Chapter 64

The Viscount's Magic Genius - Chapter 65 (64/324)

65

I began discussing the terms to be included in the contract with the Duke.

The core terms were simple.

To establish a solid foundation in the Eastern Magic Tower Association within three years.

Once the foundation was established, to restrain the Viscount and the forces of the Magic Tower Association as much as possible.

These were the two main points.

Additionally, there was a condition that I had to run for the position of chairman in the elections held every three years by each Magic Tower Association.

Since Viscount Houdini had recently been re-elected as chairman, it meant that I would have to actively participate in the chairman election three years from now.

Of course, there was no penalty for not being elected as chairman, as it was not expected that I would become the real chairman.

The contract period was a total of ten years.

The Duke, being a High Mage, was indeed very skilled at drafting magic contracts.

Each phrase was tightly sealed, leaving no room for loopholes.

'This won't be bad for me.'

If I had been lying, it would have been a different story.

In any case, I planned to start restraining the Viscount as soon as the foundation was established.

Therefore, there was no need to be afraid just because these terms were written in the contract.

After all, it was just one of the things I had to do, whether I received support or not.

Now that the general terms were set, it was time to negotiate the most important part: the support.

The terms of establishing a foundation within three years and restraining the High Mage were something that anyone other than me would hesitate to agree to.

Moreover, if the terms were not met, there was a clause stating that I would have to serve as a vassal of the Duke's family for ten years.

'If such terms were included...'

Naturally, the support had to be substantial.

"How will the support be provided?"

"I will include a clause that allows you to receive items or cash up to fifty platinum coins per month. Is this not satisfactory?"

The contract period was a total of ten years.

If I received that much every month, it would mean receiving a total of 600 million over ten years. For an ordinary mage, this would be a condition worth nodding to immediately.

'Not really.'

It was not a condition that I found particularly appealing.

After all, if I was going to receive support, it would be much more beneficial to receive a large amount at the beginning.

How could I build my power by receiving small amounts over time?

There was a huge difference between receiving a large sum in a short period and receiving the same amount over ten years.

Moreover, in ten years, according to the original game story, the central continent would be in ruins.

If things went badly, a piece of bread might be more valuable than a platinum coin.

What use would currency be if the nation fell?

Therefore, the support had to be concentrated in a short period.

Perhaps because of my unsatisfied expression, the Duke asked casually,

"Is the amount insufficient? Fifty platinum coins per month is certainly not a small sum."

"Would you think I should confront the Viscount head-on just to receive such a small amount? If I were to clash with him, I might have to risk my life."

"The White Tower will support you from behind."

"Support is one thing, but the distance is a problem. The distance between the East and the West is more than a month's journey by magic carriage."

Since our territories were different, there would be limits to how much they could protect me.

If I were to clash with him, it would be a spectacular situation, even if I had ten lives.

A High Mage was not an easy opponent.

"Moreover, the fact that the White Tower is supporting me must be kept as secret as possible, so there will be limits to the direct support."

The White Tower, directly governed by the chairman of the Western Magic Tower Association. If it were known that I was being supported by the White Tower, the consequences would be obvious.

'I would be isolated.'

The Eastern and Western Magic Tower Associations were already at odds. If it were revealed that I was receiving support from the West, I would not only fail to gain allies but would become an enemy of all the Eastern Magic Towers.

Viscount Houdini would launch a smear campaign to tear me apart.

Therefore, the support had to be as secret as possible.

"…Are you willing to take such risks and go to the East? Perhaps it would be better to establish a tower in the West."

If I were to establish it in the West, I would be safe for now, but the problem was the future. If I did that, I would not be able to prevent the Viscount from running wild, leading to the inevitable collapse as in the game story.

Naturally, I had no intention of giving up the East for immediate safety. I needed to act quickly to extinguish the flames in the region where they were most intense.

"That doesn't appeal to me. The East is my homeland. Did you not accept this deal because you saw my potential, Your Grace?"

"…"

"Therefore, I would like more substantial support. This way, the timing to restrain the Viscount will come much sooner."

"Given the terms discussed so far, I cannot provide more support. You might become a rising star in the East, but I have no certainty that you will become a major figure."

Is this not enough?

If so, I would add one more condition.

"I will add one more condition. I will disclose a new activation method to your family every month. How does that sound?"

The Duke's eyes sparkled at my words.

"You mean the magic?"

"Yes. Every month, when you provide support, I will give you a magic formula similar to what I showed you this time. I believe this will certainly raise the terms."

"Exclusively?"

"Except for your family, I will only hint at it to a very small number of people."

Iris.

I was already teaching the activation method to this young girl. If this clause were included in the contract, the magic contract would definitely penalize me.

Naturally, I needed to add a few more phrases.

"Except for your family, I will disclose my magic to no more than ten people with the highest priority. However, when I hand it over to your family, I will also transfer the rights to the activation method."

The Duke's expression changed at my words.

This was something he had not expected.

I added, recalling Melios.

"Of course, the ten people, including myself, will not claim any rights to the activation method."

"…You will transfer the rights as well?"

"Yes. If we add a clause that the magic will be publicly disclosed in a magic book within six months and that 30% of the profits from the magic will be transferred, it should be acceptable."

Transferring the rights to the activation method.

This meant that the Duke's family could publish my magic under their name without any repercussions from me.

It was like giving away a patent.

On the surface, it might seem like a foolish contract.

'But this is actually beneficial to me.'

The process of transforming magic using a hybrid activation method.

For an ordinary mage, creating a new magic could take anywhere from a few months to a few years.

I could create dozens of activation methods in a month. For 2nd Circle magic alone, I could create at least ten per month.

After creating the magic, what would I do?

Eventually, I would need to release these formulas to the world to enhance the power of mages, but the problem was that it was not easy to do so.

If I were to release the magic as soon as I created it,

'I could quickly gain money and fame.'

But in exchange, all sorts of leeches, from minor figures to major ones like Viscount Houdini, would start scrutinizing my every move.

This would limit my range of actions.

So far, it was fine.

I had only released about five 1st Circle magics to the world. Of course, this would attract some attention, but I was prepared to deal with it to some extent.

The position of a Magic Tower Master.

It had its value.

However, continuously releasing new magics was a different matter.

If I did that, people would start to think that my creation of magic was not a coincidence but a certainty.

'That would be… the worst.'

Knowing something that others do not.

This was my sharpest weapon. If such leeches started to cling to me persistently,

'It would become difficult to use.'

If the Duke's family were to release the activation methods on my behalf, I would not have to take such risks.

Not only would it enhance the power of the continent, but I would also receive much more substantial support given the honey-like conditions I had proposed.

'And the income is a bonus.'

30%.

Since I was selling my magic, it was only natural to pay a commission.

The Duke's family would take the fame, but that was not a concern.

I could gradually build my reputation by gradually releasing the mountain of magic I had.

Moreover, if I were to hand over high-circle hybrid activation methods in the future,

The income from the Duke's family would also increase, adding a substantial amount to my earnings.

"…Why?"

The Duke then asked with a puzzled expression.

"Is there something you don't like?"

"The terms are too good, which is why I'm asking."

"Then it would be beneficial to you, Your Grace."

I had no intention of revealing the reason.

If the Duke found out how many magics I created in a month, I would not only be unable to become independent but would be bound to this place.

"Wouldn't it be difficult for you to build your reputation and establish a foundation? If you hand over one activation method per month, it would be hard for you to build your reputation."

Creating and publishing new magic.

This was one of the fastest ways for mages to build their reputation during this seemingly peaceful period.

The Duke probably thought that if I handed over one activation method per month, it would be difficult for me to build my reputation.

So far, the Duke only had a superficial understanding of me as a mage.

I smiled innocently, looking at Melios.

"If I work hard, I might create more. Let's see how it goes."

"Tsk. Aren't you being too confident, having only walked the path of success so far?"

The Duke, who had said this, began to look serious.

"Creating magic is not an easy task. The five magics you created might have been due to sheer luck."

"Are you refusing?"

"No, it's fine. However, let's add one more clause. The activation methods you hand over must have the same effect as what you demonstrated today."

"Judgment…"

"I will judge based on my conscience. If the effect is poor, you will naturally have to serve as a vassal of our family for ten years."

Continuing to use me as a vassal for ten years.

It seemed he was really tempted.

The additional clause the Duke wanted to add was not bad.

It meant that if I handed over a defective product, he would judge based on his conscience.

'In any case, the top-tier magic contract will judge it for me.'

Even a High Mage could not escape the constraints of a magic contract that was directly inscribed on the heart.

Especially a top-tier magic contract.

To avoid this, one would need to be a 9th Circle mage, which was beyond human capabilities, so there was no risk of being cheated.

"Sure. I have no intention of handing over a defective product. When you publish it, please exclude my name since I have transferred the rights."

"Because of Houdini?"

"Yes. To prevent him from realizing the close relationship between the White Tower and me."

"I was going to do that anyway."

"Handing over one formula per month and transferring the rights. I believe you understand the implications."

Being able to monopolize powerful magic for six months and having the ability to publish it.

The reputation of the magic family would soar.

If they were to produce and distribute magic books, the profits would be substantial.

The Duke nodded