“What do you mean you can’t sell the runestones anymore?! Isn’t that against our agreement? Why do you think we deployed our mages, even paying three times the market rate? You can’t just back out like this!”

Hubert’s face twisted in anger as he shouted. In response, Ghislain sighed dramatically, emphasizing that he too was in a tough position.

“As you know, things nearly went south this time. And now, more lords are bound to covet the runestones in the future.”

Though Hubert glared at Ghislain, he couldn’t deny the truth in his words.

“If rumors spread, other lords might indeed come after them.”

Ghislain nodded.

“We lack both the troops and the resources to defend ourselves properly. Sure, we could make a lot of money by selling runestones, but those resources are finite.”

“So sell them to us! I’ll even pay five times the rate!” Hubert desperately offered.

But Ghislain shook his head with a sorrowful expression.

“It’s not about money. Even if we secure funds, it takes time to raise troops and gather supplies. What happens if someone attacks us again in the meantime?”

“…Another war, I suppose.”

Hubert’s voice wavered. He had thought the recent war would take longer to break out, but it had come suddenly. Now, he wasn’t sure of anything anymore.

Seeing Hubert’s uneasy reaction, Ghislain chuckled inwardly. Bureaucrats like him were always so predictable.

“In case of another war, I would have no choice but to use the runestones again to repel the enemy. There's no other way to stop a large army.”

Hubert’s eyes widened in shock.

“You’ve gone mad! If you keep blowing up runestones like that, you’ll run out in no time!”

“There’s no other option. Of course, it’s a shame. With the money from selling the runestones, I could recruit more soldiers, improve facilities, and greatly develop the territory. But what good is any of that if we lose the war?”

“There has to be another way! This is absurd!” Hubert fumed.

“And you think it’s not absurd that I might lose my territory if I sell runestones and invite disaster?”

“Urgh…”

Hubert had no comeback for that. Ghislain was right. How could anyone tell him to risk his land and people just for money?

But Hubert had to find a solution. Without the runestones, the Red Flame Mage Tower would be in trouble too.

“Then use the money from selling runestones to bolster your forces…”

Hubert tried another approach, but Ghislain scoffed.

“Master Hubert, how long do you think it takes to amass an army of thousands? Soldiers don’t just fall from the sky. Our territory is sparsely populated.”

“Then hire mercenaries!” Hubert suggested.

“With the last bit of money I made from selling runestones, I scoured the north and managed to hire just over three hundred mercenaries. I already had nearly two hundred before that, so there are barely any mercenaries left.”

“That’s still a good number, isn’t it?”

“It’s not insignificant, but it’s not enough either. The last invasion involved thousands of soldiers.”

“….”

Ghislain continued with a somber expression.

“I enjoy making money and would love to sell the runestones. As I said, I value our business relationship. But if my territory falls, what would be the point?”

Hubert felt the world closing in around him. He couldn’t very well tell Ghislain to abandon his land. Leaving Ferdium would bring disgrace to Ghislain and the land itself.

Not to mention, without Ferdium, there would be no more runestones.

“We’ll guarantee your safety! What if you offer the runestones to the royal family in exchange for protection?” Hubert blurted out, suggesting whatever solution he could think of.

“Or form alliances with other lords! You could even partner with the temples. Becoming a vassal to Duke Delfine would also ensure your safety!”

At that last suggestion, Ghislain almost smirked but quickly suppressed it. He couldn’t reveal Delfine as an enemy yet, or the Mage Tower might turn on him.

“That could work, to some extent. But couldn't any lord do the same thing? Offering runestones to secure alliances? No one would refuse such an offer after a victory.”

Ghislain shook his head, feigning disappointment.

“I’ve thought long and hard about this, but there’s no solution. Wars will keep happening, and I’ll have no choice but to keep blowing up runestones to survive.”

Left with no other options, Hubert said the only thing he could.

“Fine! I’ll send more mages! If you won’t trust the royal family, the other lords, or the temples, we’ll help protect you ourselves!”

At that moment, Ghislain had to cover his mouth to hide the triumphant grin that almost escaped. He had to keep up the act.

“Oh… I hadn’t considered that. If the Red Flame Mage Tower sent powerful mages, that would be a relief. But are you sure you’re willing to take on that risk?”

“We’ve already sent mages before, haven’t we? At this point, we’re in this together. Eventually, the other lords will catch wind of the situation anyway.”

“But hasn’t the secret remained safe so far?”

Hubert shot Ghislain a sharp look.

“Can you guarantee it won’t get out? Can you swear no one will leak the truth?”

Ghislain shrugged innocently.

“Why would I do such a thing? I want our partnership to last a long time.”

“Smooth talker, aren’t you?” Hubert muttered.

Ignoring the jab, Ghislain added, “I’m truly touched by your decision to risk sending more mages. I’m moved by your leadership.”

“Does that mean you’ll continue selling the runestones as planned?” Hubert asked, his expression hopeful.

Ghislain lowered his voice and leaned in.

“If you’re willing to take on this risk, why not go one step further?”

“What are you talking about?” Hubert asked, narrowing his eyes.

Ghislain’s tone grew more serious.

“You should establish a branch of the Mage Tower in my territory.”

“A… branch?” Hubert’s face twisted in confusion.

“We don’t set up branches. No Mage Tower on the continent does. You know that. It’s against everything we stand for,” Hubert explained, shaking his head.

Mages are supposed to gather in one place to advance their studies and power. Establishing branches would weaken them and risk exposing their secrets.

“I know. But if you’re already sending more mages, why not make it official? Establish a branch and resolve all these concerns.”

“Even so, it goes against the very founding principles of the Mage Tower…”

“But wouldn’t it put you at ease? No more worrying about leaks. If there’s a Mage Tower branch in the territory, who would dare question it?”

Hubert’s expression grew thoughtful. There had never been such a case before. No one had ever considered establishing a branch.

‘Why didn’t I think of this? We could set up a branch, collect the runestones close by, and keep an eye on the territory.’

Breaking from tradition had always seemed unthinkable because the Mage Towers followed an old creed—stay neutral, avoid alliances, and focus on personal mastery.

But in this situation, adhering to tradition could spell disaster for the Red Flame Mage Tower.

‘Traditions are only useful when they fit the situation. Sometimes you need to break the rules to survive.’

Hubert’s thoughts were interrupted by Ghislain’s voice.

“If you’re against the idea, I can leave. Once my territory is secure, if there are runestones left, I’ll return to negotiate.”

Ghislain stood up as if ready to leave.

Hubert didn’t even flinch this time and quickly moved to block the door.

“Hold on. Just because we’ve never done it before doesn’t mean we can’t. I’ll make it happen. After all, we’ve already sent mages. Setting up a branch might not be a bad idea. Plus, Alpo could continue his training.”

Mages cared more about personal achievement than loyalty to their towers. Without a steady supply of runestones, the Mage Tower would crumble, and all those old ideals would be meaningless.

The mages and elders would have no choice but to agree.

“Thank you for your generous decision,” Ghislain said with a satisfied smile.

‘Mission accomplished.’

Recruiting mages to aid in the territory’s development and defense would be a significant advantage. Unlike before, when he had to hire mages in secret, this time, their support would be legitimate.

Raising mages was much harder than training knights, and even with his knowledge of the future, Ghislain didn’t have enough time to cultivate mages on his own. This deal would save him a lot of time.

‘Like I’d waste those runestones on another explosion.’

He had big plans for the runestones, and he needed plenty of them to carry them out. Besides, no enemy would fall for the same trick twice.

“Ahem, establishing a branch is new for us, so I’ll need time to make arrangements,” Hubert said.

“Of course. Take your time.”

“Is there a suitable location in Ferdium? We’ll need a large, accessible area with good land and scenery.”

This part was non-negotiable. The Mage Tower’s surroundings were a point of pride.

Ghislain nodded.

“You can have the best spot. But it won’t be in Ferdium.”

“What do you mean?”

Ghislain grinned mischievously.

“It’ll be in Fenris. My own barony.”

“A barony? You’re a lord now?”

Hubert’s face paled in disbelief.