Offer a Tribute and Become an Archmage - Chapter 197



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Offering Tribute to the Archmage Chapter 197

He Who Will Be King [1]

Episode 197.

My heart was pounding so hard it felt like it was going to jump out.

The sound was so loud that I took a step back without realizing it, thinking that Ivan might hear me.

‘I am… a king?’

My heart felt like it was going to burst out of my mouth. It was such an attractive offer. Just thinking about it made my blood boil and my whole body tingle.

A surge of dopamine made a one-night stand with a princess seem like nothing.

Even though I hadn’t accepted Ivan’s suggestion, my head was already spinning automatically trying to figure out what to name the country.

My head, which usually doesn’t work well, works quickly in times like this.

‘Let’s change it to something more plausible, not something like the Saint Hopper. Something cool like the Ronove Heart Underbreaker. No. How about changing it to something like Ronove I Alexander the Great?’

My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

I have already changed my surname, decided on a name for my country, and my mind is already in a mess thinking about how I will rule. Of course, I will establish a state religion with gods including Yonterion, and create doctrines based on that to create a country that will achieve peace.

Of course, the queen of the country was Beni and he took several concubines to form a harem…

“Of course, if that happens, it would be better for the queen to be Betty. Isn’t it fun to just imagine?”

“…”

In order to establish Gradas and the surrounding lands as a single kingdom, a justification is needed. It seems that Beatrice is the one being considered as the justification.

Then, naturally, Beatrice should become the queen of the country of Ronobe.

If that happens, Ivan and himself will be bound by blood, and their children will naturally be bound by blood and become allies.

But even if it is like that now, if the king changes a few times, it will become one again.

That’s what Ivan wants.

The little prince was drawing a far-off plan that Ronobe could not have imagined. Ronobe came to his senses as if he had been splashed with cold water.

‘That statement itself may be false.’

Even if it wasn’t a lie in the first place, there would be no benefit to Ronobe becoming king. In the end, he had to accomplish everything on his own.

As is the case with countries, even a small territory can become a country if it declares independence and forms a country. If there is consent from neighboring countries, it is easier than you think to become a king.

Becoming a king is actually easy.

It’s a truth that most people ignore, but what happens after becoming king is more important than becoming king.

After Ronobe became king.

I wasn’t very confident about life after that.

I had no confidence in the first place.

There was no way he would have the capacity to take care of state affairs as a king. It may be possible in the distant future, but right now, Ronobe is having a very hard time taking care of himself and his own people.

But becoming the king of a country? No matter how hard you try, it’s clear that it’ll be taken away in no time.

‘I’m not Ivan.’

He is confident in himself.

But not Ronobe. At least when it comes to politics, he is extremely weak.

Ivan’s offer is clearly an outrageous one that cannot be refused.

But you chose the wrong opponent.

Ronobe is not a very ambitious man, nor is he very confident in himself.

A weak person who knows his shortcomings.

He is a coward who knows fear.

That is why sometimes we see things shrouded in a veil, beneath a splendid crown.

‘If Ashwald dies, wouldn’t that be the Empire’s best hope?’

If he dies, the desert will lose its meaning.

The desert blocked the empire because he was the desert and the desert was him.

If Ashwald dies, the desert will be nothing more than a desert. That alone will be a long way from stopping the Empire.

There is no way that Ivan, who looks smart, wouldn’t know that fact.

Well then, there is only one answer.

‘Ivan intends to join hands with the empire.’

Even though he had built up his own power, he was still a young prince. There was a reason behind his confidence.

‘The Empire wants my life.’

I heard it when I was faced with a nightmare.

He knew the god the child of the tribute had, and he wanted to covet it before the one above him could have it.

Xenos.

He is a central figure in the empire.

If he did something with the tribute child, it couldn’t be a good thing. Otherwise, Nightmare Light wouldn’t have attacked Ronobe.

In any case, the Empire and Ronobe have an incompatible relationship.

But Ivan wants to argue with the empire.

‘I have no patriotism towards this kingdom.’

This is a bit off.

It is hard to believe that Ivan’s actions will lead to good results. In the end, it is no different from selling out the country to gain current power. There is nothing more foolish than borrowing the power of another country to seize the throne.

If you reach out to the empire.

There is also a possibility that Ivan will throw Ronobe into the hands of the Empire.

It’s no different even if you become the king of a small country.

Even if that weren’t the case, the situation wouldn’t be favorable for Ronobe.

It is right to stay away from the influence of the empire. In that sense, the person that Ronobe should join hands with may not be the prince, but Eschwald.

‘The royal family is ultimately politicians. They are a group that cannot help but discuss power.’

But Ashwald is a wizard.

He is not a magician who seeks any political power, but only a wizard who wishes for peace in the country he has created.

‘Thanks to Ivan, my head is clear.’

It is right for Ronobe to meet Ashwald, even if only for his own glory.

If he really didn’t have much time left… if the Empire were to invade the kingdom, Ronobe would have to go on a long journey.

That would have been better.

Once you become king, you can’t even run away.

“You must be thinking deeply. It’s not something that needs to be decided in a hurry. So I’ll give you a break. You have to go to the North anyway, right? The affairs of the Count are difficult for me to handle, so have a safe trip. It may take three years, but… Don’t think that our dealings will be the same as they are now when that happens. The sooner you come up with an answer, the better it will be for you.”

Ronobe bowed his head.

He didn’t raise his head until his footsteps were no longer heard and the presence of the hidden knights had completely disappeared.

‘I should have asked about the story of the empire.’

Maybe it was because they didn’t join hands with the Empire. It was simply Ronobe’s idea, and Ivan’s abilities were so outstanding that he had the means to prevent the Empire from invading.

It was possible that Ronobe was drawing up a great plan that he had not thought of.

‘How can that be?’

After thinking it over carefully, Ronobe called Yonterion when there was no answer.

Yontarian quickly gave an answer.

[I guess he wants honor.]

“Is it fame?”

[Kings have always wanted to be remembered as legends.]

That’s probably what he wanted.

[A young king who put an end to the evil schemes of the great wizard who had been dominating the kingdom. Something like that, I guess.]

A line that will be recorded in history.

An achievement unrivaled among all kings of all time.

With that achievement, he was planning to become the crown prince and then ascend to the throne as king.

“You’re going to kill me for that?”

[At that level, the current king will recognize him as the crown prince. For the royal family, Ashwald’s name is something they can never ignore, and rather, it even carries absolute power. That’s what power is.]

I was saying that it wasn’t just that.

[I’ll make you a king? I guess that’s possible. But if you give the land to a fool who’s only strong, he can get it back with a few schemes. That’s what a king is.]

There is nothing more foolish than being a powerless king.

[If you want to be king, you must have the power to destroy everything that threatens you.]

“How much?”

[At least a great wizard. And you have to be strong enough to defeat that guy named Genos who’s after you. That way, you’ll live.]

You have to be at least that good to be a king.

How can I become a king if I can’t even protect my own life?

[If you lack anything else, wouldn’t you at least have strength to become a king?]

“You’re not saying you can’t do it?”

I thought you would tell me not to even dream of becoming a king. But Yonterion’s words are like saying that it could happen anytime, but not now.

Ronobe’s shoulders shook slightly.

Come to think of it, he is no longer the little boy who farmed in the pioneer village.

A proper wizard. The best wizard in the kingdom, a wizard who looks upon darkness.

[There are many foolish kings. The reason why the country runs despite such kings is because there are loyal subjects who assist them. In the first place, a king is not a perfect being.]

“Then who does it?”

Yonterion’s eyes were wet with tears.

He was looking at Ronobe as if he was recalling something distant, but his gaze was deep as if he was looking at something else.

And then he said.

[That’s what the shining one does.]

The shining one.

It was a vague statement.

“What is the Shining One?”

[He who shines on his own is the one who shines. Even if he is a little dull, he is the one who gathers other lights with his light. A king is someone like that.]

He who gathers other lights with his own light.

“Do I shine too?”

[Look at yourself. You will know what it is like when you realize what kind of people are gathered around you.]

“Hey, please speak frankly.”

[The answer isn’t something that someone tells you. You find it and taste it yourself. It’s different from just hoping for that kimchi stew or something and not looking for it.]

Ronobe felt a sting.

“I’m saying this because I’m busy trying to make a living…”

[There may be priorities. It may be something that drives your life. You… are a different guy.]

Ronobe remained silent.

His words pointed out the heterogeneity of the world he lived in. However, since Yonterion did not want to reveal it openly, it seemed like he did not want to ask. After the nightmare, I was worried about what to say if asked about that world, so I felt relieved but also a little disappointed.

[What are you going to do?]

“Huh? What is it?”

[That guy named Ivan will probably kill Ashwald whether you join him or not. What are you going to do?]

Time was given.

Ivan asked for an answer after his trip to the North. But Ronobe had no desire to become king, nor did he want to sympathize with him.

The answer was set.

“If you become king with someone’s help, you will soon be overthrown by someone else’s power.”

If possible, do it with your own strength.

Anyway, the answer is the same.

I was proud of myself for saying such a cool thing, but that wasn’t the answer Yonterion was hoping for.

“Huh? Isn’t this it?”

[There’s no way Ivan would have said something like that without any basis. He had no choice but to borrow the power of the empire, or the power of the most outstanding person in the kingdom. His own power was that of a young boy.]

Ronobe blinked.

It was difficult to fathom what Jonterion was trying to say.

[Think about it. Archmage Ashwald. Who else could be below him but the King?]

The strongest in the kingdom.

A person of high authority.

One similar to Ronobe, but with greater power and strength.

“no way!”

[Isn’t there anyone else named Marquis Bane?]

No matter what, he is a guy who is trying to kill Ashwald. To that extent, you need to be confident enough to proceed with the task.

[Marquis Bane may have already joined hands with Ivan.]

“then…”

[Ivan probably wants both Marquis Bane and Ashwald to die. Or at least one of them to be in a critical condition close to death. What would you do then?]

One of two.

Dealing with the dying.

“It’s to make you strike the final blow.”

[The last one? Hmm. Something like that.]

Ivan did not think that Ronobe’s skills were on the same level as Bane and Ashwald’s. However, if they were slightly lower, he would have thought that he could deal with the dying wizard. And he clearly intended to take the credit for himself, push Ronobe out as a minor king, and then take it back after he had ruled the kingdom and focused on internal affairs.

In any case, if that happens, Ronobe and Ivan will have each other’s weaknesses…

Yonterion saw through this at a glance and spoke.

[He is a man full of youthful energy. He doesn’t seem like the type of person who would hand over his country to the Empire so easily.]

If Yontirion’s words are true, it would be possible to kill Ashwald without resorting to the power of the Empire. Assuming that Lonobe helps.

[If you refuse, he will probably have no choice but to ask for the Empire’s help. The Empire will not refuse either.]

The empire has no reason to refuse.

Perhaps there had been close dealings with the empire long ago.

[I can understand his feelings. Since Ashwald is dying anyway, he must be thinking of using his death to raise his name and strengthen his royal authority. It’s a good idea for a young man to have. I guess you like it.]

Ronobe swallowed dry saliva at Ivan’s evil scheme, but was slightly surprised by Yonterion’s reaction.

‘The teacher praised me…?’

A strange jealousy and envy were directed at Ivan, even though he had never given himself a proper compliment!

[How can it be so ugly…]

“What, what…”

Tsk tsk, Ronobe stuck his mouth out in response to Yonterion’s tongue-clicking.

[Stop sticking out your duck-billed lips. What are you doing…]

“That’s too much! Master doesn’t know what I’m thinking!”

[Who the hell does this fucking asshole dare to fuck!!]

Even the polite Yonterion was kicked back by the unfamiliar noise.

“Ugh!”

Ronobe, whose chin was tilted back by the upward kick, was hit and rolled around on the floor.

“No, I was joking…”

I thought it was just a cute disciple’s words of affection, but it seems it wasn’t for Yonterion. It was a roundhouse kick caused by the difference in their living environments and emotions.

[Foolish guy.]

“…There is another black one in the kingdom. He is not a wizard, but…a knight. Why did you ask me?”

[That’s what a knight is. Honor is more important than life. He is a man who upholds his faith. The higher the level, the more knights are like that. They won’t be moved by Ivan’s schemes. It’s useless for a knight to kill a magician.]

Moreover, the wizard is a legendary figure who founded a kingdom.

But it’s not Bane.

Since we are both wizards, this is an honor.

“What should I do?”

It’s clear that things aren’t good.

Whether Ronobe sticks to Ivan or not, Ashwald’s death is destined to happen.

It was a crossroads: stick with Ivan and get what you want, or stick with Ashwald or someone else and stop him.

[That’s for you to decide. If you do as I say, it won’t be your fate. You decide your own fate.]

“Yes? But…..”

[We can only help you. We won’t live your life for you.]

The word ‘we’ must mean God.

Ronobe nodded his head.

At this point, it would have been time for Yonterion to take the tribute and disappear. But for some reason, he didn’t disappear. It seemed like he wanted to hear Ronobe’s thoughts.

Lately, Yonterion keeps asking Ronobe questions.

Even if you ask for help, you give the bare minimum. Like the last time you had a blast at a dinner party. You don’t give complete help. It’s like you’re asking them to think for themselves.

Ronobe thought for a moment and then said.

“Honestly, I’m not sure what’s right.”

I can understand Ivan’s situation too.

He is a prince of royal blood.

It was natural that he wanted to be a king, and I understood that he did not want to be an ordinary king.

Ashwald will die soon anyway, so it would be natural for him to use this to kill the powerful wizard and strengthen his royal authority to rule the country.

In order to carry out my will, I need to eliminate those who are stronger and more powerful than me.

But Ronobe is not Ivan.

I understood, but I couldn’t empathize.

However, this does not mean that I am quick to worry about other interests or benefits.

I don’t have such a bad feeling about Bane. Thinking about the conversation with Marquis Bane’s mirrored self… he’s not such a bad person.

Even in prison and at the banquet, he had a certain fondness for Ronobe. He continued to help her. Ronobe still doesn’t know the reason for his fondness, but he doesn’t think he’s a bad guy.

however.

“I think it is too cruel to think that, for the sake of one’s own honor or achievements, one would bring down someone who has protected the country for hundreds of years and make him a villain.”

Ronobe felt sorry for Ashwald.

I’ve never met a wizard before… but I can’t believe that someone who sacrificed his entire life for his country will die as a villain.

“I could not like a country like that, a world like that.”

Ronobe is foolish though.

“I have to meet Ashwald.”

I knew the way of humanity.