Magus Reborn

130. Factions

The parade had been a grand spectacle, one that swept through the city. Kai had ridden through the streets of Veralt, the crowd’s cheers echoing in his ears for hours as he waved from his carriage. The air buzzed with energy, commoners leaning from windows and lining the cobblestone streets to catch a glimpse of him. Flowers rained down from balconies, the scent of freshly bloomed petals mixing with the brisk air. The joy was infectious, even reaching Kai’s normally neutral expression, coaxing a rare smile to his lips.

Yet, even as he basked in the glow of the parade, he knew that his day was far from over.

The celebration had already transitioned from the streets to the grand halls of the banquet, which had been in full swing even before he arrived. There would be no rest for him tonight, no quiet moment to reflect on the magnitude of his new title. He was aware that the moment he stepped into the banquet hall, he would become the centre of attention— each conversation, each subtle manoeuvre, orbiting around him. But there was no avoiding it. He had laid his plans, anticipated the power plays, and was as ready as he could be.

With each step echoing against the marble floor, Kai moved through the castle’s shadowed corridors, his boots clacking against the polished stone. He stopped just outside the banquet hall, where a servant in crisp livery stood ready to announce his entrance. The low hum of conversation inside fell to a hush as the servant’s voice rang out, "Presenting Lord Arzan Kellius, Count of Veralt!"

As the doors swung open, Kai walked into the hall, his presence commanding immediate attention. Conversations stilled, and every gaze turned toward him— some filled with curiosity, others with envy, and a few with outright malice. He could sense the weight of each emotion pressing down on him, like a wave of invisible force. Nobles in glittering attire shifted subtly, forming little clusters that marked their alliances.

The factions aligned with the second and third princes watched him with predatory interest, their expressions hungry, eager.

They sensed opportunity, and Kai knew that his meteoric rise had caught their attention. Only the faction of the first prince wasn’t present in huge numbers.

Everyone in Lancephil high society knew that the first prince had let his chance slip, fumbling the opportunity to secure Kai’s allegiance. Now, his rivals were circling like vultures, eager to pick up where their brother had failed.

Kai kept his expression neutral, not letting their probing gazes unsettle him. Instead, he offered a courteous bow to the gathered nobles and raised his voice. "Ladies and gentlemen, I am honoured by your presence tonight. The title is a great responsibility, one I will carry with the utmost diligence. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve Veralt and its surrounding territories as its Count. I hope you will all enjoy yourselves this evening as we celebrate together."

A round of cheers followed his words, glasses raised high and spirit flowed freely. The hum of conversation resumed, the nobles’ murmurs taking on a more enthusiastic tone as the festivities continued. But Kai didn’t allow himself a moment of relief. He had known that the real game would begin as soon as the formalities ended.

Just as expected, a cluster of nobles broke away from their circles and began making their way toward him. Their ranks included some of the most prominent names in the kingdom— barons, viscounts, marquis and even sons of dukes.

Each of them wore expressions of polite interest, though their eyes gleamed with the calculation of predators evaluating fresh prey.

Kai straightened, meeting their approach with a composed smile. His mind was already turning over the layers of meaning hidden behind each expression and word that was about to come his way.

At the front was Marcus Raktor, a burly man whose broad shoulders filled out his finely tailored doublet, adorned with the crest of his ducal house— a pair of crossed hammers. He extended a hand to Kai, his grip firm as they shook hands.

"Count Arzan, it’s a pleasure," Marcus said, his voice a rumbling baritone. "Congratulations on your new title. I’ve heard impressive tales of your efforts during the siege. The way you handled the beast wave... Well, it’s no small feat. I must say, I’m an admirer of your abilities."

Kai gave a polite nod, offering a brief but appreciative smile. "Thank you, Lord Marcus. It was a challenging time for Veralt, but I had a duty to protect the city." As he spoke, he noted the approving glances from some of the other nobles. Each one seemed eager to make their own impression, and he braced himself for the wave of compliments that followed.

"You’ve earned the respect of many with how you held the line," added Lady Seraphine, a slender woman with sharp eyes that missed little. "I’m sure the king himself must have been very pleased with your achievements."

"Indeed, indeed," another Lord chimed in. "Not many could have done what you did, Count Arzan. Veralt is fortunate to have you as its protector."

Kai maintained his cordial exterior, bowing his head slightly. "I appreciate your kind words, but the truth is, I had help— from brave soldiers, capable men, and even the commoners who put their lives on the line. They deserve as much credit as I do for our victory."

A few "yes," "truly," and "indeed" rippled through the small gathering, but before the conversation could steer back to safer, more controlled topics, a voice cut through with a sharper edge.

"I’ve heard there’s more to the story," spoke a young man, stepping forward with a confident stride. His rich attire bore the colours of House Ashford, and he looked at Kai challengingly. His name was Brinth Ashford. "Rumours say you crafted a weapon that could burn through the beasts like dry kindling. It’s become quite the talk across the kingdom."

A few of the nobles shot him disapproving glares, clearly unhappy with his bluntness. But Kai could see the interest in their eyes— the way their ears perked up, their curiosity barely restrained. They wanted to know more, even if they wouldn’t have been so direct in asking.

Kai met the Brinth’s gaze evenly, allowing a hint of a smile to curl his lips. He wouldn’t let himself be cornered, but he also knew the value of controlling the narrative. "Ah, yes. You must be referring to the mana cannons," he replied calmly. "They were indeed a great help in the defence. Crafted here in the castle itself, with the support of a talented blacksmith and an alchemist. Without them, the outcome of the siege might have been very different."

The revelation stirred the group, a few of the nobles exchanging glances with raised brows, clearly intrigued by the idea of such a powerful weapon. They leaned in closer, their curiosity now fully piqued.

"A mana cannon, you say?" Marcus rumbled, his interest plain as he stroked his chin. "I’ve heard of enchanted weapons, but something capable of turning the tide of a battle... that’s no small claim. What exactly are these cannons capable of, if I might ask?"

Kai’s smile remained steady, but he kept his tone measured. "Their capabilities are... specialised. They focus mana into a concentrated beam, capable of cutting through even the toughest of hides. But, as I said, they wouldn’t have been nearly as effective without the courage of those who fought alongside them. It’s a tool, not a miracle."

"Such a weapon could change the whole warfare," muttered Lord Pude from behind, he was an ally to the second prince. Kai noted the gleam in his eye— an opportunist, like many in the room. They were already envisioning what the cannons might mean for conflicts between the nobles themselves or for expanding their territories.

"Indeed," Kai replied smoothly, his tone growing slightly cooler.

With that, the nobles exchanged different opinions on mana cannons. It was almost as if for a fraction that they forgot Kai was right in front of them. Thankfully, it wasn’t long before Lady Seraphine stepped forward.

"So, the rumours were true after all. These mana cannons... are they truly as effective as the Heat stones that took over the kingdom last year?"

He gave her a nod, keeping his face composed. "The cannons and Heat stones serve different purposes, but yes, they work well in their own right. The cannons focus mana into a destructive beam, while heat stones provide warmth and small bursts of energy. They each have their place when necessary, because, of course, you can’t expect a Heat stone to hold off beasts."

That earned a few laughs as he expected.

"If it’s not too much of a secret, Count Arzan, may I ask how you came to develop such a thing? It’s not every day one hears of a new weapon so... potent."

Kai looked at Marcus who directed that question. He knew this question would come, therefore he kept his expression as sincere as possible.

"No secrets here, Lord Marcus," he said smoothly. "The knowledge comes from my mother. She left behind many writings, ideas she was unable to complete before her passing. This was one of them— an incomplete design. I merely pieced together what she couldn’t finish and managed to make it work just in time for the siege."

The nobles who were themselves Mages immediately reacted to Kai’s response. A few "Ah" passed. They seemed to buy into the story, nodding in understanding as if a mystery had just been solved. Kai, for his part, felt a hint of relief. The explanation was simple, believable—and, more importantly, kept the true source of his knowledge hidden. But he wasn’t out of the woods yet.

Brinth Ashford stepped forward again, his smile thin but his tone carrying a casual edge that Kai knew to be anything but. "So, a relic of your mother’s brilliance? Interesting. But tell me, Count Arzan, would it be possible to see a demonstration? I’ve heard much about these mana cannons, but I’ve yet to witness such a marvel myself." He paused, glancing around with a smirk. "I’m sure Magus Veridia must be sweating at the thought of weapons that could rival a Mage’s power."

A few chuckles rippled through the gathered nobles at the jab, but Kai met the young Ashford’s gaze evenly. "Mages possess a versatility that cannons cannot match," he replied, keeping his voice level. "The cannons have their strengths, but they will never replace the adaptability and finesse of a true Mage. But tell me, why would you want a demonstration?"

Brinth just shrugged. "All the same, Count, I think it would be beneficial to see them in action. And, of course, I’m not just looking for a show. I’d be willing to pay handsomely for the chance to acquire such a powerful tool. You know that the Ashford coffers run deep."

The air in the banquet hall grew tense as Brinth made his bid, and it didn’t take long for other nobles to interject. One of them, a stout lord from the far western side, chuckled and gave a dismissive wave. "Now, now, Lord Brinth, don’t get ahead of yourself," he said, smirking. "If these mana cannons are indeed for sale, you won’t be the only one interested in acquiring a few."

"Indeed, Count Arzan. The Ashfords may have their ambitions, but our interests are no less valid. I, for one, would love to add such a weapon to our defences. It would be a shame if they were snatched up by a single buyer."

The banter quickly escalated, with nobles from the factions of the second and third princes taking verbal jabs at each other. Their words dripped with thinly veiled competition, each side eager to gain an edge, all while maintaining the polite pretence of a banquet. It was exactly what Kai had expected.

He watched the exchange, maintaining a neutral expression as the nobles argued. It was like watching hounds circling a piece of meat, each eager to claim the first bite. He let the tension build, allowing their rivalry to play out before he stepped forward, raising a hand to silence the brewing argument.

"Everyone, please," Kai interjected smoothly, offering a smile that was both reassuring and calculating. "I appreciate your enthusiasm, but I think there’s been a misunderstanding. You see, we never intended the mana cannons to be kept hidden away. On the contrary, we have been producing them with the intention to sell." He made a sweeping gesture, his voice carrying the kind of conviction that would fool most ears. "After all, beasts aren’t the only threat to our kingdom. Bandits, rogue Mages, and who knows what else might lurk beyond our borders. For the prosperity of our lands, it only makes sense to share such a powerful tool."

It was a convenient lie, and he knew it. But that didn’t matter. Kai understood that in the world of nobility, truth often took a backseat to the narratives that could be spun and wielded like weapons. His words played into their desires, their ambitions— and more importantly, it kept them guessing.

"I believe we would have a good number of mana cannons to sell," Kai made the statement.

The nobles exchanged glances, some sceptical, others thoughtful. Yet, there was a general feeling of agreement, and he could see the glimmers of hope in their eyes. A few nodded approvingly, while others kept their expressions more guarded. But beneath the surface, he knew there was a subtle disappointment— one he had planted deliberately.

By stating his intention to sell the cannons to all interested parties, he was making it clear that he hadn’t chosen to align with any particular faction. It was a move that left them off balance. No single prince’s allies would be favoured, and for now, it meant they would have to contend with each other for access to his inventions. He could almost hear the wheels turning in their minds, recalculating their strategies.

But Kai knew better than to think this was the end. The night was still young, and while the nobles put on their masks of congeniality, he could sense the undercurrent of their ambitions. They would find more subtle ways to draw him into their orbits, offering promises of protection or wealth, trying to lure him into the folds of one prince or another.

But Kai was prepared. And as he raised his glass, offering another round of pleasantries to the gathered nobles, he knew that the real banquet had only just begun.

The next two hours blurred together for Kai as he moved through the banquet hall, exchanging pleasantries, fielding questions, and moving through the web of noble relations. It felt more taxing than a day of intense training. Every noble sought a word, a connection, and a chance to probe his intentions—about the mana cannons, his plans for Veralt, or even the political landscape of the kingdom.

He offered them smiles, well-crafted responses, and promises of more detailed, private meetings the following day. By the time he managed to extract himself, his jaw ached from forced politeness, and his patience had worn thin.

Yet, he had succeeded in keeping the nobility at bay, at least for now. As he stepped back from the chattering crowd, Kai realised that he hadn’t eaten since breakfast. He picked up a few dishes from the banquet spread, sampling a rich stew and some roasted game, letting the savoury flavours linger. With a full plate in hand, he finally sought a quieter corner of the hall, far from the clamour of aristocratic chatter.

From his vantage point, Kai observed the scene. His subordinates were scattered across the room, each one handling the banquet in their own way.

Some, like Francis, were happily indulging in the feast, their plates piled high with food. Others, more reserved, had found comfortable spots to sit and enjoy the rare luxuries without engaging in the noble games. The castle guards he’d grown to trust stood by the walls, ever watchful. A few of the Enforcers were mingling with the lesser nobles, forming connections that might prove useful later.

As Kai chewed thoughtfully on a slice of roast, he noticed a familiar face approaching from across the hall. Gorak, the mercenary leader, made his way over, his rough features set in their usual stern expression. When he reached Kai, he offered a respectful nod. "Lord Arzan, me and my crew will be leaving soon."

Kai raised an eyebrow, swallowing the last bite of his food before replying. "Ah, Gorak. I was too busy earlier to greet you properly." He cast a glance over the mercenary’s shoulder, where the rest of the crew waited, including the red-haired mercenary, Kellen. "Why leave so early?"

Gorak’s eyes followed Kai’s gaze, a wry smile crossing his face. "The food’s good, but apart from your people, we’re not exactly welcome here. Nobles and their servants don’t have much use for mercenaries like us, except when they need us to fight."

Kai leaned back against the wall, a slight frown creasing his forehead. "Yeah, I understand. Being a mercenary isn’t easy."

Gorak shrugged, his grin turning a bit more genuine. "It’s not, but it’s a life with its own rewards— exciting work, and it’s rare to find a place where we can stay for this long, even if our lives were on the line more often than not. Better to leave on our terms while things are calm."

Kai nodded, considering Gorak’s perspective. "You’re planning to head out for more contracts now that the beast wave is over?"

The mercenary leader nodded. "That’s right. No sense staying around if there’s no more work here. But if you’ve got something in mind for us, Lord Arzan, we’d listen."

Kai smiled slightly, setting his empty plate aside. "Actually, I do. I’ve been thinking about something, and I believe you’re the right person to make it happen. I want you to create an organisation."

"An organisation?"

"Yes. One called a guild. Or to use the full name— an Adventurer’s Guild."