"You crippled my donkey, Dolly, a week before harvest!"
The fiery farmwife jabbed an accusing finger at the increasingly bewildered Veigar. Her face was full of rage and indignation—anyone who didn't know better would've thought he'd killed her child rather than merely spooked her livestock.
Veigar blinked, confusion growing in his wide eyes. This wasn't what he expected at all. Why were all these ridiculous grievances being pinned on him? Why did the crops have bugs? Why did her donkey go lame? How in the nine hells was any of this his fault?
Before he could gather his thoughts, the crowd around him erupted—each villager shouting their own complaints.
"My hoe broke last week—that's your doing!"
"My beets didn't grow right this year! You cursed them!"
"My fishing net tore—it must be you!"
"My son's lost his appetite—definitely your scare tactics!"
"My yellow dog gave birth to a black pup two days ago—that's also you!"
The mob pressed closer as they shouted, each piling on another grievance. Veigar stumbled backward under their verbal assault, his purple barrier flickering weakly before collapsing altogether—but none of them noticed.
He tried to speak, but his voice was drowned beneath the storm of accusations.
"B-but… I… I didn't…"
Stammering helplessly, Veigar could only look at the villagers glaring at him like a cornered beast. His usual grand posturing crumbled.
『Lux』: "Duke, I suddenly feel… kind of bad for him."
『Duke』: "He is pitiful."
Duke shook his head slightly, pity flashing in his eyes. "This little guy could've been one of the greatest celestial mages of the age—but fate dealt him the worst hand. Mordekaiser captured him, imprisoned him for centuries, and twisted his body and mind until he broke."
『Lux』: "Then… should we help him?"
Lux tilted her head, eyes wide and uncertain.
Duke shrugged. "No rush. There's always someone with clear eyes who can see the truth."
"Everyone calm down! Step back!"
The gray-haired woman's commanding voice sliced through the noise. She stepped between the mob and Veigar, her presence alone enough to make the others falter.
"But, Margot—"
One man began, but her cold glare silenced him instantly. Slowly, the villagers retreated, leaving Veigar and Margot standing face to face.
Margot was nearly twice his height, her confidence alone seeming to suppress the room.
"Now then," she said firmly, "you've heard our complaints. Do you have anything to say for yourself?"
"Defend myself?" Veigar snapped like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. "Of course I'll defend myself—against your absurd accusations!"
"You barge in here without proof, blaming me for your petty misfortunes—stomach aches and cold feet alike—and then expect me to dignify it with a response?!"
He jabbed his staff into the ground. "I am telling you—"
"I!!"
"The Great Lord of Evil!!"
"Will not suffer such humiliation!!"
His shrill voice echoed through the courtyard.
"But don't think this means I'm pleading innocence!" he went on, puffing out his chest. "My deeds are far more terrifying than your pathetic complaints!"
"I conquered this Arcane Tower after defeating its weak former master! I burned your fields! I crushed your warlords and made them swear never to return!"
Veigar stomped up the last few steps, voice swelling with self-importance.
"And now my campaign of terror begins! Every wicked sorcerer nearby shall tremble before me! None shall stand in the way of my pursuit of ultimate magic!"
Just as his proclamation ended, a thunderous explosion split the sky.
Bolts of arcane energy streaked down from the clouds, detonating around the courtyard in showers of light.
Veigar threw his head back and laughed maniacally, bathing in the brilliance of his own power—his tiny form illuminated like a mad god.
『Duke』: "He's insane… but damn, that power's real. Stronger than any mage I've met so far."
Duke narrowed his eyes, feeling the sheer density of Veigar's magic through the air.
『Lux』: "He's so strong! I can feel it from here!"
Strands of light shimmered through Lux's hair, her breath glowing faintly with color. The magic pressure alone triggered her defensive instincts.
『Duke』: "Relax. None of those blasts are hitting us."
When Veigar finally stopped laughing, he realized the villagers weren't cowering. In fact, they were huddled together—talking.
One woman raised her head and asked, "So you're the one who defeated the cruel witch, Weissis?"
"Of course!" Veigar replied proudly. "She failed to show me the respect I deserved, so I—"
But his words died mid-sentence. The villagers had returned to whispering among themselves, ignoring him completely.
Veigar fidgeted, trying to appear composed while sneaking glances their way. He wanted to know what they were plotting—but pride forbade him from asking.
Finally, they all turned back toward him.
Margot stepped forward, bowing slightly in an awkward but respectful gesture.
"Oh, um, mighty and… all-powerful… sorcerer…"
"It's mage!" Veigar corrected immediately, stamping his foot. "The Great and All-Powerful Mage!"
"Yes, yes, all-powerful mage," Margot said quickly. "We humble folk from the insignificant village of Borleham…"
"That's right, Borleham!" someone chimed in from the back.
Margot sighed. "Yes, as you see, we realize our mistake. So we humbly beg the great mage for mercy, and, uh… wish you everlasting… what was it?"
"It's Veigar!" he shouted. "Not whatever nonsense you just said!"
"Right, right, sorry—Veigar!" she said hurriedly. "We beg your forgiveness, and, um… hope your terror reigns eternal!"
Veigar narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "What do you mean by that?"
"Oh, just that we'll all go home quietly and let you continue your… terrifying rule… or whatever it is you do."
"Yes, we'll even show proper respect," another added. "Like, you know, cursing your name behind your back and spreading tales of your terrible wrath!"
Margot nodded vigorously. "Exactly! Oh, and Frunk said he's got a cousin in Gloft who mentioned another evil sorcerer—if you're interested—"
"Destroy them!!" Veigar roared suddenly, eyes blazing. "I'll claim their dark power for myself!"
Margot flinched, then forced a nervous smile.
"Of course! Then we'll, uh, get out of your way. Back to Borleham we go, praying you never notice us again!"
Veigar waved his hand dismissively. "Yes, yes! Begone, worthless peasants! Out of my sight!"
He acted as though the earlier shouting match had never happened, shooing them away like flies.
Duke and Lux stepped aside to let the villagers pass.
『Duke』: "He's crazy, but not evil. Maybe we can—well, not help him exactly… maybe trade with him."
Some of the villagers gave fake bows before retreating through the ruined gates. Margot, last to leave, gave Duke a quick wink.
"Wait!" Veigar's voice made her jump.
Margot's hand went instinctively to her sword, but Veigar only said casually, "When do you think I can… talk to Frunk's cousin about that other mage?"
"Whenever you like!" Margot said, relieved. "You can visit anytime!"
"Good. Now go! Out of my sight!" Veigar barked. Then, as she turned, he added, "I'll have time tomorrow! And next time, don't make such a noisy entrance!"
Margot grinned and bowed theatrically. "May your reign be eternal, Great Mage!"
"Begone, pitiful human!" Veigar thundered.
She laughed softly and walked away—passing Duke, she gave him one last mischievous wink.
Veigar finally turned to glare at Duke and Lux.
"And what are you two still standing here for? Another petty complaint?"
『Duke』: "Not at all. I'm a traveling merchant, here to see if anyone might want to buy something."
"No one needs your wares! The Great Lord of Evil needs nothing!"
Duke flipped a small Hextech crystal between his fingers. "Magic materials, you know."
"Ah—well, in that case…" Veigar paused, voice softening. "Come in! But mind the steps—they're a bit steep!"
End of chapter....
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