it’s draining my energy and mana like crazy making me tired. Moreover, the gold bar doesn’t move much. The only change that happened to the gold bar is that the edges became duller than before and the surface became shinier like a glass.

“Okay, that’s enough for now.”

“Gah! This is hard.”

I let go off the gold bar and put it back on the table.

Matt came close to me and wiped off the sweat on my face with her handkerchief.

But man, although there’s a probability of successfully doing it, the process is too hard for me. Picturing something and concentrating on moving the gold to my will at the same time is really hard.

“Don’t get dishearten by your first failure, everyone is bound to fail on their first try after all.”

Matt said some encouraging words while continuing wiping my sweat. The way she acts is very wife-like.

“I really can’t understand the process of moving the gold like a limb. Since I don’t have first-hand experience on moulding things, I don’t understand it.”

Matt became silent and started thinking. After a minute, she stood up and put some distance between us.

“Observe. This might help you on the part you feel you’re lacking on.”

I sit back and watch Matt. Come to think of it, I haven’t seen her do magic despite being a magician.

“#### ## >”

She suddenly grasped the air in front of her like he’s holding onto something. Next, green light glowed from her hand and then, a crystal-like formation extended from her hand like a rod. After the rod has been formed, a long blade slid down from one end, making the whole thing look, exactly like she said: a ‘scythe’.

“That’s awesome.”

“Thanks.”

Matt shyly answered my praise while hugging the scythe. She’s dangerously beautiful when’s blushing while holding a huge scythe.

“Allow me to explain. My magic is [Mana Conversion]. I can absorb and convert the mana inside and outside my body just using my mind and give it physical form. In other words, it has the same process as [Transmutation] which is also creation. The only difference is the catalyst. Mine is mana, and [Transmutation] is metal.”

I understand jack shit.

“If that’s your own magic, why did you need to chant?”

“It is my own magic, but it is only thing I managed to control from my curse.”

I totally forgot that she’s cursed. The magic is too cool for me that I forgot what it really was for her.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to remind you of something bad.”

“Its fine, I got too full of myself anyway and forgot what I really am.”

Why is she self-degrading?

“Don’t be like that, I honestly felt bad. Please don’t look down on yourself.”

After replacing her gloomy mood with a good one, she smiled at me and thanked me again.

“That reminds me, I did say that [Mana Conversion] is the same with [Transmutation]. So in other words…”

“In--”

Just when I was about say a word, Matt closed the distance in an instant and kissed me. Unlike before, I can now feel something taken from me.

Beside me, Sora’s looking at us with eyes saying “you two need to get a room” while leaning on his arm.

When Matt leaves my lips, she smiled while looking slightly red and then continued explaining.

“In other words, it also consumes a lot of mana.”

“I guess it does.”

This girl’s really aggressive. I’m losing my touch as a man.

Now I have a small clue in how the process works. Although it’s a little confusing and hard, I bet the picture is bigger than that.

I held another gold bar from the table. I didn’t pick the first one I used since it won’t be a challenge because I’ve already infused it with my mana.

“Picture an item, or something.”

As I set the image in my head, I start infusing the gold with mana. For some reason, it’s vibrating from the inside.

Slowly, the gold gently glowed. Pulsing, like a heart. I close my eyes, projecting the image in my head. As I concentrate deeper, I can feel the metal on my hand changing its form. Although hot, it’s nothing I can’t bear.

“A little more…”

My body bent with tiredness from the energy drain from the magic. I can understand why only me, a human can do this. If I were to describe the difference between my power and a normal magician with this magic, it’ll be like a cat from a lion.

“It’s done.”

I open my eyes and look at the prize of my hard work. I looked at it with the feeling of accomplishment and flipped it back and forth to see any imperfection.

On my side, Matt doesn’t perceive why I’m so happy with the thing I created. However, from Sora’s point of view, it’s very different.

“Why that?”

“I understand your confusion, but I’ve always wanted to have one of these.”

“Me too, I wanted one of those, but why a revolver?”

That’s right. I made a revolver out of gold using magic. Although it’s slightly different from the revolver I know, this one can work like the real one if it has bullets.

“I expected something like a mini-statue or a dagger, but why a revolver?”

“Well, you know, I was thinking. In this world, swords and magic is real and not uncommon. If I were to give something like this to the viceroy, he might get pleased with the uncommon gift. Although it might become a part of his collection, but it’s better than nothing.”

Sora covered his face with his hand and made a gesture saying, “This guy.”

“What did I do wrong?”

“Let me tell you one thing about the people in this world. The existence of earth is like a myth to them. The knowledge of the world is exclusive to high ranking magicians and the ones who’re like us. Cherry probably doesn’t have any idea where you came from and thought that you’re just a country hick from the start.”

So I have the wrong impression the whole time huh. I thought that everyone knew about earth.

“Moreover, it will violate the law of magicians if you spread the information about you coming from earth.”

“It has a law huh. Good thing you told me that sooner. I almost thought of an idea to spread the concept of cars in this world.”

“Dude, I’m serious. I’m telling you this for your own good.”

As we calm down after that argument, we sat back to the chairs and stared at the gun I made.

“Now, What, are you still thinking about giving the viceroy that?”

“If I make some false legend about that, maybe he’ll fall for it and accept it.”

“Good plan, if only the viceroy is a kid. You’re meeting with an old man you know.”

“How’d you know he’s an old man?”

“I’ve seen him once, although it was only for a short period. Also, I’ve been staying in his place for a long time after I arrived here 3 years ago.”

“Well anyway, I need to think of a good idea in what to give. I’m still thinking about giving this to him while backing it with a fake background story.”

Then the thought crossed my mind.

“Hey, Sora. By any chance, does the viceroy like sweets?”

He looked dumbfounded at first then he looked like he realized something from my question.

“Now that you’ve said it, I did notice that there are many sweets in his mansion. At first I thought it was only for his son and daughters, but I remembered that he keeps accepting sweets vendors from outside the capital. There might be a chance that he really does like sweets.”

An old man with a sweet tooth, perfect!

“Then giving him chocolate will probably win me his favour.”

“You sound like a girl on valentine’s day.”

“Shut up.”

After that, we headed back up stairs and started making the chocolate and the packaging of it and the golden revolver.

I was thinking of naming it, but since Sora thought that it would be hard making a fake story if I did, I didn’t. Was naming it [Golden West] sound weird?

***

“God I’m tired. Why did I even bother helping you?”

“Just shut up, you got your share on the chocolates we made. Wasn’t that enough for your compensation?”

After making a dozen 2-inch thick Chocolate balls, Donut shaped Chocolate, Half a litter of chocolate syrup, banana spit without the ice-cream, and five 5-inch long bars of Chocolate, the two of us got tired and rested. By the way, I only figured out the way to make chocolate bars yesterday. All I needed was corn starch which was in the house.

“Where are your wives? Wasn’t Matilda here just now?”

“She probably returned to the library. And Cherry told me earlier this morning that she’s going back to their house to do some business, that’s why you didn’t see her.”

“Going back to her house… I wonder if she’s with Ghena right now.”

Sora sighed while looking up on the ceiling.

Wait a second, is he? No way! Although I had my suspicion, I didn’t think it was actually true.

“Hey Sora, by any chance…”

“Hmm, chance about what?”

“Did you fall for Ghena perhaps?”

The moment I asked him that, Sora fell on the floor from his seat unreasonably.

“Dude, you okay?”

“I-I’m fine, just how did... more importantly, where did that question came from?!”

I thought I was about to hear him saying ‘how did you know’, I guess I misheard that.

But the way he reacted and the face his making, he’s already giving it away.

“You don’t have to lie dude. It’s written all over your face. You like Ghena.”

“Don’t be stupid dude! Although I don’t hate her, I don’t like her either!”

You’re reddening face is not convincing, you have no power to reject the obvious fact.

“Really? Then please explain why you’re getting flustered. I’m sure there’s a specific reason for that doesn’t it?”

“I-I’m not flustered! You’re questioning is just making me feel uncomfortable.”

“Is that so? Then, it might be fine to tell you that I saw a guy with Ghena the other day. That guy was handsome and gave her flowers.”

“Who’s the guy?”

I lied. But his reaction is priceless. I can see it in his eyes that he’s going to kill someone.

“I lied.”

“Dude, come on!”

“But the way you reacted… I’ve seen my friends falling in love before, the way you reject the fact is so similar to them. It’s hilarious.”

After that, he finally stopped and calmed down. He sat back on his seat and dropped his shoulder like looking depressed.

“So what if I fell for Ghena? It’s not like I can date her like on earth.”

“So that’s you’re problem. I was wondering why you were so repulsive of the fact.”

The reason why Sora can date Ghena is because he’s a Noble and she’s just a commoner maid. If this was known to the public, it would just make Ghena look like his mistress. Given this guy’s personality, he doesn’t want that. More like he doesn’t want any girl beside her.

“I’m not like the other nobles who want to have many wives and mistresses like you.”

Hey!

“Moreover, I’m a knight, she’s a maid.”

“Isn’t that perfect? A knight and a maid, doesn’t make that a good love story?”

“You wish, but the way she thinks is different. I tried to approach her one time, but I ended up looking pathetic.”

While talking with him, I can see familiar faces standing on the door behind Sora. I didn’t react since it would make a commotion if I did.

“So, Sora let me ask you this.”

Sora suddenly tensed up while looking at me.

“Do you like Ghena?”

“Dude, come on.”

“Just answer the question. Do you like Ghena?”

Sora gritted his teeth while enduring his embarrassment. It’s quite funny since his gritting doesn’t match with his blushing face.

“I…”

“What?”

“….her.”

“Come on man, louder!”

“I LIKE GHENA!!!”

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!! I can’t believe he really did that.

“Sir, Flordist?”

Just as I planned, Ghena, who was behind Sora, asked him while her face is dyed in red. They’re too cute.

When Sora heard her voice, his blushing face turned pale. He turned his head to the back like an unoiled gear making creaking sounds.

“G-Ghena? S-S-S-since wh-wh-when?”

“I didn’t hear everything but…”

Ghena’s face is blushing while averting her gaze from Sora. I love these two.

Looks like Sora can’t take it anymore.

He pulled out his dagger and threw it to the wall that’s a shadowed part.

“I’m leaving!”

I think he forgot.

He ran towards the wall in full speed with his head first. When he jumped—

*Thud!*

--he hit the wall with his head and fell unconscious. Seriously, this guy.