The Wise Man’s Battle for Seongseo (1)
The peaceful daily life is already like last spring and fall. It is only when the cold season comes that we realize how blessed the warm and clear days were.
In fact, from my perspective, who is forced to march day by day, I can’t say that the days have been very gentle, but compared to when I first started living as a survivor, the situation has improved significantly.
There is a hut to lie down in, and there is a considerable amount of meat, vegetables, spices, etc. accumulated in the storage room, as well as a considerable amount of firewood. It’s like escaping from a situation where you have to sleep on the street while hungry.
The ripple effect that occurred in this somewhat stable life began with three letters from different senders.
*
The undergraduate curriculum has also become easier to follow.
Even with a body that did not have outstanding magical talent, he began to achieve above-average results. In particular, he started to stand out in the written exam, and his name seems to be starting to circulate among teaching assistants.
Classes that are at the level of simple memorization and theoretical arrangement can be accomplished if you put in the time and effort.
If you sleep less and use your spare time to master it repeatedly, you can force it into your head, so it is a completely separate issue from magical talent.
Training has also made considerable progress.
He has already gained a lot of physical strength, so even if you think about it as a standard for an ordinary adult male, it is not difficult at all. This is a touching improvement compared to the spring when things were weak and weak.
On the other hand, combat skills are still lagging… but there are a lot of tools available to assist.
[New finished product]
Ceremonial dagger: A dagger with explosive magic imprinted on it by imbuing the explosive ceremonial dagger with elemental consciousness.
Engraved magic can be activated within a certain distance. Since it is engraved in advance, the activation speed is very fast and the magic efficiency is excellent.
Infused elemental formula: Elemental magic – Explosion (low-level fire elemental mug)
Amount of magic accumulation: Medium Sensitivity distance: Narrow Production difficulty: ●●○○○ [ Production completed. Crafting proficiency has increased. ]
A burning pattern is shining on the surface of the dagger.
It is a ceremonial dagger that has been with me for a long time since I first started living. After setting the blade of a dagger with a lot of love and engraving various engravings on it, I felt a sense of pride.
[The spirit food has soaked in quite smoothly. The more the equipment is in the hands of the wielder, the more efficient it becomes, so you can clearly feel that this is a dagger that has been around for a long time, Master Ed! ]
Mug, who was sitting on his shoulder, spoke harshly in a sharp voice.
[This is another step forward, Master Ed! I am so happy! It’s a blessing! I’ll pick a song to express my joy over this fire candle mug! A shepherd’s song that has been passed down orally from the Pulan region… Ouch! ]
I quickly grabbed the mug by its wings and placed it on the tree stump next to me. And as I was staring at it, I twisted my body around as if the mug was uncomfortable.
[Hey Master Ed! Wrong! I want to pay for the sins of this Buddha! It’s a shame! The most shameful thing of all is that I don’t know what I did wrong! Please tell me about that sin, so that I can sincerely reflect on it, correct it, and make progress…]
“Hey, just let it go.”
[ …yes? ]
It was definitely a mug that was carefully selected and carefully selected among the spirits of Yenica, so it was extremely excellent for a low-level spirit.
He is so good at detecting magical power that he imprints spirit consciousness in an instant while singing the song of Master, Master, and is also helpful in hunting as his thoughts are flexible and his actions are agile.
Not to mention its usefulness as a stove, it is also good for social life, so it gets a perfect score.
However, if there is one fatal flaw, it is that it is too condescending.
“Stop talking. It’s really uncomfortable for me to hear it.”
[That can’t be possible! That can’t be right! ]
“why?”
Originally, the relationship between spiritists and spirits was a simple contractual relationship rather than a hierarchical relationship.
Considering that, the lower-ranking spirits who treat Yenika are extremely condescending, and that’s because Yenika is a spiritist with unusually enormous power.
Spirits who break away from the corporeal spirit and enter the path of lower spirits receive magical power through contracts with spirit spirits to increase their status.
If you can make a contract with a capable and sensitive spirit… it is customary for the spirits to be grateful and bow their heads. Therefore, if you want to be on equal footing with a spirit person with enormous sensitivity like Yenika, you must still be a high-ranking spirit level.
The reason why Yenika is always surrounded by countless spirits is partly because she has a constitution that attracts spirits… but ultimately, her innate ability to respond is infinitely attractive to spirits.
Especially when it comes to lower-level spirits, the very fact that Yenika made a contract with someone like me is a blessing in itself… so of course I have no choice but to bow my head.
However, I am still a spirit master who has only just entered the beginning of my journey, so there is no need to treat me so deferentially. If you build up too much unnecessary authority, there is a high possibility that problems will arise in communication.
“Now call me Ed. Just two words.”
[ Master Ed! This isn’t real! ]
“Isn’t it a bit strange in the first place? There’s no reason to treat them with such thorough respect, and they make such a fuss about the interview and selection process that signing a contract with me is so great.”
[Uh… um…] As if
he had hit the nail on the head, Mug flapping his wings and trailing off.
“Have you been promised anything else?”
[That’s…]
“Let’s just shake it all off and go. We won’t be seeing each other for a day or two, right?”
After saying that, I quietly looked down at the mug.
Mug flinched, trembled, and suddenly began to wail loudly.
[ Oh my, Master Ed! What would you do by hiding it? If you sign a contract with Master Ed and have his abilities recognized, you will be guaranteed almost double the refined magic power of Lady Yenika compared to other low-level spirits… In the end, it is to accelerate your career path…! ]
“…”
Just in case.
[ That’s right! This overflowing respect and loyalty towards Master Ed is not born of pure reverence, but is due to the desire for success engraved on the body of this dirty and lowly Buddha! It’s a shame! ]
“Okay… it’s good to be honest. Is there anything else you want to reveal?”
[Besides that… After researching the reputation of the bachelor’s department, I often heard that he had a strong authoritarian temperament… so it was to appease that person…]
“I guess that’s true as well.”
I lifted up the dagger with the spirit ritual engraved on it. I turned it around and swung it lightly once or twice, but it didn’t feel much different from how I normally swing it.
If you are not skilled at infusing spirit food, it will often affect the equipment itself and make it heavier or lighter, making it difficult to handle. However, the spirit infusion performed using a mug was completed cleanly and there was no noticeable effect.
He threw the dagger and stuck it in a nearby tree stump.
– Boom!
And when just a little bit of magical power was pushed into the connected elemental food, a small explosion occurred. With this level of horsepower, an explosion of this size would be able to act as a small explosive if you push it in with intention.
As the slightly rising smoke dissipated, the stuck dagger appeared again. Clean and without any blemishes. It seems to have good fire resistance and was not affected by explosions. The ending is neat.
“Well, thank you for telling me everything honestly. Why are you begging me to be so sorry?”
Isn’t it said that purity in the act of dating people is maintained until elementary school? Anyway, when a person matures, he or she is bound to show self-interest, no matter how big or small, when dealing with someone.
The old-fashioned way of thinking that demands absolute purity in human relationships has long since graduated. In the end, what matters is skill and attitude.
The spirit ceremony itself was engraved neatly and well.
Depending on your perspective, asking about my reputation before signing a contract with me may seem tame… but from another perspective, it also proves thorough preparation and sincerity.
I put in the time and effort to recognize and adapt to people in advance… From that point of view, you can see how thorough I am.
Being a bit snobbish can often be an advantage if you don’t go overboard.
“Okay, so just say it.”
[That’s…]
“You say you understand everything? You say you can let go? Your situation is obvious, isn’t it?”
[ Master Ed…! ]
Mug was moved and spoke in a happy tone, as if he was feeling resentful.
[ Actually, it was so hard! Hehehe! In the first place, government positions are the highest ranking spirits! Why are you so territorial just because you were born a little earlier? Ugh! ]
“…”
[ Still, I can’t stop talking. I’m more comfortable this way! ]
I was about to say something but stopped.
I think I’ve heard that telling new employees or new recruits to relax and talk to each other puts more pressure on them.
There are also things in the world where being uncomfortable is a natural position. In fact, there are cases where forcing people to stay comfortable causes more inconvenience. Being uncomfortable is actually more comfortable… It’s a difficult problem.
I guess he will figure it out. From the looks of it, it looks like he’s already at the peak level of social life, so he seems to have the sense to conduct himself well.
I pulled out the dagger again, put it in its leather sheath, and tied it with a string around my thigh. Standing straight, I was in a position where I could reach for the dagger at any time. It doesn’t look bad.
[Anyway, what are you going to do with those letters? Would you like to check it right now or should I bring it to the cabin? ]
Mug fluttered his wings to a tree stump on the other side of the campfire and sat there, shaking the three letters in his mouth.
One was delivered in a business-like, neat envelope, roughly folded and without a seal. Anis, the bachelor’s assistant, personally brought it to me.
The other one is decorated with a gold frame and a neat wax seal. It was delivered by a middle-aged employee of Elte Trading Company.
The last one is made of gorgeous, high-quality paper with sparkling ink. Claire, the captain of Princess Fenia’s bodyguard, personally delivered it.
“I have to check now.”
The contents were different, but the most shocking thing was the last letter.
*
The royal residence in Sylvania is quite a luxurious mansion, but its size is incomparable to the Ofilis Pavilion.
However, since it was smaller in size and had similar construction costs, it was hard for anyone other than those who had entered to imagine how luxurious the interior would be.
A man with ponytail hair and lightly improved armor opened the door to the princess’s room and entered.
“I have been to the northern forest. I have completed delivering the personal letter as you instructed.”
“Thank you for your hard work, Claire.”
Clair, the captain of the guard for the Third Princess Fenia Elias Cloel, has been in a complicated mood lately. For him, who is devoted only to Fenia, the recent situation is not very pleasant.
When his lord first came to Sylvania to study, he felt rather unwelcome.
Princess Fenia’s life, observed at the imperial court, was splendid on the outside, but looking inside, it was impossible to envy her.
Ever since Emperor Chloe’s only son Lindon declared that he would give up the succession to the throne, the war of nerves between the princesses became breathtaking just watching.
Selaha, Princess of Frost, Persica, Princess of Jisung. The eyes of those two towards Princess Fenia have been filled with suspicion since some time ago.
No matter how much she says she has no desire for the throne, Princess Fenia has the support of the people and is already in a situation where she can reach for the throne at any time.
Although some secret fighting may be necessary in the process, there are many influential people who want to join Fenia. The succession order could be ‘adjusted’ at any time. Any way.
Of course, there is no way Fenia would touch such a move. However, it cannot be suspected.
Admission to Sylvania was a trick that could convince people of the sincerity of Princess Fenia.
At such an important time, only those who had no desire for the throne could have declared that they would leave the imperial family and pursue their studies. This is because you must stay at this school for at least 4 years.
What kind of place is Sylvania?
Above all, isn’t it a land of academics where the virtue of learning is emphasized?
I thought it would be a time to build memories and cultivate knowledge for a few years after escaping from the authoritarian atmosphere of the distant Cloel Imperial Family… but things in the world don’t always work out as intended.
“…You don’t look good, Princess. This may be a presumptuous question, but are you worried?”
“…well.”
Princess Fenia tied her platinum-blonde hair up, sat down on the luxurious sofa, and sighed.
I decided to admit it honestly.
Chloe’s decision to run away from the imperial family was partly to improve her studies in this land of learning… but it also had a strong tendency to escape.
At every opportunity, he ran away from the fate of the royal family, where he had to get caught up in secret struggles, establish authority, and be eliminated if he did not prove his qualifications as a monarch.
I asked myself if it would be okay to take a break for a few years since I had lived like that my whole life.
This is because I thought that in a few years, the terrible dispute over the succession to the throne would be over on its own.
However, even if you come all the way to Sylvania, it ends up looking like this. People cannot simply abandon their nature. Whether it was your intention or not.
“I… I guess I’m destined to live in a dark struggle for the rest of my life.”
“The princess.”
“There’s no need to comfort me, Claire.”
The words that Principal Obel came to visit last night and confided to me linger in my ears.
Sylvania Academy’s financial situation is already in dire straits. You need funds to at least last through various payment dates this quarter.
He eventually came to Princess Fenia, but there was nothing he could do right away.
Although it is possible to raise some funds through the influence of Princess Fenia, there is no guarantee that the money will arrive on time and, above all, there is no justification.
Although it receives considerable support from the imperial family, the essence of Sylvania Academy is ultimately a private educational institution established by the great sage Sylvania. If you want to provide additional support to such an institution by drawing on imperial funds, you need a proper justification.
Not only can the third princess not control the imperial family’s treasury, but she is also physically separated from the imperial family.
In the end, I had no choice but to turn down Obel’s request. The problem of not just a penny or two, but the budget of an educational institution the size of Sylvania fluctuating could not be handled with sympathy alone.
This problem should have ended there.
“The wise man’s plan to sell the seal will eventually become a reality.”
“Yes. Of course, there will be strong opposition from students and academic staff… so it will be in the form of collateral or mortgage rather than a direct sale.”
“It’s quite treacherous. They’re probably thinking of purchasing the ownership, leaving the possession rights alone, and then taking the items sequentially. After all, it’s Elte Trading Company.”
The concepts of possession and ownership are clearly different.
If news comes that the wise man’s seal, which is the heart of Sylvania, has been sold for money, the backlash from the bachelor will be enormous, so the possession… that is, the act of keeping the item itself is acknowledged.
As time goes by and all interest gradually cools down, I come up with a random excuse and move the seal displayed in the Trix Hall to a warehouse for a while. The most appropriate justification would be to study royal seals.
The day when that seal will be displayed again will probably never come.
“Princess Fenia. As expected… your complexion is not good.”
“Thank you for your concern, Claire. It’s okay. Please go in and rest.”
Princess Fenia pressed her temples and relaxed her shoulders.
Fenia has lived for a long time in a world of cancer. If you look at the materials Obel brought or the way the situation is going, you can smell an invisible darkness.
The place where her intuition is directed is Lortel Kecheln, the young leader of Elte Company.
The girl with her auburn hair down and a fox-like smile playing among the gold coins never reveals her true feelings.
The girl’s true character revealed in Fenia’s insight is that of a fraudster who deceives and extorts someone as naturally as breathing.
Even as Glaskan’s summoning ceremony covered the sky and the academic building collapsed, the image of him sitting quietly and smiling softly is still engraved in my mind and cannot be forgotten. It was truly a level of calm that transcended human beings.
It occurs to her that the wise man’s plan to purchase the seal is also playing out in the palm of her hand.
I decided to admit it honestly.
I’m scared. It’s really scary.
In Fenia’s eyes, Lortel is a devil covered in gold coins. It makes me think that if we try to fool ourselves, we might even be able to fool God.
He is definitely the one who will rise to the top of the Elte Company. There is no picture of someone like Lortel receiving instructions and acting under someone else.
Is there a person in the world who can take a girl like that under his wing and treat her?
“There is no need to be hostile already, but…”
Princess Fenia trailed off quietly, burying herself on the sofa.
In any case, the negotiations between the academy and the merchant association surrounding the wise man’s seal are strictly an internal matter. It is not a matter for Princess Fenia to intervene.
Nevertheless, Princess Fenia had no choice but to take out a quill and write a personal letter.
‘Another force’ entered into these negotiations.
This is because the actions of the third force could not be left alone.
*
Ed! Ed!
It feels vaguely vague, like being underwater and hearing sounds from outside. I wondered if someone had called me, but I didn’t have time to pay attention to that right now.
The reason my mind is a little confused is because of the letters that arrived to me.
The first and second letters were like that.
There wasn’t a great story written down, it was just something you needed to know.
However, when I got to the third letter, I had to come to my senses and read it.
I couldn’t be embarrassed by the way things were going in a different way than I expected.
It’s a natural thing. It is inevitable that the story will be a lot more twisted than the beginning, so for now, it is a matter of keeping an eye on the situation and moving forward in a similar direction.
Anyway, if we just go with the flow where Tailly can solve everything… I won’t need to do any more work.
In this second act, you only need to be well equipped with the second skill of the Sword Saint Ceremony and Aspect Magic Resistance.
Still, it was impossible to let down one’s guard. The flow of the story has already been greatly disrupted.
The evidence was in my hand.
“Ed.”
If we were to look for the cause of the upset, it was Elte’s early fall.
The Golden King Elte was originally destined to be overthrown and overthrown by Lortel in this Sage’s Seal Competition event.
However, for some reason, that trend was broken and he was overthrown earlier during the Occupation of the Ofilis Building.
What changes can this bring about?
The reason Elte wanted to purchase the wise man’s seal was because he could resell it at a higher price.
In other words, there was someone who asked him to procure the wise man’s seal.
His name… I’ve heard it so many times that it’s a pity that I’m sick of it.
In an instant, I realized why the princess had sent me a personal letter. In a way, I am an insider. He must have been trying to find out if there was any information he could get from me about his actions.
“Ed!”
I suddenly came to my senses.
Yenika was sticking her face in front of me with an expression as if she was about to cry. It looks like he was shaking my shoulder.
“omg.”
“Come to your senses! What’s wrong with you!”
“I’m sorry, Yenika. I had something to think about, so I was distracted.”
Yenika, who had placed the mug on her shoulder, sighed in relief. Then, perhaps realizing that the distance between their faces was too close, he gasped and took a step back again.
“You shouldn’t push yourself too hard! It’s good to live hard, but… health is the best!”
I lowered my head again while nodding at Yenika, who was fuming angrily with her hands on her waist.
As I once mentioned, the person who requested Elte Keheln to purchase the wise man’s seal was Crepin Rothtaylor, the head of the Rothtaylor family.
For Crepin, who studies the magic of eternal life, the Sage’s Seal that deals with aspect magic is of sufficient research value.
However, if Elte has been dismissed… the client has no choice but to roll up his sleeves and step forward.
“Ed, you look so bad right now.”
Yenika spoke with a worried face. It was worth it.
The personal letter sent by the princess stated that she had many questions about the head of the Ross Taylor family, with whom I had worked in the past, so she asked me to come to the royal residence. Additionally, there are some doubts about Crepin’s actions.
Originally, the negotiation to purchase the wise man’s seal was a tug-of-war between the academic society and the merchant society.
However, it has become a three-way battle between the Bachelor, Chamber of Commerce, and Ross Taylor families.
The matriarch Crepin Rosstaylor is a boss who appears only in Act 4 of ‘Sylvania’s Failed Sword Saint’.
He is the late boss who falls after all his evil deeds are exposed by Princess Fenia, who holds both internal power and imperial power. There is no need to explain the difficulty of the attack.
It is safe to say that there is no way to subdue him at this point.
The good news is that his goal is simply to receive the wise man’s seal. If I get the seal, I’ll just be cool.
However, what will happen to him once he obtains the seal… is unknown. It’s an unknown world.
It is not a matter of information superiority, which means knowing all future knowledge. The question itself is whether it is possible to clear it.
In the first place, even at the level of a romantic relationship, the conflict between Princess Fenia and Crepin Rosstaylor is a scenario that should not be dealt with anymore.
Crepin Rosstaylor. If he really intends to have a leg up on the seal negotiations, he must be excluded at all costs.
He shouldn’t be on the stage of the story already. For characters in the second half of the story, the story must be postponed until the latter part of the story.
“I’m sorry, Yenika. I made you worry for no reason.”
I relaxed my expression and threw some firewood back into the fire.
I quietly lowered my head and began to organize my thoughts.
Jenica sat down across from the campfire, hugging her knees, and suddenly her expression changed to a sullen expression, and she looked at me quietly.
“I won’t move until Ed tells me what he’s thinking about.”
I almost burst out laughing because my stubbornness didn’t suit me at all.
