Chapter 84: Division (2)

Richard Burton’s expression turned blank when he heard Iron’s words.

“By any chance, are you the eldest son who ran away from home…?”

“Yes, that’s me.”

Iron smiled bitterly when he saw the dejected smile on Richard Burton’s face

“Hoho… I thought you were a hero who popped out of nowhere but it turns out that you have a great bloodline and lineage.”

Richard stared at Iron blankly trying to gather his senses.

“I feel like I just heard an extremely huge secret.” 

“Is that so?” 

Iron smiled as Richard spoke.

“You’re even willing to bring the Lion Family here. Naturally, I know that you wouldn’t bring them just because… So, is there anything that you want?” 

“The Northeast is currently planning something.” 

“I know. The Northeast wants to pioneer a new trading route, right?” 

The Eastern Commander nodded his head as if he also knew it as he continued to speak.

“It benefits us too, so of course we’ll help.” 

Richard Burton brought a document. He knew that this was a promise that should not be only made through words. 

From the Eastern Command’s standpoint, it would benefit them greatly if another large trading route opened along with the fixed trading route to the South and the Center. They could even share the risks while creating a different sphere of influence and interest that could keep the current Merchant Association in check. 

“Since I have received a lot, I will do my best to help you.” 

Richard Burton’s enthusiasm burned fiercely as he recalled the help that he would receive from Iron. He even promised to faithfully help the Northeast’s plan in the future as well as deploying 30% of his fleet as soon as the risk from the dimensional crack was dealt with. At the same time, he also promised to help deploy troops that will help in cleaning up the Badein River, the new trade route that the Northeast was pioneering.

But Richard Burton still opened his mouth carefully. Perhaps it was because he felt apologetic that he had received a lot from Iron.

“We have received far too many gifts just for a trade route that will connect the East and the West… Is there anything else that I can help you with?”

Iron smiled brightly when he saw the apologetic look on Richard’s face. 

Of course, it was not a good trade if the elite troops from the North and Northeast came here just for them to receive only one thing in return. So, when he saw that Richard Burton was a man who could read the situation, he carefully brought out the request that he had thought of before coming here.

“Then, I have a few things that I want your help with.”

“Tell me.”

Iron opened his mouth with a bit of difficulty when he saw Richard Burton looking at him eagerly as if he really could tell him anything that he wanted. 

“There must be some Magic Tool Workshops and merchants that have been pushed out by the Merchant Association in the East.”

“You want to take them to the Northeast?”

Richard Burton immediately understood Iron’s intentions. He rubbed his chin in thought.

“That’s right.”

Hearing Iron’s definite answer, Richard couldn’t help but feel embarrassed.

“Hmm… To be honest, I don’t know much about this so it’s a bit hard for me to give you a definite answer. Besides, it’s impossible for any region to force them to move to the Northeast, right?”

Even if he was the commander, it would still be difficult for him to recommend the Northeast unless there were benefits that could catch the eyes of these merchants. 

And Iron, who knew his situation, spoke confidently.

“Please just make an appointment for me.”

Richard sighed and nodded his head when he saw Iron speaking as if he was confident that he could persuade them.

“Hoo… I understand.”

Iron smiled at Richard’s answer.

“It would be easier to persuade Commander Crimson now.”

“Because of the Magic Tools Workshop and the merchants?”

“That’s right. The Northern Commander would be interested too.”

Of course, the two commanders would definitely be interested but Richard was wondering if the merchants in the East would be interested in them.

However, Iron was confident that they would be interested. He was sure that the merchants’ eyes would be caught once they knew about the mana cores, the dimensional cracks, and the numerous powerful weapons that would come out from the Northeast. 

“Hmmm… Well, if you say so. I’m really grateful for your help.”

Richard Burton thanked Iron once again. 

If things go as Iron planned and the North and Northeast sent troops to the East and the Lion Family came, it would be difficult for those big forces to move hastily. In addition, the Imperial Family would definitely be wary of the Lion Family. 

A few days after the secret agreement between the Eastern Commander and Iron took place, rarely seen people had come to Maricca Port. 

“Where are you from?”

“The Southern Wizard Tower.”

The Eastern knight guarding the warp gate looked surprised when he heard that people from the Southern Wizard Tower had come. This was because only those with extraordinary momentum had come. 

“Why are you visiting?”

“We’re here to see the Eastern Commander and Lieutenant Colonel Iron Carter.”

The knight saw the wizard gnashing their teeth as they said so. 

“I will contact them for you. You can follow this road to arrive at Command.”

“Thank you.”

After saying their thanks, the wizards left the knight and headed straight towards Command. Shortly after, another group of wizards had arrived at the warp gate.

“Where… are you from?”

“The Central Wizard Tower.”

“By any chance, did you come here to see the Eastern Commander and Lieutenant Colonel Iron Carter?”

“You know it well.”

The wizard replied coldly in response to the Eastern knight’s words.

“Hoo… If you go straight this way, you will arrive at Command. You can ask a guide and he’ll tell you the way.”

“Thanks.”

The knight couldn’t help but sweat after the group of knights had left. 

“It’s a mess.”

The knight hurriedly contacted the Eastern Command to inform them of their visitors.

The Eastern Command moved busily after the Southern Wizard Tower and the Central Wizard Tower flocked to their place. Richard Burton prepared to greet the wizards but the wizards’ first destination was not the commander’s office. 

“Moron. How can you be this conceited?”

“…I’m sorry.”

“Do you think it even makes sense for my student to get bedridden like this?”

Allan bowed his head sadly after hearing his teacher’s rebuke. 

“I’m really sorry for ruining your reputation, Tower Master.”

Sierra Leonar, the Southern Wizard Tower’s master, frowned at the bowing Allan. The Tower Master felt annoyed when she saw the punk who always caused her problems due to his arrogance droop sadly like this. 

“Hoo… Enough apologies. I’ll ask you about him.”

“Are you talking about Lieutenant Colonel Iron Carter?”

“That’s right. Although I don’t get along well with the Central Tower’s master, I know that the student that he had raised is quite a formidable one too. Is it really true that you and that student lost to one person even though you teamed up with each other?”

Hearing the question of the Tower Master, Allan’s body trembled as he recalled the scene. He couldn’t help but bow his head in fear.

“…That’s right.”

“So it’s a fact that the three of you, including Daniel, were all beaten up?” 

“…Yes.” 

“Ho…” 

Sierra looked incredulously at her student.

“Even if his divine beast is sealed?” 

“That’s right.” 

“This crazy shit! Are you really my student, huh?!” 

Sierra once again angrily chastised Allan Reishor. That was when Allan spoke with a voice that was so small one couldn’t hear it.

“Lieutenant Colonel Iron Carter is strong even without his divine beast.” 

“His swordsmanship? Are you proud that you got beaten just by a compressed mana sword? If it’s just that old-fashioned trashy swordsmanship then your magic holds an absolute advantage!” 

“It’s already steel.” 

Sierra paused in her angry rebuke when she heard Allan’s words. 

“What did you say?” 

“Iron Carter has already reached the 5th Stage.” 

Sierra’s expression hardened upon hearing Allan’s words.

“You must have been out of your mind just now…” 

Sierra was trying to refute Allan’s words but when she saw his eyes, she realized that what he was telling was the truth.

She finally realized why the Northeast was bragging so much about him.

“That guy… is a monster?”

“…Yes.”

Allan replied in a very small voice. Only silence remained in the hospital room after they finished their conversation.

“I’m in trouble.”

Sierra covered her face with her palms. 

“What…?”

“This wouldn’t end with you just being hit.”

Allan tried to open his mouth to ask but Sierra cut him off.

“Have you ever thought about the reason why the Northeast has been ignored?”

Allan shook his head at Sierra’s question.

“Do you know the reason why the Northeast Academy is not famous in the Empire despite staying in the most difficult and most dangerous place?”

Allan’s eyes widened when he heard Sierra’s words.

When he thought about it, most of the new stars that appeared in the Empire have come from the Northeast. But that wasn’t the case at all before. He thought that it was just because of the peculiarity of the Northeast but it seemed like that wasn’t the case at all.

“This is because of the implicit agreement between us and the Northeast. In order to hide the information about the Northeast, we created the image that the important academies in each region are suitable for raising elites with promising futures. This was so we could find the gifted people in each region.”

“Ah… But wasn’t the Northeast Academy famous for raising elites?” 

Sierra looked pitiful after hearing Allan’s question.

“But it’s dangerous. Do you think high-ranking aristocrats would want to send their children to places where they might die?” 

Allan replied timidly.

“Tch, tch! No family would be crazy enough to send their key talents to dangerous places.” 

“I… I see.” 

Cold sweat dripped down Allan’s back as he hurriedly nodded his head. Seeing her student acting like this, Sierra had no choice but to sigh.

“The high-ranking aristocrats send their future talents to the local academy while giving huge subsidies. In other words, we have created a way for the high-ranking aristocrats of the Empire to enter the real sphere of influence by letting them enter through the important academies in each region. And for the Northeast, who lost this opportunity, we promised them support. That was the pledge that’s initially promised to both the North and the Northeast.” 

Allan stared blankly at Sierra. His head was hurting after learning a huge secret. Then, Sierra continued to speak as if she was reprimanding Allan.

“However, at some point, the number of supplies sent to the Northeast has decreased. And in the end the current Northeast couldn’t endure it and exploded. They even showed the geniuses that they raised to the world. What do you think that means?” 

“Don’t tell me…?” 

“That’s right. They have now informed the world that they are the best. They are saying that the geniuses that they have raised will be responsible for the future of the Empire. The current aristocrats are still half-confident right now but over time people would start to gather in the North.” 

Allan’s expression began to harden at Sierra’s words.

“Then, the reason why I’m here at this time…” 

“Yes. The gathering of the new stars in the East was done to prevent the children of the nobility and the aristocrats from going to the Northeast as much as possible. This was done to disperse each region’s attention from the Northeast.” 

Hearing Sierra’s explanation, Allan seemed to realize the thing that he had done. When he realized that, he suddenly had no face to see his teacher. He was so guilty that he even wanted to be banished from the tower right now. 

And the same scene was playing in Peter Marvio’s room. 

“Crazy shit. Hoo… If what you’re saying is true… then, the rumors about the new stars from the North and Northeast are true..” 

“I’m telling the truth.”

Santos, the Central Wizard Tower Master, remained silent after hearing Peter Marvio’s words.

The rumors were even deliberately reduced to the minimum because of Iron’s status as a Ghost.

His swordsmanship is already at the 5th Stage. What if his divine beast’s skills were added?

In terms of force, he has already reached a level that the new stars couldn’t blindly follow.

Everyone believed that Iron Carter's value lied in his strategies and tactics. His information about the monsters as well as his tactical strategies were highly appreciated and valued by the military. However, his value skyrocketed even further after his force and fighting power had been added to the mix.

“Hoo… Let’s say that you lost. Alright. But I heard that you were the ones at fault here too?” 

“…That’s right.” 

Peter Marvio replied to his teacher cautiously.

“So, you’re telling me that you tried to get rid of him just because his divine beast is sealed?” 

“…Yes.” 

“Ho… Did I really raise this kind of student?” 

Santos looked at Peter in disappointment. He was deeply disappointed in his student who had been completely blinded by merits. 

Just like that, the two of them remained silent.

While silence rang loudly in the two hospital rooms, a man suddenly came to Iron Carter.

“I want to see Lieutenant Colonel Iron Carter…” 

“I’m sorry. The commander had currently restricted anyone from meeting with Lieutenant Colonel Iron Carter here at Command.” 

“This… Can’t you do this for me just this once?” 

The blonde man looked embarrassed upon hearing the words of the knight that guarded the door.

“I’m sorry.” 

The man pondered for quite a long time after hearing the knight’s firm refusal before taking something out.

“I’m this kind of person… Can’t you let me go?” 

The blonde man took out a plaque. His plaque was colorful and ornately decorated with gold and red jewels. And there was only one status that could use such a colorful plaque. 

“Im… Imperial Family.” 

“I’m Eiscand sol de Granciel, the Fourth Prince.” 

The Fourth Prince smiled slightly as he spoke.

“Are you sure that you really can’t let me meet him?” 

The eyes of the knight shook sharply upon hearing the Fourth Prince’s question after he revealed his identity.