Firearms in a Fantasy World

Chapter 102: The Conspiracy

Translator: Cinder Translations

...

After rescuing Earl Maltz Kent, Bennett made several more visits to Bailan Castle.

He revealed to Earl Kent that one of the Arcane Order's ultimate goals was to allow wizards to openly walk in the sunlight. To achieve this, they needed to eliminate the colossal obstacle that was the church. The church's hatred for wizards and magic was well-known, manipulating public opinion to link them with ancient demonic legends, thus instilling fear of wizards in the populace.

Hence, the church had to be toppled.

However, the church was deeply rooted and widespread across the continent. The Arcane Order's power was like ants compared to the elephantine church.

To confront the church openly would be suicidal. Thus, if open confrontation was impossible, they would resort to covert methods. The high ranks of the Arcane Order devised a vast and meticulous plan.

...

Bennett's last visit had been six months ago, before Giles launched his rebellion in the south.

During this meeting, Bennett finally revealed one part of the plan to Earl Kent: to incite internal strife within the Kingdom of Aldor.

Earl Kent racked his brains but couldn't understand the connection between sparking unrest in Aldor and toppling the church. He voiced his doubts.

Bennett immediately fixed him with a warning gaze. "If you truly enter the Arcane Order, certain things will naturally become clear. Until then, I can only tell you: don't ask what you shouldn't. Knowing too much could endanger your life."

The Earl broke into a cold sweat again, growing more and more in awe of this "guide."

Then Bennett's gaze softened, and he asked, "Maltz, do you still insist on becoming a wizard?"

The Earl nodded eagerly. "Of course, Master. Your magic rescued a doomed man from hell itself. I am deeply convinced of the greatness of magic. Though it may sound laughable at my age, I still implore you to help me fulfill this wish."

Bennett nodded approvingly. "Now, a shortcut lies before you."

Upon hearing this, Earl Kent's brain was filled with inexplicable emotions. He immediately knelt before his "teacher," impatiently asking, "What shortcut? Please, guide me."

The Earl resembled a dog eagerly waiting for its master to toss a bone—his eyes were filled not just with longing but also anxiety and fervor.

Bennett's lips curled slightly. He reached out to stroke Maltz Kent's head, much like a pet owner petting their beloved animal.

"If you can achieve great deeds for the Arcane Order, even without innate talent for magic, you will surely be accepted into our ranks."

"In the Arcane Order, there are countless remarkable individuals. They will find ways far superior to my life-preserving techniques to help you tread the path of a wizard."

"So, are you willing to do something for us?"

The words stirred Earl Kent's heart with urgency. He nodded vigorously. "Please instruct me, Master. I am willing to contribute my insignificant strength. Please, do not disdain me."

"Hahaha!" Bennett burst into wild laughter. Before him, this lord had completely surrendered.

He no longer needed to hold back. With an air of satisfaction, he said, "Maltz, from now on, you will consolidate your power in the northwest for me, and by any means, you must earn the trust of your liege lord—the Duke of the Northwest."

"Very soon, a major change will occur in the south. At that time, I will come to find you again. Using the Duke of the Northwest's trust in you, I will find a way to approach him. I have my methods to make him bow to me, using his power to incite rebellion in the northwest."

"Until then, your actions should remain as usual. Do not let anyone suspect anything. Remember! Before I return, do not make any reckless moves."

After leaving these words, Bennett departed from Bailan Castle.

Sure enough, a month later, news arrived from the south about the rebellion of Grand Duke Giles.

Reports continued about the Grand Duke's conquests in the south, while the kingdom inexplicably delayed sending troops to quell the rebellion due to a mysterious large fire.

Earl Kent knew this was the work of the Arcane Order operating in secret.

His heart filled with jubilation. The organization behind his teacher possessed such immense power. This only strengthened his determination to tread the path of a wizard.

He eagerly awaited Bennett's return, while also solidifying the trust of Duke Fraule of the northwest.

During this time, he meticulously followed his teacher's commands. To avoid suspicion, after the royal command was issued, he even sent his own son to lead troops to the south.

Half a year passed in this manner. As he grew restless, wanting to settle the score with the Grayman family who had "offended" him, Bennett unexpectedly returned.

...

"Yes, the Arcane Order is about to act in the northwest."

Bennett confirmed this to Maltz Kent.

Earl Kent exclaimed excitedly, "The moment I have long awaited has finally arrived."

But then he added, "However, teacher, it wouldn't hurt to wait until I secure control of the northern territories. With more land and population under our control, our strength will be even greater. The lord there has slighted me; he must pay the price."

"No!" Bennett flatly refused.

"Just because you were slighted doesn't mean you should attack a weaker opponent. It will arouse much resentment and be detrimental to your inheritance of the Duke of the Northwest's title."

Earl Kent wanted to say something more, but then realized, "What? Did I hear that correctly just now?"

He suddenly grasped that there was something extraordinary in his teacher's words.

"I said your actions like this would be very detrimental to your inheritance of the Duke of the Northwest's title."

Bennett repeated coldly.

"Inher... inheriting... the Duke's title?"

Earl Kent asked incredulously, his speech faltering.

"Hmph! Well, what do you say? Are you unwilling?"

"No no no! Teacher, I am willing, I am willing!"

Earl Kent hurriedly nodded as if pounding garlic.

Bennett continued, "As I mentioned before, as long as I can create an opportunity to approach the Duke when he is least wary, I can make him obey my every word."

"But the methods will be 'intense.' They must not be seen by others, and the side effects are significant. The Duke in that state won't live long. We must use this time wisely to have him pass the title to you, placing the military power of the northwest directly under our control."

Earl Kent agreed promptly, "No problem, I will find a way."

Satisfied, Bennett nodded, "Until then, avoid stirring up trouble if possible. I don't want there to be widespread opposition when you inherit the title."

The Earl respectfully said, "I will obey your command, my teacher."

"Incredible! Absolutely incredible!" Though he struggled to maintain composure on the surface, Earl Kent's heart raced wildly. To make a commanding duke bow down like this—was this the legendary power of a wizard?

Now more than ever, he yearned to personally wield this power.

(End of the Chapter)

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