Bernhard III continued to stamp documents.
Otherwise, it would hinder state administration.
Mediating disputes between nobles, approving dike construction, negotiating with Hordia over tariffs… No matter how small, no single matter requiring the King’s judgment was truly insignificant, but the most significant recent matter involved Royal Court Magician Marius Tuban. Many countries expressed a desire for the presentation to proceed sooner rather than later, albeit using various phrasing.
(They likely don’t entirely believe the tales of him single-handedly repelling a wyvern horde.)
He was a powerful individual, on par with those spoken of as legendary heroes.
Human history was a strange thing, producing such figures once every few centuries. It was impossible for those in power in any country to be unaware of this fact, yet when it was their turn, no one was quick to believe. While finding this human tendency somewhat comical, Bernhard III also understood it. He himself doubted he would have believed it if he hadn’t seen it with his own eyes. The possibility that it was a foreign diplomatic ploy was far more likely. Extraordinary individuals were extraordinary precisely because they were rare, and because they were rare, they were difficult to believe.
However, Marius was a double-edged sword for Philat. While he served as a deterrent to foreign nations, he could also become a reason for them to form alliances. If care wasn’t taken, Marius could very well be the sole survivor, leaving Philat to perish. Bernhard III had considered this thoroughly before attempting to win Marius over. The best way to effectively utilize Marius was through marriage to his daughter, Lovisa. Fortunately, Emma had reported that Marius seemed to have taken a liking to Lovisa, and he himself concurred. The worst-case scenario was that Marius would transform into a parasite that devoured the nation, but there were no signs of that at present. His attitude toward Lovisa was clear evidence. Though he seemed to believe he was hiding it, he couldn’t openly express it yet due to the interference of powerful nobles. Bernhard III continued stamping documents, pondering these troublesome nobles. Unlike their neighbor Ranleo, this country’s custom allowed anyone to become a noble if they achieved sufficient merit. However, several powerful aristocratic families, like the Duke Cooper Family, held onto, or rather, were fixated on, tradition, history, and bloodline. These families were problematic because they possessed immense wealth and connections. But the most troublesome aspect was that their patriotism was genuine. They often invoked tradition and bloodline, and at times did not hesitate to oppose even the Royal Family, yet their devotion to Philat was unmatched. They deeply revered the first king, the founder Bernhardt, and took immense pride in their ancestors’ role in assisting him. Ranleo, their rival nation, unlike Philat, respected bloodline as a national characteristic, with the exception of the head of the Adler family, so individuals like them would have thrived there.
(Indeed, the world is such a frustrating place.)
He let out a sigh as he continued stamping. He considered an opportune moment to effectively deploy this Marius card. He had granted permission for Marius’s request to redevelop item bags, a project he heard Marius wanted to undertake, though he wondered if it would be that simple. He quickly dismissed the thought that crossed his mind. Even a horde of wyverns wasn’t something that could be defeated easily, and Lucas and Nilson shouldn’t be considered easy opponents for any human.
(It’s best to assume all common sense is useless when dealing with Marius…)
Even with this realization, the tendency to fall back on common sense was perhaps the tragedy of being human. Just as he was thinking this, a hesitant knock sounded at the door.
“Enter.”
Slightly bored with the repetitive nature of his work, Bernhard III granted immediate entry, hoping it would be a welcome distraction.
“Excuse me.”
Bowing, the person who entered was one of his attendants and Marius, who was supposed to be working on developing item bags.
(What’s going on? Has he succeeded already?)
This would have been the most unconventional development from Bernhard III’s perspective. Glancing at the attendant who bowed and left, he immediately questioned Marius. It turned out that when Marius imbued Nungaro with magic, it shattered. It was almost unbelievable, but seeing it happen right before his eyes, he had no choice but to believe.
(That’s… impossible…)
History had proven that destroying Nungaro was not impossible. However, that was under the condition of being subjected to offensive magic specifically designed for destruction. Here stood someone who fundamentally nullified that prerequisite.
“I heard from Lord Raymond that you are building a state project to manufacture Nugs.”
Bernhard III pondered Marius’s request to be involved in the manufacturing process, but it only took him about two seconds. Nug production was one of the pillars of the national project, and it was precisely why Marius’s participation was deemed significant.
“I shall permit it. If Lord Marius creates it, perhaps an exceptionally durable Nungaro can be made.”
Nugs were carefully imbued with magic over a month to be finished into Nungaro. This process weakened the fabric’s magic resistance, making it easier to add magic. Marius’s extraordinary magical power might be able to shorten this process to about a day, and potentially create an even more durable product. This would lead to significant profit. There was a slight concern, however, that if even Nugs could be shattered, then all efforts would be in vain.
“Thank you.”
“Even if it fails, there should be no problem. However, shattering Nugs would indeed be problematic.”
Given its properties, Nugs were highly prized as magic-resistant material and were counted among Philat’s specialties. Even if they were ineffective against Marius.
“I will be careful.”
Marius said something that couldn’t be taken as a joke and started to leave. Bernhard III called him back, asking about a point that had been bothering him.
“Lord Marius, have you been invited by the ladies?”
Bernhard III had noticed a faint scent of multiple perfumes emanating from Marius. Marius nodded and simply explained the situation.
“I see. While it’s too clumsy to be a stratagem for sowing discord, I understand that there are those with such intentions.”
Marius gave a wry smile, saying he almost fell for it, which filled Bernhard III with unease. He suppressed the urge to tell him he had warned him numerous times.
“It’s only natural that Lord Marius wouldn’t know, but responding with expressions of affection to multiple women at once is the worst possible move, especially when dealing with the nobility.”
Marius’s eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected words. He had avoided extensive contact with others to avoid revealing his secrets, and Emma and Lovisa had also delayed teaching him such things. He realized this had backfired. Seeing his reaction, the King grunted softly.
(This is a tactic by someone who believes Marius doesn’t fully understand this country’s customs. It’s unlikely to be Bernhardt or Ashton. It’s probably someone like Wilson.)
The noble daughters likely had no idea, only being told that befriending a man like Marius would brighten their future. None of it was a lie. As far as Bernhard III knew, Wilson was that kind of man.
“Even with caution, one cannot deal with what one does not understand. We should assume they are employing such tactics.”
“So, could it be that what just happened was merely a test to gauge how well I understand our customs?”
“Precisely. In fact, that is the more likely possibility.”
Bernhard III nodded, thinking that his mind worked quickly. Silence fell between them. It was clear as day that if Marius’s acquisition of the Taliant Language had been slow, he would have been looked down upon for that reason as well.
(What to do… Should I expedite the explanations regarding customs?)
It was unknown how much he could learn even with hurried cramming, but he would have to rely on Marius’s ability, which had enabled him to master the Taliant Language in about two weeks. Just as he reached this conclusion, Marius suddenly made a suggestion.
“Um, if you don’t mind me saying, perhaps there’s a way if you’re not being reserved…?”
“Reserved…? What do you mean?”
Marius knew full well that he lived his life so as not to disturb those around him, but he couldn’t immediately grasp the intent behind this statement.
“If I use magic, I can read their intentions. For ladies, for instance, if I activate it secretly…”
“N-No way…”
Bernhard III realized his voice was trembling. His heart pounded, a chill ran down his spine, yet sweat poured down his face. This was because he understood what Marius was trying to say.
“No way… No way, can you use it? Psychometry…?”
Psychometry, a psychic magic now relegated to legend. A forbidden magic in its own right, which even Klaus Adler could not wield. Bernhard III swallowed repeatedly, his voice trembling slightly as he cautiously asked,
“Yes. And Read Sink, as well. I didn’t mention it because there was no opportunity, but I can use it.”
Psychometry was a fearsome magic capable of delving into the past of people and objects alike. Bernhard III knew its terrifying power intimately, as he possessed the “Tears of the Moon Goddess,” which had equivalent effects. And the S-rank magic, Read Sink, was a S-class magic of mythic proportions, said to be usable only by the Sage, Melinda Guilford. It was a magic akin to the power of a god, capable of reading an opponent’s thoughts. The effectiveness of magic varied with the caster’s ability. This meant that if Marius wished, no one could keep a secret. Marius didn’t appear to be lying. He looked genuinely surprised. However, as a king, he couldn’t simply accept another’s word without question.
“Lord Marius, if you wouldn’t mind, would you perhaps try reading my thoughts?”
Bernhard III’s faint hope that the effect would not be too powerful was instantly crushed.
“Um. To use me effectively to weaken the power of the great nobles. Ideally, I would like you to marry Lady Lovisa. It would also be helpful if you could serve as a countermeasure against the foreign countries taking a hard stance. And then…”
“That’s enough!”
He interrupted, his voice a near scream. Bernhard III was made to realize just how much Marius had considered his feelings and his desire to foster a good relationship. His ambition to simply “use him effectively” was shattered into a million pieces; he was now filled with a desperate plea for them to get along. The solace for Bernhard III was that Marius, through Read Sink, would have understood that he harbored no ill will or hostility. Observing that Marius’s demeanor had not changed at all since before he used the magic, he was convinced his initial thoughts were not mistaken. He desperately tried to regulate his ragged breathing. Marius looked at the King, who was struggling to compose himself, with a touch of sympathy.
(Perhaps saying I could use psychic magic was a mistake? But I couldn’t think of any other solution, and it would have been revealed eventually… )
Psychic magic was more of an afterthought, and not very popular in games. Even without that, magic that could see into one’s own past could easily be perceived as unsettling.
(If I say I can use mind control magic, he might have a heart attack.)
Marius thought this without a hint of jest.
“Lord Marius, I implore you to refrain from using it unless absolutely necessary for self-defense…”
The King, looking at him with pleading eyes, nodded vigorously to reassure him.
“That is my intention from the start. I see no need to use it on those I can get along with.”
The King clearly let out a sigh of relief. Marius bowed and exited, believing a certain level of trust had been established.
