Golden Mage - Chapter 68
Volume 3, Chapter 8
Wherever it may be, words hold different meanings when spoken by different people. If a powerful individual speaks false facts, they become truth, and in a fight, even the powerless will end up apologizing to the mighty. Such is the way of the world.
Whether Ruck’s words are true or not is not important. However, they carry significant weight. Accusing nobles in such a complex political situation can lead to the discreet handling of that sorcerer.
Prince Pana and Prince Pa, who would undoubtedly side with the king, seemed displeased with the sorcerer Ruck’s remarks.
This bolstered Ruck’s courage even more.
“No matter how I lack the proper status, I can’t simply let this matter slide. That’s why I had no choice but to expose the events that happened back then. If I was impolite, I apologize.”
Ruck lowered his head deeply as he took his seat.
Although the words were over, the atmosphere was charged with tension. Most of the nobles gazed at El with hostile eyes.
Most of them were from Prince Pana and Prince Pa’s factions.
As the situation escalated, Lowellin was at a loss. Ruck’s words had turned most of the nobles in the kingdom against El.
King Redolph’s expression was also bewildered. He could never have expected Ruck to cause such a commotion.
Revealing El’s identity at this point could potentially resolve the situation. However, there was a high chance that El would be disappointed in the nobles.
King Redolph was worried about that.
He looked at El with a concerned gaze. As he anticipated, El’s expression had grown stiff.
Ruck’s actions had exceeded his expectations. The situation was also overwhelming for Terrandel, the Marquis.
“Ah!”
Terrandel’s troubled aura was palpable. Perhaps he was about to reveal his own status.
Revealing his status now might change the situation. However, it would be a change based on his position as a Marquis, not on his own merits.
El suddenly wanted to leave this place. He wanted to live comfortably in his own space, away from the gazes of nobles.
As the nobles’ stares intensified, King Redolph quickly raised his hand.
And when everyone’s attention was focused, King Redolph introduced El with a stern face.
“This person is none other than the Top Jeweler of our kingdom, Ellymis.”
“…!”
His words left all the nobles in the meeting room in shock.
The reason was the title he mentioned: Top Jeweler!
It was no lightweight title.
A Top Jeweler was someone only a 7th-class mage could become. It was a measure of a country’s power.
Normally, 7th-class mages were considered on par with swordmasters.
However, their application was far more significant than that of swordmasters. 7th-class mages could wield mass-slaughtering magic capable of annihilating thousands of soldiers single-handedly.
Furthermore, when a 7th-class mage completed their theory, many other mages would gather around them.
In other words, the appearance of a 7th-class mage could significantly elevate a country’s magical power.
This element was crucial to the current Tullian Kingdom. Despite its immense power, the kingdom was unable to extend its influence due to the monsters pouring in from the Monster Land.
No matter how strong the Tullian Kingdom was, its losses were great when confronting the monsters due to its insufficient magical power.
Therefore, the 7th-class mage’s emergence could change the situation drastically.
In the eyes of the nobles, who were currently embroiled in the struggle for the throne, the appearance of a 7th-class mage was like a joker that could overturn the game.
The hostility in the room dissipated momentarily after the appearance of the 7th-class mage.
Duke Tegenvali’s face was deeply furrowed.
As the leader of Prince Pa’s faction, he should have suffered a blow from him. However, due to the nobles’ pride, they all exuded hostility.
Consequently, the person who could benefit most from this situation was most likely King Redolph.
‘In the current power struggle, the probability of Prince Udmion, who has been secretly supported by the royal family, becoming the next king, has greatly increased. I must prevent that from happening.’
Duke Tegenvali quickly assessed the situation, scanning King Redolph and a few nobles from Prince Pa’s faction with sharp eyes.
He didn’t miss Lowellin’s composed expression.
In a moment, one thought crossed Duke Tegenvali’s mind.
‘Come to think of it, during the monster raid, the orcs also invaded the territory of Duke Rubius. But Duke Rubius managed to stop them. So, there is a possibility that today’s 7th-class mage is somehow related to Duke Rubius.’
His sharp judgment had led him to that conclusion.
El exchanged glances with Duke Terrandel. He could sense Terrandel’s unspoken feelings. As a noble living in the central region for decades, Terrandel was likely to notice such an internal change.
El’s lips formed a cold smile. It wasn’t only for his sake, but also for the kingdom’s well-being, that he had such emotions.
“Your Majesty, if you have any questions for the Top Jeweler, you may ask them at the welcome party in a few days. We will continue the meeting now.”
With King Redolph’s throat-clearing, the tense atmosphere began to recede.
“If it’s all right, you may take your leave.”
King Redolph agreed, thinking that staying here wouldn’t lead to any good results.
With that, El slightly bowed his head and left the meeting room.
As he disappeared, the room fell silent. The sudden appearance of the 7th-class mage reminded everyone of the blatant hostility they had just displayed.
The face of Duke Tegenvali was deeply wrinkled.
While Prince Pana, the Prince Pa nobles, and even Duke Tegenvali’s own faction should have taken a hit, their nobility’s pride caused them to emit hostility.
Therefore, King Redolph, who could maintain a calm expression, seemed like a breath of fresh air amidst the tense atmosphere. Even if it wasn’t for his sake but for the kingdom’s, it was still comforting.
“…”
Duke Tegenvali locked eyes with Lowellin, not missing his composed expression.
In a moment, a thought crossed Duke Tegenvali’s mind.
“Come to think of it, during the monster raid, the orcs also invaded Duke Rubius’s territory. But Duke Rubius managed to stop them. Therefore, there is a possibility that today’s 7th-class mage is somehow related to Duke Rubius.”
His sharp judgment had led him to that conclusion.
El met Duke Terrandel’s gaze. He could sense the unspoken thoughts of the Marquis. As a noble who had lived in the central region for decades, Terrandel was likely to notice such internal shifts.
El’s lips formed a cold smile. It wasn’t just for his own sake, but also for the well-being of the kingdom, that he felt this way.
“Your Majesty, if you have any questions for the Top Jeweler, you may ask them at the welcome party in a few days. Now, let’s continue the meeting.”
With King
Redolph’s throat-clearing, the tense atmosphere began to subside.
“If that’s the case, you may leave,” King Redolph said, agreeing that staying here wouldn’t lead to any positive results.
With that, El slightly bowed his head and left the meeting room.
As he disappeared, the room fell into silence. The sudden appearance of the 7th-class mage reminded everyone of the overt hostility they had just displayed.