The Chronicles of a Lost Man in His Forties Founding a Nation ~Commonsense is Hindering Me From Becoming TUEE~ - Chapter 38

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Chapter 38: The Fog of Malice

(Part 1)

In the end, the talk with the Magician Guild was concluded with the following terms:

The Magic Soldier Training Facility shall be temporarily closed down.
Heldol and Tashin are to continue research on the 3 graduates from Gen 1 and Gen 2. If it becomes clear that there is substantial hope for the increase of the project’s safety and efficiency, then the reopening of the Facility may be considered.
The 18 Gen 3 trainees shall continue staying at the Training Facility’s dorms for now.
- Among them, the ones who wish to return to their parents or go independent shall be paid compensation money and let go.
- Among them, those who wish for it will be accepted into the Cabanera Knight Order or introduced to a local merchant house. It is also possible to transfer into the official magic school.
Gio Margils shall instruct applicants from the Gen 3 trainees and any person(s) to be dispatched by the Magician Guild in the techniques for golem production. Instruction must begin within the next 6 months.
In the case of the Magician Guild commencing golem production, the command key must be shared with the city authorities.
From now on, Gio Margils and the Lelis Branch of the Magician Guild shall continue cooperating on matters of anki countermeasures.

♥♦♣♠

“I’ve relieved that we somehow managed to settle everything. Thank you for your help too.”

“...... I merely gave my input as a member of the Guild’s brass.”

After the talks lasted until twilight, here I am being seen off by Claura again at the main door of the Guild.

Despite having gone so far as to suppress the Vice-Leader’s input by threatening him with his corruption, she is still acting as usual.

“You are indeed a lady dedicated to her professional duties. I suppose that’s why you’re looking after someone like me, even though……”

Even though an incomprehensible ossan such as myself must cause you so much trouble—is what I was about to say before being cut short by her sharply raised eyebrow.

“I……” (Claura)

“Actually, forget it. All I wanted to do is tell you that I’m very grateful to you.”

When you make a lady mad, there’s no point in putting up tactless excuses. Putting out the fire speedily is important.

We’ve already had this conversation a few times before, mostly with her shrugging her shoulders and say “Seriously, because you’re like this……” and ending the conversation.

“I……”

Abruptly, Claura gets down on one knee before me and lowers her head deeply.

“Wha-...... What?”

“I, Claura Andel, display deep respect towards the wizard Gio Margils’ immense magic power and noble spirit.”

“O, oi……”

Both her posture and fluent words were delivered without a single flaw. In contrast, it is taking everything that this mere middle-aged salaryman has to not prostrate myself in the same way as her.

Seriously, how am I supposed to respond to this?

In my more than 20 years of being a member of society, I’ve never had the experience of a beautiful lady expressing respect towards me through a knightly bow(?), and neither did the manner book I owned give instructions for this kind of situation. The Claura that I had felt close to as a nakama up till split second ago now suddenly feels terrifyingly far away.

“......”

Fortunately, after Claura shoots me a glance and sees me opening and closing my mouth in shock, she stands right back up.

“Wh-, what was with that, all of a sudden?”

“Nothing much. I merely expressed my honest feelings, not as a high-ranking member of the Magician Guild nor as a noble, but as a single individual.”

“I, I see…… Thank you, I guess?”

“Why do you sound so unsure?! In spite of the fact that I just offered you my respect!”

“Ahh, umu. You’re right.”

“Seriously…… So, what are you going to do now?”

“Well, I’m returning to Irudo’s mansion……”

“Not that! I’m asking if you plan to continue fighting against anki from now on.”

“Uoh.”

Claura reaches out to pull my earlobe, but I manage to evade it by ducking. What happened to your respect, woman?!

“...... Ahh. Rather than fighting against anki, I intend to protect people from anki. Though it’s something that I set my mind on only recently.”

“...... Is that so.”

For a split second, Claura’s green eyes widened slightly.

“Ultimately, I wish to form an alliance for the sake of fighting against anki. Well, there is still a lot of preparations that I need to make. And also, if……”

Yes, the people that I really want to add as my staff are Sedam and Claura. Though it can be said that they’re the only people I know……

“Please do not finish that sentence. What I just said was merely my own feelings. As a magician, I…… I am merely a member of the Guild.”

So says Claura in almost a mutter while looking down. Being level-headed about these kinds of things is one of the reasons why I find her trustworthy.

“That’s true. Apologies. However, as the Magician Guild’s Claura…… I expect we’ll be cooperating with each other from now on, yes?”

“......”

Claura squints as if she wants to say something, but eventually just sticks out a hand without any words.

The two of us exchange a firm handshake then each go our own way.

♥♦♣♠

“Waah, thank you Gio-san!!”

Mora is currently in high spirits due to the baked sweets that I’d bought for her on my way back to Irudo’s mansion. These refreshing cookies that have fruits buried inside go extremely well with the shil tea that she’s poured for me.

“Margils-sama. About the meeting with the Council Chairman, how does tomorrow morning sound? Apparently the other side also wishes to meet you as soon as possible.”

So says Irudo while munching on the same cookies.

“Ahh, no problem. That helps.”

“Duly acknowledged. I shall send them our response. On a different matter, it would be strange for Great Wizard-sama to traverse the city on foot, so I shall arrange for a carriage. I apologize for not having thought of it early today.”

“N-, no, you’re almost too thoughtful already.”

“Thank you for saying so. About the employing of servants for your castle, negotiations are still going on. Please give me a bit more time.”

“Ahh, that matter is not of any particular urgency at the moment.”

“...... Speaking of which, there is something that needs to be brought to your attention.”

“Brought to your attention”—it’s always been me saying that phrase, to presidents of our client companies. Same as what Claura did earlier, being treated in all these ways that I’m not accustomed to really makes me conscious of my current standing. Well, it’s not like I have any other option but to get accustomed.

“It seems that there are people sniffing around in regards to Margils-sama. Although they haven’t come into direct contact with the shop or mansion, they have been sending others in to do some probing, interviewing people in the vicinity, and other such.”

“...... Is, is that so……”

Trying to investigate me, most likely.

“Father, who is it that is looking into Gio-san?”

“No idea. After all, I’m sure that every single person of influence in Lelis has their full attention on Margils-dono at the moment.”

Which means that the entire city is suspect. I suppose anyone would be curious. If they’re just investigating, then I don’t really mind, but…… There is now a certain tension in the air different from one during the fights I’ve had against anki.

“Could it be that you’re also being tailed?”

“Hmm, not that I’ve noticed.”

“Is that so. With consideration also for tomorrow’s schedule, should I arrange a few escorts for you?”

Exactly how resourceful and thoughtful is Irudo. Is this the standard for merchants in Sedia? I remember hearing that he’s at least successful enough for his name to be worth something in the Merchant Guild, so I’d like to think that his ability is above average. Back when I was in my company, how easy things would have been if I had a subordinate as exceptional as him—or not. I might have ended up being the one who falls out of favor with him.

“No need. It would be better not to something unnecessary that others might interpret as provocation. After all, I’m Lelis’ ally. This issue should be resolved as long as I properly get that message across to the Council Chairman tomorrow.”

Another way to look at it is that if the surveillance and/or interference persists afterwards, then it means I have a real enemy. Enemy…… huh. That would mean another human being, wouldn’t it……

“Gio-san, are you sure you’ll be alright?”

“There is no need to worry about me. Rather, it would give me more peace of mind if Irudo and Mora take precautions just in case.”