Belinda, Gillian, and Kaor blinked in confusion as the atmosphere abruptly shifted.
Just moments ago, the tension had been so thick that it wouldn't have been surprising if someone had died.
However, the moment Ghislain offered to provide the Runestone steadily, the mages suddenly became servile again.
They looked like people desperate for Runestones.
This deal was successful purely because Ghislain knew the future.
There was no way those who didn't know that he had regressed could understand him.
Belinda absentmindedly fiddled with her brooch, lost in thought.
'…Does he have some kind of weakness? If so, is there more I can get out of this?'
The ever-practical Belinda, unable to make sense of the situation, began to wonder if there was a way to gain an even greater advantage.
She had grown somewhat accustomed to being swept up in Ghislain's impulsive actions after being dragged into them several times.
While the three of them were lost in their thoughts, Ghislain continued speaking.
"Honestly, it's not like we're planning to attack any particular territory. We don't have the strength for that."
"Really? Then why talk about war?" Hubert asked, showing a hint of interest.
If it wasn't about attacking somewhere.
"A Runestone was discovered in a poor, powerless estate like ours. Do you think other estates would just sit idly by?"
"…I see."
If a Runestone were discovered in a weak estate like Ferdium, there would undoubtedly be lords who would covet it and attempt to take it by force.
"However, it won't be easy to launch a real attack. If one estate tries to claim the Runestone, others won't stand idly by either."
Ghislain silently admired Hubert. As expected, a mage's sharp intuition could not be underestimated.
He was right. If someone attacked Ferdium, other estates would also find reasons to intervene.
The first lord to launch an attack would not only have to face Ferdium but also several other estates, meaning no one would dare to move hastily for a while, simply gauging the situation.
However, Ghislain didn't need to consider such complicated political relationships.
He already knew who the enemy was. The Delfine Duchy would undoubtedly invade Ferdium no matter what.
They had the power and political influence to do so.
"You're absolutely right. But we need forces to defend our territory until we can use the Runestone to build up our strength. They could conspire together to split Ferdium between them."
Since he couldn't tell them he knew the future, he could only frame it as a possibility.
It was a plausible enough explanation, so Hubert didn't find anything suspicious and nodded.
Given such reasoning, Ghislain's request to borrow mages made perfect sense.
'If the lords find out, things will get troublesome.'
The Crimson Flame Tower was already defending the Brivant Estate, but at least it had a justifiable reason to protect the area around the tower.
If it were revealed that they had allied with Ferdium, which had no such justification, the Crimson Flame Tower wouldn't be able to escape unscathed.
However, Hubert wanted to involve himself in Ferdium's situation, even if it meant overextending a bit.
'We could gain several times more with the Runestone we just received. With that, we could definitely surpass the Scarlet Tower once again. I can't let this guy sell the Runestone to the Scarlet Tower!'
The quarrels among the lords didn't matter to him. His only goal was to crush the Scarlet Tower and reclaim the title of the kingdom's top tower.
To fulfill that desire, he absolutely had to obtain Ferdium's Runestone.
Hubert sighed and asked the elders, "What do you all think? If we can keep this secret, I think it's worth a try."
Though he was asking, his tone made it clear he was already in favor of proceeding.
"Hm, as long as the secret is kept… it wouldn't be a bad idea," one elder said.
"We could just deny any involvement if someone asks. We're not attacking anywhere, so it's feasible," another elder added.
"If anyone questions us being from the tower… we could claim we got caught up in it while researching the Runestone," another chimed in.
With the elders in agreement, Hubert took a deep breath and turned to Ghislain.
"Alright. We'll lend you some mages. Give us a moment. We must select only trustworthy people to ensure the secret stays safe."
In the end, Hubert decided to involve the Crimson Flame Tower in the defense of Ferdium.
Ghislain gave a pleasant smile and bowed politely.
"Thank you. Rest assured, nothing major will happen."
"You're a braver young man than I expected. But you must ensure your people keep their mouths shut."
"Don't worry. I'll pass them off as mercenaries."
Even though Hubert claimed to have no interest in power struggles, the Crimson Flame Tower was still not entirely free from the nobles' influence.
But despite the risk, the Crimson Flame Tower decided to follow Ghislain's lead.
It was a result of the large quantity of Runestone that Ghislain brought and the tower's precarious situation.
'What exactly is this guy?'
Now that the decision was made, Hubert felt as though a ghost had possessed him.
'Does he know all about our circumstances? That can't be possible.'
On the surface, the Crimson Flame Tower still appeared fine.
It had only lost some reputation due to being overshadowed by the Scarlet Tower, and they could still purchase small amounts of Runestone through various merchant guilds.
Even among the mages belonging to the tower, most were still unaware of the dire internal circumstances.
Unless a high-ranking mage from within had been leaking information, there was no way a young noble like Ghislain could manipulate them so brazenly.
Though Hubert's eyes were filled with suspicion, Ghislain simply smiled inwardly, unconcerned.
'If they don't join hands with me, the Crimson Flame Tower will crumble even faster.'
Hubert still didn't fully understand it yet, but the Scarlet Tower had meticulously crafted a plan to crush this place altogether.
Right now, Ghislain might seem like a damned fool, but in truth, he was the one offering them a lifeline.
Hubert stood up from his seat, a slightly worried expression on his face.
"For now, I'll arrange accommodations. It might take some time to gather the right people."
"I understand. Take your time."
With the deal concluded, Ghislain confidently stepped outside.
Belinda, Gillian, and Kaor followed behind him in a daze.
The impossible had happened right in front of them, yet even after witnessing it, they still couldn't understand how it had all come to be.
* * *
It wasn't until four days later that Ghislain met the Tower Master again.
Hubert looked a little exhausted.
Even with Ghislain standing right in front of him, he seemed hesitant, struggling to find the right words.
He glanced at the elders for support, but the mages pretended not to notice, looking off in different directions.
Unable to bear the silence, Ghislain spoke up first.
"You all seem rather troubled."
Indeed, Hubert's face was so pale, with dark circles under his eyes, that he looked like a dying man.
After hesitating for a moment, he finally opened his mouth with great difficulty.
"I'm sorry, but it seems impossible to provide ten mages."
A 4th-circle mage could serve as an exclusive mage for an entire estate, a level that was not easily reached.
In reality, 3rd-circle masters and 4th-circle users formed the backbone of the tower.
If they carelessly chose people, they might be able to scrape together ten 3rd-circle masters, but Hubert feared whether the secret could be kept. They needed individuals who were discreet and loyal to the tower's orders.
'Ugh, they're all self-centered to the core.'
Most mages had strong individualistic tendencies, making it difficult to select trustworthy candidates.
Even when combining the Tower Master's and the elders' disciples, only six people met the conditions.
But giving up on the Runestone wasn't an option.
Hubert put on the most pitiful expression he could muster.
"I'm sorry. After selecting only trustworthy individuals, we couldn't come up with ten."
"Hmm, then how many can you manage?"
"Including the elders' disciples, we can offer six in total. What do you think?"
"What do I think? It's unfortunate, but I suppose we'll have to delay the deal for next time," Ghislain said, sounding genuinely regretful.
At that, Hubert began to wail in desperation.
"Is there no other way? Come on, we're the Crimson Flame Tower, the greatest in the North! Building a good relationship now will benefit the Ferdium estate in the long run."
The elders, standing beside him, also started persuading Ghislain.
"Isn't six 3rd-circle masters enough to protect a small estate?"
"Yes, with that many, you could wipe out hundreds of ordinary soldiers in no time."
"Think it over. That's more than sufficient."
As the mages pleaded with him, Ghislain stroked his chin and murmured.
"Hmmm, there is another way… but I'm not sure if the Tower Master would agree to it."
Seeing that Ghislain was showing signs of being flexible, Hubert grew anxious.
"Oh, come now, why the cold words between us? If you asked, I'd even go hunt a dragon for you. So, what is it? Tell me anything," Hubert said, his expression genuinely desperate, as if he truly meant it.
Ghislain sighed as if he had no other choice and replied, "No matter how I think about it, six mages just aren't enough. So, I'd like you to give me one more mage, permanently."
"Huh? You mean… you want a full-time mage for the estate?" Hubert asked, furrowing his brows.
"Not a full-time mage for the estate, more like a personal mage for me," Ghislain clarified.
Hubert groaned, his forehead wrinkling even more.
"Ugh, isn't that the same as asking me to expel a mage from the tower? I can't just handle something like that on a whim without a justifiable reason."
As the Tower Master, Hubert did have the authority to make excuses and remove a mage from the tower.
But making that mage follow Ghislain was an entirely different matter.
Given mages' pride, there was a high chance that whoever it was would end up resenting Ghislain instead.
"Even if I did expel them, whether they follow you or not is up to them. We can't force that. Couldn't we do something else instead?"
Ghislain shook his head, leaning in and whispering softly.
"Well, couldn't we just ask the mage in question? Let's see what they think first, and then we can discuss it further."
It was a reasonable suggestion. After a brief moment of contemplation, Hubert nodded.
"Alright, let's call them and ask. Do you have someone in mind, or should we recommend someone?"
When Hubert asked, Ghislain responded without hesitation, as if he had been waiting for this.
"Vanessa."
"Huh?"
Hearing the name, Hubert and the elders tilted their heads in confusion. They couldn't remember anyone by that name.
"Who is that?"
It wasn't surprising that neither Hubert nor the elders could remember every name, especially since Vanessa wasn't a direct disciple of any of the senior mages.
At that moment, one of the elders suddenly seemed to recall something and shouted out.
"Oh, that freeloading fool!"
"Huh? Who are you talking about? You know her?" Hubert asked.
"You know, the apprentice who's done nothing but waste our resources. We tried to kick her out before because she was such a drain on funds… uh, well, anyway! She's the disciple that the late Ronato took in. Surely you remember now?"
Hubert nodded, finally understanding.
"Ah, that girl? She's just been working as a maid lately… Ah, I mean, ahem, yes, she's also a fine mage of our tower. Absolutely."
Hubert adopted a serious expression and nodded a few times before suddenly smiling broadly, grasping Ghislain's hand firmly.
"Don't worry. I'll make sure she becomes your personal mage."
"Suddenly? Didn't you say you'd ask for her opinion first?" Ghislain asked, feigning surprise.
"Oh, what opinion? If the Tower Master says so, she'll have to do it. Hahaha! This deal is turning out easier than expected."
"It certainly seems that way. You have a good eye for people, young man."
"How did you manage to choose such a lovely and clever girl? Haha."
Hubert and the elders exchanged satisfied glances, laughing together.
'Heh, this kid really is a novice. What does he plan to do with such a fool?'
'Tsk tsk. She can't even properly sense mana; he calls her a mage…'
'Did he fall for her looks while staying here?'
The apprentice Ghislain had requested, Vanessa, had been living alone since her mentor passed away recently.
With no connections, the tower had been caring for her out of basic decency, but no mage was willing to take her as a disciple.
She lacked talent to such a degree that she couldn't even sense mana.
They hadn't been able to throw her out immediately, as doing so might tarnish the tower's reputation, so they kept her around as a maid.
The Tower Master and the elders inwardly ridiculed Ghislain for asking for someone so pathetic, who didn't even have the talent to become a proper mage.
They held back their mocking, though, knowing they wouldn't get the Runestone if they insulted him and he walked away.
"Well then, wait here for a moment. I'll bring the mages right away."
The elders quickly rushed off to fetch the apprentices, eager to secure the deal before Ghislain could change his mind.
Left alone, Ghislain's lips curled into a meaningful smile.
It was time to finalize the most crucial part of the deal.