Chapter 357 – A Spectacle Worth Witnessing (1)
Hubert’s words left the elders with a reluctant expression.
“Vanessa…?”
“Yes, Vanessa. The same Vanessa who is said to have reached the 6th Circle.”
At that, everyone wore downcast expressions. Even Hubert, who had brought up Vanessa, looked similarly defeated.
The rumors about Vanessa had reached their ears too. Claude had been spreading those rumors far and wide to lure in other mages, so it was impossible not to hear them.
Although her name wasn’t explicitly revealed, it wasn’t exactly a secret either. Even nominally, the Crimson Flame Tower, which had a branch in the Fenris Estate, could easily identify the 6th-Circle mage’s identity.
“Ugh… She was just a maid. How on earth did she become a 6th-Circle mage?”
Hubert muttered gloomily, and the elders shared the same dismal mood.
“What kind of means did the Count of Fenris employ?”
“She couldn’t even sense mana back then.”
“And her growth speed is absurd. Reaching a level that’s unattainable even with a lifetime of effort.”
Even though it had been quite some time since Vanessa had followed Ghislain, it still seemed impossible for her to reach the 6th Circle in that period.
But after numerous confirmations, there was no denying that she had indeed achieved it.
After all, many had witnessed Vanessa’s exploits in the war against Count Desmond.
The rumors that the Crimson Flame Tower lacked the ability to spot talent circulated widely after they let such a genius slip through their fingers.
The elders sighed heavily before moving on to another topic.
“Then should we ask to borrow just Vanessa?”
Hubert scowled at the suggestion.
“That bastard Alfoi is still stuck at the 3rd Circle, isn’t he?”
“Yes, it’s a complete embarrassment.”
Though Alfoi was now half-abandoned, he had once been considered a promising talent at the tower. Yet, the supposed successor of the tower was still stuck at the 3rd Circle.
He spent all day working on construction projects, so it wasn’t surprising, but still, the fact that the tower’s heir was less capable than a former maid was mortifying.
Even if people openly mocked the Crimson Flame Tower for its poor judgment, there was no way to refute it.
“That guy is going to stay there for the rest of his life anyway. Let’s strip him of his successor title soon.”
The elders nodded in agreement. Frankly, those stationed there were practically outsiders now.
Calling them a branch was a stretch they were merely people sent there to maintain a relationship with Ghislain.
“Vanessa alone should suffice. If we have her, at least we won’t lose completely in the duel, right? Let’s settle for an appropriate level of humiliation.”
The Scarlet Tower seemed intent on completely disgracing them, likely bringing their most skilled disciples.
There was no need to take the duel too seriously. If they weren’t careful, their disciples could suffer severe injuries or even die.
“There’s no one among their disciples who can beat Vanessa. We’ll save her for the final round and secure at least one victory. That way, we can protect our own disciples.”
After the trouble caused by the Scarlet Tower, Hubert had become a much more pragmatic person.
The elders also nodded in agreement.
Vanessa wasn’t officially affiliated with the Crimson Flame Tower anymore, but guest mages were allowed to participate in tower duels. Among mages, connections were considered a skill in their own right.
Because of this, wandering mages temporarily staying at a tower could join if they wished.
The event itself was originally meant to forge relationships between various mages. Enlightening experiences often came from such duels.
Moreover, since Vanessa was originally from the Crimson Flame Tower, the arrangement didn’t look too bad.
“Is it too late to invite mages from other regions?”
“Yes. How would we persuade them and bring them here in time? Meanwhile, those bastards from the Scarlet Tower would keep pestering us.”
“Ugh… those sons of bitches. Just you wait.”
Hubert ground his teeth. This time, they might let it go with minor humiliation, but next time, they wouldn’t let it slide.
For Hubert, even deciding to accept this level of disgrace had required a significant resolve. A step backward for two steps forward, as they say.
Unless an all-out war broke out later, it wasn’t worth escalating matters now. Strengthening the tower was the priority.
Hubert believed that enduring a brief moment of humiliation would allow them to grow stronger and eventually put pressure on the Scarlet Tower.
With the food and runestones supplied by Ghislain, he was confident they could eventually crush the Scarlet Tower.
Having made their decision, Hubert and the elders packed up gifts and set off to meet Ghislain.
* * *
“Hmm, a duel event, you say… So, you’re asking to borrow ‘our’ Vanessa as a guest mage?”
“Yes, exactly. If the Count could grant us just a little favor, it would save us some face…”
Hubert wiped the glistening sweat from his forehead repeatedly as he spoke.
Unlike in the past, when he could lower his tone, it was now difficult even to match Ghislain as the Master of the Tower.
It would have been different if it were an ordinary lord, but this was none other than the most powerful grand lord in the north and the noble most favored by the Royal Faction.
No matter how high his position as the Tower Master, Hubert had no choice but to take a step back.
Ghislain, observing Hubert’s anxious demeanor, crossed his legs and spoke.
“Oh, why so tense between us? Is it because it’s been a while since we last met?”
“Ah, well… yes, it seems to be because it’s been some time.”
‘Damn it! This is why I didn’t want to come!’
Hubert had known him since he was just a fledgling dragging around mercenaries, but now the gap between them had grown too vast. Hubert, who was quite narrow-minded, couldn’t help but feel disheartened.
Still, he couldn’t let his displeasure show when he had come to make a request. He forced an awkward smile, just like the elders, and said:
“Ah, in any case, surely you can help ‘between us,’ can’t you?”
“Oh, come on. I already sell you food and runestones at a discount, and now you want to borrow her for free?”
Hubert quickly pulled out a box from his belongings.
“I’ve brought a modest gift. It’s something of considerable value.”
The box Hubert revealed was an extremely ornate jewelry box, so encrusted with gems that it was hard to tell whether it was meant to store the jewels inside or outside.
“…You’re still collecting these, I see?”
“Well, don’t you think they’re beautiful?”
When Ghislain didn’t seem particularly impressed, Hubert was flustered. How could he not like something so expensive and beautiful? For Hubert, it was incomprehensible.
Even so, Ghislain nonchalantly took the jewelry box and continued.
“Well, I suppose I can do that for you, between us. But there’s one condition.”
“Wh-what is it?”
Hubert and the elders swallowed nervously. Ghislain’s conditions were never simple.
But Ghislain’s response was unexpected.
“May I observe as well?”
“Observe?”
“Yes, I’d like to see the mages’ duel for myself.”
“Hmm…”
Hubert scratched his head.
The exchange meeting was traditionally an event exclusively for mages. Even nobles couldn’t intrude freely.
However, there were precedents, albeit rare, where nobles had participated.
With the elders giving him meaningful looks, Hubert quickly nodded.
“Let’s do that! Please feel free to attend, Count. Just… try not to stand out too much, alright? Keep it subtle, you know?”
“Of course. I’ve always been curious about the mage exchange meetings I’ve only heard about.”
For Hubert, this was a fortunate outcome. That monstrous man hadn’t demanded anything particularly outrageous.
As Hubert felt quietly relieved, Ghislain casually asked:
“By the way… do you really think the Master of the Scarlet Tower will simply duel and leave?”
“What do you mean?”
“He’s a 7th-Circle mage, isn’t he? What if he loses his mind and decides to kill everyone there?”
Hubert burst into laughter, clutching his stomach.
“Hahaha! Count, you’re famous for being fearless, but you seem more worried than I am. That will never happen.”
“Why not?”
“No matter how competitive tower duels are, there are lines that cannot be crossed. Sure, he might use the pretense of the duel to kill a few disciples… but it won’t go beyond that.”
Hubert composed himself and continued.
“Think about it. Even if the lords don’t usually interfere in disputes between towers, they wouldn’t ignore something as catastrophic as that. Our tower is under the protection of the Marquis of Brivant, who is part of the Royal Faction.”
“Hmm…”
Ghislain nodded. The Marquis of Brivant was one of the lords the Royal Faction had initially chosen to support before shifting their focus to Ghislain.
Although Ghislain had snatched that position midway, the Marquis remained a trusted noble within the faction.
The Brivant Estate heavily relied on the taxes generated by the tower. If the Scarlet Tower suddenly wiped out the Crimson Flame Tower?
Considering that both were prominent towers rather than minor ones, it wouldn’t simply end as “one tower perished in a dispute.”
The Royal Faction would undoubtedly place intense political pressure on the Scarlet Tower and launch a thorough investigation.
Unless the Scarlet Tower wanted to cease all trade in the north entirely, it wouldn’t dare commit such madness.
“Moreover, if they did such a thing, they’d be condemned by every mage in the kingdom. Everyone would become wary or hostile toward the Scarlet Tower. It wouldn’t be in their favor at all.”
“What if they’re willing to bear the consequences for such madness?”
Ghislain posed a question, to which Hubert replied with an expression brimming with confidence.
“The exchange meeting will take place on our grounds. No matter how strong Delmud is, he won’t be able to take on all of us.”
While differences in skill due to circle levels were absolute, the power of sheer numbers couldn’t be ignored. The Crimson Flame Tower had a 6th-circle mage, five 5th-circle mages, and hundreds of disciples at their disposal.
There would be significant damage, but Hubert was confident they could win if they fought from their home base.
Of course, if an actual fight broke out, both sides would inevitably be ruined. Hubert firmly believed such a scenario wouldn’t come to pass.
“And… if the Count is spectating, won’t Delmud tread carefully? He’s only trying to dampen our momentum and embarrass us with this display.”
“I see.”
Ghislain nodded in agreement.
As expected, Hubert knew nothing. A civil war was inevitable anyway what difference did it make whether they faced political pressure from the Royal Faction or earned the hostility and caution of other mages?
The Ducal family had already decided to wipe out those who disobeyed.
The fact that the Scarlet Tower had taken direct action meant the Ducal family was now fully preparing for civil war.
Hubert didn’t understand this and was judging the situation by the norms of ordinary times.
Ghislain merely nodded. There was no need to argue, as he planned to go regardless.
“Understood. Then we shall include Vanessa as a guest mage. Oh, and… would it be alright if Alfoi didn’t join us?”
“Alfoi? We don’t need him. What good is a talentless 3rd-circle mage like him?”
“….”
Ghislain clicked his tongue at Hubert’s dismissive attitude toward Alfoi, treating him like a discarded relic of the mage tower. Although Alfoi was a frustrating individual, he had made significant contributions here.
It seemed like it was time to adjust perceptions.
“I’ll add one more condition.”
“What is it?”
“Let Alfoi participate in the competition. He is, after all, the successor of the tower. Such experience should be essential for him, don’t you think?”
“Hmm…”
Hubert hesitated. He had been pondering when to strip Alfoi of his successor status, yet now he was being asked to let him participate as the successor. After a moment of thought, Hubert nodded.
“Alright. It doesn’t matter who participates, after all.”
In order to minimize losses, Hubert had no intention of sending truly outstanding disciples into the competition. Adding Alfoi wouldn’t make much difference.
The only reason Alfoi hadn’t been excluded outright was his current status as the successor of the mage tower.
‘He’s bound to lose, and it’ll be a huge embarrassment. Oh well.’
Hubert didn’t care about the loss itself, but the successor being defeated could tarnish their reputation significantly.
Still, Vanessa’s participation offered some consolation. If they secured even one win, it would be something.
Once he had Ghislain’s approval, Hubert immediately accepted the exchange meeting proposal. As soon as he did, the Scarlet Tower ceased their provocations toward the Crimson Flame Tower.
“I knew it. Just wait and see. I’ll let this one slide for now.”
Hubert threw himself into preparing for the exchange meeting. However, his preparations were far from conventional.
Since the opposition’s aim was to disgrace them through a head-on clash, there was no need for elaborate arrangements. All they needed was a spacious venue ready for immediate combat.
Finally, the agreed-upon day arrived, and the mages of the Scarlet Tower came to visit the Crimson Flame Tower.
Delmud led the group, bringing along two elders and nearly fifty disciples.
Seeing this, Hubert’s eyebrows twitched.
‘Look at that. They’ve brought that many?’
The Scarlet Tower had just over a hundred disciples. Bringing half of them wasn’t just excessive; it went beyond the scope of a simple competition.
Of course, Hubert had prepared a similar number on his end, just in case.
‘They can’t seriously mean to escalate this into a full-scale conflict, can they?’
Surprised by their numbers, Hubert’s expression briefly hardened before he forced himself to relax.
‘With Count Fenris here, what could possibly happen? Once they see the Count, they’ll tread cautiously.’
Hubert remained blissfully naive. Delmud, however, had an entirely different mindset.
“Today, the Crimson Flame Tower falls.’
Delmud wasted no time and directly addressed Hubert upon arrival.
‘It’s been a while, Hubert.”
“Yes, it has, Delmud.”
Sparks flew between their gazes.
The two had crossed paths a few times in their younger days. Even back then, their rival towers had not been on good terms. As the promising successor of a thriving tower, Hubert had outright dismissed Delmud.
Now, however, Delmud had grown stronger, and Hubert’s pride was far from intact.
“Since we all know each other, there’s no need for formalities, is there? Everything’s ready for an immediate fight.”
“You’re perceptive.”
Delmud sneered slightly and glanced around. His eyes soon landed on a particularly irritating figure seated indifferently in the place of honor.
With a frosty gaze, Delmud asked Hubert, “Who is that?”
Hubert grinned smugly in response.
“Ah, it’s your first time seeing him, I suppose. Let me introduce you. That is none other than Count Fenris, currently the most influential man in the North. We’ve invited him as a spectator.”
“Count Fenris?”
Delmud’s eyes widened in surprise. Seeing this reaction, Hubert smirked inwardly.
‘Heh, shocked, aren’t you? No matter what you were planning, you can’t act recklessly now.’
While Delmud was indeed surprised, his thoughts diverged entirely from Hubert’s expectations. Inside, he was thrilled.
‘Today, Count Fenris dies as well.’
A deadly gleam filled Delmud’s eyes.