Demon-Hunting Genius Mage

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Chapter 141

"Uh, what's the plan? Do you have a good idea?"

Barus asked urgently.

His once-hollow eyes had sharpened, revealing his desperation.

I looked between Barus Garian and Asion Gale, then began to speak.

"Let's start by addressing the root of the problem and clarifying a few things."

The first step was to retrace the cause and process of this conflict.

"Commander Barus attempted to detain me. While it didn't actually lead to confinement, the attempt was made. In essence, that's what caused this entire situation. Do you acknowledge that?"

"Uh, yes... I know it was something I shouldn't have done."

"And from what I've gathered during this conversation, it wasn't something you discussed or coordinated with the royal family either, correct?"

A sharp glance.

At my words, the academy committee members, including the dean, glared at Barus.

Looking utterly defeated, Barus nodded.

"...I made that decision and acted on my own."

"Good."

Thankfully, Barus admitted his mistake without argument.

Perhaps it was due to the presence of the committee members, but either way, this sped things up.

"Then, naturally, you should take responsibility. I believe an apology is in order... which you haven't properly given yet, have you?"

Barus pressed his lips together at the question.

Then, abruptly, he bowed his head towards Asion Gale.

His expression was solemn.

"...I am truly sorry. I sincerely apologize."

"Do you understand what you did wrong?"

"Yes, I attempted to detain an academy student, thereby tarnishing the reputation of the Asion Academy and the society."

"If you had simply come and explained the situation and asked for assistance instead of resorting to such actions, we would have certainly considered supporting the war effort."

"...Yes, you are absolutely right. I apologize once again, Dean Asion Gale."

Barus admitted his faults and apologized formally.

It seemed things would resolve smoothly.

Asion Gale looked satisfied.

However, he spoke again, as if there was more to address.

"It seems there is someone else who deserves an apology."

"Ah."

Barus nodded, understanding Asion Gale's meaning.

He turned to me and bowed.

"I am truly sorry. I've left you with an unpleasant memory."

"Oh, um..."

He was apologizing to me too?

He seemed different from the proud Barus I had seen before.

I didn't know why, but I didn't feel offended.

"It's alright. I understand how desperate the situation must be."

"...Thank you for understanding."

The atmosphere turned somewhat warm.

But this was only the first step in resolving the issue.

"Now, shall we move on to the next matter?"

There were still things to discuss with Barus.

Given that he blatantly committed an offense, simply bowing his head wouldn't suffice, would it?

He had to pay dearly for his actions.

"First, regarding the contract. It clearly states that in exchange for participating in the war, you'd provide 10,000 gold coins, magical elixirs, and a secret magic book."

"Hmm, that's correct, but...?"

"But was this contract agreed upon under normal circumstances?"

"...What are you trying to say?"

"Since it wasn't, the terms of the contract are inherently lower. It was an atmosphere of coercion, after all."

"What nonsense!"

Barus, who had been compliant until now, raised his voice at the mention of compensation.

"I already offered the best possible terms. You know that better than anyone, don't you?"

His expression indicated that he felt greatly wronged.

Well, he had a point.

Frankly, Barus wasn't entirely wrong.

10,000 gold coins, elixirs, and a secret magic book were indeed substantial rewards.

However, the magnitude of his actions was also significant.

He had dragged in the entire society, after all.

Therefore, he deserved something more extraordinary.

For example, doubling the total compensation.

"...Double? Are you kidding me?"

"I'm quite serious. I believe it was a war worthy of such compensation."

Indeed, the recent [Blood Moon Prophecy] war was on a massive scale.

If I and the society hadn't participated, the outcome could have drastically shifted.

Therefore, doubling the compensation wasn't an excessive demand.

I explained that, but...

"Even doubling is... "

Barus shook his head, looking unconvinced.

"That's beyond what I can manage. The royal family will definitely object. It's not an amount that can be easily overlooked."

"Is that so?"

"Yes, it's certain. Perhaps even His Majesty the King will intervene, not just the treasury."

At his words, I was about to give up, but a phrase Barus mentioned caught my ear.

'His Majesty the King...'

He was referring to Kailius.

Considering that, it didn't seem entirely impossible.

In fact, it was rather welcome news.

"Then, convey it directly to His Majesty. Explain that compensation must be given for participating in the war."

"...His Majesty will hardly agree, will he?"

"Well, I believe otherwise."

I had a feeling.

Perhaps Kailius would not only permit it but also try to give even more.

It seemed that having established a rapport with the king would be beneficial at this moment.

***

"…What is this?"

King Kailius frowned upon receiving a letter.

The contents of the letter were rather peculiar.

"They're demanding 20,000 gold, two magical elixirs, and two secret magic books as compensation for participating in the war? Huh."

He scoffed.

He wondered who on earth would demand such rewards.

Such compensation would be denied to almost anyone, regardless of their status.

It was clear they were blatantly disregarding the royal family.

However.

"...What?"

Kailius blinked, looking at the list of recipients.

For some reason, a familiar name was written there.

"...Yuhan?"

It was indeed him.

The very same mage who had recently received the Lich's wand and agreed to form an alliance with Asternon.

It seemed they had pre-arranged these terms as compensation for their participation in the war.

"Hmm..."

Kailius fell into contemplation.

Though it was a familiar name, he wondered if he should readily grant these rewards.

However, his deliberation didn't last long.

His gaze moved to the end of the letter.

And then.

"They accomplished all this...?"

This section detailed their achievements during the war, and the contents were quite astonishing.

"Hundreds of demons, multiple high-ranking demons, and a legion commander defeated?"

Even without participating in the war, it was clear how significant these accomplishments were.

They must have played a pivotal role in the conflict.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that they won the war because of them.

"...They deserve it. No, I must grant it."

It would be stranger not to grant it.

They were, in fact, the ones who led this war to a resounding victory.

Kailius immediately summoned the treasury and conveyed his decision.

"Hear me."

20,000 gold coins, elixirs, two secret magic books.

And as a token of gratitude, an artifact each.

'Hehe, he'll surely be pleased again this time.'

Kailius was eager to curry favor with Yuhan in any way he could.

***

About three or four hours had passed since sending the letter to the royal family.

"Lord Barus, a letter from the royal family has arrived."

"Give it to me."

The response arrived sooner than expected.

However, Barus had no expectations.

'It's bound to be a rejection.'

In fact, there was no need to ask in the first place.

There was no way they would grant such compensation for just one war participation.

No matter how many members of the Asternon Society, including the dean and committee members, had participated, these were unreasonable rewards.

However.

"...What, what is this?"

The contents of the letter completely defied his expectations.

Not only were the three items he had listed granted, but they were also adding artifacts.

'Is this a forgery?'

With a sudden suspicion, Barus meticulously examined the letter.

However, it bore the seal stating that Kailius had personally written it.

There was no room for doubt; it was indeed a letter from the royal family.

So, they were truly ordering these items to be delivered...

'This is absurd.'

While he was relieved to have received approval, it defied common sense.

Others shared his sentiment.

"...Is this really a letter from His Majesty?"

"Yes, if you hold it up to the light, you can see His Majesty's seal."

"...Unbelievable. I naturally assumed it was an unreasonable request."

Dean Asion Gale also reacted with disbelief.

Only Yuhan showed no surprise.

"You don't seem surprised? You received approval from His Majesty the King himself. Aren't you astonished?"

"Well, not particularly."

Barus scanned Yuhan from head to toe.

He appeared utterly unfazed.

When asked why, he responded,

"Because I expected it."

He simply gave this nonchalant answer.

While everyone deemed it impossible, he alone had anticipated it.

Why, exactly?

Upon being asked, Yuhan calmly stated,

"I just met with His Majesty a short while ago."

"You met the person in Sector 1?"

"Indeed. We've built a certain level of trust. That's probably why he granted it."

"Ha."

Barus Garian let out a disbelieving chuckle, but Yuhan continued.

"I also anticipated that he might give additional compensation."

Ironically, the situation was unfolding exactly as Yuhan had predicted.

'Just how much trust did you build for His Majesty to act like this?'

He didn't know what methods he used, but it was certainly impressive.

Well... either way, it was a good outcome.

Barus inwardly admired him and immediately began preparing the compensation.

The first thing he prepared was, of course, the easiest to gather: gold coins.

Clunk!

A large chest was placed before Yuhan and the society's committee members.

They naturally opened the chest, and a dazzling yellow light illuminated the room.

Revealing its shimmering contents.

'10,000 gold coins.'

This was the 10,000 gold coins they had agreed to provide.

Although the contract was for 20,000 gold coins, 10,000 had already been sent to the society previously.

Therefore, only this remained to be delivered.

"Would you like to verify the amount?"

"There's no need. It's clearly 10,000 gold coins."

Asion Gale, who had already scanned the chest, spoke, and Barus nodded, moving on to the next item.

This time, it was the magical elixirs.

This, too, was a reward that had originally been included, only the quantity had increased, so he had prepared many in advance.

Thump! Thump! Thump!

Barus brought out elixirs containing liquids of various colors from his vault.

There were ten types in total.

He intended to hand over only the four elixirs they desired.

"Which ones would you like to take?"

As he asked, Barus noticed something.

Yuhan's lips slightly curving upward.

"..."

He clearly seemed pleased, but why did it feel ominous?

Barus felt a sense of foreboding.

[Translator - Prøks]

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