Chapter 1431: Marlow’s Proposal

This chapter is updated by Novels.pl

There was a reason why Adam had cancelled his summons and sent back the serpent, secretly spying on Marlow.

The moment he realized that there was a Mana Core Magus around, Adam became extremely alert. After all, he couldn’t risk being found out by the enemy. Not so soon.

And his cautions were warranted.

That was also the reason why he didn’t intervene when the enemies were carrying out their schemes against the red-haired prince. Of course, Adam knew that Marlow’s life wasn’t in immediate danger, or else he would have surely interfered.

Although Adam didn’t extensively observe what was going on within the two-story manor, fearing that Osbert might notice his presence, he had a general idea about what the enemies had done to Marlow.

Wearing Nilrem’s face once again, Adam returned to his residence within the Palace District. He stood upon his balcony, wine goblet in hand, as he stared in the direction of the royal palace.

His eyes were cold and calculating as he took a sip from the goblet.

Enchantment magic, he wondered.

So they’re planning to be subtle about it, eh? Well, this method of operation is expected of the Cult.

For now, I’ve only been able to find the identities of two people involved in the Cult’s scheme. One is the blond Count at the Mana Liquefaction Rank, and the other is the woman at the Mana Vortex Rank.

As for that powerful presence I sensed earlier… the stench of necromancy was strong on him. I couldn’t observe his appearance, though.

He’s managed to hide his presence very well. If it wasn’t for me being a Mana Core Magus myself, I would have failed to notice him.

Did he use an artifact? Most likely.

Heh, must be a really precious artifact. Looks like the Cult is sparing no effort in toppling the Ignisra Kingdom.

Damn you, bastards!

Adam absentmindedly swirled the wine in the goblet.

Enchantment magic, enchantment magic…

He kept repeating those words.

That woman’s magic shouldn’t be so strong to get the job done in just one go. Most likely, she’s going to meet Marlow a few more times to reinforce her magic on him.

As for that Count…

Adam’s eyes flashed with a cold light.

He thought for a moment before choosing to observe how Marlow had changed after his encounter with the cult, and then come to a decision.

The main players from the Cult and Haynam Empire have shown themselves, he thought to himself.

Now, it remains to be seen whether the Magus sent by the Sovereign Union is going to make his presence known, and whether he’s an enemy or an ally…

Not for a moment did Adam think that the Union hadn’t secretly sent a powerful Magus to protect Amberfall, given the strategic importance it held.

But considering that the Cult had its venomous claws deep within the Union — through the Brotherhood — he didn’t know how to treat this hidden Magus. He had to be wary of him.

I need time and more information, Adam thought with a grim look on his face.

Hopefully, Marlow doesn’t do something drastic by then.

***

The following day.

Maximillian sat at the head of the council table, listening as reports were delivered one after another. Ledgers lay open, maps of trade routes spread across the table, each marked with notes and seals.

"Our eastern caravans are delayed again," Duke Bray said, tapping a route on the map. "Bandit activity has increased near the river crossings. Merchants are demanding additional escorts."

The king showed a light frown. "Authorize the guards to reinforce those routes. Trade cannot be allowed to stall."

Duke Quinn leaned forward. "There is also the matter of port tariffs. Several guilds are pushing back, claiming the current rates are strangling overseas trade."

"They always complain." Marlow sneered. "Yet revenues have stabilized since their increase."

The King raised a hand, correcting him. "Stability matters, but so does goodwill. Reduce the tariffs slightly for high-volume traders. Let them feel rewarded for their loyalty."

Marlow couldn’t help but frown at his father’s words. A peculiar light flashed in his ruby eyes. It seemed that there was something he wished to express, but in the end… he kept to himself.

A brief pause followed as the scribes hastily noted the King’s decision.

"And governance?" Maximillian asked.

"The outer districts require additional funding," Duke Bray replied. "Infrastructure repairs, mostly. Roads and aqueducts, etc."

Maximillian pondered for a moment, then gave a light nod. "Approve it. A prosperous city begins with order and function."

His wisened gaze swept over the table, scanning the faces of his most trusted advisors. "We will not rule by force alone. We rule by keeping the city running."

The council bowed their heads in agreement — Marlow reluctantly so.

"If there’s nothing more, then I shall retreat to my training," The King said as he began to rise from his seat.

"Your Majesty, there’s something I wish to say." Marlow’s voice echoed in the hall.

The King glanced at him and nodded.

Marlow snapped his fingers and ordered, "Everyone, except the Dukes, leave this room."

The scribes and other Magi standing in the hall respectfully bowed, then exited the room. Duke Bray and Duke Quinn were curious as to what could be so important that the Prince wanted to discuss.

Once the room was empty, Marlow turned to the King and solemnly said, "Father, it’s about the message we received a few days ago."

Maximillian’s eyes narrowed. He knew exactly what message his son was talking about, so he gestured for him to continue.

The two Dukes didn’t know the full details about Anna’s message recording, but they did know it was vital to the kingdom.

"Given that we need to be cautious of whom we allow into the city," Marlow began. "I suggest we restrict the movement of foreign Mana Vortex-level Magi within the city."

Marlow thought of Leila for a brief moment. But when he recalled the wonderful time he spent with her, he chose not to involve her in his proposal. Whether it was love, or infatuation, or something else entirely… even he could not say.

He paused for a moment, then continued, "I would also propose removing Magus Nilrem from the city. The timing of his arrival is suspicious, to say the least. And if I’m being honest…"

He hesitated, then added:

"I find the man rather dubious."