Golden Mage - Chapter 70

Volume 3, Episode 10

As numerous nobles’ gazes turned toward him, Rowelin felt embarrassed but soon regained his composure and straightened his shoulders.

It was because he was not afraid of Matapju, who stood behind him.

When the sacred Matapju of the Tolian Kingdom and the struggling Count Rubius entered the party together, the nobles started murmuring. It was because if there was a close relationship between Matapju and Count Rubius, it could reorganize the situation in the western part of the kingdom.

Of course, most of them misunderstood El and Rowelin’s relationship.

At that moment, a noble approached El.

He was an imposing figure despite being around Choro’s age, the Duke Tregenvali. Duke Tregenvali greeted El with a friendly attitude.

“Welcome to the party. I am Duke Tregenvali. Ah, I might have spoken too casually due to my old age, is that okay?”

Using his senses as a high-level swordmaster, Duke Tregenvali felt that El was younger than him, so he spoke casually when approaching him.

El adjusted his posture and accepted the greeting.

“You are older than me, and you have accomplished much for the kingdom. As long as you maintain a certain boundary, it’s not a problem.”

Although he said it was okay to be casual, it meant not to cross a certain line.

At first glance, it might seem like an ordinary remark, but to the experienced politician Duke Tregenvali, it sounded like a warning not to act too familiar.

Smiling, Duke Tregenvali replied, “Haha! I understand, I understand. Of course, that’s only natural. If you are the owner of Matap, wouldn’t you receive proper treatment elsewhere too? What you said is obvious.”

Then, Duke Tregenvali looked at Rowelin beside him and said, “Seeing you both entering the party together, you and Count Rubius seem to be very close?”

As he looked at Rowelin, Duke Tregenvali’s narrowed eyes resembled those of a scrutinizing hunter observing his prey.

But if Duke Tregenvali was a seasoned hunter, El was a fierce predator. There was no need for him to be overwhelmed or back down, as he had all the advantage and justification.

El responded nonchalantly, “My Matap is located near Count Rubius’s territory. You could say we are neighbors. Isn’t it better for neighbors to get along rather than growl at each other? I think it’s much better.”

His words left no room for rebuttal. Moreover, they had a subtle sting in them.

Grunting, Duke Tregenvali’s eyes sparked momentarily, but he quickly composed himself. He addressed the nobles and said, “His Majesty, the great ruler of the Tolian Kingdom, has arrived.”

With that, King Ledolf appeared, accompanied by a lovely young woman in her late teens.

With silky brown hair and emerald-like eyes shining brightly, the beautiful woman was Princess Eris. The king did not bring the queen or the princes, as he didn’t want to cause more trouble amidst the ongoing power struggles.

King Ledolf recognized El, who was dressed in a splendid gold robe, and glanced at Duke Tregenvali, who was approaching him. Then, he quickly adjusted his expression. Looking at the nobles, he opened his mouth.

“I am deeply grateful to everyone for attending today’s party. Today’s party is held to welcome the long-awaited Matap. The Matap is already complete, but its location is still kept secret, though we plan to reveal it soon. And today, we have the honored guest, the Matapju, Elmis, with us. As the day and the place are significant, we shall listen to a few words from Matapju Elmis and announce the start of the party.”

All the nobles’ gazes focused on El.

El, who suddenly found himself designated to start the party, chuckled lightly.

Then, when he turned his gaze from King Ledolf to elsewhere, he met the eyes of a beautiful emerald-like hue. The curiosity gleaming in those big, clear eyes belonged to Princess Eris. Smiling faintly, he looked back at the nobles who were focused on him and spoke.

“I am Elmis, the one who erected the Matap in the Tolian Kingdom. Pleased to meet you all. Since today’s party is held in my honor, I hope you enjoy it without any restraint.”

At the same time, mana gathered faintly in El’s hands and then dissipated.

The magic he displayed was a support magic called “Remove Tension.”

This magic had the effect of relieving people’s tension and was particularly useful in calming the nerves of the nobles who were tensed due to the ongoing power struggles.

Although the nobles didn’t feel the magic, they sensed a slight relief in their hearts.

Suddenly, when the magic was used, even those who were highly tense eased their guard after realizing that El had not used any harmful magic against others.

El’s magic quietly spread throughout the party venue, and he showed a gentle smile.

“Now, please enjoy the party to your heart’s content.”

—

Rowelin couldn’t tell if his current situation was a dream or reality.

Countless nobles surrounded him.

From provincial barons to high-ranking central politicians, many nobles gathered around him, making efforts to establish a rapport with him.

The reason so many nobles flocked around him was one: El addressed him as a neighbor when he was conversing with Duke Tregenvali.

The Tolian Kingdom was a magic-deficient country. Therefore, magical items were very expensive, and magicians were treated with even greater importance compared to other nations.

Among such magicians, the highest position was held by 7th Class Magicians.

Especially, artifacts created by 7th Class Magicians were so precious that even giving them a thousand gold coins would be difficult to purchase.

Therefore, the nobles who managed the upper echelons sought to establish a friendship with Rowelin in any way possible, considering the opportunities they could gain from having a close relationship with El, a 7th Class Magician.

The ability of a 7th Class Magician was not his only trait. A 7th Class Magician who erected the Matap could wield the authority to lead all the magicians in the country. Most people might not be interested, but this power they possessed had the potential to shake the country.

The nobles involved in the power struggles couldn’t threaten Rowelin directly since he was Matapju, so most of what they did was coax him with matters related to power.

‘They want to make me feel secure by making El feel secure.’

Rowelin, fully aware of the ulterior motive behind their kindness, calmly and shrewdly accepted the nobles’ sincerity, maximizing his own benefits.

‘This is an opportunity for our family’s revival. I can’t afford to miss it.’

He knew that El treated him well for a reason. However, due to El’s mannerisms, Rowelin couldn’t help but accept the nobles’ sincere gestures without any hesitation.

While reflecting on how he would repay this favor from El someday…