Neither Droysen’s persistent persuasion nor threats worked on Tower Master Perido. He didn’t seem to have come with the expectation of success in the first place. Seeing him leave with a smile saying, ‘See you again tomorrow,’ made that clear.
What kind of grudge would cause someone to betray their master, who had raised and taught them for decades?
Whatever it was, Tower Master Perido had no intention of forgiving Droysen.
‘The regret of not being able to deal with that guy with my own hands.’
If only he had realized it a bit earlier, he could have dealt with him before he left the tower, but it was already too late. After Droysen left, Perido slumped back in his chair like a powerless old man.
His intentions were obvious. To visit him every day and wear him down mentally until he eventually gave in. So that Skyler Tower would recognize his achievements.
‘You wish!’
Though he vowed this in his heart, Perido had to admit that he was increasingly struggling. Not all of Droysen’s words were wrong.
While he was holding on, the tower’s debt was growing, and since it became known that Skyler Tower had targeted them, the number of clients gradually decreased.
If they continued to be helpless and go bankrupt like this, just as Droysen had said, the tower members might end up living like slaves in the workshop until the debt was paid off.
“Tower Master, you have a visitor.”
A spark of vitality returned to Perido’s eyes.
‘Right, this isn’t over yet.’
A few days ago, the Mage Association had sent a visit request. After investigating, he confirmed it wasn’t an envoy influenced by the Skyler Association, so he decided to meet them after some consideration.
‘Was it Mage Dario?’
They had asked to bring along one guest, which he permitted, but he didn’t expect much. The possibility of someone in the kingdom willing to go against a major tower power like Skyler and help Perido Tower was slim.
“Excuse us.”
The door opened, and a slightly bald mage and a young-looking man entered.
‘Ho.’
Perido, who had become numb to most things, couldn’t hide his admiration upon seeing the young man.
‘Is that truly a human face and body?’
Without exaggeration, he was the most dazzling person Perido had met in over 70 years. Moreover, his well-toned muscles and physical proportions were perfect even in the eyes of a mage.
He seemed to possess a divinely gifted appearance and physique. But the admiration stopped there.
‘Unfortunately, it seems he hasn’t received the blessing of mana.’
As he couldn’t feel any mana from his body, Perido quickly lost interest and addressed the mage from the association.
“While I appreciate your visit, as you know, the tower’s situation isn’t good. May I ask the purpose of your visit?”
In response to his direct question, Mage Dario hesitated momentarily before replying.
“I express my regret regarding the situation at your tower. On a personal note, I’m sorry that the association couldn’t be of greater help.”
After offering a customary greeting and apology, Dario introduced Raul.
“This is Viscount Raul de Ashton from the Ruben Kingdom. It was actually at his request that we visited your tower today.”
“Thank you for allowing the visit, despite it being late.”
When Raul slightly bowed his head, Tower Master Perido returned the gesture appropriately and then asked, “What brings a viscount from another country to our tower? Please note that we’re not accepting any new Power Armor orders due to our circumstances.”
Though he said this, Perido was slightly surprised and curious.
‘A viscount at such a young age. Ashton… sounds familiar.’
“I happened to learn about the situation at Perido Tower. If it’s not too presumptuous, I’d like to discuss it with you. I believe there are aspects where I might be able to help.”
‘Hmm.’
A young noble from another country. Not exactly someone trustworthy, and it was a bit uncomfortable to discuss the tower’s situation with an outsider.
However, the frequent visits from Droysen had left him frustrated, and there wasn’t much to hide as most people who should know already did.
“Well, if it’s just for a moment.”
Thus began a conversation that lasted a while between Tower Master Perido and Raul.
After some time had passed, “So, you’re saying you want to take over our Perido Tower?”
“Yes. The reason I’ve come to Cristillen is to take over the tower. If you allow it, I will take full responsibility and resolve all the sordid issues surrounding the tower.”
Raul’s confident words only made Tower Master Perido more skeptical. This matter was entangled with one of the three major powers of the kingdom.
And although the exact amount wasn’t stated, the debt the tower was under was not something a mere viscount could handle.
‘I commend his youthful spirit, but this is impossible.’
Even if he believed Raul’s words, the problems were mountainous. Moreover, Perido had no intention of selling the tower, not even a little.
Especially not to a foreigner. Frankly, he had never set foot outside the Leslie Kingdom at his age. Starting anew in a foreign land wasn’t a pleasant thought.
And more importantly, “I’m sorry, but I cannot accept it. A magic tower is a sanctuary and cradle for mages. A tower operated by a layperson cannot be called a magic tower.”
No matter how secular and commercialized magic towers had become, there were lines that needed to be maintained.
Tower Master Perido could not tolerate the idea of his magic tower falling into the hands of someone who didn’t understand magic.
Despite Perido’s refusal, Raul didn’t seem disappointed.
“Is that so? Then I don’t think there will be any problem.”
“What do you mean…?”
Just as Perido was about to snap at Raul, who, from his bearing, had clearly received knight training.
Fwoosh.
Two massive fireballs, the size of human heads, appeared above Raul’s palms, blazing fiercely.
“…!”
“Good heavens. Viscount Raul, you can use magic too?”
Tower Master Perido froze in shock, and Department Head Dario gasped with wide eyes.
‘Double casting Fireball! At least 4th, no, 5th circle level? No, more than that….’
The intense mana aura and unknown power Perido had sensed briefly. The fact that Raul had concealed it so naturally that Perido hadn’t noticed it initially.
‘A practitioner more capable than me? At that age?’
Finally, Perido understood the source of Raul’s confidence and audacity. The young viscount before him was a monster.
One whose depths were unfathomable. Realizing this, Perido couldn’t dismiss Raul’s words lightly.
“How about it? If this isn’t enough to make me Tower Master, isn’t it at least enough to run a magic tower?”
Raul asked calmly, though he was inwardly breaking into a cold sweat.
「Concentrate more! Don’t mess it up. Hey, your mana cohesion is wavering.」
Rabel was bombarding him with nagging advice in his head.
If he had cast the spell using a skill, it would have been easier, but showcasing such a trick before a true magic expert like the tower master would only arouse suspicion, not recognition.
Thus, Raul had to cast the magic personally, even though he hadn’t completely mastered it yet.
‘Luckily, I just need to manifest it.’
Although Fireball boasted fearsome power, by the time it reached the target, it would be nothing more than a half-baked match flame.
In any case, Raul’s show seemed to have worked. The expression of surprise and admiration briefly appeared on Tower Master Perido’s face, which had been stoic the entire time.
Perido seemed slightly shaken after grasping a bit of Raul’s capability. Yet Raul couldn’t extract the response he desired from him. Despite Raul’s skills, there were too many impediments to accepting his proposal hastily.
“I’m sorry, but this matter is too heavy to decide on the spot. If you give me some time, I will consider it and get back to you.”
Thus, the first meeting between Raul and Tower Master Perido came to an end.
***
“What do you think? Do you think the Tower Master will contact us again?”
When Rabel asked, Raul stroked his chin for a moment, lost in thought, then shrugged.
“Well, it depends on the situation. But I think he probably will.”
“He seemed stubborn. What if he never contacts us?”
“Then we have to make sure he does. It’s too good an opportunity to miss out on.”
However, Raul judged that even without his intervention, Tower Master Perido would not be able to refuse the hand Raul extended. And it wouldn’t take long to confirm Perido’s answer either.
‘Those who have laid claim to Perido Tower must have already noticed my presence.’
No hunter wants to lose prey they’ve captured to another predator. And a desperate hunter is prone to making mistakes. Raul was just waiting for that moment to come.
***
“Tower Master! We have a big problem! The Ketna Trading Company has refused to extend the loan deadline.”
“What? They said just a few days ago that they would extend it!”
Perido himself had personally met with the branch manager to ask for leniency. What could have possibly happened for things to change so abruptly?
Just then, another mage burst into the room, breathless, and spoke.
“Major trouble! All five Power Armors that were ordered have been canceled. As a result, the production line is currently at a standstill. What should we do?”
“What? How could they cancel it with such high penalties? Have you contacted the client?”
“Yes, but…”
Realizing the situation, Perido gritted his teeth.
‘Those madmen. Do they really want to end this?’
Skyler Tower, which had so far only issued warnings through Droysen, had started to take direct action. A trading company that had done business with them for decades had succumbed to Skyler Tower’s threats.
The clients who had placed orders canceled them, tempted by Skyler Tower’s offer to cover the penalty fees and sell Power Armors at a cheaper price.
Although receiving the penalty fees wouldn’t mean a complete loss, they needed the final payment from the sales to even repay the interest.
Given the situation, even if they forced the completion of the Power Armors, it seemed impossible to sell them at their proper value.
Perido had thought that they could hold out and find a way if they endured a bit longer, but once Skyler Tower moved in earnest, there was no room left for such hopes.
“What should we do, Tower Master?”
The mages looking at him were shadowed with deep despair. Seeing his family, in all but name, suffering, Perido realized he could no longer hold onto his own stubborn thoughts.
‘This is it. I never thought the day would come when I would have to hand over the tower with my own hands….’
He finally accepted the reality that he had no choice but to let go of the magic tower.
“Send messengers to Leopard Tower and Cornelius Tower immediately. Tell them I wish to meet their masters.”
“Leopard and Cornelius?”
“Yes. Given the situation, we have no choice but to seek their help. Hurry.”
“Yes, Tower Master!”
Seeking their help was almost the same as handing over the tower.
Even if Perido the Tower Master was not very interested in worldly affairs, he was well aware of the recent happenings within the kingdom.
The massive predators were expanding their territories in preparation for the power struggle surrounding the throne. It was saddening to think he had to walk straight into their maws, but it was inevitable.
‘Skyler Tower! I will never hand this place over to you!’
If the tower had to be handed over, he planned to give it to Skyler Tower’s competitors. And with the ‘new technology’ he had discovered, they would not treat him poorly.
Unfortunately, Viscount Raul’s proposal was not yet being considered by Tower Master Perido.
‘Alright. Given how things have turned out, let’s negotiate in a way that minimizes the damage to the tower’s family. Maybe I can preserve the tower’s name.’
Perido tried to comfort himself with these thoughts as he envisioned a new future. But being buried in the tower, he remained unaware. The world was not such a simple place.
(To be continued)