Chapter 177
Chapter 177
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 177
Chapter Title: The Grand Stage
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Loan was in a bit of a bind.
He could just say they were badges he’d received as gifts for his help, but that felt like dismissing the sincerity of the givers.
Moreover, Werner, who had given him the Tower Master's badge, was right beside him, making him even more cautious.
Lazaros seemed to read Loan's thoughts.
“Lord Loan, why do you believe you received those badges?”
“I believe they are an overly generous reward for the help I provided.”
“People don't give gifts with such grand meaning for that reason alone. What do you think, Tower Master Werner? That can't be the only criterion, can it? Perhaps his ability?”
“That couldn't be ignored.”
“Perhaps his appearance?”
“Wouldn't that be a considerable factor? A pleasing sight tends to sway the heart.”
“You affirm both, but you're not saying they were the absolute reasons. Is there another reason?”
“There is.”
“Could you tell us what it is?”
It could be an awkward conversation to have in front of the person in question, but Werner didn't seem to mind.
“I don't know what the others were thinking. Still, they probably felt something similar.”
Werner's gaze turned to Loan.
Loan didn't look away. He was curious too. Why they all treated him with such undeserved favor.
“Loan treated our problems as his own. He didn't just focus on the pursuit of truth or the advancement of magic. We who lost our colleagues. I could feel it in the way he looked at the people who suffered the disaster. A heart that grieves with the unfortunate.”
“Are you saying he empathized with Schwerin?”
At Magda's question, Werner shook his head.
“It was more than that. I saw his sincerity. He's young, but he's someone who worries about our ‘future.’ I could feel a desperation in this boy, a resolve not to let more painful things happen. It even made me feel like I didn't want to let go of the connection we had formed.”
“Desperation…”
“Yes. Desperation.”
At that word, Loan inwardly flinched.
He simply wanted all innocent people, including himself, to live. Had that been perceived in such a way?
The three adults recalled their own thoughts and nodded silently.
Lazaros said.
“Perhaps it's because he had a difficult childhood. It's like a vow not to let such things happen again.”
Magda added.
“One's environment can corrupt a person. No, it's more often the case that one becomes twisted by it. Loan overcame it. It's because his innate disposition is as clear and warm as his face.”
Werner spoke again.
“Isn't that why our hearts were moved? The leaders of the other duchies, families, and clans must have felt the same thing I did.”
It was all quite embarrassing praise, so Loan couldn't interject. Not that anything they said was particularly wrong.
Lazaros smiled at Loan.
“The desire to build a future together is embedded in those badges, so isn't it right that we do so? If you, Lord Loan, take charge and convey that meaning, everyone will join the cause.”
“…”
“Of course, we cannot force you. If you are not willing, Lord Loan, then there's nothing to be done. Shall I give you some time to think?”
“No, that's alright.”
Loan hesitated for a moment, looking at the three faces.
He could do it. He felt he could even do it well. But there was a catch.
It could be called a concern, but it also felt like an opportunity.
He cautiously shared his thoughts.
“Thank you for your words. However, for someone like me, who is still just a Runner, to take on such a heavy responsibility wouldn't look good.”
Magda and Lazaros looked at each other and nodded in unison.
“A Runner. The rank is certainly an issue.”
“That could be. Those who know him would have no choice but to acknowledge him, but the world's perception isn't always the same.”
It was something they had also been feeling.
Werner tilted his head and cut in.
“Is that a problem?”
“Of course.”
“Hmm. The Union is certainly a military organization. To be so rigid.”
“What…”
“You're even worse than Schwerin in some ways.”
“That's a harsh thing to say.”
As Magda's expression hardened, Werner quickly continued his explanation.
“The guardians of the Magic Tower accepted Loan and gave him their mana, and the Tower Masters just breathed on the floor for hours like beggars. I gave him the Tower Master's badge. If even we, who are known to be reclusive, would do that, is this really the time to be quibbling over rank for someone so outstandingly capable?”
“The Union cannot ignore public perception and evaluation. This is partly due to our relationships with comrades who entrust their backs to one another, and partly due to the political nature of having to intervene in issues between nations.”
“Then isn't it just a matter of acknowledging him with a rank suitable for such a heavy responsibility?”
Werner was openly talking about Loan's promotion.
There was an element of him speaking so easily because he was an outsider, but that was also just his unique personality.
The other two, knowing this, focused only on the problem he had presented.
Magda said.
“His initial promotion to Runner was already a great surprise to many.”
“Yes. It was that unconventional.”
After Runner comes Seeker, one who explores and pursues the truth.
It hadn't even been a full year since Loan joined the Union.
It was unprecedented. But.
Magda looked at Lazaros.
“Is there any reason we can't?”
“It's just that it's never been done, not that it's impossible. Exceptions exist in the world, after all.”
“The conditions.”
“His merits are more than sufficient. Aren't those badges proof enough?”
“They're helpful in many ways.”
“Especially his actions during the recent Werner incident—the scale of his contribution is hard to measure. So, there's no shortage of merit for him to become a Seeker, but.”
“But.”
“The problem is that he needs to prove his ability. The rank of Seeker is high enough to serve as a squad's vice-commander. As you pointed out earlier, it allows one to exert immense influence not just on other squads, but on the outside world as well.”
Loan let out a soft breath.
If he became a Seeker, he'd be the same rank as Oscar.
The weight of the rank suddenly felt real upon hearing he could serve as a vice-commander.
Lazaros said.
“If his abilities aren't recognized, there will be dissent and backlash.”
“It wouldn't matter if a consensus had been formed over time, but the period has been too short. And there's no opportunity to prove himself this year, is there? The promotion evaluations are over.”
“Doesn't he just need to prove his skills at a credible venue, even if it's not the official evaluation?”
“A place like that… where…”
Magda, her voice trailing off, stared blankly into space for a moment before giving a small nod.
“Such an event might just be coming up.”
Though she hadn't said what it was, Lazaros nodded back in agreement.
“If it's that, we can solve other problems at the same time.”
Werner cut into the enigmatic exchange.
“What is 'such an event,' and what are the 'other problems'?”
“Some explanation is needed…”
Lazaros continued with the answer.
“What the Governor-General was concerned about was the need for something to strengthen our power and solidify our bonds in preparation for Grave's alliance, as well as its leader, scope of activities, and so on. Naturally, that is why you are here, Lord Loan, Tower Master Werner, and Commander Magda, representing the absent commanders.”
That "something" referred to a coalition between the duchies and the Union, making Werner and Magda directly involved parties.
And since Loan had been unofficially chosen to take on the role of leader, he was also an involved party.
“However, the Union was established as a neutral organization to maintain peace and resolve issues between the duchies. Therefore, the Grafton royal family would not look kindly upon the Union taking the initiative to form relationships with other nations.”
Loan nodded, then glanced down at his chest.
The badges that seemed to prove his relationships with the six duchies. Grafton was not among them.
“That's true. Leaving out only Grafton would also be a bit…”
“Yes. So, it wouldn't look good for the Union to take the lead in contacting the other duchies, excluding Grafton, to form an alliance and cooperation.”
“At a glance, it sounds like you're plotting treason.”
Werner said with a sneer.
It was something that could easily arouse suspicion.
Furthermore, the crown prince was currently involved with Grave.
Needless misunderstandings. It was an area where they could be caught on a technicality. A false accusation, perhaps.
Magda said.
“If the requests came from each duchy first, and we then informed the kingdom, proposed it, and received approval, the picture wouldn't be so bad. It would be difficult for the royal family to refuse as well.”
“Yes. And as it happens, a situation where such a picture can unfold naturally is scheduled for the end of the year.”
“Right. Where all the duchies gather in one place. And a friendly tournament is held where each boasts its military might.”
“Yes. It's also a place where thorny issues are smoothly resolved in line with the friendly year-end atmosphere.”
Werner, who had been listening quietly to Magda and Lazaros's conversation, interjected.
“You're talking about King Simon's coronation anniversary ceremony.”
“Yes. That's right. Until now, Schwerin has only ever sent envoys or congratulatory messages.”
“As if we had time for that.”
Simon Gladwyn Grafton, who purged the faction of the crown prince that assassinated the previous king and rebuilt the blood-soaked royal family.
It is a year-end event that commemorates his accession, proclaims the legitimacy of the royal family to the world, and solidifies the relationship between the seven duchies.
Lazaros said.
“There have been occasions where the Union has attended the tournament between the duchies. All the commanders have participated at least once.”
“And you're sending Loan there.”
“Yes. His qualification can be justified by the difficulties the duchies are facing, the need for an alliance to resolve them, and their requests to make Loan the focal point of it all. Especially with the recent incident in Schwerin.”
“If you, Werner, visit in person, the meaning will be conveyed clearly. As you have most recently suffered a major war.”
“My unconventional decision to visit the royal family could lend it more credibility.”
“In addition, it will be helpful in gauging the internal atmosphere and situation, and how much the crown prince was involved in the invasion of Schwerin.”
“It looks good. Efficient.”
It meant that they could resolve all their lingering concerns through a single event.
Magda said.
“Loan, you'll also be able to achieve your wish of visiting Grafton, albeit indirectly.”
“Yes.”
Lazaros, who had been listening quietly, frowned slightly. But he didn't point anything out.
Loan said.
“Before that, we should first convey our intentions to each duchy and family. That will be the justification for my participation in the coronation anniversary ceremony.”
His sea-blue eyes shone.
He gave the impression that he had quickly organized his thoughts.
Everyone waited for him to continue.
“How about we create a picture tailored to the characteristics of each nation, deciding to engage in mutual exchange and cooperation? Since Tower Master Werner is here, a magical exchange would be good for Schwerin. With Cion, a joint purification effort; with Rhodos, joint research on the forgotten wheat fields; for Ferrara, which is in a state of anarchy, a peacekeeping plan; the connection with Versa is families and merchant guilds, so an economic cooperation organization; and for Varcino, a plan to vitalize the bridge district would be good.”
“Ooh…”
“My, his mind works fast.”
Lazaros and Werner were impressed.
Just hearing it made the links with each nation seem solid. It was also persuasive.
If the nations presented a common opinion at Grafton based on this, it would lend weight to the argument that an organization is needed to coordinate it.
And if the person destined for that important role were to participate in the tournament and display outstanding skill, it would be perfect.
“There's not much time for all that needs to be done. Will it be possible to prepare?”
“It's more than enough.”
Loan replied in a confident tone.
There were just over three months left until the coronation anniversary ceremony.