Note: The Novel Will Be Corrected Until Chapter 105, After That Chapter It Will Be All MTL
C40 - 41 - 42
Chapter 40
“This is Myeongjeong tea. It’s brewed with medicinal herbs that help clear the mind. It’s a specialty of our Mage Tower. Please, have a taste.”
Radios offered the teacup, carefully observing the countenance of Daebak — no, the valuable customer who had returned to the Mage Tower after a long absence.
‘He’s definitely young. If I play my cards right… I might be able to reel him in…’
Due to the tight budget for the month — more precisely, the situation was so dire that the owner of the Mage Tower himself had to step forward to eagerly court a mere deal of 1.5 million gold.
No doubt, artifacts were the highest value products produced by the Mage Tower.
But artifacts, which started at a cost of ten million each, were fortunate if they sold even a few units a year due to the lack of interested buyers.
Thus, the main products were relatively affordable(?) scrolls, and in this respect, the Earth Mage Tower that he led was slightly less competitive.
During peacetime, as opposed to war, the practical uses of Earth Magic were mostly in agricultural development, farming, or large-scale civil engineering.
However, very few nobles were willing to use expensive scrolls for such ‘trivial’ tasks.
‘After all, they could just mobilize the peasants of their domain.’
As a result, the Earth Mage Tower always struggled with a tight budget.
It was not true that the Mage Tower had become inept after he became the Tower Master.
It was natural for the Tower Master to use some of the Mage Tower’s budget for personal research. The rumors that this impacted the competitiveness of the entire tower were sheer nonsense.
Of course, the reason the budget was tight this month was because he’d overspent a bit, but with the hope he’d discovered, it wasn’t necessarily a bad thing.
‘If I succeed, the Mage Tower succeeds. Yes, indeed.’
“Hmm. It’s a tea that the Tower Master can be proud of. It has a delightful aroma.”
“Haha, as expected, you have quite the discerning taste. But did you say you wanted to buy 150 Collapse Scrolls?”
Radios himself regretted speaking as soon as the words left his lips.
He’d foolishly dived straight into the main agenda, reacting immediately to unexpected praise — not the demeanor worthy of a noble. It was a clear mistake.
“Yes, that’s right.”
Fortunately, the gracious customer didn’t seem to react.
Maybe, it wasn’t too late to try and feel it out.
“Hahaha. I’m excited about such a big transaction after a long time. But there’s a bit of a problem, actually.”
“Problem, you say?”
“As you know, a 4th level Circle Scroll can only be produced under the guidance of a 5th Circle mage. And such high-quality manpower is not abundant in our Mage Tower.”
Radios cautiously baited, watching the buyer’s reaction.
“…So, what is it?”
The buyer’s gaze darkened, and the atmosphere turned chilly in an instant.
It was not the response he’d expected from an easy mark.
‘But I have to try at least once more.’
Gulp.
Radios swallowed hard and continued cautiously.
“As you may be aware, scrolls are expensive to produce and cannot just be crafted in advance…”
“So, what you’re saying is, you can’t provide the quantity I want?”
But before he could even finish his sentence, the buyer’s voice grew icy cold.
“No, not at all! Definitely not! I just meant that producing 150 scrolls might take a little time… Haha. Ahem.”
Radios quickly babbled out excuses in shock.
“Well, there’s nothing I can do then. I was planning to purchase 150 scrolls monthly. If you can’t even handle 150, I’m considering looking into the Royal Mage Tower…”
“Wait, please, sir!”
“Yes?”
“Monthly?”
Radios was stunned, thinking he must have misunderstood.
“Yes. I need a total of 900 scrolls over six months, at a monthly rate of 150.”
But it was neither a delusion nor a misunderstanding.
“Ugh…”
His hand involuntarily shot up, and a cheer almost escaped him.
“Ahem.”
“What are you doing…”
“My apologies. I just needed to stretch a bit due to fatigue…”
He narrowly escaped the crisis with his well-honed acting skills developed over the years, believing he had perfectly managed his expression.
“Well, if even the first 150 scrolls are delayed, then 150 every month for six months is outright impossible. Thanks for the tea.”
But no matter what, the determined steps of the wealthy Party (財神) leaving did not stop.
When the sound of footsteps thundered in his ears like lightning, Radios had only one choice.
“It can be done! It must be done!”
“Really?”
“Of what I said, that is… unless I intervene personally— Yes, exactly. Indeed.”
“Could it be done?”
“It absolutely must! 150 per month. 1.5 million per month. That’s 9 million over six months. Haha. Such a splendid sum.”
Unaware of the words spouting from his mouth, Radios reached for the teacup to hide his expression.
“Hot!”
But the shaking hand couldn’t preserve even a shred of dignity.
“Are you okay, Mage?”
“Cough. Yes! Yes, I am. My apologies. Please, just give me a moment!”
Right now, pride was not the issue.
If the deal went through, he could silence all criticism from the elders for his excessive experimental expenses in one stroke.
Radios dashed out the door filled with hope.
* * *
“150 scrolls of 4th Circle every month? You will need to involve other elders in production. Will they follow along willingly?”
“We have no choice! It’s not just a month. Six months’ worth! 9 million gold! Even with a third of that, we could resume the halted research!”
“If you want to persuade the elders, you have to share the profits.”
“That’s unavoidable. I’ll have to make concessions and squeeze the lower-ranking workers as much as possible! This is a clue to becoming a superior being that I’ve found for the first time in 20 years!”
“But there is other work…”
“No buts about it! Cancel all other orders! Pay the penalties! We don’t have any big deals happening right now!”
“Ahem. Understood. But…”
“And maybe those guys…”
“Sorry? Ah…”
The last few words faded, but Logan understood enough.
‘Ah, that’s why someone of the stature of a Mage Tower owner is acting like this…’
With superhuman hearing strengthened by Force, he accidentally overheard their conversation and grasped their situation.
Creak.
Shortly after, the door opened again, and Radios entered the room with a middle-aged man bearing a somewhat stern expression.
“Ahaha. Young master, this is the elder of our Mage Tower, Romerun Iyo. He is in charge of producing the scrolls.”
“Pleasure to meet you, Romerun.”
Compared to the Mage Tower owner Radios, Romerun’s slight bow somehow seemed to carry more weight.
‘4th Circle?’
But Logan found it odd that Romerun’s cultivation seemed to fall short of being considered an elder.
An influential mage like that should have been hard to come by in the Kingdom of Grandia, renowned for its scarcity of high-ranking mages.
‘Well, it’s not my problem.’
Radios had held his position as Mage Tower owner since before rumors began circulating a decade ago about the decline in the tower’s capabilities under this duplicitous-looking man — nothing new.
‘I just need to purchase what I need.’
Fortunately, from their conversation, it seemed quite likely.
But then, the Mage Tower owner made an unexpected suggestion.
“But, what if, instead of scrolls, we directly employ mages?”
“What?”
The proposal was startling.
Mages, who often came with an excess of pride and dignity, refused to be directly contracted for mundane tasks, especially those as ignoble as a construction site during peacetime.
Thus, Logan hadn’t even entertained the notion of employing mages in a direct contract.
‘Are things different here? Impossible.’
His understanding was shaken, but his response was clear.
‘We must.’
Why else would single-use scrolls be so costly?
While production costs played a part, the more significant reason for the high prices was that the majority of oh-so-proud mages refused to soil their hands with manual labor, preferring the insulation of their laboratories.
Employing a 4th Circle mage could have the effect of 300 scrolls at less than half the cost.
“Are there 4th Circle mages willing to come to a provincial construction site?”
He didn’t hide the excitement in his voice, but considering the magnitude of the proposition, there was no reason for self-reproach.
However…
“Ah, haha. It seems there’s been a bit of a misunderstanding. My apologies.”
“What?”
“4th Circle mages are hard to order around, even for me. They’re the tower’s valuable talents.”
“Huh…”
The disappointment was natural. 4th Circle mages were considered a critical asset in any Mage Tower.
It would be a loss for the tower to forcefully involve them in unpleasant work, potentially leading to defections.
“Then why did you make such a suggestion to me…?”
“Well, it was to see if there was a better offer I could propose to our esteemed guest.”
By now, Logan no longer saw Radios as a mage, but more as a tradesman.
“Instead of all the scrolls, how about I send some of our 2nd and 3rd Circle apprentices?”
This better offer was what Logan had been willing to hear. Nevertheless, he almost laughed at the absurdity.
It boiled down to sending a few low-ranking mages to put up a front, while still pocketing the money.
“I’m sorry, but…”
“Ten of them!”
As Logan was ready to refuse bluntly, the Tower Master preempted him.
“…Sorry?”
“Nine 2nd Circle mages and one 3rd Circle mage. I have apprentices who are experienced working together on various construction sites. I will send them to you.”
Logan couldn’t resist being interested by such conditions.
Employing ten mages, even for lower circles, might even be better than a single 4th Circle mage for a long-term construction project.
Especially remarkable was the claim of specialized mages in construction work — a notion Logan could scarcely imagine.
“Hmm. If I can employ mages affordably, that suits me just fine. I came here wanting to expedite construction.”
At Logan’s positive response, Radios seized the moment to suggest.
“How about we compromise at 120 scrolls, and I send those friends for the duration of the construction?”
“120 scrolls?”
Effectively trading 30 4th Circle magic scrolls for ten mages.
No matter how he looked at it, it was a fair deal.
“Well, that seems fine.”
As Logan nodded, smiles bloomed on the faces of both the watching Mage Tower owner and the elder.
Each thought they had woven a perfect deal where both sides gained.
“But since this is such a large and long-term deal, you might be able to offer some discount? How far can you go?”
Yet Radios’ expression contorted once more with Logan’s follow-up question.
The Tower Master had played his hand too soon.
‘What will the outcome be?’
Logan smiled inwardly, waiting for the reaction.
They must have surmised that his visit related to ground construction work.
Despite the presence of the Royal Mage Tower, which taught classes in multielemental wizardry, it couldn’t match the Earth Mage Tower, which held a unique position in this field.
Furthermore, mages hated the word ‘discount’ attaching to their precious ‘magic’ products, considering it an insult to their pride.
But Logan was confident this strategy would work.
From the conversation outside, and based on…
“Haha. You need this urgently, don’t you?”
“Not particularly urgent. I just want to finish the construction early. Money is no concern.”
“Haha, you are indeed generous. After all, employing peasants in your domain would suffice.”
This was the common belief among Grandia’s nobility at the time.
Spending a lot on territorial development was an option chosen only in urgent cases.
Otherwise, the ‘cheap’ solution was to grind the peasants of the domain.
‘That’s why the Empire easily conquered us.’
– Every law of the Empire is intended for the people’s welfare. To promote the welfare of the people is to serve the nation.
– Ensuring the people’s prosperity is the foundation for strengthening the nation.
These were the opening phrases of the imperial laws later proclaimed by the Emperor of Ares Empire.
Logan, in his previous life, was also shocked by these words. At that time, they were notions he had never considered.
What significance was there in treating peasants well just to boost one’s reputation within the domain?
‘At least, that’s what I thought.’
But this notion vanished in an instant when faced with the Empire’s war.
When Grandia’s military forces crumbled, its soldiers were quick to flee. In contrast, Imperial troops fought to hinder the enemy’s advance, even after a defeat.
This difference in mindset always led to outcomes far exceeding the direct difference in military strength.
And only after everything ended did he realize that this stemmed from how the monarch treated the people.
Many other nobles likely came to the same realization.
‘The country becomes stronger when its people are prosperous.’
This simple truth dawned on them only after the kingdom had fallen.
It was necessary now to cater to their perspective.
“If the price doesn’t suit me, I might just take longer to mobilize the peasant workforce and handle it that way.”
Logan had no intention of forced peasant labor without proper compensation, but others couldn’t know his thoughts.
“Haha. I see. Naturally. But a discount from the Mage Tower… Hahaha.”
Only a baffled voice and hollow laughter followed.
Unable to make a decision, they kept looking for a sign, so Logan decided to prod them further.
“Is it too much? Then I’ll just consult the Royal Mage Tower…”
“Wait! Please just a moment…”
--------------
Chapter 41
“What did you say?”
The threatening glare from Elder Clayton of the Earth Tower caused the subordinate mage who came to deliver the order to shrink even further.
“All ten disciples under Greck are… ahh! I’m just the messenger, Elder!”
His fierce look made it so only his disciples could smile back at him in the tower, and Clayton, who usually tried to smile as much as possible, barely managed to contain the surge of killing intent at the subordinate mage’s reaction.
“Yeah, I know. I’m aware. The tower master, this guy… until the very end…”
It wasn’t the fault of the guy delivering the message. The bad one had to be the tower master.
Clayton sighed deeply and forced his anger down.
“To where? For how long?”
He asked, hoping that the tower master at least had a shred of conscience.
“It’s the Macline territory, in the southwest countryside. The construction period is half a year…”
“What?”
Despite the calm tone, the mana and killing intent that rapidly filled the room was overwhelming.
Elder Clayton’s impassive face did not show it, but the strength of the anger within him was palpable, and the subordinate mage clutched his chest.
“*Cough* Elder!”
“Hmm. This is rather regrettable.”
Once again, Clayton barely suppressed his anger and allowed the subordinate mage to regain his breath.
The mage had barely come to his senses before Clayton approached with a grim face and asked,
“So, is that absurd—no, is that order truly without falsehood?”
“Yes, yes! Of course.”
“Huuh. I see.”
Another deep breath from Clayton and the killing intent soared once more, causing the innocent subordinate mage’s complexion to change constantly.
“Alright, you may go now.”
“Th-thank you!”
Clang!
The mage dashed out of the room, making a ruckus, with Clayton’s menacing gaze following him.
Of course, the anger wasn’t directed at the mage, but rather the true instigator of the order.
‘Macline? A territory I’ve never heard of, and for as long as half a year? Hah.’
So far, it had been continuous but short-term stints to the outskirts of Grang.
And just when he thought those stints were getting slightly longer, now it seemed they were being sent externally for good.
All were 20-somethings, at an age ripe for development, and his disciples were instead stuck doing labor without training.
“Radios, tower master of the Earth Tower. You really want to do this?”
Everything started after he reached the 5th circle and became an elder a year ago.
Only 50 years old and already at the 5th circle. Although his age didn’t quite fit the term ‘elder’, the rules didn’t forbid him from becoming one.
The disciples of his competitors, who vied for the position of tower master in the previous generation, must have been displeased with his position being threatened.
Yes, he could understand that much. Clayton comprehended up to there.
“But to touch my disciples, even if not me? To this extent?”
He had tried to be patient, but this was too much.
His disciples couldn’t even train or research, nor find time to rest, due to all the field work being pushed onto them by the tower master.
And now, they had just returned this morning, only to be assigned another such long-distance assignment straight away.
“It’s time to sort this out once and for all.”
Elder Clayton of the Earth Tower kicked the room door and left with a look of fury.
* * *
“These are…?”
Logan glanced at the tower master with a grim look, and the tower master nodded with a smile.
“Yes. These are the young men who will assist the young master for half a year. Greck, aren’t you their representative? Greet him. This is Logan Macline, the young master. You’ll be working for him for the next six months.”
“Huuh. I am Greck, a 3rd circle mage. Please take good care of me.”
Greck, who looked like he could be in his thirties, stepped forward to represent the ten mages, and let out a sigh with a brief greeting.
More than anything, what caught the eye were the deep shadows under his eyes and his pale complexion.
Not only him, but the others behind him looked equally worn.
“I am Logan Macline.”
After exchanging names and sending the young mages off for a moment, Logan spoke with a cringed face,
“They look like they’re about to collapse any moment, tower master. Are these really the right people?”
“They might look tired, but they are our most experienced young talent in construction. They will fulfill their roles.”
“Hmm…”
“Perhaps they are tired, but these friends are our tower’s specialists in construction. Haha.”
Specialists in construction.
Even Logan, who was not a mage, knew that no mage would be happy to hear that.
It was a statement no different from belittling one’s own disciples.
Recalling the gloomy faces of the young mages he just saw, Logan looked at the tower master skeptically, but there was no flicker of emotion on the tower master’s face.
“They certainly seem competent.”
Instead, the compliment seemed to harden the tower master’s expression even more.
“Haha. Yes, they are indeed competent. Competent indeed…”
Listening to the tower master’s soulless praise, Logan fell into deep thought.
‘The deal itself isn’t bad. But…’
– A monthly 1.2 million gold. 120 collapse scrolls and the support of ten mages.
After a three-hour argument, that figure was agreed upon while Radios’s face looked almost cramped.
He had basically slashed the cost of mage support.
From Logan’s perspective, it was a satisfying deal, but he was somewhat uneasy because the exhausted mages seemed more capable than he anticipated.
His senses perceived the level of these mages as…
‘Almost young mages at the 3rd circle master level and nine 2nd circle experts and masters.’
Moreover, all in their twenties, they were talents who would be coveted in any tower.
To let such people go for a fraction of their worth? And attract antipathy in doing so?
Understandably, he couldn’t help but feel that there was another hidden motive.
“Here, it’s specified in the contract.”
Bang.
Perhaps sensing his hesitation, the tower master quickly pushed the contract, freshly sealed with his stamp.
Ink not even dry, the conditions agreed upon and the tower master’s stamp were already there.
As if to say, you wouldn’t refuse this, would you?
Finding the gesture increasingly suspicious, Logan hesitated.
‘Why are the terms so favorable?’
As Logan furrowed his brow, lost in thought, a harsh voice accompanied by a loud bang at the door cut through the air.
“Tower master! Let’s have a word.”
The cool voice was accompanied by a fierce face with piercing eyes and a wild beard.
Accompanied by a scar that ran from his right forehead to above his left lip, he looked more like a veteran mercenary or an assassin than a mage.
Moreover, his massive physique hid beneath his robe, radiating a certainty of a solid muscular build.
At first glance, he seemed better suited to armor than a robe.
“Clayton?”
Radios’s voice revealed slight alarm, and behind the forcefully opened door, young mages attempting to restrain him appeared.
“Master!”
“Master, you don’t have to do this!”
The tower master’s spacious room was suddenly as noisy as a marketplace, and Logan gazed surprisingly at the newly arrived mage.
‘5th circle!’
Logan’s senses clearly felt the five earth-toned circles resting in the man’s heart.
Radios’s face grimaced, as the presence behind him flinched, not only due to the appearance of a serial killer.
But the tower master’s expression hardly changed.
“Elder Clayton. We have a guest. We’ll talk after the matter is finished.”
“That matter is about my disciples. I must discuss it now.”
“…Elder Clayton. Do you really want to embarrass yourself in front of a guest?”
“How embarrassing, tower master. You’re presenting the young people who are the future of the tower as mere laborers…”
“Enough!”
Radios’s face blushed with Clayton’s sharp retort.
However, after looking at Logan once over, he sighed deeply and continued,
“Everything is for the tower’s benefit. Are there others who work as well as your disciples?”
“That’s exactly my question! Why only make ‘my’ disciples work so hard? Especially today, when they just got back.”
The harsh gaze flew towards him, but Radios maintained an impassive face.
“Ah! For the sake of the tower, I tell you! It is said that youthful hardships are even sought after! It’s all for their good!”
“So you want to torture my disciples because you can’t order me, an elder, around? Did you think I would stand by?”
As the unexpected quarrel stretched on, Logan quietly derived the necessary information from their conversation.
‘This was it.’
Logan realized why such a favorable contract was so easily penned.
It was the internal conflict of the tower that became a stroke of luck for him.
“If you don’t like the tower master’s orders, you and your disciples are free to leave now.”
“Ha! Is that supposed to be a serious statement?”
As Clayton’s anger rose, and mana visibly surged, the tower master’s mana also started exploding in response.
Vroom.
The same earthy tones, yet entirely different auras of mana clashed, shaking the entire room.
‘Wow!’
The sight of a confrontation between high-level mages promised to be interesting, but…
‘That’s not the issue now.’
With a clearer picture of their situation, Logan’s unease faded. And what needed to be done?
He quickly took out his identification badge and stamped it at the bottom of the contract.
Bam!
“Now, with this, the contract is established. The ten standing there, follow me.”
The poised voice cut through the tense atmosphere, drawing everyone’s eyes towards Logan.
“Ah! You two… Well, do as you please. The contract is still valid even with a new tower master, right?”
But on Logan’s face holding up the contract, there was only a smile.
The two opposing mages looked flabbergasted at Logan.
Yet, their responses were starkly different.
“Cough. I’m sorry you had to see such an ugly sight. Very well. The scrolls will be sent as soon as they are ready.”
“Tower master. I haven’t finished talking!”
“Elder Clayton! Are you really going to resort to force in front of an official contract of the Earth Tower? Remember your status!”
Interrupted by Rumerun’s words, Clayton glared at him with eyes that could spit fire, but the words were not incorrect.
Clayton’s face trembled with unresolved anger, but he reluctantly retracted his gaze and stepped back.
Watching him, both the tower master and Rumerun smiled, but Clayton uttered an unexpected declaration.
“Fine! Then I will follow my disciples.”
“Clayton!”
“An elder intending to follow a construction site and neglect the tower’s dignity!”
“Dignity of the tower comes after my disciples! My kids, who can’t even rest because of some ruthless scoundrels, I will go with them to expedite the work so they can rest.”
“Truly willful. If that’s how you insist… Well, do as you please. A 5th circle mage in construction.”
The cold exchange between the tower master and the elder seemed to conclude there, but there remained a crucial issue.
“Uh… Both of you? I have no intention to employ a 5th circle mage.”
With Logan’s words, the mages’ gazes turned back to him.
‘Why would a construction project need a 5th circle mage? It’s a waste of money.’
The labor costs of a mage above the 5th circle were astronomical.
There were terrifying rumors about a starting price of 1 million gold, and Logan had no intention of such wasteful spending.
‘Absolutely not!’
As Logan prepared to decisively cut off any objection, something unexpected happened.
“I simply intend to help with my disciples’ work. I do not plan to take any money for it. My goal is to facilitate the quick completion of the work.”
Hearing those blissful words like music from heaven, Logan immediately bowed at a 90-degree angle.
“We will serve you in the best way, Elder. How would you like your carriage to be prepared?”
The sudden shift in demeanor even caused Clayton’s grim face to briefly blank in surprise.
“…A simple one would suffice, my lord.”
“I will prepare it so that you can travel comfortably.”
Who was the employer, and who was the laborer?
While everyone gazed in bewilderment, Logan simply beamed.
‘Aha! Top-notch staff for free!’
With a 5th circle mage, to the extent that the originally intended collapse scrolls were virtually unnecessary.
Therefore, Logan could readily nod to Clayton’s next words.
“Just give us one more day. My disciples need to rest up before we depart.”
“Of course. I also have things to settle.”
The contract with the tower was a jackpot, and Logan’s smile showed no signs of fading.
------------------------------
Chapter 42: In front of the west gate of Grang, at noon the next day.
“Have you arrived, Lord Logan?”
“Ah. You seem less tired than yesterday. Haha, I look forward to working with you.”
“My apologies for showing you such an embarrassing side yesterday…”
“Why should you be sorry for that? It’s the damn tower master’s problem, not yours.”
Grik, with a bitter smile on his face, was interrupted by Clayton, who towered a full head taller than him, suddenly appearing behind him.
“Your Highness, let’s not waste time with pleasantries and get going quickly. Wouldn’t you agree it’s best to wrap up the work as soon as possible?”
“Master! Kuh-hem. My apologies, Lord Logan. Our master tends to be rather straightforward with words.”
“What! What now? Did I speak wrongly?”
As Grik gestured with his hand, the previously quiet disciples rushed over and pulled at Clayton’s robe, dragging him back.
Clayton’s thick eyebrows wriggled as if he was about to explode with anger, but…
“Kuhng. Alright, you brats. Let go! I won’t say another word.”
Grik sighed lightly as he heard Clayton grumble.
“Our master isn’t one to fuss over courtesies… His expression may be rough, but his heart is warm. Your understanding would be appreciated.”
“Hmm…”
Usually, magicians, being rarer than knights, tended to have stronger pride. Even commoners who were chosen believed they were above rural nobles, and that attitude was rather common.
The receptionist at the magic tower yesterday had been one such example, but Grik and his companions lacked that arrogance.
They seemed to have laid down most burdens after enduring many hardships.
For their employer, Logan, meeting such people was a welcome occasion. High-class talents like Clayton who had come for free—what could be wrong with his blunt manner of speaking?
“It is an honor to have the elder of the magic tower with us.”
Logan washed away Grik’s worries with a bright smile.
Logan had prepared three carriages for Clayton and his disciples.
These were six-seater carriages, spacious enough to accommodate several people comfortably, affording the room for everyone to travel divided if needed.
Moreover, he had invested a hefty 5,000 gold to hire experienced coachmen from the Grang transport guild and prepared provisions and tents necessary for camping out.
It was a showcase of Logan’s care towards the magicians, with the setup indicating his intent to travel continuously, except for the essential breaks for eating and sleeping.
And in this luxurious setting, the gruff-looking Clayton was continuously nagging his disciples to ‘train since the conditions are comfortable.’
From Logan’s perspective, it seemed like senseless coercion, but the disciples accepted Clayton’s orders with smiles.
‘They’re like underlings flattering a murderous leader to survive.’
Although it appeared precisely so, genuine sincerity was felt in the smiles of those disciples.
Logan shook his head after a brief moment of observation.
‘It’s not for me to know. I need to focus on my affairs.’
The campfire flickered.
Watching the fire burn, Logan cast aside his stray thoughts and once again contemplated the image of the Swordmaster in his mind.
More precisely, the image of his swordplay.
Though he had occasionally thought about it while writing his swordplay manual, the image now came to him more clearly than before.
The calm starry night, as he prepared to camp out, was the best time for concentration.
‘To stimulate such swordplay here…’
That day, the Swordmaster had shown Logan more than just the Central Pressure Sword Technique.
Golden light erupted from Logan’s sword, which he held loosely, forming a tangible blade.
The golden blade, a fusion of external momentum and force, though blurry, had a definite form.
There were no more irregular flashes of golden light.
“A blade made tangible by force…”
If the Swordmaster had seen this, he would have been extremely surprised.
Aura is the transformation of concentrated, compressed force into a new power.
Although the technique shown by the Swordmaster was just a weakened stage of this aura, Logan was not supposed to be able to imitate that technique at his level.
But now, with the evolved power of force, he had managed to do so with his still insufficient skills.
Crackle. Sizzle.
Of course, the shape could not be maintained for long, but the mere fact of its existence was already a tremendous achievement.
“I’ve done it…”
He couldn’t openly express his joy, considering those around him, but his fists clenched out of happiness.
He had managed to briefly imitate the Force Blade, reputed to only be achievable by the topmost knights.
Furthermore…
Whoosh.
‘The amplifier, focus, dispersal…’
The force emanating from the sword teased the flames of the campfire, coiling into a round shape, stretching out and demanding various changes.
The pressure of the momentum, fundamental to the feeling of oppression.
This seemed to be truly useful, just as the Swordmaster had claimed.
Unlike the secret techniques of the divine sword, it didn’t consume much energy.
‘It looks like I could use this in real combat.’
Central Pressure Sword.
Logan had focused on this vision for days, setting aside his complicated thoughts about the future.
Because of this focus, his achievement came quickly, and he felt an immediate urge to test it.
‘I’m not a child…’
It was a childish eagerness to swing the new weapon in his hand.
Recently, he felt his mentality rejuvenating as much as his physically younger body.
‘Well, it can’t be helped.’
The idea of an unshakable mind despite changes in situation or environment was something only the most powerful or superhumans would claim proverbially.
Above all, he was satisfied with his current life, which was cleansing the regret from his previous life, so it was natural for Logan McLean, the eldest son of the McLean family, to remain over the aging mercenary and separatist he once was.
‘The important things must not be forgotten. The imperial war. And the civil strife.’
Despite the nighttime, the temperature didn’t feel too cold, hinting at the approaching summer, but Logan’s heart was growing colder.
‘Only a year and a half left.’
The death of the king. And the beginning of the civil war.
He had to thoroughly prepare by then to seize the opportunity.
‘To soar in an instant. When no one can spare us any thought… To do that…’
His worries deepened as much as the enveloping darkness grew deeper.
“Cough. A mighty achievement, Your Highness.”
Just then, a voice that broke Logan’s train of thought rang in his ears.
“Clayton?”
“I happen to witness a splendid sight.”
“Oh, no. It’s just a simple skill of mine, nothing more.”
“I may not know much about Force users, but I am aware that the feat Your Highness has just performed is not something possible at your age.”
“…Your praise is too much.”
Clayton and the other magicians were still not fully allies.
Realizing he had inadvertently shown his hand without consideration for the surroundings made Logan inwardly reproach himself.
“Ahem. I was somewhat uneasy because of yesterday’s incident, my manners may have been lacking. I’m not well-versed in etiquette, having lived a rough life, so I hope the distinguished young lord could understand me.”
Giving a seemingly excuse-ridden apology, Clayton then dropped an unexpected line.
“Those kids have been through hardship simply because of their unfortunate encounter with me as their mentor. I wish to teach them as much as possible while I can. Even after we start working on the estate, I hope to give each of my disciples time to rest and train. I’ll work more myself, so may I ask for your understanding?”
His tone was straightforward yet sincere.
For Logan, it seemed to be a proposal with no disadvantages, so he nodded in agreement.
‘Hm?’
A foreign sensation suddenly emanated around Clayton.
Whoosh.
As a faint disturbance touched his senses, his heart’s core vibrated, and soon faint flows of mana became visible.
A khaki-colored mana from Clayton seeped into the ground and then smoothly enveloped only the area around the tents where his disciples slept.
‘Magic… this secretly?’
He couldn’t tell what the magic was for, but the discreet nature surprised him, and the warm feelings contained within the mana surprised him again.
Although the exact effects were unknown, it was clear Clayton’s mana was infusing each tent with a good aura.
Only then did Logan notice the small beads of sweat continuously streaming down Clayton’s forehead.
And Clayton’s face looked even more tired than in the morning.
It appeared that Clayton’s efforts for his disciples were not trivial.
Logan couldn’t help but voice his admiration, which he had tried to hold back.
“You seem to care greatly for your disciples.”
“Ha. It’s the least I could do as their mentor.”
“Eh. Didn’t you even go as far as to argue with the tower master for them?”
“Cough! More importantly, it was the tower master’s conduct that…”
Clayton’s justification was stiff, entirely different from the warm feeling of the mana showering the disciples’ tents.
Yet, there was a strangely endearing power in his manner.
Logan felt as if the trip back home might not be quite so dull after all.
* * *
“Distinguished young lord!”
“Ah, greetings!”
“Good to see you! You should bow too!”
Upon their arrival at the estate, the changed demeanor of the estate residents welcomed Logan.
The cheers immediately after the war were gone, but at the mere sight of him, no residents were shaking in fear or running away from a distance, which was enough for Logan to distinctly sense his improved reputation.
However, what worried him was that many of those who greeted him didn’t seem to be in good shape.
“Mommy… I’m hungry.”
“Wait a bit. Mommy will go to the fields and bring back some potatoes.”
“Daddy?”
“Daddy… *sobs* Daddy said he would come once after a hundred nights, right? Son, how many nights have you slept?”
“I don’t know. I hate daddy. I’m hungry…”
The gaunt figures of the mother and child, and the plaintive whining of the child, weighed heavily on Logan’s heart.
The wounds of war had not yet healed, and now they were compounded by destitution.
The fleeting glance of a worried woman bowing as he passed and the puzzled look on a child’s face left a heavy burden in Logan’s heart.
‘As expected…’
Logan felt his expression harden.
Lowering the tax rate, considering the barren McLean estate, was one thing, but even the 30% tax rate inevitably made the already difficult situation of the residents harder.
The timing as the most food-scarce period became apparent to him.
That’s why he brought measures to solve these problems fundamentally, but there were still many obstacles to overcome.
‘Will father agree?’
He was confident in his solution.
After all, in his past life, he had seen the results that it produced on several occasions.
However, presenting that idea as is wasn’t possible, so convincing others, including his father, was the issue.
‘I need to mobilize the residents to work on the construction…’
While contemplating as he entered the castle, he unexpectedly encountered another person he needed to convince.
“Splendidly enjoyed your time away, young lord? I’ve had quite a rough time myself.”
Rick, still with wads of cotton in his nose, greeted with a haggard face and a tone that almost sounded like provocation.
“Ah… Haha. Rick, you guy. Yeah, I’m back. These people behind me are…”
“This stench doesn’t leave my body. The maids run away, holding their noses at my sight. Young lord, I think I’ll never be able to marry because of this.”
The fiery look in Rick’s eyes showed that he didn’t care what Logan was saying; he kept pouring out his grievances.
Logan sweated coldly upon hearing Rick’s almost monologue filled with sharp sincerity.
“How will you compensate for this! Hm?! Ever since that Karloc… Ugh?!”
Logan swiftly covered Rick’s mouth and whispered in his ear.
“An addition of 50 gold per week. Deal?”
Head shake.
Eyes wide.
“100 gold more. That’s the last offer.”
Only then did Rick quietly close his mouth.
Logan breathed a sigh of relief and removed his hand from Rick’s mouth.
“Ptui. Spit.”
The attitude of the young man, though roguish and still filled with resentment, somehow brought a smile to Logan’s face.
“Rick. First, guide our guests. I shall see my father and organize accommodation. After that, we’ll decide where you’ll be staying.”
“Yes, yes. I must follow orders, of course. Some enjoy themselves freely while others endure a foul-smelling place…”
“Be sensible. I won’t tolerate more.”
“Kuh-hem. Dear guests, please follow me. I will guide you.”
Amused by the sudden shift in the fellow’s demeanor, Logan felt the presence of home in an unexpectedly peculiar way.
His earlier concerns suddenly seemed trivial.
‘Yes. When did I ever persuade with logic? If it doesn’t work, I’ll force it.’
With lighter spirits and a smile, Logan turned and looked back.
“Master Clayton. Please wait here for a moment. After seeing my father, I will arrange your accommodations.”
“Shouldn’t we accompany you? Considering the significant expenses involved in the task…”
“No, you are still my guests for the time being. I will inform you after my return.”
Leaving the perplexed company of magicians behind, Logan headed inside the castle with a somewhat lighter gait.