Chapter 34

Lucian’s conjecture left Tristan speechless.

That it wasn’t a ruse, but that they would truly attack the city of Grebe to obtain sacrifices? While the Imperial Liberation Alliance remained still near Castle Bornholm?

“Is that even possible?”

“It’s possible. What do you think mages seek? I mean ordinary unauthorized mages, not black mages.”

“To regain the former glory from 300 years ago.”

“Yes, that’s usually the case. That’s why the Alliance doesn’t suspect them either. They believe the status they desire lies within the new society the Alliance plans to build.”

If those cooperating were ordinary mages, they would need the Alliance to succeed in order to get what they want.

If the Empire, which rules the continent, doesn’t accept them, they need a new order where they can exist.

But if they’re black mages, who have no interest in status or power, the story changes.

It doesn’t matter who seizes control they only take what they need and disappear.

“The Alliance firmly believes that the mages would never betray them, and the black mage intends to exploit precisely that idea. Even if they later find out they were deceived, it’ll be too late. What could they possibly do?”

Moreover, in his past life, that incident had been completely covered up.

Which meant that the scale of the event wasn’t large enough to make concealment impossible.

If the strategic fortress of Bornholm had been destroyed, it would have been impossible to hide.

The most logical outcome was that everything had ended as a simple monster attack on the city of Grebe.

“Anyway, at least we won’t need to request reinforcements from the Empire. With a plan of this level, our current forces are enough to respond.”

“…You’re right.”

Only then did a faint smile appear on Tristan’s face.

He seemed satisfied to have resolved his greatest concern.

“Since we already know the black mage’s intention, we should reinforce surveillance in Grebe. But discreetly, so the enemy doesn’t notice…”

“No, we won’t move any troops. We’ll keep everything secret and continue monitoring the Alliance as we have.”

“…Excuse me?”

Lucian repeated instinctively.

What exactly was he saying?

That they would do absolutely nothing despite knowing the enemy’s objective?

“Did you actually listen to my explanation?”

“Of course I listened. Also that they might use a spell capable of destroying the wall.”

“And what does that matter? They’re aiming for Grebe anyway.”

“If the black mage goes to Grebe seeking sacrifices, do you really think he’ll proceed if he finds reinforced defenses? I think that if they only destroy the wall, they’ll target Castle Bornholm, where there’ll be even fewer troops.”

Lucian let out an incredulous laugh.

He finally understood what Tristan was implying.

“You want to offer the city of Grebe as a sacrifice?”

“We’re talking about two mages in total. Without a proper army, they’ll only be able to kidnap a few dozen people during the chaos of the attack.”

“It’ll be several dozen, yes. And if we count those who die during the attack, it’ll be more.”

“But it’s the method with the fewest possible casualties. Besides, a monster attack isn’t unusual. Even the Empire wouldn’t find it strange.”

To Tristan, the worst-case scenario was the Empire sending forces to conduct a mage hunt near Bornholm.

That would be political interference, damage Valdeck’s reputation, and cause huge material and human losses.

In comparison, allowing a black mage to claim some sacrifices was a controllable problem.

Tristan preferred this option, as long as it could be covered up later.

“Even if the city is attacked, it won’t be completely destroyed. For civilians it will be a disaster, yes, but total casualties won’t exceed three or four hundred. Even without reinforcements, they could manage it.”

“And those three or four hundred people are not Valdeck’s vassals? And you, a claimant to succession, want to offer my vassals as sacrifices?”

“If the Empire discovers the mages, those three hundred people could be burned alive by the imperial guard. Don’t you think it’s better to die at the hands of monsters and a black mage than by the order of the sovereign himself?”

In the first case, it would be the unjust death of innocents.

In the second, the “honorable death” of unfortunate people.

Lucian clenched his teeth, furious at Tristan’s monstrous logic.

“If that’s the case, I’ll go with my mercenaries and stop it myself.”

“No.”

“You won’t even let me take a simple group of mercenaries? Are you that afraid of the Empire?”

“No. I won’t let you go. I can’t send you to a dangerous place.”

For a moment, Lucian thought he had misheard.

Had the former Lucian and Tristan had some kind of brotherly affection?

“You’re a Valdeck. And how could someone of the ducal house risk his life?
Don’t forget the blood that runs through your veins and choose wisely the path you must follow.”

The illusion shattered in seconds.

Lucian held his head, annoyed.

‘This man is a noble to the marrow.’

In his past life, there were also people like that they believed noble blood deserved respect no matter their actions; if a commoner touched their shadow, they’d kill him, but if a noble destroyed dozens of villages, he’d only get house arrest.

“Valdeck blood carries a different weight. Those who rule must always make decisions and weigh lives on a scale. Don’t risk yours out of sentimentality.”

Though his words were advice filled with concern, Lucian’s rage ignited.

Tristan was asserting that Lucian’s life was worth more than that of three hundred people.

That might be true for this Lucian.

But in his past life, Lucian was always one of those three hundred sacrificed.

Lucian took a deep breath, holding back his anger, and looked Tristan straight in the eyes.

“Sorry, but I can’t accept that. I’m going.”

“So your intention is to bring up the nobles’ duty?”

“No. I couldn’t care less about the duty of nobles.”

After inhaling, Lucian said for the first time since his reincarnation the words he had kept deep in his heart.

A phrase he had always upheld from the perspective of a commoner, not a noble.

“Because if you can’t protect those who have served you to be protected, then from the beginning you have no right to rule anyone.”

“…!”

Tristan’s face twisted violently.

Lucian’s words denied the very foundation of nobility.

Grinding his teeth, Tristan glared at him and shouted.

“You’ve read too many hero stories! You’re drunk on yourself and have forgotten reality! Do you plan to decide the family’s crucial affairs based on some ridiculous sense of aesthetics?”

“Yes. That’s exactly what I intend to do.”

“What?”

“Brother you are despicable.”

“…!”

With just that phrase, Tristan’s mind went blank.

It wasn’t something punishable by law.

Nor did it affect the competition for succession.

It wasn’t even real damage.

It was nothing more than an arbitrary judgment of beauty and ugliness issued by a mediocre younger brother.

Nothing more.

“How dare you…!”

Without realizing, Tristan reached for the hilt of his sword.

But before he could draw it, Raymond stepped in his path.

“Please, calm down, First Young Master.”

“Get out of the way! This is none of your business!”

“I’ve received a direct order from the Grand Duke to escort the Third Young Master. If you lay a hand on him, you’d not only be violating my duty, but also disobeying the Grand Duke’s will.”

At Raymond’s warning, Tristan gnashed his teeth.

In the end, trembling with humiliation, he withdrew his hand from the sword.

There was no chance of defeating a Black Lion, and Raymond’s words were no empty threat.

“…Fine. The mercenaries are the ones you hired, so take them if you want.
But you’ll have to bear the responsibility for your decision.”

“I was planning to from the start.”

Lucian left the office without even blinking.

Once he had walked a little farther, he glanced sideways at Raymond.

“Why did you stop him? Even if you hadn’t, I would’ve known what to do.”

“My mission is to protect you. Whether or not it’s something the Third Young Master can handle, allowing a threat is in itself a failure. And besides…”

Raymond discreetly looked around and whispered as if sharing a secret.

“To be honest, I also think the First Young Master’s reasoning was quite despicable.”

“Hahahah!”

Lucian burst out laughing.

At first, he thought Raymond was just someone extremely faithful to his duty, but now he saw he had a rather charming side.

“So, Third Young Master, what do you plan to do now?”

“What do you think? I already said it earlier.”

After laughing for a good while, Lucian spoke with a deep smile.

“Let’s gather Hugo and the remaining Black Lions and go to the city of Grebe. Unlike my brother—in a truly elegant way.”

***

Three days later, at the edge of the Yellow Forest near the city of Grebe.

On the forest’s edge, where only a trickle of light made it through, two shadows moved.

One wore a tattered black robe.

The other, a faded hood.

From the middle-aged man wrapped in the black robe came a sinister voice.

“Ah, how nice, how wonderful. It’s been so long since I felt such a concentration of mana. Thanks to those idiots from the Empire’s Alliance, I’ve come out quite well.”

“…It’s not the Empire’s Alliance, but the Imperial Liberation Alliance, Sir Jude. Saying it like that completely changes the meaning.”

“And what does it matter what the name of the payer is? Honestly, young mages focus on the strangest things. Or is it a trait of the Celestial Academy? They say they study every star in the sky—how obsessive.”

At the shrill laugh of the middle-aged man, the young mage, Colin, felt a chill run down his spine.

Just hearing that laugh made him feel like blood and flesh were clinging to his skin.

‘I’d heard stories about black mages, but I didn’t think they were this revolting.’

Colin first met the black mage named Jude through the introduction of the Imperial Liberation Alliance.

They informed him bluntly that he would have to work with him.

Colin was stunned, but there was no way he could refuse.

After all, they were the ones protecting him from imperial persecution.

‘Back then, I thought I’d just have to endure a few weeks.’

Everything began to go wrong when Jude started demanding live sacrifices.

Colin didn’t know anything about the Beast Academy, but he did know one thing—any magic that demanded sacrifices could only be black magic.

And the actions Jude carried out afterward under the pretext of “rituals” weren’t just academic differences—they were abominations at the core.

Unable to stand it any longer, Colin asked him directly.

— You… are a black mage?

— That’s right.

— Yeah, I noticed. And you’re not even trying to hide it?

— Exactly. I’m a black mage. What’s the problem? Surprised that I admit it so easily?

Jude not only didn’t deny it, but declared it boldly with a sly smile.

— Well, now that you know, what do you plan to do? Tell those guys?

— Of course I will! Even if I’m running from the Empire, teaming up with a black mage is…!

— What a problem. Then I’ll have no choice but to kill you and run.

— W-what?

— There’s no alternative. If they find out, obviously they’ll try to kill me first. Luckily, your direct combat ability is low. Someone like me could finish you off in an instant.

Seeing the dark red mana gathering in Jude’s hand, Colin turned pale with terror.

It wasn’t body reinforcement like a knight’s, but the typical method of a mage projecting mana outward.

The moment that mana was released, a fist-sized hole would open in his abdomen.

Trembling in fear, Colin heard Jude whisper with a cold smile.

— Don’t get like that. As long as you don’t tell them, I have no intention of killing you.

— W-what do you want then? What do you expect me to do?

— What do I want? Nothing complicated. Just for mages to help each other survive in this cruel world.

Even if our fields of research differ, we’re still the same kind, right?

— Stop beating around the bush and say it clearly. I’m not good with words.

— It’s simple. I just need you to sign a mana pact with me.

A mana pact.

A magical contract that permanently halves your magical power if the agreement is broken.

With the noose around his neck, Colin had no choice but to accept the pact.

Fortunately, the conditions were extremely simple.

— While we’re traveling together, when I ask for it, use a single spell.

— …Isn’t that too simple? Is that really all?

— You’re even complaining when the terms are in your favor?

— I’m just curious. Normally, they add all kinds of clauses to prevent ambiguous interpretations. This is too lax.

— Haha! And do you think you could handle the consequences if you interpret it loosely?

Seeing the dark red mana flare violently, Colin fell silent.

If he didn’t comply correctly, Jude would kill him right then and there.

So even if reluctantly, he had no choice but to obey.

So far, Jude had acted in line with the Alliance’s intentions without issue.

If things continued like this, maybe he could complete the mission and return safely.

Just when that hope began to surface in his mind—

“Well, it’s time to attack Grebe. I’ve gathered all the ones I can control, so getting sacrifices won’t be difficult.”

“What? No! Grebe was just supposed to be a distraction…!”

“That’s their problem, not mine. I just plan to feast on sacrifices here and get out. The rest is up to them.”

Colin looked at Jude, completely pale.

Had he pretended to obey all this time just to wait for this moment?

Suddenly, he remembered the mana pact.

“Wait—the spell you want me to cast isn’t…?”

“Exactly that. If things go south, you’ll have to unleash a big spell with all the mana you’ve stored up. So my adorable pups can enter without issue.”

“You bastard…!”

His head spun.

Help monsters attack a city and abduct people?

And on top of that, blatantly betray the Imperial Liberation Alliance?

That would make him not just an enemy of the Empire, but a public enemy of everyone.

“Bah, don’t worry so much. You’re just backup. Grebe has pathetic defenses. If all goes well, my little ones will be more than enough.”

Jude’s words didn’t calm him in the slightest.

If he didn’t use magic, he’d still be bound by the pact.

And if he did use it, there’d be no turning back.

For Colin, both paths led into an abyss.

“Grrrrr…”

“Kiiiii…”

“That’s it, looks like everyone’s hungry for blood. Just a bit more. Soon you’ll be able to run wild as much as you like.”

Jude ignored the desperate Colin and stroked the drooling gnolls and kobolds.

Even though they were clearly mindless puppets, pretending to have a bond with them was revolting.

“Now, go! Enjoy the feast! And don’t forget the sacrifices you must offer in return!”

“Kyaaaaa!”

“Graaaargh!”

As soon as he finished speaking, the hordes of gnolls and kobolds hidden in the forest charged forward.

The frenzied horde of monsters shook the ground as they surged toward the city of Grebe.

Satisfied by the spectacle, Jude burst out laughing.

“Ahahaha! See? Isn’t it magnificent? A monster army stronger than humans! The fruit of my research! My power and my slaves!”

Jude’s laughter was steeped in madness.

Hearing it, Colin instinctively stepped back several paces.

When the horde reached the outskirts of Grebe, Jude even began clapping with excitement.

“Look at them! How pathetic! Those fools parading around inside their fragile order, being slaughtered by my little ones—truly… truly…?”

Drunk on victory, Jude suddenly sensed something odd and froze.

Colin also looked toward where the monsters were headed.

And without realizing it, he muttered what was right before his eyes.

“From what I can see… the ones being slaughtered are your little ones…”

“….”