During the time period when Burdell was meeting Ronian in the southern mountains, a group visited the Maclaine Castle. The party of about thirty people entered the side door of the castle quietly, not bearing flags to announce their identity. However, it seemed that inside Grandpia, preparations were already in place, as if they were expected, and they were naturally welcomed.
“The emissaries from the Allied Three Kingdoms have arrived,” announced Dwayne.
Logan’s eyes gleamed. “Already? That’s quick. They seem to be quite determined.”
“It seems that Ignis has also been brought directly. An emissary of Tria is in possession of it.”
“Good. Let’s meet them anyway.”
Logan was about to rise with a smile, but Dwayne caught him with a cautious look on his face.
“Your Majesty?”
“Hmm?”
“I understand that this matter requires secrecy and even why Victor volunteered to undertake ‘that task.’ There’s no one in our kingdom who would go against Your Majesty’s intentions, so if there’s a sure method, it’s understandable that you wouldn’t consult us. But…”
“But what?”“If you’re planning to make another bold move, please consult with us before proceeding. It doesn’t have to be me, but any trustworthy person from your circle.”
Dwayne’s anxious face elicited a hollow laugh from Logan.
“… What did Damian say?”
“It’s me who’s worried, Your Majesty! That look on your face—you’re scheming something again, aren’t you?”
“… No, I’m not?”
“Ah… Your Majesty? Your Majesty!”
Dwayne, wearing the expression of someone who couldn’t help themselves, chased after Logan, who hastily left the room, while letting out sigh after concerned sigh.
* * *
“It is an honor to meet you, Your Majesty. I’m Richard Blair,” said the emissary from Tria, bowing first. He appeared to be in his fifties, with a tidy swept-back brown hair and impressive blue eyes.
‘A top-ranking knight…’
Logan had heard of Richard Blair before— a knight said to be the right-hand man of the king of Tria. Although it was unusual for a knight rather than a civil officer to come as a diplomatic envoy, it made sense for a loyalty-bound knight to be used for verifying an already decided matter and as the bearer of a special item.
As Logan observed Richard with shining eyes, the other members from different countries present knelt one by one before him.
“I stand before the ruler of Maclaine. I am Jordan Malins, the emissary from the Kingdom of Liberty.”
“I am before the sun of Maclaine. Teronan’s envoy, Brad Farrell.”
Although they didn’t appear as spirited as Richard, both middle-aged men—one with a balding head and the other with a scholarly look—had eyes that spoke of lives lived without shame.
“You have worked hard coming all this way. I do not wish to waste time with empty formalities for your sake, so go straight to the point and present the treaty that has been agreed upon,” Logan cut straight to the chase, dismissing diplomatic norms.
The emissaries were taken aback by the blunt approach, but knight Richard quickly presented the prepared documents. Even those without Logan’s keen senses could see the documents twinkling with blue mana.
“In accordance with international customs, we have prepared a mana oath. Apart from personal identification of the parties involved, no other magic has been woven into it. Please examine it,” Richard said.
It was not restrictive like a private magical contract, but it was still an oath that preserved magical evidence that even a superhuman couldn’t destroy once they agreed to it—essential for establishing a secret treaty like this one.
However, Logan briefly glanced over the oath before passing it aside.
“Damian. Check if everything is in order and inspect the magic as well. How long will it take?”
“A half-day should be sufficient,” Damian replied.
“Good. Then let’s all reconvene here after half a day. Ah, there’s something you, the Tria emissary, need to hand over to me, correct?”
“… How could I keep Your Majesty waiting? Just a moment, please.”
With sycophant-like words, Richard immediately bowed his head, and Logan accepted this graciously with a smile.
“It’s alright.”
The curiosity on the faces of the other country’s envoys seemed to suggest that the story about Ignis had not yet been leaked.
“You may go back and rest now. I will call for you once the document has been reviewed,” Logan dismissed them without acknowledging their curious glances.
About an hour later, Logan was in a private meeting with Richard Blair. In Richard’s hand was an utterly conspicuous item, amazing to think it was transported unnoticed—a spear blade that shone brilliantly, as if light had been forged and frozen in place. The shaft was wrapped in an auburn glow. It was mesmerizing merely to behold it.
“Holding this weapon privately was something even the Emperor of the Empire would not have allowed, but I guess that does not apply to Your Majesty. Here is our national treasure, Ignis, of the Tria Kingdom.”
With a bitter smile, Richard’s hand extended forward, though it was hesitant to let go.
“Who might that be…?” Richard glanced behind Logan, where a grim-faced mage seemed enthralled by Ignis.
“That’s the royal mage I have brought to authenticate the artifact. He’s one of my few confidants, so you needn’t worry about secrets being leaked.”
“Ah, yes. …But that gaze…”
Richard’s skeptical voice earned a dry laugh from Logan. Even to him, Clayton was making a truly odd expression—twice entranced, displaying a joy he hadn’t shown in years Logan had known him.
Only after Logan repeatedly cleared his throat did Clayton come forward with caution.
“I am Clayton, a mage of Maclaine. I have been granted a title but have yet to choose a surname. No, that’s not what’s important right now. May I examine Ignis?”
Clayton, nearly rambling, caused Richard’s skeptical expression to worsen, yet he relented and carefully extended the spear out to him.
“Incredible… what kind of item is this…?”
As Clayton’s touch caressed down the shaft of Ignis, his dazed expression alone seemed enough evidence that no inspection was necessary.
Meanwhile, Richard, still holding the end of the spear, watched Clayton suspiciously. It seemed he was conflicted whether to stab him with it or not, prompting a wry smile and nod from Logan.
“It seems to be genuine.”
“Of course, it is.”
Upon Logan’s verdict, Richard’s face grew grim, but he hesitated, finger still lingering on Ignis.
Logan didn’t rush him, understanding his attachment.
“Sir Clayton. How much time will you need to see results? Even if things go awry, I will ensure that duration is observed.”
“… The helical classic mana pattern combined with the compound structure… how is this possible…”
“… Sir Clayton?”
“The materials were the largest anticipated issue; if that’s mistaken, then this could be…”
“Sir Clayton!!”
Startled by Logan’s sudden shout, Clayton snapped back to attention.
“Please, take the research to the lab for thorough examination. How long will you need at least for any outcome?”
“… I don’t know.”
Logan’s expression hardened slightly at the unexpected response.
“However, alone the chance to research this artifact leads me to believe we can decipher more from that research journal. The possibilities are more than sufficient.”
“Research journal?”
“The research journal of Kraun, that is.”
“Ah… You were still studying that? I thought it was a clue to artifact research?”
“… The same. Whatever organization compiled it, it encompasses numerous methods for imbuing objects with magic.”
“Organization, you say? It seems I heard you mention that before.”
“Yes. It’s surely not the work of an individual. By volume alone, it’s impossible, even for a genius.”
“Hmm… Well, it doesn’t matter. I look forward to the results.”
“I will do my utmost. Thank you for indulging such a bold request, Your Majesty.”
“I didn’t expect it to be handed over so easily when I threw out the idea. It does leave a nagging feeling.”
Logan mused on the face of Ramon I as he held Ignis.
What could he be planning?
‘Maybe I should prepare for the worst-case scenario.’
Determined, Logan swiftly sent the eager mage away and immediately called for Rick.
“Bring the envoys from Liberty and Teronan.”
“But, Your Majesty, you said you would see the emissaries after half a day…”
“I have something to tell them. Just say that I have information that could aid their plans.”
“Yes, understood.”
Having felt an uneasy feeling from Tria’s behavior, Logan excluded Richard from the conversation. As a result, the envoys from Liberty and Teronan faced Logan much sooner than planned and were dumbstruck by his proposition.
“… And? What do you think?”
“Ah… Well, of course…”
Having exchanged looks, the two emissaries swallowed, a shared apprehension etched upon their faces.