The Regressed Mercenary’s Machinations

Chapter 201: Triple the Current Market Price (2)

Hubert and the elders shared a peculiar memory associated with the number three—one that elicited curses instinctively.

“Damn it, here he goes again.”

“If it’s three times the current market price, just how much is that?”

“Why is it always triple? Does he have some weird obsession with the number three?”

Hubert and the elders chose to remain silent for the time being. The last time they protested, the price had gone up even further.

It was a wise choice based on past experience, but paying three times the current market price would result in a massive financial loss.

“Ugh, what do we do? At this rate, we’ll lose everything we’ve saved over the past few years.”

Even if the tower handed over all its profits, it was doubtful they could secure more than two years’ worth of food.

As they struggled to make a decision, Ghislain leaned in and spoke in a subtle tone.

“Alternatively, there is another condition… Would you like to hear it?”

“What is it?”

“Dispatch twenty additional 3rd-circle mages, and reduce the volume of Runestone transactions by half. In exchange, we’ll provide the equivalent of that reduction in food supplies.”

“Deal!”

Hubert slammed the table and stood up.

Currently, all of the kingdom’s funds were being funneled into securing food. Even international trade had shifted its focus toward importing food from less affected nations.

Naturally, food prices had skyrocketed, but other resources like Runestones had become much easier to obtain.

Runestones, though inherently rare minerals, were now slightly more accessible than before.

Given the option to trade Runestones for food, opposing the deal would be foolish.

The elders also agreed with Hubert’s swift decision.

“Right now, securing food is far more advantageous. This is a massive gain.”

“We’ll earn way more reselling the food than we would selling magic tools.”

“Training can be delayed. It’s fine to put it off. This is a good opportunity to trim down the ranks and send the less capable ones.”

Hubert and the elders had never been particularly enthusiastic about training to begin with. The prospect of reduced training opportunities due to fewer Runestones didn’t bother them in the slightest.

Seeing their enthusiasm, Ghislain broke into a wide smile.

“Ah, this works out perfectly. We’ve been short on manpower for the construction project, and an additional twenty mages will be a huge help. We’ll also save a significant number of Runestones now.”

The 3rd-circle mages made up the majority of the mage tower’s population. This was because the 3rd-circle was a transitional stage where many mages stagnated.

In truth, the magic required for construction could easily be performed by 2nd-circle mages. However, Ghislain didn’t want to waste the time of those still in their prime learning years.

Starting from the 3rd-circle, advancing further required significant talent. Those unable to progress often found themselves stuck, unable to move forward or retreat. The mage tower likely had many individuals in such a predicament.

Hubert wouldn’t send anyone truly talented, so it was clear that only those lacking potential would end up here.

“And if they work hard enough here, they’ll be able to break past their limits.”

Lacking talent and hitting a wall in growth? Then they just had to work themselves to the bone.

Helping them grow while advancing the development of the territory—it was a win-win situation.

Of course, the other party would never see it that way.

“Shall we draft the new contract now?”

“Excellent! Let’s get it done!”

Hubert immediately pulled out his personal pen from his coat.

The pen had a golden barrel, encrusted with so many tiny jewels that it looked almost grotesque, like a barnacle-covered object.

Seeing this, Ghislain chuckled softly.

“As extravagant as ever.”

After regaining profits from the Runestone supply, Hubert had gone and crafted the most gaudy pen imaginable.

It seemed he’d already forgotten that his excessive indulgence had once put the mage tower in financial jeopardy.

Though he was the one who had developed the mage tower’s city and earned widespread respect, Hubert’s peculiarities never ceased to amaze Ghislain.

Once the contract was signed, Hubert extended a handshake to Ghislain and said:

“I’ll send the mages as soon as possible. However… I’m heading back now. Could I take a bit of the food supply with me in advance?”

“Of course. Are you leaving immediately? Aren’t you going to see Alfoi before you go?”

“Oh, it’s fine. As long as he’s doing well, that’s enough for me. He’s a branch manager now, and it’d be uncomfortable for him if his mentor suddenly demanded to see him. Let the younger ones handle things among themselves.”

Though Hubert smiled kindly outwardly, his true thoughts were entirely different.

“Are you crazy? I need to leave before you change your mind. There’s nothing else for me to do here.”

He was terrified that Ghislain might revise the terms of the deal if he lingered. When dealing with someone like him, the best move was to wrap things up quickly and escape.

As Hubert prepared to leave, Ghislain spoke up as if something had just come to mind.

“Ah, the Scarlet Tower came by recently to negotiate for food. You’ve heard about that, right?”

“Of course! I heard all about it! That arrogant bastard Glenn got humiliated by you and left in disgrace, didn’t he? Hahaha! Hearing that was so satisfying! You did great. Really great!”

Hubert and the elders burst into hearty laughter, their expressions full of schadenfreude.

Watching the mages laugh, Ghislain continued.

“They did say they wouldn’t let it slide… If the Scarlet Tower were to join a war against us, ignoring all laws and conventions, what would you do?”

Hubert and the elders’ faces turned ice-cold. The idea of the Scarlet Tower joining a war? Absolutely unacceptable.

After twitching his lips a few times, Hubert’s eyes gleamed sharply as he responded.

“Then just call us right away. I’ll burn those bastards’ heads to ash.”

Ghislain nodded with a satisfied smile. Say what you will, but the enemy of my enemy is my friend.

Somehow, Hubert’s sleek, shiny head seemed particularly radiant today.

* * *

Before long, twenty wizards arrived at the estate.

As soon as they arrived, they were put to work on construction and reacted with fierce resistance.

“What is this nonsense?! Making wizards do such menial labor! Are you all out of your minds?”

“I absolutely refuse to do this! This is beneath my dignity!”

“You’re not even worthy of being called wizards anymore! How could you stoop so low as to do this kind of trivial work?”

Of course, the existing wizards didn’t sit idly by as they watched such tantrums unfold.

Now that there were more hands to share the work, it was necessary to establish discipline quickly.

“When I, the branch head, give an order, you obey it! You little punks! This place is now a real magic tower!”

Unlike before, Alfoi, who had endured one hardship after another, went berserk.

Having several allies on his side now, he felt unstoppable. There was nothing to fear.

Gathering mana in his hand, Alfoi shouted,

“If you don’t listen, I’ll beat you all to a pulp!”

“Go ahead, let’s see you try!”

The new wizards aggressively rose up against him, but they were all swiftly crushed.

Though Alfoi and the existing wizards were only slightly stronger than the newcomers, the gap wasn’t insurmountable—yet the outcome was overwhelming.

The defeated new wizards were aghast and demanded answers.

“What’s going on?! How did you all get so much stronger all of a sudden?”

“Yeah, it’s strange… I do feel like I’ve gotten stronger somehow.”

Even Alfoi found it puzzling. His mana control felt smoother, and the speed at which he cast spells had increased dramatically.

He hadn’t been in a real fight for a while and just assumed it was normal.

After mulling it over briefly, Alfoi declared,

“Construction work makes you stronger! So, if you work hard, you’ll get stronger too!”

It was a baseless statement, thrown out without much thought—but it turned out to be true.

The new wizards had no choice but to nod reluctantly. Meanwhile, Alfoi, who had become a man of countless experiences in this place, ensured thorough management.

“Just telling you to work hard won’t cut it! If you want people to put in effort, you need a contract!”

Without hesitation, he dragged the new wizards off and forced them into slave contracts. His twisted nature wouldn’t let him leave any source of convenience unexploited.

The wizards, who had become slaves overnight, couldn’t contain their resentment.

Looking for someone to vent their anger on, they directed their wrath at Vanessa, who had been diligently working.

“Hey, Vanessa! Do this for me!”

“Make sure my laundry’s done by tonight!”

“You’re as slow as ever, huh? Move faster, will you? Do you want me to punish you again?”

It was a natural occurrence for them. After all, Vanessa had been the maid of the magic tower.

Startled by the sudden threats, Vanessa, who had been living peacefully until now, was visibly flustered.

“Huh? Huh?”

Even though she had reached the 6th Circle, her mana reserves were still critically insufficient. Moreover, the fear ingrained in her since childhood was not something that could easily be shaken off.

As Vanessa stood there, unsure of what to do, one of the wizards bellowed loudly.

“What are you doing? Start with mine already! Are you out of your mind?”

At that moment, Alfoi suddenly charged forward, leapt high into the air, and delivered a fierce kick.

“Are you bastards insane?!”

Whack!

“Ack!”

As the wizard tormenting Vanessa fell, the existing wizards rushed over and began stomping on him in unison.

Thud! Thud! Thud!

“Ow! What are you doing?! Why are you hitting me?!”

The wizard couldn’t comprehend what was happening. These people weren’t noble wizards—they were acting like outright thugs.

Despite the protests, the stomping continued without pause.

“Hey, who do you think you’re bossing around? Don’t you have hands of your own? Wash your own damn laundry, you punk. Better yet, just die already. People like you should do us all a favor and disappear.”

“Do you even realize the atmosphere here? Are you incapable of reading the room? Are you trying to get us all killed? Are you some kind of assassin? Who sent you?”

“If you piss her off, we’re all dead. Want to see your body explode in a pillar of fire? You’d better get your act together!”

The newly arrived wizards were utterly baffled.

In the magic tower, Vanessa had been nothing more than a maid. They assumed she’d be doing menial tasks here as well, assisting with chores.

Back then, they had tormented her together. Why were things suddenly different now?

At that moment, Alfoi’s authoritative voice rang out.

“Enough.”

The beating stopped as Alfoi pointed at Vanessa and continued.

“Vanessa is the Deputy Branch Head of this place. From now on, treat her with the same respect you show me.”

“De… Deputy Branch Head?”

The new wizards had never heard such a thing before. Vanessa, too, looked at Alfoi in shock, her expression bewildered.

Ignoring their reactions, Alfoi barked loudly at the hesitant wizards.

“Did you hear me?! Shout, ‘Deputy Branch Head, we’re sorry!’ right now!”

Resistance was futile against Alfoi’s fists. Forced to comply, they abandoned their pride.

“D-Deputy Branch Head… we’re sorry…”

“Louder!”

“Deputy Branch Head, we’re sorry!”

Satisfied, Alfoi nodded before turning to Vanessa with a much softer tone.

“If they give you any trouble, just let me know, okay? You’re the most outstanding wizard here after me. If you run into anything difficult in your studies, feel free to ask me anytime.”

“Y-Yes…”

“Hey, about that magic circle we were working on earlier… it seems like there’s a bit of an issue. Of course, I can fix it, but I’m a little busy right now…”

“Oh, I’ll take another look at it.”

“Oh, great. Thanks. Wow, she’s really been studying a lot. She can even pick up right where I left off.”

Alfoi and the other wizards looked at Vanessa with satisfied smiles.

It was natural for them to act so cautiously. Over time, they had come to a clear realization.

Without Vanessa, things wouldn’t run smoothly. Whenever a problem related to magic arose, they had no choice but to ask her.

‘When it comes to knowledge, none of us can ever compare to Vanessa. It’s not even close.’

‘She’s a crazy study machine. We’re just bugs—real bugs that eat and crap, nothing more.’

‘Without her vast knowledge, we’d just keel over and die while working.’

If she weren’t around, their workload would double—or worse, the entire operation would grind to a halt.

In practice, whenever Vanessa was busy with other tasks, it became almost impossible to seek her help, leaving them utterly drained.

Every time they worked, the wizards clung to Vanessa for assistance. They even regretted how poorly they had treated her back when they were at the magic tower.

Everyone shared the same sentiment:

‘We can’t live without Vanessa! We have to treat her as well as possible! We can’t risk offending her!’

They pampered her, holding her in the highest regard. And yet, if anyone dared assign her menial tasks or mistreat her?

Those people deserved to die. If not, their own lives were at stake.

The wizards’ instinct to protect Vanessa was nothing short of a desperate survival tactic.

Observing this scene by chance, Ghislain let out a dry chuckle.

“She’s got that kind of talent? They call her the heir of the tower, huh? She’s going to be interesting to watch. Or maybe she’s just got a nasty personality?”

If Alfoi had heard that, he likely would have exploded, demanding to know who Ghislain thought he was to talk that way.

Regardless, Alfoi maintained strict discipline among the wizards and made significant contributions to the development of the Fenris Estate.

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