Limit Breaking Genius Mage Chapter 178

Episode 178 The Day Before Departure

The Marquis's servants presented the courses one by one.

The food was delicious, of course, but what was especially impressive was how the next dish was prepared just in time.

A time interval that is comfortable for everyone, even though each person consumes food at a different speed.

Cooking and serving.

Both were top-notch fields beyond their professional backgrounds.

“…….”

Marquis, Edmon, Verden.

The three people above did not open their mouths even once during the meal.

When eating, focus only on eating.

When thinking of Kalia, the Marquis of Esperance seemed to be adhering to the traditional dining etiquette of the nobility. Verden followed the atmosphere as if he was used to it.

A quiet meal followed.

In the silence where only the clanking of dishes could be heard, Verden thought deeply.

'Why did the Marquis of Esperance change his salary at the end?'

Judging by Edmon's reaction, it doesn't seem like there was a pre-determined script.

That would mean that the Marquis' thoughts changed along the way. If you think about it, there was one possible starting point for that.

A story of a wizard's regret.

When Verden heard this and expressed his opinion, the Marquis was the first to react.

That's right.

'Was asking my opinion itself a test?'

The reason was simple.

It's probably just to figure out what your tendencies are.

The Marquis knew about Verden's power, but he didn't know much about the person. That's why he must have learned about his psychology directly through the story.

Verden appears to have unintentionally crossed that line.

'What kind of request could it be that makes you go that far?'

Seeing that the word 'royal family' came up, it seems clear that this is a very important issue.

While I was lost in thought, dinner was already over.

Immediately afterwards, the servants came to retrieve the empty plates and brought us a list of dessert options.

Cake or coffee.

Among those ordinary names, there was one that stood out.

"alcohol……?"

The Marquis responded to that reaction.

“I like to enjoy a refreshing drink after a meal. Kalia is the same. I recommend it, but if you’re not used to it, you can choose something else.”

“Your Majesty, I would like to drink.”

Two people chose the same menu.

A silent gaze turned to Verden.

“……I would also choose the same thing.”

“You won’t regret it.”

Soon a servant brought three glasses and a bottle of liquor.

A bottle made of crystal, adorned with gold and jewels.

As soon as I opened the cork, a sweet fragrance wafted through the restaurant.

The servant stepped aside, and Edmon lifted the bottle with his telekinesis.

“This is a liquor called ‘Long Wharton’, a mixture of honey collected from the nest of a bee called the ‘Green Hornet’ and the finest whiskey. It is so difficult to make that a single bottle of this costs 500 million elk. Your Majesty, have a drink. You too.”

"thank you."

Whiskey filling the bottom of a glass.

After confirming that the Marquis and Edmon had drunk first, Verden followed suit.

'… … !'

It feels a bit thick, probably because of the honey added to it.

The first taste I felt was cloudy, but as the bitterness disappeared, a subtle sweetness spread and enveloped my taste buds. As soon as I swallowed it, it disappeared cleanly as if it had never happened.

Rather, I felt refreshed.

'That's amazing.'

Even during my time at Matap, I had never encountered alcohol like this.

It was a liquor made from materials collected from a heteromorphic species… … Some people might find it off-putting, but the taste and aroma were real.

I would understand if you gave me 500 million elk for a bottle of alcohol.

“Hehehe, judging by your expression, I guess you really like the alcohol. But please hold off on just one drink. This is a drink that Your Majesty cherishes, so unless it’s an important occasion…….”

“Edmon.”

Edmon changed the subject at the look in the Marquis' eyes.

“Ahem, now that we’ve finished dessert, let’s get to the main topic. First, let me ask you, do you know how the royal family’s factions are divided?”

“I have a rough idea.”

“Just a rough idea. Then I’ll explain it to you briefly and easily.”

Ah, Edmon cleared his throat.

The honey mixed in Long Wharton made the voice flow even more smoothly.

He held up three fingers.

“The closest ones to the next throne right now are the three princes. If I were to summarize their power, it would be like this.”

1 Prince, Valgna Bain of Estiria.

The main supporters are Wintert of the underworld, Loafra.

2nd Prince, Rotnil Renver of Estiria.

The main supporters are high-ranking nobles of the count level and above.

The Third Prince, Evers Brun of Estiria.

The main supporters, the guild, and unofficially the black magic group, the Glory of the Dead.

“Until recently, they were keeping each other in check like this, vying for the throne. But this time, things have turned into a complete mess.”

The undead incident that occurred in the southern part of the kingdom.

The death toll has long since entered the four digits, and the number of refugees is approaching tens of thousands. Most of the victims are farmers.

Moreover, the damage to the granary, the breadbasket of the kingdom, was very extensive.

Crops and lands that died from the evil spirits spewed out by the undead.

To recover from the damage, the kingdom alone is not enough, and the power of the Luas Church must be borrowed to purify it for at least several years.

“The southern part of the kingdom was a fertile land. That’s why the First and Second Princes used it as their base for a long time. It should have been a strong support, but…….”

“Are you saying that this incident actually turned out to be a bad thing?”

“That’s right. It would have been the same even if a natural disaster had occurred. No matter what, if the territory is damaged, it will inevitably lead to the weakening of the lord.”

“It was also reported that there were quite a few nobles who abandoned their citizens and fled. They will never be able to avoid responsibility in the political strife that followed. Of course───”

The Marquis's forehead turned red.

“And the damn Third Prince who caused that situation.”

“But that damned… no, the Third Prince is in a very bad situation right now. It’s because of you and Miss Kalia. The union has been torn apart here and there, and even the group of black magicians known as the Glory of the Corpses has disappeared, so their weakness will snowball.”

So, that is.

“All three princes have suffered great losses. Then I ask you, who do you think has benefited the most from this situation?”

Verden recalled the royal lineage.

Aside from the three princes, there is a strong possibility that there is a princess who is a direct blood relative… … but it probably isn’t her. I heard that she lost her wits a long time ago and was called the doll princess.

“Then they must be relatives of the royal family.”

“That’s right! They are also qualified to challenge for the throne, although they are lower in rank. Well, the gap in power is so great that they are still watching each other closely, but there is an ominous atmosphere flowing. This is the current situation. On the surface.”

… … On the outside?

When Verden asked the question, the Marquis answered.

“I know that there is a fierce battle for the throne right now, not only among the high-ranking nobles but also among the other princes. But that is an illusion.”

“Are you saying… the next throne has already been decided?”

“Similar to that.”

The Marquis nodded.

“They say the King of Estyria and the First Prince are making some kind of deal.”

* * *

1 Prince Valgna is behind the underworld.

He built up his power by committing all sorts of illegal acts in order to gain power. His base was none other than the southern part of the kingdom, but this incident caused his power to temporarily collapse.

The Marquis of Esperance did not miss that opportunity.

He immediately dispatched his direct subordinates secretly to track down their traces.

As a result, they were able to secretly secure a high-ranking figure in that force.

And until he succeeded in extracting information using the Marquis' heirloom, the 'Scales of Truth'.

“In the meantime, I learned that the King of Estyria and the First Prince had unofficial meetings several times. And that he had even conveyed something to the First Prince. Based on these circumstances alone, it is strong that the First Prince is receiving special favor. So…….”

The Marquis nodded.

Then Edmon took out his white mask.

This is the third conservative, 'the face of deception'.

A rare magical item that allows you to disguise yourself as another face the moment you wear it, and conceal a certain amount of magical power.

“I will transfer this ownership to you. With it, I request that you infiltrate the First Prince’s castle and find out ‘what kind of transaction’ was made.”

I understand the background of the request.

But there was something questionable.

“If it’s possible to infiltrate through that mask, wouldn’t others be sufficient?”

“Infiltration is one thing. But what’s inside is the problem.”

1 The prince took up residence in the former capital.

In other words, it means that the kingdom's old royal palace is its residence. And the secret place of the royal palace is protected by a high level of magic circle and magic items, so it is inaccessible.

Among the characters within the Marquis family, there was no one who could destroy such a magic circle.

but.

“The ritual hall. It would be different if you destroyed the ancient magic circle at the entrance. Right?”

Verden did not deny it.

It would take some time to break the magic circle of the king, but it would not be an obstacle to him. This was not arrogance, it was simply a fact.

“What is conservatism?”

The Marquis took something out of his bosom and tossed it lightly.

What stopped exactly in front of Verden was a coin used in ancient times.

“If you need the power of a Marquis, show it to me and I will give it to you. Whether it be money or whatever.”

The salary is paid in advance.

Are you saying that I should decide what I receive?

It was truly a noble confidence.

But, separately from that, there was something I was curious about.

“Excuse me, may I ask you a question?”

“Speak.”

“Why do you keep the princes in check?”

“Why… It’s a very simple reason.”

The Marquis asserted.

“The princes of today should not become kings.”

1The prince is extremely arrogant

The second prince is obsessed with sex.

The third prince has endless greed.

They are all foolish people who prioritize their desires over their abilities.

The Marquis was convinced that if they succeeded to the throne, the foundations of the kingdom would be shaken to their core.

“That doesn’t mean that there aren’t any good people among the royal family’s relatives… but whoever takes the throne must first weaken the royal authority as much as possible. If the Kingdom of Estyria is to survive as a nation.”

“Then who do you think should be king?”

“The throne should be inherited by someone more suitable than someone simply inherited by blood. But I don’t think I’ve heard the answer yet.”

The crimson gaze turned to Verden.

He answered it.

“I accept.”

Verden took the coin without hesitation.

There was no reason not to accept the request. Although it was directly related to the royal family, that fact could not burden Verden in any way.

“Okay. Then I will relay the detailed plan through your information center. It won’t take long, so wait in Acern.”

That's how my first meeting with the Marquis ended.

* * *

“Heh heh heh. Take care, Asher. See you next time.”

Verden, who was seen off by Edmon, left the building.

Looking back, it was all something that was out of the ordinary. It was the maintenance, and it was a request directly related to the royal family.

'Well, I have nothing but good things to do.'

Wizard's Regret, Rune Set, Face of Deceit.

Although he couldn't use it all right away, Verden's power had increased even further. Even if we exclude the coins the Marquis gave him.

Verden's steps became much lighter.

At that moment, a carriage stopped next to me.

From the small windowsill, Kalia waved her hand.

“I guess the talk with your father went well. Did you get paid well?”

“Thank you. But why is Lady Kalia here……?”

“You will leave Lines tomorrow morning.”

Certainly Verden had no further business with Lines.

Since I had received the commission and the equipment repaired, I planned to return to Aserne early in the morning.

“I’ll be recovering from my injury for a while, and you’ll be busy for a while. So I won’t be seeing you for a while, so shouldn’t we have a farewell party?”

It's a farewell party.

“Well, if you don’t like it, then I can’t help it…….”

“I will go.”

Anyway, I had nothing to do tonight… … and I couldn’t just refuse because I was busy. Now that the gates were closed, I had to stay at Kalia’s house until tonight.

Verden got into the carriage.

“Where are you going?”

“It’s such a big city, there are so many places to go… but I don’t know what you’d like. Oh, how about the pub your friend runs?”

“Hmm…….”

Verden was troubled.

Is it okay for you to come here so suddenly?

'No, does it matter?'

Samwell said that the store was ready to open, except for the interior work. And he asked me to visit him before I left Lines.

Rather, it would be a good opportunity for Samwell.

The cocktail he makes will be to Carlia's liking, and it will make for a great publicity stunt.

'Unless Aiden reveals it himself, the special trait will never be discovered.'

Verden decided.

“It’s not open yet, but it would be fine for a small number of people.”

“How does the alcohol taste?”

“I’m sure you won’t be wasting your time.”

“Oh, I see. That’s great. Besley, please go to Samwell’s tavern.”

“Is there any possibility, Miss?”

Kalia's carriage moved.

As we reached the outskirts, the sign for Samwell's Tavern glowed softly with a magic lantern in the dark street, and next to the door was an outdoor table that I hadn't seen in a few days.

Samwell sitting on a chair, getting some fresh air.

Soon the carriage stopped and Berden appeared before it.

“Huh? Mr. Asher?”

“I came because you told me to come before I left. Is that okay?”

Samwell blushed.

“Hahaha! Of course. Come on in. I had a feeling you’d be coming, so I was waiting for you! But I didn’t know you’d come in a carriage.”

“This time, I have a companion.”

“Are you coming with me?”

Behind Verden, another man got out of the carriage.

Dark red hair and beautiful appearance.

Although I had never seen him before, he seemed so familiar.

'Wait a minute, no way… … .'

Lines is the city where Samwell lives.

As was his habit from living in the underworld, he collected information, and that woman's false impression was also included.

'The Marquis of Esperance!'

Callia de Esperanza.

A being who can be called the noblest of nobles.

Samwell noticed the identity and immediately bowed down.

“Samwell meets the noble lady of Esperanza!”

Kalia let out a small laugh at that greeting.

“Noble. It’s been a long time since I’ve heard such a grand greeting. Raise your head.”

"yes!"

Samwell straightened up immediately.

“I heard it’s not open yet, so I’m sorry for coming here. But Asher recommended it to me. Can I come in with you?”

The thought was short.

“I’ll prepare it right away!”

Samwell kicked the floor and ran into the building.

───Hey, bro? What's going on?

───A distinguished guest has arrived! So clear up what's lying around right now, Aiden!

───Are you a guest? Is Asher here by any chance?

───Charlotte, ask questions later. First, let's talk fire! Quickly!

There was a commotion inside the building.

I looked out the window and saw three people moving busily.

Kalia chuckled.

“What an interesting acquaintance.”