A Gentle Noble's Vacation Recommendation

It was just before the overwhelming surge of magical power struck Astarnia. The followers had gathered in an underground room far from the prison.

In what was probably the largest room in this space, magical tools were arranged in a circle. These pillar-like devices emitted a dim glow in the dark chamber, and each follower stood before one.

“No abnormalities in the mana amplification devices.”

“That’s impossible. They were modeled after what the Master created.”

“Exactly.”

The time to carry out their mission was near. Everyone suppressed their rising excitement and waited for the moment.

“Less than six hundred seconds remain until activation.”

“Once activated, the entrance to this room will be sealed off. Don’t fall behind.”

“It’s a hidden chamber by design. That will buy us time before discovery.”

Once started, the mana devices continue operating until the amplified magical power runs out.

Though the process wouldn’t last for days, it was sufficient for them. They planned to engrave the Master’s magic that would bring down the demonic bird cavalry into their memories, then calmly return to Sars amid the turmoil.

What they sought was merely proof that the Master’s magic was supreme. Even if only temporarily, if they trampled on other magical beast tamers, it would clearly show who was superior.

“Time is almost up.”

One follower’s voice was heavy with gloom.

But the man at the center of the execution hadn’t arrived yet. Until recently, he had been issuing final instructions here but had left and didn’t return.

“Where has he gone?”

“To the source of the offering…”

“A warning, perhaps?”

“It would be troublesome if there’s a commotion on the way.”

Without looking at anyone in particular, the followers, standing in a circle around the magical tools, muttered.

Their voices faintly echoed in the cold air but never ceased. Whether they agreed or opposed, none could deny the offering prepared for their revered Master. The ones who had seen Rizel in person were especially outspoken about this.

But it was a voice of one man that stopped them.

“We should start now.”

All eyes in the room turned toward the speaker.

“But there is still time until the scheduled moment.”

“Execution is possible immediately.”

“They said to wait until his return.”

“Why should we obey that?”

The followers quietly responded in their own ways.

There was no agreement, but no rebuttal either. A silent tension persisted, as if weighing the man’s words.

They followed the absent man’s orders because he had spent the longest time closest to the ruler and held the highest status among them. Yet, beyond their reverence for the Master, they had no superior and only acted together for a common goal.

“Our mission is to place the Master on the peak as soon as possible… There is no reason to wait when we can proceed.”

“That’s the truth.”

“It’s lamentable that there are those who don’t yet know the Master’s supremacy at this very moment.”

The atmosphere tightened sharply.

Only those who wished to become the ruler’s hands and feet gathered here. Though unsaid, each was confident they understood the Master best.

And the man insisting on starting immediately felt the same. Having received endorsement from a certain adventurer, his conviction was especially strong.

“Why obey someone who doesn’t even understand that?”

With a sneer, he spoke, filled with a strong sense of superiority over the other followers.

“How despicable.”

“The offering will surely please the Master.”

“But the mission is what must come first.”

“If execution is possible, there’s no reason to wait.”

One by one, the magical tools intensified their glow.

Losing even one was no problem; that was why they proceeded. There was no longer any hesitation.

“‘Glory to our Master!’”

The magical tools shone brightly. The points of light on them connected into lines.

A complicated magic circle appeared overhead, covering the room, confirming their plan’s success. As the light grew stronger, their muffled cheers rose from the exhilaration swelling inside their chests.