Chapter 73 Invitation (1)
"...Is it broken?"
Verden looked at the compass of the Black Hour.
At first, it had pointed precisely in one direction, but then the needle began to waver here and there. Now, it stopped and moved again, spinning round and round regardless of north, south, east, or west.
'Structurally, it doesn't seem to have any problems.'
When he exchanged it with a magic stone infused with his own magic power, it worked normally.
"The magic stone is the problem."
Well, this black magic stone was completely different from the ordinary ones, so no matter what issue arose, it wasn't all that strange.
And come to think of it, the existence with such an alien aura wasn't just one. Most of the Gluttony active within the principality would surely carry the same kind of aura.
In other words, there were too many possessing this alien aura to pinpoint a single one.
This required an experiment.
Things weren't progressing smoothly from the start, but it wasn't really a problem.
The compass was merely an auxiliary tool, after all. The real plan was to use the Doctor's mark as bait.
Since the crimson shard, made by sacrificing hundreds, had been stolen midway, they would certainly react. Without doubt, it would stir up a commotion far greater than anything so far.
That moment would be the perfect opportunity to lure them out.
All Verden had to do now was wait for Gluttony to move again.
Then, a message came from Pale.
It didn't seem like a request, but unless he went, he wouldn't know what it was about.
'Gluttony? No, there's no way they'd be moving already....'
With such thoughts, he visited Pale's Arrowhead.
And at Pale's completely unexpected words, Verden tilted his head.
"...An invitation? From Count Rodenmeyer?"
"That's right. The count's vassal delivered it to me directly, so there's no mistake."
Suddenly being invited to the mansion?
Could it be complaints about the last missing person investigation request, or an attempt to cut down the payment? But such things could have been told to Pale, there was no need to summon Verden to the mansion.
And seeing as they had even used the word "invitation", it was clear there was another reason.
"When do I need to be there?"
"The letter didn't state an exact deadline, but he said to come fairly soon. Something like this has never happened before, so it can't be another request.... If there's one possibility, it's the Principality's delegation."
"...?"
"News of the Soul Tree must already have reached the upper echelon of the principality. Since a threat on the national level has been eliminated, inviting Sir Asher to the delegation is entirely possible. Perhaps the Grand Duke himself might commend you."
Listening to Pale, it did make sense.
If that was the reason, then there was indeed cause to summon Verden.
"Why now, though?"
"They must be planning to further revive the delegation. Sir Asher's name is already drawing the attention of the nobility. And more than anything, the Grand Duke of Riviant is... rather free-spirited. Boisterous, you could say. You'll understand what I mean when you meet him."
Even so, nothing was certain yet. It was just conjecture.
The exact matter would be known only after meeting Count Rodenmeyer himself.
***
Verden arrived at Count Rodenmeyer's mansion.
The knights guarding the mansion confirmed Verden's identity and let him inside. Unlike last time, the guide didn't take him through the garden but led him directly into the mansion.
In the reception room, Verden and Count Rodenmeyer sat facing each other.
"It's been a while, Asher."
"It has indeed, Your Excellency."
Count Rodenmeyer narrowed his eyes as he looked at Verden.
"Your aura has changed since last we met. Seems you've been living quite busily?"
"In my own way, yes."
"I should think so, judging by your exploits in Lorian. Seems you'd hidden more strength than I anticipated."
The count folded his arms and continued.
"Since the greetings are done, let's get to the point. Asher, your name has been brought up in the principality."
"Because of the delegation?"
"Did Pale tip you off? Sharp as expected from an information broker. Yes, that's right. Word has spread far and wide that you are the mage who subjugated the Soul Tree. Whether you care or not, the name Asher has become quite famous. Naturally, it's reached the ears of the nobility, and the ears of His Highness the Grand Duke as well."
Count Rodenmeyer met Verden's gaze.
"The delegation of the principality is a once-a-year occasion. Nobles of count rank and above report on their territories to His Highness, then a feast lasts for four days. Of course, there's much to see and much to eat. The entire capital turns festive, the economy thrives. And the most important days are the contests on the third and fourth day of the feast.
"Contests... you say?"
"Yes, nobles put forth their names, bringing in skilled individuals to duel in their stead. Singing, plays, whatever else, but the greatest attraction is always the spectacle of battle, is it not?"
The sight of new strong ones clashing with the strength they had built up always drew hot attention, then and now.
But if the same people entered every year, it would grow dull.
So the delegation's contests were only open to those who had never participated before. Asher met that requirement fully.
"So, you're saying you'll enter me in that contest? Under your name, Count?"
"As I just said, you are popular now. The attention of the principality's high circle is focused on you. Who is this mage, what kind of man is he — that curiosity. And the fact your name was already mentioned among the leadership means they're eager to bring you to the delegation. So before anyone else claims you, I must secure you, no?"
Verden opened his mouth to reply, but the count raised his hand, cutting him off.
"Don't say you'll refuse. The principality's delegation is not some local village fair."
"Hearing you say that only makes me want to refuse more."
Though the count pressed, Verden was utterly unmoved.
At this point, he had no intention of being forced into action by anyone. He hadn't destroyed the magic tower and walked away for nothing.
At Verden's rebellious gaze, the count frowned and let out a small sigh.
"So, you have no thought of obeying meekly. Well, I suppose not — you didn't even join a guild despite your power.... But I'm not finished speaking. About the rewards for the contest. Have you heard of the Ring of Permafrost?"
"The Ring of Permafrost...."
It was an artifact in the form of an accessory.
According to rumor, it was an artifact that altered the very elemental attribute a mage possessed, said to freeze even things that had no physical form.
'You're telling me they'd offer an artifact as a contest prize?'
Impossible.
Verden immediately shook his head.
The Ring of Permafrost was unique.
And its owner was still very much alive. Even if that owner had died, there was no chance it would end up in the principality. Certainly not paraded around as a contest prize.
Which meant,
"You mean a counterfeit?"
"Not merely a copy in shape, but a replica that imitates some of the effects. They say it will be bestowed upon the one who takes first place this year. And by my judgment, you are a very strong contender for victory. Moreover, once in the capital, His Highness will commend you for subjugating the Soul Tree. With all that, doesn't it sound tempting?"
The Ring of Permafrost,
Even as a replica, it was intriguing. If it could reproduce even a fraction of the original's power, it would be more useful than most magic items.
Especially for an elemental mage like Verden.
Still, one payment was missing.
"If I win the contest, what do you gain, Count?"
"...Various things."
"Then I must receive separate payment from Your Excellency as well."
Count Rodenmeyer clicked his tongue.
"Sharp people really are troublesome... but fair enough. Fine, I'll pay you for that as well. On one condition: you must take first place without fail, and the payment will be after. You're not thinking of refusing even this, are you?"
Payment after, huh.
The count's credibility was solid, so there was no worry about not being paid.
'And the timing works out.'
According to the Listener, Gluttony's fang was a noble. They might very well attend the principality's delegation. Of course, they might also take the opportunity to stir up chaos elsewhere.
Whatever happened, going directly to the delegation — while getting paid for it — was far better than sitting around waiting.
Verden readily nodded.
"Very well."
"Then it's settled. We'll write the contract later. Until a message comes from the capital of the principality, stay here. I'll vacate a room for you, so use that."
Thus, Verden came to stay for a while at Count Rodenmeyer's mansion.
***
At the time of the Soul Tree's attack, the knight who had escaped from Lorian headed straight for a nearby city.
There, he delivered a report stamped with the seal of Lorian's mayor to the city's mayor and the guild master of the adventurer's guild.
Naturally, it caused a huge uproar, and opinions split into two camps: one said they must dispatch reinforcements immediately, the other argued they should cooperate with other cities and gather forces together.
Both arguments had merit.
In the former case, the reinforcements themselves risked being wiped out. In the latter, if support was delayed, Lorian might be destroyed.
In the midst of such debate, news came that the Soul Tree had been subjugated.
"What? They caught it? Really?"
"Yes, that's what they say."
The council chamber, which had been ablaze moments earlier, fell into a lull. The tension eased, and some even sent men to Lorian to confirm the truth despite receiving the report.
The result revealed that the one called the Blood Sword, Leira, along with two unidentified mages, had carried out the subjugation.
This rumor spread like wildfire through many mouths, and soon reached the capital. Later, when the mayor of Lorian submitted his report on the Soul Tree to the capital, the truth was confirmed beyond doubt.
It was only natural that the attention of the Grand Duke and the nobles would be drawn.
On the throne of the audience chamber sat the Grand Duke.
He looked at the nobles lined on either side before him, and asked,
"What do you all think?"
"Frankly, it's difficult to believe. An abnormal species said to rival a special-grade entity appeared, and yet with so little damage? It makes no sense."
Count Phardin replied.
The Grand Duke tapped the bundle of papers before him.
"Then are you saying this report is false?"
"How could anyone dare lie to Your Highness? I believe it's not false. However, surely there must be some mistake."
"Your reasoning?"
"Yes, when we investigated this so-called Soul Tree, we learned that each differs in threat level. Relying only on old records, it's difficult to measure its precise danger. Especially in such a dire situation."
At the count's words, several nobles nodded.
It wasn't without reason, so none came forth to rebut.
"And among those gathered here, surely no one is unfamiliar with the Blood Sword. The adventurer who seized overwhelming victory at last year's principality's delegation contest. Her strength was already said to have reached Mithril-rank. I believe most of you would agree."
The surrounding silence was tacit agreement.
A swordswoman who never swung more than three times in a duel. Crimson sword aura. None of the noble's chosen fighters could match her.
Many nobles even moved in secret to recruit her into their service or family. Of course, all were refused.
"Yet if we read the report, it states that it was not the Blood Sword, but a mage of unknown origin named Asher who led the subjugation. That would mean the mage possessed strength equal to or greater than hers. Honestly, who could accept that?"
The Grand Duke stroked his lips, then asked the other nobles.
"What do you think?"
"Upon inquiry, it seems this mage Asher has some history. In the Pythe territory, he eliminated former Gold-rank adventurer thieves. In the Viron territory, together with a Platinum-rank adventurer butcher, he subjugated the Wailing Knight. Afterwards, he has been working under the information broker Pale. He also rescued Viscount Bailon, aide to Count Rodenmeyer."
"Still, even if his recent exploits in Gray are acknowledged, even if he had many more such feats, he cannot be compared to the Blood Sword."
"That is true, but..."
"And they say he uses elemental magic of four or more attributes, above the 4th tier. That a mage with such talent suddenly appeared like a hero to save Lorian? What is this, some ridiculous novel? Isn't that what you all think?"
As Count Phardin spoke, the nobles murmured.
Then, the one who had been silent, Marquis Gardran, opened his mouth.
"Your Highness, then why not summon this mage to the delegation? If it is true he subjugated the Soul Tree, he deserves to be commended. And since the Blood Sword participated last year, she cannot this year, so perhaps bestow a reward through the adventurer's guild."
It was all but formalities.
Before they knew it, everyone was focused on the name Asher.
In truth, this was all the Grand Duke's will.
To further enliven the delegation, there must be an appropriate topic. With one eloquent count stirring the air, it was easy to set the mood.
Look at the noble's eyes.
They were full of deep curiosity about the mage.
The Grand Duke asked,
"Do you all agree with the marquis?"
"Yes, Your Highness!"
All those in the audience chamber responded in unison.
By the look of things, this year's delegation, like last year's, would be lively.
"A unanimous vote, it has been a while. Marquis Gardran."
"You called, sire?"
"Mobilize the airship."
One who had given such great aid to the principality could not be summoned with a mere letter. Since it had come to this, he intended to make a grand show of it.
That was the Grand Duke's plan.
And so, the moment it was confirmed that Verden was staying at Count Rodenmeyer's mansion,
A massive ship bearing the flag of the principality rose into the sky.
***
Until word came from the capital, Verden remained at Count Rodenmeyer's mansion.
Extremely refined meals, suited to selective tastes. Though Verden was no noble, he had enough cultivation to share the table with the count, and so they dined together each time.
Their tastes weren't all that different, so far from dissatisfied, Verden was quite content.
'Though a little uncomfortable.'
Verden wondered how to spend his remaining time.
Now that he was here, taking requests from Pale seemed somewhat troublesome.
So Verden went to see Captain of the Knights, Balkan.
"You want to train with us?"
"Is it not possible?"
"No, well, not impossible, but..."
Could a mage keep up with knight's training?
Normally, impossible. Time spent building stamina was better used researching magic. Rather than exhausting himself running, a mage would simply use flight.
Balkan pondered briefly, then nodded.
Adding one more to the training was no problem. Besides, he was certain Verden would drop out halfway.
No matter how exceptional, in the end he was still a mage.
But Balkan's expectation was wrong.
Though slower than the knights, Verden endured the stamina training to the end.
Moreover, he picked up a spear from the training weapons, and joined the sparring.
Without using a shred of magic, relying purely on physical skill.
It wasn't spear technique, but more like staff technique, so technically lacking, yet his sense was unnaturally sharp.
Even seasoned knights, unless they used aura, could only subdue him after dozens of exchanges.
Reflexes and physique beyond what could be understood for a mage.
Balkan muttered to Clark beside him.
"Do mages fight like that these days?"
"Of course not. That mage is the strange one."
Magic circles, elemental magic, martial skill, imbued magic — a mage proficient in all at a high level. Once, Balkan had envied such talent, but now he no longer did.
That was simply a genius of another kind. And so, his heart felt lighter.
Thus, weeks passed.
Becoming more adept at martial skill, Verden incorporated it into his fighting style. Staff in hand, he engaged in near-real combat sparring with the knights, until eventually, he could even cross blades evenly with veteran knights of the Rodron order.
Of course, he never neglected his magical training in the meantime.
A madman for self-development.
That was how every knight who trained with Verden described him.
Then, one day, far off among the white clouds, a massive shadow stirred.
Slowly lowering altitude, its form revealed.
A single airship, bearing the flag of the principality.
One of the five airships owned by the royal house of the Principality of Riviant.
In the garden, Count Rodenmeyer sipped his tea, and smiled faintly.
"They've come in style."