"How much do you know about the history of Arcanora?"
The question came the moment Kazuki arrived, cutting short his expectation of another exhausting combat lesson. He stopped in his tracks, momentarily unsure how to respond.
"…Not much, honestly," Kazuki said after a brief pause. "I know only what most commoners do. The basics. Nothing about noble society or high politics."
Hikari studied him quietly for a moment, then nodded in understanding.
"That is to be expected," he said. "But it will no longer be sufficient."
He gestured for Kazuki to sit down.
"If you are to represent me—directly or indirectly—you must understand more than magic and combat. In this kingdom, ignorance is far more dangerous than weakness."
Kazuki straightened, instinctively attentive.
"There are seven key households you must be aware of," Hikari continued. "They shape nearly every major political and military decision within the Kingdom of Arcanora."
He raised a finger.
"The Royal Family… and the Six Dukedoms."
Kazuki listened without interrupting.
"The Royal Family—the Arashiyama Family—holds authority that is largely symbolic," Hikari explained. "Their strength lies not in overwhelming power, but in institutions."
"The Inquisitors, the Knight Guard, and several independent organizations operate under their banner. They also employ mercenaries, adventurers, and skilled mages to maintain order."
Hikari's tone shifted as he moved into history.
"One century ago, Arcanora maintained a position of neutrality among the Three Kingdoms. That changed when we entered an alliance with the Invictus Kingdom of Magic—the strongest of the three."
Kazuki frowned slightly. "The kingdom that relies solely on magic?"
"Correct," Hikari replied. "Unlike others, Invictus never pursued technological integration. They focused entirely on refining magic itself."
"In exchange for our alliance," he continued, "Invictus provided Arcanora with six sacred summoning scriptures."
Hikari paused deliberately.
"Scrolls detailing the method to summon—and contract with—the Six Spirit Kings and Queens of Nature."
Kazuki inhaled quietly.
"That single decision shifted the balance of power across the continent," Hikari said. "Through those contracts, Arcanora gained access to forces rivaling natural disasters."
"The Lux Arcena Kingdom was enraged by this," he added. "They had long sought to undermine Invictus. To them, Invictus mages were 'primitives'—beings who refused to combine magic with advanced technology."
Despite Lux Arcena's resentment, Arcanora did not waver.
"Because regardless of ideology," Hikari said calmly, "Invictus was undeniably the strongest."
He leaned back slightly.
"The Arashiyama Family made a pivotal decision at that time. Rather than hoarding the scriptures, they distributed them to the six strongest mages of that era."
Kazuki's eyes widened.
"That act led directly to the formation of the Six Dukedoms," Hikari continued. "Each duke swore fealty to the Arashiyama Family in return."
"The decision was deliberate," he added. "Only the strongest mages could even hope to form contracts with Spirit Rulers. Giving the scrolls to lesser talents would have been meaningless."
Kazuki hesitated before speaking.
"…Isn't this confidential information?" he asked carefully.
"It is," Hikari replied without hesitation. "But you will need this knowledge if you intend to navigate noble society without being crushed."
He continued smoothly.
"The first of the six—the Kazuma Dukedom—was founded by Kazuma Hirosaki, contractor of the Spirit King of Fire. Their current heir is Kazuma Takumi."
"The Mizuno Dukedom was formed by Mizuno Aoi, who contracted the Spirit Queen of Water. Their heir is Mizuno Haruka."
"The Yamada Dukedom traces its lineage to Yamada Kiyoshi, contractor of the Spirit King of Earth. Their heir is Yamada Riku."
"The Kazehana Dukedom was founded by Kazehana Yuriko, who contracted the Spirit Queen of Wind. Their heir is Kazehana Airi."
"The Kagayaki Dukedom was established by Kagayaki Akiko, contractor of the Spirit Queen of Light. Their heir is Kagayaki Aiko."
Hikari's gaze sharpened.
"And lastly—the Yamikage Dukedom."
Kazuki felt an unspoken weight settle over the conversation.
"Founded by Yamikage Shouhei, contractor of the Spirit King of Darkness," Hikari said. "Their current heir is Yamikage Shin."
"There are countless other noble families," Hikari added dismissively. "Ignore them. Even if you offend them, they cannot act while I stand behind you."
"But the Dukedoms are different," he said firmly. "They govern most of Arcanora's territory and command enormous influence over both nobles and commoners."
Kazuki nodded slowly.
"So as long as I don't make enemies of them, I'll be fine?"
"More or less," Hikari said with a shrug. "I'll support you publicly when necessary. But within the academy, there will be no favoritism."
Kazuki sighed inwardly.
As expected.
"Is there anyone I should be particularly careful around?" he asked.
Hikari nodded approvingly at his question.
"The Kazuma Family is prideful, but honorable. They will not act without cause and will not discriminate against you for being a commoner."
"The Mizuno Family is composed of cool-headed individuals. Unless you force their hand, they will leave you alone."
"The Yamada Family is straightforward and not prone to schemes. However, if angered, they respond decisively."
"The Kazehana Family avoids direct confrontation. They enjoy observing others struggle—but when forced to act, they commit fully."
"The Kagayaki Family," Hikari continued, "is one of the strongest magic families in the kingdom. They avoid underhanded politics and focus on governance and public welfare. That is why they enjoy immense public support."
He paused briefly.
"If you can earn their favor, it will serve you well."
Then Hikari's expression hardened.
"The Yamikage Family is different."
Kazuki straightened instinctively.
"They are deeply involved in underworld politics," Hikari said. "They do not hesitate to dirty their hands if it benefits them. Shouhei's intellect is the foundation of their disproportionate influence."
His eyes met Kazuki's.
"But their heir—Yamikage Shin—is your real concern."
"Arrogant. Short-tempered. And almost certainly hostile toward you."
Hikari's voice dropped slightly.
"I am confident he will target you once you enter the academy."
Kazuki clenched his fists subtly.
"You may respond," Hikari said firmly. "But do not escalate matters to the point where the entire Yamikage Family becomes your enemy."
He leaned forward.
"Even I would struggle to protect you then."
Kazuki nodded silently.
He had no intention of inviting that kind of trouble.