Offer a Tribute and Become an Archmage - Chapter 149



Only Noblemtl

Episode 149.

Elicia has lost more weight than before.

As the lord of Gradas, she had a lot to do, to the point where she had to work hard while cutting down on her sleep, and she herself was not well-educated enough to take on the lord’s duties.

In the morning, she would report on her work, in the afternoon, she would receive reports from visiting nobles and village chiefs, and at night, she would study to make up for her shortcomings. Did she have many retainers to help her? It wasn’t like that.

Internally, he had to fight with vassals who wanted to collect bribes, and externally, he had to properly use the ledgers and taxes that were full of holes here and there. If he was not careful, there were many places where the amount of goods and the ledgers were different, or where the people in charge were ignorant people who didn’t even know the numbers, or where money was leaking out.

As there were more than a few things to worry about, my mind became increasingly worn down day by day, and I continued to fight against dizziness caused by lack of sleep.

The only time she can clear her mind is when she’s lying in bed.

That was also when I was thinking of Ronobe.

But that wasn’t the first or second time that he had sent letters, and he was secretly upset with Ronobe for not responding.

“Why aren’t you replying… It’s been quite some time. If you fly here, wouldn’t you get here quickly? W-Wouldn’t you have forgotten about me already…?”

Could it be that things weren’t that good back then?!

“It wasn’t me… I kept thinking about it.”

At that moment, when all sorts of thoughts came to mind and tears were about to well up.

Bam!

“Whoa!”

In the middle of the night, the lord’s bedroom window opened wide and a mad beast appeared and attacked Elicia. Elicia immediately created a fire serpent and swallowed the beast that attacked her. However, the fire serpent was torn apart in an instant. It was a bear that looked familiar.

“Ronobe?!”

It was Ronobe.

Ronobe, who had returned to being human, looked down at Elicia, who was lying on the bed. A huge shadow covered her.

It was from then on.

The time of passion that seemed never-ending finally ended when the sun rose high in the sky.

The next day.

Elicia’s skin became soft and smooth, and the dark circles under her eyes disappeared. Feeling the warmth, almost hot heat, the burden on her heart became lighter, almost like a feather. Elicia’s appearance had the freshness of a fairy stretching inside a flower bud.

It was only after the sun had risen high in the sky that Ronobe greeted Elicia.

“How have you been?”

“huh…”

Elicia, who remembered last night, pulled the blanket up to her head and felt embarrassed. Ronobe dug into Elicia’s blanket and squirmed while talking about this and that.

When Anna spoke about the Akan she left behind, Elicia also shed tears. Later, when she spoke about the Northern Earl, she was surprised and then angry. It was even more so because of the marriage story. The last one was about the dungeon in Hopper. These were things she should know as a lord.

Elysia answered, her face changing from that of a woman to that of a lord.

“I think it would be a good idea to form a private army.”

“rank and file?”

“I can’t send Ronobe alone to the North. The North is a really dangerous place. I can never send Ronobe alone.”

Most other issues have been resolved.

Anna’s Akan in the Allobato territory has been resolved in any case. If she has a good relationship with Ronobe, then it is right for Gradas to make the same gesture. Sir Brandon is a war hero after all.

Hopper’s dungeon is amazing, but that’s under Ronobe’s jurisdiction. If Elicia can help, she’ll help in any way she can, but if not, there’s only one thing Elicia has to worry about.

The Northern Margrave, Count Belita von Enheide.

“No matter what anyone says, Ronobe is a magician from Gradas’ territory. I know the story of the Northern Count well. He’s famous. But no matter what, I can’t let Ronobe be taken away by the Count.”

“But is there still a reason to create a private army?”

“Yes! What if you go north alone and get caught? You never know what might happen if you go alone. Even if you’re a Ronobe. And now, Ronobe is a noble with a territory. It’s only natural for him to have a private army. He has to protect his territory.”

“Is that so?”

Even though it was a land where there was nothing, I didn’t think about it because I had nothing to guard or do. Private soldiers!!

‘I feel like a real noble!’

A private…

Something didn’t make sense.

‘But how do you make private soldiers? Is it money?’

It is impossible for anything to be free of cost. In addition, if you are a private soldier, all of your operating and training expenses come out of your own pocket. What’s more, even a private soldier is a private soldier.

It would be impossible to employ dog ​​bones that you don’t even know where they came from as private soldiers. In this world where blood ties and regional ties are essential, even a skilled private soldier is impossible without reputation or connections. What about the private soldiers of a nobleman who is not even a baron who has acquired a small piece of land? Honestly, unless you pay a lot of money, they probably won’t even look at you.

“It’s difficult to draft soldiers from Gradas… I’ll ask Lord Convair. He’ll introduce me to some talented people.”

“Yeah, thanks.”

Ronobe tried to lay Elicia down again as a gesture of gratitude, but at the sound of the maid’s knock, he turned into a sparrow and ran away.

*

Ronobe met with Lord Convair for the first time in a long while and reminisced. Elysia was once again absorbed in her piled up work, and Convair and Ronobe talked on the terrace where she could see them.

“I have heard everything the lord has said. It is time for you to have your own private army.”

“I don’t know yet, but it just so happened that this is how it turned out. Are there any useful people?”

“Isn’t that what private soldiers are like? Even if you use someone useless, if you keep using them, they’ll become round and useful.”

“okay.”

What I meant was that there was no one useful from the beginning.

“Besides, if they are privates, it is better to select them based on their character rather than their skills.”

“why?”

“Do you want to be with people who might hit you in the back of the head?”

“Oh! That’s not it…”

“Then it would be better to select someone with a clear character and origin rather than just ability. Or… aren’t there people from your hometown or village?”

“Huh? A village?”

Hopper is dead and the survivors are none of usable soldiers.

Then it’s a sissy…

‘Those guys over there…’

I had a strong feeling that he would betray me and stab me in the face for even a single silver coin, let alone a gold one.

“I’ve already identified a few useful ones, so take them and use them. I’ve also prepared some with clear origins.”

“thank you.”

As I followed Convile’s instructions, I saw armed soldiers from Gradas.

The number is six.

They were all different-looking guys.

There were a variety of people, some who looked like rough bandits, others who looked like delicate girls. Among them, there was one who looked like twins, and they were said to be brothers.

“This is Baron Hopper, whom you will be serving from now on. He is also the magician of Gradas’ territory. It will be an honor to assist you! Do you understand!!”

“yes!!”

One voice is loud.

But it would be difficult to know their level just by their voice.

‘Armed…’

It’s not that good.

Basically, the soldiers of the castle wear what is called linen armor, quilted armor made of flax. Linen armor, made by hardening several layers of cloth, is stronger than you might think, enough to block arrows. If you add leather to it, the defense power increases even more… But these soldiers did not add leather.

‘The weapon is…’

A shield made of solid wood and covered with cloth.

And the weapons were swords and spears, but since the iron content was not that high, there were some dents here and there. On his back was a shield and spear, and on his waist was a longsword and a dagger, which were basic weapons. It was a shame that his weapons were not that great, but it was better than the villagers who had nothing.

‘Gradas is not yet stable. He must have been careful.’

There are still many places that haven’t recovered from the damage caused by the war. To be honest, I think this is a little bit too much for Ronobe. To be honest, I expected more because they were private soldiers, but there’s nothing I can do. Gradas is still in danger.

I couldn’t help but understand.

“Nice to meet you.”

“It is an honor!”

Ronobe shook hands with the six privates. They decided to exchange names later on. They would have a lot of time together anyway.

“Lord Convile. Are they alright?”

“There isn’t much of a difference yet.”

Ronobe’s gaze was directed towards the prison within the castle. The imperial wizard was imprisoned there.

Cloud’s head, half-mad.

And Geass is trapped.

“Since you’re here, would you like to take a look around?”

“Is that okay?”

“Of course. You are a hero of Gradas and you are also involved, so there is no reason why you can’t do it.”

Ronobe hesitated for a moment and then nodded.

“There are some things we need to check.”

A while ago, when he handed over his body to Yonterion, one of the soul offerings inside Ronobe completely disappeared.

That’s definitely the soul of the cloud.

It was the giant soul of a wizard.

It went into Anna’s Arkhan… and it’s a little strange that it’s still intact.

“You guys stay on standby. Come on, Baron. Let’s go together. It’s been a while.”

“Haha! That’s right.”

It wasn’t even a few months ago.

Because he was going back to the prison where he had been locked up with Convile. Cloud’s head had also been locked up in the basement where Convile had been locked up. That’s why he was reminded of old times even more.

“You are my benefactor. So, whatever you ask for, don’t hesitate. If you think the lord is having a hard time, I will help you.”

“It’s comforting to hear that. When the first knight of Gradas says that.”

“Isn’t it all thanks to you?”

As I entered the prison, a familiar, musty, dirty smell hit my nostrils.

“Long time no see?”

“That’s right. I can’t believe I’ve been in a place like this for several days.”

“Hahaha! Now that you’re saying this, you’re the one who used to play captain with the prisoners!”

It’s a game of captain.

Now that I think about it, that’s what happened.

“The guys who were here…”

“Well, the prison was small and there were a lot of criminals. So they executed most of them.”

“I see.”

There was a feeling of regret for some reason.

Since they were criminals, it was natural for them to die… But it seems like they became close after talking together for a few days.

‘What was it…’

I can’t even remember the name anymore.

‘No need to remember.’

If the execution had been carried out, he would have died.

“It seems to have gotten a bit wider.”

“We did expand it a bit. The basement is difficult, but the above-ground part shouldn’t be difficult.”

Cloud and Geass were naturally not in the above-ground prison, but underground. Ronobe and Convair quickly went down the underground stairs, and soon grimaced at the stench of ammonia and excrement that stung their nostrils.

It was quite painful for Ronobe, whose sense of smell had become more sensitive than before.

“It smells bad.”

“Because there are violent criminals in the basement, we don’t clean it very often. It’s dangerous for the soldiers to do so.”

But that doesn’t mean the knights can come and clean it. There’s nothing we can do about the smell.

‘There are a lot.’

There were quite a few before, but it seems like there are more prisoners now. Ronobe glanced around and stopped in front of one of the prison cells.

Loss of an arm, burns all over his upper body. And a large gash near his abdomen. Necrotic rotting skin. These are all quite familiar wounds and scars. Ronobe crouched down in front of the prison and called out to him.

“Gias.”

It was Geass.

Geass was lying in his prison cell, barely keeping his eyes open.

“Ah, ahhhhh! ahhhhh!!”

Without even getting up, he looked at Ronobe with an expression that was either frightened or angry, and howled like an animal.

“Don’t look at me like that. I fought like a man, and you lost.”

A world where it is natural for those who lose to die.

There is no reason to pity him. If he hadn’t won, it would have been he who ended up like that. Geass howled in rage once more before passing out.

Ronobe made up his mind.

‘It would have been fun if it had been a simple game.’

This world is not a game, it’s reality.

That’s why the loser’s words were miserable.

But you shouldn’t be weak-hearted. The moment you become weak, it will be you and your loved ones around you who will suffer like that.

“Phew.”

Ronobe slapped both cheeks.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes, it’s okay.”

Even though he was called a land wizard, Ronobe was now fifteen years old. It was no wonder that Convair was worried.

“Let’s go.”

Ronobe walked.

Those trapped underground were Vlad’s knights, those who had been hastily knighted, or his closest associates.

Ronobe wasn’t very interested in them.

I ignored the curses and anger they poured out and kept walking.

At the end of it all, a head lying on the floor.

There was a cloud.

To be exact, it was Cloud’s Grimoire.

A beautiful woman’s head.

The soul of the cloud that dwells within it.

That’s why he was put in jail.

In the prison where Convair was locked up.

“hmm…”

Ronobe’s eyes narrowed.

As a child of tribute and one who has collected the souls of humans after they die, Ronobe is more sensitive to souls than others.

And one thing I am sure of.

“None.”

Cloud’s soul that was contained in the grimoire.

That was no more.

“This is just a grimoire.”

Wizard of the Empire.

The cloud is now.

“The cloud is dead.”

It was after he died and disappeared.

*

A place where the dusk is gentle and the faint candles burn as if they will burn forever.

At the center of a place where stone bookshelves were lined up like dominoes, a white-haired man was floating in the air, creating silence all by himself.

Whew.

One candle went out.

Soon, the eyes of the man who had been floating in the air as if sleeping slowly opened.

“Is the cloud dead?”

The candle that went out was a high-quality candle decorated with gold. There were other candles, but only one went out.

The white-haired man descended from the air and landed on the bookshelf, resting his chin on it, as an old man with his hood pulled over his head appeared beside him.

“Master, Cloud is dead.”

“I know, too.”

The white-haired man stretched his hands into the air.

As he reached out, a thick book was sucked into the bookshelf. The man opened the book and nodded as if he had just remembered.

“Hmm… Cloud. Yeah. That’s what he was. A funny guy who made a grimoire out of his woman’s severed head. But the magic itself had quite a lot of potential. I thought he’d rise to the level of Magi… He’s dead. Where did he die?”

“This is the Bright Kingdom in the East.”

“This is the kingdom where Ashwald is.”

Ashwald…

Chin! The man who had closed the book shook his head as if he had lost interest.

“I have no interest in harassing dying old people. Do what you want.”

“No. It was not Archmage Ashwald who killed Cloud.”

“Then who are they? His disciples?”

“That’s not it either.”

The white-haired man. No, Genos’s red eyes narrowed.

“I am a young boy wizard.”

“Hoo. A new genius has appeared. That Cloud guy. He’s unlucky. Well, if he was lucky, he wouldn’t have become a wizard.”

Genos waved his hand appropriately.

“What about Cloud’s Grimoire?”

“Do as you wish.”

Genos quickly lost interest, as if he didn’t care about Cloud or anything.

Just as I was about to fall asleep again.

“Master.”

Once again, the old disciple called out to him. Zenos looked at him with eyes that were gradually becoming more and more irritated.

“What is it?”

“Isn’t it possible that the one who killed Cloud was a ‘child of tribute’?”

Child of tribute.

When he heard that name, Genos’ eyes sparkled with color, but it only lasted for a moment.

Genos snorted.

“This generation’s ‘children of tribute’ have already become stones at my bedside.”

Genos’ gaze rose upward.

This place is lined with countless bookshelves, each densely packed with books made of stone. Above the shelves, which are set up like giant dominoes, sits a red stone chained to a chain that emits a huge wave.

Located above the library of Genos.

Philosopher’s stone.

Looking at this, Genos smiled and shook his head.

“It can’t possibly appear already. At least we’ll have to wait another hundred years.”

“then…”

“Do whatever you want.”

Soon, Zenos fell asleep again, and his old disciple quietly stepped back and gave orders to his subordinates.

“Bring the miracle of the priest.”

And the recovery of the grimoire.

“The bastard’s head and shoulders too.”

Revenge was ordered.

*

Same time.

“Not every day is a day like this! Now! This beautiful wizard’s grimoire! Not just anyone can have it! Those gods who want it, please offer it to me first!!”

Ronobe was auctioning off Cloud’s grimoire to the gods.

End