113 Chapter 106 - A Simple Talk.
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[Adam C. POV]
I blinked. Taken aback by the sudden offer. "Could you repeat that?"
"Mr. Adam," the King began, the authority in his voice making every word echo through the large room. His gaze, solemn and unyielding, met mine and held it. "Against all odds, you've demonstrated a level of magical ability far exceeding our expectations. You've managed to handle two incredibly powerful mages, both of whom at one point held the title of wizard Saint, and also became significant threats to the magical world."
A pregnant pause hung in the room, the council members looking at each other in anticipation.
I could see that some wanted me to reject the offer. While others wanted me to accept.
"Taking this into account, alongside your record as a wizard, I have therefore" the King continued, his gaze unwavering, "Decided to offer you a position as one of the Ten Wizard Saints."
At this, the room seemed to hold its breath, as if time itself had paused. I blinked, staring back at the King.
I had to say. This was an unexpected turn of events.
I mean…
Becoming a Wizard Saint wasn't something I thought I would do any time soon.
Not because I didn't want it.
This was an offer that brought on itself an elevation in status, political power, and responsibility.
It simply had more perks than negatives.
And beyond that, it was an acknowledgement of my magical prowess and capabilities, a recognition that only a few mages could ever dream to receive.
So I wouldn't lie saying I hadn't considered the possibility of becoming one, sure.
Alas, with the council's known animosity towards Fairy Tail and the recent events, most of which were Makarov telling them to suck it off…
Well, let's just say I never expected it to happen so soon.
"If I accept, then what?" I asked, my voice echoing in the large chamber.
The room remained silent for a moment before the King adjusted himself in his seat, meeting my gaze with a smile.
"Should you choose to accept," the King began, his voice steady. "You would be assigned the rank of the 8th Wizard Saint."
At this, a murmur arose among the other council members. If the alarmed murmurs were anything to go by, this kind of position between the wizard saints was a high one, especially for a first-time appointment, too high for their liking it seemed.
The King continued, silencing the murmurs with a wave of his hand, "This would place just a few spots below Makarov Dreyar, the master of your guild, who currently holds the rank of the 6th Wizard Saint."
Two spots below the old man. Haha, not a bad offer, not gonna lie.
As the weight of the King's words settled in, I found myself staring at him, my mind whirling with thoughts.
If I am to accept this offer. I need to know what exactly am I signing up for.
I needed to know how much I would make for taking a title that was basically a big advertisement for idiots looking to get some glory.
And how many responsibilities said title would bring.
"What would my responsibilities be? And how much would I earn?" I asked, my voice cutting through the silence in the room.
The moment the words left my mouth, a gasp ran through the council members.
"What audacity!" One of the council members, sitting right beside the King's left burst out, his face flushed red with anger. "How dare you question such a generous offer—"
But before he could continue, the King raised a hand, effectively silencing him. The chamber fell back into a hushed silence, with all eyes now on the King.
"Silence," the King's voice was firm but not harsh. "His questions are more than valid."
The King then turned his gaze back to me, his expression calm. "As a Wizard Saint, your duties will involve maintaining the balance of magical power in our realm. You'll be expected to intervene in conflicts that risk destabilizing that balance and represent the Council in crucial diplomatic negotiations."
I knew that. Thanks to Warrod.
"That being said, the position does come with an appropriate stipend to match the level of responsibility and dedication required," the King continued, the brief pause lending gravity to his words. "However, the exact amount is a matter we discuss privately, following the acceptance of the position."
Meaning the amount is high enough to require privacy.
"I see," I replied with a small nod.
He looked at me, his eyes probing, as if trying to gauge my reaction.
"In that case, I accept," I grinned, my voice steady and resolute.
Sure, this meant I would have more shit to do. But…. I couldn't say no to a big amount of money just for that, could I?
Besides, the title does have a nice ring to it.
A ripple of surprise swept across the council, punctuated by a few audible gasps, and groans. Even the King, who had maintained a tranquil demeanor throughout our exchange, showed a hint of surprise in his eyes.
I guess in some way he had expected me to reject the offer.
Ha! Jokes on him, I love easy money too much for that.
As for the council, well, except for a select few, most of them were unhappy.
Heck, the council member who had previously reacted so vehemently to my questions, was grumbling under his breath, his eyebrows knitting together as he scrutinized me.
"So what now?" I asked.
The room held its breath, waiting for the King's response.
A moment later, the King inclined his head, a pleased smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Well then," he said, his voice reverberating through the grand hall. "Welcome aboard, Wizard Saint Adam. We look forward to your service to the magical community."
"Now let's talk about my stipend," I replied, flashing a confident grin.
The room fell silent, all eyes wide with surprise at my straightforwardness.
The title is nice and all. But what's the point if you can't get shit with it?
With a soft chuckle, the King held up his hand and rose from his seat, before anyone could protest, "Follow me, Adam," he commanded with a wave of his hand, turning towards the grand double doors that led outside the council chambers.
This sparked an uproar amongst the council members. I could hear the hushed whispers escalating into loud protests, but the King seemed completely unfazed, ignoring their outcries as we departed from the council hall.
Our footfalls echoed through the ornate hallway as we left behind the commotion of the council chamber. The small King walked with an air of tranquility that despite his unquestionable lack of strength commanded respect.
I couldn't help but respect him. After all, it was rare to meet someone who could maintain such composure amidst the turmoil.
Behind us, the doors to the council hall shut with a resounding thud, silencing the council's protests. I glanced over my shoulder one last time before following the King.
As we strolled through the meticulously kept gardens of the council courtyard, the King eventually broke the silence with a soft chuckle.
"Adam, I have to be honest with you," he started, turning his sharp gaze onto me, "There's another reason I want you in the Wizard Saints ranks."
Of course there is.
Not that I didn't think I didn't have what it took to become one, but I had a feeling that there was more to this than simply acknowledging my skills.
Deciding to keep my thoughts to myself, I simply nodded, prompting him to continue.
"As you probably know, the Wizard Saints operate as a continental organization. They have a considerable amount of influence and power in shaping the magical world. Having someone from our Kingdom, especially someone as capable as you, would... provide a certain balance."
He paused, allowing his words to sink in. His gaze hardened slightly as he continued.
"And there's another matter that requires our attention. And that is the consequences of Jellal's actions for the Kingdom."
Ah, I see his angle now.
Clever King.
He wants someone to fill the stain of Jellal left, and who better to do so than the man that defeated him.
"Jellal's actions have left a stain on our reputation. We need to restore the Kingdom's dignity and ensure that such infiltrations do not occur in the future. That is where you come in, Adam."
Well color me impressed. I didn't see that last part coming.
"Your primary role would be to safeguard the interests of our Kingdom and ensure the same mistakes aren't repeated," the King continued, his gaze steady and unwavering. "We cannot afford another Jellal incident."
"Very well," I replied, my words echoing back at me from the stone walls surrounding us. "I will do everything in my power to uphold the trust you've placed in me."
A hint of a smile tugged at the corners of the King's lips. "As for your salary, well, it will be enough for you to retire if you wish so."
He had me at retire. Not that I will… but seeing he sees my taxes and knows how much I spend, he knows I'm not exactly… cheap with my stuff.
"Happy to be of service," I replied.
I wonder how much this will affect my future.
