Hubert's words left the elders with awkward expressions.
"Vanessa…?"
"Yes, Vanessa. The one who supposedly reached the 6th-circle."
At those words, everyone's expressions turned sullen. Even Hubert, who mentioned Vanessa, wore a similar look.
Rumors about Vanessa had reached their ears too. Since Claude had been spreading the word everywhere to attract mages, it was impossible not to hear about it.
Although her name wasn't explicitly revealed, it wasn't much of a secret either. Even the Scarlet Flame Magic Tower, which technically had a branch in Fenris territory, could easily identify the 6th-circle mage.
"Ugh… She was just a maid. How on earth did she become a 6th-circle mage?"
Hubert muttered gloomily, and the elders mirrored his downcast expression.
"What kind of tricks did Count Fenris pull?"
"She couldn't even sense mana before."
"And the speed of her growth is absurd. Reaching such a realm, which might not even be attainable after a lifetime of effort?"
Even though quite some time had passed since Vanessa followed Ghislain, reaching the 6th-circle in that period was impossible.
Yet, no matter how many times they checked, the reports confirmed her status. There was no denying it, especially since many had witnessed Vanessa's prowess during the war against Count Desmond.
Letting go of such a genius was enough to earn whispers that the Scarlet Flame Magic Tower had no eye for talent.
The elders sighed before asking something else.
"Then, could we borrow just Vanessa?"
Hubert frowned sharply at the suggestion.
"Isn't Alpoi still stuck at the 3rd-circle?"
"Yes, it's utterly humiliating."
Alpoi, despite being largely abandoned, had once been a promising talent in the tower. Yet the so-called heir to the tower was still stuck at the 3rd-circle.
Since he spent all day supervising construction projects, it was hardly surprising. Still, the fact that the heir of the tower was outperformed by someone who used to be a maid was beyond disgraceful.
The Scarlet Flame Magic Tower had no retort when others claimed they lacked discernment.
"That guy's destined to stay there for life anyway, so let's strip him of his heir status soon."
The elders nodded in agreement. To be honest, the mages assigned to Fenris territory were practically outsiders now.
Calling it a branch was a stretch; they were merely those sent to maintain relations with Ghislain, half-heartedly chosen.
"One Vanessa should be enough. That way, we won't be completely wiped out in the duel, right? We'll just settle for being moderately humiliated."
The Crimson Magic Tower seemed intent on thoroughly disgracing them by bringing their best students. There was no need to respond seriously. If they were unlucky, their own students could be gravely injured or even killed.
"No one among their students will be able to beat Vanessa. We can save her for the final match and secure at least one win, sparing our other students."
Having suffered due to the Crimson Magic Tower, Hubert had become a much more pragmatic man. The elders nodded in agreement.
Although Vanessa was not officially a member of the Scarlet Flame Magic Tower, guest mages could participate in tower duels. Among mages, even personal connections were considered part of one's skill.
This meant that wandering mages temporarily staying at a tower could participate if they wished.
After all, exchange meetings were intended to build relationships with various mages. Often, they also served as opportunities for epiphanies through competition.
Moreover, since Vanessa originally hailed from the Scarlet Flame Magic Tower, it wouldn't look too inappropriate.
"It's too late to invite other regional mages, right?"
"Yes. When would we even convince them and bring them here? In the meantime, those Crimson Magic Tower bastards would keep provoking us."
"Ah, damn it… Those bastards. Just you wait."
Hubert ground his teeth in frustration. Though he planned to concede for now, he wouldn't let it slide next time.
Even agreeing to this level of humiliation had required considerable determination on his part. It was a step back to move two steps forward later.
If an all-out confrontation erupted in the future, so be it. But for now, strengthening the tower was more important.
If they endured a brief moment of disgrace, they could eventually crush the Crimson Magic Tower with a stronger force.
With the food and rune stones Ghislain supplied, Hubert was confident they could starve the Crimson Magic Tower into submission one day.
Having made their decision, Hubert and the elders packed up lavish gifts and visited Ghislain.
***
"So, an exchange meeting, huh… You're asking to borrow 'our' Vanessa as a guest mage?"
"Yes, that's correct. If you, Count, would be so kind as to assist us, it would help us save face…"
Hubert repeatedly wiped the sweat gleaming on his forehead.
Unlike in the past, when he might have spoken more casually, he now found it hard to address Ghislain as an equal, even as a tower lord.
This wasn't just any noble but the most influential lord in the North and a key supporter of the pro-royalist faction.
No matter his title, even a tower lord had to bow down.
Watching Hubert squirm, Ghislain crossed his legs and spoke.
"Oh, come now. Why are you so tense? Is it because we haven't seen each other in a while?"
"Ah, yes, well… I suppose it's because it's been a while."
'Damn it! This is why I didn't want to come!'
Hubert had known Ghislain was a kid who dragged around mercenaries, yet now, the gap between them had grown far too wide. Hubert's petty nature made it hard to swallow.
But since he was here to ask for help, he couldn't show his displeasure. Forcing a smile, he said:
"Anyway, between 'us,' surely you can grant this small favor?"
"Oh, come on. I already sell you food and rune stones at discounted prices, and now you want me to lend her for free?"
At that, Hubert pulled out a box from his belongings.
"I've brought a modest gift. It's quite a valuable item."
He revealed an ornate jewelry box, so encrusted with gems that it was hard to tell whether it was meant to store jewels inside or display them outside.
"…You're still collecting things like this?"
"Well, aren't they beautiful?"
When Ghislain didn't seem particularly impressed, Hubert grew flustered. Such an expensive and exquisite item—how could he not like it? Hubert couldn't fathom it.
Nevertheless, Ghislain accepted the jewelry box and continued.
"Fine. Between us, I can do that. But I have one condition."
"And what might that be?"
Hubert and the elders swallowed nervously. Ghislain's conditions were never simple.
But his words were unexpected.
"May I observe the event?"
"Observe?"
"Yes, I'd like to watch the mages' duel."
"Hmm…"
Hubert scratched his head.
The exchange meeting was an event exclusively for mages. Even nobles couldn't casually intrude.
However, it wasn't unprecedented. Rarely, there had been instances of noble spectators in the past.
When the elders signaled their approval, Hubert nodded readily.
"Sure! Why not have the Count participate as a spectator? Just don't draw too much attention. Keep it subtle, alright?"
"Of course. I've always been curious about these tower exchange meetings I've only ever heard about."
For Hubert, this was an ideal outcome. That dangerous man wasn't demanding anything extravagant this time.
As Hubert celebrated inwardly, Ghislain asked with a slight smirk:
"But tell me… Do you really think the Crimson Magic Tower Lord will simply leave after a duel?"
"What do you mean?"
"He's a 7th-circle mage. What if he goes crazy and just kills everyone there?"
At that, Hubert burst into laughter.
"Ha! Count, you're known for being fearless, yet you're more worried than I am? That would never happen."
"And why not?"
"No matter how fierce a tower rivalry gets, there are limits. Sure, a few students might die in the guise of competition, but that's it."
Hubert cleared his throat and elaborated.
"Think about it. Even if lords usually stay out of tower conflicts, they wouldn't overlook such a major incident. Our tower is protected by Count Bribant, a pro-royalist."
"I see…"
Ghislain nodded. Count Bribant had been the pro-royalist faction's chosen ally before they shifted their support to Ghislain.
Although Ghislain had essentially intercepted the support, Count Bribant remained a trusted figure within the pro-royalist faction.
Count Bribant's territory relied heavily on taxes from the Scarlet Flame Magic Tower. If the Crimson Magic Tower destroyed it suddenly?
And this wasn't just a minor tower—these were two major towers with well-established reputations. It wouldn't end as mere rumors about a destroyed tower rivalry.
The pro-royalist faction would undoubtedly retaliate against the Crimson Magic Tower politically and launch a full investigation.
Without intending to abandon their operations in the North entirely, the Crimson Magic Tower wouldn't risk such insanity.
"Furthermore, such actions would draw universal condemnation from all mages in the kingdom. Everyone would either distance themselves from or outright oppose the Crimson Magic Tower. They'd gain nothing."
"And what if they're willing to take that risk?"
When Ghislain pressed, Hubert confidently replied:
"The exchange meeting will be held on our turf. No matter how powerful Delmud is, he can't take us all on."
While the difference in ability by circle was undeniable, sheer numbers also held power. The Scarlet Flame Magic Tower had one 6th-circle mage, five 5th-circle mages, and hundreds of students.
While the damage would be significant, they were confident they could win on home ground.
If it came to a real fight, both sides would ultimately be ruined. That's why Hubert was sure it wouldn't escalate.
"And… With you watching, Delmud would have to be careful, wouldn't he? He's just trying to humiliate us and dampen our momentum."
"That makes sense."
Ghislain nodded in agreement.
Of course, Hubert didn't know a thing. He had no idea that a civil war was already brewing, and the pro-royalist faction's pressure or mages' opinions wouldn't matter anymore.
The Duchy was preparing to crush all opposition.
The Crimson Magic Tower's involvement signaled that the duchy was fully committing to the impending civil war.
Ignorant of this reality, Hubert was simply using conventional logic to assess the situation.
Ghislain nodded silently. There was no need to explain further since he planned to attend the event regardless.
"Very well. Then I'll allow Vanessa to participate as a guest mage. However… Must you leave out Alpoi?"
"Alpoi? We don't need him. What use is that talentless 3rd-circle nobody?"
"…"
Hubert's words, dismissing Alpoi as completely useless, made Ghislain click his tongue. Though Alpoi was an annoying character, he had made significant contributions here.
It seemed some perceptions needed correcting.
"I'll add one more condition."
"And what's that?"
"Include Alpoi in the duel. He's still the tower's heir, isn't he? He should gain some experience."
"Hmm…"
Considering they were already debating when to strip Alpoi of his heir status, including him as the heir seemed contradictory. Hubert hesitated briefly before nodding.
"Fine. It doesn't really matter who participates, anyway."
To minimize losses, they didn't plan to send their best students. Including Alpoi wouldn't make much difference.
His reluctance stemmed more from Alpoi's status as heir. Losing would bring greater shame than other students losing.
'Ugh, that guy's going to lose for sure, and we'll be humiliated.'
Hubert wasn't optimistic about Alpoi's chances, but with Vanessa securing one win, it seemed manageable.
As soon as Ghislain agreed, Hubert promptly accepted the exchange meeting proposal. Immediately, the Crimson Magic Tower ceased their provocations.
"See? I knew they'd stop. Just you wait. I'll let this one slide for now."
Hubert enthusiastically prepared for the event. But unlike usual exchange meetings, his preparations were minimal.
Since it was clear the Crimson Magic Tower intended to humiliate them in a duel, there was no need for additional formalities. A spacious venue for combat was all they needed.
Finally, the agreed-upon date arrived, and the Crimson Magic Tower delegation visited the Scarlet Flame Magic Tower.
Delmud brought two elders and nearly fifty students—a surprising number.
Hubert raised an eyebrow at the sight.
'What's this? They brought that many?'
The Crimson Magic Tower had just over a hundred students. Bringing nearly half seemed excessive for a simple duel.
Of course, the Scarlet Flame Magic Tower had prepared a similar number, just in case.
'Surely they're not planning to take this to the end?'
Although their numbers were unexpected, Hubert quickly dismissed the thought.
'With Count Fenris here, what could possibly happen? They'll tread carefully knowing he's watching.'
Hubert remained naively optimistic. But Delmud was a different story.
'Today, the Scarlet Flame Magic Tower will fall.'
The moment he arrived, he approached Hubert directly.
"It's been a while, Hubert."
"Indeed, it has, Delmud."
Sparks flew between their gazes.
The two had met a few times in their youth, and even then, their relationship was strained as rivals. Back then, Hubert, as the promising heir of the Scarlet Flame Magic Tower, had looked down on Delmud.
But now, Delmud has surpassed him. Hubert couldn't stomach the reversal.
"There's no need for unnecessary formalities, is there? I've made arrangements for us to start right away."
"You're quick to the point."
Delmud scanned the surroundings with a cold gaze. His eyes narrowed at the figure sitting casually in the seat of honor.
Delmud turned to Hubert with a frosty expression.
"And who might that be?"
Hubert grinned as he answered.
"Ah, is this your first time meeting? Let me introduce you. That gentleman is the illustrious Count Fenris, the most powerful lord in the North. He's here as an observer."
"Count Fenris?"
Delmud's eyes widened, and Hubert smirked inwardly.
'Hehe, surprised, aren't you? Whatever you're planning, you won't dare act rashly now.'
Indeed, Delmud was surprised, but for reasons Hubert couldn't imagine. Inside, Delmud was ecstatic.
'Today… I'll kill Count Fenris too.'
Delmud's eyes began to glint with murderous intent.
[T/L: Please support me and read 385 extra chapters: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans ]