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Chapter 183:

A hundred thousand gold, the bare minimum it took to receive a gold card, was already enough to build a fortress. It was surprising that Iceline had that much money, but it was even more surprising that she had put it all on Joshua. Who would have thought that she would commit so hard?

“Hmm… I think it’s 500,000.”

Akshuler and Lilith froze.

“500,000 gold… multiplied by twelve… Six million gold?!”

“Half a million—!”

Akshuler’s jaw dropped, and Lilith’s perfect smile collapsed. Iceline put her hands on her hips and smirked at them.

“My best friend is fighting on that stage. It’s the least I can do, right?” Iceline flashed a winning smile at Lilith. Right now, she was the real winner of the Master Battle.

She clenched her fist cutely. With six million gold, I can…! Of course, she couldn’t let it get to her head; she had to remember what she needed the money for.

Mr. Akshuler probably doesn’t know, but I gambled my family treasure on this. Blue Wings… It had never left her body even when her family collapsed… but now it sat in a pretty box behind the skinny man.

Not many people knew of the Blue Wings, actually; when it was discovered, no one recognized just how valuable it was. But any wizard who saw it would be drooling, whether they knew its origins or not.

The final legacy of the last Battle Mage in the history of the Empire… Jerath dick Orbis.

The Blue Wings necklace was a very special thing. When someone wore it, it cleared their mind and sharpened their focus, making it much easier to derive the formulae for magic. In other words, casting time, the fatal flaw of magic, was reduced exponentially.

I feel so different without it.

She wouldn’t have even considered betting the Blue Wings on Joshua if she wasn’t sure he was going to win. It was too important to her to lose.

I saved the Blue Wings and made a ton of money. With the money, I can… Iceline’s mind began to wander again.

Take revenge.

Reclaim my land.

Raise the flag of Rebrecca where it belongs.

“…And when all that’s done, build a good house for him and live happily ever after…”

What are we going to do when it’s just the two of us…?

Iceline blushed furiously.

“—lena… Selena.”

“Huh?” Iceline jerked.

“What are you thinking about…?”

“Haha… What were you saying, mister?” Iceline quickly changed the subject.

“…What?” Akshuler gave Iceline a strange look and then shrugged. “I asked you what you think about this.”

“About what?” Iceline asked blankly.

“We never talked about it, but I don’t really have any friends either.” Akshuler put on a sad face. “You might not know this, but I’m usually pretty lonely. I don’t even have anyone to drink with when I’m down. I want to be your best friend. You don’t discriminate based on age, right?”

The women were speechless. Even Lilith was looking at Akshuler like he was human trash.

“Amazing…”

“Yes?” Akshuler and Iceline turned to Lilith.

“I never thought about it. Did you say your name was Selena?” Lilith smiled brightly at Iceline, who nodded but didn’t reply. “I suppose that means you’re very close to him and that you know his charms much better than I do. I haven’t been seeing him for very long, I’m afraid.”

Iceline’s ears perked up. For long?

“The way you two reacted makes me want to know him a little better,” Lilith whispered.

Iceline wanted to tell her off immediately but didn’t want to look weird.

“I’m only going to say this once…”

Akshuler discovered a strange smile on Lilith’s face.

[I’d like to get back to our transaction. It’s been on hold for quite a while.]

The mercenary’s eyes widened as the voice resonated in his head. Magic message…!

[It’s rather sudden, but you needn’t worry about my terms. They’re very generous, Mister Akshuler.]

Akshuler nodded pensively, drawing a wide smile from Lilith.

[I actually made a deal with him as well. If he wins the Master Battle, the Lion King should be his next opponent.]

Akshuler was stunned by the sudden revelation.

[Of course, I made that deal because he thought he could beat the Lion King. He’s young and powerful, but the reigning king is strong both in name and ability. However, even if he didn’t win, he would still achieve his goals so long as he showed the continent the possibilities.]

The mercenary’s thick lips twitched. Lilith’s reasoning evidently came from her other persona. Her every move was calculated down to the most mundane detail, so Akshuler was not surprised that she knew Joshua would win the Battle.

The new king needs to take root in the hearts of the people, Akshuler thought. His seat, what he represents, is the very essence Reinhardt.

Akshuler glanced to the side. Iceline was a very smart person; as soon as she felt the flickers of mana in the air, she politely looked away, a gesture Akshuler greatly appreciated.

[Eyes on me, please. Pay attention.]

Oh, I see… Akshuler inclined his head apologetically, hiding a sly smile.

[Anyway… My perception of him hasn’t changed. It was purely speculation, but yesterday…] Lilith’s eyes lit up. [After seeing him fight against the Prince, I changed my mind. I was proud of what I knew of fighting, but the big¹ spear technique he showed me… I thought he might really be able to beat the Lion King, but I’m not sure.]

Hmm. Same as everyone else, Akshuler mused. Lilith was known for being objective, to the point of being cold-hearted. Joshua… knew himself better than anyone else did…

“Well,” he muttered, “I couldn’t even keep up with that speed at the end…” Akshuler smiled bitterly to himself. If that spear was aimed at me, would it have landed?

The answer was “yes.” Akshuler couldn’t deny it, even if he wanted to. He’d never fought Joshua, but he knew that he couldn’t win against the young Master of Avalon, even when he was only fifteen years old.

As for where he ends, I have absolutely no idea.

[Now, let’s talk about details.] Lilith’s silver eyes shone, bright and mysterious. [If he can beat the Lion King, then he can beat the Mercenary King. Barbarian will kneel… And if he can beat Barbarian, then a new Mercenary King will take the throne.]

Akshuler was suddenly very attentive.

[I know what you’re thinking: even if he beats Barbarian, you won’t take that seat. You’re not tied to the throne; it’ll probably go to someone else. But you can’t do that. You have to sit at the highest seat of the mercenaries so you can help him. If you do, I will follow through with the deal you suggested earlier.]

1. TLN: I had to do this ️