Chapter 176. Samwell's Tavern (2)
Charlotte blankly stared at the spot where Carlo had vanished, then turned her gaze toward Verden.
"Did something happen between you and Sir Carlo?"
"Nothing comes to mind."
Verden shrugged, feigning ignorance.
He could more or less guess why the priest had run away, but explaining it would take far too long. Verden quickly changed the subject.
"Anyway, it looks like your throat has healed."
"Ah, yes!"
Charlotte touched her neck.
At first, she thought she would never regain her voice. She still couldn't forget the pain of her skin being pierced and her vocal cords being slashed apart.
But the miracle of the Church of Luas was truly nothing short of a miracle.
After a long treatment, not only had her vocal cords recovered, but even the unsightly scars had disappeared.
"Thank you so much. If not for Sir Asher, we would have…."
"Don't mention it."
Including Aiden and Samwell, it was already the tenth time they had thanked him. By now, he was tired of even responding.
'It feels like I'm talking with Conrad.'
Recalling the chatter of merchant Conrad, Verden downed the cocktail Samwell had prepared.
It was a drink made by mixing the sweet juice of various fruits with rum, then adding lemon and sugar to elevate both sweetness and tartness.
Samwell had named it, the so-called "Rum Epitae".
The taste itself was fine, but more than that, its stimulating flavor was excellent at whetting the appetite.
Just then, Charlotte glanced at the table and gasped.
"Oh? There are no side dishes?"
"Well, I was going to serve you some of my cooking…."
"You should have told me that sooner!"
Telling them to wait a moment, Charlotte immediately went into the kitchen. Samwell followed her in to help with the cooking.
The loud sounds of ingredients being taken out rang through the tavern.
And so, only Verden and Aiden remained at the table.
Emptying his glass, Verden turned to Aiden.
The book he had been carrying since entering the tavern was rather eye-catching.
"That book is one of the basic texts of magic."
"Yes! I've been so busy until now, but I finally have a bit of leisure."
Aiden held up the book.
Its title read, From Today, You Too Can Be a Mage.
It was a beginner's guidebook for mages, focused on affordability, compiling various basic theories of magic.
Of course, its sheer volume meant its depth wasn't very great.
Unless one could pierce through to the root of magical theory, as Verden could, it would amount to little more than a superficial gloss of theory.
Even so, for those to whom magic was unfamiliar, it could be considered a decent choice.
Verden asked,
"Are you thinking of becoming a mage?"
Aiden could already handle magic power.
Though still immature, he could even use telekinesis. Strictly speaking, he was already within the category of mages.
Naturally, that wasn't what Verden meant.
He was asking if Aiden intended to live as a mage.
Aiden gripped the book tighter.
"Um… can I ask you one thing?"
"What is it?"
"How can I become a mage like Sir Asher?"
Aiden had been agonizing over it.
Should he continue to live as an ordinary person, or should he walk the path of a mage?
No matter how much he thought, he couldn't make a decision.
Because of his unique trait, if he chose the latter, he might fall into the hands of villains like Costa.
But… he couldn't easily give up on magic either.
The underworld, Roafra.
It was there that Aiden came to know despair.
He learned what pain was.
He learned how wicked humans could be.
He learned what it meant to want to kill.
He learned what it felt like to want to die.
And that day, Aiden saw it.
That overwhelming magic which annihilated the cruel Costa and his underlings without leaving a single scratch.
The terrifying power that didn't falter even when facing executives of Vintert, who were far more fearsome than Costa.
'I want to become strong too.'
Aiden admired Verden.
Of course, he knew he could never become that strong himself.
But still, wasn't it alright to dream?
One day, when he faced a similar situation, Aiden wanted to be able to protect his people with his own hands.
"..."
Verden silently gazed at Aiden.
Though his eyes quivered faintly, they were nothing but sincere.
'To walk the path of magic for the sake of protecting others, huh.'
It was different from what Verden sought.
Even so, it was a fine goal.
Gold-rank adventurer Iris.
Mithril-rank party leader Geltone.
Aiden, bearer of a unique trait.
Verden did not dislike mages who earnestly pursued proper learning. Giving a few words of advice was no difficult matter.
"There are many ways to become a mage. For you, the closest would be the adventurer training center."
Anyone without a criminal record could become an adventurer.
That was why there was no shortage of people applying, though naturally the number of deaths was high. For that reason, the Adventurer Guild had established training centers.
Through more professional education, they aimed to reduce fatalities and cultivate veteran adventurers.
"But once you enter the training center, you have to produce results as an adventurer for fifteen years. In other words, you receive investment, but you're bound by obligation. If you break the contract, you'll have to pay an enormous penalty."
"Penalty?"
Verden named the amount.
It was literally astronomical, and Aiden's eyes widened.
"Is, is there no other way?"
"Similarly, you could try enrolling in an academy."
But that would require a considerable sum of money.
Not only would you need travel expenses to reach the central continent where the academy was located, but you would also have to prepare tuition fees. Unless you received a scholarship through the entrance exam… attempting it solely on that basis was a huge risk.
"If you lack money, getting sponsorship from a noble is another way. If not that, you could become the disciple of a mage."
Of course, there was also the option of working in the magic tower.
Naturally, Verden would never recommend that, so he didn't bother mentioning it.
At any rate.
"All these methods share one thing in common. You have to prove you possess talent worth noticing."
Aiden had awakened to magic power.
What remained was to confirm his tier limit.
Of course, the cost of the examination was extremely high.
Moreover, not just anyone could perform it, so it wasn't something he could easily confirm. The result would need to show a high tier limit.
If it came out as fifth tier or higher, there would be nothing better.
'Though there are rare cases like me who transcend the limit.'
That was an achievement so rare it could be called unique.
It didn't apply to any mage other than Verden.
"Talent… could my unique trait be considered such a talent?"
"As you know, it's a dangerous talent. There are many who target mages with unique traits. If possible, it would be best to be recognized for talent other than that."
Hmm…
Lips trembling, Aiden asked.
"What should I do?"
"That's not something I should answer."
Samwell, Aiden, Charlotte.
Since arriving in Rines, he had divided Costa's assets among them, provided them with money for treatment and independence, and now had even checked that they had settled safely.
Verden had fulfilled his responsibility.
"So from here on, Aiden, it's your turn to choose."
When the opportunity comes, will you seize it and head toward an uncertain future?
Or will you live the life you have now, safer and more secure?
Well, perhaps the opportunity may never come at all.
Whatever it may be, Aiden would have to choose and bear the responsibility.
If he let others interfere, he would eventually lose his independence and become nothing more than a puppet.
The atmosphere grew heavy.
Aiden closed his mouth, no, it would be more accurate to say he could not speak, he realized that the weight of choice and responsibility was not something to be spoken of lightly.
"Now, the food is ready!"
At that moment, Charlotte and Samwell came out carrying the dishes.
Samwell had prepared grilled handmade sausages, oven-roasted chicken marinated with a special seasoning, and to accompany them, Charlotte's stir-fried vegetables.
And along with them came a new cocktail to match.
"Come, eat before it gets cold."
Verden nodded and tasted it briefly.
Even for him, with such a picky palate, it was acceptable enough.
"How is the taste?"
"Not bad"
"Ah, that's a relief…"
Charlotte let out a sigh of relief.
She had been worried it might not suit his taste.
The table was set with food, liquor, and drinks.
The four sat at one table, with Samwell leading the atmosphere, telling all sorts of amusing stories, about what he had experienced in Roafra.
Aiden and Charlotte smiled and chimed in.
It seemed they had no trauma about Roafra, Verden occasionally joined the conversation as the drinking went on.
Before long, time passed and the day drew to a close.
The glasses and plates were completely emptied, only then did Verden rise from his seat.
"Ah… are you leaving?"
"I must."
The three were regretful, but did not hold him back.
Verden took out money.
"Oh, you don't need to! I was the one hosting you."
"It was free money anyway, I'd prefer if you didn't refuse."
Just yesterday, one hundred million Elk had come into his hands by chance.
Verden forced the payment through.
It was clearly more than the cost of the meal, holding the bills, Samwell carefully asked.
"When will you be leaving Rines?"
"Well… at the latest, within a week I think."
"I see, then before you leave, won't you come visit us again? We will host you properly, better than today."
Verden did not say he would.
Now that he had confirmed they were living well, he had no intention of visiting again and again, unless, perhaps, he missed Samwell's cocktails and Charlotte's cooking.
"I cannot promise."
"Haha, then later is fine, Lord Asher, this place is always open to you, please visit us whenever you wish."
"Please come again later!"
Thus Verden left Samwell's tavern, with the three seeing him off.
***
It had already been nearly four days since arriving at Rines.
Those who were still severely injured devoted themselves to rest and recovery.
First, Bishop Ronanderk.
Having overused divine power, he regained consciousness briefly, but soon lost it again, his state required deeper rest.
Bishop Vaidelr, pierced through the back by a dagger, was the same.
And Captain Gloss, as soon as he awoke, flew into a rage.
Well, it was only natural, his memory had stopped at the moment he had faced the Grim Reaper.
Once told of what followed, Gloss regained his composure.
Though he regretted losing his right arm, he also thought of it as a badge of pride, if all went well, the Luas Church might recognize his merit, and perhaps restore his lost limb.
Lastly, the dark mage Warrens.
Thanks to Verden he escaped the curse, but his mind was too shattered to recover naturally.
Bishop Dehern Mardania, who had been dispatched from another city, carefully carried out treatment, but progress was minimal.
Still, as long as it did not worsen, he believed a solution might be found.
During this time, Verden stayed at Calia's mansion.
Repeating his set routine each day, until at last, the awaited time arrived.
"Asher, your new reward is ready, it took long because of extended discussions within the family, forgive me for keeping you waiting."
"It's fine."
"Thank you, but there is one problem… I can't give the reward to you directly, since it is so great, someone with higher authority in the family will take charge."
"Then…"
"Yes."
Calia spoke.
"My father wishes to see you personally."
***
The indigo sky of early evening.
The wind of the season between spring and summer blew cool and gentle.
As Verden waited outside, someone arrived to escort him to the Marquis of Esperanza.
"Hahaha, it's been a few days, Asher."
Edmon Rodliner.
He himself had come to greet him.
"Greetings, Lord Edmon."
"No greetings needed, I've been miserable, losing my stake to you, and being swindled of a hundred million Elk, do you know how dreadful it feels to report such to His Excellency?"
Edmon feigned tears.
But contrary to his words, his lips were smiling, and his eyes shone brightly, like a mage who had discovered something wondrous.
"Well, enough joking, chatter can wait, follow me at once, His Excellency awaits, hahaha!"
Edmon laughed as he strode forward.
Verden quietly followed, before long arriving at a tall building, glancing around, he saw knights bearing the crest of the marquisate standing motionless in formation.
'The Marquis's personal knight order.'
Their presence was formidable.
Even more so than Calia's White Crest Knight Order.
"This is the strongest knight order of the marquisate, Red Conviction, in the kingdom's hierarchy, they rival even the royal family's guards, especially their captain, even I would be in serious trouble if I treated him lightly, come, let's go in."
Verden and Edmon entered the building.
After walking through the corridor, they came to a door adorned with fine decoration, without knocking, Edmon grasped the handle and pushed it open.
A long dining table revealed itself, so it seemed to be a dining hall.
Looking forward, at the opposite end of the table sat a man he had never seen before, his features bore Calia's resemblance.
The current Marquis of Esperanza.
Verden's first impression of him was a single thought.
'Strong.'
There are three types of nobles.
Those who live only as rulers and wielders of power.
Those who, supported by their house's background, train their own strength.
And those who are both,
The Marquis of Esperanza was clearly the third type.
Simply in terms of presence, he could rival even Edmon, when the magus revealed his true self, and his gaze carried immense authority.
The marquis's eyes swept over Verden.
Then his brow twitched, and with a light motion of his chin.
"Sit opposite me."
Following Edmon's words, Verden took a seat.
After a moment's silence, the marquis spoke.
"Calia tells me she owes you much, first I must thank you for that."
No introductions were needed, each knew who the other was.
The marquis wanted to get straight to the point, and Verden obliged.
"It was part of the commission."
"What you did went beyond the commission, beyond what Calia had hoped for, thus it is only proper your reward exceeds the promised amount."
Verden and the marquis locked eyes.
"Mage Asher, the Marquisate of Esperanza shall grant you three rewards, this is the first."
The marquis flicked his finger.
Edmon drew a long metal case from his spatial bag and placed it on the table.
He flowed magic power into his fingertips and touched the seal at the entrance.
It was a high-security device, a special magic circle crafted at the Artison Magic Tower, which registers the personal magic of its user.
The circle activated, and the tightly sealed case opened.
'That is…'
A magical item stored by the Marquisate of Esperanza.
Before Verden appeared, 'a gray leather armor engraved with strange decorations'.