The Regressed Mercenary’s Machinations

Chapter 314: Chapter 313: The Bait is Working Well (2)



A corps is a military organization capable of operating independently. In other words, Ghislain's statement meant he intended to create an army composed solely of mages.

Claude, who had been staring at Ghislain with a blank expression, finally spoke.

"Whether it's a research institute or a corps... How exactly are we supposed to pull that off? Officially, our territory has only one mage."

The mages in Fenris territory held a rather ambiguous status.

Officially, they were cooperative mages dispatched from the branch of the Scarlet Flame Magic Tower, but unofficially, they were Ghislain's contracted slaves.

Thus, they couldn't openly reveal themselves. After all, they were officially affiliated with the Magic Tower.

If it became widely known that the Magic Tower had actively participated in territorial wars, it would bring significant trouble.

Of course, even now, they were essentially just turning a blind eye to the situation. As long as it wasn't too blatant, it could be overlooked.

Ghislain nodded and continued.

"Currently, Vanessa is the only official member. As for the rest... well, we'll just continue as we've been doing-construction work, fighting, and so on."

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"And lately, mages have been trickling into our territory, haven't they? It seems they're sniffing around, hoping to gain something."

"That's true. The rumor about a 6th-circle mage is spreading."

After the war with Desmond, rumors about a 6th-circle mage in Fenris had started to circulate.

Many people had witnessed Willow's magic being countered, which lent credibility to the rumor.

It would have been strange if no rumors had spread, considering even the kingdom's army had been involved.

"A 6th-circle mage isn't common, is it? Even if it's a half-baked one, that doesn't matter to most people."

Reaching the 6th circle was a level where one could become a Tower Lord. Nobles were eager to identify this mage's identity.

Independent mages were also beginning to gather in Fenris.

Some claimed to be wandering the world to gain experience, but most of them were either lacking talent or had hit a wall due to a lack of opportunities.

Hence, they came to Fenris, hoping to meet the 6th-circle mage and receive even the smallest bit of guidance.

A 6th-circle mage was not someone one could easily meet.

Ghislain nodded, agreeing with Claude's assessment.

"Exactly. So, let's take them in. That way, we'll have more mages. We need to increase our magic power somehow."

Relying on the Magic Tower had its limits. The tower wouldn't provide any more assistance. However, to contend with duke and other great lords, expanding their magic power was essential. These lords likely had mages far superior to those in Desmond's employ.

The mage of the duchy, Ilois, was at the 7th circle, and the Tower Lord of the Crimson Magic Tower, who was allied with them, was also at the 7th circle.

They needed to quickly advance Vanessa's abilities and increase the number of mages.

Claude understood the reasoning, but understanding and executing it were two different things.

"Hmm, but do you think they'll willingly align themselves with the territory? Those who were expelled due to lack of talent might agree, but the ones who value their freedom will refuse. You know how prideful and temperamental mages are."

"If we offer them the opportunity to receive guidance from a 6th-circle mage, do you think they can resist? Add to that a sufficient salary."

"That's certainly tempting. Mages are always desperate to advance their abilities. We just need to hide the fact that Vanessa is a half-baked mage."

"Exactly. Tell them that becoming a mage affiliated with the territory also comes with access to mana concentration circles."

"Can you try spending money a bit more carefully? We're running low on rune stones because you've been using so many."

"You have to spend when it's necessary. Start preparing to advertise this everywhere."

"Ugh... What about the mages from the Magic Tower?"

"Let's just continue living together peacefully. Everyone stays happy."

"...Fine."

Claude gave up trying to argue. What did he care about the affairs of the Magic Tower? If they all ended up destroyed because of this, so be it.

Dwarves and mages who were already busy were dragged in to start additional construction.

Alpoi, who had long since turned cynical after being enslaved for 60 years, cursed non-stop. "Damn it! Why does the work never end in this miserable territory? In this accursed place! Do you even know who you're dealing with? I, the man who defeated the gods!"

Galbarik, watching Alpoi, remarked, "Still, this building is supposed to be for the mages, right? Looks like they're spending a fortune on it."

"Hmph! They should be doing that much to keep me here!"

Alpoi consoled himself with the thought that he was staying here out of generosity, not because he was enslaved.

The new building under construction was indeed exceptional. It included individual accommodations for numerous mages and a dedicated training hall.

There was an enormous magical archive as well as a plethora of other conveniences.

Naturally, all the magic enhancements for the building were overseen by Vanessa.

The dwarves also poured extra effort into its construction, as Ghislain had repeatedly emphasized the building's importance.

As the structure's floors rose higher, Alpoi muttered, "It's impressive, but... doesn't it look like a magic tower? Is this really our dormitory?"

It wasn't just reminiscent of a magic tower-it was a magic tower, no matter how you looked

at it.

Before the building was even completed, Ghislain gathered everyone and announced, "I'm sure you're all curious about what this building is. It seems too grand for just mage accommodations. As you know, more mages have been coming to our territory recently."

Everyone nodded. Even during construction, the rumor about the 6th-circle mage had been spreading further.

Belinda frowned slightly and said, "But what do we do about these visitors? We're providing them with accommodations for now, but they keep pestering us to meet the 6th-circle mage. Just today, two more showed up."

The wandering mages hadn't been allowed to meet Vanessa.

They couldn't let just anyone meet their territory's top-secret weapon. Her identity was a

secret, after all.

So the mages remained in the territory, unable to leave, behaving like restless puppies begging for attention.

Under the strict surveillance of the Fenris army, they were kept in check. Even low-circle mages could be catastrophic for ordinary people if they caused trouble.

Ghislain began explaining, "This building will be the Fenris Magic Research Institute, with

Vanessa as its director."

Vanessa was taken aback by the announcement.

"Me?"

"Yes. As the highest-ranking 6th-circle mage in the territory, it's only natural for you to be

the director."

It was a straightforward statement, but Vanessa, prone to embarrassment, turned bright red.

"Wait! Why am I not the director?" Alpoi interjected, only for Ghislain to shake his head. "You're the branch head of the Scarlet Flame Magic Tower. This is the Fenris Magic Research

Institute."

"Hmph..."

It sounded reasonable enough. Though Alpoi felt the organizational structure was becoming more convoluted, he had no choice but to back down.

"We'll officially start recruiting mages. First, we'll try persuading the mages who have already arrived in the territory. They'll also live and work at the institute."

"Wait! Wasn't this supposed to be our private accommodation?" Alpoi asked, only for

Ghislain to nod.

"It is accommodation. All mages will now stay there, conduct magical research together, train, and contribute to the territory. During battles, they'll form the magic corps."

The mention of a magic corps shocked everyone. It was a clear declaration that mages would

now be treated as an organized military force.

Alpoi, trembling, asked, "Does that mean... we're included?"

"Of course."

"That's... a magic tower! You can't do this!"

Without blinking, Ghislain responded, "It's not a magic tower. It's the Fenris Magic Research

Institute."

The mages who are already members are going to join a group led by other mages? And they're going to study and train magic together there?

Helping out and participating in full-fledged activities are different. If the Scarlet Flame

Magic Tower finds out, there'll be chaos.

Still, they can somehow get past that. They can at least make an excuse to exchange

knowledge.

But the Magic Corps? They have always participated in wars secretly. If they put the enemy in

a specialized unit, it could end up causing problems even in previous wars.

This really meant that they should all die together.

"That's what a magic tower is! This is insane!"

"It's a research institute. Combat will only be conducted for defensive purposes, so there's no

need

to worry."

While this was somewhat reassuring-defensive support for the territory might be justifiable -Alpoi wasn't easily convinced. He had been through too much in Fenris to let such words

slide without suspicion.

"...You're not suggesting that the best defense is a strong offense, are you?"

"Answer me."

Ghislain didn't reply and instead turned to Claude, asking, "When is the slave trader

arriving?"

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Claude remained silent, as did Alpoi and everyone else.

Once the room fell silent, Ghislain resumed speaking in earnest.

"The mages who officially become part of our territory will now receive proper magic

instruction from Vanessa. While helping with the territory's affairs is important, they need to improve their skills quickly. We'll provide all necessary support from the territory."

Vanessa, startled by this declaration, stammered.

"Me?"

"Yes, you'll be teaching the mages magic from now on. Everyone needs to elevate their

skills."

"H-how can I take on such a big responsibility..."

"You can. You're the highest-circle mage in the territory, aren't you? Plus, when it comes to

explaining things... no one's better than you."

Everyone nodded in agreement. Anyone who dared to ask Vanessa a question often found themselves stuck in a lecture that lasted at least an hour.

Vanessa enjoyed breaking down magic to its core components, which allowed her to explain it

more clearly and thoroughly than anyone else.

If the mages devoted themselves to research and training, their skills would improve rapidly.

The decision was made, and all that remained was to carry it out. Despite Vanessa's repeated protests, Ghislain was unmoved.

Thus, the Fenris Magic Research Institute was established, and Vanessa was appointed as its

director.

"Oh, and while Vanessa will be the commander of the magic corps, Lowell will serve as her

strategist."

Lowell was caught off guard.

"Me? I already have so much work!"

"You'll just be advising during wartime. Don't overthink it."

"Ugh..."

While Vanessa was the commander, she lacked military insight. Someone trained in military

strategy needed to assist her.

Ghislain also planned to reorganize the military soon. Up until now, he had managed everything himself, but the scale of operations had grown too large to handle alone.

Once the research institute was up and running, meetings with the wandering mages began to

be scheduled one by one.

Ghislain called Claude and instructed him.

"Listen carefully: don't let a single mage leave the territory."

"Huh? Why? Are you saying I should imprison them?" "No, no. Just persuade them to join our territory. You can do it, right?"

"...Why do I have to do it? Can't you handle it yourself, my lord? I'm already swamped with

work."

"No, you're the best person for this job. I trust you."

"...Ugh."

Despite his reluctance, Claude nodded, feigning modesty as he basked in the indirect

compliment.

The first mage Claude met with was a middle-aged 3rd-circle mage. Sitting with his legs crossed arrogantly, Claude tilted his chin up and asked, "So, you'd like to meet our territory's 6th-circle mage, is that right?"

"Yes, if possible, I'd like to receive even a little guidance," the mage replied, his eyes

brimming with desire.

Although he looked slightly pompous, he recognized that he was speaking to the Head butler

of a major territory. As a mere 3rd-circle mage, he couldn't afford to act out of line.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Claude leaned forward slightly and spoke in a persuasive tone.

"It's not easy to meet someone like that... But why not consider becoming a mage of our

territory? You'd receive instruction from a 6th-circle mage and full support from the territory."

"A mage of the territory...?"

"Yes, it's nothing much. Surely you've heard the rumors about how wealthy our territory is?

We're even building a new magic tower-no, research institute-and all mages will be

provided with personal mana concentration circles."

"Wh-what!"

The mage was taken aback. No other territory would offer such support to a wandering mage

with limited talent.

The terms were exceptionally generous. The mage, already weary of wandering and studying alone, found the offer tempting.

Still, being a mage, he wasn't without skepticism. "Why... Why would you offer someone like me so much?"

"Our territory is somewhat lacking in mages, so we're offering special incentives to those who

join us early. If you hesitate, the opportunity might be gone. Opportunities like this are rare

and should be seized quickly." Claude's words sounded like those of a merchant, but they were convincing.

As the mage hesitated, swallowing hard, Claude pressed him gently.

"We'll provide room, board, and all conveniences. You won't have to worry about anything

else. Just focus on training and improving your abilities."

"That's... all I'd have to do?"

It sounded like a dream job. Receiving instruction from a 6th-circle mage was rare enough,

but a personal mana concentration circle as well?

All they had to do was train diligently? For a mage, it was the ultimate offer.

Claude smiled softly and nodded.

"That's right. Occasionally, you might help with some minor tasks for the territory when

we're particularly busy. But Fenris isn't usually a demanding place. Right now, we're only a

'little' busy because we're stabilizing the territory."

The mage nodded. It was natural for mages to contribute to the development of their

affiliated territory. It didn't seem like a big deal.

Claude smoothly slid a document across the table and added, "It's a 30-year contract. Not too

long, right?"

Compared to Claude's own 278-year contract, it was indeed remarkably short.

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