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◈ Chapter 98 - 15-Don't Pretend to Be Friendly.
Your five senses warn you.
If I go out with her like this, something will happen that she can't handle.
However, as long as Jin asked for it, I couldn't give it up here.
"Good. I wonder what the return gift is."
Even though he is the lord of the magic tower, would he really do something bad to the commander of the Human Lighthouse?
Even if that were the case, Jin would probably intervene and cut it off at the right time.
Feeling somewhat complacent, I took her hand.
"Then hold on tight. I won't know if you fall, right?"
"What is that...Ugh?!"
In an instant, the gravity that had been holding me tightly to the ground disappeared.
When her body suddenly exploded, she had no choice but to instinctively struggle.
Guided by Asili's hand, my body escaped the hall of mirrors in the blink of an eye and soared high into the sky of Octantium.
"Wow, wow..."
The wind in the sky completely blew away the alcohol.
The capital city seen at a glance was huge and beautiful, even though ashes were flying around.
The walls built along the coast, the magnificent palace seen from above, the towering magic tower, and even the lights of cathedrals dotted here and there.
But of course, the one who stole my sight was the magic tower lord Asili, who had already taken off her mask.
She smiled brightly as if she were in her hometown.
The drowsiness or boredom that I felt in the hall of mirrors was nowhere to be found.
Asili, who came down to the palace garden, floating like a balloon, spoke to me.
"You were surprised, right? I'm sorry. There were too many shadows by your side, so this was the only way I could get you to drop me."
"...I understand."
Because I felt life boiling over in a place where no one was around.
Those guys called Ambu should be more careful.
Is it okay to show off all your emotions like that?
It was a moment when I realized how high Helga's level of hiding was.
Asili said with a single smile after seeing that no one was behind her.
"Then shall we start walking from here? This garden is worth walking."
The garden behind the palace was similar to a forest of trees.
Just seeing this size of dense forest within the walls gave me a sense of how huge the glass palace was.
As we went deeper into the garden, the paths became narrower and the trees became more dense.
Because the light from the magic lamp did not reach, it seemed like it would be difficult for an ordinary person to see what was right in front of their noses.
I tried to ignore it, but I could hear a moan escaping from her mouth, which was blocked by her highly sensitive ears.
It is the sound of a man and a woman immersed in the darkness whispering about their midnight love from somewhere.
I'm sure Asili could hear all of this, but she calmly took my hand and walked towards an even darker place.
She thought she could walk well on the bumpy forest path in high heels.
Every time the hem of her dress swayed, her visible thighs caught her eye.
Oh my, it looks like I'm going to fall for the role while trying to flirt.
I asked her bluntly, trying to get her mind together and take the initiative away from her.
"What are you going to this corner to give in return?"
"If you go a little further, you'll find a place I like. I'm sure you'll like it."
As she said, after walking a little further, a small but clear lake appeared.
The water mist glows dimly in the moonlight, small grass bugs chirp, and fireflies fly around.
It was like an amusement park in a romance novel.
I liked the scenery itself better than the one I saw from the sky just now, but this one also had some minor flair.
"It's pretty good, right? It's the only place worth seeing in this palace. When a boring party gets going, I used to take refuge here by myself."
"Hmm, I guess it can be said to be a repayment."
"What do you mean? How can I repay the scenery that is not mine? Just wait a moment."
Asili entered the lake very naturally.
After diving for a while and scrambling across her bottom, she soon came out with a bottle of liquor in her hands.
"This is my return, Brandy. It's pretty good isn't it?"
The water-soaked dress stuck to her body, exposing her outline.
Having read the original work and knowing her personality, I recognized it right away.
What happens next.
She will seduce me.
With a soft voice, nice scent, and beautiful beauty.
I'm sure I can't stand it anymore and end up climbing the stairs to adulthood.
It's really a limit now.
If I stay alone with Asili any longer, I won't be able to overcome my lust.
I urgently called Jin.
'Okay, now it's dangerous. Jin, stop coming out! Jin! Jin... ?'
Weird.
No matter how many times I called, there was no response from Jin.
Looking back on the past, there are two cases like this.
One is that Jin intentionally conceals himself to avoid being caught.
Asili said that she was a prophet with the power of God, so it was natural for her to do this to avoid being caught.
But it was strange that she did not respond to my calls, even now that she had granted her request for help in speaking with Asili separately.
The number of the second case is:
When Jin cannot hear my voice due to physical distance.
Jin has become too far away from me.
'Seo, no way... ?"
When I held Asili's hand and soared into the sky, did Jin lose me?!
The person who could mediate this situation has disappeared?!
A siren went off in her head.
"Why are you suddenly breaking into a cold sweat?"
Asili approaches.
Wearing a one-piece dress that is completely transparent, her inner skin is subtly revealed in the moonlight.
If you lose your attention to her body now, you will cross an irreversible river.
My top priority now is to buy time until Jin finds me.
"I was already in need of something to drink, but I like it."
Paying careful attention to how I looked, I decided to match her rhythm.
It was important to calm my mind as much as possible.
You should never fall for her sweet words.
If at all possible, the moment I share her affection with her, the rest of my life will be filled with a fierce struggle with the devil.
That is absolutely not worth dying for!
"Hmm, don't you like brandy?"
"No, that's not it. She's never had brandy cold before. She warms it up a bit before drinking it..."
"Hehe, are you embarrassed? Where is the gentleman who proudly flirted with me in the Hall of Mirrors?"
Asili uncorked her brandy.
Pong - The fragrant, ripe scent of grapes filled the forest with a cheerful sound.
She put her mouth to the bottle and took a sip, then handed it to me.
"Now, if you take a sip, it might help you relax."
"Well, then I won't hesitate."
She lifted her mask slightly and took a drink.
Brandy flowed down her throat.
It was clear that it was a guy with a high alcohol content who was hot on the inside.
No, maybe it's just that my throat is burning because of my current reincarnation and facing the most dangerous moment.
"But how long are you going to wear that mask? Why don't you take it off?"
Asili's face was so close that her breath touched it.
Her hand touched the mask.
Ah - it's really dangerous.
Asili was a truly desirable woman.
If she seduces she will fall for anyone.
This isn't my fault.
She's the bad one for pushing all her situations towards that direction.
I don't know anymore.
Maybe it was because of the alcohol, but everything felt too hazy.
Alcohol?
No, it's not the alcohol.
How can a drinker who doesn't even know how much he can drink be a true drinker?
At least today I didn't drink to the point of passing out like this.
It was clear that something else had been mixed into the alcohol I had just drank.
"...I guess the alcohol was an aphrodisiac."
"I've given you quite a ride since you're a knight. How are you keeping your sanity? It's okay. Leave your body to me. I'll give you an unforgettable night today. So, you can let your lust control you?"
While encountering the Great Demon of Plague, I gained immortality.
It seemed that it was also effective as an aphrodisiac.
My body tingled, but the aphrodisiac effect itself was minimal.
On the contrary, the passionate desire that had enveloped my body completely disappeared.
If she had seduced him normally, she might have really fallen for it.
However, since she had used an aphrodisiac, I realized that she was doing something other than seducing me.
It wasn't hard to guess what she wanted to achieve by using her medicine.
"Did you really do this because of Jin?"
I don't know how she knew, but Asili knew that Jin was by my side.
Was the sudden soaring high into the sky meant to remove Jin, not Ambu?
When I realized that I had been fooled by his thoroughly calculated actions, the excitement I had felt up until now felt ridiculous.
Even though her intentions were revealed, Asili seemed to have no intention of backing down and clung to me even more.
"You're fast because you can communicate well. I hate Jin. So much so that I want to kill him."
"Why on earth...?"
"Because of Jinn, I was unable to kill Moloch, and under the orders of Draigonak, I had to deal with humans and teach them magic. For the past thousand years. If you were me, would you feel good about it?"
The mask came off, and my body fell down, using the grass as a bed.
Asili climbed on top of the body and said.
"And I'm curious. That arrogant Jinn who has never given his heart to a human and never created a prophet chose you. What is that heart? Could it be love? I want to check that."
"So you're going to fuck me? To see if Jin gets jealous?"
"Why? You don't like it? Human men give up their lives to spend even a day with a beautiful woman like me. Shouldn't we be grateful instead?"
"Fuck it, you eel bitch. I don't want my first time being taken away by your speculation."
I gathered my mana and pulled out the brandy that went into her.
And then he spat it out like phlegm into Asili's face.
She laughed as she wiped the drool running down her cheek.
"Kahat, do you think you have a choice?"
◈ Chapter 99 - 15-Don't Pretend to Be Friendly.
A wizard basically could not defeat a knight in physical terms.
This is because the way mana was treated was different.
Mana is a foreign entity.
In order to endure and hold on to it, the knight must train his body to a superhuman level.
But wizards are different.
All you have to do is guide the mana in the direction or spell you want.
The circle located around the heart is the tool for that guidance.
The wizard rotates the circle and embodies natural mana into the spell.
There is no reason to hold mana in the body, nor should it be held on to it.
If mana condenses, it becomes a hindrance when using magic.
This method has tremendous advantages in durability.
A wizard can theoretically use magic all day long.
For example, as long as you don't die, you can shoot fireballs at enemies all day long.
For this reason, wizards are the number one target to kill on the battlefield.
However, since it uses mana in its natural state, it is bound to be weak in terms of firepower.
So the wizard chose to increase the firepower by increasing the number of circles and injecting natural mana into the spell more quickly.
In other words, this means that the knight has an overwhelming advantage when it comes to instantaneous firepower.
No matter how sophisticated a magician's technique is, it is common knowledge in this world that the knight's instantly projected condensed mana wins.
However, Asili's restraints did not loosen no matter how much mana she wrapped around her.
"You shouldn't look down on a 10th circle wizard. Did you think he could defeat me at the level of a sword expert?"
Her drippings, her water dripping along Asili's curves, my body became wet along with hers.
She held her bound arms in her hands as if to secure them even more tightly.
At the same time, numerous magics wrapped around her body appeared.
"Do you see? The spells that surround my body right now? There are so many that it's hard to count them, right? A total of 510. Body strengthening, mana amplification, clairvoyance, mental protection, physical nullification, magic conflict redirection, atmospheric circulation, poison detection discharge, etc. "All kinds of magic are protecting me and suppressing your power. There is no way for you to escape this situation."
If there were enough circles to replenish firepower and the intelligence to use all spells, a wizard could always use magic like a passive skill in the game.
One more surprising thing is that even though the circulation of that much magical energy was continuing, it was completely hidden from my nose.
But her strength is not limited to that.
"You're a prophet? Isn't that too much of an over-defense for dealing with just one knight?"
I learned the exact name today, but it is not my first time meeting a prophet.
Quarha, the great evil of plague and a wizard just like Asili, easily slaughtered at least four sword experts with just his physical abilities.
The same goes for Asili.
I don't know why she's so careful, but it's probably because there's a reason other than me.
"I guessed it when you said eel, but I never thought you knew the name prophet. Did Jin tell you that too? I'm even more curious about your relationship with Jin."
Asili slowly lifted my top.
The still cold water passed through her hand and touched my abdomen.
"Well, you'll find out what I'm curious about soon. That's enough. Let's enjoy each other for now. You were the one who flirted with her first, right? You've captured a woman's heart and now stop talking nonsense."
I could feel the middle of her body as I climbed on top.
If I hadn't known she was drugged, I would have attacked Asili.
But now her temptation seemed extremely pretentious.
"Oh my, even the angry face is my favorite. What kind of face will you show me next time? I think it would be fun to be the one in trouble."
Slowly, her face, which was close to touching, lowered.
Her wet pink hair stimulated every inch of her body.
She knows where her destination is.
Before she could achieve her goal, I also brought out her trump card.
"I don't like people who play around with alcohol. That's why I can't do it with you?"
"Do you still think you have a choice?"
"It reminds me of the old days. There was another bitch who did something similar to you and was severely punished."
Asili's head tilted at the incomprehensible words.
Of course you don't know.
Because she knows nothing, she has no way of knowing the secret story of Qarha, who made physical contact with me and then burned to the ground.
A spark lit up around her chest.
As if sparks were flying.
A small flame instantly bloomed over my body, blowing away the moisture.
The fire of Hwajeong.
The primordial flame, said to be the source of all mana, traveled through my body and transferred to Asili.
In front of that fire, all the magic she used had no meaning.
"Huh, huh!"
Asili fell from my body as if in a fit from the fire that suddenly rose up, but the flames had already spread like a contagious disease.
She screamed at the intense pain caused by the fire of Hwajeong.
In order to somehow put out the fire, Asili had to magically draw water from the lake for a while and pour it into her body.
"I adjusted it so that it didn't leave a scar, but it still hurt."
Of course, in order not to leave any ill feelings towards Asili, her firepower was adjusted.
If I poured all of my power into her like Qwarha did, wouldn't the relationship be ruined?
I approached her, stroking the foreign sensation her vines left on her arms.
"Ha, ha... Do, how on earth could you Hwajeong...?"
She was so embarrassed that she couldn't even think of covering herself, even though all her clothes were burned.
She was breathing heavily and just looked up at me.
Indeed, no matter how much the power is lowered, Hwajeong is still Hwajeong?
"If you're really curious, why don't you ask Jin directly? About my relationship."
Since I used Hwajeong's mana, Jin must have noticed my location now.
It will fly away soon.
... I thought and turned her head, but Jin was already burning next to me.
"How long have you been here?"
[Since when you guys settled in this lake? Asili flew suddenly and I missed it for a moment, but it wasn't difficult for me to find where Hwajeong's mana was.]
"What, you were all watching? But why didn't you answer when I called you earlier?"
[I missed the timing while watching what you were doing. You can't ruin such a fun spectacle, right?]
Jin continued giggling.
[But you always talk about the beef soup, so why can't you even put a spoon on the table? Couldn't you just close your eyes and commit it?]
"Since when did this become so out of character? Are you some kind of voyeur?! What if I really attacked this bitch?! Do you really want to see me shaking my hips?!"
[There is no need to worry about that. Because Asili really had no intention of attacking you anyway.]
As Jean looked at her flying through the sky with a look on her face asking what that meant, she explained.
[If her personality stays the same, she's probably still a virgin, right? Since ancient times, Asili has been famous for seducing her children, never following through with them, playing with them as she pleases, and then getting rid of them when they are all grown up.]
"...Wow, what a crazy, evil bitch."
You make a fuss as if you would do something rather than not do something, but then you just throw it away.
Isn't this bitch the real devil?
When I thought back to the moment when I was seduced by this pink-haired devil, even if just for a moment, I was horrified.
If he had passed over, rolling around like a dog in an invasion with the devil wouldn't have been a problem.
"Wait a minute, what you're saying is that you wanted to see me get tricked into attacking Asili?"
[Yeokjisajiji. You, who are always subjected to sexual harassment, wouldn't you know how it feels if you experience the opposite on this occasion? Honestly, it's a shame. I should have met the owner properly this time and cleared away my karma.]
"Is there only a demon lord in this world? Hell must be more friendly than here!"
I wonder if they are trying to raise the price too high for me to dismiss sexual harassment as my original sin.
Putting his resentment behind him, Jin flew to Asili.
"Ji, Jinnim. Kahat, oh, it's Ranman. I didn't know that the seal was really broken. I wonder if you've been doing well so far.Hehe..."
Asili, with no clothes to cover her body and in a half-dogeza-like posture, seemed somewhat pathetic to anyone who saw her, trying to escape the situation with a smile.
However, there was no way she could fall for Jin, who was watching the situation from beginning to end.
[Well, Asili, it's nice to meet you too. But since when did she act so warmly and pretend to be friendly? And from what I heard earlier, I heard you were full of resentment toward me?]
"Well, that's not my true intention, it's nonsense bordering on complaining! How dare I, a lowly person, feel resentful towards Jin!"
Jin probably didn't have much strength right now, but Asili was still afraid of her.
That fear seemed like something that had been etched into her bones since she was young.
[Sigh, the prophets of Draigonak are still arrogant even after time passes. It's been so long that you've probably forgotten? How did I educate you in times like this?]
"Ji, Jin! I've been hit with Hwajeong's mana right now, so I can't use magic..."
[Then it's better. Because you don't have to bother burning it again and again.]
"Yes...? Hmm!"
Asili's body caught fire.
Although it wasn't as strong as Hwajeong's flames, it was enough to ease her pain and soon her entire body was engulfed in flames.
In the garden of the glass palace, which was filled with only her moans leaking from her closed mouth, a sudden scream rang out.
She thought as she saw the scene.
The nickname "Crazy Flame God" given to Jin was self-imposed.
This was a point where I could understand why Asili used so much magic to put down a knight like me.
She couldn't overcome the emotions that had built up over the years and wanted to fuck Jin, but at the same time, she was also afraid.
The aftereffects.
◈ Chapter 100 - 15-Don't Pretend to Be Friendly.
Since ancient times, the pain of being burned by fire is the greatest.
I, who acquired Hwajeong and gained resistance to fire, have no feeling whether Jin sets fire or not, but neither do the others.
And Jin has a habit of setting fire to someone who offends him.
Perhaps the prophets who offended the Jinn would have received hot compresses.
It was understandable that Asili trembled as soon as she saw Jin.
As I looked at Asili being deliciously grilled like an eel on an iron plate, I had no choice but to turn my eyes to the cruel sight.
I understand that Simbo is trying to feed a thousand years of resentment, but the other person is very bad.
"Ugh... So you two are not related at all?"
Asili, who was screaming in the fire pit until Jin calmed down, seemed to be more curious about my relationship with Jin.
Wiping away her tears, she persistently asked Jin.
[Okay. There is no relationship. It's not like I handed Hwajeong over to this guy. I don't know why, but Hwajeong fell for this guy on her own.]
"It's sad that you can't tell me we're not in a relationship at all. I freed you from the seal. At the very least, call me a lifesaver."
Asili couldn't hide her disappointment, probably because she thought Jin and I were lovers.
"Well, even if Hwajeong needs a body to demonstrate her true power, there is no way Jinnim would hand it over to someone else."
[Hwajeong cannot be transferred to someone else. Because there is no way it can withstand that force. That guy is unique.]
"Hmm, sure... Her appearance is unusually beautiful, but she doesn't seem to be special enough to harbor fire feelings..."
Asili suddenly returned to being the owner of the magic tower and looked over my body.
When she approached me with her almost naked body, I was horrified.
Regardless, she took my hand and infused it with her mana.
"It's amazing. No matter how you look at it, he's just an ordinary human being. His talent as a knight is great, but that too has lost its meaning. Danjeon's condition is not good. It's a shame because the foundation is strong. If it were any other knight, the mana from Danjeon would have flowed back a long time ago. "He would have died."
[I know that and Björn knows that. I had no choice but to fight the great evil. Although it makes no sense to be in such a situation here. What on earth did Draigonak and the dragons do while the great devils were running wild on the continent of Esteria?]
"Jin-nim, I am offended, but the reason we are in this situation right now is because of Jin-nim's own choice..."
[Shut up and answer only the questions asked. Where is Draigonak now?]
Until now, Jin's tone seemed as if it was just a joke, and it was hard to live with it.
She had never felt anything similar to how she felt now.
It was time for her to fight Antenor.
Asili let go of my hand and frowned.
"I want to know too. Where is my father?"
[What does that mean? There's no way you don't know where Draigonak is.]
"That's right. My father disappeared with my siblings, leaving behind only the words for me, the youngest, to stay here and teach magic to humans. It was not long after Jinnim was sealed. I also went looking for my father whenever I had some free time. "At least I found out that it doesn't exist on the continent of Esteria."
The grass grew and wrapped around Asili's body like a vine.
Soon they became one-piece garments.
After hearing Asili's words, Jin was silent for a while, like someone who has just heard something shocking.
[... So, you are the only dragon on the continent of Esteria, and Draigonak has also disappeared, does this mean? In this situation right before Moloch comes down?]
"To summarize, it goes like this. Of course, I wasn't playing around. I cast a powerful spell on the entire capital to protect Octantium. But there was only so much I could do without the other dragons. I couldn't even protect the central part properly. "I couldn't even know the situation in the north."
Asili made an excuse, but it didn't sound like a lame excuse to avoid the situation.
No matter how much of a prophet she is, there are things she can do.
Rather, she played that role faithfully, even if she only worked with the saint to suppress the demons from running wild in the capital.
That may be why Octantium was able to prosper so much.
Jin couldn't have known that fact.
Her flame briefly trembled in anger, but the target was not Alsili.
I opened my mouth to mediate the situation.
"For now, it's enough to know that Draigonak is not on this continent. You already know where the World Tree is? There's still time, so all you have to do is find it before then."
I guessed that Draigonak wouldn't be easy to find anyway.
There is no way this world, which is based on a classic novel, will give you an answer easily.
I had no choice but to change the subject.
"More than that, I want to know a way to return Hwajeong to Jin. Asili, do you think you can find it?"
This topic was just as important as finding Draigonak.
If you can't return Hwajeong even if you find Jin's body, you have to stick by Jin's side and extract Hwajeong like a battery.
That is an absolute specification.
Asili, a 10th circle archmage, might find a way.
In response to my question, Asili tilted her head as if to ask me something like that.
"It's so simple. Didn't Jin tell you?"
[Simple? What do you mean, that? No matter how hard I tried to get Hwajeong back, she wouldn't budge?]
"Ha, Jin. Don't rely on your strength. If you had studied world harmony, magic, and techniques just a little, you would have noticed right away."
[... This is why I don't like Draigonak and his prophets. Are you trying to match me just because you have something in mind?]
It seemed like I was going to grill Asili deliciously for a while, so I stopped Jin and asked Asili.
"What is that method?"
Clearing his throat once, Asili explained a method that not even Jin had figured out.
"I'll explain it as simply as possible. There's no way a knight would understand the beauty of magic. From what I've seen now, I have to say that Hwajeong, who was sealed with Jinnim's soul, wanted a body and took up residence in your body. However, the original power "If it stays in you, you will burn to death, so Hwajeong is controlling it on her own."
I know how arrogant wizards are, but as a 10th circle wizard, I was 10 times more annoyed.
If I had a sword sheath, I would have hit him on the head.
I listened to her words, suppressing the urge to start a fire like Jin did.
"So, there is no way to return Hwajeong. If Jinnim regains her body, Hwajeong will return to her owner on her own."
"What, so you're saying that if we just find the body, everything will be solved?"
"But there's one problem. It's been almost a year since Hwajeong resided in you, so Hwajeong has completely bonded with your body. In this state, if Jin rips it to get Hwajeong back, you will die."
It felt like I had been hit on the head with a hammer by the shocking statement.
If you pull out Hwajeong, you die?
So, even if you get Jin's body back, are you going to sacrifice her spirit and go after her, or stick around next to her and commit battery?
What about my vineyard?
What about the beautiful old house and beautiful maids?
My consciousness became clouded upon hearing the news that Jujiyukrim's dream was far away.
"Of course, it's not like there's no way to return Hwajeong without dying..."
Hope has returned to my world, which had been dark for a while.
Asili licked her mouth with her tongue as if the fun was about to start.
"You just need to open a way for Hwajeong to move on her own. When her body touches Jinnim, Hwajeong will break her bond with you and move over to Jinnim."
Jin asked back as if what that meant.
[Is it okay if we touch our bodies?]
"Yes. Of course, just hugging doesn't work. There has to be contact between mucous membranes for Hwajeong to move. If you two have sex, you can definitely and safely return Hwajeong."
Sexual intercourse? Are you talking about sex?
Are you giving me justification for having sex with Jin?
Asili, is he an angel?
The Lord's devotion was clearly evident.
Otherwise, there is no way you would give me a reward like this!
[S-don't be a damn thing! Other ways?! Is there no other way?!]
"No matter how much you burn me, there is no other way. Isn't this the safest and most effective way? You're not planning on killing Bjorn just to get the fire spirit, are you?"
[It's not like that! Still, sexual intercourse! I can not! I will not! I've never done this with anyone before!]
I smiled brightly as I looked at Jin screaming.
My smile was brighter than ever.
"Jin, you said it with your own mouth. I, who saved the North, deserve to retreat from the devil's invasion and rest in peace. But are you really planning to kill me and take out Hwajeong?"
[Oh, no. That's not it... That and this are on a different level...]
"Ah, is that so? Do you hate me that much? To the point where you can't even sleep with me? It's really too much. I released your seal, and because of you, my Danjeon was shattered while fighting the great devil? Even now, I'm having a hard time trying to find your body. But you're trying to take my life just because you don't want to sleep with me just once?"
[... Uuuuu!!!]
Jin's screams, caught in a dilemma, surrounded the garden.
But she would know.
That there is no escape hole.
With a kind, Buddha-like smile on his face, I enjoyed Jin's screams.
I thought I should get Jin's body back as soon as possible.
◈ Chapter 101 - 16-Fourth Power
*
From the war room to the central hall, armor stood like decoration on each pillar. The emperor stood in front of his armor located at the end. It was his own, tailored for the coronation ceremony.
Did he say that it contained the Rodal people's wish to conquer their homelands? When Drich asked what use all this was when he was young, his father and previous emperor said that it was a matter of identity that united the Rodal people. It wasn't until he grew up that he understood what he was saying. But he still thinks this is meaningless. Still, he caressed the armor he would never wear again with his fingertips.
Drich, after becoming the crown prince, are you already getting armor? Too fast?
The thin silk fluttered and a familiar voice was heard. Drich closed his eyes and was lost in thought, as if he was thinking of someone. What interrupted his brief reminiscence was Director Cancer, who appeared from the shadows.
"Your Majesty, as you commanded, we have disposed of the port director. His body will be found tomorrow."
"...I see. Another precious life has disappeared from the empire."
The meaning behind the emperor's words was regret, but his tone was full of dryness. Erzi sought to find the true intentions of the emperor he served in the gap between words and tone. The Emperor touched his armor and said:
"Are you curious why we gave such an order?"
"The shadow is a dark shadow that serves Your Majesty. When Your Majesty orders, we simply follow."
"Then take a guess. Why did we give such an order?"
"How dare I guess Your Majesty's intentions? I don't dare commit disloyalty."
As he looked at Erzi, who was kneeling and waiting for the emperor's next command, the emperor's eyes showed a moment of pity. Erji was a sharp knife, but the blade was small. At least he could have stabbed deeper, even if he was blunt. Drich took his hands off his armor.
"I know without having to say it. You must have been confused about the reason for ordering the assassination after generously awarding the port director. Your confusion leads to misunderstandings, and those misunderstandings lead to mistakes. The dark manager has a way of guessing our intentions. Learn."
"I will follow your orders."
As if studying the teachings, Drich told Erzi the true meaning of his command.
"The reason I gave the award to the port director is because he fought hard to protect the empire against the Human Lighthouse. The reason I ordered him to be assassinated was to send a message to the people of the empire."
"If you say it's a message..."
"The person we rewarded for stopping the advance of the Humanity Lighthouse Corps died by the hands of a certain assailant. Who do you think the people of the empire will suspect?"
After hesitating for a while, Erji responded as if he had no choice but to obey His Majesty's command, even though he knew it was disloyal.
"...This is Viern."
"It is a tragedy that blood was shed as soon as the leader of the North arrived. The more the arrogant Bjorn sets up to investigate the demon cultists, the more negative reviews will be poured out on him. That is how we will make it happen."
The emperor's words were no different from Bjern's statement that he would make blood spill from whoever he investigated and wherever he investigated. He creates people who have died unjustly, opens up a space for them to complain about the unfairness, and puts pressure on Björn through them. In the process, countless innocent people will die without knowing why, but it is an unavoidable sacrifice for the future of the empire. The emperor's brutality befitted his nickname.
"We have no intention of letting Bjern run wild for two more years. Even if there are demons in the capital, that is something we have to deal with. A new saint has been born, so the demons are not a priority."
As soon as we secure capital through the Estates General, we will deal with the salary issue of the Lighthouse of Humanity and purge Björn. And he brings down the Kingdom of Junta. The issue of pseudo-religion comes next. First, all private armies of nobles gathered due to the war will be placed under the name of the empire, and all land and tax collection rights held by nobles will be recovered to establish a strong centralized system. In this way, we will ensure that no citizen of the empire is persecuted by the nobles.
The owner of this empire is the emperor. Under the glory of the emperor, both nobles and slaves are equal. I will make it like that. Only I can do that. I have to do that. Drich swallowed words that sounded like a promise.
"Any news about Viern?"
Three days after the turmoil when the Human Lighthouse advanced to the capital, Octantium was still seething with the events of that time. Bjorn's radical actions that have never been seen in history, the news of the unification of the empire that came out of his mouth, the return of the Human Lighthouse, a demon in the central area, a sword saint who lost his power, a new saint who suddenly appeared, and the magic tower holder that Bjern and News that you danced... Every piece of news was like a bomb, and no one believed it at all. However, one thing that cannot be denied is that Björn is at the center of the fire. All the nobles in the central region were paying close attention and anticipating the direction of Björn. The same was true for Drich.
"The Human Lighthouse Corps didn't make any special movements, perhaps because they were busy arranging a place to stay. However..."
Erji paused for a moment, as if he too found it difficult to understand.
"Yesterday, I bought a printing company under someone else's name. They say it was done in a hurry and paid a lot more."
Suddenly bought a printing company under a different name? Political actions also have their own rules, and within those rules, we can predict to some extent what will happen. However, Bjorn's actions were quite far from the expected range. Although there are many questions, it has not yet been easy to understand Björn's intentions. Drich frowned and ordered Ergi.
"Report in detail whose name you borrowed and what you are doing at the printing house. And there is not much time before the Estates General convenes. Speed up the investigation of the merchants."
"I will follow your orders."
Erji's body slowly blended into the surroundings. Drich walked slowly to the Peace Room. He goes to the nobles who will be waiting for him. Your Majesty, please become a saint and lead the empire. On the day the rebels stormed the palace, the last words of his sister, who had changed clothes, rang in my ears.
*
"Quickly, quickly clean it up! There shouldn't be even a single speck of dust! This is the commander's space to stay!"
"Documents related to the North are over there, and information about the capital is over here!"
"Who! Who brought in an outsider here?! I told you to wait until someone trustworthy comes from the north! Don't you know that security is vital now?! What if someone brings in an outsider from the central part who might be a demon cultist?"
There is something I really like about the Knights of the Lighthouse of Humanity.
That is, they do not pretend to be noble compared to other knights.
Unlike the knights of other knightly orders who stood by their masters with their heads erect and guarded them with authority, the knights of the Lighthouse of Humanity had no pretense.
Rather, even if it is something that a servant would do, he does it without complaining.
This may be an advantage that arose because the status of those who supported the Lighthouse of Humanity was not high.
Even now, the knights of the Human Lighthouse were taking the lead in doing things that were close to chores.
"I never thought I would come here again..."
Helga sighed as she looked down at the glass-covered courtyard from the room that was being decorated as my office.
I tapped his shoulder and said.
"Why, Lord Sentle, do you not like it here?"
"Despite my feelings, the mansion itself is great. Also, there is not enough space for the Lighthouse of Humanity to live in, so there is no mansion to buy in a hurry."
A total of 1,200 Knights of the Human Lighthouse Corps came down to the capital.
The problem is that because the Human Lighthouse's trip to the capital was a secret operation, the organization was unable to make the necessary preparations in advance.
For example, it was the issue of where to live.
Although there had been a capital villa and an official residence of the Lighthouse of Humanity that had been owned by the De Jeviets family for a long time, it was only a space for when a small number of De Jeviets family members had business in the capital.
It was insufficient to provide lodging for such a large number of troops.
So, for the past few days, about 300 knights of the Human Lighthouse Corps had to live on the Mabeomseon.
Just as I was wondering what I could do, I learned that among the De Jeevitz family's assets, there was one more mansion in the capital.
That was the von Lorraine family villa where my mother, Princess Della von Lorraine, stayed.
"I could never have imagined that the von Lorraine family would have sent me this villa for my wedding."
"Because it's a marriage between nobles, you have to show respect. Rather, this is a small wedding for a duke's family."
It was passed from the von Lorraine family to the De Jeevitz family, and it appears that no one has taken care of it, so it was dirty and dusty here and there.
There were broken windows, and the walls were full of feces.
However, the majesty of the mansion did not disappear.
It is large, close to the palace, and far from industrial areas, so the air is clean.
Another advantage is that it overlooks the sea at a glance.
However, I felt like I knew a little bit why the nanny called it a birdcage.
The building, which was built around a courtyard, gave a somewhat stuffy feeling.
'But it's better if the building is stuffy.'
Unlike the north, the central region was a battlefield with nothing but enemies.
There is no one to trust and danger lurks everywhere.
I felt something similar to this when I returned to Stemwind after the entrance exam.
Still, it is much better now than then.
Not only do I have the full support of the North, but I also have 1,200 knights at my disposal.
'Of course, our saint is our greatest treasure more than anything else.'
The saint is the reason why he was not executed for rebellion even though he committed a crazy act called Korabaggi, which was the capital of Korea.
Long live the saint, long live the saint.
Mion, who was still disguising herself as a maid and organizing the household items with the other servants, smiled shyly at my sudden gaze.
Just then, Amber and Barton, who had gone out at my command, entered the new office.
Ember reported to me as she took off her cloak hood.
"Bjorn, as you said, you borrowed Barton's name and bought the largest printing house in the capital. But why did you suddenly invest a large amount of money in a place like this?"
"I want to start a newspaper. But before I explain, I have something important to say first."
I spoke to Barton as I opened the neck of the bottle of liquor that went onto my desk before any other furniture.
"Barton Wigner, you are expelled from our party."
◈ Chapter 102 - 16-Fourth Power
Alas, I ended up spitting it out.
The new model of the mass market.
A regular line from the outcast.
I really wanted to spit out this line.
Barton looked dumbfounded when he saw me feeling proud of our romantic relationship.
But what Barton said next was different from what I expected.
"...Why a party all of a sudden? Have we ever had a party?"
"Don't you remember how we made a knight corps to protect the saint? The saint's guard! That's a party!"
"Um, is that the setting?"
"It's not that kind of setting, it's a real party?! You were kicked out of that party!"
Amber chuckled as she put the borrowed-name contract into the safe in the corner of the office.
"We are not some kind of mercenary group, but an internal organization made up of knights from the Human Lighthouse. How can we be a party?"
"Why don't you do that, Barton? Is there any other way to react? Either talk about how dedicated I am to this party, or kick out the door while brooding over the injustice. Try some fresh reaction!"
Barton scratched his head and answered.
"It's been almost a year since I've had you by my side, Bjorn. He must be up to something. Not once or twice have I said something shocking, enjoyed the reaction, and then explained the circumstances."
"...Isn't being treated unfairly even when you know it a true loyalist? Instead, can't you just, just once, be treated unfairly? Barton, you bastard! Since when did you become such a boring man? Huh?"
"Even if you say that, what can you do when you already know?"
You guys have to react like the main characters in a mass market for this movie I've possessed to become even more mass market, but if you react like this, my grand plan to turn this novel into a firebrand will go astray!
Amber, who was watching from the side, reacted cynically to the plea.
"Bjorn, you're lazy. Isn't it too much to tease us with the same pattern every day and expect us to be surprised every time?"
"Ugh!"
"Sexual harassment is the same. Now, I can clearly see at what moment Bjerne will attack me. So these days, whenever I hear of Bjern's sexual harassment, rather than feeling angry that it happened, I first think, 'Oh, it's as expected,' and then I cool off. ."
"Huh!"
"But there is one difference. At least I never imagined that you would beg me to accept that nonsense now. At least you used to be confident, but you have lost even the slightest sense of shame. A boss who sexually harasses you but is not funny is worse than a boss who sexually harasses you. Please work hard. Please do it."
Every single word from Amber struck my heart like a dagger.
It hurt more now than when I almost lost to Quarha.
So much so that I can't breathe.
This is what it feels like to be verbally assaulted.
"More than that, a newspaper? I don't know, but isn't a newspaper something like a gazette that is distributed when a new policy is announced? It doesn't seem like a business worth spending a lot of money on..."
Despite the fact that he didn't know much, Barton's perception of the world's newspapers was quite accurate.
The Oxburg Empire, although its technology was at a modern level, was still a powerful class system.
The privileges of the nobility were as strong as in the Middle Ages, and no merchant, no matter how wealthy, dared to override their vested rights.
So, when viewed from Earth's standards, there was a subtle discrepancy.
Newspapers are a good example.
What is the role of newspapers?
If we take away all the grand expressions and summarize, isn't the role ultimately meant to investigate the nonsense that those in power do and spread it to the people below?
In this way, we prevent those in power from running amok like crazy people and discover new people through public response.
However, in this world, the public has no power no matter how united they are.
This is because the knights, who are superhuman beings, and the wizards who display magical weapons are all on the side of the powerful.
In a world where it is more effective to be mentioned among the nobility than to be praised by drunkards in a bar, the people are completely alienated.
For this reason, although the technical foundation for publishing newspapers was laid, it failed to demonstrate its value and only served as a gazette.
Until now.
"Are you really going to start a newspaper just to make a little money? You're trying to create a forum for public opinion to persuade wizards."
"A place of public opinion... Are you saying?"
Amber seemed to roll the words I spit out in her mouth a few times.
However, even she, who is called the knight of resourcefulness, was limited by the limitations of her time and was unable to fully understand her intentions contained within.
The people have no power.
Even if you incite them through newspapers, you will not be able to build a very solid support base.
However, if you join forces with a wizard, the story is different.
If the wizard also receives the support of the people, any future rebellion will change its appearance and become a revolution.
The newspaper I will create will play that role.
"Now, it will be faster to see the results later than for me to explain it to you later. Rather than that, Barton Wigner, you need to take off the Human Lighthouse Cloak for a while and act as a civilian. You are the president of the newspaper I will create."
"Is that what you meant by expelling me from the party? Then why did you make me the president?"
"It's not you, it's something only you can do. Knight of wit."
A witty article.
The legendary protagonist who subdued the great evil Kwarha by tricking him with brilliant words.
Although there were some adaptations, such as the part where I burned Qarha, the part was cut out, but his chivalric romance spread far beyond the north and throughout the empire.
Even though less than a year has passed since the incident occurred.
The bard's songs and plays praising his name had already received great response, and an opera was soon to be produced, so his popularity was enormous.
Country women probably don't know Bjorn de Ebitz, but they know Barton Wigner.
To be honest, it's not that I didn't do some behind-the-scenes work, but I had no idea that the response would be this good.
Additionally, when I announced the birth of a new saint, there was rampant speculation that the saint said to be in the Lighthouse of Humanity might be a knight of wit.
The rumor spread among the Human Lighthouse Corps, and Barton was recently troubled by the special treatment given to notable knights.
I plan to take advantage of the fame he has gained.
"Barton, you should look for people in the capital who are good at writing. If you can hire them, hire them on the spot. Also, approach famous bards and novelists and buy stories that will interest the public. Your nickname. "If you meet me, I will respond obediently."
"I don't know where to start, but I will follow your orders."
It will be difficult right now since he has no base in the capital, but if he reveals his reputation, writers will accept him.
They, too, would want to become friends with the knight of wit, the owner of eloquence who possessed the great devil.
And if they serialize their writing in a newspaper, it becomes a sales strategy.
It is said that even in the original world, there were many cases where people bought newspapers for serial novels rather than articles.
People will buy newspapers because they want to read novels, and they will also read other articles written in the newspaper.
"Amber, this time, I need you to help Barton in the form of an assistant. You will support me with aspects such as the establishment of a newspaper company, distribution channels, and background checks on employees."
"I will. But isn't this too one-sided? What do you plan to do with the demon cultists in the central area? Shouldn't we go on a search with the saint?"
It was a valid point, but I shook my head.
"It's no use. The demon cultists in the central area probably didn't make a pact with the devil to avoid the eyes of the Sword Saint. Even if they take the saint with them, tracking them is impossible."
Geomsung played the role of a saint for 250 years.
For 200 of those years, he stayed in Octantium, secretly preventing evil forces from encroaching on the capital.
In such a capital, he makes a pact with the devil, exudes ominous energy, and no fool would declare, 'I am a devil.'
If that were the case, the head and body would have been separated by the Sword Saint.
Therefore, it is correct to judge that the devil cultists who are destroying the capital do not enter into contracts and are working in secret.
Even Mion, a demon detection dog, cannot identify demon cultists who have not signed a contract.
"Didn't Bjorn declare that he would exterminate the demon cultists in the central region within two years? What are you going to do if things go wrong?"
"Two years is a generous amount of time. The emperor will probably cut off my head within a year. That's not a lot of time to spare."
Amber said with a deep sigh.
"Bjorn really likes having time limits? Can't he provide those below with an environment where they can work leisurely?"
"The worst thing to do is when you're in a hurry."
Looking at her salty eyes, it seems like Amber wasn't expecting this either.
As she gave a victorious V, her face became even more distorted.
"I have always been in charge of the Demon Cult, right? There is no expert on this continent more than me. So don't worry, you guys can take care of your worldly affairs."
When the spark of revolution rises in the capital, the devil cultists will also move.
Without even knowing that it was I who lit the spark.
My goal is to control when they move.
That alone can put the devil cultists on the defensive.
But that's still for later.
First of all, we need to focus on building the fourth power.
Well then, let's go put the last piece together.
The magic tower she saw when she was led into the sky by Asili's hand was good to her eyes.
◈ Chapter 103 - 16-Fourth Power
*
Magic Tower.
Another name for the national magic school boasted by the Oxburg Empire.
The name, taken from the spire that rises in the center of the huge university site, sometimes refers to the power possessed by the emperor.
An educational institution and paramilitary institution that strengthened the empire by training numerous wizards.
In particular, when it came to magic, it was the best university in name and reality, incomparable to any other university at the time.
However, when I actually set foot in the magic tower, my impressions were a little different.
"...Isn't this a barracks?"
No matter how much I washed my eyes and looked again, it still looked very similar to a military barracks.
A parade ground with sand and wind blowing, wizards wearing matching training uniforms and walking in line with each other, even saluting a person who appears to be a professor.
It reminded anyone of the military barracks of their home country.
"Becoming a wizard is the same as becoming one of His Majesty's soldiers. It seems that loyalty is fostered through discipline from a young age."
I gave a brief yes to Helga's words.
"Of course. I won't be tempted to rebel easily."
Despite being treated horribly, there was no guessing why the rebellion was so late.
Since he must have been strictly governed by military law since his days as a trainee, it must not have been easy for him to hold his head high to the emperor.
But loyalty is not something you can get by pressing down on something.
The more you do this, the more secretly you become rebellious.
Like pus that will burst someday.
"What do you think? It's nice to see, but should we also have the Human Lighthouse Corps walk according to the rules? It will help establish discipline."
"Helga, looking at you, it seems like you secretly like to show off and show off? I'm afraid you come from an empire. Even the underworld kids treat their seniors like gods when they see them, don't they?"
"The undercover is very loyal, but it is also a place with no mercy for traitors. Didn't you just see how the arrogant undercover treats his heavenly predecessor?"
What Helga was talking about just now refers to how on the way to the Magic Tower, she beat up an undercover guy who didn't know how to get too close.
Since I was completely unfamiliar with the art of hiding, I couldn't know exactly how much cover was there or where it was.
On the other hand, Helga, who was from Ambu, seemed to have a clear look in her eyes.
'It seems like all the useful secrets have been assigned to Björn. There are too many of them to catch them all.'
She can't be killed anyway, and just trying to kill her will only fill her with other people.
In that case, it would have been better to leave it alone and just adjust the distance.
I ordered Helga to beat up any shadow fighters who came close enough to hear the conversation and chase them away.
After five or six strikes, the shadow men no longer approached within a certain distance.
However, in the process, Helga seems to have been scolded by the kids from the dark side.
Are you a traitor to the empire, why did you like her princess's crotch so much?
Naturally, the woman who had courageously cursed at Helga seemed to have a problem with her nervous system and lost consciousness as she raised one leg and trembled.
"I understand that he is a traitor to the empire. But why are you mocking me for selling the empire in favor of the princess?"
"...Wasn't it?"
"Let me tell you clearly right now. She, the princess, was the savior of my life. She also swore the oath of knighthood, and she is my lord. But I have never harbored any feelings of love for her."
Her mouth fell open at her sudden shocking statement.
What, it wasn't like that?
"Then why did you betray Ambu and take the princess's side?"
"There is one more person to whom I have sworn an oath: Princess von Oxburg. Her final command to me is to guide her majesty on the right path. I cannot bear to watch her falter in accordance with that command. "I did it."
"So you're saying you loved the princess, not my mother?"
"I never dreamed that making a vow was a homonym for love. Did Ember make a vow because she admired Bjorn?"
"So she didn't harbor any unholy feelings toward the princess?"
"...It's already in the past."
I embraced it, I embraced it.
Become a knight and fall in love with your lord.
More than that, even if his master dies, can a knighted person make another oath with another person?
Well, I signed it myself, so there's nothing to say about it.
Anyway, thanks to Helga's change of heart, I was able to survive until now.
I wanted to ask more about Helga's past, but unfortunately, I couldn't because I was almost at her destination.
Just then, an old man came running toward me, his robe waving.
Looking at her clothes, she looked like a professor.
I immediately recognized who he was.
"Master, I heard the news vaguely, but I never dreamed that I would see you again alive... I am so happy to see you. You have grown taller. Aren't you turning 16 soon? Time flies."
"Margery, you were here. It's your birthday soon, so it must be that way. I thought you were taken to the Magic Brigade and suffering."
Margaery, an 8th Circle mage who worked as a court mage in Stemwind.
Aidan's magic teacher held my hand and welcomed me as if I had just met his grandchild.
I never thought we would meet again in a place like this.
They say that relationships come and go, and that was exactly right.
"His Majesty recognized his contribution to the North and appointed him as a professor at the Magic Tower. Currently, he is focusing on training younger students. How is Master Aidan, or rather the Marquis? "
"I'm looking brighter than when I was harassed by you. Don't worry."
"Whoa, whoa, you got the joke. Anyway, I'm really glad everything worked out well."
It's not a joke.
His authority was evident in the fact that even serious words were ignored like a serpent.
"How did you know that and come to meet me? I obviously didn't tell you in advance."
"Everything that happens inside the magic tower is known to the magic tower lord. The moment you passed through the main gate, the magic tower lord told me to greet you."
"The students here can't even jerk off as they please."
If all of Jin's stories about that bitch were true, it was obvious that she was voyeurizing into the children's private lives.
Just in case.
He might transform into a different form and harass students.
After what happened in the garden, my trust in Asili was through the roof.
"...I'm glad that the old man is still the same. Now, let's take you to the Mage Tower Lord."
Margery covered up my verbal abuse with a laugh and led the way to Asili.
Contrary to my expectations, where I thought I would enter a place like the university headquarters, after being guided by Margery, I arrived at a place right in front of the spire, the symbol of the Magic Tower.
The spire is said to have been built in one day by the first great wizard who built the magic tower here - but he is probably a different form of Asili.
The black spire, which was as tall as the Eiffel Tower and similar to Earth's Washington Monument, was nothing more than a decoration made of pure steel.
But why did you drag me in front of this sculpture, saying you were going to guide me to the magic tower lord?
When Marjorie looked at him with doubtful eyes, he pointed to the sky instead of answering.
He raised his head to the sky and saw Asili slowly coming down from the tip of the spire.
With a frown on his face.
"Bjorn, no matter how much I do, I don't look into the students' private lives. Of course, I'm curious about some of the students' private lives, but I also protect what I protect. Be careful what you say."
Were her first words as she set foot on earth.
I greeted her by picking her ears.
"What, were you all listening? I should have learned magic too. It seems very convenient."
"If you survive after your dantian is shattered, come to me. I will personally and kindly teach you."
"Thank you so much for the offer that I didn't even like."
Asili let out a brief sigh of her own and tucked her windblown pink hair behind her ear.
"No matter how much the memory of that day is in my heart, a man who comes to a woman's house without telling her in advance is not attractive. You know that, right? I would have gone there myself to escort the saint soon anyway, so why did you come to this magic tower?"
"I want to get compensation for the wrong you did to me. And it's not a matter of being a saint, but I have a story to share with the owner of the Magic Tower as the eldest son of the De Jeviets family. I'd like to provide some support to the Magic Tower."
When the topic of money came up, her irritated face brightened.
Even though they are already receiving a lot of support from various sources, it seems that wizards are always short on research funds.
"...It's not a story worth sharing here. Okay, I'll invite you to my workshop."
Wizards' workshop.
It is not simply a space for research.
The space, filled with various techniques and circuits, becomes a circle in itself and amplifies the magicians' power.
Therefore, wizards extremely dislike strangers entering the workshop.
If someone comes in on their own and messes with the technique, all the hard work you've put into building the attack and defense will be completely lost.
So, being invited to a wizard's workshop can mean that you are a very close friend.
After hearing Asili's words, Marjorie cleared her throat and turned her head away for no reason.
You might think that what was said in social circles was true.
Of course, there was no way something like that would happen between Asili and me.
However, apart from that, I was looking forward to her attack and defense like crazy.
Asili is a dragon.
Her personal space where she stays becomes a dragon rare commonly found in mass stores.
Gold and silver treasures, rare artifacts, and all kinds of traps and alerts.
There was nothing that wasn't a dream for someone who enjoyed selling stores.
To be invited to a place like that.
She couldn't hide her excitement.
◈ Chapter 104 - 16-Fourth Power
When Asili held her hand, her body floated, just like last time.
For a moment, my vision became distant, as if I was riding a gyrodrop.
Near the top of the spire.
There was a door just before the square body came together.
Asili's foot closed and the door opened of its own accord.
"This is the first time I've had someone in my workshop. It's an honor, right?"
A duplex space of about 50 pyeong.
There was an open space all the way to the end of the spy plane, centered around a huge sphere in the center.
The black exterior walls were everywhere, and the walls of the spire were like glass, showing the outside scenery.
Although the sphere of unknown purpose was unusual, my overall first impression was that it was closer to an apartment penthouse than the dragon lair in the novel.
The impression was further strengthened by the household items and clothing scattered here and there.
Is this a dragon rare?
What is a dragon rare?
Isn't it the same space as Muan Sweet Water, which provided entertainment to the main character in the past at a wholesale store?
The plot of conquering the world with a sword obtained from a rare item or becoming a high-ranking wizard with an old book lying around will be familiar to readers who have read the fantasy genre of the 2000s.
But this was very different from what I imagined.
I had no choice but to ask Asili.
"Isn't it too bright for a dragon rare? Usually rares are made in places like dark caves or palaces buried by time."
"What are you talking about? Dragons are originally creatures that live in the sky. Maybe it's a high mountain, but we're not earthworms, so why do we crawl into such a dark place? Are you sure you just believed the bard's song? Oh, be pure. "
I continued to protest, thinking that my shattered dream was more important than my irritation towards Asili, who covered her mouth and laughed at me.
"Well, isn't there a need to expand the interior space like a new station, have golems lined up for security, or at least spread out gold and silver treasures? If it's a dragon rare, there's a natural image to think of. How can it not be right? There is!"
"Only a god can distort space and time. Golem? Why do you keep a doll that is just wasting space here? After all, the only beings that can fly in this world are the dragon race, right? And if you pile up gold and silver treasures in this spire, the weight will be lost. I can't stand it and I'm falling apart. These days, there are banks, so what are they for?"
These bleak dragon tribes, devoid of any romance whatsoever!
I was heartbroken by the shattered illusion.
"Let's stop looking at the lady's room and get to the main topic. First, it would be best to talk about sponsorship. Mr. Eldest son of the De Jeevitz family."
A chair flew from somewhere and hit me in the back, forcing me to sit down.
"There is no way you would support the Magic Tower in order to contribute to academic development, and it would be quicker to talk about what you want from the Magic Tower in return for your support. As you know, no matter how large the donation, you will not be able to share information about magic engineering or destruction magic. "I can't. It's a state secret."
Paper and pen flew through the air, writing down her words.
I cleared my throat and spoke.
"I'm not interested in that. The field I want to support is climatology."
"Climatology?"
"Yes, I want you to develop a magic spell so that I can predict the weather."
Predicting the weather was also important in this world.
Of course, people here also farm.
However, weather forecasts to date have remained at the level of examining the past year's worth of precipitation or ashfall, supplying more water when rainfall is low, or stockpiling more food when a lot of ash is expected to fall.
What I want is more specific than that.
"What I want is a magic spell that can predict the weather tomorrow. Whether the sky will be clear tomorrow or not. If not, will it rain or ash? If it rains, how much will it fall? I want you to develop a magic spell that can determine this information in advance. Is it possible?"
The pen that was making a crunching sound stopped.
Asili was deep in thought for a while.
"What about the scope? The continent is huge. To predict the weather everywhere on the continent, we need to set up a branch in each region. It will cost a lot of money."
"It's possible at the lower end. First, start with the capital. If the response is good, we plan to expand to the central region. How long will it take? I hope it will be as fast as possible."
"That would be possible without much trouble. In fact, there is no need to develop magic techniques if it is just the capital. I can go up to the sky and see for myself. The weather will be acceptable tomorrow or the day after tomorrow. But before that, please answer my question. If you suddenly "Why are you interested in things like the weather?"
"You handed over the Lighthouse of Humanity to Your Majesty, right? I need to find a job before I become unemployed. I'm going to start a newspaper business with the De Jeevitz family's money."
"You want to make money by selling information on a private level? Oh, so you need weather forecasts."
I only told you the facts about the pieces, but Asili put them together and immediately understood what I was saying.
He was a descendant of the god who controls wisdom.
Telling the weather tomorrow.
No one who has ever lived on Earth knows the convenience it provides.
Due to the nature of the Esteria continent, which is already full of ash, people living here worry every morning about whether or not they should use the clock today.
If tomorrow's weather information is written in the newspaper, people have to read the newspaper every day whether they like it or not.
Novels and weather forecasts.
The moment the two elements merge, my newspaper will become an essential commodity for the people of the empire.
"But it would be a bigger business than the stomach. The cost of developing technology for weather prediction would be considerable. If it were to be applied to large-scale agriculture or something like that, it wouldn't be enough to make up for it just by selling paper. You wouldn't know that, would you?"
Asili pointed out the fundamental problem with my business.
I think that issue will soon be resolved through someone's belated response, but there is no need to talk about it in advance now.
I listened to her in silence.
"Be honest and reveal the dark plan you have in your heart. If your plan causes great damage to the empire, I will have no choice but to stop you here. I will not be subject to fire like last time."
"I don't want to hear that you are at least as shady as me. A perverted president who is hitting on students' daughters or spying on them."
"It's kind of fun to be sold on by a pretty boy like you, but for now, just answer my questions. If I can't convince you, the Magic Tower will reject your offer."
Her heart toward the empire could be read on Asili's resolute face.
She basically doesn't like humans.
Most humans are stupid, smelly, dirty, and cruel.
Why should we lead such an inferior species?
That was the basic mindset she had.
But she also knew that humans were needed to fight demons.
With the invasion just around the corner, Asili doesn't seem to have any intention of just watching me run around the capital like a catfish.
However, that is a way of thinking that only knows one thing and does not know the other.
"It's a huge loss to the empire. Asili. It's not something you should say when you give a magic tower and can't properly manage a wizard."
"What are you talking about all of a sudden? Are you saying I can't manage it?"
"You're pretending like you don't know anything. You're probably feeling this most painfully. Even slowly suppressing wizards is reaching its limits."
Looking back at the contents of the setting book in the biography of Esteria, there are probably wizards who have broken away from the magic tower and are growing their power independently.
Those who dream of escaping from the emperor's tyranny and living in a world of wizards.
The subject of the future wizard rebellion, and an interest group supported by many wizards.
"What was that name? Was it the Robe Alliance? They're the ones trying to attack you with double arms, right?"
As soon as she heard the name Robe Union, her red pupils split vertically.
"...Bjern, how do you know that?"
"What matters is not how I knew, but how you will deal with it."
I answered, staring at him without avoiding his eerie eyes.
"As you know, the agenda has already been transferred to the Robe Alliance. The Robe Alliance is a group with extreme ideology, but it is clear that wizards are treated unfairly, and their purpose is ultimately for the wizards. The Robe Alliance's The number of wizards joining the cause is increasing, and soon the wizards will be freed and rebel against the empire."
This is something that actually happened in the Esteria War, and Asili would not discount that possibility.
However, the rebellion was much bigger than Asili expected.
This is because many of the wizards in the capital participated directly or indirectly.
And Asili also did not view the rebellion itself negatively.
She only strives for the 'empire'.
If it hindered the development of the empire, even the emperor was prepared to get rid of it.
And at the time of the rebellion, she judged that promoting the rights and interests of magicians would contribute to the development of the empire.
This is why she watched the rebellion.
As Asili watched, the Sword Saint could not move as he pleased, and the Robe Union's rebellion grew like a snowball.
If the capital had not suddenly been engulfed in fire, the emperor might have been executed that day, and a new era centered on wizards might have begun.
As she guessed, ultimately the empire would have become stronger.
Even so, the empire suffered a terrible measles for a while due to seething noble rebellions, power struggles, and assassinations, and was invaded by demons before the wounds healed and took off.
"I don't know where or what you heard, but even if what you say is true, it is a matter for me as the owner of the magic tower to solve, not for you to interfere. And what does the Rob Alliance have to do with your newspaper?"
Asili drew her line, telling her not to get involved.
But she couldn't have it going her way.
"It doesn't matter. I like chaos, but I hate being buried in it."
Plus, getting caught up in someone else's plan is the worst thing.
Because I know who is behind the Rob Alliance.
I have no intention of letting him do whatever he wants.
"The wizards' uprising is going to happen anyway, and you think that's better than the wizards being mistreated, right?"
"Can you please stop guessing my intentions?"
"If not, there is nothing we can do. In any case, wouldn't it be better for the subject of the uprising to be the Magic Tower rather than the Robe Alliance? And if you are going to do it, it would be better to start a revolution in the name of a decision to save the country for the entire empire, rather than an uprising due to a fight for interests among wizards. That's right. The newspaper I created is a tool for that."
"...So, you mean you will act as a bridgehead between the people of the empire and the wizards? By using a piece of paper to convey news of the world?"
"Think about what you can do with that piece of paper. Don't you know how scary it is to be able to print only the news I want?"
There is no need for lies to incite.
The facts alone are enough to incite the public.
Include the news you want and ignore the information that doesn't fit.
This alone completes the argument.
This is a method that the Earth's media is tired of using.
People here will be more easily swayed by methods they have never experienced.
What if you add editorials by intellectuals and a novel that criticizes reality?
Its power will be truly explosive.
And there is also a final blow that will put an end to the old empire.
I handed Asili three books.
"What is this book?"
"My gift to the Empire."
It was the moment when the ideological weapon that destroyed the mighty empires on Earth from within appeared on the continent of Esteria.