Chapter 64
“No… I haven’t used it yet. His condition has improved significantly lately and isn’t critical, so there’s no need to risk using an incomplete version.”
“Ah, I-I see.”
Philip was quite taken aback by how this answer differed from what he knew. He’d heard the Grand Prince, the Owner of the power, was barely hanging on to life, so had they found some good medicine?
Though perplexing, it was good news. Delivering the completed version to the Grand Duke as soon as possible would increase the chances of power succession, which would positively affect their contract and patronage relationship.
“Is there a problem?”
“Ah, no! It’s just good news for us too. We’ll make sure to bring you the completed product as quickly as possible.”
“……”
“It won’t take long.”
Philip puffed out his chest proudly. But the Grand Duke, not one for showing much emotion, neither displayed pleasure nor expressed any expectation at these words.
Embarrassed, Philip readjusted his tie and brought up the next topic. He began pulling items out from his robe, which was enchanted with spatial magic.
Tap, tap – Philip placed a couple of silk-covered storage boxes on the table and carefully opened them while speaking.
“These are the artifacts you ordered.”
Philip picked up a bracelet and a scroll one by one and began explaining. He made sure to mention how difficult they were to obtain.
Strictly speaking, it wasn’t the Tower Master but his disciples who had done the hard work. Nevertheless, these items, procured directly by the tower’s mages, were difficult to put a price on.
Artifacts, objects imbued with magic, were typically created by mages specializing in magical engineering. Sometimes relics from the flourishing period of the Ancient Magical Empire would appear at auctions, but these were extremely rare.
Moreover, the materials needed to create artifacts were often incredibly rare and expensive. With the combination of skilled labor and rare materials, artifact prices skyrocketed to the point where ordinary people could barely even look at them. While Silveron, being a magical kingdom, had more artifacts than other countries, this didn’t mean commoners could afford to own multiple artifacts.
The majority of artifacts came from such mage craftsmanship, and consequently, their prices and rarity varied greatly depending on the mage’s skill, reputation, and the quality of materials used.
However, the items procured at the Grand Duke’s request were all artifacts of the highest quality in terms of both craftsmanship and materials. By rough estimation, selling all these items could probably buy a castle in a small territory.
Philip opened the last small storage box to reveal the ring inside.
“And this ring-shaped artifact will adjust to fit the wearer’s finger size when worn, so you needn’t worry about measurements.”
The Grand Duke silently listened to Philip’s elaborate explanation while lifting the ring-shaped artifact into the air. In the dim lamplight, the metal band glinted in the darkness. The Grand Duke frowned, the reflection caught in his eyes.
“Your Grace? Is there something wrong with the artifact?”
“No… It’s just…”
The ring, I… The Grand Duke muttered, trailing off. He closed his fist around the ring and tucked it away.
“Pardon?”
“…No, don’t concern yourself. I’ve confirmed all the items, so you may take your leave now.”
The Grand Duke stood while Philip remained bewildered.
“Ah, y-yes. Then I’ll take my leave. Your Grace.”
***
“Your Grace. A moment…”
Someone stopped the Grand Duke as he was walking out from the private audience chamber in his office. It was the chamberlain.
The footsteps echoing on the marble floor came to a halt. The Grand Duke turned to face the chamberlain, his expression inviting him to speak.
The chamberlain extended a letter sealed with thick paper to the Grand Duke. By its format, it wasn’t ordinary mail but rather an official document of the kind used by the parliament or nobility.
“If you plan to review it after dinner, I can have it placed in your office.”
“No, I’ll look at it now.”
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