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Return of The 8th Class Mage (Web Novel) - Chapter 125. Ivory Tower’s Council Meeting (2)
Chapter 125. Ivory Tower’s Council Meeting (2)
This chapter is updated by NovelFree.ml
Princess Haileyy’s sentence was a 5 years of deferment, Kevin, the imperial palace’s sorcerer, who had faked her mana test results, received the same 5 years of deferment as Princess Haileyy’s supporting sorcerer, and the servant girls and several others all received not guilty verdicts as the circumstances were beyond their controls.
“Then the next item…”
Ian spoke with an exaggerated clapping of his hands.
“What about me? A not guilty verdict would be difficult since I do not have the excuse of having been under circumstances that were beyond my control. Furthermore, even if the offense arose during the investigation process on behalf of the kingdom, an offense is still an offense.”
“That, that is……”
Deckard was caught off guard by the sudden question from Ian. If Ian had not spoken up, it would have been a matter that would have been quietly swept under the rug. No one had the guts to hand down punishment to that tower lord of the Ivory Tower.
“Sometimes, virtue can put a blanket over crimes.”
All the high sorcerers were flustered. Only the voice of Ronan vibrated throughout the assembly room.
“My lord, you were also under the circumstances that were beyond your control. When you first discovered her, wasn’t it during the time when you did not know much? The same thing can apply to the offense of unlawfully passing down sorcery. Perhaps, it was the only decision that was viable to you in order to investigate the 5th prince. It would have been preferred to have had the issue brought to our attention, but in the end, it has prevented the king’s assassination attempt by poison.”
Although it was a blind attempt, a ray of reason was brought forward. Since a long time ago, that is, since he had shown his true self in the neutral city or Demirah, he switched to being a follower of Ian.
“My lord, was it not that there were many occasions in which you’ve saved the kingdom? The virtues that have been accumulated are well beyond the price of your offense. How then can we ask you to pay the price for your offense? To hand down a sentence to such a hero just because of the sorcerers’ mere partisan struggles? In fact, such a decision would only denigrate the reputation of the Ivory Tower.”
Even Ian felt too embarrassed to be subjected to hearing Ronan any further. That’s how blind Ronan’s praise of Ian was. Yet, it was definitely convincing as well. It was as if Ronan was a seasoned, loyal politician.
“If there was anyone who needs to pay for the offense, it would be everyone inside the Ivory Tower, not you, my lord! Have we not made everyone suffer by serving Herbert Leon, the arrogant one who had even practiced black magic, as our master? If anyone needs to pay for a crime, it must be us, yes us!”
By now, even the other high sorcerers worked so hard to stop themselves from cracking out into laughter. They all remembered it so well. When the first news of young Ian Page was reported to the Ivory Tower, wasn’t it Ronan who so strongly insisted on putting a leash on him? Was it not the same Ronan? But now, he put a leash on himself. He is even wagging his own tail like a dog. To put it in to good terms, it was a display of perfect political maneuvering, but to put it in to bad terms, he is a bastard with no shame.
“…… I understand your opinion, Ronan.”
“Ahem! Everyone must think logically.”
Ronan recited until the end, even with a warning. He looked over to Ian quickly. Was he expecting to be praised?
‘Ha……’
Ian nodded his head slightly. If he didn’t do that, he would have been subjected to a continuous barrage of embarrassing praises.
‘Even in the former life it wasn’t like this, I don’t think.’
Of course, he had a similar personality, as he was the first to approach while Ivory Tower was being overtaken. Even so, his behavior has become much more severe this time around.
‘I suppose, it was sort of too late in the former life.’
Ronan’s first priority was accomplishing high level of magic. Although in the former life, his loyalty was high since Ian shared a new breathing technique and a lot of information, he was already in his old age. That is, there were limitations as to the growth-speed that he could have achieved. But, this life is a different story. Ian showed him many things in his early years, and as a result, the growth and confidence were incredible.
‘You are at the brink of the 5th class?’
Presently, Ronan is a 4th class master. He will soon reach the level of the 5th class. Naturally, he was only left with one option, and that was to be completely loyal.
“Now, for the several charges that are brought up against the Tower lord, is there anyone who wishes to speak of them? If you do, please feel free to speak out.”
Deckard put up the final check. Of course, no one stepped forward. No one considered stepping forward to begin with, and Ronan’s speech has already placed the final mark by this time.
“……”
As the silence pervaded the room, Deckard was not able to come to a conclusion with ease either. He seemed to be weighing on what to do. Ian also read what was going on. It was his turn to finish the meeting once and for all.
“I understand.”
Ian stood up. Then he returned to his seat, the ‘seat of the Ivory Tower Lord’, that is, the highest seat in the assembly room.
“As for the payment for my offense that rose from my carelessness, I will dedicate myself to the empire and the Ivory Tower and repay little by little. Further, I will no longer plan or act on my own, and no matter what plans I pursue I will first seek guidance from you, the senior members, who are present here today.”
Ian’s voice was filled with due respect. Of course even if he was to pursue something all by himself, there wouldn’t be any problems. Especially since it was after he had already demonstrated the power that was equivalent to a god. However, there will be limits to that kind of control. Even if he had to take a longer route, it was important to earn their trust, so that no one would make attempts at stabbing him on the back. That was the decision that Ian has made for his second life.
“By the way, I would need to seek your advice already. I’d like to close the trial and move on to the next subject on the agenda. Would you agree to continue?”
The high sorcerers nodded to Ian’s request. Instead of dismissing them, the Ivory Tower Lord who has reached the level of sorcery that was beyond imagination was treating them as his seniors, with great respect. How couldn’t they feel good about something like that? People’s emotions are simplistic and silly at times.
“Then except the high ranking sorcerers, the rest of you may clear the room. The sorcerers who are standing by outside will lead the way.”
As per Ian’s instructions, Haileyy, the princess, the servant girls and Kevin, the imperial palace’s sorcerer stood up from their seats. Then they headed toward the large, iron gate in order to exit the room.
“Your highness.”
Then Ian’s voice caused the princess to stop. Were there any other issues that needed to be addressed? With her heart pounding, the princess turned to look back. But, something unexpected was being said to her.
“Please come this way and take your seat.”
“What? How, how can I……?”
“Your highness is a high sorcerer as well.”
That was right. Although a few conditions have been placed on her, Haileyy Greenriver, the princess, was being treated as a high sorcerer of the Ivory Tower. She has earned the right to be present in these meetings.
“But, but I still do not know any……”
“That is why I’m asking you to take a seat. You would need to learn what you do not know. What exactly is being done and how these things are being done, and what you have to do. Do you not agree?”
“……Ah!”
Was it because of the unsettled feeling that rose from the trial?
Her sense of comprehension has become quite duller than the usual.
***
The first council meeting of the Ivory Tower of the 509th anniversary of the empire’s founding. That event has come to a smooth closure. Several matters of discussions were put forth after the trial and for the most part, all the issues were addressed in positive manner. The dawn of the new-year was rather satisfactory.
Tuck, Tuck, Tuck……
Ian was riding a horse carriage for the first time in a long while. Was it because he has been counting on teleportation and like magic for a while? Now, even the horse carriage ride seemed very unfamiliar.
‘Have I been living a very hardened life……?’
Horse carriage ride wasn’t unfamiliar at all even in the former life. Of course the horse carriage ride wasn’t the only unfamiliar thing. The lady that rode the horse carriage with him was also unfamiliar. Well, rather than unfamiliar……
‘……Awkward.’
Ian took a subtle peek. There he saw a picturesque profile of Haileyy, the most beautiful woman, the princess, who even earned a conditional high sorcerer title.
‘Should have not been riding together’
It wasn’t Ian’s proposal. It was the princess’ request all along. He accepted her request without giving much thought. I didn’t realize how awkward it could be.
“Well……”
Was the princess not able to hold herself much longer in this awkwardness? She began a conversation.
“Please speak.”
“……Thank you. Teacher.”
Her first words were a thank you.
“What about, your highness?”
“That you personally took control of the meeting…”
The princess was not dumb. Ian did not need to step forward in his position, yet he came forward without any hesitation. What could possibly be the reason?
“Thanks to you, the servant girls and Sir Kevin were spared from any punishments. Although I am embarrassed to say, even I, who have committed the offense, got off free.”
“Your highness was not found innocent. It has simply been deferred.”
“That- that is true, still……”
Was it because of Ian’s cold response? Princess’ voice became smaller.
“Well, it’s good that you understand.”
“……What, what?”
“That is, it’s good that you know why I stepped forward, and by me stepping forward, what benefits you’ve reaped. Should I explain further?”
“No, no!”
The princess raised her voice without even recognizing it. The silence returned soon after. She must have been embarrassed about the response a moment ago.
“In fact.”
Ian smiled lightly upon seeing her that way.
“There is no need to be so thankful.”
“What are you saying all of a sudden…”
“Your highness has rescued my family, have you not?”
Princess Haileyy had saved Ian’s family during the chaotic attack by the dragon soldiers. Since he considers his family’s safety to be the top priority, above his own safety, that act was the ultimate act of grace for Ian.
“I should be the one to be thanking you. Today is just a part of showing my appreciation.”
“That, that was just by my brother’s order…”
“While I’m at it, I would like to give you another token of my appreciation.”
“……What?”
Out of the spatial pouch that was around his waist band, Ian brought out a blue robe. It was the imperial robe artifact, the ‘Michel Greenriver Robe.’
“By tomorrow, the news of you, rising to the position of high sorcerer would be widely spread throughout the empire. This robe has also found its rightful owner.”
Michel Greenriver Robe was left with a will that only allowed it to be passed down to a sorcerer in the imperial family line. And today, almost 300 years later, a high sorcerer, representing the imperial family was born.
“But, but this is the item that was given by the highness……”
“Act first, report later is one of the discretionary authorities of the tower lord.”
Ian continued to speak.
“I will give first and will report later.”
“……”
Princess Haileyy took the robe cautiously. The artifact that is passed down generations to only the sorcerers of the imperial family was in her possession.
“And this is……”
Ian’s repayment did not stop there. In fact, this time around was the true form of repayment. It was none other than the staff of the Great Prairie. Only the communications tunnel at the end has been removed.
“About now, your highness should also have a staff of your own.”
Ian had received the staff, a master piece, created by Zerbio, the carpenter. He no longer had the need for the staff of the Great Prairie. Yet, it would be a waste to let it go rotten somewhere. It is much better than having somebody look after it.
‘It is one hundred folds better for the princess to have it.’
As a way to show appreciation and repay for protecting his family, and for a sorcerer, the most honorable thing to do is to have someone most trustworthy to keep his things. It was perhaps, the most prudent choice that he could have made.
“Ah……!”
It appears as if the princess was showing greater interest in the staff than in the robe. That was understandable. A staff was a symbolic item to a sorcerer, and the princess has never had anything that significant before. Even if in casual play, she would find it very difficult to just hold it.
“Wow!”
She was also a sorcerer. She was able to feel the emanating force of the Great Prairie from the staff. It felt very new, yet extremely pleasing. It was not very unusual for her to react like a child.
“Do you like it?”
“Like it, of course!”
“How much do you like it?”
“Great , greatly……”
Princess Haileyy who has been demonstrating her natural silliness closed her mouth shut. She even closed her arms that were widely stretched out as she was showing her excitement. Only that it was impossible to stop her face from turning red. It would be tough even for a high sorcerer.
“……”
All the while, the hand that held the staff was stubbornly strong. She must have really liked the staff of the Great Prairie.
“For your information, if you put on that robe, you will be able to freely fly around. One of the robe’s effects is enhancing fly spell.”
“Ah! That’s how you were able to……”
“That’s correct.”
Haileyy thought about the freely flying Ian. Then immediately, she proceeded to put on the robe. Just like when Ian first put it on, it automatically adjusted to fit into her physique.
“Wow! Unbelievable!”
Did she already forget how embarrassed she was just a moment ago? The princess again became exhilarated. This time, she didn’t even feel embarrassed at all.
Thrrrrung!
Ever since Ian formed a personal bond with Haileyy, he felt that beyond her cultured appearance and speech, there was a rather rough and animated side of her. The woman in front of him has already flung open the carriage door and began to throw herself out of it.
“Fly!”
Her body rose into the open sky right out of the horse carriage. She appeared to be somewhat cumbersome at first, but then she soon took control.
‘She must be very excited.’
Chuckling, Ian looked at the spatial pouch. There was another person who had protected his family during the dragon soldiers attack, the princess wasn’t the only one who helped.
‘There is one more person.’
The captain of the 2nd imperial knights. The crowned prince’s body guard. The master swords man of the Greenriver.
‘Oliver Raywood.’
Isn’t he also a benefactor? There was also a thing of value to repay him with. But there may be a problem with it.
‘Perhaps, it would be too much.’
Of course, the safety of his family was greater than any value that any artifact could hold as far as Ian was concerned. Still, the question of whether presenting the sword, the master piece that blacksmith Halia has created, to Oliver was a good thing or not was still debatable. This was an issue that was on a completely different plain than having given the robe or the staff to the princess.
“Hmm.”
When he first laid his eyes on the sword, and when he heard that Oliver was enthusiastic in rescuing his family, Ian had already decided at that time. That is, he will give Halia’s master piece to Oliver. Yet, as time passed, that decision has become nebulous.
‘It isn’t that I want to keep it for myself. It is only that I am concerned.’
No matter how many times and how hard it was thought over, it wasn’t that Ian wanted it for himself. It is only that there was a concern. It wasn’t only a single concern either. Many concerns became intertwined to complicate Ian’s ability to make such a decision.
“Sir, we have arrived.”
As he was deep in his thoughts. The horseman’s voice was heard. It was because they have arrived at their destination. The destination was in front of Ian’s residence.
“Thank you very much. It seems that the highness would be occupied like that in her present manner for a while… So, let’s watch her and take the route to the imperial palace. I believe she will continue to follow the horse carriage.”
Ian passed on the request. He gave several silver coins to the horseman. Immediately, the ends of horseman’s lips touched his own ears .
“I mean, this is too much……”
“Please do so as I requested.”
“I will do so as you’ve commanded.”
Ian got out of the carriage. The princess was still spinning around in the air. She didn’t even leave the staff. It was possible that she has forgotten that they have arrived at the front door of Ian’s residence. Is she that excited? There was no doubt, of course, that Ian once had a similar experience.
‘Although I don’t remember.’
Ian raised his shoulders. And at the same time, he walked towards the house. But then someone came out of the house. They were two unfamiliar men.
“What did I say? What has fallen?”
“No, I certainly saw it?”
“You were mistaken. They said nothing happened?”
On a closer look, they were in empire army uniforms of the capitol. That is, they appeared to be capitol guards.
“What is going on?”
Ian asked them.
“Lord, Ivory Tower Lord!”
The two guards greeted with deep bow.
“Has anything happened?”
“Ah, that, that is……”
The guards didn’t know what to do. Then the one in the right stepped forward.
“Something fell on to the property. Initially, I thought it was a person, so I thought perhaps, my lord, it was you, but then the size appeared to be too big. Wing like things seemed to be on it also. So, we came to check on it……”
“Hey, look! We are not certain what it is, it’s not appropriate to report it to the Tower Lord? You were mistaken, I said? My lord, please do not be too concerned. Based on our investigation, there weren’t any issues, and Mrs. Page has personally verified for us. My colleague seems to be quite overworked recently. Haha.”
“That’s not true. I truly saw them with my eyes……!”
“Ahem! Man, why do you keep this up?”
The guards have walked far away already. Ian thought for a second while observing them. A large human with wings. He know of one such entity.
‘Dragonian?’
A short time after that Ian’s estimation was found to be accurate.
