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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: FusionX
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‘Have the hired mages wait in the village, and Athena can go alone to bring her back.’
If negotiations failed, she could use the excuse that she needed to go with them.
It wasn’t difficult.
Of course, I would prioritize those known for their discretion, but just in case…
“Use this as an excuse, and you can go into the monster forest alone and bring her back.”
With this method, it didn’t have to be Siglen, any territory bordering the monster forest would suffice.
Of course, the further the distance, the greater the burden on Athena, so she would have to depart from a territory as close as possible to Count Siglen’s.
“That seems a bit risky.”
“If you’re worried, ask the Horned Orcs for help.”
“Ah, that’s right.”
As long as she stayed within the monster forest, she could receive their assistance.
Athena seemed satisfied with the answer, nodding her head.
“I miss Thea.”
Perhaps reminded by our conversation, Athena muttered wistfully. It had been quite a while since she last saw her sister.
It was understandable that she missed her.
Especially since she doted on Thea…
After a few days of rest, we received news that the ruin had been completely cleared.
And furthermore…
“An armory?”
“Yes. We found a place where equipment was stored.”
Pauli returned with new information.
“Interesting.”
Just like the Minotaurs we encountered before, who carried shields found in the temple, it seemed this ruin also had a similar storage.
“It was well-preserved. Moreover, the equipment is blessed…”
That meant they weren’t suitable for my use.
“We’ll sell that as well.”
“After a final inspection, if we determine there are no more guardians, we’ll consider the request complete.”
I had to enter the ruin to retrieve the Bone Golem anyway.
Baldur, Annelise, and all the undead were lined up in front of the altar, awaiting our arrival.
“Any injuries?”
“None.”
I checked on my companions, and his words were true.
‘No losses among the undead either.’
They hadn’t used any of the black water I provided, indicating how carefully they had fought.
I commended them for their efforts and retrieved all the undead.
Orie asked me to summon her again soon and returned to the dimensional fragment.
‘It won’t be long before we meet again.’
And when that time came, I wouldn’t be entering the dimensional fragment for a while.
We inspected the entire ruin with my companions.
As expected, we didn’t encounter any problems, and after receiving confirmation from Pauli, we returned to the mercenary guild in the carriage he provided.
The payment we received upon completion was enormous.
We earned hundreds of gold coins, and considering the rewards we received upon arrival, it was a request that would undoubtedly become legendary.
“Please refrain from accepting any requests for the time being.”
The reason was obvious.
“Kriang will be visiting soon with news regarding ‘that matter’.”
News of our return and the completion of the monumental request had spread throughout Doriem.
As soon as the rumors spread, someone came looking for me.
“You’ve finally returned. I heard the rumors. You completed a tremendous request, didn’t you?”
“Has the news already reached Master Otriokar?”
Otriokar.
The branch manager of the Doriem Magic Tower branch.
He was also the one who promised me associate membership.
“First, I apologize for the delay. As promised, your associate membership has been approved.”
“It took some time.”
“To be precise, the approval came shortly after you left for the request.”
We had just missed each other.
“It’s alright. Thank you for your efforts.”
“Don’t mention it. It was a transaction.”
Having obtained the qualification, it was time to use it.
I immediately informed Otriokar that I wanted to commission an artifact and hire a mage.
Having discussed this before, Otriokar readily agreed.
“What kind of artifact do you need?”
“I need one with the Dig spell inscribed.”
“We have pre-made artifacts with that spell.”
“I need one that can be finely adjusted.”
I intended to create a magic tower that was shallow above ground but extended deep underground.
That was why I needed Mutre, and I wanted to create an artifact to assist with the most time-consuming task, digging and reinforcing the earth.
Therefore, I needed another spell in addition to Dig.
“I also need it to be compatible with the Fortify spell. If necessary, they can be separate artifacts.”
“…Are you planning to build a dungeon underground?”
“Yes. My goal is to become a recognized warlock. I believe I’ve come much closer to that goal through this request.”
“That’s true. You could become a recognized warlock tomorrow, and no one would bat an eye.”
“Therefore, I intend to prepare in advance.”
“…It will be quite expensive… No, money is no object for you, is it?”
He was aware of my financial situation, so it wasn’t a problem.
“Then why do you need a mage?”
“It’s for a long-term request. For my companions, to be precise.”
“Hmm. I suppose it doesn’t matter. You said a low-level mage would suffice, correct?”
“As long as they’re from the tower. I’ll compensate them generously.”
“Well, there are plenty of mages willing to lend out a low-level apprentice.”
He seemed to think it was a trivial matter compared to the artifact creation.
“I’ll relay your request to the main tower. The artifact creation shouldn’t take too long. It doesn’t seem too complicated.”
While I had made a separate request for fine-tuning capabilities, the spells themselves weren’t complex, so it wouldn’t take long.
Apparently, there was high demand for such artifacts, so they had plenty of experience creating them.
‘They’re used in mines, weren’t they?’
And also for constructing high-end mansions.
Normally, such requests would be backlogged for years, but thanks to my associate membership, I could obtain it quickly.
“It shouldn’t take more than a month.”
‘I’ll have to receive it through a proxy.’
I would have to ask Kriang or Colmail for help.
“As for the mage…”
“I’d appreciate it if you could find one as soon as possible.”
“Understood.”
My meeting with Otriokar was brief but very productive.
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Two days later, Kriang finally visited me.
He greeted me with a smile.
“I heard it was a complete success. The royal family is very pleased.”
He praised me, saying he had faith in me all along.
“Here is your appointment letter. I’ve already discussed the matter with Lineta.”
“What was Lineta’s reaction?”
Normally, I would have met with them directly, but the situation progressed so quickly that I became a recognized warlock without even seeing their faces.
“They’re delighted. They were touched that the royal family hadn’t forgotten them and surprised by the direct support.”
Thanks to this, the royal family had boosted the morale of the royalist faction, and he expressed his gratitude on their behalf.
“Now that you’re a recognized warlock, you’ll receive the same treatment as any other mage.”
Even as a warlock, I wouldn’t face open discrimination or be unfairly blamed for anything.
I could even build my own magic tower.
“Lineta would like you to visit as soon as possible.”
“That’s what I wanted. However…”
Kriang looked at me curiously.
“Hmm? What is it?”
“Well, I’ve become an associate member of the tower. I commissioned an artifact, and I was told it would be completed within a month.”
“Ah, if that’s the case, don’t worry. Just let me know, and I’ll have it delivered through the Intelligence agency.”
Having easily delegated the artifact delivery, I had no further concerns.
“Then I’ll head to the Lineta County as soon as I’m ready.”
Kriang smiled, pleased with my answer.
He once again provided a carriage, telling me I could use it whenever I needed.
My companions seemed to realize that the time had finally come, hearing that we were going to Lineta.
I addressed Athena.
“Athena, you’ll stay here.”
“…You want me to bring Thea back.”
I handed her a pouch containing 50 gold coins.
“I’ll talk to Otriokar beforehand. I’ll also pay for the mage in advance. Hire mercenaries once the mage arrives.”
Having already discussed the excuse, she nodded slowly.
“What about the others while I’m gone?”
“Tell Thea to appoint someone to manage the place. By now, she should have trained someone capable of managing it, even if it’s not her.”
However, the appointed person’s authority would be weaker.
While authority might seem insignificant in a small underground dungeon, legitimacy was surprisingly important, even in such small communities.
Or rather, it might be even more important in a small community.
Thea was the manager appointed by me, the owner, and the younger sister of Athena, a core member with considerable power.
However, the manager appointed by Thea wouldn’t have the same connections, so the residents might not accept them.
Therefore, I added that the two Living Armors I had left as Thea’s escort should remain.
“Will that be enough?”
“It will be fine. We need to prevent any potential rebellions.”
While my control was limited, preventing me from directly controlling more undead, I could still increase their numbers indirectly.
And maintaining a safe haven at that cost was a bargain.
‘While they could abuse their power, I doubt Thea would appoint someone that foolish as manager.’
I could ask the Horned Orcs for help, but the underground dungeon was my territory.
I didn’t want them interfering that much.
‘If they cause trouble, I’ll deal with them later.’
“Understood. I’ll do as you say.”
“Don’t slack off while you’re gone. I’ll check when we arrive in Lineta.”
“Don’t worry.”
“And don’t forget that Baldur will be receiving direct training from me while you’re away.”
“…Don’t worry, he’ll never catch up.”
Athena’s playful expression turned serious.
She seemed determined not to be surpassed by Baldur.
I told my companions to pack their belongings and visited the magic tower, as I had told Athena.
Otriokar looked surprised when I told him I had become a recognized warlock.
“But you said that just a few days ago. How did this happen? Which fortunate noble house extended their hand to you so quickly?”
“The Lineta County.”
“…House Lineta?”
Otriokar’s expression hardened.
“…Are you sure about this? That place is…”
“I’m aware of the rumors surrounding House Lineta.”
“And you still chose that place?”
“It offers ample opportunities for me to contribute. If I make significant contributions, I’ll earn their trust, won’t I?”
“…That would be the case for an ordinary warlock. But do you need to go that far? You’ve already proven your credibility and abilities. You’re vouched for by the Doriem Mercenary Guild branch. There’s no need to choose such a difficult path.”
I nodded in agreement with Otriokar.
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