Chapter 85: Sorcerer Of Nermia [1]
I received the report with a trembling expression.
"So, the infamous magician from the Magic Tower caused a commotion in the Mercenary Guild?"
"They say he is called a sorcerer."
"How much damage is there?"
"Half of the building was destroyed and more than a dozen people were injured. Fortunately, there were no deaths."
Chief Inspector Josiah Campbell had a calm expression, even though he was conveying some very uncomfortable content.
As the person responsible for the overall defense of the capital, he was the emperor's closest confidant.
So, even if we had a superior-subordinate relationship, there was no reason for me to feel inferior.
Of course, his attitude wasn't that bad. It wasn't his fault that the crazy guy used magic in the city. And what's more, it's a very special thing.
Sheriff Campbell was the first to rush to the courthouse because he knew I was looking for a wizard.
Well, after the investigation is completed, they just hand it over to the prosecution. There is no need to bother reporting this.
Now that I think about it, there was something strange. I guess he went through all this trouble because he wanted something.
There is absolutely no need for that.
"I think you have something else to tell me."
"Ahem!"
"Please feel free to talk. As long as it is not illegal or unreasonable, I will listen."
"They say you saved the man with Cordyceps sinensis pills."
"Yes, I did."
"Could I get a little something for myself? I'm so… these days."
At that very moment, I smiled broadly and my eyes lit up.
Is hein debt to the Emperor's entourage?
It wasn't a bad investment if I could buy his favor with just a few Cordyceps Sinensis pills. Plus, he might end up being great customers in the long run.
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"Aha! If you had told me earlier, I would have prepared it for you in advance. You looked so healthy that I didn't even think about it."
"It's not that big of a problem yet."
"I know. I know. When you grow up to a certain extent, you want to go higher, right?"
"Heh heh heh!"
I saved Chief Campbell's spirit.
This is also a sensitive topic for middle-aged men. How can someone who has only experienced 20 things know so much?
The seniors I work with are quite old, so I picked up things here and there. I took a fancy box out of the drawer.
It was a set of ten Cordyceps Sinensis pills.
"It's such a popular item that I guess I only have this."
"Ah..."
"When the items arrive, we will make sure you can purchase them first."
"Thank you."
Captain Campbell's face, which had been momentarily disappointed, suddenly brightened.
No matter what the price, this person will often buy singles.
Once he see the effects, he can't stop.
When I say it like that, it sounds like a very addictive drug. Let me emphasize again that this is only a good tonic and health supplement for men.
In their s*x activities.
Ahem...
Anyway, it was not a harmful drug banned by the country. Only the magicians of Nermia make things like that.
"I guess I should meet him first."
"What are you going to do?"
"If there is no agreement, we will just take it to court. After all, relief for the damages comes first."
I met that rare wizard, but I had no intention of going beyond the bounds of common sens.
Don't you repent your sins? Then I planned to throw him in the cell.
It's going to be a huge hassle, but you can get the wizard through other routes.
Chief Campbell nodded with admiration.
"Your Majesty, your mindset is different. A normal person would try to take advantage of a high ground."
"That's too much praise."
After a while, I went to the police station's detention center.
There seemed to be quite a few people arrested in the act, so the inside of the iron bars was bustling.
But weren't they all huddled in one corner?
"I am the Judge."
It seemed to be because of the sorcerer's notoriety. That scene was pretty funny, so I wanted to leave it that way for a while.
I looked back at the chief of police as I entered the interrogation room. "Please call him in so we can talk for a moment."
"Yes."
Investigator Campbell nodded willingly.
Soon a man wearing tattered robes entered the dark room. His arms and legs were bound in heavy restraints.
Considering that he was a wizard, the two knights who followed him had shining eyes.
He looked like he was going to slit my throat if I made a mistake.
I said, waving my hand lightly.
"It's okay, go out."
"But Your Majesty, the sorcerers of Nermia are very dangerous."
Instead of answering, I just smiled quietly, and the knights' expressions became distorted.
Only then did they realize who I was. If it were a normal member of the royal family, they would have to be protected even more.
But I am a berserker who has come down to conquer the North.
Any guy could be killed with one punch.
"…All right."
Although they still had worried expressions, the two knights backed off obediently. Only then was I able to speak alone with the sorcerer of Nermia.
"The crime of assault that injured seventeen people, and the crime of destruction of a building. I guess I'll have to give you about ten years in prison and pay five thousand gold in compensation."
I went through the documents and listed the charges, but the other person's expression did not change at all.
He just stared at my face quietly. And then, all of a sudden, he started to laugh bitterly.
"If I escape, that's the end of it. Why? Do you think I can't do it?"
It was not an easy task to bind the wizard.
Because I never know when or what he might do.
There were countless cases of escapes through extraordinary means.
However, it was not possible to always place highly skilled knights.
It's just too much of a waste of energy to invest in just one prisoner.
In that case, it would be better to take money and release him. But I had no intention of doing that.
At least I should make him regret it.
Isn't it too much to break someone's arms and legs just because they said something annoying?
And on top of that, they even destroyed the building.
If you cause an accident, it's only natural that you pay a price for it.
'Are you trying to sneak out with the power of the magic tower and your own skills?'
"I guess I have no choice but to give you back what you said. You're definitely going to get 20 years."
"Ha! Didn't you just say ten years?"
"The crime of contempt has been added. Why? Do you think you can't escape now?"
"…"
Given the knights' attitudes, it shouldn't be difficult to guess my identity. Then you know very well that you have that ability.
The sorcerer of Nermia muttered, then fell silent. It seemed like he realized that if he kept pushing, he would only end up losing money.
As expected of a wizard, he's quick at calculating.
"What do you want?"
"It's simple. There's an outbreak of an epidemic. I need you to treat the staff."
"It's not that difficult, so why do you need me?"
"I have a lot of enemies."
The sorcerer was deeply troubled.
Actually, it wasn't something I thought about for a long time.
Where else can he get a deal this good?
I even exempted him from prison.
"Can I ask you one question?"
"However much."
"Is that the job advertisement in the mercenary guild that Your Majesty posted?"
"That's right. Originally, I was going to treat you like a gentleman. But someone caused an accident and this is how it turned out."
"What kind of medicine is the compensation? Can I receive something else?"
"Why? Are you going to fine me?"
"yes."
"It's possible. But even if you have money, you can't get it. Is that okay?"
"Even so, it's not as good as Cordyceps Sinensis, is it?"
"Is this it?"
"… … ."
The sorcerer of Nermia stopped all movement.
It felt like I was trapped in ice.
Then, all of a sudden, he started shivering and jumped up.
"Is that true?"
I watched as the sorcerer's eyes widened, the realization of the opportunity setting in. This was the moment to negotiate.
"Yes, it's true. But you'll have to work for it. Are you willing to cooperate?"
He swallowed hard, his arrogance from earlier slipping away. The reputation of Cordyceps Sinensis wasn't something to take lightly, especially for those in his line of work.
"I'll do it," he said, his voice now measured and serious. "But I need assurances. I need protection while I treat the staff, and I need guarantees that I won't be thrown back into a cell afterward."
I leaned back in my chair, considering his demands. It was a reasonable request, and I had anticipated it.
"Fine. You'll get protection, and as long as you uphold your end of the deal, you'll be free to go. However, any attempt to escape or cause harm, and the deal is off. You'll serve the full twenty years."
The sorcerer nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. He had no choice but to comply if he wanted a chance at freedom and the coveted Cordyceps Sinensis.
"Alright then. We have an agreement," I said, extending my hand.
He hesitated for a moment before shaking it. "We have an agreement," he echoed.
I called the knights back in, instructing them to escort the sorcerer to the medical wing under heavy guard. The outbreak needed immediate attention, and now we had the means to address it.
As the sorcerer was led away, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. This wasn't just about punishment or justice; it was about leveraging every opportunity to protect the capital and its people. Sometimes, that meant striking deals with the devil.
Turning back to Chief Inspector Campbell, I gave him a nod. "Let's keep a close watch on him. Ensure he has everything he needs to succeed, but make sure he knows there's no room for error."
"Understood, Your Majesty," Campbell replied, his respect evident.
As I left the detention center, I felt the weight of the decision lift slightly. The path forward wasn't easy, but it was necessary. And if this sorcerer could indeed help quell the epidemic, then perhaps we'd all come out of this a little stronger.