Mage (2)
Chapter 18
The sturdily designed carriage, by simply closing its doors, effectively blocked out most external noise.
Ray, finding his seat, ran his fingers through his hair and exhaled deeply. It was quite a bold move to have a private meeting with the Count, but the Count didn’t seem inclined to reprimand him.
“Has Alesya been doing well?”
“It might be unpleasant for you to hear, but she seems to get along surprisingly well with the children.”
“That’s disappointing. I had hoped for her to cause some trouble.”
Using horses, it wouldn’t be difficult to make two round trips in a day between the orphanage and the Count’s estate.
Yet, the Count did not immediately take Alesya back after confirming her safety. A single escapade from Alesya had paralyzed all operations within the Baron’s Territory for nearly a day, causing significant strain on military resources.
With the expenses for the Jimmy Family and mercenaries already being burdensome, the Count wasn’t keen on hastily assembling an escort of armed forces to bring Alesya back quickly. Furthermore, keeping her at the orphanage for a day carried a slight punitive intent, though it ended up being more troublesome for the orphanage staff than for Alesya herself.
“An orphanage isn’t exactly where one punishes a young lady who tried to sleep under the stars in the mountains. She seemed to enjoy it instead. Perhaps next time, just lock her in her room for a few days.”
“That would be best. She can’t stand boredom.”
Having concluded what would horrify Alesya if she heard it, the Count proceeded directly to the point without hesitation.
“Tell me what you want.”
Ray recalled the mage’s gaze he had seen moments ago—chilling greed.
Was this a positive sign?
As Ray became aware of his own complacency, he pressed his finger against the bridge of his nose and brought forth the reward proposal he had thought about.
“There are many children who admire knights.”
“So do I, even at my age.”
“There are also a few talented ones.”
“Get to the point.”
“Send a knight to teach the children basic mana cultivation techniques and swordsmanship.”
“That’s a hard request to grant.”
Ray blinked his eyes without changing expression.
The Count continued with a faint smile playing on his lips.
“Why not focus solely on your own growth? Although the Philips family is now small, it was once called one of the pillars of the Empire. I’ll allow you access to all materials related to martial arts passed down in the Philips family.”
“…”
Basic mana cultivation methods and swordsmanship, regardless of how extraordinary the family they come from, don’t vary much in level or form.
Only a few among the orphanage children would likely master the mana cultivation method properly, and extending such favors wouldn’t be a significant burden for the Count.
On the other hand, providing Ray with all the secrets of the Philips family was a far more serious and sensitive matter.
Nevertheless, the Count encouraged Ray to choose the latter.
Ray massaged his temples.
‘I knew it would come to this.’
“Lord Count, the children at the orphanage feel gratitude towards you and are loyal to you.”
“Don’t make me look like a fool, Ray.”
The Count turned his head toward the orphanage beyond the wall.
“What is the reason the children recite my achievements and titles before eating? Why do they express gratitude to the church, the manor folk, and the Jimmy Family?”
“…”
“Because you told them to.”
“Lord Count.”
“If they grow up, will they really lead my soldiers? No. They will lead your army. They will become swords of unparalleled loyalty.”
“I neither seek that nor believe it will happen.”
“On the contrary.”
The Count revealed the hidden main topic.
“Form a connection with Alesya.”
“…”
Ray let out an audible groan.
Even though Ray had anticipated it, the Count clearly wanted to keep Ray tied within his domain.
That’s why he was uneasy about the growth of the orphanage children, which could form the foundation for Ray’s independence.
“Carry on my name. In return, I will support your every need with the full backing of the family. I will also provide ample support to the orphanage children, including training methods and swordsmanship.”
It sounded quite reasonable.
Though the Count’s ambition was evident, it didn’t sound like a bad offer to Ray.
Ray deliberately relaxed the tension he felt while dealing with nobility.
This was necessary for the persuasion to work.
“Let’s assume I form a relationship with Alesia. She might run away again, but that’s not the critical issue.”
“…?”
The Count tilted his head, sensing the oddly arrogant tone in Ray’s voice.
“Ray, it’s not a bad deal for you.”
“This ‘connection’ won’t just be a verbal agreement, right? It means officially placing my name beside Alesya’s in the empire’s noble registry.”
“…Yes.”
“If news spreads that the Philips family has taken in a commoner as a son-in-law, His Majesty the Emperor, sitting in the palace over there, will surely bang his throne and cry out, ‘What? Has Philips lost his mind?’”
Lost his mind?
The Count, confused by Ray’s choice of words, quickly composed himself and replied.
“That part is unnecessary to worry about. There are sufficient ways to create a new identity for you…”
“I don’t know if Lord Count has several children, but the problem is that Alesya is currently your only heir. Even if it’s a neglected border territory, people will investigate when the Philips family takes in a son-in-law for their sole heir.”
Since the statement was correct, the Count couldn’t refute it.
“And I am… unfortunately quite famous in the barony. If my status as a commoner is exposed, His Majesty will bang his throne again and shout, ‘So Philips really has lost his mind!’ Then, upon sending investigators, they’ll find out that you’re perfectly fine.”
After that, things are obvious.
Everyone will think: “If the old man is sane and still chose a young commoner as a son-in-law, then this commoner must possess extraordinary abilities!”
People will start persistent investigations in the barony, thinking this way.
Understanding what Ray was implying, the Count straightened his posture and assured him.
“Ray, I will protect you.”
“Not all nobles are as generous and rational as you, Lord Count. At first, they might try to bribe me, but if that fails, how do you think they’ll act?”
Would they sit idly by watching the power of a Sword Master fall into the hands of the Philips Count?
“I know there are more people than you’d think who follow the mindset of ‘if I can’t have it, I’ll destroy it.’ In the worst case, if it’s discovered that I’m a genius destined to reach the Master level at a very young age…”
Ray shrugged.
“Foreign countries will try to k*ll me whenever they see an opportunity. It’s a risky choice, but I lack proper background. Secretly eliminating me would make it hard for the empire to show anger since I’m of common birth.”
Of course, this was assuming the situation goes horribly wrong.
However, given how striking Ray’s presence was, if various factions got tangled up in disputes, the likelihood of things going awfully wrong was quite high.
There was, of course, a way to avoid such a scenario.
“Pretending that Lord Count has lost his mind would solve the problem. You’re not at an age to lose it, but let’s say you fell off a horse.”
“…”
“For two months, paint the walls with poop to spread the rumor. Even after forming a connection with Alesya, you should continue to dribble food while eating and paint the walls with poop. No one except me should discover that you’re actually fine.”
For how long?
“Until I reach the level of a Master.”
How long would that take?
Considering Ray’s talent, the Count estimated it would take about twenty years.
In that time, thieves would circle around, eager to feast on the flesh of a supposedly senile Count.
It was better than facing scrutiny from across the entire empire, but it certainly wouldn’t be an easy path.
“How about pretending to have lost your mind? Should we start with falling off a horse today…”
“Ray, Ray, Ray!”
Bang!
The Count slammed his chair and sighed deeply, grabbing his forehead.
“I understand what you’re trying to say, but can you use less abrasive language?”
“I’m not losing my mind or trying to insult you, Lord Count.”
Then what?
The Count looked at Ray with great displeasure, causing him to clear his throat unnecessarily.
Time to steel myself again.
“I truly believe Lord Count is a wise person. However, my talent shines so excessively that it can momentarily blind even someone as wise as you. Hoping you would regain your wisdom, I used stronger words—a kind of shock therapy.”
“…”
After a moment of silence, the Count wiped his face.
“You’re younger than Alesya by a year, aren’t you?”
“Yes…?”
“Is my daughter stupid?”
“I’m just talented.”
“At least watch your mouth in front of other nobles. If it weren’t for me, you’d have lost your head mid-sentence.”
“I am always grateful for Lord Count’s mercy.”
“Is my desire to fully embrace you excessive?”
Ray scratched his chin.
“Even without forcing me into your fold, I am someone who knows gratitude. I wish to convey that you don’t need to take unnecessary risks.”
The Count drew his sword nervously and threw it.
“Prove it.”
Ray effortlessly generated a sword aura.
The Count thought: Seeing it firsthand, it’s even more absurd than I imagined.
“This is annoying.”
“Of course, I know you were probably tossing and turning last night under the covers, muttering ‘Haha, my son-in-law is a Sword Master!’”
“Ray! Ray!”
The Count shouted, his face turning red.
“Enough! Watch your tongue!”
“I apologize.”
“I will send Knight Didier to the orphanage. He’s the rightful heir of a knight family that has faithfully served me for a long time, and the son of Sir Mohamed.”
Among the knights the Count trusted, this was one of the best he could send.
“He values chivalry and is very diligent. He won’t dismiss commoners outright. This is also an opportunity for you to experience proper cultivation methods and swordsmanship. If you need anything else later, contact me. I’ll support you as much as possible.”
“Thank you.”
“This is exhausting.”
The Count sat quietly to calm himself down before looking at Ray again.
The scar running across half his face stood out prominently.
“That mark seems somewhat effective.”
“Huh?”
“The sword you carry around looks quite old. Take mine. The family crest is engraved on it; use it if necessary and report back. Thank you sincerely for rescuing Alesya. That’s genuine gratitude.”
“I appreciate it.”
“And judging by the letter’s content, it appears you’ve found a child with magical talent.”
Ray stiffened his expression.
He was still confused. Luna’s talent was excessively remarkable, far exceeding what could be categorized as rare or unique.
Originally, he would have cheered and danced upon discovering something legendary, but the mage’s gaze still lingered in his mind.
“One piece of advice, though. Mages are dangerous beings.”
“…”
“I’m not speaking narrowly, but mages generally prioritize their own Demon Path above all else. Most of them are difficult to expect humanity or sociability from.”
“…”
“Do you think they’ll be satisfied and accept talented individuals as disciples? If the individual is the offspring of a noble, perhaps. But if they’re a background-less commoner, most mages will make another choice.”
“…”
“They’ll kidnap or manipulate them verbally and bring them close to advance their own Demon Path, demanding terrible sacrifices.”
Seeing Ray’s expression harden rapidly, the Count finished his advice.
“Be careful when dealing with mages. Today, David accompanied us out of courtesy, but I can’t force or even want him to monitor the children at the orphanage. He’s a very ‘typical’ mage. I don’t trust other mages either.”
“Just a moment.”
Ray felt as if he had been hit hard on the head with a hammer.
“Are you saying Lord Count cannot control David’s movements?”
This was more shocking than learning that mages were a group of lunatics.
The Count slowly nodded.
“We are in a horizontal contractual relationship. With proper apologies and sufficient payment, the contract can be broken at any time. Except for issues regarding Alesya’s education, I cannot force him to do anything. The same applies to other mages. Their actions outside the contract are beyond interference. They are different from knights.”
“…”
Ray felt dizzy.
‘I misjudged everything. Completely wrong.’
To reduce risk, Ray had tried not to reveal his true capabilities.
However, even exposing his Expert-level skills to the Count’s knight could potentially be manageable in the short term.
Knights are loyal to the Count, so if the Count wished for silence, the knight would respect his lord’s wishes.
Here, Ray made a mistake. He carelessly equated knights with mages.
Even if it never happened, if someone in the orphanage possessed astonishing magical talent and it was discovered by a mage,
he mistakenly assumed that charming the Count alone would suffice for damage control.
‘The authority of the Count… I thought it would extend to mages from the Magic Tower.’
Part of the reason he impulsively invited the mage and didn’t correct the invitation was due to this naive judgment.
Looking back, it was a foolish and hasty decision.
Misjudging Luna’s rank.
Mages being a group of lunatics.
Lacking the means to compel their actions.
And worse yet, the mage was a specially invited high-ranking mage for Alesya’s education.
‘Luna is in grave danger.’
Tightening his brows, Ray forced a smile without revealing his inner turmoil.
“…Thank you for the advice.”
“Is there anything else you’d like to say?”
“No.”
“Then you may leave. I will dispatch Knight Didier soon.”
After bowing deeply, Ray stepped out of the carriage.
Leaning back in his chair, the Count muttered to himself.
“Desire. Desire. Was I momentarily blinded by desire?”
Shaking his head after chuckling to himself,
“I’m really a fool. Forcing someone into my fold would surely end badly.”
*
David trailed the traces of mana left behind by someone.
He was delighted that the trail was completely unrefined.
Being able to leave such a residue in the air despite having no formal magic training indicated exceptional talent.
David’s usually stoic lips twisted harshly.
A glimpse of a girl with blue hair appeared at the end of the mana trail.
Just as he was about to step into the room where the girl disappeared,
the sound of a sword being drawn echoed from behind.
“This area is off-limits to outsiders.”
David slowly turned his head to meet Jimmy.
“Does the lowly mercenary not understand the situation?”
“I understand perfectly. An unauthorized outsider is wandering around my orphanage.”
David’s hand slipped out from under his robe.
Mana radiating from the magic circle spread wildly, creating a gust of wind.
“Like a rat, if you value your life, leave quietly.”
“A mercenary…”
Jimmy smiled as he generated a sword aura.
“…is a profession that values contracts and the duties that come with them.”
