Chapter 223

#223 The Tin Knight and the Tower of Greed (3)

Dorothea’s plan to get the North Witch to acknowledge this incident as genuine was a rather delicate and lethal move for the Tower of Control.

No matter who else shouted that the incident was real, they had the power to silence those voices at will.

Even if it was another Tower’s Master making claims like that, they could always shout back, labeling the opposing side as malicious and scheming.

However, the North Witch was a whole different story.

Even if she had given up most of her political power, the fact that she was the greatest magician in the Magical Kingdom remained unchanged.

To dismiss the North Witch’s testimony, one would have to argue that she was lying or that Dorothea’s group was craftier and managed to fool her—which neither claim would easily be accepted in the Magical Kingdom.

Yet, crises and opportunities are two sides of the same coin.

If they could pull the North Witch onto their side…

If the North Witch testified that all the evidence submitted by Dorothea’s group was fake…

Not only could they escape the current predicament, but they could even use this incident to pressure other Towers.

“─So, you betrayed my master and stabbed him in the back? Such a wicked disciple you are.”

A sneer escaped the lips of the evil witch, Mombi.

Though she looked just like Olin, an indescribable wickedness lingered in her gestures and expressions.

The Gray Old Man replied in an utterly calm tone.

“Aren’t you also my master?”

Olin and Mombi. The two North Witches were not separate beings.

They may have once been, but after sharing one body for so long, the boundary dividing the two had thinned considerably.

“I know that when Master Olin taught me, you were also part of her. I know you share the same memories as her. Therefore, my actions can be seen as a way to save another master.”

“You sure can twist your tongue.”

Mombi dragged a chair closer, plopped down on it violently, and snorted.

“Do you think your words would make me feel grateful? The foolish and stupid Olin might have fallen for that, but I’m different.”

A sardonic smile curled at the edges of the witch’s mouth.

“From the get-go, your plan only makes sense if I fully cooperate with you. Why should I, having just regained my freedom, get involved in such trivial matters? Why should I do good for only you, huh?”

Without any warning, Mombi’s fingers transformed into long blades.

Crossing her fingers like scissors, she mocked the Gray Old Man, holding his neck between the blades.

Gratitude for breaking the seal? That didn’t exist.

The Gray Old Man had only brought her out for his own purposes.

No, even if he had freed her out of pure goodwill, Mombi wouldn’t have felt an ounce of gratitude.

“Wouldn’t it be far better for me to become queen rather than conveniently being used to make you the king?”

“If that is what you wish, then it shall undoubtedly happen.”

The Gray Old Man didn’t deny that.

Yet, he didn’t seem fazed either.

He simply stated the fact calmly.

“But, are you sure you want that? It might get annoying. The throne, I mean.”

What someone values can vary from person to person.

What may be exceedingly valuable to one could be regarded as nothing more than a scrap of paper by another.

The Gray Old Man loved power; even the various tasks and responsibilities that came with being a king were merely a means for him to affirm that power.

But Mombi would likely see things differently; he was certain of that.

“Ha, ha, ha! You’re right! You know it well! Duties and responsibilities of a king are nothing but a hassle. I’ve tried a few times, but those days were so dull I couldn’t last even a month.”

“Then what reason is there for us not to join hands? I take the throne, and you can live however you want under my reign.”

“Oho, can you handle that?”

“This land is vast.”

Even if Mombi were to foolishly gobble up a territory or two for entertainment, there would still be plenty of land left.

Of course, there would be some damage; however—

“─After all, it’s treasure that you wouldn’t be able to get without the help of my master. So why not grab it first and think about it later?”

At those words, the evil witch burst into laughter.

Having returned to her original form, she clutched her belly and chuckled, eventually nodding.

“Alright, alright. Then we shall cooperate. So, what do you desire?”

“The Master of the Tower of Guardian is urging the other Masters by saying that your evidence has been ‘acknowledged’. A meeting of the Tower Masters will likely be held soon. There, you just have to say that the evidence is false, that the Master of the Tower of Guardian, Gale Elilraz, and those witches tried to trick you, but you saw right through it.”

“The tide will turn in an instant. The Tower of Guardian will certainly end up in trouble.”

“Prophecy is cautious but slow, and extermination is violent but easy to handle. Once we cut off the limbs of the Guardian, the rest will untangle easily.”

Just then, while the two plotted their wicked scheme, a magical device in a corner of the mansion began to glow.

Mombi narrowed her eyes.

“…Gale and the Tower of Guardian, huh.”

“How strange. They weren’t supposed to come by today.”

The Gray Old Man was both bold and cautious.

He had confirmed that there wouldn’t be anyone visiting the witch’s mansion through a spy planted in the Tower of Guardian.

That meant something had suddenly changed about the schedule.

As the Gray Old Man displayed his wariness, the witch smiled leisurely.

“Hide for a moment.”

With a light touch, Mombi waved her hand at the Gray Old Man’s body.

Right after that, the Old Man transformed into a small potted plant.

Since the North Witch had a hobby of raising plants, she swapped the contents of a previous pot for the tiny sprout, placing the Old Man where it originally was, making his presence appear as natural as possible.

“…Oh, right, I need to come up with a plan regarding Tuberosum’s Chalice too.”

As Mombi opened her palm, a concealed magic circle activated and floated into the air.

Mombi’s specialty was transformation magic.

Even though she could share the same body and memories, handling barrier techniques like Olin was impossible, yet utilizing an already existing barrier was more than feasible.

Complex magical circles twisted and resonated like a mandala before snapping back down to the ground with a click.

Confirming that, Mombi opened a part of the barrier, and not long after, Dorothea’s group, Gale, and a few mages from the Tower of Guardian, who seemed to be on surveillance duty, arrived at the mansion together.

“Welcome, Gale, Sig. And you, the others too.”

With a warm greeting towards her disciple and the knight, and a slightly awkward nod towards the others, especially Adelheid, Mombi greeted them.

Gone was the haughty and wicked façade, replaced by the expression and tone of the innocent and kind witch, Olin.

“But, um, what’s the matter? Is there… another problem?”

“No, it’s nothing of the sort. We just came by to check on Master’s condition.”

“Right.”

Mombi wore a rather bittersweet smile.

“I wish I could assure you that your worries are unfounded, but sadly, I cannot.”

She spoke as if she understood Gale’s posture.

“I want to meet Roth right away. I want to hear him say that it was all a misunderstanding. But, that won’t be possible.”

With a wistful look directed downwards, Mombi showcased a complex mix of emotions among the others, but the experienced Gale remained indifferent in conversing with her.

“Yeah, well. Normally with Master, it would be fine, but it’s better to be cautious now. Even though they can’t harm her in the slightest, a little caution never hurt.”

“Right. You’re better at judging than I am, Gale.”

From the perspective of those who knew the truth, it was utterly ridiculous, prompting either bemusement or serious frowns.

In reality, the witch Mombi was inwardly laughing.

Foolish Olin. If only she hadn’t fallen for such misplaced sympathy and had simply called her disciple or someone else.

Or at least, if she had remained still for just a few dozen minutes until the disciple arrived, they wouldn’t have faced this conclusion.

Though it seemed like she was focusing solely on her conversation with Gale, Mombi was also paying plenty of attention to the others around her.

Dorothea discreetly scanning the room with the power of Tuberosum’s Chalice…

Adelheid keenly feeling the area around the mansion for any traces of others…

She noticed it all.

Whether it was just her instincts or based on the reasoning that the Tower of Control had to act now, Mombi rated their actions to be quite sharp.

However, that was about it.

The Chalice of Tuberosum would reflect an ordinary, tranquil day, and no matter how sharp the perception of the Little Lion was, Mombi’s transformation skills surpassed that.

No matter how exceptional they were, beating the transcendent North Witch in a battle of wits was impossible.

So then.

Suddenly.

Without any preamble, the Tin Knight drew his sword, catching everyone present off guard.

The mages from the Tower of Guardian shouted in alarm.

“W-what are you doing! Put that sword down immediately!”

Dorothea glared at the Tin Knight as well.

“Hey, what are you doing? Put it down already!”

Despite the owner’s orders, the Tin Knight remained unfazed.

It was a spectacle that shouldn’t occur between an ordinary mage and a magical automaton.

“What? Isn’t that a rational response—”

Dorothea stared at the Tin Knight in disbelief.

Seeing the bemused expressions from both the green-haired individual and the blonde indicated that they likely shared some manner of unspoken communication.

‘…Is it that brooch?’

Though she displayed no outward signs, Mombi clicked her tongue inwardly.

It was possible to eavesdrop on their conversation through the magic connected to the brooch, but that was an ‘un-Olin-like’ behavior.

If it were someone else, maybe, but Gale, the disciple, would definitely harbor some suspicion over such actions.

As Mombi mulled over how to respond, Dorothea’s expression shifted dramatically.

Yet, that was only temporary.

She soon opened her mouth, ready to accept whatever fate awaited her.

“─Since I already figured it out, stop with the petty tricks.”

Dorothea’s tone was more akin to someone relaying what another had told her rather than speaking on her own accord.

The mages from the Tower of Guardian were understandably indignant, asking what kind of rudeness this was, but Gale stopped them, seemingly intrigued.

“If I could, I would slice you right now, but I will give you exactly three seconds.”

The aura radiating from the Tin Knight was ominous.

Even the great witch Mombi, who had seen it all, couldn’t help but stiffen at its might.

“Wait, what’s going on? If you have something to say that’s made you mad, tell me. Okay?”

“Three.”

Gale’s attempts to soothe went unheard as the Tin Knight showed no sign of relenting.

Mombi’s mind raced with questions.

Have I been found out? How? What is that magical automaton? Is it something left over from Olin’s memories that haven’t been fully claimed yet?

“Two.”

The Tin Knight’s aura peaked.

Despite believing that no harm could come to her as long as Olin’s protective magic remained, such confidence was starting to waver because of the Knight’s overwhelming presence.

“One!”

“Damn it.”

Clicking her tongue in annoyance, Mombi activated her transformation magic.

Her right arm warped into a bizarre shape, reminiscent of a demon, as she swung it to instantly pounce upon her enemies.

Boom!

The mansion crumbled in an instant, sending everyone inside flying.

While she struck with the intention of exterminating her opponents, unfortunately, there were only a few injuries, and no fatalities.

Realizing the Tin Knight was stronger than anticipated, she reverted her appearance to one before merging with Olin, transforming from a young girl into a tall beauty.

“Just how did you figure it out? What trick did you use?”

But there was no reply.

Those who were in the dark could barely keep up with the situation, and the Tin Knight’s group remained conspicuously silent.

Of course.

[‘The Tin Knight’ says something doesn’t seem right since everything is going smoothly, so let’s poke around!]

[‘The Tin Knight’ claims if he sensed something was off, it could either be okay or an issue, depending on the situation!]

[‘The Tin Knight’ argues if everything were truly fine, then a simple apology would suffice!]

With such lunatic reasoning, he wasn’t about to admit he’d hit the nail on the head just by chance.

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