Offer a Tribute and Become an Archmage - Chapter 173



Only Noblemtl

Offering Tribute to the Great Wizard Chapter 173

Bogle Auction House [1]

Episode 173.

Arriving at Gradas Castle, Ronobé set off on his journey early in the morning.

Although I was quite tired from using magic all night, I drank the potion and boarded the carriage.

The friendly faces were still there.

“Are you here?”

“Because the distance is so long, I was worried that I might not be able to make the right time.”

It was Mick.

It was Mick, Lirun, and Peter.

Lirun and Peter complained of feeling quite dizzy, probably due to Mick’s magic.

“Haha, I carried it around and ran.”

It seemed like he was getting motion sickness because he was running so fast with magic.

“I have heard much from you. You are the great Archmage. You are the disciple of Lord Ashwald.”

“You guys…”

“I am Baron Benald. Please call me Sir Benald, if you don’t mind.”

“I’m Mick. I see you’re the wizard who accompanied Sir Hopper.”

It seems that the title of the Great Wizard’s Disciple is not an empty title.

Benald approached them first and tried to make friends. As the two began discussing magic, Lirun and Peter listened attentively to their conversation.

Naturally, Benald also saw the children and was amazed by their talents, and they began to become friends.

“No, already at this age? What an incredible talent. Sir Hopper must be full even without eating.”

“Not to that extent. They are children who still have much to teach. They have a long way to go, so I would appreciate it if you could occasionally teach the disciples.”

“Haha, what kind of magic can someone like me perform?”

Although he was trembling with humility, Benald was also quite amazed, as if it was his first time seeing talented children. If he could teach them even a little bit of tips from his mercenary days, it would be beneficial, not detrimental.

Ronobe is Peter’s teacher, but honestly, there’s nothing he can teach him. So it was better for both Peter and Ronobe to have him learn from those around him.

“You want me to do this?”

Ronobe turned his gaze away from those talking to others.

It was Tommy and Jill.

The two of them were still bickering as they formed a trade union, seemingly not on good terms. Since they were on their way to the capital, they had to take some of Gradas’ special products and sell them. Since Gradas was supporting their travel expenses, it was their duty to make a profit from the trade union.

“I told the red knight to carry the luggage…”

“The prisoner is talking.”

“What? I am a knight of Gradas. Who are you calling a prisoner?”

They are not men who are only emotional, so there is no reason for them to fight. Besides, Ronobe is not diligent enough to interfere in the men’s business and mediate.

No, I wasn’t really interested.

Rather, my gaze went to the other side.

“Elysia.”

Naturally, I thought of seeing Elicia off, but this time it was a little different. Elicia had decided to join me on this journey. Despite covering most of her body with her coat, she still exuded an aristocratic air. It was a completely different beauty from when I saw her on the bed.

“I have business to attend to in the Frank Counties on the way. So I’ll go with you halfway. I’ll even take the carriage with you.”

Elicia, who whispered in a somewhat excited tone, smiled. That smile was quite refreshing. It was a refreshingness that could only be produced at that age, something that could not be seen in the castle that maintained its solemnity.

“I’m with you too.”

“… Lord Convile.”

Of course, the lord’s escort knight, Convair, was also there. It’s not that Convair wasn’t happy to see him, but the timing wasn’t good.

“Ahem, it’s bigger than I thought.”

“Doesn’t that mean Gradas is growing as well? It’s all thanks to you and your lord.”

“What am I?”

Privates and escorts on top of Gradas.

As the number of wizards increased, the scale quickly grew.

But since there were so many familiar faces, it felt good, like going on a picnic.

*

A few days later.

The party reached Frank’s county without much difficulty.

It would take another month to reach the capital, so it would be better to rest while you could. Ronobe wasn’t the only one there, and there were things to do in Frank County.

Of course, it wasn’t something that Ronobe had to see.

“I came here with my parents when I was young, very young. It’s been a long time.”

It was Elysia’s business.

“Are you okay?”

“It’s okay. It’ll only be for a little while.”

Elysia says she has business at the Bogle trading post in Frank County.

That’s why we were still together.

“What are you worried about when you and I are here? The lord will be safer than most counts, so there is no need to worry too much. If you are anxious, wouldn’t the lord be anxious too?”

“…okay.”

Ronobe, who felt a pang of guilt at hearing that he was safer than the Count, put his worries aside.

It seems that he treated Elicia like a princess for some reason. Come to think of it, Elicia is quite an outstanding magician. Although she is currently more focused on managing the territory than on magical training, her magic is still hot.

“I’m a little forced because opportunities like this don’t come often. I feel suffocated just by staying in the castle.”

“Was that so?”

“Unlike before, it’s become difficult for me to do as I please. There’s no one I can trust to take charge of the regency.”

Besides, don’t the people who are together have a fighting power stronger than that of an average army?

The white knights escorting Elicia: Konvair and Benny. Ronobe and Mick, Tommy and Benold. Jill and Liam. And Lirun and Peter.

Even these alone would have been enough to easily defeat any enemy. It seemed that Elysia did not want to miss this opportunity.

“What are you looking to buy at the exchange?”

When Ronobe asked, Elicia got out of the carriage and smiled.

“It would be better to leave it for future enjoyment.”

“… All right.”

Since Elysia had a good relationship with Count Frank, she went straight through the gate and entered.

As the name Frank suggests, this place was famous for its sausages.

As soon as we entered the inner sanctuary, the smell of sausages made our mouths water, and as soon as we smelled it, the soldiers’ stomachs started growling.

‘I can’t resist sausages.’

Ronobe also wanted to eat sausages for the first time in a long time. Artificial meat sausages are delicious, but the sausages made in Frank County are naturally all handmade and are said to be the best.

In this day and age, what can be said about something that isn’t handmade?

“I am from the Baronial Territory of Gradas. I should have sent a messenger in advance.”

“I’ve been waiting for you. Come this way.”

Convair, Ronob, and Beni went with Elicia, and the rest were guided to the guest room. After waiting in the reception room for a while, Count Frank came in and greeted them warmly.

“It’s nice to see you again.”

“It’s been a long time, Count Frank.”

Elysia greeted him by gently grabbing the hem of her skirt, and the Count smiled contentedly, stroking his rounded mustache.

He said he had been here before, and it seems he was acquainted with the Count.

“I have heard many stories about the Baron from my son. He has had a hard time even at a young age. I am sorry that I could not help him in advance.”

“I have already received your help. There will come a day when I can repay you. When that time comes, please come to me.”

It was a friendly scene.

He was Count Frank. He was a somewhat frivolous white knight whom Ronnove had met on the battlefield. He was the father of Clyton de Frank.

‘It’s exactly the same.’

The appearance was exactly the same.

The son feels a bit more frivolous.

My father was quite old.

“Haha. That must be so. By the way, are you the boy wizard of the rumors?”

“… I don’t know what rumor you’re talking about, but if it’s about Gradas, then I’m right.”

“I’m sorry about that. It was about Gradas, and it was also about Auloth. You’re younger than I thought.”

Instead of Ronobe, who was taken aback by the sudden question, Elicia answered calmly.

“He may be young, but he is brave. If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t be standing before the Count.”

“Hoo. Is that all? You’re becoming more and more greedy.”

“It would be a problem if you covet the hero of Gradas…”

“Haha! It seems the Baron really loves you. It’s a shame, but there’s nothing I can do. Since you’re here, enjoy Frank’s bragging as much as you can. Your son happens to be…”

That was when.

Bam!

“Oh! My comrades! You are here!”

The count’s face wrinkled.

“What are you doing so rudely!”

“Was your father there too?”

“What is your father? I told you to call me Count or Lord!”

“Father, if you get angry, you will lose that much of your life. A man of great character doesn’t get angry easily.”

It seems like a familiar thing.

The count glanced at Elicia, sighed deeply, and gave up on lecturing her.

“… I may be a worthless son, but I’m sure I’ll be enough to guide you. I hope you have a safe trip.”

“yes…”

The count, who had grown much older, shook his head as if his head was throbbing and went out.

“Are you okay?”

“It’s okay. I’m the one who’s going to inherit the earldom anyway. What my father had will soon be mine, so what? Hahaha!”

It wasn’t that kind of question, but it didn’t seem to matter much. Clinton, whom I hadn’t seen in a long time, was no different than before.

It was still pleasantly and appropriately frivolous.

“But you. You defeated the wizard again? You’re amazing for your young age.”

“It just happened that way.”

“When coincidences overlap, it’s not a coincidence. It’s called skill. Anyway, it’s good to see you again, all your limbs intact. And Lady Elicia, too. Excuse me. It’s been a while, Baron.”

“Thank you for the past days.”

“What! I was just doing what I had to do as a knight of the kingdom. If I inherit the earldom, Gradas will be Frank’s eternal ally.”

“Thank you for your kind words.”

Elicia smiled and followed Clinton’s guidance.

“Well, there’s so much to see and enjoy in Baekjakryeong… Where would you like to start?”

“I don’t have much room. I’d like to be able to enter Bogle first.”

“Um! Is there anything you need to buy?”

“Yes. I need something.”

“The timing is perfect. It’s the full moon day… and today is the day Bogle’s famous auction begins.”

Auction? When Ronobega looked puzzled, Clinton explained simply.

“In the Frank County, various merchants’ goods have been auctioned since ancient times. These days, a lot of very valuable things come here. For example, artifacts and such. I think Baron Gradas came here with this in mind, didn’t he?”

“That’s right. That’s why I took the time.”

That’s what it looked like.

Ronobe had no idea.

“Then, since we still have time, we can have dinner together and go.”

“great.”

“Good. Then I’ll take you to the restaurant. Our county’s specialty, the Frank Sausage. It’s hard to explain in words, but it’s delicious and good for your health. It’s no exaggeration to say that our family became knights after eating the sausages.”

The Ronobé party, who went to the restaurant guided by Clinton, finished their meal after witnessing a feast of sausages served as a sumptuous feast.

Frank sausage.

It was really delicious.

It had such a great flavor that I forgot about the kimchi stew for a moment.

A moderately salty and savory sausage.

The juicy texture that bursts in your mouth when you take a bite and the rich aroma that spreads are enough to make you exclaim in admiration.

‘Is this sausage? Then what have I been eating all this time?’

I was so ashamed of the past when I used to enjoy the 5,000 won Vienna sausages sold at the mart. Those weren’t sausages. This is what real sausages are.

The taste and texture of such artificial meat felt like eating soft rubber or an eraser.

This elasticity, this juice! This is what you can call a real sausage.

“Does it suit your taste?”

“It’s so delicious! I’m so surprised.”

“Really? Hehe.”

Clinton responded with a very satisfied smile.

“There are many distorted stories, but our sausages are never made from pig genitals. They are made from intestines! If there is anyone who spreads strange rumors, bring him to me right now. I will cut his genitals with one stroke of my sword!”

“…”

Clinton was a talkative man. He was strangely passionate about sausages, and it seemed like there were a lot of people who talked like that.

“Are there many people like that?”

“I guess I was a little sensitive because the priestess of the fortress kingdom tripped over a sausage. But isn’t that priestess strange? Saying that sausages are reminiscent of male genitalia and therefore unholy. I wonder what’s going on in her head to say something like that.”

“That’s a bit ridiculous.”

“But since it’s the words of a priestess, there’s a lot of talk about issuing a fasting order and such. It’s ridiculous!”

I didn’t know that kind of thing happened.

But I understand a little bit.

‘It does look that way.’

The sausage felt like that.

Although it is okay to cut it and eat it, it is difficult to enjoy the unique texture of sausages if you cut them and eat them.

“Fasting is too much. It’s so delicious.”

“That’s right. I wonder how the world is going to turn… You said you were going to the royal road, right? If you happen to meet a priestess, don’t get close to her. It’ll be really annoying if you get nitpicked.”

“Is that so?”

“I heard that the priestess of the kingdom hates men.”

“Hmm…”

A priestess who hates men.

‘Well, since she’s a priestess… it’s natural for her to stay away from men. But isn’t this more like hating them than avoiding them?’

Of course, Ronobe had no idea.

Because there are no thoughts.

She’s a priestess and a prostitute.

‘I want to eat more sausage.’

I debated whether or not to ask for one more, but then decided not to. The meal was over and I had to go to Bogle, which was either an auction house or a trading post.

Elysia was quite excited and there was no way she could waste time eating some more sausages.

“There’s no danger if I’m here, but basically, it’s not good if your identity is exposed. People from all over come here and are greedy for valuables, so sometimes those who get angry and hold grudges.”

Ronnobe rode in the carriage, listening to Clinton’s story with one ear and letting it go out the other.

A little later.

Entering a relatively large building within the castle, we arrived at the Bogle Auction House, where a variety of people and dazzling items were on display.

The first floor was a trading floor with various items on display, and a secret passage on one side led to the auction house.

“The name Bogle is a name that has been passed down from long ago, from my grandfather’s grandfather. It means that precious objects are possessed by ghosts and move as if they have legs. And all treasures are gathered in Bogle. That’s what it means.”

Bogle is said to be a word that carries the meaning of ghost or fairy.

“There are quite a few interesting things.”

Most of them were expensive weapons, like swords and spears or fancy armor. Of course, there were also many staffs and precious metals, but none of them had a magical aura.

It seemed like just a place where ordinary expensive items were traded.

It was interesting, but there was nothing that would interest Ronobe.

After looking around Bogle for a while, Ronobe was guided to the auction house by Frank.

Among them, I was assigned to the VIP room on the second floor, also known as the special seat.

“As expected of a noble…”

Don’t be aristocratic about this taste.

While the lower class people are crammed into the first floor like a basket of bean sprouts, the nobles comfortably participate in the auction on the second floor. What else is there to say about being noble?

“Ronobe. Look at that.”

When I looked in the direction Benny was pointing, I got a clear view of the entire auction house.

The place where Ronobe was seated must have been a pretty special seat, as he had a clear view of the first floor. A variety of people were sitting on the first floor, waiting for their items to be delivered.

“Mostly wealthy nobles or magicians. Or merchants. Of course, those with a name sit in the special seats on the second floor and conduct the auction. The second floor is the place that not everyone can go.”

“Thank you again.”

“What! How could this be difficult for my comrades? I hope you can get what you want easily.”

“Where are you going?”

“I thought I should talk to the people here while I’m here. I’ll come back after the auction is over.”

After Clinton left, Elicia waited with a somewhat excited look on her face.

“So what are you looking for?”

“Artifact. There is a rumor that the artifact of Ishvan, the kingdom’s alchemist and wizard, will be up for sale at this Boggle Auction House.”

Issue Ban?

It’s my first time hearing that name.

“He mainly makes artifacts out of precious metals, and the items he makes can amplify magical effects just by wearing them.”

“To what extent?”

“Amplify the effect of one match to the effect of two matches.”

“Twice as much?”

“It’s not absolute, but it’s said to be effective to that extent. That’s why it’s so expensive that you have to call it when it appears. There are many other artifacts besides that. You can check each other’s life and death even when you’re far away…”

It seems that Elysia wants to have that artifact no matter what.

‘It’s an artifact.’

How on earth do you make something like that?

It was also a field I would like to try at least once if I had the chance.

‘If I sell my totem, will it be expensive?’

The effect of the totem is no different from that of an artifact, so maybe that’s true.

“Ah, it started.”

The host put up the first auction item.

It was a medicinal herb in a small glass bottle.

Ronobé knew immediately what it was.

‘Elixir?’

There was no way he didn’t know the magic emanating from the glass bottle. It was only a month ago that he had breathed it in and seen the path of dreams. Ronobe seemed to be possessed by something and held up a sign and bid on the auction.

“I’ll start with five gold coins!”

Of course, there were many competitors.

It seems that there are many magicians among those participating in the auction house.

Everyone knew its value.

“Ah, ten gold coins!! Ten gold coins! Here they are! Do you have any more?!”

Ronobe broke out in a cold sweat when he saw his competitor bid ten gold coins in one breath. He had brought fifty gold coins for his travel expenses, but now he was down to ten!

‘What the fuck…?’

But I couldn’t give up.

Ronobe flashed! He raised his hand.

“The gentleman over there has bid fifteen gold pieces!”

Then the competitor also raised his hand.

“Twenty gold coins!! Twenty coins! Here they come! This is a heated competition from the start!”

‘That fucking guy!?’

It was a fair competition, but since money is money, from Ronobe’s perspective, he was a competitor who instantly turned into a bastard. He looked up from the first floor to the second floor and smiled.

I was even more unlucky because I was wearing a mask.

‘If I spend all my money here…’

Traveling to the capital may be difficult.

“Okay, are there any more? If not, I’ll count! Oh! Four! Three…!”

Why does the host who starts the count look so annoying? Ronobe raised his hand in tears.

But that doesn’t mean you can give up on your dream.

“Twenty-five gold coins! Twenty-five gold coins! How refreshing! As expected of a noble guest!”

When he asked for twenty-five coins, his competitor was startled and bit his thumbnail. Then he glared at Ronobe as if he was going to kill him.

I got a feeling.

He doesn’t have any more money! But still, he raised the sign once more.

“Thirty gold coins! You have bid thirty coins! The competition is heating up! Will the VIP in the first-class seat accept this challenge!!”

Of course, Ronobe picked up the placard.

“Thirty-five! You have accepted this challenge!!”

Groan, groan.

Why would a small herb like that be worth thirty-five gold coins?

The meeting place suddenly became noisy because there were more people who didn’t know than people who did.

“Ronobe! Aren’t you pushing yourself too hard?”

Even Beni was startled and tried to calm Ronobe down. But Ronobe didn’t listen.

From now on, it was a battle of pride.

“Where! You’re the guy who got stuck on the first floor. Huh?! Do you know who I am!? How dare you pick a fight with a noble?”

While Ronobe, unable to hide his excitement, kept repeating Mr. Park, the price soared several more times due to the heated competition.

Once again the host began the countdown and the competitors stamped their feet and harassed the waiter before dropping their heads.

“Ronaine’s Herb! Sold for fifty gold coins!”

Ronobe won.

And I got some herbs and an empty bag.

“Ah… my money.”

When I came to my senses, I had become a beggar.