LIGHTNOVELSTORY Chapter 34 - The Mage Lord
17. The Mage Lord
“Why only me…!”
Jared looked at Hernando and Laurent, who sat beside him.
“……”
These were people who were far removed from carnal desires. Jared immediately understood the context.
“I will be careful.”
Yet, Jared’s gaze wandered just as much as Brusin’s.
Yuri sighed, realizing Jared’s reformation was still lacking.
In the meantime, Marirose approached the table where Briol’s side was seated.
“You know how to drink, right?”
“Of course.”
“It’s a rare wine.”
She moved closer to Yuri, tilting a wine bottle toward him. A rich red liquid filled the round glass.
Marirose’s hair, resembling the color of the wine, swayed close to his ear.
“Please, enjoy.”
Her face came close to Yuri, warm breath brushing his cheek as she smiled bashfully.
“Thank you.”
But Yuri didn’t respond further.
Initially, he had little interest in Marirose.
What truly concerned Yuri was the war that lay ahead. Like Gid, Balshad served only as a forward supply base, not a real military force.
Therefore, the knights of Brusin, who would fight alongside him, were far more crucial to Yuri.
After concluding his thoughts, Yuri spoke up.
“Brusin, huh…”
His voice was notably loud.
“Brusin. I’ve indeed heard of you a few times. Hahaha…”
At Yuri’s sudden mention, the Brusin group glanced over at him with heightened tension.
Calmly enjoying the brief silence, Yuri spun his wine glass.
“To think they have no sense for fine wine…”
Expressions shifted among the gathering.
Brusin, being geographically tucked in a corner of the continent, had been derogated as unsophisticated, fish-smelling bumpkins by other nations.
So, the Third Prince of Briol was a self-indulgent rascal, aiming to insult them. The knights of Brusin were anything but gentle.
Just as they were about to rise from their seats, Yuri continued speaking.
“I’m embarrassed to admit this, given my unsophisticated taste…”
The knights who were about to show defiance froze in place.
His previous words about having “no sense for fine wine” were a self-deprecating remark, not a jab at Brusin.
Yuri went on.
“I find the rum brewed in Brusin to be tastier than wine. It’s manly, you might say. Hahaha.”
The knights of Brusin sat back down.
This was the epitome of social finesse — first provoking, then subtly drawing in.
As evidence, their minds began gravitating toward this young third prince.
Since Briol was known as the Nation of Knights, it seemed they still possessed the gallant spirit that enjoyed rum.
But it was too early to feel relieved.
“Well, you see!”
Yuri resumed, “While the liquor is decent, the people of that area are quite lacking. Hohoho…”
His sudden insult cast an immediate silence.
Marirose parted her lips, and the knights of Brusin stiffened, unable to decide on a moment to rage.
One of them belatedly shouted, his eyes fierce.
“Hey!”
“What are you, insane?”
Yuri was taken aback by the unfamiliar dialect.
He knew that certain regions of Brusin still retained their dialects but hearing it was quite different.
The commander leading the troops stopped him.
“Calm yourself.”
“But, commander. A prince of Briol has insulted us.”
“Be objective.”
The commander remained composed.
“Keep your heart hot, but your head cold. That’s the way of Brusin.”
“Ugh… I apologize.”
Yuri observed him keenly.
Nobles facing off with foreign troops typically became sensitive, yet this man maintained his composure despite Yuri’s provocation.
“The prince’s provocative behavior is intriguing,” said the one called the commander.
He stood up. Though not particularly tall, he was robustly built.
Returning his gaze to his company, he enumerated two possibilities.
“First, as rumored, Briol’s third prince is a fool, and thus, cluelessly, decided to cause trouble with us, the valiant knights of Brusin.”
“That… can’t be!”
“If that were so, the answer would be simple. Teach him a lesson.”
The knights of Brusin clenched their fists, reacting readily.
“And the second possibility is he’s testing the strength of Brusin’s knights before the formation of the Allied Forces.”
“Testing us? How dare he…!”
“It’s a life-or-death war. It’s only natural to verify if the allies can be trusted. And again, there’s only one response.”
“Our response…?”
Facing Yuri, he grinned broadly.
“To prove our skills directly.”
A dueling atmosphere quickly took form.
Watching them with keen interest, Marirose brightened her eyes, pouring herself a glass of wine to sip in anticipation of the coming event.
“I’ll guide you to the arena.”
She seemed like a spectator eagerly awaiting a performance.
Yuri stood and introduced himself to the knights of Brusin.
“Yuri Briol, the Third Prince and the Commander of Briol’s forces.”
“I am Jonathan Eagle. Count Krill, captain of the Shark Knights, and currently the commander of Brusin’s forces.”
“Do you hope for an apology for my rudeness?”
“There’s no need. I’ll simply prove that the prince’s words were misplaced.”
“Manly words.”
“That’s the way of Brusin.”
Yuri glanced at Laurent and Jared. Laurent’s eyes gleamed, whereas Jared looked hesitant.
“Alright, I’m sending these two out.”
“Your Highness…”
“It’s Briol’s way to delegate rough tasks. Isn’t it?”
“Huh?”
Yuri prompted Laurent and Jared forward.
“Two at a time for a sparring match should suffice.”
Marirose guided them to an indoor courtyard within the castle.
“Perform here.”
A maid stood beside her, holding a tray with fruits and wine.
Marirose enjoyed the surprising event to the fullest, swirling her wine glass.
“Prince Yuri?”
“Yes?”
“Did you really provoke them intentionally? To gauge Brusin’s strength?”
“Let’s put it that way.”
“Wow, it’s such a man’s world, isn’t it? Acknowledging each other through confrontation?”
“Having an unreliable ally beside you can easily lead to death on the battlefield.”
“Impressive. Quite exciting.”
Marirose laughed, gulping down her wine.
It seemed suspicious how she drank like it was water, suggesting a possible dependency.
Yuri turned his gaze.
He caught a glimpse of three Brusin knights.
Yuri had his reasons for stirring up Brusin.
Among them, two would rise to prominence across the continent.
One would go beyond mere fame to later occupy one of the ten strongest positions.
The Ten Strongest are lauded for their prowess to deter wars with their very name.
Their recognition as some of the strongest on the continent was undisputed.
Building connections with such promising individuals would prove to be a major asset in the future.
“Manly friendships often begin with conflict!”
Yuri murmured, smiling broadly.
Meanwhile, Laurent faced one of the Brusin knights.
“I am Laurent.”
“I am Proin.”
He was the knight who had yelled first.
His tone was now calm. Proin’s accent seemed to resurface only when he was excited.
“Laurent, your name is well-known. But I’m no pushover as well.”
Laurent nodded.
“I will give it my all.”
Holding his sword, Laurent’s demeanor transformed from the awkward youth following Yuri to an outstanding knight.
He had already made a name for himself as a prodigious young knight, winning countless swordsmanship tournaments.
Among the continent’s recognized prodigies, he stood out.
As Laurent raised his sword, a decisive aura flowed through his arms and into the blade.
Observing closely, Yuri placed his hand on Jared’s shoulder.
“Watch carefully.”
“Yes.”
Jared’s eyes darted quickly.
From meeting monsters like Yuri and Laurent, Jared realized that his talents were insignificant, so he was striving not to fall behind.
Focusing intently, Jared fixed his gaze on Laurent’s movements.
“Indeed…”
Laurent was the embodiment of correctness in swordplay.
His mana flowed unimpeded, his posture was flawless, and his form against his opponent’s approach was textbook perfect.
In contrast, Proin was the exact opposite.
Deftly dropping his sword, leaning forward, watching his opponent like a wolf.
“Well-learned swordplay.”
Proin remarked, circling Laurent as though a wild beast scrutinized its prey.
“Young masters do tend to be like this.”
Proin suddenly lunged forward.
His instantaneous speed was astounding.
Laurent remained unhurried. Blocking with ease, he tilted his blade, aiming the sword’s tip at Proin’s throat.
“Predictable!”
Proin, as if anticipating it, ducked low and spun acrobatically, targeting Laurent’s legs.
Yet he was unable to advance further.
Laurent’s sword tip, tracking him down, still aimed at his neck.
“……”
Proin halted, looking up at Laurent.
The outcome was clear.
Laurent calmly withdrew his sword.
“Shall we go again?”
Yuri whistled.
“How precise.”
Unconventional approaches usually surprise opponents.
But Laurent remained steadfast.
Even when faced with abrupt, twisting movements that might confuse, he precisely calculated the mutual engagement, assuring that his attack would hit first.
It made Proin appear to flounder around comically on his own, despite Laurent’s poised stillness.
“Damn it…”
Proin retreated.
His choice wasn’t unwise. Traditional swordsmen often falter against unconventional opponents.
A lack of talent leads to a rigid sword form.
But Laurent was not such a knight. He needed no tricks, simply adhering to the true path.
By taking only the correct steps without distraction, he stood like an invincible wall.
“Sir Laurent, may I have another match?”
“Certainly.”
Proin’s demeanor became courteous.
The Brusin company observed the sparring much more seriously.
The two resumed their match.
Proin attempted to create openings with dazzling maneuvers.
Yet Laurent responded with calm, skillful defenses as if he understood each of his tactics.
Every strike was blocked.
Eventually, Proin admitted defeat.
“I’ve lost.”
Laurent sheathed his sword and offered a respectful bow.
Yuri clapped his hands. Marirose joined in, and the Brusin contingent too recognized the outcome, applauding Laurent.
Jonathan commented, “As expected of Briol. Being a land of knights, your skills are extraordinary.”
Yuri responded with modesty, “You’re too generous. Laurent is the standout. Apart from Laurent and me, it’s a mess.”
“I see.”
“Surely Brusin won’t back down this easily?”
“Of course not. We cannot simply lose. Jose, step forward.”
“Yes.”
The knight replacing Proin had a massive build. Even at a glance, his strength appeared formidable.
He glared at Jared, resting a massive sword on his shoulder.
As Jose took the field, Yuri’s face brightened.
Jose Arathur.
He was the knight destined to become one of the Ten Strongest in the future.
“Jose seems strong just by looking. His presence isn’t ordinary.”
Jonathan smiled contentedly.
“Proin was the weakest among us. Jose is the strongest knight in our unit. He aims to be the strongest in Brusin.”
“Just as I thought. It’s an honor to have such a knight step forward. Show us what Brusin is made of, with all your strength.”
“Certainly.”
“Now, Jared.”
“Yes?”
“Go ahead.”
Jared looked at Yuri.
“Uh, just a second…”
Jared tried to back away, but Yuri firmly pushed him forward.
“N-no…”
Something was amiss.
Was it due to the earlier defeat? Jose’s eyes were fierce. Determination to win emanated from him.
Even without crossing swords, Jared could tell.
He was doomed.
“But, what is…”
“Get started!”
Jonathan instructed.
The duel commenced.
Jose was a monster wielding orc-like brute strength combined with human technique. Moreover, he fought freely, unconstrained by swordsmanship, incorporating physical combat.
Despite Jared’s skill, it was insufficient to counter Jose’s overwhelming strength.
Jared resisted fiercely but was battered around due to the disparity in power.
“Huff, huff…”
“Let’s stop here.”
Jared, nose-blooded, sat hunched over on the ground.
Jose gave a thumbs up.
“Young as you are, you’re impressive. To hold out this long against me, Briol truly is the Nation of Knights.”
“…”
Receiving compliments despite being thoroughly outmatched, Jared stood up, wiping blood from his nose. Sticky blood stained his hand.
“Thank you… I learned a lot.”
Jonathan clapped his hands.
“Sir Jared, was it? Well-fought match. Losing to Jose is no shame. It’s been a while since I saw someone hold out so well. Well done despite the defeat.”
“Thank you…”
Though he had rolled embarrassingly on the ground, the praise confused Jared’s mixed feelings.
And so, the contest between Briol and Brusin concluded.
“One win, one loss…”
Yuri approached Jonathan, extending a hand.
“A draw it is.”
“A draw.”
The two shook hands.
Having proven themselves capable of guarding each other’s backs on the battlefield, they had become allies.
Marirose waved her hand, causing the word “Alliance Celebration” to appear in midair.
“That was wonderful. Wow.”
Marirose was thrilled.
The Allied Forces might engage in battle due to her instigation alone.
Yuri glanced at her.
“Now that the entertainment’s over, shall we discuss business?”
“Business? Sure thing. There are various types. Would you come to my office?”
As Marirose gestured, Jonathan interjected.
“Haha, might I join as well?”
“Well…”
She cast him a fleeting glance but eventually nodded.
“Alright.”