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The Crown Prince Wants to Retire

41. War with the Magic Tower (3)

The Emperor, burdened with an enormous penalty, is extracting people from the Royal Magic Tower.

The individuals selected by the Emperor were not particularly significant figures from the perspective of the Magic Tower. They weren’t the core developers of magical tools or the key component manufacturers of weaponry, and most importantly, the majority were low-level Mages.

That’s why leaving them unmonitored was the problem.

Through the notoriously fearsome Imperial Palace Intelligence Department, only the useful existences among them were meticulously extracted.

“…Was this intentional?”

Gilemon wore a resigned expression as he read the report provided by the Mages.

The Mages recruited by the Emperor were not just from the Central Magic Tower.

They had been recruited from all regions without distinction, and the Emperor had paid all the resulting penalties.

In absolute numbers, it wasn’t a huge figure.

However, each of them had considerable expertise in their respective fields.

While they had been marginalized in the Magic Tower, they were now gathered at the Royal Magic Tower, having reached a level of expertise in specific domains.

With experts gathered, something could certainly be accomplished.

“It’s ruined.”

After roughly checking the individuals extracted by the Emperor, Gilemon could clearly see the Emperor’s intentions.

“He aims for mass production of magical tools.”

From everyday magical tools to airships and trains—everything the Empire needed was to be developed.

The Emperor had resolved to shatter the foundational privileges the Magic Tower had maintained up until now.

Moreover, the people recruited now were the required talents for that task.

The government no longer needed the Magic Tower’s assistance.

All the necessary talents had been extracted, and above all, while the Royal Magic Tower was still lacking, a rather favorable working environment had been created.

Since the Emperor had begun direct support, the environment would gradually improve.

Additionally, if they expanded the workshop, the act of threatening them with magical tools could no longer continue.

“Negotiation…”

Even if they attempted to negotiate now, it wouldn’t go well.

Nonetheless, there was still a way.

Even if there were no immediate problems, they would struggle later due to a shortage of personnel.

Thinking about that, it was impossible not to consider talent cultivation.

In ten years, that wouldn’t be much of a problem, but under the Emperor’s plan, issues would inevitably arise before then.

“It’s worth a shot.”

Although startled by the Magic Tower Alliance’s unprepared moves, there was still an opportunity.

“Tower Lord? Where are you headed…?”

“To the Imperial Palace.”

Gilemon hurriedly boarded the wagon heading to the Imperial Palace.

In the past, seeing a wagon symbolizing the Magic Tower would have them hastily opening the doors, but times had changed.

Even the guards stationed at the Imperial Palace’s gates were being finicky, requiring various inspections, and upon entering, further inspections from the Imperial Palace Knights awaited.

“Since you didn’t send a prior notice, it will take some time. Would it not be better for you to come later after sending a notice?”

The aged attendant standing before the Emperor’s palace spoke with eloquence, but as it was essentially a denial of entry, the Tower Lord had to suppress his grimace and bowed.

“I can wait, but please allow me to see His Majesty.”

“Hmm… As you know, His Majesty is quite busy. I will ask, but don’t expect too much.”

“…Yes.”

Once the attendant went inside, the Tower Lord clenched his teeth.

From the beginning, he had not expected the Emperor to meet him easily, so he patiently awaited the attendant’s return.

“His Majesty has time. Please enter.”

Contrary to his expectations, when the Emperor agreed to meet him right away, the Tower Lord’s eyes widened.

‘Was he waiting for me?’

Thinking that to himself, Gilemon quickly entered.

“A precious guest has arrived.”

Saying so, Kariel smiled and guided him to the tea table.

“So, the Central Magic Tower Lord has come in person… Tell me, what brings you here?”

Knowing that Kariel preferred to get straight to the point, Gilemon also skipped the small talk and dove right in.

“I will fulfill all of His Majesty’s wishes. So please, let’s end this.”

“Is that so?”

Kariel looked surprised, as if he found it too easy for him to surrender.

“Less entertaining than expected.”

With a bored look, Kariel signaled Gilemon to continue speaking.

Then Gilemon cautiously opened his mouth.

“I will increase the production of magical tools by more than ten times compared to now. I will accept any increase in taxes. Moreover, I will ensure that Mages are permanently dispatched to the central departments for smooth cooperation… Lastly, I will actively engage in the cultivation of talented Mages.”

Upon hearing all that Gilemon had to say, Kariel chuckled.

“Surrender? No, you’ve come to negotiate.”

With that, Kariel smiled at Gilemon.

Pretending to surrender, yet the actual conditions were all quite pathetic.

Production increased by ten times? Given they were producing next to nothing, even a tenfold increase wouldn’t make much difference.

Paying more taxes? They were already raking in enormous profits, and they had set the prices for magical tools themselves, so it posed no problem.

And the permanent dispatch of Mages to central departments was a subtle expression of maintaining their superiority.

In essence, everything he’d said was merely a warm-up for the final word.

Ultimately, the core was this.

‘There will be issues with the supply of Mages later… So let’s settle at a reasonable point, and we’ll help you out!’

Knowing this implication made Kariel find it amusing.

“Seems you still have some leeway left?”

Despite having struck hard as prepared, Gilemon did not surrender.

“You’ve pressured every governmental department that trades with the Magic Tower, froze funds, and even pulled away internal talents, yet you’re still acting this relaxed…”

Kariel leaned his chin on his hand, observing Gilemon with keen interest.

Practically, they had done everything the government could do.

If this were any faction other than the Magic Tower, they would have long since fallen apart and surrendered.

Yet the Magic Tower remained relaxed.

Remaining true to their nature, they clung to knowledge they alone possessed, their vast accumulated wealth, and the confidence that even if they fell, they could survive anywhere.

That is why they did not surrender but instead directly proposed a deal to the Emperor.

“…The conditions I mentioned earlier can be changed at any time. I simply ask that you take your time in discussing it with the Magic Towers.”

Gilemon took a further step back to cover his last basis.

“That sounds plausible.”

Gilemon gazed into Kariel’s eyes with expectancy at his words.

“However, regrettably, I must refuse.”

“Your Majesty, there needs to be a compromise so that I can persuade the Mages.”

Is he really going to continue to fight? Gilemon inquired.

A prolonged conflict with the Magic Tower would not bode well for the Empire’s position. Even if the supply of Mages could be deferred, issues might arise in the ongoing war.

“I will take full responsibility for persuading the Mages. Given the name of war, I will ensure the magical tools are made more than tenfold.”

“That’s fine. We have sufficient stockpiles for the time being, so there’s no problem.”

“Your Majesty, if the Magic Tower halts, the Empire’s economy will surely suffer severely. Right now, things may seem fine, but you will never be able to manage with just the Royal Magic Tower!”

“Perhaps.”

Kariel nodded as if acknowledging that point.

“Yet, I still have to refuse. You will soon see the reason.”

Seeing Kariel smiling while saying so, Gilemon’s expression turned sour.

At the gesture to leave, Gilemon quietly exited the office, lost in thought.

‘Is there a hidden ace up his sleeve? Or is he just trying to take a firmer position?’

Stepping out from the Emperor’s palace, Gilemon sighed with a perplexed expression.

If it were merely a ploy to keep him on his toes, that would be a relief, but if there were indeed another hidden card, things would become complicated.

“I can only hope it’s just a bluster…”

Muttering like that, Gilemon headed straight back to the Magic Tower.

*

Before long, rumors circulated that the Tower Lord had gone to negotiate with the Emperor, and several places contacted Gilemon, although he could only respond that the negotiations had failed.

Following Gilemon’s failure, many Magic Towers tried to meet with Kariel but all ended in failure.

“Is there truly something in play?”

As time passed, with the pressure on the Magic Tower intensifying, Gilemon began to sense that the Emperor was up to something.

Just then, a Mage rushed towards Gilemon in a hurry.

“Tower Lord! Look at this!”

A small image sphere.

Inside it was the massive image sphere in the square, broadcasting live.

-Despite my numerous reforms, I recognized that the repeated issues with talent shortages stem from fundamental problems. It is essential to give all Empire Citizens the opportunity to learn at the basic Academy to cultivate many talents…

“Basic Academy?”

Gilemon tilted his head, looking at it with a ‘Is this all?’ expression.

While it might serve as a long-term solution, the magical talent shortage looming in just one or two years couldn’t be avoided.

Even if they began training young Mages right away, it would take several years.

Just then, another Mage hurriedly handed a newspaper to Gilemon.

“Academy Reform! The main figures are the two Crown Princes!”

“Academy reform? No way!”

With a puzzled expression, Gilemon peered closely at the newspaper, now filled with disbelief.

[Academy Reform Plan

1. Specialization of the Academy.

The previously chaotic Academy education will be subdivided to enhance specialization.

2. All professor positions maintained through connections will be completely restructured.

All professors, even those lacking qualifications but occupying positions, will be dismissed based on evaluations from the Crown Princes and students.

3. Contracts for entry into the Academy will be invalid.

Contracts that were forced upon to gain entry either through external pressures or coercive noble factions will be voided. Only upon graduating from the Academy will students be able to choose freely.

4. Scholarships.

Those who demonstrate a certain level of talent will receive full scholarships from the royal family. Even those lacking will have various means to secure tuition.

※This will come into effect starting tomorrow and will be expanded to all Academies thereafter.]

While it merely listed the significant reforms, the implications were monumental.

It meant that even the Mages who were supposed to join his Magic Tower would have their contracts effectively nullified.

From the Magic Tower’s perspective, it was akin to their already established contracts being forcibly annulled, yet now it was a rule set by students choosing the Academy, so there was no way to contest it.

Moreover, the newspaper reported that over 90% of the students inside the Academy supported this reform.

“Was this it?”

By simply recruiting Mages graduating from the Academy, basic tasks could be handled.

With some time bought, all that remained was to tighten the grip on the Magic Tower.

Both long-term and short-term plans were in place; all that was left was to dismantle the Magic Tower.

“…They will divide.”

If the well-known intelligent Mages realized they had no cards left to play, the only option would be to surrender.

Even if most of the Magic Towers maintained their allied forces until the very end, even a few withdrawing would spell the end of the fight.

Accepting only those who surrender, the Emperor would have nothing to regret even if he swept away all the Magic Towers afterward.

*

And eventually, what Gilemon had dreaded occurred.

It took not even days.

The very next day, the majority of Magic Towers that had sought the Emperor announced that they would relinquish all authority and comply with the Emperor’s commands.

In an instant, the once-imposing Magic Tower alliance began to crumble.

As if they had been waiting, the Inspection Department stormed into every Magic Tower in the Empire, and the Central Magic Tower could not escape that fate either.

Yet, out of respect for the Empire’s greatest Magic Tower, Inspector-General Podolski personally visited the Tower Lord’s office.

“Here is a letter from His Majesty.”

“……”

At the mention of the Emperor’s letter, Gilemon accepted it with both hands and quietly withdrew the letter from the envelope.

「It’s troublesome now to ask for leniency. Be aware that we serve on a first-come, first-served basis. You are late.」

“Ha ha….”

The moment he laid eyes on the Emperor’s letter, Gilemon realized there was not a glimmer of hope remaining for him, offering a hollow smile instead.

“So why not seize the opportunity when it was given?”

Podolski gazed at Gilemon with pity, then gestured towards the back.

Only then did the Inspection Department members, who had just entered, seize Gilemon’s arms.

“Corruption, embezzlement, smuggling with foreign entities, circumstances have been discovered regarding your unauthorized transfer of magical tools to foreign lands.”

“…Let’s go.”

What Gilemon could do now was simply follow Podolski, who was watching him silently.

With powerless steps, Gilemon was quietly led away, and everyone present realized that the true era of the Emperor had arrived.

Having crushed the Magic Towers, absolute power was finally in the hands of the Emperor.

 

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