Limit Breaking Genius Mage Chapter 373

Episode 373: Proclamation

He cut off the seal with the three horses engraved on it with a knife.

Liam frowned as he glanced over the letter that was sealed inside.

“Harsveg, Frol, and Delgar. The lords who rule the lands around Arrein have invited you to a meal. The date is five days away… What do you think?”

Liam looked at Verden's expression with an air of courtesy.

News had already spread that Dalehin had been destroyed by the divinity of the Eastern Continent.

Of course, it reached Liam's ears as well, so he had no choice but to be careful.

But to be honest… … Strangely enough, I felt at ease.

Perhaps it's because this is the first time I've seen a magic reacher, so it doesn't feel real.

"Caryll replied.

“Those kids have their ears open, so they’re probably trying to peek. They’re probably curious about your relationship with that person, and how close you are. Maybe they want to connect with the divine through you.”

“I guess so?”

Liam and Kayle didn't really care about each other's status.

As for Liam, he was grateful that Kayrel was protecting the city's security by calling himself a vigilante.

The reason was that Keirel did not consider the young lord as his superior. This was Suin's temperament.

Liam scratched his temple.

“But I’m not the only one who invited you. Asher’s name is also on this list.”

"what?"

“Look.”

Liam turned the letter over.

The words Liam and Asher were included in the content that was filled with useless gossip.

Kayrel swished her tail and stroked her chin.

“That’s right. Are you planning to meet in person and live in peace? You seem really scared.”

“Could it be a trap?”

“No way. There’s no way you could prepare that much in just a few days…….”

At that moment, Adrian, who was sharpening his magic sword, revealed his murderous intent.

He seemed ready to go assassinate anyone immediately if he received an order.

Since I had already obtained the stealth artifact [Shadow Spider] from Tersau, I could wipe out three lords without anyone noticing.

“……It’s been a few years, but that temper hasn’t changed at all. You don’t plan on letting that rascal run wild, do you?”

“Since you invited me, I guess we should meet first.”

First, there was no surprise attack, and there was no clear evidence of a trap. They only invited you to dinner, so there was no need to react sharply.

And no matter what they did, they had the power to crush it head-on.

“Then that’s good.”

Kayrel slumped down on the sofa.

I was relieved at the truly rational response, incomparable to Adrian's.

At that moment, Verden thought.

'But do I need to bring an invitation?'

Normally, that would be the case, but… … Since the appearance is so well known, I guess it doesn't matter.

It was a bit of a hassle to go to the city of Dalehin and come back just to pick up the letters sent by the lords.

While I was deep in thought, there was suddenly a knock on the window.

As I turned my gaze, there was a bat. It was a pitch-black bat holding a letter with the same seal as the one Liam had received.

As I opened the window, a bat flapped its wings and cried.

“Did Dumal send you this?”

[Wow, wow!]

The bat bent and straightened its upper body.

It seems to understand human speech to some extent. This is probably a trait that came about because it was a bat tamed by a vampire.

Adrian was impressed.

“Wow, you can convey something without having to send anyone. This is quite a useful variant.”

Verden received the letter with deep sympathy.

Since I didn't want to send him away like that, I gave him two pieces of fruit that were cut by Liam's maid, Mires, and that were on the table.

[Wow!!]

The bat hopped around and quickly devoured a piece of fruit right there on the spot.

Then he bit into another piece and flew off somewhere. Maybe he wanted to eat it if he got hungry along the way.

Well, anyway.

“I don’t plan on staying long at the place I was invited to, so Liam and I will go alone. The rest of you can stay in Arlane.”

“Yes, my lord.”

"all right."

Adrian and Kayrel nodded.

Liam took a deep breath and sat up forcefully.

“I will prepare to leave immediately.”

“No, later.”

I'm planning to travel by <flight> anyway.

So there was no need to waste time by leaving early to avoid being late, and even if I was actually late, it wasn't a problem.

Because Verden holds the initiative.

“Oh, yes.”

Liam sat back down, smacking his lips awkwardly.

* * *

As time passed, Verden and Liam left the city.

The journey was quiet as the carriage was speeding through the vast sky and Liam fainted in confusion.

We arrived at the meeting place in just a few hours.

An old castle located on a remote hill.

As we entered the room after having our identities verified by those wearing full body armor like knights, the three lords all welcomed us at once.

“It is an honor to meet the deity of the Eastern Continent. I can’t tell you how excited I was to hear the story of how you fought the Bone Dragon. You look much more handsome than I had heard.”

“It’s been a while, Lord Arrain. I’m so glad that you’ve been doing well.”

“Haha, I don’t know what to do with myself since you two came here even though I sent you an invitation so suddenly. Come on, you came a long way, so please take a seat.”

His speech is so smooth that it feels almost greasy, as if he has greased his tongue.

Until a few days ago, they had been after Liam's life and Arlene, but they had not shown any sign of it.

Liam's eyes fluttered as he looked at her extremely thick face, which seemed impervious to magic.

This is how important strength is.

Because you can change the other person's attitude in an instant.

After receiving a brief greeting, Verden was guided to the highest seat.

The way they treated each other as their hosts despite being guests. The three lords' true intentions were clearly revealed.

“I will bring out the food.”

The man in full dress snapped his fingers and left.

A full course meal was served immediately afterwards.

Appetizers were served, followed by mushroom soup that had been simmering for hours, and fish fried in butter and spices.

The taste was pretty edible.

In the meantime, uninteresting stories were exchanged.

The three lords chattered incessantly.

Liam awkwardly chimed in to replace Verden, who was just eating in silence. Although young, he had the aura of a nobleman sitting in the lord's seat.

The atmosphere was cheerful with laughter and chatter, but at the same time it was also heavy.

In the end, it was because everyone was watching one person's expression.

The lord of the prowl, with his sunken cheeks, personally introduced the main dish.

“This is a steak made from the belly of a wyvern. I had a hard time getting it at an Adventurer’s Guild auction, but it tastes so───”

"so."

A low-pitched voice abruptly cut off the explanation.

Everyone's eyes naturally gathered in one place. Berden, who was receiving attention, continued speaking with his chin resting on his hand.

“What is your business?”

That's all for this pointless conversation.

The lords who immediately understood the meaning shut their mouths.

In the stillness of the candlelight vibrating, Lord Delga babbled.

“The reason I created this place is because I want to make an agreement with you two.”

“Speak.”

“It also means that we will continue to pay a considerable amount of tribute, so let’s live in peace without war.”

They survive by offering tribute to those who are stronger.

This was a very common occurrence in the land of the uninhabited.

In reality, these three lords maintained their positions by paying tribute to other great powers.

Verden said.

“Why should we collect tribute? All we have to do is occupy the city.”

“Of course. That is true. That would be beneficial, and with your magic, you could expand your lands without much difficulty. However, if you are not careful, you could end up losing money.”

Lord Delgar furrowed his thin eyebrows.

“You may or may not know, but an unclaimed land is a land that cannot be ruled. Because conflict is profitable. Powerful nations, magic towers, and new powers are investing here and reaping their own benefits. In other words, if you try to acquire an unclaimed land, it is no exaggeration to say that the world’s attention will turn to you.”

Lord Harsbeg and Lord Froll added their explanations.

“In fact, part of this land is ruled by the Lord of the Lands, one of the four great powers of the Central Continent. He is one of the great powers of the Land of No Owners.”

“Not only that, the magic towers of the central continent each have their own lands, and the other forces are innumerable. Of course, it’s not that the divine being is being pushed back… but the damage to the surrounding areas will be severe. The Arane lords here will be mercilessly swept away.”

The three lords' eyes turned to Liam.

It was a look that encouraged persuasion that making an agreement would be beneficial to Liam himself.

“…….”

Liam was silent.

Because he knows his subject and knows his grace.

If it weren't for the sudden deal, Dalehin would have had his throat cut and been hung on a pole by now.

The lord held Delga's hands as he licked his dry lips.

“It may sound unpleasant, but this is not a threat. It’s not just about cutting down a large tree… It’s about living under it, shading it from the sun, harvesting sap, and living a rich life, and reaping various benefits.”

“You want to live off of a big tree? You call yourself a bug.”

“……Life requires coexistence.”

symbiosis?

Verden let out a low laugh, as if he found it absurd.

“I don’t think that’s something the lords who covet Arain should say.

“This is a different case.”

“No, it’s the same.”

Knock knock.

Verden tapped the table with his index finger.

“The strong take all. Wasn’t that the only rule in this land?”

“There are unspoken rules even in a land without owners. That’s why no one has ever unified this place. It’s common sense to say that it’s impossible to handle such a large force.”

“Then there will be an exception now.”

“No…… Think carefully, Shinsengumi. If you do that, the repercussions will be enormous───”

Verden stood up as if he had no intention of listening any longer.

Liam, who had been observing the situation, kicked away his chair and quickly sat down behind the ash-gray wizard.

Verden looked straight at the tense lords.

Then he declared softly.

“If you don’t have confidence, get out.”

It wasn't just a word directed at the three lords.

The conversation we had here today will be widely shared.

In effect, it was a proclamation from Verden to the ownerless land.

* * *

On the way back to Arane.

Liam Arlane, who had become somewhat accustomed to flying carriages, took a deep breath.

“Whew, it felt like I was in the eye of the storm.”

It was a difficult position for Liam, who had just turned twenty and had little experience in this area.

“I wonder how those lords will move in the future… Wouldn’t it be more useful to accept them as a force?”

“We don’t need those guys. They’ll pretend to follow us and provide information to other big powers. They even introduce themselves as parasites.”

“Haha…… Actually, I have nothing to say since we are both attached to trees.”

Verden, who was sitting in the coachman's seat and controlling the carriage with <telekinesis>, slightly turned his head.

“It was a fair trade. We gave and received what we needed. And if you want, I can move you out of the ownerless lands. Making a place for you on the Eastern Continent is no big deal.”

“I’m leaving……”

Liam, who had been thinking deeply, asked Verden.

“Who will rule Arane without me? Lord Asher won’t stay in one city.”

“Well, I guess I’ll have to find the right person.”

“I see. Then I’ll stay.”

There was no hesitation in answering.

“Although the streets of Arane are not very pretty, it is also a city that my father put a lot of effort into. It is like a legacy. And I also like Arane. I don’t think I can just throw it away without regret.”

“I see.”

“Oh, by any chance, could you send Mires somewhere else instead of me? Mires was born and raised in Arein… but it’s too dangerous for her to continue living here.”

Are you taking care of the maid who never abandoned you until the end?

Verden nodded willingly.

“If you ask and accept, then do it.”

"thank you."

During these few brief exchanges, the city of Arlane came into view beneath the clouds.

Kuung.

Berden, who had quickly lowered his altitude, landed in the courtyard of the castle.

Now the only thing left to do is register at the auction house.

It was the moment when I stored my private carriage in the subspace and set foot on the castle.

“……!”

Suddenly, Verden stretched out his arm and stopped Liam.

“Mr. Asher?”

“Liam, you know where Kayrel’s safe house is.”

“Yes? Oh, yes. I know.”

“Wait there until I call you. Don’t even look at the castle.”

Liam still didn't understand English, but he started running without saying a word.

It was the judgment of someone who had lived in an ownerless land for several years.

Verden's eyes sparkled as he sensed Liam's presence clearly fading away.

'There is something.'

A sense of alienation that can only be felt when it comes so close to us.

Even though I spread my magic power with <Arcane>, I can't feel the presence of Adrian, Keirel, and Mires.

No, I couldn't detect the front at all with my magic power.

‘… … The castle has been taken over.’

It seems to be some kind of magic, but I can't figure out what it is.

Whoever he is, he is definitely a wizard who cannot be underestimated.

Verden summoned Orient and activated the magic circuit.

“Come out.”

A voice filled with magic rings out menacingly.

Quiet silence.

No one showed up, but there was a reaction.

Bam.

The door leading into the castle opened.

The intruder who robbed the house invited Verden.