Chapter 667

Time to Learn Some Magic? (2)

"This is my hometown. I’ve worked with the merchant guild for a long time, so most of the people here know me. And I know many of the residents too."

“I led the merchant guild throughout the territory, visiting all sorts of places. Especially since we dealt mainly in daily necessities, there was no way the people wouldn’t know me.”

"I know very well how they live. Most of them live in poverty."

Baron Magrel was a greedy lord. He imposed excessive taxes and tried to snatch away anything he could from others.

Naturally, people under such a lord couldn’t possibly live well. Everyone was suffering, crushed under the burden of heavy taxes.

"I may not have the talent of a merchant prodigy, but I’ve lived as one long enough. I’ve seen firsthand the problems plaguing this land."

Once he got going, he found himself gaining more confidence as he continued to speak.

"Baron Magrel has hoarded a great deal of gold and food in his storage. That must first be distributed to support the worn-out residents. Only when they regain their strength can they do anything."

"And then?"

"I plan to lower the tax rate and offer loans at low interest to revitalize the market. If we do that, consumption will gradually rise."

He pointed to various spots on the map as he continued.

"I also know what each part of the territory needs, and what it lacks. I plan to repair the damaged infrastructure in the cities and villages, and build anew where things are missing."

Clearly excited, his eyes sparkled at the thought of developing the territory.

"The security here isn’t exactly great either. I’ll reinforce public safety so that both the guild and the residents can move about freely. I also plan to recruit knights and soldiers."

"Recruiting knights won’t be easy, will it?"

"At first, I’ll invite retired knights and freelance ones. If it’s to protect the territory, we mustn’t be stingy with money."

Through this ordeal, he realized that only through power could one protect what was theirs.

And to gain that power, he needed money but with a gold mine in hand, he was confident that he could solve the financial side of things.

That was why Baron Magrel had tried to crush the House of Larks before it grew any bigger.

From there, he laid out various policies and plans, all of them designed to rapidly develop the territory.

Smiling, he shared his thoughts with Ghislain.

"Although a great deal of money will be spent at the beginning, once people’s lives stabilize, it will return as greater taxes. When the residents live well, the territory will naturally prosper."

Julien, Deneb, and Kyle couldn’t help but let out gasps of admiration at Rio’s words.

They had thought he was just a simple and naive person, but in just a few days, it felt like he had completely changed.

Only then did the three of them understand why Ghislain had said Rio was more suited to be a lord than a merchant.

Ghislain, too, nodded after listening to Rio speak.

"Yes. How you earn and spend money is what determines the difference between a merchant and a lord. Don’t forget that."

Rio’s plan was flawless. All that remained was to solidify his still-unstable grip on power.

The investigation into the territory’s officials and retainers, and the process of assigning duties, took place over several days. Rio, who was well-acquainted with the affairs of the territory, carefully selected the right people.

All the traitors within the merchant guild were rounded up. Among those who remained, Rio utilized the capable ones as close aides.

After that, the wealth Baron Magrel had hoarded in his storerooms was released throughout the territory. The residents were overjoyed and sang the praises of their new lord.

"Hmm, he’s doing well. In that case, we should reinforce the foundation a bit more."

Ghislain focused on restoring discipline within the military. For Rio to govern the territory smoothly, he had to first seize control of the army.

First, they selected capable individuals and gave them military command, overhauling the existing structure. The newly appointed commanders had no choice but to swear loyalty to Rio.

Julien and Deneb were astonished by how quickly the territory was changing.

"So, this is actually possible…"

"If someone in power puts their mind to it, things can change in an instant."

With Ghislain at his back, Rio implemented all kinds of policies. Not a single person dared to oppose him.

Whenever Rio spoke, funds would be distributed that very day, and his policies were carried out immediately. So, the lives of the territory’s residents changed by the day.

After observing this for several days, the two began to understand what Ghislain had meant.

"To think this many lives could change…"

"This really is the power to change the world."

They had eliminated the evil that was Baron Magrel. And in his place now sat Rio, a man with a kind heart.

That alone brought about sweeping changes in the territory and transformed the lives of many.

Though the two had helped with various tasks while staying in the territory, it was ultimately Rio’s newly introduced policies and systems that had brought about change across the entire land.

Watching the joyful residents, Julien murmured to himself without even realizing it.

"If only we could get rid of the Demonic Abyss…"

And if people like Rio could take power and govern.

Then surely, the world could be changed.

All they needed to do was eliminate evil following Ghislain’s example and empower those who were good. That was what the two of them were best at.

Julien and Deneb, by staying with Ghislain, had gradually come to solidify their beliefs.

Ghislain stayed in the territory for a full two months, helping Rio secure his grip on power.

Once it seemed that everything was settling into place, Ghislain approached Rio and spoke.

"Now, it’s time for us to settle accounts, don’t you think?"

The original agreement had been 30% of the gold mine’s profits, but the contract was revised to be 30% of all revenue earned by the House of Larks.

And now, the House of Larks had taken over an entire territory. Which meant 30% of the income from the entire Barony of Larks would now go to Julien’s mercenary corps.

Swallowing hard, Rio asked,

"Don’t tell me… was this your goal from the beginning?"

"Of course it was. It’s a territory with a gold mine, after all."

"…"

Rio let out a hollow chuckle as he looked at Ghislain. The more he saw, the more amazing the man seemed. To come up with such a bold plan and actually succeed with it.

Had he heard the full details of this plan from the beginning, he wouldn’t have believed it and would’ve likely opposed it. Even now, he sometimes doubted whether all of this was real.

In any case, a contract was a contract. And as someone who had received a great favor, he didn’t feel reluctant to fulfill it.

If Ghislain hadn’t stepped in, Rio would’ve lost not just the territory, but everything he had.

"Understood. Of course you deserve it. I’ll give 30% of the annual tax revenue to the Julien Mercenary Corps."

At Rio’s cheerful agreement, Ghislain smiled. The rest of the Hero’s party, however, just stood there with dazed expressions.

‘W-Wow… we’re really rich now.’

‘Ghislain is incredible. He made a fortune just like that.’

‘Can we retire now? With a gold mine, we could live comfortably for life, right?’

The unfortunate truth was, they wouldn’t have much chance to enjoy spending that money anytime soon. Hellish training was still waiting for them.

At least, though, there would no longer be any financial obstacles getting in the way of their training. One thing was certain Ghislain never spared any expense when it came to training.

Then Rio tilted his head in curiosity and asked,

"By the way… you said you’d be leaving soon, so where should I send the money?"

The Julien Mercenary Corps didn’t have a base of operations. So, he had no idea how to send it.

Even if the territory was small, it had a gold mine. For now, thanks to Ghislain’s consideration, all revenue was being reinvested into developing the land but once the territory fully flourished, that 30% would become a vast sum of money.

He couldn’t possibly be expected to chase down the Julien Mercenary Corps with that massive amount every time.

Ghislain, unfazed, replied,

"Just set it aside for now. I’ll send someone whenever we need it, just withdraw the requested amount then. Deduct any transfer costs as needed."

"Understood. But wouldn’t it be inconvenient to do that every time…? Why not establish a base of operations instead? If there’s any location within the territory you’d prefer, I’ll gladly provide it."

"That’s not a bad idea. But not right now. I still need to give those guys a lot more experience."

It wasn’t time to settle down just yet. Ghislain needed to spread Julien’s name far and wide while also helping him build up his skills.

Though, this time, it had unintentionally boosted Astion's reputation more, Julien was also gradually gaining recognition for having defeated the territory’s strongest knight.

The same was true for Deneb. She had cared for the people using her divine power.

Though it was only a small amount of divine power, the people were deeply grateful. It was a blessing many might never receive in their lifetimes.

Kyle, too, gained a decent amount of recognition not quite as much as the other two but he had still defeated a knight in combat.

Thus, the three had become quite well-known figures in the newly transformed Barony of Larks.

So Ghislain made another proposal to Rio.

"Since I’m your sworn brother, then my friends are your siblings too, right? Especially Julien, treat him well, okay?"

"Of course, I will."

Rio agreed without hesitation, but Julien and Deneb flushed with embarrassment.

Forming a sworn brotherhood with the lord of a territory was far too overwhelming for countryside-born individuals like them.

Still, Rio treated Julien with utmost respect, full of sincere gratitude.

"Thanks to you, Brother, I was able to win my first match. I truly appreciate it."

"Uh, r-right… yeah…"

"And thanks to Sister, my father’s condition didn’t worsen and thank you so much for taking care of the residents as well."

"Mhm… y-you’re welcome…"

"Kyle-hyung, thank you too. Your performance in the second match was truly impressive."

"Well, that much is natural. If anyone gives you trouble, just say the word I’ll come running to set them straight."

Kyle spoke with a smug expression, and on his shoulder sat the newly revived Dark, wearing an identical smirk.

News that the Julien Mercenary Corps had formed a sworn brotherhood with Rio quickly spread. And that rumor helped further cement Rio’s authority.

Many people had witnessed the mercenary corps' capabilities. The fact that they stood with Rio gave him an immense boost in strength.

And it wasn’t just Rio who benefited. If the Julien Mercenary Corps ever needed anything, House of Larks would become their powerful backer.

It was a mutually beneficial alliance between the House of Larks and the Julien Mercenary Corps.

"Alright then, we’ll be off now. Let’s keep in touch."

Ghislain was preparing to head out to another region.

His plan was to continue building allies who would empower Julien, giving him more experience as they traveled.

Just before their departure, Rio looked at Ghislain with a curious expression and asked,

"Weren’t you a mage, Brother?"

All he had seen was Ghislain beating people with a staff rather than casting spells, but still, Ghislain insisted he was a mage.

Ghislain nodded.

"That’s right. I’m a mage. Why do you ask?"

"I was wondering… could you tell me which Magic Tower you're from? I’d like to make a donation there as a token of gratitude."

It was a sincere offer of thanks. But Ghislain blinked in confusion.

"Which Magic Tower was I from again…?"

"Excuse me?"

"Wait, just a moment."

Ghislain immediately delved into his consciousness and called out to Astion.

‘Hey, wake up.’

— Mmm… what is it?

Astion’s sleepy voice responded. Ghislain got straight to the point.

‘Did you, by any chance, study at a Magic Tower? You said you were from the countryside, right? If you learned magic from your possessors, that means there’s no tower, right?’

— That’s right… I didn’t study at any tower. I learned magic from the possessors.

‘Really? Hmm… have you ever thought of a name for a Magic Tower?’

— Of course not…

‘Then I’ll make one up for you. Let’s use that.’

— What are you talking about? Why would you suddenly name a Magic Tower? I’ve never found one! I don’t even have the skills to do that!

‘Ah, just think of it like that. If you ever build one later, use the name I came up with. Think of it as me making it in advance.’

— Hey! Why! Are you! Naming someone else’s Magic Tower without permission?!

Ghislain grinned. He was sure Astion was the founder of the Magic Tower where Jerome would one day reside. So, using that name now wouldn’t be a problem.

No, in fact, it felt like he had to use that name. If he didn’t, he might alter the future by influencing the past.

Since it had come up anyway, Ghislain decided to lock it in. He looked at Rio with a proud smile and declared,

"I’m not from any Magic Tower. But I plan to build one in the future."

"R-Really?"

"Yeah. I’m only telling you because it’s you. The name of the tower I’ll establish is…"

With a sly grin, Ghislain said,

"…the Tower of Radiance."

Thus, the name of the Magic Tower that Jerome would inherit in the future was decided here and now.

* * *

Having received a generous travel fund from Rio, the Julien Mercenary Corps also obtained sturdy horses. It was to ensure a comfortable journey.

While stroking his horse, Ghislain muttered,

"I wonder if Kong is doing well…"

He had spent a good amount of time here. But in the real world, not much time would have passed.

Which meant the Black King was probably still eating and sleeping well.

Everyone was probably worried, but Ghislain was relaxed, he had a feeling everything would be fine.

"Well, it’s not like I died or anything… they’re probably doing fine. Time flows differently here anyway."

The Salvation Church had already been annihilated, and the last dragon was dead. There were no immediate threats capable of endangering the continent.

Everyone was capable in their own right, some of the most skilled individuals on the continent. So, there was little to worry about when it came to running the kingdoms and territories.

The only thing still bothering him was the existence of the Adversary. If he were to resurrect, no one could predict how things might unfold.

"Hmm… I’ll probably wake up before then, right?"

Deneb had undoubtedly called him here to deliver some sort of message. So, he had a feeling he would awaken before the Adversary returned.

Though unintentionally, he seemed to be altering the past here and there in subtle ways.

"Alright, you’ve had it easy for a while, haven’t you?"

Training resumed during their journey. Ghislain took every chance he could to torment no, to train the three of them with intensity.

Yet unlike before, the three now accepted his teachings with open hearts.

‘I have to become strong… like Ghislain!’

‘Only then can we save the world!’

‘I’m gonna make a lot of money too!’

After everything they’d been through, they had learned a lot, especially the crucial lesson that strength was necessary to achieve their goals.

In the midst of that training, Julien asked with a worried look,

"Ghislain… are you okay?"

"Mmm… I’m fine."

Ghislain was bleeding from the nose. His complexion was visibly pale.

He had a hunch about the cause.

‘This body… can’t handle it anymore.’

Because it wasn’t his own body, the balance between his mind and the host’s physical form was beginning to collapse.

At this rate, he wouldn’t be able to stay in this body much longer.

‘I can’t leave yet. Not now.’

He still had to establish a foundation so the three could stand on their own. And he needed to understand exactly what had happened in this era.

‘No choice, then.’

After all, he was Ghislain, the one who had awakened to the will of the world and could move it.

He began to devise a way to remain in this body just a little longer.

‘Guess it’s time… to start learning magic.’

Ghislain always aimed for the top. Naturally, his goal was the 9th Circle.

At that level(?), it’d even be useful when he returned to reality.