Firearms in a Fantasy World

Chapter 194: Machinations

Translator: Cinder Translations

...

Upon learning that the young mage before him could manipulate brainworms to control Duke Fraule, Maltz Kent was overjoyed.

Suddenly remembering something, he asked anxiously, "Young Andy, forgive my suspicion, but this matter requires caution. Do you have any way to prove your connection with Master Bennett?"

"I just performed magic earlier, didn't I?" Andy asked quietly, evidently reluctant to reveal his true identity.

"Is... is that enough?" Rolling up his sleeve, he revealed a strange pattern on his arm.

"Enough! Enough!" Earl Kent had seen this pattern on Bennett's bald head and had been clearly told it was the symbol of the Arcane Order.

However, looking at this little boy, who seemed so innocent, and without confirming his identity, how could the Arcane Order trust him to come alone? The escorts who brought him had left immediately.

Wasn't this too risky? Or was this kid just an expendable pawn?

"Alright, Master Andy, besides controlling brainworms and releasing flames, do you have any other abilities?"

Andy tilted his cute little head and thought for a moment.

"I can also tell if someone is lying or if they have malicious intentions."

So powerful? Earl Kent's heart skipped a beat. Wasn't he practically transparent in front of this kid?

But then Andy added, "However, it only works if the other person is unprepared. If they can control their thoughts a bit, then I can't do anything."

Earl Kent secretly breathed a sigh of relief. This level of ability wasn't much of a challenge for someone as experienced as himself.

But this kid was so honest. He voluntarily revealed his trump cards and weaknesses.

After all, he was from the Arcane Order and could be of great use to him. It would be better to be polite.

Earl Maltz Kent put on a friendly face and patted Andy's shoulder.

"Young friend, you've come a long way. Let me treat you well."

After saying this, he loudly called for servants and instructed them to prepare a sumptuous lunch in the kitchen.

Andy's eyes lit up at the mention of good food. He seemed like a genuine child despite being a certified mage.

Earl Kent led him to the dining room; the hall was too spacious for a child.

Before leaving, he instructed the servants to summon his son, Jaius, and his nephew, Emerson, to accompany them. Both already knew about the Arcane Order and his plans with Bennett, and they had expressed their support.

They arrived at the dining room, and while waiting for lunch to be ready, Earl Kent tried to pry information about the Arcane Order from Andy. He thought it would be easy since the boy was young, but to his surprise, Andy remained tight-lipped. Whenever the conversation touched on crucial points, he clammed up, and no amount of probing worked.

Ultimately, he was still an outsider to them. Earl Kent felt profoundly disappointed. Yet, alongside his disappointment grew an increasing thirst for the power of magic, a yearning for the recognition of the mages.

"I must execute Master Bennett's plan perfectly," Earl Kent thought to himself.

"So, how did Master Bennett persuade you to assist me?"