Chapter 113

Chapter 113
## Chapter 113

Lucian, who had been on the verge of cuffing the back of Colin’s neck, paused mid-motion and let out a weary breath.

“I suppose we must accept that duplicating this is out of the question.”

“I beg your pardon? What are you… Oh.”

It was only in that moment that Colin recalled the reality he had temporarily pushed aside.

Dragons were entities that had vanished from the face of the mainland long ago. Although they were frequently mentioned in ancient texts and a handful of relics forged from their skeletal remains or scales had survived the ages, the final recorded encounter with a living specimen dated back more than ten centuries. For all practical purposes, they were a myth of the past.

‘The subsequent ingredients are even more problematic. What? Giants and sea folk?’

Giants were a race that flourished in an era even preceding the reign of dragons. Even in manuscripts from the time when dragons were still dominant, the phrase ‘the already departed giants’ was a common trope. Finding a giant would have been a monumental task even during the period this volume was penned.

The mermaids occupied an even more elusive category. While dragons and giants at least held a place in formal chronicles, mermaids were strictly the stuff of children’s fables. In a sense, this specific handbook stood as the solitary piece of evidence that such creatures had ever walked—or swam—the earth.

‘The only creature with even a remote chance of being found is a sprite, but there is no path to locating one.’

A heavy sigh escaped Lucian. He had harbored the hope that he had discovered a method for producing artifacts, yet not one of the essential components was within reach.

“I—I am deeply sorry. I allowed my enthusiasm to cloud my judgment before verifying the details…”

“Do not dwell on it. It is an artifact, after all; a certain level of fervor is expected. More importantly, what of the remaining volumes? Surely they aren’t all focused on artifact construction?”

Since artifacts did not all share identical properties, their component requirements would naturally vary. However, given the immense capability of an artifact, the labor involved in their creation was likely to be equally staggering regardless of the specific item. If the other books were merely more artifact guides, they would be of no practical use.

Fortunately, Colin provided the reassurance Lucian was seeking.

“I haven’t scrutinized every page yet, but based on the inscriptions on the bindings, they appear to be blueprints for standard enchanted items. There seems to be a significant assortment, ranging from martial equipment to common household implements.”

“That is a relief. Although, I will reserve my judgment until I have surveyed the necessary materials.”

Having been so thoroughly disappointed by the artifact manual, Lucian was now feeling cynical about the others. What if the components for these everyday tools were also comprised of items that haven’t been seen for a millennium?

Noticing the shadow on Lucian’s face, Colin hurried to bow his head.

“It is only the threshold for crafting true artifacts that is so preposterously high; most enchanted objects are not nearly as daunting to produce. Furthermore, the required elements can often be replaced with suitable alternatives, so I beg you not to fret.”

“Is the process truly that straightforward?”

“It is manageable as long as one comprehends the intended purpose. The directions within these texts are far more comprehensive than I anticipated, so there will be no need for endless experimentation with different substances.”

Lucian gave a small nod at Colin’s assertion. If a professional felt that level of certainty, he likely had good reason for it.

Lucian was prepared to step aside and permit Colin to continue his cataloging when a sudden thought struck him.

“As an aside, what sort of capability does that particular artifact possess that it demands such impossible ingredients?”

Lucian had only been informed that it was a manual for an artifact; he hadn’t actually learned the nature of the object itself. Colin, who had also been too captivated by the concept of an ‘artifact’ to look closer, quickly turned to the concluding pages.

“Let me see… this particular device is identified as a Weather Regulation Instrument.”

“A Weather Regulation Instrument?”

“Indeed. It claims it can alter the atmospheric conditions over a remarkably expansive territory. However, its utility is restricted to plummeting the temperature, summoning fierce snowstorms and gales to transform the region into a frozen wasteland where human life cannot be sustained…”

Colin, who had been reciting the passage, suddenly faltered. He cut his sentence short and turned to look at Lucian, his complexion turning ashen.

Lucian had arrived at the exact same realization, so he simply offered a grim, silent nod.

‘Unnatural freezing temperatures, a winter that never breaks, and an unending cycle of heavy snow and ice storms.’

In Lucian’s experience, there was only a single location within the borders of the Empire that fit that description.

‘The North.’

The frigid climate there was so extreme that the populace referred to it as a divine condemnation. The lingering doubt that the cold might actually be a man-made calamity began to solidify in his mind.

—

The aides who stepped out from the vault were vibrating with excitement. Those who had been aware of its existence were elated that the doors were finally open, while those who had been in the dark were staggered by the epiphany that, with such resources, any goal was attainable.

However, amidst the fervor, the Sword Saint Eisen remained perfectly still.

“Initially, we must recruit personnel,” Eisen remarked to Lucian, his tone carrying the weight of his veteran status. He was suggesting that Lucian should determine who would be tasked with analyzing the inheritance before making its existence known to the public.

“Unless your intention is to bait a trap, there is no requirement to expose the treasury just yet. If you reveal it prematurely, opportunists will begin circling for no benefit.”

Lucian signaled his agreement with Eisen’s counsel. Whether in the realms of trade or scholarship, those who offered assistance always expected to claim a portion of the reward. If Lucian publicized the find now, noblemen seeking to grab a share of the spoils would arrive in droves. If he established the division of assets beforehand, they would be left with nothing but their own resentment.

It was wise guidance, but Lucian faced hurdles that made it impossible to implement.

“You are correct, but I have little choice because I am currently in need of that very ‘bait.’”

“Do you have a particular set of skills in mind?”

“Not precisely, but sorcerers will only congregate here if there is a compelling reason placed directly before them.”

The eyes of the retainers shifted toward Colin. They had retained Colin to oversee magical investigations, yet Lucian was speaking of recruiting more mages. Colin let out a soft sigh under the pressure of their collective gaze.

“It is humiliating to confess, but this is not a realm where I can achieve results in isolation. This is the sort of endeavor that would occupy a large assembly of mages for several years…”

“Can you not simply recruit individuals from your own academy? There is no reason to divide the profits with outsiders,” Hugo intervened, his inquiry as blunt as a hammer blow.

Colin offered a pained smile. “It is not a matter of sharing. It is simply that the Celestial School lacks the necessary numbers.”

“…You refer to yourselves as a school, and yet your numbers are so few?”

“This is actually a significant count. The majority of the traditions that have managed to survive to this day consist of perhaps two or three individuals.”

Colin went on to clarify that they had to remain underground; recklessly expanding the number of pupils only served to heighten the danger of being targeted in an Imperial purge.

Only then did Eisen grasp the gravity of the situation, his forehead creasing. “I see. In that case, we are left with no option but to broadcast the existence of the archive first.”

“Mages notwithstanding, it is also a fantasy to proceed without the backing of other lords. The resources provided to us by the Throne will not sustain us indefinitely.”

Until recently, Asagrim was a land under the direct administration of the Crown and was widely viewed as a dead zone. Consequently, no established commerce routes existed. While the region would naturally become vibrant as the population increased, it would take a great deal of time for news to travel and for traders to assemble. To rapidly develop a trade district and ensure a steady flow of goods, they had to depend on the cooperation of other noble houses in the early stages.

“We must create a foundation for self-reliance with as little debt as possible before we become tethered to others. Once the markets are flowing, Asagrim will serve as the heartbeat of trade.”

“Do you have a collaborator in mind?” Eisen inquired, his voice laced with apprehension.

The world was crowded with fools who would attempt to play the master over even a trivial debt. If Lucian picked the wrong individual to borrow from, it could result in a never-ending string of complications.

However, Lucian beamed a bright smile, appearing entirely at ease.

“Naturally, I do. Friends who will be delighted to offer their assistance.”

—

The conflict over the Grimaldi heritage had reached its conclusion. Lucian had come out as the undisputed master of the situation, while Calix had plummeted so far that the total collapse of his lineage was an inevitability.

The people of the North had flocked to Lucian’s side following the changing of the guard, but there were those who were unable to do so even if they wished—the heads of the coalition who had staked everything on their support for Calix.

“What course of action remains for us?”

Herman, the patriarch of the House of Glauber, addressed the other lords who shared his dire circumstances. He held out hope that by pooling their wits, they might find an escape from their impossible predicament.

However, the noblemen merely traded glances, remaining locked in silence. When the quiet became unbearable, Herman slammed his fist onto the wooden table.

“Stop sitting there like statues! Offer a suggestion! We must find a path to survival!”

“…”

“…”

In spite of Herman’s furious outburst, not a single person spoke up. Just as Herman was on the verge of disbanding the gathering out of pure exasperation—

“Half of you are lackeys who have no clue how to proceed, and the other half are delusional fools who believe that doing nothing will mend the situation. Truly a spectacle.”

The mockery emanating from the doorway of the chamber caused the tempers of Herman and the other guests to flare. All the key figures were already in attendance, so this had to be some late-arriving nobody speaking with such arrogance!

“Who dares—!”

Herman leaped up in a fury, only to freeze where he stood. The person who had uttered the insult was someone who had never been issued an invite.

“Salutations. I recognize some fresh faces, and some I have encountered previously. I am uncertain if you all recognize my identity.”

“Of course we recognize you. Are you not the deviant who brought low his own father, ended his sibling, and seized the title of Family Head?”

“A deviant, you say.”

Lesta, the leader of the House of Beor, gave a low chuckle at Herman’s accusation.

“Aren’t the true deviants the individuals huddled in this room? You have managed to squander the honor your noble forebears spent centuries building in a single heartbeat.”

“…!”

“It is truly a marvel. How can you walk around with such pride? If I were in your boots, I would be consumed with anxiety over what lies to tell my ancestors when I meet them in the beyond.”

“You arrogant wretch…!”

Just as Herman, pushed beyond his limit, lunged forward to seize Lesta by the collar, a sudden proposition fell from Lesta’s mouth, his mocking smile evaporating.

“His Grace, Duke Lucian, desires to witness your sincerity.”

“What? Sincerity?”

“He states that he requires contributions to reclaim the ancient prestige of Asagrim. He is prepared to take labor or physical assets, so as long as you demonstrate the appropriate sincerity…”

“What sort of madness is this!” Herman bellowed.

Sincerity? It was merely a polite term for stripping them of their fortunes by using their past actions as a weapon.

“We severed all connections with Calix long ago following the plot against the Duke! On what basis does he demand ‘sincerity’ from us?!”

“You are well aware of the reason. It is for the offense of backing a traitor with your full heart and resources until this very moment.”

“Don’t make me laugh! He intends to label us as insurrectionists merely because of old alliances? Fine, let him try! Let us see just how powerful this brat of a Duke actually is!”

At Herman’s proclamation, the other noblemen nodded, their faces hardening with newfound courage. The reason they had stayed quiet even while witnessing Calix’s ruin was simple: if they all rebelled in unison, they would constitute a military force that could not be easily brushed aside. Unless Lucian intended to ignite a civil war, he would be forced to ignore their previous transgressions.

Lesta, sensing the misplaced confidence in the room, let out a smirk.

“How can you all be so incredibly slow? Why do you think His Grace did not bother coming here in person? All he has to do is designate who the traitors are, and the game is over.”

“What?”

“If you decline, he will simply cleave this assembly right down the center. He will pledge to fully pardon one side and never mention their history again. Then, he will brand the other side as rebels and proclaim that anyone who conquers them may keep their entire domain. What do you imagine will occur then?”

“…!”