Chapter 81

Chapter 82 of the Marquess Family's Magic Genius (81/324)

82

Adolf.

I sat across from him.

"It's been a while."

"Yes. Have you been very busy lately?"

"Preparations for the succession ceremony are piling up. I barely managed to find the time to come here."

"I see."

Adolf then looked at me.

"I saw some unfamiliar people. Are they new subordinates you've taken in?"

"Are you referring to the people in the training ground?"

"Yes. There seemed to be nearly thirty of them."

It seemed he had seen the gladiators and Saron training. They had been training for over four hours every day in the training ground. The number had also increased from fifteen to thirty. In addition to the initial group that came to me, thirteen intermediate gladiators and one more senior gladiator had joined.

Including Saron, it meant that all the senior and top-tier gladiators I had freed had come to me.

"Yes, they are the gladiators I met when I visited Frenus."

"Gladiators?"

"Yes."

Adolf tilted his head at my words.

"Gladiators usually don't have good backgrounds."

"Yes, most of them are slaves, and the best they can be is commoners."

"They seem somewhat useful due to their experience, but do you really need to take in people with unclear backgrounds? If you lack guards, I can provide support."

"No, that's precisely why I took them in. The 5th Legion's soldiers are similar, aren't they? Yet, they became a strong army without any major issues. I made a similar judgment."

Whether it's integrating criminals into the regular army or adding gladiators as guards, it's essentially the same.

If people who don't know us see this, they would probably tut disapprovingly.

Naturally, that's the first thought that comes to mind.

"Is that so?"

"Yes. I gave them freedom, and they came to me right away. That means they have nowhere to go and no one to rely on, right? They are almost like prisoners."

"So you took them in as subordinates?"

"Yes. You also successfully reformed criminals and turned them into a strong army."

At this, Adolf, who had been silent for a moment, smiled slightly.

"That's an interesting idea."

I knew why he was saying that.

He likely put all the criminals into the legion because they were close to being evil, not for the noble purpose of reforming them.

Of course, since I had brought it up, he would probably let it slide without much comment, considering it a lucky break.

"Of course, I don't plan to immediately integrate them into my direct guard. I want to observe them for a while."

"Understood. I get your point. By the way, I heard you won the tournament. Congratulations, even if it's a bit late. Kyle."

"Thank you."

"Actually, I came today because I have something to discuss related to that."

"What is it?"

At my words, Adolf smiled bitterly and said,

"To be honest, I was surprised. I knew you had talent, but I didn't expect you to win such a prestigious tournament. So, are you planning to declare independence?"

Hmm.

It seems he's quite worried.

The 5th Legion is strong, but they can't conquer the Marquess family without any sacrifices.

There are damaged facilities, reduced soldiers, and diplomatic relations to consider.

Post-war cleanup is essential.

Naturally, a lot of gold would be needed for the cleanup process.

He must be thinking of using me to handle the costs.

But if I declare independence and leave the family?

It would be like a fire under his feet.

'He'll try to stop me by any means necessary.'

He probably came here to persuade me.

He could force me, but he knows that's not a good approach.

"To be honest, yes. The position of a Magic Tower Master is much better than being a vassal of the Marquess family, isn't it?"

"Of course, it is, but I would prefer if you worked for the family. Although this is a renowned swordsmanship family, talented mages are also essential. Our family still has a long way to go to reach the top."

"I understand what you're saying, but I don't think I can keep living just for the family."

"Is that what you think?"

"If the family provides full support, it might be different, but otherwise, I think becoming a Magic Tower Master is better for me."

If I strongly declare independence, I might end up eating only dumplings for my research.

That's why I left room for negotiation.

After a moment of thought, Adolf asked,

"Support, you mean...?"

"Primarily research funds. Magic studies require a lot of money. Whether it's my eldest brother or you who becomes the head of the family, if you promise full support, I might reconsider."

"Research funds... I'll see what I can do. Even if my eldest brother becomes the head, I'll strongly advocate for it. If I become the next head, it goes without saying."

"Then I would be very grateful."

"Good."

We then sipped our tea for a while.

After a brief silence, he asked casually,

"How are you getting along with Father and my eldest brother?"

"Recently, we've only had brief conversations. We've been on bad terms for years..."

My answer was set.

I answered nonchalantly, as if I didn't care much.

This attitude would make him think there's still a chance to persuade me.

At this, Adolf slowly nodded.

"Indeed. If you hadn't shown talent in magic, things would have stayed the same."

I smiled bitterly at his words.

"That's true. Honestly, my eldest brother and second brother are similar. They are more interested in me as a mage than as a person. Father is no different."

After taking a sip of tea, I continued,

"So, I don't have much enthusiasm. I just hope for good support in the future."

This seemingly disrespectful attitude would work well on him.

Whether he starts a rebellion or not,

If he provides good support, I'll side with him.

Of course, I have no real intention of doing so.

'But I need to say it this way.'

This way, he'll feel reassured and draw his sword.

"I'm sorry to hear that."

Although he said he was sorry, he seemed quite pleased.

"No, I didn't mean to say that. If it made you uncomfortable, I apologize."

He shook his head, looking slightly apologetic.

"No, it's not that. I, Father, and Abel are all here because of your talent, not out of family affection."

I nodded slightly, and he continued energetically,

"While we can't deny the existence of affection, it's not a good idea to solve everything with it. It might be better to rebuild the relationship. As a 'deal.' I understand your feelings, Kyle."

I understand.

For him, this is the best position.

As for the deal,

It seems he plans to offer me a deal after taking over the family.

Whether he can actually do it remains to be seen.

"Thank you, brother."

"Good. We've taken up a lot of time. I should go now."

"Yes, thank you for taking the time despite your busy schedule."

"No, I'm interested in you as a mage. There's no need to thank me. I came here for the family and for myself."

It seems Adolf has firmly established his position through this conversation.

He's pushing for clear benefits rather than emotional ties.

'Well, if he misunderstands it this way...'

It's not bad for me.

After Adolf left, Leonhardt quietly entered.

"Is the conversation over?"

"More or less."

"…How was it?"

"Clearly, he's preparing something."

"…A rebellion?"

"Probably. He was probing me. He asked about my thoughts on Father and my eldest brother, and whether I plan to declare independence. He should have shown an indifferent attitude, regardless of who becomes the head, but he didn't."

"…I see."

Seeing Leonhardt's worried face, I smiled slightly.

"Even if something happens, there's no need to look so grim. We are preparing for it. My eldest brother and I are both ready."

"…Isn't it hard to stop easily? According to your words, even the knights around him are influenced by his power…"

That's true.

Adolf and the remaining eleven senior knights.

They, along with the soldiers and knights under them, have been completely absorbed.

The family has three Expert-level top-tier knights, including the Marquess, a Sword Master.

'Even they might find it hard to stop them.'

When they unleash their power, their firepower will increase several times, which is to be expected.

But it's not a hopeless situation.

There will be sacrifices, but the gains are significant.

This will allow us to root out all the rebels.

"Eventually, it's something we have to face. Our job is to prevent it. So, prepare well. When it happens, we'll be very busy."

"…I'll do my best to protect you, young master."

"Good. That's enough. By the way, how is the Sword Demon Squad?"

The Sword Demon Squad.

A unit of thirty gladiators named after Saron's talent.

Two top-tier, twelve senior, and sixteen intermediate gladiators.

If trained well, they can be quite capable.

That's why I'm focusing on their development.

"They're not bad. They all seem to have determination. With proper swordsmanship and mental training, they could become quite good."

From what I heard, they are following the training well.

'Soon, I can separate the wheat from the chaff among them.'

A rebellion.

A place where swords clash and blood is spilled is the perfect place to test their loyalty to me.

A good salary.

Comfortable lodging.

Plentiful meals.

Even without teaching them swordsmanship, I'm providing enough support for them to settle here.

Moreover, I've offered the prospect of teaching them swordsmanship and mental training based on their future actions.

Now, I want to see if they will risk their lives for me.

I will give a clear reward to those who pass the test.

Severe punishment for those who fail.

One of my mottos.

'When the time comes, how many will remain by my side?'

We'll see when the time comes.

There are ten days left until the rebellion.

Even in this tense situation, my steps are still heading towards the library filled with magic books.