Chapter 140
Chapter 140
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 140
Chapter Title: The Magic Tower Lord's Offer
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The hand extended by Midas, the Magic Tower Lord and one of the continent's Four Heroes, the Great Sage Midas.
Grasping it would provide an unbeatably solid backing.
But.
"I appreciate the offer, but..."
Ian did not hastily take the hand Midas offered.
It wasn't because he sensed any falsehood in Midas's words.
"My question isn't fully answered yet."
"Hm?"
"I want to clarify this first. Did you so readily approve the Magic Tower's participation in the Great Desert expedition just to say this?"
This was a truly crucial matter.
Participating out of mere goodwill toward Ian was one thing, but doing so as payment for becoming his patron held entirely different implications.
Though the Lichtenauer Martial Clan and the Magic Tower shared a close relationship, it was ultimately one of symbiosis, defending the kingdom together against the Great Floods.
In the former case, the clan could express pure gratitude, and Ian's ability to persuade the Magic Tower would merit reevaluation.
But in the latter, Ian risked being branded with the stigma of pulling in outside forces to claim succession.
"Are you trying to stand above the Lichtenauer Martial Clan through me?"
Indeed.
Taking Midas's hand meant gaining a powerful backer, without a doubt.
But at the same time, it opened the door for the Magic Tower to naturally insert itself into the clan's succession dynamics.
This could easily be seen as interference in the clan's internal affairs.
The prideful Lichtenauer Martial Clan, especially under a man like Paon Lichtenauer at its pinnacle, would never tolerate such a thing.
'It would actually push me furthest from the succession race.'
If the goal was merely influence within the Lichtenauer Martial Clan, it might be different, but for Ian, who aimed solely for the top, the downsides far outweighed the benefits.
"Heh heh heh! It seems I've unintentionally caused a misunderstanding."
Midas withdrew his hand and gave an awkward laugh.
"Let me clear this up first. I was truly just searching for someone worthy to succeed Lucas Alexei. And as for involving myself in the Earth Dragon subjugation, yes, there was goodwill toward you... but before that, that monster was no trivial matter even for the Magic Tower. Surely you can accept that much?"
Seeing Ian nod, Midas continued.
"Incidentally, I also wanted to gauge your potential. And as I expected... you proved to be exceptional. Through this Earth Dragon subjugation, I've gained most of my conviction about you."
Midas waved his hand as if to say there were no misconceptions.
"You're right. After all these years watching Paon, that stubborn mule of a man, do you think I'd be mad enough to meddle in the Lichtenauer Martial Clan's succession? If I did... injury or not, he'd charge into Megalovria sword in hand right away. That's the kind of man Paon Lichtenauer is."
"Then, what you just said...?"
Hadn't he just moments ago extended his hand, offering the Magic Tower's support as his patron?
"It's about your name."
Midas stated firmly.
"You're undoubtedly a brilliant talent. Beyond your skills, you have something... something even outstanding geniuses like Alex couldn't possess at that age. It's that unique aura forged by enduring and overcoming repeated crises, a mark of a perfected warrior. That's a tremendous advantage."
But Midas shook his head decisively.
"The iron-blooded house of Lichtenauer won't let anyone reach the pinnacle alone so easily."
Midas asked Ian.
"The captains' lofty pride is renowned not just in the Lichtenauer Martial Clan but across the entire Aslan Kingdom. Do you think those men, so green with youth as you are, will bow their heads just because of your abilities?"
"......"
Ian had no reply. As Sophia had shown, the captains weren't the type to easily place even minor stars beneath them.
"Moreover, I hear you have no following of your own. That's why this is my favor to you."
"......"
"Use the Magic Tower. I won't openly support you. But any requests from the clan that come through you will be prioritized. Until the moment your name stands equal to Paon's, you can simply bear the title of a young talent recognized by the Magic Tower."
In other words, Midas was saying this.
The Magic Tower's participation was solely out of goodwill toward Ian. And he would turn a blind eye to it appearing as if Ian had a good relationship with them.
Even the clan's haughty captains wouldn't be able to look down on Ian arrogantly as before. After all, the Magic Tower's artifacts were indispensable to them.
"And when you formally ascend to Patriarch, this old man will officially become your guardian. That shouldn't be a bad deal for you, right?"
No falsehood or scheme could be felt in Midas's words.
It was purely a favor for Ian's sake.
"...Understood."
Ian's deliberation didn't last long.
In the past, someone as arrogantly proud as Lucas Alexei might have rejected Midas's offer outright due to pride.
But hadn't that stiff-necked disdain for others led to the end of his previous life?
Thus, this time, he wouldn't cling to such stubborn pride.
'After all, once I've seized the Lichtenauer Martial Clan, my goal is revenge on the continent's scum. Magic Tower support would make that far easier.'
"Ah, but let me make one thing clear."
Midas added as if he'd just remembered.
"Remember what I said earlier. In this Earth Dragon subjugation, I gained 'most' of my conviction about you."
Most. Meaning, not complete.
"Lending you the Magic Tower's name is only to keep you from falling behind the other successors. Becoming the heir is entirely up to your own abilities."
"That's what I desire."
Using the Magic Tower's name and prestige to become heir was impossible anyway, and even if it were, Ian couldn't accept it.
Entrusting his life to others' power didn't suit his nature at all.
"Huhu! So young and full of spirit."
Midas chuckled playfully.
"Become the master of Lichtenauer with confidence. This is my final test for you."
With that, the conversation with the Magic Tower Lord, Midas, came to an end.
Ian began returning to Titan Territory with the Latent Dragon Squad.
Unlike Ian, who had gained the heavenly aid of Midas and the Magic Tower, the Latent Dragon Squad returned empty-handed and utterly exhausted, one and all.
"Huuuugh... Just carrying stuff drained me like never before. I'd rather head into the Great Floods."
"Agreed."
Ralph's sentiment spoke for everyone; Ryu An and the others nodded wearily, drained of energy.
It was all because the mages' obsession with the Earth Dragon's byproducts bordered on madness.
"...Was it that bad? I rather enjoyed it..."
The only one wearing a regretful expression was Dane.
Unlike the others, Dane had engaged in heated debates with the Magic Tower mages, eyes sparkling.
He'd momentarily forgotten while rolling around like a dog with the Latent Dragon Squad despite not being a mage, but Dane was undeniably a mage himself.
The greedy mages' discussions and explorations had been a rare respite for him.
"...Scary guy... He's quiet usually, but he's got a sneaky clever side. How did he hold back seeing all those byproducts when he loved it so much? Wait, did he sneak some from the Magic Tower shipment?"
Ralph playfully poked Dane, and Sylvia beside him chuckled while scolding Ralph.
"Pfft! What kind of terrifying joke is that? Even so, Dane's not crazy. Who touches Magic Tower shipments?"
"Hahaha!!"
Laughter rippled through the group.
...Twitch!
Dane flinched at Ralph's poke.
"Haha...ha?"
Until they saw him suddenly clutching his clothes tightly.
"You! Open your bosom right now!!"
"W-Why?!"
"Open it! Sylvia, Helena! Hold him down!!"
Dane resisted fiercely to hide his chest, but a frail mage like him couldn't withstand the brute strength of his squadmates.
Whoosh...
The squad fell silent upon opening Dane's bosom.
Boxes and vials poured out in an instant.
It was astonishing how he'd hidden so much in that narrow space.
"...My god..."
The Latent Dragon Squad's jaws dropped.
Even if the mages were half-mad with thirst for knowledge.
To think he'd actually pilfered from the Magic Tower shipment.
"W-Well... there's so much... this much won't be noticed, right...?"
"Like hell it won't!!"
The entire squad bellowed at Dane's sheepish excuse.
"Captain, you see this? It's not too late—let's turn back and return it now."
"Yeah, what if it causes problems later...!!"
Ian glanced at Dane's spilled loot amid the squad's panic.
"...Whatever. Hide it well so it doesn't show, Dane. Don't just pile it sloppily or you'll get caught."
"R-Really...?!"
Dane beamed gratefully, then hurriedly scooped up the items as if afraid Ian might change his mind.
"Th-Thanks, Captain...!! I'll be super careful!!"
In stark contrast, the rest of the squad stared in dumbfounded shock.
"Am I seeing this right...?"
"That's our captain?"
"Why's he so lenient...?"
They muttered among themselves.
"He could've confiscated it all for the squad budget and still not had enough— what's up with him?"
"Right? The cheapskate."
"I can hear you bastards..."
Ian rubbed his throbbing temple as they openly gossiped behind his back, then suddenly chuckled.
"Can't play favorites with just Dane. Once we're back in Titan, I'll distribute the rewards from the Patriarch. Keep that in mind."
"Eh?"
"Whoa?!"
"What's today? Captain, did you score something good from the Tower Lord?!"
The Latent Dragon Squad erupted in cheers at the unexpected windfall.
"Well, I did get something."
Not visible items, but the immense backing of the Magic Tower.
In truth, Ian had no special reason for his generosity toward the squad.
'Paon's injured, and Midas noticed... which means his words about Paon soon choosing a successor are likely true.'
No telling when.
It could be a year, this winter, or even a week from now.
Whatever criteria Paon used, based on his character, one thing was certain.
He and his entire Latent Dragon Squad would inevitably be swept into that trial.
These guys had only just begun recovering from battlefield wounds and resting after the Great Desert war.
Denying them even small rewards... even Ian found that harsh.
So.
A hearty meal and a bit of coin pouch wouldn't hurt.
"Yay!! Captain's the best!!"
Look at them.
'They're thrilled, so... whatever.'
Happiness was all that mattered, after all.
The scorching summer passed, and even the mild southern continent welcomed a crisp autumn.
Unlike the cooling weather, Agena buzzed with hotter rumors than ever, spreading like wildfire.
-The War King Paon Lichtenauer seeks to trade portions of the slain Earth Dragon's byproducts.
Like a rumor on wings traveling a thousand miles, it began to spread.
Starting with the Magic Tower and royal family trading with the clan.
Then through merchant guilds across continents and seas dealing with the royals, the news blanketed all of Agena.
By the time it reached common ears, the continent's rulers had long since dispatched delegations to the southern continent.
They awaited the clan's official announcement for two reasons.
First, the extent of Paon Lichtenauer's injuries.
Second, a pretext to fracture ties with the southern continent.
This was the perfect chance to confirm both.
Thus, kingdoms across the continents sent fresh delegations south.
Under the guise of trade with the Lichtenauer Martial Clan... to gather intelligence and assess Paon Lichtenauer's wounds.
But the iron-blooded Lichtenauer Martial Clan wasn't blind to their intentions.
They too prepared to probe the delegations' true motives.
To sort enemies from allies.
It had been mere moments since peace returned to the southern continent with the Earth Dragon's death.
A sinister new wind slowly blew... toward the Lichtenauer Martial Clan.