[Translator - Kiteretsu]

    [Proofreader - Kyros]

    Chapter 71

    Swoosh.

    "So, this is the place where the owner of the S-class Mana Suit resides."

    "Yes, Princess Violet is the owner of the S-class Mana Suit, Glacia."

    Standing beside the white knight as he flipped through the report, Krundal maintained a respectful posture.

    "The number of magic towers is considerable."

    "The preservation of the territory is quite advanced."

    "The number and activity of the Civil Squads are also decent."

    The white knight nodded repeatedly, offering continuous positive assessments.

    ‘Does this mean it’s worth saving?’

    Just as Krundal breathed a quiet sigh of relief—

    "Wait."

    The white knight’s hand paused as he turned a page.

    "The Fairy Tower?"

    "Yes, it’s a magic tower primarily run by elves."

    "Non-human species hold this much influence?"

    "Yes, their elemental magic is essential for crafting high-grade Mana Suits, so..."

    "That’s the problem."

    "Excuse me?"

    "Why are they allowed to amass power as a faction instead of being directly managed under the tower?"

    The white knight shook his head in disapproval.

    It seemed to be a significant mark against the evaluation of the Bormian Kingdom.

    ‘Why is this a problem?’

    Krundal felt a sense of unjust grievance.

    Though the Fairy Tower belonged to a different race, it had greatly contributed to the power of the Bormian Kingdom...

    Why is this considered a demerit?

    “This one thing really doesn’t sit well with me.”

    Rip!

    The White Knight tore out the report concerning the Fairy Tower and set it aside, as if to isolate it.

    Then, while reviewing the subsequent reports, the knight suddenly paused again.

    “A talent of the Sixth Circle, is it?”

    At those words, Krundal’s face lit up.

    “Yes. This kingdom has a Meister with Sixth Circle talent!”

    “But they are affiliated with the Fairy Tower, correct?”

    “...Yes.”

    The White Knight, frowning as they stared at the report, asked again.

    “Are they a native of this kingdom?”

    “Yes.”

    “Then, this kingdom is worth saving.”

    The White Knight, who had hesitated earlier due to the Fairy Tower, finally decided to spare the kingdom upon hearing about the Sixth Circle Meister.

    ‘Thank goodness.’

    Just as Krundal breathed a quiet sigh of relief—

    Fwaaaaaa!

    The White Knight’s armor shone brilliantly white before vanishing entirely.

    In its place stood a silver-haired woman, dressed in a pure-white priestess’s robe.

    ‘What...’

    A stunningly beautiful woman with doll-like features.

    Her petite frame and youthful appearance made her seem like a young girl, but Krundal couldn’t help but associate her with someone.

    “L-Lady Saintess...”

    The Saintess, Theresia.

    The most prominent figure listed at the very top of the investigative records Krundal had received.

    He hadn’t expected the White Knight, who arrived first, to turn out to be the Saintess herself.

    “Branch Chief, I must meet this kingdom’s king.”

    As she removed the armor, even her tone softened.

    Saintess Theresia smiled warmly at Krundal, a smile that embodied the very image of the Saintess as the world perceived her.

    Myorn’s Laboratory

    “Eldir, you were also a Sword Master?”

    Myorn, her voice filled with surprise, looked at Eldir standing before her.

    She had known him as a skilled Spirit Swordsman in his prime, but a Sword Master?

    “Exactly. Speaking of which...”

    Whoosh.

    Myorn pulled out another gauntlet.

    Unlike the Normal, this one was black, inscribed with intricate and chaotic magic circles.

    “This is a newly developed mana suit. I’ve named it Expert.”

    “From Normal to Expert, huh?”

    “Yeah. After studying Drake’s magic circles, I had an epiphany and decided to incorporate the concept.”

    She developed the Expert right after gaining insight from those magic circles?

    ‘Impressive.’

    She’d been criticized endlessly for only producing junk, yet...

    Eldir was reminded once again that Myorn was the Dwarf Queen.

    “But even I feel like this one might be a bit dangerous. I was hesitant to let Alkas test it.”

    Eldir’s expression turned incredulous.

    “And yet, you think it’s fine for me?”

    “You’re a Sword Master, aren’t you?”

    “Unbelievable. You said there was nothing to do, but clearly, you had something in mind all along.”

    “There are tasks that even the drunken Eldir can’t handle, after all.”

    So that’s why she dangled the alcohol in front of him—to test his resolve.

    Eldir smirked bitterly.

    “Fine. I’ll repay the lessons I’ve received from Lord Kaylen.”

    At the highest tower of the Magic Academy, in the conference room.

    All eight Superior Mages of this term were gathered.

    “Let’s begin the Eight Mages’ Assembly.”

    The assembly, hosted by Superior Mages, was less a formal meeting and more of a social gathering—a networking event for successful graduates.

    That had always been its purpose—until this year.

    Present were Princess Violet, the Supreme Mage and a key figure in the faction of the first prince, and Lioness, the heir of the Oblaine Ducal House, which backed the second prince’s faction.

    With major players from the increasingly hostile factions present, the atmosphere in the conference room was far from the usual friendly gathering.

    “What brings you to host this assembly, Supreme Mage?”

    “Hehe. Since when did we need a reason to hold the Eight Mages’ Assembly? It’s just an opportunity for the Superior Mages of this term to strengthen their camaraderie.”

    “Oh? Does that mean you want to get closer to me as well?”

    “No. I expected you to take the hint and not show up.”

    “Apologies. I must’ve missed that.”

    “Indeed. Don’t attend next time.”

    From the moment they met, Princess Violet and Lioness exchanged sharp words, setting a tense tone for the meeting.

    At Violet''s remark, the remaining Superior Mages exchanged uneasy glances, the tension in the room palpable.

    ‘Judging by the atmosphere, this cohort is a lost cause. Building connections here will be tough.’

    ‘Other cohorts used these meetings to form networks and thrive afterward... but this one?’

    ‘Why on earth are those two in the same year? What bad luck.’

    To make matters worse, this cohort had an additional complication.

    “Princess, are you telling me to leave? Kaylen, should I go?” Lioness said with feigned innocence.

    “If you’re going to leave, do so alone. Don’t drag Lord Kaylen into it,” Violet snapped.

    “I was just planning to leave with a close junior. Isn’t that right, Kaylen?”

    “Our relationship is far closer than yours,” Violet countered, her voice laced with determination.

    The room’s focus shifted to Kaylen, a prodigious mage known for his natural aptitude with the Sixth Circle. Both major figures in the room had set their sights on him, leaving the rest of the attendees to awkwardly spectate.

    If Kaylen weren’t present, the rivalry might have spurred a more heated competition for influence. Instead, the other Superior Mages felt like idle bystanders.

    ‘What a mess.’

    Kaylen smirked internally, observing their behavior with quiet amusement.

    ‘Seriously, what are they doing? This isn’t a playground.’

    He finally broke the standoff. “Enough. Let’s take our seats.”

    As the tension between Violet and Lioness momentarily eased, Kaylen raised his hand to address Violet.

    “Princess, does this mean there’s no set agenda for today’s meeting?”

    “No, there is a topic,” Violet replied, her sharp gaze sweeping across the room. She paused for effect before continuing.

    “You’re all aware that the Dungeon Guild has recently suspended the Civil Squad’s activities, correct?”

    “Yes,” the group responded in unison.

    “And here’s something new I’ve just learned: the Saintess has made an appearance at the Dungeon Guild.”

    The room stirred at this unexpected revelation.

    The Saintess?

    Kaylen’s eyes widened at the mention of the name, clearly caught off guard.

    “This meeting’s topic,” Violet declared, her voice clear and commanding, “will begin with the Saintess and her connection to the Dungeon Guild.”

    [Translator - Kiteretsu]

    [Proofreader - Kyros]