Episode 843 Reflections (3)
Eastern Continent, Principality of Liviant.
“Haaah.”
Conrad, a merchant of the Con Trading Company, had been frantically traveling back and forth between the Duchy and the Kingdom until recently, but having found some spare time, he was in the Paite Estate.Having arrived late in the afternoon and fallen asleep immediately, he woke up naturally at dawn.
“Phew.”
When I stepped outside, it was chilly, as befitting winter.
It just started snowing.
It was a pleasant cold.
I felt at ease at the thought of spending a few days drinking and resting with Lord Paite. Of course, the Corn Trading Company was doing very well, and my pockets were getting fatter as well.
“Anyway… it seems like this place is still the same, but the world is changing so much.”
I’ve never felt like the world was changing so rapidly as it is these days.
Suddenly, I remembered the time I first met Lord Asher… no, Lord Verden.
The young man who appeared just before falling from the carriage and being devoured by goblins and orcs.A wizard who had shown extraordinary talent from the moment he was first seen had become a sorcerer, a dragon slayer, and a transcendent being.
Was four years really that long?
Conrad was lost in thought as he recalled his benefactor, who had become so great. At the same time, he also missed the past that had passed.
Just like when we defeated the wanted bandits and monster orcs and held a banquet in the Paite estate… … I wonder if I will ever be able to experience such a time again with Lord Paite and Lord Verden.
It seemed impossible, but deep down, he hoped while gazing at the dawn stars. And so, Conrad endured the winter dawn atop the castle walls.
It was then.
“What is the name of this country?”
A very unfamiliar voice pierced my ears. Islowly turned my head.Someone wearing a robe pulled low was looking down at the Paite estate from beside Conrad. I couldn’t see the face. Still, judging by the impression, they seemed young.
Conrad blinked blankly, then cautiously opened his mouth.
“This is the Duchy of Liviant… but this is the Baron’s estate of Paite, located on the outskirts of the Duchy. And the Lord’s name is Paite Henrod, isn’t it?”“In that case, it should be the Baron’s estate of Henrod. The names are reversed.”“Haha, that is true, but since it is such an insignificant baronial estate, hardly anyone cares about that. Besides, Paite just rolls off the tongue better than Henrod. Hmm, the estate of Paite, the estate of Henrod. Right? Lord Paite prefers that name much more. Still, considering it is a small estate, he governs it with more care than anyone else. It is just a flaw that he has no ties to politics because he is such a conscientious person.”“You have a good tongue.”“Hahahaha! I hear that a lot. Ah, but who are you…?”“A poor traveler.”
The mysterious figure brushed off their sleeve.Only dust came out.
“As you can see, I ventured out into the world unprepared, so I don’t have a single penny in my pocket. I was just racking my brain trying to figure out what to do.”“I see. Then, would it be alright if I offered you some assistance?”“You are kind. You look like a merchant, yet your conduct is uncharacteristic of one.”“Fortunately, my circumstances are good enough to allow me to be kind. This amount here should be sufficient for your journey. Also, if you head over there, you’ll reach a city called Martes. It is the largest in the area, large enough to have a bank, so it shouldn’t be a bad place to raise travel funds. I think it would be best to make that your destination for now, but if you are thinking of going in a different direction, this way isn’t bad either—”
While Conrad was chattering incessantly, the mysterious figure was carefully examining the bundle of banknotes he had received from him.
“What is your name?”“Ah, yes! Conrad. I am Conrad of the Con Trading Company.”“Conrad of the Con Trading Company. I will certainly repay today’s kindness someday.”“No, you don’t have to…”“I’ll see you next time, Conrad.”
Before anyone realized it, a mysterious figure vanished without a trace from sight. It had disappeared before Conrad could even blink.
“uh?”
Conrad froze on the spot as if he had seen a ghost. Snow was falling. Not even footprints remained where the mysterious figure had been.
* * *
“I’ll see you next time, see you then, I’ll see you next time……. Right, I suppose it would be more natural to use polite language for the time being, just to appear respectful.”
The mysterious figure nodded as he strolled along the snowy forest path. Rustle, rustle. As he slowly walked on the snow, it felt as though his dormant senses were reviving.He then raised his head high to take in the dawn sky at a glance.
‘Verden. As expected, he is an unconventional figure.’
The scent of antiquity is gradually being felt.
With many threads of fate severed at the World Conference, the day when the broken wheel of destiny sinks completely is not far off.
For the first time since the defeat, a freedom where nothing is predetermined is returning. And the conclusion of the battle of destiny that was left unfinished back then, too.
This time it will be different.
The mysterious figure—Oldark Ruin Akenad—began to look around the world while thinking of ‘you’ and waiting for the right time.
* * *
Meanwhile, most of the attendees, having finished the world conference, headed to their respective accommodations in Gargant.
The first Tower Master. No matter how many times I think about it, it’s just ridiculous.
Medrant Keden, the Master of the Ostea Magic Tower, let out a hollow laugh while riding in his carriage. He had been so stunned when he first heard the news from Melard.It was a great pity that he had not been able to go to the Silent Desert with Isabella, even belatedly.
“Anyway, now that it has been revealed that I am one of the founders of the Society and that the Ostea Magic Tower under my command is on Eon’s side, I won’t have to walk on eggshells anymore. That one thing is a relief.”
However, with the exception of Supreme Elder Yurgen, who participated in the Black Hour purge and the battle to subdue Sandir Faen, convincing the members of the Ostea Magic Tower was the main hurdle.
Since internal cohesion was strong, there wouldn’t be any major problems, but it was bound to get noisy for a while. I could have accepted Verden’s help, but I declined.
Since commanding the Ostea Magic Tower was strictly a duty given to the Master of the Ostea Magic Tower.
“Oh my… my grandson… you’re doing so well…”“…”
Medrant rubbed his eyes as he watched Jurgen, sitting opposite him, sleep-talking. As he realized that the World Conference was over, drowsiness washed over him.
However, unfortunately, it seemed too early to go to sleep.
Kugugugugu… … .
Another procession of carriages joined the side.A familiar pattern came into view.Medrant, leaning toward the window, raised his voice slightly.
“What is it, Beltroa?”“Oh, well… I was just passing by and thought I’d say hello.”
Beltroa Rium Solastel, the Tower Master of the Volcanic Island, cleared his throat through the window. Then, he spoke to Medrant, who was staring intently at him.
“As you know, magic towers are a race that strictly adheres to hierarchy. In that sense, I understand the long-standing grievances of the Ostea Tower. Indeed, they must have been desperate enough to turn to the Society. Surely, any other Tower Master would have made the same choice. Besides, who could refuse the will of the First Tower Master?”“I just want to get to the point.”“The Tower on the Volcanic Island possesses the technological capabilities suitable for the additional development plan for the Marine Magic Stone Mine and the Magic Stone Treaty. It’s not as if we settled on this island for no reason.”
Beltroa laughed heartily with hollow eyes.
“I look forward to much exchange between the Magic Tower on the Volcanic Island and the Magic Tower of Ostea in the future. There will be much for both sides to gain in many ways. So, if the opportunity arises later, please pass this message on to the Holy One as well.”“…….”“Then, get some good rest.”
The procession of carriages from the volcanic island’s magic tower moves away at the next fork in the road. To think they would come to pursue the tower’s interestseven while worn out from fatigue. Especially considering the friction with Verden in the past on the ownerless land.
‘… … Putting aside his thick skin, he is indeed an exemplary Tower Master.’
Medrant felt a brief sense of respect as the Tower Master, then rested his head on the backrest. As his body became comfortable, his desire to sleep surged.
The carriages of the now-silent Ostea Magic Tower crossed the dawn streets of Gargant.
* * *
The sorceress, Celester Raven, had a severe headache, as if she had been hit with a hammer.
‘How, ew, the first magic tower… …? Is this even possible?’
The plan was to cause a severe schism within the Tower of Magic system by using the fact that the Tower of Ostea was the founder of the Society as a pretext, and to that end, numerous materials were merged and organized to ensure logical completeness… butat the World Conference, nothing was put to proper use and it was discarded in an instant.
It couldn’t be helped.
The moment the term “first Tower Master” was mentioned, my thoughts froze. Faced with a situation far beyond my expectations, I was unable to do anything.
‘If I hadn’t given up, I would have suffered a worse fate than the Master of the Zentir Mage Tower.’
It gives me the chills just thinking about it.
The only consolation is that there was no evidence of an attempt to attack Eon… but the biggest problem is that Mauler, who was supposed to be my backer, was attacked in return. This isbecause the Luas religion has become too on edge due to the Glory of the Dead or whatever it is.
For a while, Mauler was in a situation where his activities were inevitably restricted.
Even if we overlook the fact that Delharun was a territory he ruled directly, the Kingdom of Ronia and Kylians ended up in a considerably difficult position.Of course, this included Celester himself, who had formed an alliance behind the scenes.
How am I going to fix this…
No matter how hard I rack my brain, I can’t think of anything that could turn the situation around. But Mauler wouldn’t look favorably upon me just staying silent like this.
Above all, we cannot live forever in the shadow of the Magic Tower, relying only on the scraps it leaves behind.
What should I do?What should I do?
Celester could not fall asleep and spent the night alone, drinking.
… … Gulp.
Suddenly, the sound of someone entering was heard.That’s strange.I clearly warned them sternly not to disturb anyone, didn’t I? Celester, having activated her magic circuits, swiftly drew her staff──
“Huh?!”“There is no need to be so wary. I just came to chat.”“You, you. No,”
Celeste hurriedly put away her staff.
“Why would Master Artisan… me…?”“Hohoho.”
Artisan, the Tower Master, Feldianne, laughed in a neutral voice.
* * *
Eon’s mansion in Gargant.
“Ugh…….”“Mmm…….”
Junia fell fast asleep. Latteon also dozed off while sitting in his chair. Even simply standing at the World Conference was enough to build up fatigue.
On the other hand… Osgar, who had been resting soundly in the waiting room, gulped down the strong liquor filling the glass and laughed heartily.
“I thought they were the Anti-Demon Tower faction, but they were the First Demon Tower? Hahaha! Those arrogant Tower Masters, their faces must have been quite a sight! Medrant probably couldn’t openly express his delight, but he must have felt incredibly triumphant inside.”“Because no one would have expected it. I’m still feeling a bit dazed myself.”
Melard tilted his wine glass.
The Society was a group devised by Osgar and Medrant because they could not stand idly by while the magic towers engaged in various insane behaviors.For this reason, their hostility toward the current magic tower system was bound to be greater than that of Melad, who later joined in its founding.
“Anyway, Verden. What was that first Magic Tower like? Was it truly the very origin of the Magic Towers we imagined? The fundamental one? I am ready to hear. So please tell me.”“I’ve been too busy preparing for the World Conference to hear the details. I am curious as well, Holy.”
It is widely known in the magical world that the first magic tower was founded by several righteous wizards who gathered to investigate and research magic, which was considered a mystery, in order to overcome the difficulties of the times.The ideology of the Society originates from the spirit of this first magic tower.
So… … Verden squeezed his eyes shut inwardly.
How can one speak of the fact that the first magic tower conducted massive human experiments, and that Kirondar killed one another until only one remained?
“It’s more than everyone thinks.”“Ooooo, I knew it!”
Osgar and Melad’s eyes gleamed like those of young wizards. Verden fabricated a story to describe the fictional first magic tower.
Cain secretly asked Isabella.
“Is what you said true, Senior?”“Please believe it is true…….”
[Knowing it will hurt you.]
[My heart is hurt.]
Alpha and Beta waved their arms and whispered advice to Cain. Cain decided to pretend not to notice, looking at the sages’ bright faces.
Verden, having done his utmost to protect the childlike innocence of the old mages, left the gathering.
“Then let’s wrap things up for today. I will explain everything that was discussed and decided at the World Conference upfront.”“Yes, that would be more efficient.”“I’ll contact everyone to stand by and call them in advance.”
Melad took Junia, and Osgar took Rateon, heading to the room. Both appeared to have now fully adapted to their golem bodies.
I’ll go up.
Verden climbed the stairs with Adrian, Isabella, Alpha, and Beta. Seeing that there was no one around, Adrian handed him a letter.
“Who is the sender?”“It seems to be the Ark. While I was removing the Dreadmere’s armor, an extremely faint spatial rift opened, and it emerged from within.”
It was sent by Elder Sheorn.
Paat.
Since they were all affiliated with the Ark anyway, Verden immediately opened the letter. All eyes were on them. Isabella hugged Verden from behind and rested her chin on his shoulder.
“Gaju, what is it?”“It is a kind of invitation.”
Verden spread the letter wide.
“The Ark’s sixth captain says he will send the Listener once my coronation is ready.”
He passed the captain’s trial by successfully exploring and locating the first magic tower in the Desert of Silence. A top executive position in the continent’s largest secret society was within his reach.
The Ark is deeply intertwined with the first Demon King.
An opportunity is coming to find out what mysteries are hidden on the Sky Island—the Ark. Alpha and Beta also showed clear curiosity.
“Congratulations, my lord.”“Shouldn’t we raise a toast?”
[Banquet. Welcome.]
[What do you think, Your Majesty Verden?]
Outside the mansion window, the dawn gradually lifts and the morning sunlight streams in. The letter sent by Verden from the Ark was stored in the subspace.
“Well, that’s exactly what I was planning to do. I’ll make time soon. But look, a guest has arrived.”
A presence was detected outside the mansion.It was not a stranger.
I will go out.
Adrian went down to the first floor in an instant and opened the front door. Feldianne was there, just about to ring the doorbell.
“Oh, hello?”“It hasn’t been long since the World Conference ended. What brings Master Artisan here?”“I have come to fulfill the deal made at the Imperial Banquet. Um, may I come in?”“It is time to sleep.” “Then may I take a nap too? As you can see, I haven’t been able to sleep, hoho.”
Adrian answered briefly.
“no.”
bang!
The mansion door closed.
