Chapter 343: Chapter 233: Because I’m Rich

Seeing the Mages in the Tarrenno Legion stir, Fang Zhen narrowed his eyes warily, ready to activate the Gang Zan Seal at a moment’s notice.

Mages in this era were like Magic Fire Cannons. Being targeted by their combined fire—especially from a Mage Corps of over a dozen Mages—was not a pleasant affair, and the consequences would be severe.

Fang Zhen had no idea if the Gang Zan Seal could withstand the combined Magic of over a dozen Mages, and a flicker of unease stirred in his heart.

But only he knew that.

Between the two armies, he had to appear brave and fearless, displaying his most powerful side. Only then would people be convinced, and only once convinced would they follow.

Fang Zhen had long since learned that money and power weren’t always enough to secure loyalty. Inspiring deep-seated conviction and awe was the most effective method—and it saved a lot of trouble.

To maintain his image, even though he was wary, Fang Zhen kept his head held high, waiting for the Mages’ reaction like a victor.

Bravery wasn’t recklessness, nor was it an absence of fear. It was having the courage to do what was necessary when the time came.

The Mages were in a commotion for a moment, but then three of them, mounted on fine steeds, quickly rode toward Fang Zhen.

Fang Zhen smiled.

They had sent three people instead of attacking immediately. This meant they were here to negotiate.

Fang Zhen wasn’t afraid of negotiating.

Although the Tarrenno Legion still held the advantage in terms of overall strength, Fang Zhen had overwhelmed them with his presence.

’The advantage is still mine.’

The three Mages quickly arrived at the dueling ground.

The leader of the trio fit Fang Zhen’s image of a Mage. He wore a Wizard Hat, his hair and beard were long and snow-white, his face was lean, and his eyes were wise. He was a gray-robed Mage who looked to be in his sixties or seventies.

The only thing that didn’t match the image was the Mage’s physique. For a person of this world, he was absurdly tall and brawny, standing at about 1.77 meters tall. And while his Mage robes concealed most of his frame, the bulging pectoral muscles alone revealed his true build—he was ridiculously muscular, completely contradicting the impression given by his profession and age.

Of the two Mages behind him, one had emerald-green eyes, rare for this world, though his features were otherwise ordinary. The other was built like a bear, so huge that the warhorse beneath him was panting heavily under the strain.

Besides their similar attire, the three Mages had one other thing in common: they all looked like muscle-bound giants who had just returned from lifting weights, completely shattering the stereotype of Mages as frail intellectuals.

The Elder Mage arrived, first carefully examining Tarrenno’s body on the ground. After confirming he was truly dead, he couldn’t help but sigh.

"I am the Third-Ring Mage, Mansa. Beside me are Ruth and Yujins. I will dispense with the pleasantries of saying it’s a pleasure to meet you—to be precise, I am not pleased at all," said the Elder Mage Mansa.

"Heh, I don’t take you for an emotional man," Fang Zhen replied, his tone casual.

"Indeed, I am not," Mansa nodded.

Mansa glanced at Tarrenno’s corpse on the ground, sighed, and said, "The president of the Mage Association once said that while Tarrenno was a Duke, he loved to compete in strength and valor like a Warrior. He said he would die on the dueling field at the hands of some Samurai one day. It seems his words have come true."

Fang Zhen nodded slightly. "It sounds like the president of the Mage Association is a wise man."

"He is," Mansa nodded.

"Alright, let’s consider the pleasantries exchanged. Now, let’s address the important issues," Fang Zhen said.

He glanced at the soldiers of the Tarrenno Legion, then looked away and said, "There is a principle that governs this world: you’re either the one solving the problem, or you’re the one creating it."

"Tarrenno is dead, and his power has created a vacuum. In Tarrenno’s territory, I doubt anyone is qualified to inherit his legacy. From what I hear, the other nobles are all just dead bones in a tomb, lacking ambition, ability, and financial resources."

"As for Tarrenno’s soldiers, they were originally the force that protected the territory and maintained its peace. But now that Tarrenno is dead, if the issue of their livelihood isn’t resolved, these soldiers will become the problem itself."

Mansa nodded, not denying it.

Leaderless soldiers are no different from wild beasts and armed bandits; the harm they cause can be even greater than that of actual bandits.

"What’s your solution?" Mansa asked.

"Like I said, let these soldiers merge with my army. I can provide them with supplies and maintain order in the Tarrenno Duchy. Both of these are scarce commodities for you," Fang Zhen said.

"And why should we listen to you?" the blue-eyed Yujins asked.

"Oh? Then what’s your solution? Do you have the money to pay the soldiers’ wages? Or the status to support a Duke’s domain?" Fang Zhen retorted.

Yujins fell silent.

Yujins could do neither of those things.

"Yujins." Mansa glanced at Yujins, a silent warning for his subordinate to show some restraint.

"We can control the army ourselves until the King supports our actions," rumbled Ruth, the one built like a bear. 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

"Don’t kid yourself. You don’t even believe your own words," Fang Zhen said calmly. "As far as I know, the King has already lost his sanity due to mental illness. If you could actually count on him, the Duchies wouldn’t be in turmoil."

"Besides, have you any idea how much it costs to maintain an army of this size?"