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“Yes, that Vanessa. The one who supposedly reached the 6th circle,” Hubert replied.

The mention of Vanessa caused their expressions to sag even further. Even Hubert himself looked gloomy at the thought.

Rumors about Vanessa had been circulating widely. Thanks to Claude’s strategic spreading of tales to recruit mages, it was nearly impossible not to hear about her. While her identity wasn’t explicitly named in these rumors, it wasn’t much of a secret. Especially within the Scarlet Tower, which had a nominal branch in Fenris, it was easy to piece together the truth about the 6th-circle mage.

“She used to be just a maid... How on earth did she become a 6th-circle mage?” Hubert muttered gloomily.

The elders wore similarly disheartened expressions as they chimed in.

“What kind of method could the Count of Fenris have used?”

“She couldn’t even sense mana before.”

“And her growth is just too fast. The 6th circle is a level that some can’t reach even after a lifetime of effort.”

Even though some time had passed since Vanessa had left with Ghislain, it was simply inconceivable that she could have climbed to the 6th circle in such a short period. Yet the evidence was undeniable. Many had witnessed her feats during the war with Count Desmond.

The fact that the Scarlet Tower had let go of such a prodigy had led to whispers about their poor judgment.

As the elders sighed deeply, one of them raised a question.@@novelbin@@

“Would just borrowing Vanessa be enough?”

Hubert scowled in response.

“And what about that Alfoy brat? Isn’t he still stuck at the 3rd circle?”

“Yes. It’s downright humiliating.”

Though Alfoy was now practically abandoned, he had once been a promising talent in the Scarlet Tower. Yet, as the tower’s supposed heir, he remained at the 3rd circle—utterly stagnant.

Considering he spent his days doing construction work, this was hardly surprising. But it was still disgraceful for their heir to fall behind someone who was once a mere maid.

At this point, even if someone directly accused the Scarlet Tower of poor judgment, they wouldn’t have a defense.

“That brat’s going to live there forever anyway. Let’s just strip him of his heir status already.”

The elders nodded in agreement. Truth be told, the people sent to Fenris were essentially outsiders now. While officially referred to as a branch, the truth was that they had sent over undesirables simply to maintain a relationship with Ghislain.

“Vanessa alone should be enough. If she participates, at least we won’t suffer a total defeat. We can limit the embarrassment to a tolerable level.”

The Crimson Tower seemed determined to humiliate them, likely bringing only their most elite apprentices. There was no reason for the Scarlet Tower to respond seriously to such a clear provocation. A full-scale confrontation could result in their apprentices being severely injured—or worse.

“No one among their apprentices can match Vanessa. We’ll save her for the final round to secure at least one win. That way, we can protect our other apprentices.”

Hubert, having learned from his struggles against the Crimson Tower, had become a more pragmatic leader.

The elders nodded, agreeing with his reasoning. Though Vanessa wasn’t formally part of the Scarlet Tower anymore, guest mages were allowed to participate in these kinds of duels. Within mage circles, even personal connections were considered part of one’s strength.

Thus, wandering mages staying temporarily at a tower were often invited to join exchange meetings, which were originally intended to foster relationships and inspire growth through competition.

Besides, since Vanessa was originally from the Scarlet Tower, her participation wouldn’t seem out of place.

“It’s too late to invite mages from other regions, isn’t it?”

“Yes. By the time we persuade them and bring them here, the Crimson Tower bastards will have continued to sabotage us.”

“Ugh, those bastards. Just wait. I’ll deal with them eventually,” Hubert growled, grinding his teeth. He had resolved to swallow his pride for now, a tactical retreat for the sake of long-term gains.

The humiliation was a bitter pill to swallow, but Hubert believed it was necessary. With patience, they could grow stronger and eventually crush the Crimson Tower under their weight.

As long as Ghislain continued to supply them with food and rune stones, Hubert was confident that the Crimson Tower would wither away in time.

Having made up his mind, Hubert and the elders packed up lavish gifts and set off to visit Ghislain.

***

“Hm, an exchange meeting… So, you’re asking me to lend our Vanessa as a guest mage, is that it?” Ghislain inquired, his tone calm but sharp.

“Y-yes, that’s right. With a little help from you, Count, we could save face and... well...” Hubert stammered, nervously wiping the sweat glistening on his forehead.

Unlike the past, where he might have spoken more casually, Hubert now found it difficult to treat Ghislain as an equal, even with his status as a Tower Master. Ghislain wasn’t just a lord anymore; he was the most powerful grand lord in the North and a key noble of the Royalist faction. No matter how esteemed a mage he was, Hubert had no choice but to approach with deference.

Ghislain smirked, crossing his legs as he studied the flustered Hubert. “Oh, why so tense? Is it because it’s been a while since we’ve met?”

“Well, yes, I suppose that’s it. It’s been a long time,” Hubert replied awkwardly, cursing internally. Damn it! This is exactly why I didn’t want to come here!

He had known Ghislain since his mercenary days, when the young upstart had dragged around a ragtag band of hired swords. Now the gap between them felt insurmountable, and Hubert’s pride burned at the difference.

Still, he was here to make a request and couldn’t afford to show displeasure. Plastering on a forced smile, he continued, “Surely, between us, this much wouldn’t be too much to ask?”

“Oh, come now. I already sell you food and rune stones at discounted prices. And now you want me to just lend her out for free?”

Hubert quickly produced a small box from his coat, his expression growing eager. “I’ve brought a little gift, something modest but valuable. This should show my sincerity.”

Inside the box was an ornate jewelry case encrusted with gems, so ostentatious that it was unclear whether the jewels were meant to be stored inside or displayed on the outside.

“...You’re still collecting these?” Ghislain asked, unimpressed.

“What? Aren’t they beautiful?” Hubert replied, genuinely puzzled by Ghislain’s lack of enthusiasm.

Despite his apparent disinterest, Ghislain casually pocketed the jewelry case and spoke again. “Fine. Between us, I can do this much. But there’s one condition.”

Hubert and the elders instinctively tensed. Whenever Ghislain set terms, they were rarely straightforward. “What... what is it?”

To their surprise, Ghislain’s condition was simple.

“Would it be alright if I attended as a spectator?”

“As a... spectator?” Hubert asked, momentarily taken aback.

“Yes. I’ve always been curious about these mage exchange meetings. I’d like to see one for myself.”

Hubert scratched his head, clearly uneasy. Exchange meetings were traditionally mage-only events, and nobles rarely had the opportunity to participate. Still, there were historical precedents, albeit rare, where nobles had observed such gatherings.

After receiving subtle nods from the elders, Hubert quickly agreed. “Very well! Please, join us as a guest. Just, uh, try not to draw too much attention, alright?”

“Of course. I’ve heard a lot about these mage duels and have been wanting to see one up close,” Ghislain replied, feigning casual interest.

For Hubert, this was a win. The dreaded Ghislain wasn’t demanding anything unreasonable, and Hubert’s nerves began to settle. However, Ghislain’s next question unsettled him once again.

“But tell me... do you really think the Crimson Tower’s master will just duel and leave quietly?”

“What do you mean by that?” Hubert asked, frowning.

“Well, isn’t he a 7th-circle mage? What’s stopping him from killing everyone present on a whim?”

At this, Hubert burst into hearty laughter, clutching his stomach. “Hah! Count, you’re famous for your fearlessness, yet you sound more worried than I am! That would never happen.”

“And why not?” Ghislain pressed, his expression unchanging.

“Even in a conflict between towers, there are lines that can’t be crossed. Sure, a few apprentices might... lose their lives in the duels. But it wouldn’t go beyond that.”

Hubert straightened his posture and continued, his voice growing more serious. “Think about it. Even if lords don’t interfere in tower disputes, a major incident like that wouldn’t be overlooked. Our tower is under the protection of Count Brivant, a loyal Royalist.”

“Hmm...” Ghislain nodded, digesting the information.

Count Brivant had indeed been one of the Royalist faction’s trusted allies before Ghislain’s rise. Though Ghislain had since overshadowed him, Brivant remained a significant figure in the Royalist ranks and heavily reliant on the Scarlet Tower’s resources.

If the Crimson Tower were to destroy the Scarlet Tower outright, the repercussions would be severe. The Royalist faction would pressure the Crimson Tower politically, launching a full investigation into the incident.

“Moreover, such an act would tarnish the Crimson Tower’s reputation among all mages in the kingdom. They’d become pariahs, distrusted and opposed by everyone.”

“And if they were willing to risk all that?” Ghislain asked, his tone sharp.

Hubert leaned back confidently. “The exchange meeting will take place on our grounds. Even if Delmuth is powerful, he can’t take us all on.”

While the power gap created by circle levels was significant, sheer numbers still held weight. The Scarlet Tower boasted one 6th-circle mage, five 5th-circle mages, and hundreds of apprentices. If the fight escalated, the Scarlet Tower could defend itself—though at great cost.

Hubert smirked. “And with you present, Count, Delmuth will tread carefully. This is just a ploy to humiliate us and dampen our momentum.”

Ghislain nodded, appearing satisfied. But inwardly, he saw the bigger picture. Hubert was completely ignorant of the impending civil war. The Crimson Tower’s aggression was no ordinary rivalry; it was a clear sign of the Ducal faction’s preparations for the conflict to come.

Still, Ghislain saw no need to reveal his thoughts. “Very well. I’ll lend you Vanessa as a guest mage. But there’s one more thing.”

“What is it?” Hubert asked cautiously.

“Bring Alfoy along as well.”

“Alfoy? What for? He’s still stuck at the 3rd circle—what use could he possibly be?” Hubert replied, visibly annoyed. To him, Alfoy was a failure, unworthy of the Scarlet Tower’s legacy.

Ghislain smiled faintly. “He’s still your heir, isn’t he? Experiences like this are valuable for someone in his position.”

After a moment’s hesitation, Hubert reluctantly agreed. “Fine. It doesn’t matter who participates at this point.”

Though Hubert planned to minimize losses by fielding weaker participants, he saw no harm in including Alfoy. Still, he muttered under his breath, “It’ll just end in embarrassment for him—and for us.”

With Ghislain’s approval, Hubert returned to the Scarlet Tower and formally accepted the exchange meeting. As expected, the Crimson Tower immediately ceased their provocations.

“See? I knew it. They were just waiting for this,” Hubert said, smirking. “Let’s show them what we’re made of.”

Despite his bravado, Hubert couldn’t help but notice the Crimson Tower’s overwhelming presence on the day of the meeting. Delmuth had arrived with two elders and nearly fifty apprentices—half of the Crimson Tower’s entire student body.

Hubert’s eyebrows twitched. They brought that many?

He forced himself to remain calm, reasoning, The Count of Fenris is here. They wouldn’t dare try anything reckless.

But Delmuth had a very different plan in mind. His cold gaze swept across the venue, landing on Ghislain.

“Today, the Scarlet Tower will fall,” Delmuth thought, a dark gleam in his eyes. And the Count of Fenris will die with them.