As the atmosphere shifted drastically, Belinda, Gillian, and Kaor, who had been on edge, were left bewildered, blinking in confusion.
Just moments ago, the tension was high enough that it wouldn't have been surprising if someone ended up dead.
But as soon as Ghislain offered a steady supply of Runestones, the mages quickly switched back to a submissive stance.
They looked like desperate people who couldn't survive without Runestones.
This deal had only succeeded because Ghislain knew the future. Those unaware of his return couldn't possibly understand him.
Belinda fiddled with her brooch, deep in thought.
'…There must be some kind of weakness here. So, is there anything else I could get out of this?'
Being a realist, Belinda gave up trying to understand the situation and instead pondered how to profit further.
After getting swept up in Ghislain's schemes a few times, she'd become somewhat accustomed to his antics.
While the three were lost in thought, Ghislain continued speaking.
"To be honest, it's not like we're planning to attack any territory. We simply don't have that kind of power."
"Oh? Then why are you talking about war?" Hubert asked, showing a hint of interest.
If they weren't planning to attack anyone, lending mages was less of a concern.
"Our impoverished, powerless estate has discovered Runestones. Do you think other territories will sit idly by?"
"...I see."
If Runestones were found in a weak territory like Perdium, there would undoubtedly be lords eager to seize them.
"Still, launching an attack won't be easy. If one territory tries to hoard the Runestones, others won't sit still either."
Ghislain was inwardly impressed. The sharp intuition of a mage was not to be underestimated.
Hubert was right. If someone attacked Perdium, other territories would jump in with their own justifications, joining the fray.
The lord who struck first would find himself facing not just Perdium but multiple territories, and for a while, no one would dare to make a rash move.
But Ghislain didn't need to consider such complicated political relations.
The enemy was clear, and the Duke Delphine was certain to invade Perdium, no matter what.
They had both the power and political influence to do so.
"You're absolutely correct. But until we can use the Runestones to strengthen ourselves, we need a force to defend our territory. The other territories might collude and divide Perdium amongst themselves."
Since he couldn't reveal that he knew the future, he could only present it as a precaution.
It sounded reasonable enough, so Hubert nodded, finding no fault in Ghislain's request for the mages.
'It would be problematic if the lords found out.'
The Scarlet Flame Magic Tower already protected Bribant territory, but at least they had a justification to defend the area around their tower.
If word got out that they were supporting Perdium, which had no such justification, the Scarlet Flame Magic Tower wouldn't come out unscathed.
Still, Hubert was eager to involve himself in Perdium's situation, even if it was a bit risky.
'With these Runestones and the potential for many more, we might surpass the Crimson Magic Tower again. I must not let him sell Runestones to them!'
He didn't care about the lords' petty conflicts. His only goal was to crush the Crimson Magic Tower and become the kingdom's top tower.
To achieve that ambition, he had to secure Perdium's Runestones.
Hubert sighed and turned to the elders.
"What do you all think? As long as the secret is kept, it seems doable, don't you think?"
Though he posed it as a question, he was essentially saying they should go ahead.
"If the secret is kept… there shouldn't be a problem."
"We can just deny it if anyone questions it. Since we're not attacking anyone, it's possible."
"If someone suspects they're from the tower… we'll say they were studying the Runestones and got caught up in the conflict."
With the elders' agreement, Hubert took a deep breath and spoke to Ghislain.
"Alright. We'll lend you the mages. Wait a moment. I'll select only those we can trust to maintain secrecy."
In the end, Hubert decided to support Perdium's defense.
Ghislain smiled politely, bowing in appreciation.
"Thank you. There shouldn't be any major issues, so there's no need to worry."
"You're bolder than I expected. But be sure to control your side well."
"Rest assured, I'll simply say they're mercenaries."
Even if they didn't care much about power struggles, the Scarlet Flame Magic Tower couldn't be completely free of noble influence.
Yet, despite the risks, the Scarlet Flame Magic Tower decided to follow Ghislain.
This outcome was due to Ghislain's supply of Runestones and the tower's current desperate situation.
'What kind of person is he?'
Now that the decision was made, Hubert felt as if he'd been enchanted by a ghost.
'Could he know everything about our situation? That can't be…'
The Scarlet Flame Magic Tower appeared fine on the surface, with only a slight drop in reputation from losing to the Crimson Magic Tower. They were even managing to buy small amounts of Runestones from other merchants.
Most tower-affiliated mages didn't even know the full extent of the tower's troubles.
Unless a high-ranking mage had leaked information, there was no way a young noble like Ghislain could manipulate them so easily.
Hubert eyed him suspiciously, but Ghislain simply smiled inwardly.
'Without my support, the Scarlet Flame Magic Tower will crumble even faster.'
Hubert didn't seem to know yet, but the Crimson Magic Tower was meticulously planning to crush them.
Right now, Ghislain might seem like an audacious troublemaker, but he was essentially throwing them a lifeline.
Hubert stood up with a slightly worried expression.
"For now, I'll arrange a place for you to stay. It might take some time to select the mages."
"Of course. Take your time."
Having wrapped up the deal, Ghislain confidently walked out.
Belinda, Gillian, and Kaor followed in a daze.
They had witnessed the impossible, yet couldn't grasp how it had happened.
***
It was four days later before Ghislain could meet the tower lord again.
Hubert looked a bit weary.
Even with Ghislain before him, he hesitated, glancing at the elders for support, but the mages pretended to look elsewhere.
Ghislain finally spoke up.
"You don't look too well."
Hubert, his eyes shadowed by dark circles, hesitated before finally speaking.
"I'm sorry. It seems I can't manage to gather ten mages."
A 4th-circle mage could serve as a territory's exclusive mage—a rank not easily achieved.
In fact, 3rd-circle and 4th-circle users formed the backbone of the Magic Tower.
While ten 3rd-circle mages could be gathered, ensuring their discretion was a concern. They needed to select those who were loyal and kept quiet.
'Ugh, most of them are self-centered.'
Since mages were generally individualistic, finding trustworthy candidates was challenging.
After considering the tower lord's and the elders' disciples, only six candidates met the criteria.
But they couldn't give up on the Runestones.
Hubert looked at Ghislain with an apologetic expression.
"I'm sorry. I couldn't gather ten trustworthy people."
"Then how many can you provide?"
"Including the elders' disciples, we can manage six. How about it?"
"What about it? I suppose we'll have to wait for the next deal, then."
As Ghislain responded regretfully, Hubert began to wail.
"Isn't there another way? We are the Scarlet Flame Magic Tower, the finest in the north. If we build a good relationship, it will benefit the Perdium estate in the long run."
The elders joined in to persuade Ghislain.
"Six 3rd-circle mages should be enough to protect a small estate, don't you think?"
"Yes, that's more than enough to handle hundreds of regular soldiers."
"Please reconsider. It's not insufficient at all."
As the mages pleaded, Ghislain rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"Hmm, there is another way… but I'm not sure if the tower lord would agree."
Seeing Ghislain's willingness to compromise, Hubert grew eager.
"Oh, come now. Between us, what wouldn't I do for you? Name it—I'd even go after a dragon if you asked. Well? Say the word."
Hubert wore a desperate expression, as though he'd actually try to slay a dragon. Ghislain reluctantly replied.
"No matter how I look at it, six isn't enough. So, I'd like you to give me one mage, permanently."
"Huh? You mean an exclusive mage for the estate?"
"Not so much for the estate as for myself."
Hubert grimaced.
"Ugh, that's like asking me to expel a mage from the tower. I can't just decide that without a valid reason."
While the tower lord could expel a mage, assigning that mage to Ghislain was another matter.
Given a mage's pride, they might end up resenting Ghislain.
"Even if I expelled them, whether they'd follow you is entirely up to them. Isn't there something else I could do?"
Ghislain shook his head and whispered smoothly.
"Couldn't we ask the mage first? Then we can discuss it further."
Hubert mulled it over and nodded.
"Alright, I'll call them in and ask. Do you have anyone in mind, or should I recommend someone?"
As soon as Hubert asked, Ghislain answered with anticipation.
"Vanessa."
"Hmm?"
Hearing the name, Hubert and the elders tilted their heads, unable to recall who she was.
"Who's that?"
Unless she was a direct disciple, they couldn't remember the names of everyone in the tower.
Then one elder suddenly exclaimed, remembering.
"Oh, that useless fool!"
"What? You know her?"
"She's that disciple who does nothing but eat. We almost expelled her a while back… Anyway, she was Lonato's disciple. Don't you remember?"
Hubert nodded, recalling.
"Ah, that girl? We're just using her as a maid now… Ahem, yes, she's an esteemed mage of our tower, indeed."
Feigning dignity, Hubert nodded, then took Ghislain's hand warmly.
"Don't worry. I'll officially assign her to you as your exclusive mage."
"All of a sudden? Didn't you say you'd ask her opinion first?"
"Oh, what's the point? When the tower lord commands, they obey! Haha! This transaction is easier than I thought."
"Indeed. The young man has a sharp eye for talent."
"How did you manage to pick such a fine and brilliant girl? Hahaha."
The tower lord and the elders chuckled pleasantly.
'Ha, the young fool has no idea. What does he think he'll do with a useless fool like that?'
'Tsk. She can't even sense mana…'
'He must have fallen for her looks while staying here.'
Vanessa, the disciple Ghislain requested, had been left alone after her mentor died recently.
The tower was keeping her around, though no mage wanted to take her on as a disciple.
She lacked any talent, unable even to sense mana.
The tower lord and the elders ridiculed Ghislain inwardly, but they kept quiet about it.
If Ghislain left in indignation, they would lose the Runestones.
"Wait here for a moment. I'll bring the mages right away."
As the elders quickly went to gather the disciples, worried Ghislain might change his mind, he was left alone with a meaningful smile.
It was time to finalize the most critical part of the deal.