Translator: Cinder Translations
...
Paul's words deeply concerned Marianna.
"Paul, I must remind you that as a long-standing organization, the Arcane Order possesses profound strength. Now that they have complete control over the Gabella Empire, the Northwest Bay alone cannot stand against them," she said gravely.
She continued, "I know you can create many novel things here, like firearms and cannons. I admit they are powerful and can easily defeat traditional armies. But have you considered that these are all created by ordinary people? The Arcane Order has a natural advantage: they can do what ordinary people can do, but what they can do—magic—ordinary people cannot. They can steal your technology and produce firearms and cannons, but you cannot steal their magic. Even if I stand by your side, no matter how confident I am in my magical abilities, I cannot help you oppose such a vast organization. You only have technology, but they can have both technology and magic. This is a two-to-one disadvantage."
Paul's expression remained calm. "Mother, although you know about firearms and cannons, I must say that these are just the end of a chain. This chain will grow longer and eventually evolve into a vast system. It's impossible to replicate it overnight."
Marianna was taken aback. "It sounds quite complicated?"
"Of course! I took you to visit the ironworks. Do you think you could replicate an ironworks elsewhere based on your memory of the visit?"
She thought for a moment and shook her head. "No."
Paul felt a sense of pride. Even if the mages could replicate an ironworks one-to-one, what use would all that iron be to them?
"So, it's a matter of each using their own skills and methods. Besides, my territory isn't inhospitable to spellcasters. Dozens of spellcasters from the Horn Bay have already sought refuge here."
Marianna sighed. "Very well, it seems I cannot persuade you. Take care, Paul. I will carefully consider your advice. Perhaps I still lack a full understanding of your strength, but for now, I think it's better for me to remain within the Arcane Order. That way, if you ever face an insurmountable crisis, I can still protect you."
She then smiled slyly. "Conversely, if Nathan and I face an unsolvable predicament in the future, I hope you can lend a hand. Even if things don't go as I hope, at least one of you and Nathan will survive to continue the Grayman family line."
Paul said, "Don't put all your eggs in one basket?"
Marianna smiled. "A very apt metaphor."
Paul replied, "In that case, let's not spread the word about our relationship. It doesn't matter much on my end, but it might cause trouble for you over there."
Marianna was touched. "I'm moved. Thank you for being so considerate of your mother."
Paul then asked, "It sounds like your main reason for joining the Arcane Order was to oppose the Church. What do you think of the so-called ancient prophecy?"
"About that..." Marianna's expression turned serious again. "At first, I dismissed it, but the longer I stayed in the Arcane Order, the more I realized that the prophecy isn't entirely baseless. It's certainly not just an excuse they fabricated to elevate the social status of spellcasters, as you once suggested. The entire organization is now centered around this prophecy. Paul, I advise you to be prepared. If a great upheaval does occur in the future, your strength might be needed. The Arcane Order might even seek an alliance with you."
Seeing Marianna speak so earnestly, Paul set aside his earlier dismissiveness.
"Alright, I'll keep that in mind."
...
After his conversation with Marianna, Paul went to meet with Rodney XVIII and shared what he knew about the Arcane Order and Gabella, omitting any details related to Marianna.
He had prepared in advance, framing his account in a way that made it seem as though he had only recently learned this information.
After hearing Paul's report, Rodney XVIII's expression grew heavy.
"I thank you for informing me promptly, Paul."
"In fact, I've long suspected that Aldor is ensnared in a vast, carefully woven web of conspiracy. The Highland barbarians, Aldor, Vibern, the orcs... one disaster after another, each depleting the kingdom's already limited strength."
"Earl Merlin's intelligence agents have traced some clues, but they always hit dead ends. We've never been able to piece together the full picture from the fragments."
"Now, although our predicament hasn't lessened, at least we know where the mastermind lies. The Gabella Empire? It's unexpected. We're separated from that nation by an entire plateau, with no history of conflict. Yet they've gone to such lengths."
Paul reminded him, "It's mainly because of the Arcane Order."
"Ah, yes, the Arcane Order!" Rodney XVIII gritted his teeth. "It fits the stereotype of wizards, manipulating the nation's leaders from the shadows and gradually controlling the entire country."
"And that Antonio Griffin, truly an evil monster born of a witch! When he ascended the throne, I even sent envoys to congratulate him. No doubt he was laughing behind my back, thinking me a fool who counts the money after being sold. May the Heavenly Father curse him."
Rodney XVIII seemed to vent all the pressure he had endured since his coronation. Known for his calm demeanor, he ranted and cursed for half an hour.
When he finally calmed down, Paul said, "Your Majesty, I believe the priority now is to save the kingdom from falling apart."
Rodney XVIII agreed. "Yes."
He placed a hand on Paul's shoulder, his gaze sincere and intense. "The reason I personally came to the Northwest Bay for your wedding was to show the world that the alliance between Rodney and Grayman is unbreakable."
"Our two families will stand back-to-back in these turbulent times, supporting each other. The Graymans will guard against the orcs in the north, while the Rodneys deal with Giles and Vibern in the south. Ultimately, all of Aldor will unite again, bound together by these two families."
(End of the Chapter)
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