Golden Mage - Chapter 34
Volume 2, Episode 4
Count Einhart couldn’t utter a word. El’s words were true.
What El captured with Magic Capture were the most significant secrets of Count Einhart. The fact that he attempted to use the Philosopher’s Stone to take the Magic Stone was a matter that could be dealt with through diplomatic channels, but the involvement of the Crown Prince was the problem.
And the biggest problem was kidnapping and brainwashing talents from other countries.
If the kidnapped forces were to rise up, no matter how strong Count Einhart was, it would be an unfavorable situation for him.
When Count Einhart couldn’t say anything, El spoke up.
“If you accept my proposal, I will erase all this.”
El took out a one-gold coin. Looking at the faint mana shimmering on the coin, it seemed to be enchanted with magic.
It turned out that the Magic Capture magic was cast on the coin.
Count Einhart’s mind grew anxious upon seeing it.
El continued, “If you try to kill me, it won’t work in your favor. I can just run away if need be. So, don’t kill me, try to subdue me. Then, I’ll break this myself and disappear.”
“A very simple condition,” Count Einhart replied, a sardonic smile hanging on his lips.
He had thought El was quite talented, but now it seemed he was just a young child.
To dare declare that he would face both a 7th Class Master and a 7th Class Expert at the same time!
Even for Count Einhart, who was considered the strongest among the 7th Class Masters, facing just two 7th Class Experts would be overwhelming.
Yet, El declared that he would face both himself, a 7th Class Master, and Gleton, a 7th Class Expert, simultaneously.
It had been a long time since he underestimated divine beings.
A magical explosion occurred in the very center of the family office, and the knights of the family were swept away by the Night Golem.
There was no longer any presence of divine beings remaining.
At that moment, Count Einhart decided that he had to firmly crush El. If he could subdue El, taking away the coin with the Magic Capture would be easy.
“Fascinating. It’s been a while since I’ve had a challenge. You have indeed disappointed me for some time.”
Then, he looked at Gleton and said, “Prepare yourself. We will be fighting you two, so it’s better to face you properly.”
Gleton understood the meaning behind his words instantly.
A smile crept onto Gleton’s lips.
“Understood.”
As Count Einhart and El slowly controlled the mana around them, El adjusted his glasses.
It was something familiar to him: facing a strong opponent.
It was merely a game in his previous life, but here it was just magic.
“You, who failed to grasp me properly, will taste despair first. Even though I may appear weak, I am very powerful.”
The mana that soared from El’s body elicited a response from the surrounding mana, causing the dense mana to spread around him.
Three 7th Class mages clashed in the center, with Count Einhart being located in the center of the prominent noble mansions. This unexpected manifestation of 7th Class magic was a significant event as it was not previously reported.
However, nobody approached Count Einhart.
The only place that enjoyed more power than Count Einhart in the Dangmok Empire was the Duke Klain, who had produced Grand Masters. Thus, nobody dared approach the event without taking any action.
Some nobles immediately reported the incident to the palace to avoid any future sparks. The palace was already aware of the 7th Class magic manifested by Count Einhart. Given that Meteor Strike had caused half of Capermil to disappear in the past, the palace had always been cautious about magic manifestations.
Emperor Oscar summoned Duke Klain. There were only five 7th Class mages officially affiliated with the empire. With the manifestation of 7th Class magic at the center by Count Einhart, the probability of a new 7th Class mage appearing was high.
As Duke Klain was in close proximity to Count Einhart, he was already aware of the manifestation of magic before Emperor Oscar issued a summons.
Thus, Duke Klain arrived at the palace before Emperor Oscar could issue a royal decree.
Kneeling on one knee, he bowed his head before Emperor Oscar.
“Your Majesty, I pay my respects.”
“You may rise. I assume you are here for this matter.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. I also heard the news that Count Einhart has manifested 7th Class magic.”
“Hmm…”
Emperor Oscar closed his eyes for a while, deep in thought.
Eventually, he opened his eyes, and a smile tinged with admiration appeared on his face. However, behind that smile, a sharp blade was hidden.
“You are quite impressive. To become an emperor, your actions must be impeccable. By creating suitable opposing factions, you lead the aristocrats, including Count Einhart. But lately, that faction has grown too large. It seems it’s time to trim it a bit.”
Though Duke Klain was well acquainted with Emperor Oscar, he was taken aback by the emperor’s precise insight. As expected of a true emperor who controlled everything!
If he wasn’t careful, he could easily fall into complacency. That’s why Emperor Oscar intentionally created internal adversaries. And by skillfully controlling them, he had led the empire until today.
“A truly formidable person. But because of who you are, you’ve led the empire without any trouble.”
Duke Klain thought that Emperor Oscar was the true image of an emperor who could rule the empire without any difficulties.
“I understand. Your Majesty, I will go then…”
When Duke Klain tried to leave after standing up, a voice was heard from outside.
“His Highness the Crown Prince has arrived.”
“Let him in.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
With Emperor Oscar’s permission, Alcaide, the Crown Prince, walked into the room. He greeted Duke Klain with a slight nod before standing before the emperor and bowing.
“I pay my respects to Your Majesty.”
“What brings you here?”
Emperor Oscar immediately asked Alcaide about his purpose. Even though the emperor already knew about Silly through various channels, he pretended not to know. Alcaide revealing that name would have been a hidden blow that the emperor could not avoid.
Alcaide bowed his head politely and honestly shared his intentions. To deceive the emperor was unwise. Emperor Oscar already knew everything about Alcaide, including his thoughts.
“Your Majesty, I heard the news that Count Einhart has manifested 7th Class magic just recently.”
“News travels fast.”
Emperor Oscar made a sound mixed with admiration.
Even though he knew Alcaide’s every move, the fact that he revealed information about the 7th Class magic that Count Einhart had manifested just now was not expected.
Or rather, he had expected it would be part of his plan to take advantage of what happened to Count Einhart. That was why he mentioned Silly as well. Silly was the nickname Alcaide used when mentioning the reply to the magic letter sent to Count Einhart.
He had not used Sili, which was Silly’s real name, to avoid the emperor hearing about Silly. Silly was the affectionate nickname Alcaide used when referring to Silly.
What he said was for this moment. He had acted in secret to meet Silly and send a magic letter to Count Einhart. However, the encounter with Silly had likely already reached the emperor’s ears. Nevertheless, Alcaide did not mention Silly to avoid giving any points to the emperor.
It was all because he wanted to avoid the emperor’s gaze.