Chapter 304 - Forward Step
"This is no easy matter."
The vision seen beyond the magic item.
It was no coincidence that his gaze met the transparent blue eyes within.
Tilen, inadvertently exposed, let out an admiring sigh.
"The ruler of Roafra… I thought he was no more than a criminal who covered the sky with his palm, but it seems there was a reason for the title of king. Such insight is far beyond his years."
"There's no need to exaggerate so much, is there? It could simply be that he was born with a sharper sense for magic power than others. Even if that's the case, it's still remarkable."
"That may be so. But I don't think that's all there is to it."
Tilen quietly opened his eyes.
As the light of the pendant subsided, the scenery of the city appeared instead of the mansion's interior.
"He's no less than us."
"What?"
"I haven't gauged his magic power directly, but his presence is extraordinary. He must not be underestimated just because he's young. In any case, it's clear an investigator alone won't be able to handle him."
"Hmm…"
Melconi folded his arms.
He was slightly displeased, but did not refute it. When it came to judging another's strength, Tilen's eye was better than his own.
Instead, he looked at the situation rationally.
Soon, a conclusion was reached.
"This is a dead end."
Had their opponent been merely a king of the underworld, it would have been simple.
If he cooperated, they could interrogate him. If he resisted, they could simply subdue him with magic.
The justification was on the side of the magic tower.
Even if it weren't, they had the power to decide his life and death at will.
'But if he is a noble, then it's different.'
The Kingdom of Estiria was a nation with vast territory.
No matter how high the authority of the magic tower, they could not ignore the stance and rights of its nobles.
"Hmm, if it were a minor nation with little power, it wouldn't matter…"
"The kingdom's influence on the eastern continent cannot be dismissed. And the kingdom has something else, does it not? A reserve of power one must be especially wary of."
At Tilen's words, Melconi nodded.
"The court magician captain, Leonil of the Raging Inferno. He is indeed dangerous."
Leonil's strength surpassed both Melconi and Tilen.
A 6th-tier high Magus could only be ignored by a Transcendent. And Transcendents, even counting all races and including the magic tower, were few in the world.
"To oppose Leonil at this point must be avoided as much as possible. The wound could only grow deeper."
"Indeed. That explains why he could act so confidently. He has the royal family of Estiria and Leonil backing him."
They had been restraining the Bohemirn magic tower beneath the surface, and this was the result.
If they clashed with the Kingdom of Estiria in such circumstances, they would only suffer losses in many ways.
"…We should focus on resolving the situation in the Midros Territory."
"What about the rest?"
"As for the Kendras faction, burying the connection is most natural. Even if the Bohemirn magic tower captured them, there's no material evidence linking them to us."
The destruction of the tower's branch would be blamed on Aldamia's Clowns.
Even if interrogation revealed the Bohemirn magic tower's involvement, there would be no opportunity to make use of it.
In the end, no meaningful evidence remained. Just like with Kendras.
In truth, even if evidence existed, it would only backfire.
Various factions would dig into the incident in the territory. This was, after all, done solely for the benefit of the magic tower.
They had no intention of suffering wounds alongside the Bohemirn magic tower.
"We meant to overturn the territory, and yet it ends with mere clowns… The prestige of the tower will suffer, but we'll have to endure it."
"To meddle with a noble of the kingdom carries too great a risk."
Well, it couldn't be helped.
The best course was to wrap things up with as little noise as possible.
"In any case, the Kingdom of Estiria has gained considerable strength. Such a talent should belong in the magic tower. What a waste, a waste indeed."
Melconi smacked his lips.
Tilen, beside him, narrowed his eyes.
"Count Asher, is it. I'll remember the name."
***
"…Thank you for your cooperation."
The two investigators dispatched from the magic tower quietly withdrew with Aldamia's Clowns in tow.
Their faces full of dissatisfaction, yet they had accepted, likely having received orders from above through some magical item.
Those above were no doubt the two Magi.
Verden clearly recognized them as those with actual authority.
'Anyway, that's the end of the matter with the magic tower.'
Of course, there were still gaps for the tower to exploit.
For example, Big Hand, Jerik.
The broker who had connected Verden with Kendras's group.
According to Ethan, he fled the village at the same time as the upheaval in Wells Town. Likely his judgment of the situation.
If the magic tower pursued, he would soon be caught.
And under interrogation, he would immediately reveal Verden's appearance, arousing deep suspicion in the tower.
But that was all.
The title he received from Princess Silis.
From the moment Verden could prove he was an honorary noble of the Kingdom of Estiria, he could no longer be treated as a mere individual.
Unless they wished to clash with the kingdom, forcing an investigation would be impossible.
'Well, not that they'd even bother looking for Jerik in the first place.'
Jerik was only a small part.
He merely acted as a broker, knew nothing of Kendras's identity or the tower's involvement.
There was no reason to waste effort silencing him.
For similar reasons, they would not stir up Wells Town.
'In the end, there's only one choice.'
To withdraw, feign ignorance, and focus on settling the territory's turmoil.
Appoint a new noble to replace the deceased lord, then expand influence further than before, securing future profit.
Though they suffered unexpected losses, they had succeeded in removing the influence of the Bohemirn magic tower.
As expected, that would be their course.
For Verden, weighing the pros and cons from the perspective of the magic tower was not difficult.
The negotiation ended thus.
"…"
Verden summoned the back-alley factions.
Before long, Padreld and the bosses who had once gathered came again to the mansion.
Verden spoke.
"Information gathering ends today. You've done well."
"N-no, not at all, we hardly did anything…"
"Are you serious? Then shall I take away the reward…"
"We did our very best, truly. We could hardly even eat properly."
The bartender, Siamon, bowed his head.
Small laughter spread here and there.
As the atmosphere lightened, Verden gestured, and Padreld's men, who had been waiting, neatly placed bundles of cash and goods in front of each person.
"Kyaa… just how much is this…"
Even at a glance, it was a considerable sum.
Among them, Tif, who had helped locate Jerik alongside Padreld, received the largest share.
It was the price for information.
"Ahem."
"Wow…"
Envious gazes gathered.
But it wasn't jealousy.
Verden had also given all of them shared rewards, separately.
It was proof that he was satisfied with the results gained in the territory.
"And I've persuaded the Larrian Magic Tower and the Volcanic Island tower, so they won't try to forcefully detain you over the matter of the lord of the territory. You may rest easy."
They didn't know how, but all bowed their heads in gratitude.
They had already heard that the tower's investigators had left the mansion quietly with the Clowns, so they had no choice but to believe it.
At that moment, Baldas raised his hand.
"Um, may I ask a question…?"
"Go ahead."
"Thank you. So, what will become of the Midros Territory now?"
The lord of the territory was gone, and someone had dared to provoke the magic tower.
In this unprecedented situation, the back-alley factions, unsure of what to do, had fallen silent until their unease turned to fear.
"From now on, the magic tower's dominance will only grow stronger. They will appoint a new lord, and attempt to strengthen their influence more than before."
"Then…"
"Still, it's certain the conditions of the streets will gradually improve. The city's development is directly tied to the magic tower's interests."
That was the positive effect of the tower.
Perhaps they would even demolish the slums devastated by the great fire, and establish a new district.
The poor would be employed as laborers, and earn wages.
"Of course, law and order will grow that much stricter. So, those who cannot adapt to the new streets will be weeded out."
Tif, whose specialty was thievery, flinched.
But aside from him, the others' expressions were relatively bright. Even if the magic tower was frightening, the revival of life in their home ground was a welcome thing.
"Well then, I should be going."
"…!"
Verden rose from his seat.
At once, everyone stood as well, hastily following to see him off.
Padreld stepped forward as their representative to exchange farewells.
"Whew, so much has happened in such a short time. I feel as if I've aged several years."
"For that, your face looks rather well."
"Haha, well, that's because Lord Asher gave us so much money."
He was smiling from start to finish.
Of all of them, Padreld had gained the most. The effort of supporting the king of the underworld with bated breath had more than paid off.
"Thank you for using the Smuggler's Canyon all this time, Lord Asher."
Padreld bowed deeply.
"I eagerly await our next meeting."
Verden answered with a nod instead.
Then, soaring into the sky, he left the Midros Territory in the blink of an eye.
"He's finally gone…"
"Phew, now I can finally relax."
"I think I'll go inside and have a drink."
"Since we've earned so much, why don't we gather for a feast?"
"Mm, that might be a good idea."
The back-alley factions chattered together.
Perhaps it was because the tension had lifted, but this was a harmony they could never have imagined before. How long it would last was anyone's guess.
Still, it wasn't all that bad.
Padreld thought so as he moved his steps.
Just then, Tif sidled up to him.
"Hey, Padreld."
"Yes? What is it?"
"When people use the Smuggler's Canyon in groups, do you give them a discount?"
Padreld, the trafficker.
He was also an expert in illegal crossings.
"Group customers are always welcome."
***
At the heart of the Winter Forest lay an artificial cave.
Arriving above it, Verden dispelled the magic circle, lowered his altitude, and touched down on the ground.
Immediately, someone emerged from within the cave.
A tall frame, a spear serving as his staff.
Adrian, limping closer in his blue robe.
"You have arrived, my lord."
"Did you rest well while waiting?"
"Yes, thanks to you, I spent the time comfortably."
The surroundings of the cave were tightly protected by a magic circle.
Dried foods like jerky, and water, made for a fairly satisfying meal, and Adrian was able to meditate quietly.
In truth, his body was not the problem, but his mind.
Occasional hallucinations, and urges.
Having only recently broken free from mental domination, many ill effects still lingered. Yet, he would never submit.
He had a reason he must not.
"As I said before, we'll head first to the nearest major city with a Church, or rather, a nation. Without at least a bishop-rank priest, a full cure will be impossible. This will be our means of travel."
Verden stretched out his hand.
From subspace, a large carriage appeared.
It was fitted with four identical wheels, a design modified through Padreld.
"Quite a unique structure."
"It's a carriage balanced for stability, built for maximum convenience. When I rode it myself, hardly any shock reached the inside."
"I see. But where are the horses…"
"There are none."
Verden activated his mana circuits.
"I'll be controlling it myself."
Magic power enveloped the entire carriage.
At once, as he cast
"The distance will be quite great… will you be alright?"
"It doesn't matter. What I have in abundance is magic power."
They could have hired professional transporters.
Like back in the Duchy of Riviant, when, upon a guild's request, he and the adventurer Iris went out to subjugate the Undead.
But that came with inconveniences.
Concealing Adrian's identity, and guarding against demi-humans who could strike at any moment, would have delayed them greatly.
It was better to move with just the two of them.
"And horse care is bothersome anyway."
For Verden, magic was part of his body.
He climbed onto the soft coachman's seat.
Adrian, fully prepared, boarded the carriage, then lay down just behind the driver's seat.
"I plan to travel through the skies for now. The robe's built-in function will maintain your body heat, but if you ever feel uncomfortable and wish to descend, just say so. Then we'll take the land route."
Lifting a massive carriage into the sky,
while simultaneously manipulating the wind to maintain breathing and block external air currents,
was a supremely delicate technique few could achieve.
But Verden could.
Prolonged use caused strain, but in the end, it was only fatigue.
"Understood, my lord."
Adrian agreed.
Verden's magic power flared.
He advanced at a slant, gradually raising altitude. Below the clouds, an expanse of mountain scenery spread out.
And then—
'…Higher than I expected.'
Adrian's eyes trembled slightly.
Born a swordsman, he had never ascended to such heights before. And certainly not in a carriage.
He swallowed quietly.
Turning his head away from the window, Adrian closed his eyes.
Unconsciously, he longed for the ground.
Yet how could he say he wanted to descend already, when they had just set out?
'No, I cannot let my lord be disappointed over something so trivial.'
A man must have shame.
So he resolved to endure. Perhaps, in time, he would grow used to it.
Adrian organized his tangled thoughts, and attempted meditation.
The carriage carrying him raced swiftly across the blue skies of the west.
Toward the city-state union, Kailiens.
You can read more chapters in organised way on my website:- https://revengernovel.com