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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: FusionX
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“The royal family is searching for traces of the Earth Religion. I can guess why.”
“Indeed. It’s likely you, Inha, a warlock, would know the reason.”
No one was more sensitive to the Holy Empire’s movements than a warlock.
“Not only the Septran royal family, but the entire Six-Kingdom Alliance is seeking ways to check the Holy Empire’s pawn, the Goddess Religion. A new religion to counter them was one such alternative. However…”
“An ordinary religion wouldn’t suffice.”
“Precisely. We needed a religion with a glorious history, comparable to the Goddess Religion, or rather, the Church of Light. It takes too much time and effort for a new religion to take root.”
Moreover, the Goddess Religion was so powerful that it was practically impossible.
In contrast, reviving a once-glorious religion was comparatively easier.
Of course, both were difficult. But if the former was simply impossible, the latter was at least worth attempting.
Therefore, they were naturally very interested in what I possessed.
“Asking for it outright… we weren’t on those terms. What do you want?”
Kriang asked directly.
I answered immediately.
“Protection and secrecy regarding our identities in this matter, and all the rewards from the ruin, including any artifacts.”
“Giving up the ruin for just the rewards… I thought you’d want more.”
Giving up the information and taking all the rewards might seem excessive to some.
However, both Kriang and I knew that material possessions weren’t as significant in this matter.
The important thing was the ruin itself.
The information about it was the most crucial element.
‘And the protection of my identity is a given.’
“The weakening of the Holy Empire benefits me as well. I have no intention of antagonizing the royal family by making excessive demands. We need a sanctuary.”
If this plan succeeded, the Septran royal family’s power and influence would undoubtedly increase.
The royal authority would strengthen, and their position within the Six-Kingdom Alliance would rise significantly.
There was no need to create friction with them.
‘It also saves me the trouble.’
I could reap the rewards without having to go there myself.
It was beneficial to me both in the short and long term.
“Considering your contribution, the royal family wouldn’t think ill of you or your companions even if you made further demands.”
“Then I trust you will treat us fairly, even without my explicit requests.”
“…You’re asking for the most difficult thing.”
“Frankly, if you faithfully fulfill my requests, that would be enough.”
Aside from the relationship with the royal family, I didn’t make further demands because, while the royal family had acted relatively fairly so far, I couldn’t predict how they would react to something of this magnitude.
The upper-class people I had encountered in the past were all obsessed with their own interests, despite their claims of honor.
‘So far, they’ve been in a much more advantageous position, and our goals have aligned, so they could afford to be generous… but this is a much bigger matter.’
One could never be too sure.
Moreover, there was a possibility that the Septran royal family was a hornet’s nest. And even a moderately insufficient reward would be more than enough for me at this point.
“Understood. I’ll convey your message. Oh, one more thing.”
Kriang added as if he had just remembered.
“However, if there’s anything we need from the ruin, we’d like the right of first refusal. There might be scriptures or… sacred relics.”
Indeed, it would be difficult for me to keep any sacred relics that might appear.
They would be essential for the revival of the Earth Religion, which they desired.
This was something I had to concede.
“I’ll discuss this with His Majesty and bring back a definitive answer. And… thank you for choosing the Septran Kingdom as your sanctuary.”
I never thought I, a warlock, would hear such words, so I couldn’t answer immediately.
“…You’re welcome.”
Indeed, it seemed I was integrating well into this kingdom.
To the extent that they didn’t seem to mind me being a warlock.
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Busy days followed.
True to his word, Kriang smoothly concluded the negotiations with the royal family.
All my requests were fulfilled, and I received a response that there would be additional rewards from the royal family based on the outcome.
The King even sent a separate message saying he wouldn’t forget this favor.
I asked if he knew I was a warlock and necromancer, and he replied that he did.
As expected, or rather, exceeding expectations, the King himself remembered me and sent a separate message.
With the royal family’s stance confirmed, Kriang, as promised, took Colmail and me to meet Viscount Doriem.
Perhaps forewarned, the Viscount was very cautious.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I am Kriang of the Royal Intelligence. I’ve come on behalf of the royal family.”
Despite not revealing his surname, the Viscount was quite cautious due to Kriang’s mention of representing the royal family.
Kriang then introduced me.
“This is someone the royal family has taken an interest in.”
“I am Do Inha. A warlock.”
“…I’ve heard of you from Colmail. I didn’t realize you were someone the royal family was interested in. I thought it was strange that Colmail vouched for you so quickly, but now I understand.”
Perhaps because of the mention of the royal family’s interest, he couldn’t speak casually to me.
‘Indeed, power is paramount.’
If he were a high-ranking noble with significant power and influence, he wouldn’t have spoken so formally, even if the royal family was interested in me.
Kriang, sensing the Viscount’s nervousness, didn’t jump straight to the main topic.
He casually praised the Viscount’s governance, mentioning his positive experiences in Doriem and the Viscount’s reputation in the capital.
“You flatter me.”
“However, there have been some recent concerns.”
The Viscount, whose expression had relaxed, stiffened again.
It seemed he understood that the main topic was about to begin.
“…I’ve heard. Jutus has been meddling.”
The source of the information was undoubtedly Colmail. Explaining everything from scratch would have been too time-consuming.
Colmail would have already informed the Viscount about the parts he needed to know and was allowed to know.
“I was already taking measures. The Perseus Mercenary Group has been disbanded, and the Moses Merchant Guild has been arrested. All mercenaries associated with the Perseus Mercenary Group involved in this matter will be identified and executed.”
It didn’t matter if a mercenary moved to another branch.
However, if they were recruited by another branch and threatened their original guild and territory, it became a different story.
The ruler of the territory was the Viscount, and such authority was his prerogative.
“A wise decision.”
Kriang smiled, pleased with the Viscount’s actions.
“But do you intend to end it here?”
Jutus had meddled, and it was ongoing. However, there were many obstacles to direct retaliation.
Doriem’s expansion had aroused the vigilance of neighboring lords, and thus, Doriem was somewhat isolated.
Moreover, this incident was primarily a conflict between mercenary guild branches. If they used this as an excuse to hold Jutus accountable, the surrounding territories might unite to thwart Doriem’s intentions.
Viscount Doriem was well aware of this reality. That’s why he was trying to strongly punish Perseus and Moses, even though he couldn’t directly retaliate against Jutus.
And Kriang, being from the Royal Intelligence, knew this as well, which is why the Viscount’s expression became complex.
“I’d like to make Jutus pay dearly, but reality isn’t so simple.”
“Doriem has yet to establish connections with any high-ranking noble families, as far as I know.”
At Kriang’s sudden remark, the Viscount hesitated, then nodded.
“That’s true. At least, not yet.”
It seemed he had been approached by some nobles.
“So, what do you say? How about joining hands with the royal family?”
The Viscount replied in a slightly trembling voice.
“…House Doriem has served the royal family faithfully since its founding.”
“And I trust that loyalty remains unchanged?”
A hint of uncontainable joy flickered across the Viscount’s face.
He seemed delighted to have a direct connection with the royal family, even if it was a minor one.
Moreover, it wasn’t through another noble, but directly through the Royal Intelligence, making it even more gratifying.
“His Majesty will be pleased with House Doriem’s unwavering loyalty.”
“It’s an unparalleled honor.”
Once the royal family extended their hand, it was impossible to refuse.
The royalist faction wasn’t a minority, it was the most powerful force.
Therefore, recruitment wasn’t particularly difficult.
“However, we require proof of your loyalty.”
It was only natural. The royal family wouldn’t support a mere viscount without reason.
Even if House Doriem was more capable than most viscounts, countless high-ranking nobles desired closer ties with the royal family.
The Viscount, who had been overjoyed, regained his composure, understanding this.
“What does the royal family desire from our House?”
“That requires a rather long explanation.”
Seeing the Viscount’s willingness to cooperate, Kriang finally began to elaborate.
During the explanation, my involvement and Annelise’s situation were mentioned, and the Viscount seemed quite surprised to learn of the Demihuman Alliance’s involvement.
And when the topic finally shifted to the Earth Religion and the Goddess Religion, his expression hardened completely.
“The royal family has concluded that Jutus is colluding with the Goddess Religion.”
It seemed they had conducted their own investigation based on my report.
However, they couldn’t openly accuse Jutus; the repercussions would be too severe.
Therefore, they intended to use Doriem to counter Jutus, just as Jutus had used Doriem.
“…You intend to demonstrate that even with the Goddess Religion’s backing, they can’t act with impunity.”
“If that were all, there would be no reason to recruit House Doriem. In addition, we intend to choose Doriem as one of the initial territories for the Earth Religion to establish itself.”
It was a highly risky proposition.
It was a proposal that wouldn’t even be considered by high-ranking noble families.
The risk was too great.
It was a proposal suitable only for a house like Doriem, with much to gain.
“…I’m not sure if I can handle this.”
“You’ll have the royal family’s full support. Openly, we can only offer limited justification, but secretly, you’ll receive our utmost assistance. And while Doriem will be the first, several other houses will join later.”
Kriang’s offer didn’t end there.
“If all goes well, His Majesty may formally invite you to the capital.”
Viscount Doriem’s expression became even more serious.
In truth, the answer was already decided.
He couldn’t refuse after his earlier declarations.
He had already pledged his loyalty to the royal family, claiming it was unwavering. Refusing a matter that benefited not only the kingdom but the entire Six-Kingdom Alliance would…
‘Disappoint the royal family and tarnish his house’s honor.’
As a noble who supposedly valued honor above all else, he couldn’t refuse in this situation.
“Justification and full support. I believe you. I accept your proposal.”
It was unlikely that Viscount Doriem, known for his ambition, would refuse such an opportunity.
“A wise choice.”
“I’m grateful to His Majesty. It’s an honor to be at the forefront of such a noble cause.”
The forefront.
Many nobles rose or fell during times of turmoil and war.
Therefore, the ‘vanguard,’ one of the most honorable positions in war, was usually reserved for chosen individuals.
‘Well, truly high-ranking nobles usually avoid it.’
They preferred to become commanders and claim the glory of victory.
The ‘vanguard’ was a position coveted by those on the verge of ruin or rising stars, a stepping stone to greater heights.
‘A figurehead, so to speak.’
After successfully recruiting the Viscount, there was a small incident.
Perhaps out of greed, he tried to recruit me into his house.
He asked if I would consider becoming his house’s official warlock after achieving sufficient growth and obtaining the authority to appoint warlocks.
It seemed he was tempted, having heard about me from Colmail and knowing that the royal family was interested in me.
However, this was a mistake born of his misjudgment.
While the royal family was interested in me, he assumed they wouldn’t officially employ a warlock, and he intended to exploit that gap.
Perhaps he even deluded himself into thinking that his actions would benefit the royal family, believing they considered me a liability.
That’s why he made such a proposal in this public setting.
This wasn’t a strange assumption. It was a typical thought process for someone in this world, given the image of warlocks.
Moreover, while he had received information about this matter, my crucial role was partially obscured.
I was presented as someone who had incidentally become involved and influenced the situation while on a request, rather than the mastermind.
Therefore, he seemed to think the royal family was still deliberating on how to handle me.
This wasn’t an unreasonable assumption. Given the circumstances, it was a plausible conclusion.
“He already has a place.”
Kriang interjected before I could answer.
“So, we ask that you retract your offer.”
Viscount Doriem looked momentarily bewildered, surprised that Kriang had directly intervened to block his proposal.
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