Chapter 129.1
Benjamin’s words caused a stir inside the room.
‘What? Why that reaction?’
Grace was puzzled by their response.
The Mage Tower, anyone who was truly a mage was, by necessity, affiliated with it. Unlike artificers, mages wielded magic that not just anyone could use.
But as the times changed, mages had become harder to find.
That wasn’t because they were more valuable, it was because their magic was specialized for combat.
As the world grew more peaceful by the day, pure magic fell out of favor, while magic tools created by artificers rose to prominence.
That was why, both in the novel and in Grace’s memories, the Mage Tower’s presence had been minimal at best.
“Do you truly believe the Mage Tower would take in magic tool artificers? Everyone knows mages refuse to associate with them.”
Andrew asked in a somber voice.
‘Right. That’s true.’
There was a widespread perception that magic tool artificers were people who wanted to become mages but lacked sufficient mana. Among mages, there was even the belief that magic tools were little more than imitations of ancient artifacts. So much so that it would be hard to find a mage who didn’t look down on magic tool artificers.
‘Still, if the Mage Tower did take them in, it would be far safer.’
Even if they no longer had the authority it once did, the Mage Tower’s history ran deeper than that of the Magic Tools Association and with that history came influence.
Under the Mage Tower’s protection, they would be safe from the Association’s oppression.
‘And the Mage Tower wouldn’t falsify research budgets, either.’
Their obsessive devotion to research was practically legendary.
“The Mage Tower’s number of patrons has been declining year after year. Do you know why?”
Everyone present knew the answer, but no one felt comfortable saying it out loud. Grace spoke instead.
“Isn’t it because the Empire has grown more peaceful, and people feel less need for pure magic?”
“Exactly. And because employing magic tools is cheaper than hiring mages.”
He added almost cheerfully that the state had made great efforts to keep the cost of magic tools low.
“That’s why, at the last council meeting at the imperial palace, I proposed increasing support for the Mage Tower. Not just from the royal family, but from other noble houses as well. After all, the safer the times, the more one should prepare.”
Coming from the Duke of Felton, who constantly stood against monsters in the north, the proposal had been well received.
“T-that proposal passed?”
Andrew asked, stunned.
“If it didn’t pass, then I would simply make it pass. Don’t worry, by entirely legal means.”
Grace recalled his earlier words about how breaking the law could set dangerous precedents.
‘So instead of breaking the law… he’s squeezing them within it.’
It was an irreverent thought, but somehow, it fit him perfectly.
“And I intend to make another proposal to the Mage Tower. That they dispatch a fixed number of mages to Duchy Felton each year.”
No matter how scholarly and research-obsessed mages were, they still needed funding. Offering them stable employment would naturally earn goodwill.
“But would the Mage Tower really accept help from the Duke of Felton?”
If there was a problem, it was that Benjamin Felton was the one making the offer. As the Magic Tools Association’s greatest patron and de facto authority, mages would inevitably feel wary.
‘That part really is an issue. ‘
Grace thought, nodding slightly. But Benjamin answered without hesitation.
“If I restrict their access to magic stones, wouldn’t they accept my proposal then?”
“…What?”
Grace almost doubted her ears.
“Y-Your Grace? Is that even legal?”
“Refusing to sell goods without just cause is illegal. But being unable to sell because all stock has been allocated elsewhere isn’t, is it?”
“….”
‘Is he insane…?’
Listening to him say that in such a pleasant tone made all of Grace’s lingering sentimentality evaporate.
“Or perhaps you have a better idea, Wife?”
“Me? Right now?”
“Yes. Since I’m asking suddenly, anything is fine. Even if you have no opinion at all.”
“…Um.”
This was really not the moment to ask her. Grace sighed inwardly and looked ahead—only to realize that everyone’s attention had shifted squarely onto her.
Her breath caught in her throat.
Without thinking, Grace slowly retreated behind Benjamin’s back.
“What do you think?”
“I….”
She was about to say she had nothing when she noticed the crest embroidered on Benjamin’s cloak.
“I-it’s probably a useless thought, but… Instead of joining the Mage Tower outright… what if they simply borrowed the Mage Tower’s emblem?”
“…Could you explain that a bit more clearly?”
Grace peeked out and stepped to Benjamin’s side still awkwardly.
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