Offer a Tribute and Become an Archmage - Chapter 193



Only Noblemtl

Offering Tribute to the Archmage Chapter 193

leash [2]

Episode 193.

Ronobe, who escaped from the princess’s room, hesitated and almost fell, barely holding on with his cane.

“Baron Hopper. Are you alright?”

“Oh, that’s okay. Thank you…”

Even while being supported by the guards, Ronobe felt as if he was losing his soul.

I’m not tired in a physical sense.

It was because of his own fucking self-control.

‘It was an offer I couldn’t refuse as a man.’

It’s not that I didn’t like it.

I feel fondness for a pretty woman from the moment I first see her.

Beatrice did.

She was a woman who made me want to be friends with her the moment I saw her. Of course, we fought together, and the way she calmly carried out her plans in battle was cool.

Beatrice is a woman who is attractive even to men.

So I didn’t reject it vehemently.

Although it is said that burning incense has an effect, it is also because his heart was moved.

The scent was merely an additional effect, and if Ronobe had had strong self-control, he could have resisted it.

It is an inevitable instinct of a man in his prime.

‘But this is…’

There is no way I won’t feel guilty.

I was worried too.

In this day and age, a princess’s virginity is a commodity. It is something that is difficult to put a price on.

She is the royal family’s asset, capable of marrying off a woman to another country, forming alliances with each country, and even observing their trends.

But since he had an affair with such a woman, if this fact had been known, Ronobe would have been as good as dead.

“Even if I have to die this way or that way, it’s better to die once and for all.”

Of course, I wasn’t worried enough to tremble. The kingdom wasn’t much better because of this incident. There wasn’t even a shred of patriotism to begin with, and what little I had was gone long ago because of this incident.

It was better than the Empire, but it was full of people who tried to exploit or profit from it in any way, here or there.

“The same goes for the chief inspector.”

The Inspector General may sound good in words, but in the end, his purpose is to prevent the nobles from joining forces and growing in power.

The king, who feared Ronobe’s power, put chains on him to prevent him from growing his power. He had no intention of doing so from the beginning, but it is natural to feel antipathy since his intentions are obvious.

“I don’t know. Me too.”

I’m not the type of person who makes big plans for life. Isn’t life about living as it comes? The best way to live is to do what you want to do and avoid what you don’t want to do.

“Let’s go for now.”

I wanted to get out of the palace as soon as possible.

If you stay here, you are likely to get caught up in some strange political fight or strange incident, so it is better to leave quickly.

After going through all the headaches, I missed Benny even more, especially since he had been in prison for three days.

“I’m curious about this cane too.”

It wasn’t the staff that a typical wizard would carry. It was a staff with a fancy design that was mostly carried by nobles. Aren’t there staffs that have a beak-like shape at the end that you can support while walking?

That was the kind of design it was.

It felt good in my hand, as if it was quite a high-quality product, and the handle was smooth and white, as if it had been made of ivory, which felt good.

‘Women don’t use things like this very often.’

It seems that it was made this way because she is Beatrice. She is a princess and also has a very manly personality.

He actually said that he wanted to become a man.

‘She was a heavenly woman on the bed.’

At that time, Ronobe was giggling alone with a sinister smile on his face.

“Are you Baron Hopper?”

“… who?”

He was neither a knight nor a soldier.

He was a man wearing a nobleman’s suit, and judging by the subtle presence and the laurel on his lapel, he seemed to be a wizard.

“It is an honor to meet you. My name is Charlie Goldenheim, and I am the recipient of the Red Wizard’s Medal.”

“I’m Ronobe Hopper. But what’s the matter…”

“This is the 100th time the Kingdom Magic Exam has been held. We are planning to hold a banquet for the 100 graduates… I thought it would be nice if you could come and grace the occasion, so I came to see you!”

Charlie Goldenheim.

He was a man who definitely looked older than Ronobe. He had a gentle and kind impression, but if he had a red lance, he should have had the magic to match.

‘Goldenheim? I feel like I’ve heard that name somewhere.’

I don’t really remember.

More importantly, is whether or not you attend the dinner party.

“When? The construction is busy with various things…”

“It just so happens that tonight is the night. It’s an event where not only the graduates but also other wizards congratulate the wizards of the kingdom, so I would appreciate it if you could attend.”

“hmm…”

It didn’t seem like a bad idea to just show up and show my face.

The reason for having a banquet or something like that is to promote friendship among each other. Ronobe must be a hot potato to them as well. It would be beneficial if they could show their faces and become friends with the nobles.

‘It’s annoying, though.’

Considering that Ronobe’s position in the aristocratic society is quite precarious, it seems right to build friendships with him even if you don’t like it and prepare for any eventuality.

“And… if you remember, my older brother fought in the war in Gradas.”

“Ah! I see.”

It felt somehow familiar, Goldenheim!

One of the knights of the Kingdom Knights who came to Gradas with Aaron to provide support was named Goldenheim.

“Remember! Every time.”

Unfortunately, Tony was killed in the war against Gradas. They never became close, so it was normal for Ronobé not to remember.

“Charlie, I owe you a debt. Gradas is my hometown. He died honorably defending it… This debt can never be repaid.”

“My brother in heaven would be very happy to hear this.”

Ronobe nodded, holding Charlie’s hand. He was a blood relative of the family that died fighting for Gradas. Ronobe naturally developed feelings for Charlie.

“If you have any difficulties, please let me know. I will help you in any way I can.”

“Thank you for even just saying that.”

“It’s not just words. If a man owes money, isn’t it right for him to pay it back with interest?”

I was sincere.

Ronobedo also knows. The reason Tony de Goldenheim went to war was because of the king’s order. He went to war not because he was Gradas, but because the king had ordered him to do so.

But anyway, it was Gradas who received help because of that. He even died in battle, so I felt needlessly sorry for his younger brother. The sadness of losing an older brother was even greater because I knew it well.

“Haha, then would you like to go to the dinner party with me?”

“Honestly, it was a little awkward. I don’t know anyone there, and my situation isn’t all that great. But if you’re here, I’ll try to find the courage.”

“I am honored! Then I will send someone later.”

Ronobe nodded and left the palace with Charlie, chatting about this and that. Charlie was more talkative than expected, but he knew a lot and was helpful.

“The most outstanding of the graduates this time is Baron Hopper. Of course, those who participated for various reasons will not know the Baron’s power.”

It is said that Beatrice, Kael, and Ronobe were the only ones who received white in this exam. White was a joke to Ronobe, but originally, just being white was a sign of a wizard who was respected by others.

“I don’t care because I didn’t take the test to show off. The reason I took the test, even if it was late, was because of Marquis Bane.”

“I see. There’s a rumor that you defeated the Imperial Wizard…”

“That’s why I had to take the test. The kingdom wanted proof from me.”

“Ah, as expected…”

I gave you the proof you wanted, but you still treated me like this out of fear.

Thinking back on it, it was still absurd.

“Then what kind of territory did you receive, Baron? I was a red, so I was only given one settlement. Even that wasn’t a very useful territory, but isn’t it different for a white wizard?”

“Well, I haven’t heard the details yet, so I’m not sure.”

I was happy just to have obtained the hereditary title, so I didn’t really ask.

Even if you receive a territory in the first place, you won’t have the ability to manage it. Even in Hopper Village, there is no one who can manage it, and there is no ability.

There are so many things to do that even if I receive the territory, I won’t be able to manage it.

“Instead of receiving a mediocre fief, it might be a good idea to just receive it in money. Growing a fief costs a lot of money.”

“That’s right.”

Ronobé and Charlie talked about this and that more before parting ways.

Maybe it was because he was born into the nobility, but talking to Charlie was fun. He was a great talker who spoke with consideration for any topic.

“Okay. See you later.”

“See you later.”

After breaking up with Charlie, Ronobé took some time to think alone while walking around the royal capital.

‘The power of the kingdom…’

Charlie talked a lot, but we talked a lot about the future.

It was about factional power.

Broadly speaking, it is divided into the royalist faction and the noble faction, and as sub-factions, there are the 1st Prince faction, the 2nd Prince faction, and the Princess faction.

It is said that the princess has almost no power and that the power struggle between Prince I and Prince Lee is solidifying.

Because the King is now getting older and the time has come to choose a successor.

‘The Baron is a rising star. Perhaps the relevant nobles will approach. A storm is approaching… We must be well-prepared to avoid being swept away.’

It was a warning to behave well.

Ronobe didn’t really care who became king. He didn’t have much interest in the kingdom itself, and he didn’t like the way they were treating him.

“I guess it’ll work out somehow.”

I didn’t want to get involved in the annoying power structure of factional fighting.

As he shook his head and returned to his quarters, the first one to greet Ronobé was Liam.

“Are you here?”

“You don’t even know what kind of misfortune your master has been through, so why are you drinking at an inn?”

“Your Majesty, you have disappeared for several days without any word… What happened?”

Come to think of it, no one had contacted the dorm, so it seemed like they didn’t even know that Ronobe was locked up in prison.

“What about Benny?”

“He went to work.”

“Day?”

“He said he had to earn some money because he didn’t know when he would come back. He said there were no monsters near the capital, but there were a lot of noble guards.”

“You don’t have to do that…”

“He said that if things continued like this, I might not come back for a month or two. You did a good job, Madam.”

“I did a good job marrying.”

Ronobe threw the pouch from his bosom.

“What is it?”

“A purse. Your master is so great that he gave it to you even if you said you didn’t want it.”

“Oh my! How much is all this?”

“One hundred gold coins.”

The wizard of the White Spear receives one hundred gold coins every year. While the red one receives one gold coin every year, the white one receives one hundred. Now that I look at it, I can tell that I have definitely risen to fame. Marquis Bane gave me this in advance, saying that I will have many opportunities to spend money.

“And this too.”

Rock powder.

Also known as Familiar Garuda.

I received the gold coins and stones given to the White Wizard in advance.

The level of the rocks wasn’t bad. I got 3 medium-level rocks and 10 low-level rocks.

“They say it’s a mid-level monster. I’ve turned it into powder, so eat it with rice in small amounts. You really have to eat it in small amounts. You don’t know what will happen.”

“All right.”

This is the powder that made Liam who he is today.

Liam held her in his arms.

“You keep the gold, and you manage the soldiers a bit. When we leave the capital, we’ll go north, so prepare some winter clothes and weapons. I’ll leave it all up to you.”

“A huge sum of money, a hundred dollars? I don’t need that much.”

Liam only took thirty coins.

“I heard there are a lot of pickpockets. If you lose it, there’s no way to recover it. It’s better for you to keep it.”

“Really? Then what?”

Ronobe swallowed the purse.

It seems like there are quite a few thieves because it is the royal road.

“Oh, and about the powder. Can I give some of this to Rune too?”

“Rune? That piece of shit?”

“Yes, he’s a total idiot… but he’s the best out of all the guys here right now.”

“… okay?”

If Liam can say something like that, then he definitely shows some talent.

Ronobe, who was stroking his chin, immediately broke a low-grade rock and made familiar powder, which he handed to Liam.

“Give him a little bit at a time while you manage it. He’s stupid, so he might get greedy and eat it all at once, or he might secretly not eat it.”

“All right.”

“If there are any others who show talent other than Rune, please let me know.”

“yep.”

Ronobe nodded, had a light snack on the bread he had brought from the inn, and went out again.

“Where are you going?”

“I heard there’s a banquet for those who completed the magic exam. I have to go there. I was going to go see Benny’s face, but he didn’t show up.”

“Ah… there is something like that.”

“And then I became a baron.”

“Wow! Congratulations!”

The title of Baron is not hereditary, but the title of Baron is hereditary. This difference is quite significant. Now, if he has a child, Ronobe’s son can inherit the title of Baron. It’s strange that there is no news about it, since all he has to do is have a child.

Benina Elysiana.

‘Is the method of giving birth to a child of tribute different?’

It’s starting to get a little weird.

“I’m tired, so let’s celebrate later… Where are Bernard, Tommy, and Jill?”

“I went back because I thought it would be delayed. Lirun and Peter are on the second floor.”

“Quality? I was going to take you to the North…”

“He was bound to Gradas. He ran away because he didn’t want to face the orcs.”

“You little brat. How ridiculous.”

I figured that was because that’s just the way he is.

He wasn’t properly bound, and he was a contracted knight of Gradas. It would be more efficient to protect Elicia in Gradas. Gradas is still a place that needs the strength of a knight.

“Shall we prepare the carriage?”

“Okay. Bring Lirun and Peter too. We’ll treat them to dinner.”

“All right.”

I also learned some magical knowledge this time, so it would be good if you could share it with me.

Peter is slowly learning both the Korean language and the Korean alphabet.

‘Trinita.’

Peter is mute, so he can’t use Trinita. However, he can use dual spells that use both watermarks and runes. He has also learned the letters, so it would be good to instruct him in related training.

‘I should tell Lirun to challenge Trinita. They’re both good.’

Getting to know some of the great magicians at this banquet will also have a positive impact on their future.

“mended?”

“Nothing has changed.”

“Really? I guess I’ll wake up when I get to the North. I guess there’s nothing I can do.”

Ronobe, who had gotten into the carriage that had arrived soon after, had many conversations with Peter and Lirun. Most of them were about the magic test.

“Because the teacher was nagging me, I just died. The test wasn’t difficult at all. I guess the test itself changed a lot. I destroyed everything.”

He stroked Peter’s head, saying something that might or might not be boastful.

“Have you learned all the writing?”

-It’s not perfect yet.

This is Korean seen through handwriting.

Lonobe patted Peter on the shoulder, saying that he had worked hard, as he looked at his pretty handwriting.

Your writing skills have improved a lot in the time since I last saw you.

“That’s enough. You’re better than me. Have you ever used rune magic?”

-I try to use it every time I train with Lirun, but it’s difficult to master. It’s a bit different from water magic.

“It won’t be easy. But the wizard I saw used three spells at the same time to increase the power of his magic. It didn’t seem like it would be a bad thing to learn. You’re still young, so if you keep practicing, you’ll see results. You’re smart. Try hard.”

-All right.

He’s a smart guy, so if you just give him a little advice, he’ll figure it out.

Time is on Peter’s side.

“But where are we going, Oppa?”

“To eat something delicious. But isn’t it time you called me Master now?”

“There’s nothing special to teach you.”

“That’s true. But it’s weird to call me Oppa now, so call me Baron.”

“Understood, Baron.”

As we spent time talking about things we normally wouldn’t talk about, we arrived at a mansion.

It was a magnificent mansion in the royal capital.

Even though night had fallen, this place was still filled with dazzling lights. They weren’t just candles, they seemed to be artifacts created by magic.

“Wow! It’s sparkly!”

It was used as a streetlight, but there were leaves inside.

It was a golden leaf that was shining brightly and sparkling as if it was glowing.

“That’s amazing.”

There wasn’t just one, there were quite a few.

I thought that perhaps it was an artifact that was sold quite commonly in the royal capital.

“Who are you?”

The guard on guard asked solemnly. In the past, I would have been scared and bowed down, but not anymore.

“Baron Hopper. Clear the way.”

Ronobeda, wearing luxurious clothing gifted by the princess and holding an ivory staff.

If you look at him only from the outside, he was obviously a nobleman.

The guard bowed his head as if he was sorry and opened the door.

“It gets colder at night.”

Autumn was also passing by.

Autumn is slowly passing and the first frost is coming.

It seemed like a good idea to head north quickly before winter came.

“Ah, Baron! I’ve been waiting for you!”

“Charlie the Prince. It’s been a while since I’ve seen you.”

“Yes. It’s cold. Come inside. There’s a seat prepared for you, Your Majesty. Make yourself comfortable.”

The dinner party was bigger than expected.

There was a large stage set up like a theater, and each table was piled with food, and each seat had a color.

Green, blue, red, white, black. These were the colors of the napkins on the table.

Ronobe sat at a table decorated with white napkins, of course. Peter and Lirun sat in separate seats, and Liam stood behind Ronobe.

“The banquet is a party for wizards with a long tradition. Overseers, famous wizards, and nobles sometimes come. This time, since there are three white lances, it is possible that even higher-ranking figures will come.”

It must be referring to royal bloodline.

Ronobe nodded his head.

It didn’t matter anyway.

“Then enjoy yourself for a while.”

Charlie was popular, so there were a lot of people greeting him. It seemed like he arrived pretty early, because there weren’t that many people yet.

Clowns appeared on stage and performed mime and circus acts. While I was enjoying the show for a while, someone sat down next to me.

“You came. It’s a shame, I thought I’d never see you again since you were locked up in prison.”

“There is substance to the words.”

“It might be a bit sharp to be called a bone.”

“Yeah, I almost got stabbed.”

It was Kael.

He also had a white collar on.

Now he is the White Wizard, Kael.

White is someone who has achieved the same status as a Baron. Kael is the successor to the Baron family, so he doesn’t have to be respectful, but it seems he has decided to do so.

“Congratulations, Baron.”

“Congratulations, indeed.”

“I will soon become a baron. Please congratulate me when that happens.”

“I don’t like it. It’s annoying.”

My relationship with Kael wasn’t as bad as before, but I still didn’t like him.

“I thought you wouldn’t come.”

“I got the title of Chief of the Inspectorate. I can recognize the faces of the guys I see here, so it’s easy to pick on the corrupt guys later.”

“I see you’ve decided to flirt with the nobles.”

“Because that is what the king wants.”

He answered and drank wine.

I took a sip and the taste was very familiar.

‘It’s exactly the same as Sister Wine.’

It wasn’t too bad.

“They probably won’t be princes.”

“…It’s like we’ve just met.”

Kael looked at the circus and spoke secretly.

“I will contact the Baron soon. Unlike me, you are a very sharp sword if you use it well. The lower nobles may not know you, but the higher-ups are watching you the most. The princes even more so.”

“Is that about it?”

“There are even rumors that whoever brings in Baron Hopper first will have a better chance of winning. After all, the Baron is… a figure close to black.”

At that time, most of the wizards outside the mirror were watching.

The mirror is about to break.

The magic he showed.

“Your flattery has grown since I last saw you. Have you finally realized the difference between you and me?”

“…You’d better be careful. The capital is quite bloody due to factional strife. There are many who say that you should be killed before you join one side.”

Whether Ronobe wants it or not.

They were already thinking that way.

“There’s no war going on, so why are you dragging me into it?”

“I don’t know about that.”

There was talk that a civil war might break out.

“Which side are you on?”

“well.”

That was when.

Someone appeared with a commotion.

“Your noble blood has entered.”

As the banquet hall door opened, three people entered at the same time. It was Prince Il of the kingdom, Prince Lee, and the princess.

and…

“Benny?”

Among the knights sitting beside the prince.

Benny was stuck there.