Rage Achieves Nothing
An uproar erupted.
With the Phoenix Mage Corps and the Alzeras Knights present, failure had never even been on the table. Those two groups failing a mission was simply unthinkable.
But someone bringing back the grand duke's symbolic cloak and the Gaudie banner? That was a different story entirely.
In this world, presenting a banner to someone signified boundless trust in that person. Handing over one's most cherished possession carried the unspoken message: "Touch that person, and I'll kill you."
How on earth had that little brat earned the grand duke's infinite trust and affection?
"M-Mother."
"Stay quiet."
"……."
A frigid chill began to swirl around Media Montemer. It was mana reacting to her emotions. Everyone had no choice but to step back a pace from her.
No words would reach her now anyway.
That insolent piece of trash dares to…
The sight of Lawrence Montemer standing tall so boldly grated on her nerves. She clenched her fist until her knuckles cracked. An intense urge surged within her—to freeze his limbs solid right then and there, then rip them all off one by one.
But that was just a fleeting impulse. Touching Lawrence, who now carried the grand duke's prestige, could lead to unpredictable consequences. The bonds between knightly houses ran deeper than mere politics; they were matters of unyielding loyalty.
And there was one more thing that irked her.
Why the hell is that bitch back alive and well!? How do those idiots even handle things!?
She'd gone to great risks for a thorough job. Eliminating Loria Montemer would have tidied everything up, so how had she survived? And why hadn't the Alzeras Knights turned into undead!?
She'd only sicced black mages on them—Alzeras shouldn't have been involved….
Her head throbbed as chaotic thoughts threatened to burst it open.
Meanwhile, the Montemer family's closing ceremony continued uninterrupted.
The reason for gathering all participants in one place was to conduct the merit awards right here. It served as the Montemer family's official evaluation and a demonstration of the benefits for those forging future ties with them.
The secret techniques, research materials, gems, and gold amassed by the Montemers… Snagging even one would be a massive windfall.
Edward Montemer handed a document to his aide, Nikolai. It listed those deemed worthy of rewards by the patriarch's judgment.
Nikolai slowly unfurled the document and began to read aloud.
The Usher family got a grimoire containing a 4th circle secret technique last subjugation, right?
To a mage, a grimoire was a treasure of immeasurable value. It detailed how to accumulate mana and what was needed to form the next circle. And it described spells suited to each circle—that was a true grimoire.
"Phew…."
"This is tense."
"I wonder who gets what this time."
"The biggest prize is already…."
All eyes turned to Lawrence.
The one who had earned the northern grand duke's unprecedented recognition. The one who exterminated the traitorous undead Alzeras Knights and rescued Loria. And he'd racked up countless other feats besides.
"Impossible."
"Why that trash…."
Murmurs rippled through the crowd, but silence fell as Edward stepped forward.
The great lord of magic had spoken; the one with the greatest merit in this subjugation was clear.
"Lawrence Montemer."
"Yes, Patriarch."
"I acknowledge you as the one who achieved the greatest feats in this subjugation. State your wish. I shall grant anything within my power."
"I…."
Lawrence had agonized over this moment.
What should I ask for? Knowing the rough outline of the future and armed with a unique ability, what choice should I make?
After days of deliberation, he'd reached one conclusion: endless pursuit of growth, creating ever-new artifacts.
To do that, I need to head there, after all.
"I wish to enter the repository."
At Lawrence's words, Nikolai gauged Edward's intent and spoke on his behalf—a sort of interpreter.
"The repository…. What do you seek there?"
"Junk."
"……."
The utterly absurd request left even Edward momentarily speechless.
The reactions from the onlookers were predictable.
No one could fathom Lawrence's intentions.
Meeting Edward's puzzled gaze, Lawrence pressed on.
"The world may deem them useless, but I seek things of value to me, Patriarch."
"Granted."
Lawrence allowed a faint smile.
He turned his eyes to Media. Staring into her fury-filled gaze, he felt he understood.
Her vision would grow ever cloudier, her decisions increasingly rash. Consumed by rage, she'd fail to grasp the big picture and fall into petty greed.
That was the judgment of the dragon power within him.
I'll watch. Right up to your downfall.
When her children crumbled and everything she'd built lay in ruins.
Lawrence planned to smile lightly before her then.
At least while he was in the mage tower, not even Media could touch him easily.
He intended to perfect every plan to dismantle her from there.
Nikolai, receiving Edward's message, spoke again. His resounding voice filled the grand training ground.
"Loria Montemer, Phoenix Mage Corps Captain Freya, and her subordinates shall also receive fitting rewards."
"Thank you—!"
"I'll send down the list of options for your injuries, so deliberate carefully. That is all."
Nikolai bowed and withdrew quietly.
As he passed Media, still struggling to contain her rage, he whispered.
"Compose yourself. Everyone is watching."
"……."
Huuuu…. Her mana finally settled as she barely suppressed her fury.
Now it was truly her turn—she had to rein in her anger completely.
She stepped forward with her prepared document.
With a curt bow to Edward, Media's eyes flashed with barely veiled malice.
But the Montemer patriarch showed no change in expression, merely gazing at her calmly.
Ugh….
Meeting those eyes always made her body stiffen involuntarily. Always.
Media bit her lip until it nearly bled, then lifted her head.
Now came the announcement for the next event.
"Everyone, you have all worked hard. Next week, there will be qualifying rounds for mage tower entry. Rest well from your accumulated fatigue and welcome the new year refreshed."
Qualifying rounds for mage tower entry.
In other words, a chance to select talents by gauging aptitude for various magics.
In his previous life, Lawrence hadn't even been summoned for them.
He'd just clung to futile magic studies in the trash warehouse, day after day.
Things will be different this time.
With his divine authority and artifacts, his fate would change from here on.
Gazing at Media's droning explanation, Lawrence pondered.
Which mage tower would maximize his abilities?
Ideally, somewhere no one cares about.
His past self hadn't known much about mage towers or mages.
Just vague rumors from the assassin uncle and researchers.
Come to think of it, the Iron Tower Master was assassinated, right?
They said it was because he found something valuable? But Benoman wasn't involved, so details are fuzzy.
The assassin uncle's words surfaced at the perfect timing.
Iron Tower….
He could steadily build power there.
Why? Mages obsessed with muscles and meat, despite being mages.
It strangely tugged at his soul.
A promising medium's aura is detected here.
"Heh, I knew it."
Location marked.
What aura had it reacted to this time? With his heart pounding, Lawrence moved forward.
Even amid the endless stacks of books, usable items caught his eye here and there.
Not just usable—these were treasures worth visiting often.
And the extracts? Drool-worthy.
◈ Manifestation - Elemental Strike
◈ Manifestation - Water Ray
◈ Manifestation - Meteor Strike
◈ …
He imagined unleashing those spells without lengthy incantations. It sharpened his focus, building anticipation for what he needed now.
Then, right before his eyes, an extract that brought an involuntary smile.
"Mental immunity? Can't pass that up."
It was a perfect extract granting full immunity to mental attacks.