313 – The fishing is going well. (2)
The brigade is an independent military organization. In other words, Ghislaine’s words meant that they would create an army composed solely of mages.
After staring at Ghislaine momentarily with a blank expression, Claude spoke up.
“Whether it’s the research institute or the brigade… how are we supposed to do that? Officially, we only have one mage in our territory.”
The mages in the Penris Territory have a somewhat ambiguous status.
Officially, they are cooperative mages dispatched from the Tower of the Bloody Flame, and unofficially, they are Ghislaine’s contract slaves.
Therefore, they couldn’t publicly step forward. After all, they are officially affiliated with the Mage Tower.
If it became known that the Tower was actively participating in territorial wars, it would cause major trouble.
Of course, even now, it’s essentially a case of closed eyes and open ears, but that’s just how it is with justifications. As long as they don’t do it overtly, it’s fine.
Ghislaine nodded and continued speaking.
“Right now, there’s only Vanessa. The others… we can just do it like we are now. Doing construction and fighting too.”
“…….”
“And some fortress mages are slowly starting to come to our territory, right? Seems like they’re all just poking around to see if there’s something to eat.”
“That’s true. Rumors are spreading about a 6th Circle Mage being around.”
After the war with Desmond, rumors began to circulate about a 6th Circle Mage in Penris.
Many people saw Willow, a 6th Circle Mage, struggling with her magic.
It would be strange if rumors didn’t spread, considering the Kingdom Army had come this far.
“It’s not common to find a 6th Circle Mage, is it? Even if she’s half-baked, that doesn’t matter to the people.”
Reaching the 6th Circle is a realm where one could potentially rise to the head of the Mage Tower. Therefore, the nobles were desperate to find out who that mage was.
Even magicians without affiliations began to trickle into Penris.
While some were wandering the world to gain experience, most were those with no talent or opportunity, stuck in their current state.
That’s why they came to Penris to receive even a little guidance from a 6th Circle Mage.
Being able to meet a 6th Circle Mage wasn’t something you could do easily.
Ghislaine nodded in agreement with Claude’s words.
“Exactly, so let’s gather them. Then we’ll have more mages, right? We need to expand our magical forces somehow.”
There’s a limit to what they can gain from the Mage Tower. The Tower wouldn’t give them any more resources.
However, to fight against the Duke Faction and the Great Lords, expanding their magical forces was essential. They probably have many more powerful mages than Desmond.
Duke Faction’s mage, Eloise, has reached the 7th Circle, and the head of the Crimson Tower, who is allied with them, is also at the 7th Circle.
They needed to quickly raise Vanessa’s status and increase the number of mages.
Claude understood what she meant. But what needs to be done and what can actually be done are different.
“Um, but do you think they’ll be willing to affiliate with our territory? Those who were chased away due to lack of talent might agree, but those who prefer to roam freely will likely refuse. You know how mages can be with their pride and bad temper.”
“Do you think a 6th Circle Mage would turn down the chance to teach just because of that? Plus, if we offer a generous reward, it’d be hard for them to resist.”
“That’s true, that would indeed be tempting. Mages are thirsty for status elevation. We just need to hide that Vanessa is a half-baked mage.”
“Exactly. If they become affiliated with the territory, we’ll provide them all with Mana Convergence Circles.”
“Hey, can you start saving some money? We’re running low because we’ve been using too many runestones.”
“When it’s time to spend, we need to spend big. Let’s get ready to promote that content everywhere.”
“Ugh… what about the mages at the tower?”
“Let’s just stick to living like this. Happy together.”
“…Alright then.”
Claude just gave up on persuading them. What did he care about the tower’s situation? Whether they got caught and faced ruin was none of his business.
The busy dwarves and mages were dragged in to start more construction work again.
Alfoy, who had become a twisted mess after 60 years as a slave, was cursing non-stop.
“Seriously, why isn’t this job done yet! This damn territory! This hellish territory! How do they see me, the man who defeated a god!”
Galbarik looked at Alfoy and said, “But this building is supposedly for the mages, right? They’re spending a ridiculous amount of money to build it.”
“Hmph! If they want to keep me around, they better put in that much effort, don’t you think?”
Alfoy convinced himself that he was allowed to live because of the respect he commanded, definitely not because he was stuck as a slave.
This new building was indeed extraordinary. It had personal accommodations for many mages and a dedicated training area.
In addition to a massive library of magic, it was filled with various amenities.
Naturally, all the magical treatments for these facilities were led by Vanessa.
The dwarves were also putting extra care into this building like never before. Ghislaine had emphasized the importance of this structure several times.
As Alfoy gazed up at the increasing height of the building, he muttered, “It looks great, but… doesn’t it resemble a mage tower? Is this really our lodging?”
It was not just resembling; no matter how you looked at it, it was clearly a mage tower. Before the building was even completed, Ghislaine gathered everyone together and said:
“You all must have been wondering what this building is. It’s quite extravagant for mage accommodations. Anyway, it’s known that more mages are visiting our territory, right?”
Everyone nodded. Even during construction, rumors about the 6th Circle Mage were spreading wider and wider.
Belinda frowned slightly and said, “But what do we do with those who come? We’re already giving them accommodations, but they keep begging to meet the 6th Circle Mage. Two more showed up today!”
The wandering mages couldn’t meet Vanessa.
There was no way they could let just anyone meet the territory’s greatest secret weapon. Their identity needed to remain a secret.
Thus, the mages couldn’t leave the territory and were just sitting there like a puppy with to-go-outside syndrome, only putting in requests to meet her.
They were living under the strict control and surveillance of the Penris Army. Even a low-tier mage could bring disaster upon commoners if something went wrong.
Ghislaine began explaining that.
“The building we are constructing is the Penris Magic Research Institute. And the person in charge is now Vanessa.”
Vanessa gasped in surprise upon hearing this.
“Me?”
“Yeah, you’re the highest 6th Circle Mage in the territory, so it’s natural for you to be in charge of the research institute.”
While this was the truth, the bashful Vanessa turned bright red.
“Wait a second! Why wouldn’t I be the head? Huh?”
Alfoy jumped in, but Ghislaine shook her head.
“You’re the Branch Leader of the Tower of the Bloody Flame. This is the Penris Magic Research Institute.”
“Um….”
Upon reflection, that made sense. It seemed like the affiliations were becoming increasingly tangled, but Alfoy had no choice but to back down.
“And we’ll start recruiting mages in earnest. First, let’s try to persuade the mages who come to our territory. We plan to have them stay at the research institute.”
“I’m thinking of having you all stay at the lab now.”
“Wait! Wasn’t it supposed to be our own quarters?”
As Alfoy interjected, Ghislaine nodded.
“We’ll also use it as accommodation. All the mages will stay there to research magic together and train, while also helping the territory. In battles, they’ll act as a magic battalion.”
Everyone was shocked by the term ‘magic battalion.’ It meant they were now seriously treating the mages as a strategic force.
Alfoy stuttered, “But… does that mean we’re included too?”
“That’s right.”
“Isn’t that… the Mage Tower?”
Ghislaine replied without blinking.
“No, it’s the Penris Magic Research Lab.”
“That’s the Mage Tower! We can’t be doing that!”
So, the mages who already belonged to one group would be joining another led by a different magician? And they were supposed to research and train magic together?
Helping out is one thing, but seriously participating is something else entirely. If the Tower of the Bloody Flame found out, it would be chaos.
Still, that level might be manageable. They could make excuses about exchanging knowledge.
But a magic battalion? They’d always participated in wars secretly until now. If they officially listed a specialized unit, it could potentially stir up trouble from the previous wars.
This really meant everyone was signing their death warrant.
Yet Ghislaine confidently stated, “It’s not the Mage Tower, it’s a magic research lab.”
“That’s still the Mage Tower! You can’t let that happen!”
“It’s a magic research lab. The combat will only take place for defense, so there’s no need to worry.”
Well, that was slightly better. If they claimed they were helping the territory defensively, it would be easier to excuse.
But Alfoy was no fool; he had survived the harshest challenges at Penris. He wouldn’t just let those statements slide.
“…So attacking isn’t the best defense, right?”
“……”
“Answer me.”
Ghislaine didn’t reply and instead looked at Claude, asking, “When will the Slave Trader come?”
“……”
Claude fell silent, and so did Alfoy; everyone was hushed.
Once things quieted down, Ghislaine continued.
“The mages belonging to our territory will now learn magic formally from Vanessa. Helping the territory is important, but they need to improve their skills quickly. Everything necessary will be supported by the territory.”
Vanessa was taken aback by the statement.
“Me?”
“Yes, now you’ll teach the mages magic. Everyone needs to level up.”
“How can I take on such a big task…?”
“No, you can do it. You’re the one with the highest circle in this territory, right? Plus, your explanations… you’re the best at that.”
Everyone nodded in agreement. If they asked Vanessa something, they were guaranteed to listen to at least an hour’s worth of explanation.
Vanessa enjoyed studying and deconstructing magic more than anyone else. Hence, she could explain it easily and comprehensively.
If the mages dedicated themselves to research and training, their skills would improve quickly.
Now that a decision had been made, only the tasks ahead remained. Although Vanessa shyly expressed her reluctance, Ghislaine wouldn’t have any of it.
Thus, the Penris Magic Research Lab was established, with Vanessa as the head.
“Oh, and the commander of the magic battalion will be Vanessa, but Lowell will assist as the staff officer.”
Lowell was also taken aback.
“Me? I’m already so busy!”
“It’s just a role to give advice during wartime. Don’t stress about it.”
“Hm……”
Even though Vanessa was the commander, she lacked military insight. Someone trained in military science needed to support her.
A military strategist was supposed to assist him.
Ghislaine was planning to reorganize the military formation soon. Until now, Ghislaine had been leading everything by himself, but it had grown to the point where he needed to delegate authority.
After the establishment of the magic research institute, meetings with wandering mages began to be scheduled one by one.
Ghislaine called for Claude and said,
“Listen well, don’t send any of the mages here out of the territory.”
“Huh? Why? Should I keep them locked up?”
“No, no. Convince them somehow to join our territory. You can do that, right?”
“…Why do I have to do that? Can’t you just do it, Lord? I’m super busy here.”
“No, you’re the most suitable person for this job. I believe in you.”
“…Blood.”
Claude nodded with a sulky expression at the subtle compliment.
The first mage he met was a middle-aged 3rd Circle mage. With a cocky posture, Claude raised his chin and said,
“Hm, so you want to meet our territory’s 6th Circle mage, is that it?”
“Yes, if possible, I would like to receive even a small teaching.”
The mage looked at Claude with eager eyes.
He looked a bit arrogant, but the other was the Chief Officer of a Great Territory. No matter how much of a mage he was, he couldn’t dare to act recklessly towards someone who was only a 3rd Circle like himself.
Claude spoke to the mage in a casual tone.
“It’s not something you can just meet anyone for… How about becoming our territory’s exclusive mage instead? You’d receive teachings from a 6th Circle mage and get full support from the territory.”
“Exclusive… mage?”
“Yes, it’s no big deal. You already know our territory is wealthy, right? We’re also building a new Mage Tower… I mean, research institute, and we plan to provide personal Mana Convergence Circles for mages.”
“Gasp!”
The mage was taken aback. There was no territory that would support a talentless wandering mage like him so generously.
It was an astonishing offer. He was already tired of wandering and studying alone, so it was tempting.
But being a mage, he wasn’t without suspicion.
“Why… so much for me…?”
“There’s a shortage of mages in our territory, so we’re offering extraordinary treatment to those who come first. If you decide late, there might be no position left. You need to grab opportunities quickly when they arise.”
It sounded a bit like a salesman, but it was also convincing. As the mage gulped and hesitated, Claude pressed on.
“We’ll provide you with meals and accommodation, so you won’t need to worry about anything else. Just focus on your training and improving your realm.”
“Is it really just that?”
It was a dream job. Receiving guidance from a 6th Circle mage was rare, not to mention being offered a Mana Convergence Circle.
And all he had to do was train hard? That was the best condition for a mage.
Claude nodded gently with a soft smile on his face.
“Of course, just help out a little when it gets busy in the territory. We’re not that busy in general. Right now, we just seem ‘a bit’ busy stabilizing the territory.”
The mage nodded. It was only natural for the resident mage to work for the development of the territory; there was nothing particularly special about it.
Claude slyly handed over a document and continued,
“It’s a 30-year contract. It’s not too long, right?”
Compared to the 278-year contract he had, it was indeed quite short.
