Historically, the relationship between Agni Magic Tower and Glesia Magic Tower hasn’t been great.
Agni of Fire, Glesia of Ice, Arkhé of Light and Darkness, Natura of Life and Death, Terra of Earth, and Astron of the Stars.
Excluding the somewhat ambiguous Terra, these were the only magic towers among the six major ones that handled elemental magic, so a rivalry naturally formed.
Plus, the inherently opposing magics of fire and ice definitely played a role.
It’s not like they’re trying to kill each other, but if they meet on the street, they might spit on the ground or give each other dirty looks.
“Those sadistic jerks who only burn monsters and are no help to society.”
“Those guys who have no land to live on, so they freeze the ocean and sleep on it.”
However, Agni Magic Tower is located near the northern mountain range in a principality, while Glesia Magic Tower is on the eastern coast. Even though they say “north” and “east,” considering that the continent and the empire are practically the same, the distance between them is overwhelming.
Because of this, even if you’re a magician from Agni or Glesia, it’s rare to see a magician from the opposing tower.
Anyway, I heard that within the towers, slander and belittlement are part of the daily atmosphere…
“Shi, Shisha. Why didn’t you come to the last meeting? It’s always the Sub-Master who shows up. Shouldn’t you, you know, start becoming the Master soon?”
“None of your business. Stop worrying about it.”
“How can I not worry? We’re close!”
“What kind of relationship do we even have?”
“Well… we met at meetings when we were kids… played together, researched together…”
“Sure, you’re annoying, but I guess you’re an acquaintance.”
“Friends…?”
“Absolutely not.”
“…Okay.”
What’s this? They seem really close. Of course, it’s one-sided affection from his side.
Even I, who’s not a magician, know that the rumor about Agni and Glesia not getting along is widespread.
But seeing the pinnacle of that—Agni’s Master and Glesia’s Archmage—acting like this is just bizarre.
So, while still in Shisha’s arms, which she showed no intention of letting go of, I turned my head slightly to look at Adela.
“Adela, did you know about this?”
“Are you referring to the fact that you’re paying attention to the ‘Lady’s’ chest pressing against your back?”
“…Adela.”
“Just kidding. You should be… Anyway, if you’re talking about the ‘Marquis,’ the Master of Agni Magic Tower, I’ve seen him at meetings before.”
“Meetings?”
“Occasionally, there are meetings between the Masters of the towers, where future Masters or promising talents participate. I’ve attended as Master Olfin’s disciple… Since Shisha Glesia never participated, I had no idea they had this kind of relationship.”
“Hmm.”
It seems like she’s stopped adding the honorific “nim” after Shisha’s name, unlike before. It’s probably nothing, right? Please let it be nothing. The other two’s gazes are already piercing enough.
Sally, who subtly changed her pupils to a dragon’s in a position only I could see, is no help either.
[Abandoning your wife?]
“Leisha…”
Even Leisha, who delivers a killing blow with just a single word without any particular action.
Maybe I should’ve just come to the north with Shisha… Not that they’d ever let just the two of us go anyway.
Anyway, the Master of Agni Magic Tower, the Archmage referred to as the Marquis, was floundering in front of Shisha, who looked thoroughly annoyed, trying desperately to keep the conversation going.
“Uh, Shisha. There’s been some rumors about you since the last meeting…”
“What rumors? Spit it out.”
“No, it’s nothing weird, just… the elders of Glesia Magic Tower are looking for a marriage partner for you…”
“That’s some next-level nonsense. First time I’m hearing about it.”
“Of course, I vehemently opposed it! It’s the Archmage’s marriage we’re talking about! It has to be someone of equal standing, right? Like, say, another Archm…”
“…A genius board game creator,”
“Or what?”
“Huh? Shisha?”
“Wait a minute, ma’am?”
“Just kidding, Chunsik. Did you get excited?”
“Excited or not, I’m freezing to death.”
I feel like I’m going to freeze to death from the stares of the three people glaring at me. Besides, Shisha’s body feels more cold than warm.
Moreover, it’s not the first time Shisha has made such jokes, so I was desperately trying to escape from her arms.
‘Huh?’
Suddenly, the cold disappears, and it gets warm, but then it gets too hot—what the hell is this, it’s burning!
“………Yeah, it has been bothering me since earlier.”
“Hey, get that match fire away from Chunsik.”
“Shisha, I really need to ask. What the hell is this guy?”
“He’s Kyle Byron. Please, put out that fireball.”
“Kyle Byron? Where did this guy come from………Wait, you’re Kyle Byron?”
“Yes.”
“Kyle Galli, the creator of Abracadabra and Bang? The honorary elder who revived the Arkhé Magic Tower? The board game creator favored by the Dragon Slayer?”
“That’s correct.”
The Master of Agni Tower knows my name? Somehow, that’s really fascinating.
Anyway, now that this has happened, I’ve met all eight of the Empire’s great magicians, including the six great towers’ archmages, Diogenes, and the High Magician of the Imperial Palace.
I was just trying to make board games at first, but how did I end up here? Not that I plan to stop.
Anyway, after hearing my name, the Marquis frowned for a moment, looked back and forth between me and Shisha, then gritted his teeth and extinguished the fireball.
“Even so………I only invited Shisha, just you.”
“Chunsik can’t help but follow wherever ma’am goes.”
“Ma’am? Chunsik………?”
“You don’t need to know, Carlton. Or should I call you Marquis?”
“Shisha, you’re the only one who can call me Carlton, not Marquis.”
“Then now there are two. Chunsik, call him Carlton.”
“Carlton……sir?”
“You damn brat……!!”
If you’re going to get angry, get angry at Shisha. That fireball was burning me to death.
Just as I was about to sweat like rain, Shisha cooled me down just in time, or I might have melted.
Anyway, even though it’s been less than 5 minutes since I met the Marquis, Carlton, I could roughly understand the situation.
‘He likes Shisha.’
But why Shisha of all people………let’s not go there. People have different tastes.
Anyway, it seems like it’ll take a while to get to the main point.
“I heard a ruin has been discovered.”
“……Shisha, did you really tell him everything?”
“Chunsik has been doing well so far, so shouldn’t ma’am give him a reward?”
“As ma’am said, the ruin discovered by Sir Carlton───”
“Call me Marquis, kid.”
“……discovered by the Marquis.”
“Then I’ll call you Marquis too.”
“Carlton………ugh, I can call you………that………!!”
“………….”
No matter how I think about it, Shisha should just stay still.
“……Anyway, I heard that ma’am was called to conquer the ruin discovered by Sir Carlton.”
“Sigh………Yes, that’s right. But why is a board game creator getting involved?”
“Hmm.”
“Even within the Empire, this northern mountain range and the duchy are battlegrounds. Even well-trained soldiers, aura users, and magicians die endlessly here. A powerless person like you can’t survive. Especially in a ruin.”
Carlton’s words weren’t meant to mock or tease.
It seems like there’s a tiny bit of that intention mixed in, though.
It was only natural for Agni, the Master of the Magic Tower, the ruler of this duchy, and the supreme commander of the northern mountain frontlines, to say that.
Originally, this area was off-limits to civilians.
“Did you follow Shisha here to explore the ruins?”
“Ah, that.”
“You’re not just bold—you’re a straight-up idiot. Plenty of people crawl into the northern mountains chasing quick riches or luck, but none of them make it out alive.”
“Uh.”
“If you’re going to the ruins? Sure, you can go. But I’d have to specially assign a team to escort your incompetent self. The women behind you? A high magician from Arkhé Magic Tower, a spirit master synced with a high-level spirit, and a maid assigned for protection. They’re all skilled, sure.”
“So.”
“Especially the spirit master who can sync… it’s been a while since I’ve seen one. Anyway, those three could protect you. But listen, you idiot. The ruins are a demonic realm. Are you really going to throw those three into hell just to satisfy your petty greed?”
“Let me speak.”
“That’s why I called Shisha. The ruins are a place where two archmages and one grandmaster need to be deployed. If you want to bring your escorts, you’ll have to arrange for an archmage yourself. Got it?”
“…That’s not impossible, but.”
“What?”
“Anyway, please listen to me.”
Who said anything about going into the ruins?
Why would I go to such a terrifying place? Even Adela, Leisha, and Sally could be in danger there.
“I came here to make a request.”
“A… request?”
“I’ve heard that in the ruins found in the northern mountains, there are often mechanical devices of unknown origin mixed in.”
“…Yes, that’s right. Artifacts that even the Empire’s technology can’t decipher.”
“I’d like to take one of those.”
“What?”
I’ve heard that all the mechanical devices discovered so far have been broken or lost long ago.
But this newly discovered ruin might be different.
“Why would you want such junk…?”
“The northern mountains are the duchy’s territory under imperial law, so anything from the ruins there belongs to you, Carlton. That’s why I thought it’d be fastest to ask you directly.”
“…Hah.”
“Of course, I’ll pay whatever price you—”
“No, forget it. I’ve got plenty of money.”
“Then…?”
*Thud.*
From a vague sense of hatred, as if looking at a rival.
Carlton’s gaze shifted to something more curious as he looked at me.
“Coming all the way from the west to the north instead of just asking through Shisha… that’s a show of sincerity, huh?”
“I’m asking the Archmage, Master of Agni Magic Tower, and ruler of the duchy. It’s only natural.”
“True, many nobles and merchants want artifacts from the ruins. You’re just one of them, so I could accept and charge you like the others… but.”
After glancing at Shisha for a moment.
Carlton cleared his throat and declared.
“I want to charge you a different price.”
“A different price?”
“You’re good at something, right? That board game of yours—it’s even reached my ears. The skill that revived the crumbling Arkhé Magic Tower. I’m curious about it.”
“What are you saying?”
“Make a board game for the soldiers here in the north, on the battlefield. Fighting mountain monsters and wild spirits is much harder than killing fellow humans. The soldiers’ stress and morale are taking a hit.”
“…Hmm.”
“Of course, it’s a bit awkward to hear, but allowing things like brothels or gambling to relieve stress somehow is one thing… but there are soldiers who don’t like that stuff too… The more options, the better, right? Can you do it?”
“Of course, I can.”
Honestly, I was worried about how much money I’d have to shell out, but if I can settle it by making a board game, I’d be grateful.
I could’ve asked Shisha, who’s participating in the ruins raid instead of Carlton, but technically, the items from the ruins belong to the Marquis Carlton, the lord of the duchy.
As someone who naturally assumed that Master Agni Carlton and Archmage Shisha of Glesia would have a bad relationship, it was best for me to come here with Shisha, who had been invited, and make the request.
‘If I’d known Carlton liked Shisha, I would’ve just asked her and been done with it.’
Well, I’m already here, so there’s no turning back now.
How was I supposed to know Carlton had such peculiar tastes in women? From the looks of it, Shisha doesn’t seem interested either.
If I can just pick and create a suitable board game───
“Ah, of course, there are conditions.”
“Conditions, you say?”
“Obviously. This is a battlefield, after all. You can’t just casually set up a table and chairs and play peacefully.”
And then Carlton…
Laughed.
“The conditions I’m requesting are just three.
First, considering it’s a battlefield, the game shouldn’t require any special boards or tools. You can’t expect soldiers to carry dice, cards, or game boards around all the time, right?
Second, it should be something anyone can play without needing to memorize complicated rules. The soldiers come from all over the empire, and some can’t even read. Some aren’t the sharpest tools in the shed, so we need to be considerate.
And third, there should be no limit to the number of players at once. Barracks life is fundamentally about group living. It’s better if entire squads or companies can enjoy it together rather than just a few people.”
“………”
“Hey, Carlton. Those are some ridiculous conditions.”
“Sorry, Shisha. But Kyle Byron is the famous genius board game creator, right? If this were a normal duchy or magic tower, it’d be different, but we have to consider that this is a battlefield.”
So then.
“Board Game Creator, what do you think? Can you do it?”
Carlton’s laugh…
Seemed like he never intended to accept my request from the start.
Is it because Shisha’s clinging to him? This guy’s got some subtle pettiness.
And of course.
“When are you heading out for the ruins raid?”
“Since Shisha’s here, we’ll leave in three days. You’ll need to show me a prototype of the board game by then.”
“Three days is a bit…”
“Too short?”
“Not short enough.”
“…What?”
“The soldiers will need to try it out themselves, not just see a prototype.”
“………..”
“I’ll have it ready in a day, Lord Carlton.”
This jealous Archmage…
Really underestimated board games.
