Volume 23 Chapter 17-2 Arrival at Border City Parker
"Is there anything else?"
Viscount Parker asked, and Al slowly raised his hand.
"It's about what we should do with Cole, the researcher."
"Oh, Al. You did great again. Cole worked in the Marquis Prentis family's magic lab."
Al stood up and gave a small nod.
"He doesn't seem used to doing spy work. I don't think he even knows how to keep secrets. If we talk to him the right way, I think we can get him to tell us a lot."
Al then explained how he had spoken with Cole. Of course, he didn't say anything about how strong his own spell was—like how many arrows he could shoot using "Magic Missile."
"I see. Then maybe we can learn more about the Marquis Prentis family's magicians."
"Yes. I think that could be very helpful."
Viscount Parker nodded. Knowing how many magic users they had, and what kind, could be very useful if a fight ever came.
"Got it. We'll think about it. If we need to, I'll ask for your help again."
After the meeting, Al and the others planned to head to the Levy merchant estate. But the prisoner transfer still wasn't finished, so after leaving the meeting room, they waited in another room with Brenda and Leda.
"Al, there shouldn't be any problem with the spellbook and magic tool, right? Just take them. As for the gold, I think I'll give you about four thousand coins, since you also got those items."
After making sure the servant who brought the tea had left, Guildmaster Levy leaned in and whispered to Al.
"Huh? That's way too much. I can't just take that..."
What was Levy planning? He had agreed to use four thousand of the eight thousand coins they had taken as military funds for buying supplies. That only left four thousand coins.
Eric and the others didn't seem to know what to say either. And they clearly weren't planning on giving Orson any share. Al had already received the spellbook and tool, which seemed like enough...
"About the relief supplies—because you let me use the magic bag, I was able to bring back all the weapons and food that were in that villa. I'd say it's worth about four thousand gold coins. I was going to help out somehow anyway, but when Parker mentioned the supplies, I figured this was a good time. So don't worry about it. You might've hoped for more than four thousand coins, but think of it as investing in Viscount Parker. We've got to make sure he lives through this mess."
Levy gave him a wink and smiled. So that's what happened—he had told Viscount Parker that the goods were gone, but had secretly brought them here using the magic bag.
Since no one could know about the magic bag, this was the only way.
But only Guildmaster Levy could sell those weapons and food for that much money. Even if Al had taken them, he wouldn't know where to sell them, and they'd probably just go bad in the bag.
He still had those two barrels of grain sitting in it. Thinking of that, four thousand coins did feel like a lot. It didn't sit right to just take it.
And even for Guildmaster Levy, that was probably not a small amount right now.
"I understand. I know it's not my place to say this, but could you give me those four thousand coins after things calm down a bit? Honestly, even if I got that much right now, I wouldn't know what to do with it. I think it would help more if you kept using it in the Levy merchant guild. Maybe in about three years, if things go well, you can give it to me then. How about that?"
The people fighting under Naresh were going to need more money soon. Baron Sennett's lands would probably lean heavily on Levy's support. But with the way things were now, the guild likely didn't have much to spare.
Thinking of all that, Al made the offer. Guildmaster Levy looked a little surprised, then gave a soft laugh and shook his head.
"I see. Yeah, right now, having some extra coins really helps. But are you sure about this?"
Al still had two thousand gold coins he had taken from the Marquis Prentis family, and he hadn't really found a way to use them yet. He just gave a small nod.
"Alright. Then I'll go along with your idea. I'll hold onto the four thousand coins and give them to you in three years. And when I do, I'll make sure you get at least double. Look forward to it."
Double?! That was just like Levy. Al had thought the spellbook and tool were more than enough, but now he was getting even more. Still, he appreciated the thought.
"Yes, I'll look forward to it."
Al said with a small smile. Just then, Brenda and Leda came back to report the prisoners had been handed over.
"Alright, let's go back to the mansion. I want to see Ruella, too. I'm really glad everyone made it back safe."
Guildmaster Levy said this with a warm smile. Even Desmond and the others quietly nodded in agreement.
Character Notes:
• Cole - A magician serving Marquis Prentis, described as unhinged and around 40 years old. He is one of Eric's captors in the carriage and is involved in the operation to transport Eric and others.
• Brenda - Reginald's female subordinate; skilled in combat and magic.
• Leda - She was an apprentice to Eric. A magician in training.
• Orson - An adventurer, he was 172 cm tall with a slight limp, which Al had healed, an act for which he was deeply grateful. A seasoned warrior, he often worked alongside Al and made the (Red-Faced Sheep) tavern his regular lodging.
• Eric - Top magician in Lester. Mentor to many, including Leda.
• Baron Sennett - Naresh. He was in the same class as Alfred, and he is the second son of Viscount Lester, who was to be Baron Sennett, at the middle school in the capital of Margrave Rain's domain.
• Naresh - He was in the same class as Alfred, and he is the second son of Viscount Lester, who was to be Baron Sennett, at the middle school in the capital of Margrave Rain's domain.
• Ruella - Eldest daughter of the Levy merchant guild. Former classmate of the protagonist in Margrave Rain's capital.
• Desmond - Veteran adventurer hired by Levy. Based in Border City, Lester.
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