Translator: CinderTL
The candlelight cast silent shadows of the two men on the study walls.
Long after Alvey finished speaking, Paul remained seated behind his desk, his fingers unconsciously tapping the surface.
Finally, he spoke, his voice low and clear: "What you've just said has only deepened my previous concerns."
"Oh?" Alvey raised his eyes, listening intently.
"After Ladia came to my side, I actually considered something. Although magic is still in its infancy, its potential is immense. If we researched it thoroughly and implemented it on a large scale—applying it to social production, for example, using fire magic to replace furnaces, wind spells to power machinery, and earth magic to accelerate construction—what would happen?" Paul said slowly. "It would cause a leap in productivity in the Northwest."
Alvey said, "It seems you've abandoned that idea."
"Yes!" Paul nodded heavily. "I'm afraid. I'm afraid that one day I might create with my own hands... an unshakeable ruling class."
His gaze grew grave. "The nobles of today rely on bloodline and land, but they possess no extraordinary powers. They ride horses and wield swords, using the same weapons as commoners. Swordsmanship can be taught, armor can be replicated, and even the firearms technology of the Northwest Bay can spread. No matter how powerful a lord may be, they cannot withstand a well-equipped army of commoners. Human history is filled with dynastic changes."
"Moreover, the mortal ruling class only controls military force. But maintaining society requires more than just force. Farming, smelting, construction... all these are done by commoners. Through their mastery of these essential skills, commoners possess some leverage in negotiating with the ruling class."
He turned to Alvey. "But magic is different! As far as I know, even someone who dedicates their entire life to rigorous training cannot ignite a single flame without innate talent. A Spellcaster's abilities are innate, irreplaceable, and cannot be universally taught—at least, that's how it seems for now."
"If society becomes increasingly reliant on magic—not just for military power, but for every aspect of daily life—then those who wield magic will become the true elite. Unlike the mortal ruling class, this new elite, built upon an irreplaceable ability, will be virtually indestructible. Their power will be deeply intertwined with society's very production, and any attempt to dismantle their rule would carry the catastrophic cost of civilizational collapse."
As Alvey listened, his expression grew increasingly grave. He nodded slowly. "You're right... I only saw their loss of ideals, but I hadn't considered it from this angle. The terrifying scenario you've described could very well become reality."
He added quietly, "Once society depends on magic, Spellcasters will no longer be merely exceptional individuals; they will become gods among men. And gods never willingly descend from their altars."
Paul and Alvey continued their discussion for some time before the Old Scholar finally took his leave, urging Paul to carefully reconsider his decision to continue the war against the orcs.
As the Old Scholar's footsteps faded down the corridor, Paul remained, still pondering their conversation.
In truth, if Magical Talent truly manifested randomly, it wouldn't be so bad. But what Paul feared most was the possibility of magic being tied to bloodlines.
Ladia had once mentioned that, based on her observations, the descendants of Spellcasters seemed more likely to awaken Magical Talent, especially when both parents were Spellcasters.
She likely wasn't the only one to have made such observations.
In the past, Spellcasters had remained spatially dispersed to conceal their identities, making it difficult to confirm this hypothesis. But since the Horns Bay War, many nations had gradually recognized Spellcasters' legal rights, allowing them to gather more easily and even form clustered communities—Gabella's Arcane Order was already such a case.
Could someone be conducting experiments to verify whether Magical Talent could be inherited?
He immediately left his office and headed straight to Marianna's quarters in the rear residence.
Marianna sat there, her expression serene, as if she had anticipated his arrival.
Paul lowered his voice. "In the study earlier, in front of Alvey, you said those things—about joining the Arcane Order and obtaining their support—was that just an act? If so, it was utterly inappropriate!"
"It wasn't an act," Marianna replied, her tone calm to the point of coldness.
Paul froze. "What?"
"I was indeed sent by Antonio," she said, meeting her son's gaze directly. "He truly hopes to recruit you to his cause. He needs a force to harass the orcs on the periphery while also balancing the power of the Aldor Royal Family, and you are the most suitable candidate."
Paul shrugged. "How disappointing! I thought it was just a mother's longing for her son."
"Naturally, it's both," Marianna replied, her tone unwavering. "I am your mother, and that will never change. But I am also still a member of the Arcane Order. He sent me not only to observe you but to personally persuade you to join us."
"In fact, I suspect Antonio already knows about our relationship. That's why he sent me."
Paul asked anxiously, "If he finds out, will it cause trouble for you in Gabella?"
Marianna smiled confidently. "Hmph, you needn't worry about that. Now, what are your thoughts on what I've said?"
Seeing Paul's silent resistance, she didn't press him. Instead, she walked to the window and cracked it open, letting a gentle breeze drift in.
"Your hesitation doesn't surprise me," she said calmly, turning to face him. "But have you considered the future? Not next year, not five years from now, but the human world ten or twenty years from now?"
She stepped closer, her gaze burning like a torch. "Magic is awakening. The old kingdoms ruled through cavalry and walls, but future power will belong to those who control the elements and understand the laws of nature. The Arcane Order will only grow stronger, and those secular powers will eventually be swept away by the tide of history. To face the great enemy prophesied, human society must unite under the Arcane Order's leadership."
She looked directly at Paul. "You, my son, command a powerful army. I, your mother, sit on the Arcane Order's Council of Ten."
Marianna spoke with a chilling, almost hypnotic calm. "If we join forces, we can stand at the apex of that new world—not as vassals, not as pawns, but as the architects of the new order."
"Opportunity favors the prepared. If you refuse now, you'll be forced to passively accept the dictates of your superiors later."
She studied Paul. "But if you join us now—not as a defeated foe, but as a collaborator—bringing your army, resources, and territory, you won't be anyone's subordinate. You'll be at the core, and I will ensure your position remains unassailable."
(End of the Chapter)
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