I went out of the hotel as soon as Sylvia fell asleep, following the [Man of Great Wealth] 's intuition in the form of lightning outside the window.
Some supernatural phenomena occurred since I had intentionally violated the rules, but they weren't big threats. Rather, they seemed more like props and staff members of a low-budget haunted house amenity in theme parks.
"Where is it leading me…"
The mountain path from District 4 to the Elder's Hall.
This place was close to Bercht's borders and was a high-end area that players could only reach in the mid-to-late stages. Without the Bercht Conference, they wouldn't even be allowed to enter unless they were an elder or a devoted student. That meant there was a high probability that I could acquire rare items here.
I looked down the mountain range from Bercht's dark summit.
Ghosts and phantoms of all kinds tried to haunt and attack me, but they couldn't even surprise me no matter how much they rampaged. I did find their attempts interesting, at least.
"Swishinashinrayi Rodenayi."
"Burrakan Turnima."
They seemed to be wondering why I wasn't surprised and thinking I was a fascinating individual.
I destroyed the phantoms and explored Bercht's mountain range, loitering around the area for a while with the [Man of Great Wealth]'s vision turned on.
Throughout my stay there, I saw tigers as big as a house and a snowflake that moved by itself— a 'snow spirit.' I also came across a wildcat with 20 eyes.
If possible, I would've slain them and used their parts as materials. Unfortunately, they didn't attack me first.
All I could do was ignore them and slowly make my way through the dark mountains.
"…!"
Soon enough, a golden air current caught my eye inside the white coniferous forest, leading me to a charred spot.
"Burtan Kyliswinima."
"Ratarata Kraslnwima."
The phantoms spoke, but I ignored their words.
At the end of the air current was a piece of wood that burned alone in the middle of the seemingly lightning-struck area.
———[Purified Magic Tree Fragment]———
◆ Description:
– A fragment originating from a Magic tree, which contains plenty of mana. A lightning strike caused it to be ripped from its source and purified, thus becoming an excellent raw material for
◆ Category: Miscellaneous Item ⊃ Special Timber
——————————
Magic Trees used mana as nourishment to grow.
Most trees couldn't absorb mana in water or air, but mutated ones sometimes appear that bear the ability to do so, allowing them to accumulate the magical energy.
That was why they could become a threat to humanity and the best material for a wizard's wand at the same time. It was rare for them to be struck by lightning, however.
Bercht's Magic Tree was in perfect quality, and when a lightning strike hit it, not only did it mature quicker but it was purified by it.
"… Excellent." A smile rolled up my lips.
If I turned it into a staff or a wand, it would be a noble item that could tremendously raise a wizard's ability by more than half.
I grabbed the fragment.
Encouraged by this achievement, I moved hastily again. I even talked to the phantoms just in case. "Guide me to the hidden treasures you're aware of."
"Krupuswirishiki!"
"Kpruuuuuuu!"
They spat out mana, then giggled and laughed.
"… You're no help."
Ignoring them, I moved on and continued to explore with my ability open, but I soon realized I was now acting out of greed.
Silently, I looked east and found the morning sun rising slowly. Touched by the first streak of daylight, the ghosts and phantoms lost their forms.
The time for the conference had come once more.
*****
Sylvia opened her eyes along with the break of dawn. Fixing her hair, which had become as messy as a magpie's nest, and looking around, she noticed Deculein was already gone.
"…"
Sylvia, rubbing her eyes, tidied up her clothes and went back to her room. Quickstone was still sleeping on her bedside table.
—Knock knock.
"Breakfast is here."
She waited until the clock hit 10 AM, then ate breakfast. An hour later, a group of twenty began their walk back to the Elder's Hall along with their assistants.
She felt sorry for Allen, whom she passed by on the street. He was being treated like an outcast simply because he was the weakest of them all.
The conference began at noon once more, hoping to finish the agenda they couldn't finish yesterday. Naturally, it began with the continuation of the Red Box matter.
The first person to open their mouth this time, too, was Betan.
"Just as Yukline said, there is no definite proof that the Red Box are devils, but isn't it true that the devil exists through their blood? Tell me, is there a human with such a trait?"
Magic indeed flowed in their blood. The ambiguous relationship between the devil and the Red Box was derived from that.
It was due to that gap that the wizards' suspicion rose.
"We don't know when or where the magic in their bodies will rage beyond control. It's highly possible for them to turn into a demon in no time!"
"That is just mere speculation."
"Speculation? What are you trying to say?!"
More than half of the wizards had animosity towards the Red Box. Right now, they were uniting to persuade Deculein.
"Haven't you already decided that the Red Box are devils? Their whole clan hasn't even lost control of themselves, yet you already want to suppress them. Even if you can't, you pretend that you don't see them or simply act like you don't care, like they're below you. All you've been doing so far is focusing on that one-in-a-thousand possibility and use it as an excuse to drive out an entire race."
But Deculein was persistent.
"The magic that flows in them is faint, yet you're already labeling them as devils. That's no different from calling a cup of water a cup of salt the moment a pinch of salt has been mixed in it."
Everyone at the Elder's Hall, including Sylvia, wasn't expecting this. It was a development that they couldn't comprehend.
Deculein was the one who downplayed the war his ancestors participated in sixty years ago. Ironically, the one that had made the most significant contribution to the murder of countless Red Box members was the Yukline Family. It was through that exploitation that they gained partial rights to the mana stone mines.
"Even their religion is different from ours."
"Are we here to talk about religion? Has Bercht become the round table of beliefs? If not, then bring that topic up in a church, not here."
Betan clenched his teeth.
Nevertheless, Yukline was persistent, and he couldn't do anything about it.
Bercht's round table members seemed equal at first glance, but some families had greater authority on certain items on the agenda than others.
Of the 20 families gathered here, none clearly preceded Yukline's tradition and roots in the history of Wizardry. The truth was, no one could undermine their authority over matters revolving around the devils' punishment.
A demon hunter from 400 years ago was found in an ancient book, and it was presumed to be the Yukline Family's ancestor.
If the direct descendant of such a bloodline claimed that the Red Box clan wasn't composed of devils…
"We won't be able to reach a conclusion at this rate. This Red Box agenda shall be skipped and brought up again at the end of the conference."
Boooom—!
Betan slammed his hand against the table and looked at Deculein with reddened eyes, who didn't even blink.
"We'll start the next item on the agenda after a short break. "
"… Hahahaha!"
"…?"
As soon as Glitheon sat in the waiting room, he burst out laughing.
"Dad?"
"This is fun. So much fun…"
Glitheon right now looked completely different from his usual fatherly appearance. While chuckling, he seemed to be in deep thought.
Perhaps he was thinking about Deculein's true aim.
"…"
However, Sylvia thought he would never find the answer since while it was simple, it was too simple for him to realize.
"… What is that guy aiming for?" Glitheon seemed so worried about it that the veins on his temples looked like they were about to pop.
The real reason why Deculein changed, why he set aside his ancestors' disposition…
'Magic wasn't made to kill people.'
Those were Deculein's words last night.
*****
The round table easily reached conclusions for the agendas that followed the Red Box. Through it all, I only provided positive insights and light opinions to ease the other families' minds about the Red Box controversy, even by just a little.
My words caused some of the families' anger to subside, but most were more interested in today's topics than in what I had to say.
I wanted to activate [The Villain's Fate], but they treated those who defended Red Box as villains right now.
That was only natural, though. According to the game's story, in the first Bercht conference, the "Red Box's Suppression" was almost a definitive event.
That aside, the conference ended after 9 hours.
"What in the world do you want? Are you secretly raising a Red Box?"
Betan grabbed me as soon as we got out of the Elder's Hall. I shook my head as I looked into his loathing-filled eyes.
"It would be best if you tone down your fury."
"Fury… No wonder. You deny the root of all of this since you only feel fury from me. It was your ancestors who regarded the Red Box as devils. My family followed your ancestors in war and were annihilated."
Betan glared at me, and I gazed right back. Betan was short, but his body was firm, filled with both mana and stamina.
"Even so, there's no need to demonize their whole race. A wizard's rationale must be devoid of anger."
"…"
Betan clenched his teeth, followed by ridicules flowing through his lips.
"Don't think this is the last day of the conference."
"Don't misunderstand. I don't hate the Beorads."
"It does not matter. From now on, the Beorads loathe you."
Betan shoved past me.
"… Tsk."
The truth was, Betan's anger was understandable.
The Beorad Family was met with more enthusiasm than any other family, but they absurdly lost almost everything, including their family leader, sixty years ago. They didn't even earn anything in return since they achieved so little. They only managed to rise again because of Betan and his father's strenuous effort.
Essecil approached me not long after he left.
"I was suspicious of your sudden change of mind regarding the Red Box, but I share the same opinion. We should keep the temperature with the Red Box low from now on since that would benefit us as well."
The rest of the wizards didn't say anything to me, but there wouldn't have been many good intentions from them even if they did. They obviously didn't like my remarks, but that was the fruit of Deculein's vicious conduct.
"…"
I didn't regret it, though. If I considered this a sacrifice, then it was worth it. Starting with the next Bercht summon, the intervals would be much shorter at one or two years, but the ways we would spend our time would become much more valuable.
Players would've grown steeply through those moments, but… In this world with no players, or at the very least, in this world presumed to have none, I could only hope that a Named more good-natured than I would grow with the remaining time.
*****
The morning of the following day, I went down to the first district before leaving Bercht.
"This town never ceases to be interesting no matter how many times I visit it…"
As could be seen from the enigmatic city built on the highlands, the motif of Bercht was Machu Picchu. The landscape appeared mystifying and admirable, but I didn't come here to go sightseeing.
I had a great material for a wand in my possession.
There was a master craftsman in Bercht, so I planned to order a wand after purchasing accompanying materials at a magic store.
"… Is this expensive?"
While I was walking, I noticed a familiar face at a nearby market stall.
"Of course. It's a very precious material."
"Then show me something cheaper."
"Hmm? No, I can't. You said you were going camping."
"Still."
"If you're going to camp in Bercht, you can't buy a cheap one. No, I won't even sell such an item to you, considering it would obviously get a person killed."
"It's okay."
The Empire's Deputy Director of Public Safety. She was the one I came across while on my way to Bercht.
Lilia Primienne, a key Named.
Allen's eyes widened as he pointed at her with his finger. "Ah!"
"What's wrong?"
"I was able to come here thanks to her! She's my savior!"
"I see."
I approached her, allowing me to hear their conversation clearer.
"… Hey. Just show me the cheaper alternatives."
"Oho. You can't use anything else other than this when camping in Bercht."
"Why are you saying it's the only one that can be used here? I asked if there's anything cheaper. You only need to tell me if there is or isn't."
"Yes, there's a cheaper one, but if you use it for camping, you'll be taken by the phantoms."
"No, forget it. If there's a cheaper one, just let me buy it—"
I wasn't sure if they were bargaining or quarreling.
I stepped in between them as their anger began to boil. Both Primienne and the storekeeper looked at me at the same time.
"That sleeping bag, how much is it?"
"Oh, it's 10 thousand Elnes. People are most vulnerable to bewitching magic while sleeping, but this—"
"I'll buy it."
I issued a cheque for it on the spot. The owner shook his head with a smile.
"No, we don't accept cheques. Just cash—"
"Look at the crest."
"…?"
The owner surveyed the cheque carefully, where the Yukline family crest and Deculein's signature could be found.
The owner looked at it and my face alternately then smiled.
"Hahaha. This has become an entirely different matter since you're the Head of the Yukline. Here. Please take it."
After buying it, I handed it to Primienne, who was standing next to me with a blank expression on her face.
"Take this."
"… What? Why are you giving this to me?" Primienne took it with suspicion.
"Allen arrived safely because of you. Consider it as your compensation."
"…"
My Assistant Professor laughed like a fool while scratching the back of his neck. "Hehe."
"… Hmm." Primienne clicked her tongue in disapproval, but she still took it.
I left and proceeded to walk around the market.
Since Bercht had a reputation for being a haven of magical materials, I easily found the ones I needed for my wand.
[White Tiger's Fang], [White Swan's Feather], [Mana Stone Candle], etc. I spent 4 million Elnes just to buy eight items.
Of course, I didn't have that much in my personal account, but I used our family cheque to pay anyway. Yeriel would be the one making the payment later.
Even if she didn't, I could easily pay for them using the money earned by selling the vase.
"W-woah…" Allen shivered at my expenditure.
"Hmm?" A restaurant caught my eye while we were walking, and though I wasn't hungry, its exterior and interior looked uncommon and luxurious.
I went inside, almost as if bewitched by its appearance.
"Oh, welcome, Count Yukline." The staff recognized my face. To be fair, it seemed like it only served customers like me in the first place.
A sly voice soon reached my ears, however. "Oh? What's this?~ Why, if it isn't the noble Count Yukline~"
The Riwaynde Family Head's cheap blonde hair first caught my eye. He had been enjoying wine since early morning.
Ihelm was about to say something but stopped abruptly. He was looking behind me with his eyes widened.
"What's this? Even Deputy Director Primienne is here? I heard camping is your hobby, and I didn't expect to find you here at Bercht."
It wasn't until Ihelm pointed out her presence that I found out she stuck to me.
"I come here only during my vacation," Primienne replied with a sleeping bag on her side. She made it sound like she had always been a part of our group.
Did I clear a quest that granted me a companion without me knowing? If so, I just gained a reward far more than the price I had to pay for her sleeping bag.
I took a seat behind the table an employee assigned to us, but Ihelm still spoke to me. His face was already red as if to show that he had already drunk quite a lot of wine.
"Hey Deculein, I'm curious. Why did you suddenly change your stance?"
Ignoring him, I ordered food for three people, including Allen and Primienne, who strangely still hadn't left.
"Have you never desired to beat the Red Box to death? They are an inferior species that do not deserve to live in our world. Don't you remember your thesis criticizing their clan at the university?"
Ihelm sneered, recalling a distant past. He then glared at me with his alcohol-intoxicated eyes.
"By any chance, did you save a Red Box and turn them into a slave? Was there a genius among their kind who did your research for you?"
"No!" Allen stood up and shouted. "Our Head Professor is nothing like that! Please refrain from insulting him further!"
Ihelm smirked without disregarding his courage. "If that isn't the case, then I can't possibly understand this situation. Why did you, of all people, defend the Red Box?"
"…"
"What? Can't even say anything about this matter?"
I shook my head. "No, it's just that your brain has become too rotten to understand my reasoning."
"… I see." Ihelm glared at me as he gave me an odd smile.
"I heard it took six months before you could present your research. No, was it three? It doesn't matter. Your underhanded tactics will be revealed ~ you'll see~"
Ihelm stood up, shrugged, then left. His tone and stare remained unpleasant until the end.
"… if ever those words are true…" This time, it was Primienne who spoke as she looked at me. "It will become a huge problem."
"I said it isn't!" Allen shouted.
Primienne glanced at him as she continued. "Slavery was abolished a long time ago. Even if they're a Red Box member, it would still be considered a serious criminal offense."
"…"
"Of course, only if it's true."
"Give me back the sleeping bag if you're going to continue talking like that."
"…"
"And pay for your meal as well."
Primienne smiled blankly and shut up. She didn't dare utter even a single word while we ate.