In regards to distant defense

Misread the question. But yeah what the other user said

Nope, it applies to mages, daggers, bows, and healers

This should clear it up: https://fireemblem.gamepress.gg/passive-skills/close-defense-3

However, if we look at how Deflect Magic works, Staff users aren’t actually counted as Magic users either. Dragonstone applies to dragons, Staff applies to healers, and Magic applies to mages.

Distant Defence specifically has to state; Bow, Dagger, Magic, and Staff, while Close Defence has to use Sword, Lance, Axe, or Dragonstone. Meaning they’re actually classed differently.

Magic does not equal magic damage.

Close/Distant def only works during enemy phase so counterattacks don't matter.