The Wizard of Fairy Tale World

Chapter 6: The Baptism Ceremony Begins

As he flipped through the yellowed pages, Rhine, with three years of magical experience, gained his first clear understanding of this world’s magical framework.

Here, mages resembled the classic figures of mythology, fairy tales, and folklore, far removed from the battle-focused image of modern games and anime.

Nowadays, when people think of magic, they envision spellcasters hurling fireballs and lightning bolts—a turret mage archetype widely accepted in popular culture.

However, this image would only become mainstream much later, thanks to the rise of tabletop games like Dungeons & Dragons and the popularization of Dragon Quest in Japan.

In contrast, the classical mages of old rarely wielded magic with direct destructive power.

Their spells were focused on transformation, summoning, enchantment, curses, potion-making, prophecy, and divination.

The Book of Transformation and Summoning, as its name suggests, was primarily about transformation and summoning.

After a cursory read-through, Rhine began studying its key points carefully and practicing its spells.

Half a month passed in the blink of an eye.

On a bright and sunny afternoon, a piercing screech shattered the sky’s tranquility.

A magnificent eagle, adorned with brilliant feathers, soared out from the palace window, circling high in the azure sky.

The eagle swooped down gracefully, gliding over the heads of guards, attendants, and royal courtiers, drawing gasps of awe.

A court jester, mid-performance, glanced upward and missed catching the balls he was juggling.

The nobles and officials tracked the eagle’s flight with wide-eyed wonder and excitement.

The bird expertly maneuvered through the air before landing by the fountain in the garden.

With a shake of its body, the eagle transformed into a slender, hooded boy clad in a long robe that nearly brushed the ground.

Amid the murmurs of amazement and praise, Rhine walked through the shaded paths back to his room, his steps steady, without looking back.

“So that’s His Excellency Rhine, the King’s advisor, the kingdom’s sage, and the court mage? Such miraculous power!”

“To witness real magic at such close range—I never dreamed it was possible!”

“Even after watching it several times, I still can’t catch how he transforms!”

The murmurs continued among the onlookers in the garden, marveling at the miracle they had just witnessed.

Such scenes had become increasingly common in the palace gardens.

When Rhine had first taken up the role of sage, many nobles and officials doubted that a skilled mage would serve as the court advisor for an extended period—let alone accept a position of authority second only to the King. ℞𝔞ＮỌᛒÈ𝘚

These doubts sparked rumors, with some maliciously suggesting that the King had been deceived by a charlatan, that his “mage” advisor was nothing more than a circus clown.

Even the King had to face mounting pressure, eventually approaching Rhine privately to request that he demonstrate his abilities to silence the critics.

That very afternoon, in the palace’s rear garden, Rhine performed his first “magic show.”

As the eagle transformed into a human in full view of the gathered crowd, all doubts evaporated.

From then on, Rhine’s “performances” during his magic practice became the nobles’ favorite midday spectacle.

…

But today was different. Among the audience was a special guest.

With his round face, slightly chubby figure, and warm demeanor, he was none other than the kingdom’s famed magician, Oz.

Oz had been invited to the palace to entertain the courtiers with his tricks.

Yet it was clear that Rhine’s magic far eclipsed his illusions, captivating the crowd’s attention.

As Rhine disappeared down the verdant path, Oz stood frozen, stunned by what he had witnessed.

“This… is a mage!”

“This is magic, real magic—not the sleight-of-hand tricks I perform on stage. It’s a power I’ll never reach in my lifetime.”

“For someone like His Excellency Rhine, who possesses such extraordinary might, my illusions must seem utterly trivial.”

“But wait—he looks so young! Could someone so young truly serve as the court advisor?”

“No, no, I’ve heard mages have potions to preserve their youthful appearance. He might be older than my great-grandmother’s grandmother!”

Closing his eyes, Oz couldn’t shake the image of the magnificent eagle transforming into human form.

The scene etched itself deeply into his mind, a memory he would revisit for years to come.

Even decades later, as Oz became known as the Wizard of Emerald City in the Land of Oz, he would still dream of that day.

Waking drenched in sweat, the awe of that moment would linger.

…

Meanwhile, Rhine returned to his chamber to assess his transformation practice.

“I can now fully control my transformed body with ease. With magic’s assistance, I can even fly better than a real eagle…”

Sitting at his desk, he picked up The Book of Transformation and Summoning, jotting down notes in its margins.

“According to this book, it usually takes novice mages one to two years to master the basics and barely manage a single transformation.”

“And mastering everything in this book would take at least thirty years.”

“Yet I’ve grasped the basics in just a few days. Now, after less than a month of practice, I’m already quite proficient!”

Rhine couldn’t help but feel both thrilled and amazed.

“Could it be… I’m a once-in-a-million magical prodigy?”

At this rate, Rhine estimated that by the time Little Princess Aurora was born, he might already have mastered the entire spellbook!

Even if unexpected events arose, he would be more than prepared.

“The King has followed my advice and invited all 13 witches to Aurora’s baptism. I wonder how fate will unfold…”

…

Time flew by, and months passed.

Aurora was born, just as Sage Rhine had foretold—a charming little princess.

The King hosted a grand banquet, inviting all 13 witches to attend the baptism ceremony.

There, the witches, alongside Sage Rhine, would bestow their blessings upon Princess Aurora!