Firearms in a Fantasy World

Chapter 147: Ladia's Analysis

Translator: Cinder Translations

...

After concluding the inspection at the shipyard and staying in Port Frand for a few days, Paul planned to return to Alden Town.

Before his departure, he held an award ceremony, granting significant material rewards to the officers and soldiers who had performed outstandingly in the battles against pirates and wizards earlier. Depending on the assessed merit, these rewards ranged from 10 to 25 silver coins.

In fact, even without this ceremony, the rewards had already been prepared for the meritorious soldiers. The Alden Army had established a sound system for military merits—how merits were assessed and the corresponding rewards were all based on established regulations, rather than on the whims of superiors or personal preferences.

However, organizing an award ceremony could boost morale and enhance the soldiers' sense of honor. Why not do it?

The entire army was uplifted with enthusiasm.

Preparations for the departure of the Southern Star were also underway in full swing, scheduled to set sail in two weeks. The female consultant intended to return to Alden Town with Paul first and then come back to Port Frand the day before the Southern Star departed.

Soon, Paul bid farewell to Mayor Theodore and others and embarked on the road back to Alden Town. Considering the previous attack during his journey here, Austin dispatched a team of sailors equipped with firearms to escort him back.

Accompanying Paul were not only the sailors and the inner guards of the Second Squad but also 18 coffins. In the battle on the way to Port Frand, 15 people had died on the spot, and three severely injured soldiers had succumbed to their wounds after being transported to Port Frand. The First Squad of the inner guards had lost half of its members.

The remaining injured soldiers were still recuperating in Port Frand, with many possibly left disabled. Victor, the chief guard whose ribs had been broken, was still lying in bed.

Paul felt deeply saddened upon seeing these coffins. The excitement about opening the new route evaporated in an instant.

All these sacrificed guards were townspeople of Alden Town. There was no requirement for secrecy in their journey to Port Frand. When they returned to town, there would undoubtedly be scenes of sorrowful family members waiting along the road for their sons or husbands returning from their missions.

Ladia, riding beside him, noticed Paul's demeanor and expressed her deep regret, "I'm sorry, Lord Grayman. I should have reminded you to prepare more or even directly prevented your departure. Things might have been much better if we had stayed in town."

Paul shook his head, saying, "No, you did remind me. It was my responsibility for not being adequately prepared. I apologize for not trusting your 'divination' earlier."

"If we had stayed in town, given the wizard's madness and abilities, it might have resulted in more civilian casualties. Dealing with him in the wilderness was the best option."

Frowning as if recalling something, Ladia fell silent for a few minutes before suddenly speaking up, "Lord Grayman, when I examined the body of that wizard, I noticed a slightly familiar pattern tattooed on his body. However, I couldn't recall where I had seen it before, so I didn't pursue it further."

Paul immediately turned to the female consultant, his urgency evident as he asked, "Have you remembered anything now?"

Ladia was slightly surprised by Paul's impatience but quickly replied, "Yes, I just remembered that the pattern belongs to a mage organization—the Arcane Order. I'm not sure if they still use that name."

"The Arcane Order?" Paul frowned, "Do mages still have organizations?"

The female consultant nodded in response, "Yes, they do. For various purposes such as sharing magical knowledge, mutual assistance, etc., mages form secret societies. However, most mage organizations are very loose, and members gather irregularly and occasionally."

"Then this Arcane Order?"

"The Arcane Order is a distinctive mage organization. Compared to similar groups, its structure is very tight, and it seems to have a large membership. However, its principles are relatively normal—advocating for unity and mutual assistance among mages, and jointly resisting threats from the church and similar entities. There are many mage groups with similar principles, although they haven't gained much prominence."

Paul asked, "Have you had any contact with them?"

"Yeah, when I was still in the South, the Arcane Order invited me to join them."

"It seems you disappointed them."

"Yes, organizations like the Arcane Order have many rules and obligations, otherwise they wouldn't have grown so large. This means responsibilities, whereas at that time, I just wanted to be a scholar and adventurer traveling around."

Paul expressed his gratitude, "Thank you for your decision back then. Otherwise, I wouldn't have such a capable advisor now."

Ladia blushed slightly and continued, "Lord Grayman, I must say that the wizard who attacked us directly called me a traitor and held a grudge against me for joining you in opposing him, repeatedly insulting me."

"In general, mages respect each other's positions. Therefore, I have a bad speculation that the principles of the Arcane Order to which he belongs may have undergone some changes, making it difficult for mages with different goals to gather together."

"Some changes?"

"Becoming more radical, antagonizing groups other than mages, just like the behavior displayed by the wizard who attacked us."

At this point, a serious expression appeared on Ladia's face.

"I have an even worse speculation. That wizard mentioned that the Jaden Pirate Group was under his command, and the sudden and rapid rise of the Jaden Pirate Group recently confirms that someone is supporting them from behind, and with significant support. However, generally speaking, mages rarely interact with ordinary people, let alone put in such effort to support a pirate group. So based on these two points—"

The female consultant listed them one by one:

"1. No matter how powerful a mage is, they cannot replace an entire army."

"2. Considering the quasi-military nature of the pirate group..."

Listening to this, Paul gradually understood what the female consultant meant.

"Are you saying that this Arcane Order might be planning something in the Northwest Bay?"

Ladia nodded, "The church, which mages are most hostile to, doesn't have as much influence here as in other places. If they really have any plans, the Northwest Bay is an excellent location."

After hearing the consultant's analysis, Paul inwardly cursed the Arcane Order: Why don't you cause trouble somewhere else? I've finally managed to improve my territory a bit, and now I attract disasters like you guys.

Seeing Paul's increasingly displeased expression, Ladia comforted him, "Lord Grayman, these are just some of my speculations. The reality may not be like this."

"No, when something can go wrong, it will go wrong. I firmly believe in this statement."

TL Note: Murphy's law states that "Anything that can go wrong will go wrong"

Paul whipped his horse, "That wizard, or that Arcane Order, I will investigate thoroughly sooner or later."

He detested enemies who lurked in the shadows and schemed secretly. If they had the guts, they should face his army openly and play firing squad games!

(End of the Chapter)

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