“It seems that when the Court Mages were decided seven years ago, there was corruption,” Dennis revealed, struggling to speak. His words were enough to shock Jared, for what felt like the hundredth time that day.
“Barnabas Kaif didn’t commit any fraud, did he? I hate to say this, but it was Tres Brauer, who became a Court Mage, who committed the fraudulent act. And I suspect the Mage Association was involved too.”
“Yes. It’s embarrassing, but that is correct. However, Lord Brauer knew nothing of this. I must add that his family acted on their own.”
“But Barnabas is unaware of this.”
“Naturally. I am not defending Barnabas Kaif, a murderer, but his anger is justified. However, he chose the wrong means.”
Dennis’s expression contorted as if he had swallowed something bitter. This incident must be a considerable blow to him and the Mage Association. The sudden, consecutive deaths of Court Mage Candidates. A Court Mage attacked. Many lives were lost. The culprit is a former Court Mage Candidate, but fundamentally, it all stems from the fraudulent act that occurred.
Since the Mage Association is also involved in this corruption, it is not something they can dismiss.
“First of all, where has Barnabas been and what has he been doing all this time?”
“He has been active as an adventurer under a changed name. The Adventurer’s Guild never dreamed that a former Court Mage Candidate would be an adventurer. It is said he spent these past seven years constantly fighting.”
Even if Court Mages fight more often on the battlefield, the total number of combat engagements decreases. Some even whisper that becoming a Court Mage leads to becoming out of practice and weaker. In contrast, Barnabas continued to fight. Was he suppressing his anger by fighting, or was he fueled by his anger to continue fighting? His obsession undoubtedly stems from the frustration of not being able to become a Court Mage. Where is the magician who gained the power to defeat a Minotaur alone, and what is he thinking now?
“If you don’t mind, may I ask about the details of the fraud?”
“Yes, you may, but it would be helpful if you could refrain from spreading this information.”
“I promise.”
“Seven years ago, there was another Court Mage Candidate. Her name was Adelina Bischof. She is currently Eighth Seat of the Court Mages, Adelina Bischof of ‘Water Mirror.’ She conspired with Count Brauer’s family to oust Barnabas.”
“Hold on a moment.” Jared, filled with doubt, stopped Dennis mid-sentence.
“I don’t understand, but aren’t Court Mage Candidates selected because they have the ability to become Court Mages?”
“Of course.”
“Then why did Adelina Bischof and Tres Brauer’s family try to push Barnabas out like that… To become a Court Mage, one must choose and accomplish tasks, gaining achievements and merits that are undeniable. So, why didn’t they just ignore Barnabas?”
Since Adelina Bischof and Tres Brauer became Court Mages, they should have achieved the same status as they have now by completing their tasks seven years ago, without resorting to fraud against Barnabas, who was a fellow Court Mage Candidate. If the number of Court Mage positions were limited, it would make sense, but there are even vacancies now. There was no need to corner Barnabas.
“It’s understandable that Master Murphy is in doubt. However, the human heart is complex. Perhaps a slight anxiety, a ‘what if,’ drove Bischof and Count Brauer’s family to take misguided actions.”
Jared could understand the desire to achieve a goal by crushing someone else. In fact, he would do anything to survive, and in the past, he had taken many lives to save a friend. It all comes down to what is important to that person. For Adelina Bischof, becoming a Court Mage was paramount, and she was willing to betray even a friend to achieve it. Count Brauer’s family, for the sake of their son—and likely more than just that—decided to oust their son’s friend.
“Although Lord Brauer and Barnabas honed their skills as fellow Wind Elemental Mages, in terms of pure strength, Barnabas was superior. Count Brauer’s family may have become anxious, fearing their son would not become a Court Mage when compared to another Wind Elemental Mage, and this was the cause.”
“You’ve already investigated that far?”
“Yes. I have questioned the head of the family. At the time, he believed it was for his son’s sake, but now that it has led to a life-threatening situation, he seems to be greatly regretting it.”
Despite the fraud committed for his son’s sake, it resulted in his son being attacked and nearly killed. There could be no greater irony. One might call it self-inflicted, but both Tres and Barnabas were undoubtedly inconvenienced.
“Although Bischof was chosen as a Court Mage Candidate, it was due to the uniqueness of her magic, not her combat ability. Of course, she is quite capable in a fight, but among the three candidates, she lagged in terms of combat prowess. This likely led her to make a wrong decision.”
Adelina Bischof, as Jared knew her, was one of the top-class Water Elemental Mages in the country. In keeping with her title ‘Water Mirror,’ she possessed unique magic that could deflect offensive spells, and she excelled in rear support with her water walls, which seemed to possess a will of their own. He had heard that in combat, she could relentlessly launch water bullets and use ice magic, which is possible for those specializing in the water element. Knowing she was an excellent mage, he found it hard to believe she couldn’t have become a Court Mage without resorting to fraud. As Dennis said, perhaps a slight anxiety had pressured her during her path to becoming a Court Mage, leading her to misjudge.
“Even if all candidates possess the necessary skills to be Court Mages, it does not mean they will all be selected. Even those who succeed in their tasks may end up as mere candidates.”
Considering this, many deceased candidates, even those who became Court Mage Candidates through connections, did not necessarily become Court Mages. However, being recognized as an excellent mage at the Court Mage Candidate stage is on par with becoming one. Many mages might be content with not becoming Court Mages. But if one is satisfied with such a position, they cannot be truly recognized as mages. Mages are greedy. They strive to become stronger, to develop new magic, to aim higher—that is the nature of mages. In that sense, Adelina, who went to any lengths to become a Court Mage, was a true mage.
“Bischof, while not a noble, became a candidate through her own merit. However, Barnabas Kaif and Tres Brauer being nobles was likely one of her anxieties. She then aligned her interests with Count Brauer’s family to oust Barnabas. A staff member of the Mage Association was also involved in this fraud.”
Upon hearing this, many of the staff members involved in the incident seven years ago had already resigned. Currently, information is being gathered by questioning individuals whose identities are known and who remain within the Mage Association. Those who participated in the fraud will face severe punishment, but to avoid further complications, they will likely be fined, though the amount will be substantial. However, this applies only to this incident. If they are found to be involved in further fraudulent acts, imprisonment will be considered.
Court Mage Adelina Bischof, having merely facilitated the connection between the Brauer Count Family and the Association, will be difficult to punish. Considering she has contributed to the country for seven years, she will face a penalty, but it will not be severe. Count Brauer’s family has already faced immense punishment. Of course, this does not absolve them of their guilt, but they will not be subjected to further repercussions at this time. A discussion will be necessary once Tres Brauer regains consciousness.
“The problem is Barnabas… In this situation, the next targets could be Adelina Bischof or Count Brauer’s family. Or perhaps, there’s a possibility it could come to me?”
“Count Brauer’s family has been provided with guards. However, Adelina Bischof refused any protection. She insisted that the guards be allocated to the Brauer family instead, stating she would handle things herself… But if Bischof and Barnabas were to fight, Barnabas would be the victor.”
“Aargh, damn it! All of them, doing whatever they please! Don’t drag us into your petty old grudges!”
