Trouble at the Investiture Ceremony

"Detailed Explanation of Basic Earth Magic Spells (Please pay 100 gold coins!)"

"Detailed Explanation of Intermediate Earth Magic Spells, please pay 300 gold coins!"

"Detailed Explanation of Advanced Earth Magic Spells (Please pay 800 gold coins)!"

"Detailed Explanation of Magic Array Basics (Please pay 200 gold coins)!"

"Introduction to Alchemy (Please pay 300 gold coins)!"

A series of payment notifications left Hudson's head buzzing, completely bewildered.

"That's how libraries are—they're so greedy! I warned you last time that you wouldn't have a pleasant experience here!"

"Melissa said playfully."

It's as if watching Hudson make a fool of himself is a delightful thing.

Rolling his eyes, Hudson, who hadn't brought enough gold coins, reluctantly put down the book in his hand.

This is Magic Academy. Although it may not be filled with the strongest individuals, there are definitely quite a few experts here.

Trying to cause trouble here is definitely a sign of being tired of living.

"This price is way too expensive!"

Hudson asked, puzzled.

Although he had heard that learning magic was like being a money-devouring monster, the price still terrified him.

If the cost of borrowing a book that is merely a record of knowledge is so high, imagine how exorbitant the expenses would be if one were to attend classes every day.

"These prices are for outsiders. Our internal academy offers academic credits. You can earn credits by completing the relevant studies or by undertaking tasks assigned by the academy."

You only need to use gold coins to buy things when you don't have enough credits.

The price, as you've already seen, is even more outrageous than robbery.

Magical research is extremely expensive. Not only are we students poor, but the instructors at the academy, and even the academy itself, are very poor.

Melissa offered a half-explanation and a half-complaint.

Having received a definitive answer, Hudson was speechless.

He originally thought that the Magic Academy opening its library was mainly to demonstrate an inclusive attitude, but he didn't expect that he was completely overthinking it; they were just trying to rip off suckers.

Those who come here unaware of the risks might think that the 50 gold coins fee allows them to read all the magical knowledge, and they would naturally pay obediently.

Only after paying the money will they discover that there are countless pitfalls waiting for them to fall into.

There's no use regretting it now. You either have to give up the 50 gold coin entrance fee and accept your loss, or continue to spend money to learn magic.

In any case, the Magic Academy doesn't offer refunds. If you have any objections, first consider whether your fists are strong enough before thinking about seeking an explanation.

Hudson completely ignored Melissa's mention of "poverty." Those who could learn magic were never poor.

Just looking at this exorbitantly priced library, Hudson knew just how much money the Magic Academy could rip off. Students from poor families simply couldn't survive here.

Perhaps this is why Magic Academy rarely recruit from the general public.

Without a solid financial foundation, you're busy accumulating points all day. No matter how talented you are, if your resources don't keep up, you'll fall behind others later on.

The so-called free access for gifted students is only theoretical. The free content is limited to the most basic few lessons, and subsequent knowledge still requires an equivalent exchange.

It seems reasonable, but in reality, it's because vested interests don't want to increase the number of competitors and affect their own interests, so they deliberately raise the entry threshold indefinitely.

This Magic Academy before us is a true reflection of the times; it seems like anyone can enter. But the reality is that even ordinary people who get in have to spend a lot of time earning points.

Magical research? That's a complete joke. Magical experiments cost anywhere from a few gold coins to hundreds or even thousands of gold coins each—how could ordinary people afford that?

The true meaning of magic is not easy to find. You will never understand the essence of magic unless you try things yourself.

These problems are not prominent in the early stages of cultivation, but they become fatal when it comes to higher-level research.

As a supernatural power, much of the knowledge in the realm of magic can only be understood intuitively and cannot be explained in words.

Even with the same magical rules, the final outcome will be different depending on who sees them.

The words and phrases described in books are merely the original author's insights. Later generations can only learn from them, but cannot copy them verbatim.

"It seems I shouldn't have come in with you today."

Hudson said with a frustrated look on his face.

It's truly unpleasant to have knowledge that you're eager to learn but don't have the money to study it.

Looking back at the vast sea of books, Hudson seriously doubted that even if he sold everything he owned, he wouldn't be able to finish them all.

Even the cheapest basic knowledge starts at three figures, so you can imagine how expensive advanced knowledge would be.

This perfectly illustrates the saying that knowledge is the most precious wealth.

"Hehe! Every magician who has come here says they shouldn't have come. But before they come, they can't help but want to come."

No magician can resist the allure of the true essence of magic; how could they possibly be satisfied without experiencing the largest magic library in the palace?

Don't be fooled by how expensive these things are; if you're not a nobleman of the kingdom, you can't buy them even if you have the money.

However, there's no need to waste money on basic knowledge here.

I've learned most of it while I was at home. If you want to know anything, you can ask me, provided I remember it.

In fact, almost every noble family has a collection of this knowledge, but none are as complete as this one.

Especially some new research and development achievements are exclusive to the academy. Even the highest nobility would find it painful to acquire this knowledge.

The speaker may be unintentional, but the listener may take it to heart.

Hudson didn't believe Melissa had invited him over just to see him make a fool of himself. If she were to embarrass her own fiancé and he ended up looking foolish, then everyone would lose face.

Children of noble families mature early, Hudson was more inclined to believe that this was a deliberately arranged display of self-worth.

Compared to the great nobles, what the Coslo Family lacked most was not power, but the inheritance of knowledge.

For a large and prosperous family, as long as resources are plentiful, the growth rate of its strength will definitely not be slow.

But as for the inheritance of knowledge, there's nothing that can be done about it. Even if you wanted to go out and steal it, you wouldn't be able to steal truly precious knowledge.

Magical self-destruct devices are child's play; the more important thing is that every family's important heritage has a few pitfalls.

The efforts made by noble families in protecting their family's inherited knowledge are beyond the imagination of ordinary people.

If you can't grab it, then you'll have to trade it.

Within the same circle, as long as the price is high enough, there's nothing you can't buy.

How to proceed in detail is a real test of skill. The marriage alliance is just one method; Melissa's ability to bring basic magical knowledge is enough to command the utmost attention from the entire Coslo Family.

Although you can get this basic knowledge from the library if you pay, the price is really expensive!

"With so much knowledge to sell and huge sums of money from the kingdom, your academy should be rolling in money. How can you say it's poor?"

Hudson asked jokingly.

"Having a lot of intellectual property is one thing, but you also need to be able to sell it."

Most research and development results are meaningless and useless; who would be willing to pay a high price for them?

What truly sells are these basic knowledge facts that are readily available. Many newly rising noble families send people to make copies of these facts to enrich their knowledge base.

The academy originally had a very high income, but it had to support a group of mentors who wanted to explore the true meaning of magic.

As far as I know, few who become obsessed with magical research escape poverty.

Melissa spread her hands and pouted.

Clearly, a young girl like her would find it hard to understand the joy of spending all day in the laboratory.

There are many female mages on the Aslant Continent, but very few of them truly become powerful.

Behind almost every powerful woman lies a winding story. A noble lady with a smooth life is unlikely to be able to calm down and explore the true meaning of magic.

Seeing that the topic was getting further and further off track, Hudson, who remembered that he was there for a date, said with a self-deprecating laugh.

"Let's go, take me away from this heartbreaking place. This money-grubbing place is not for a poor person like me."

Leisurely times are always short-lived. Every morning was spent rehearsing, and every afternoon was spent strolling Royal Capital with my beloved. Time quickly passed until the investiture day—December 31, 99987 of the Holy Calendar.

The auspicious day was personally chosen by the great Caesar III, and the heavens were very kind to him, bringing a bright sunny day on a cold winter's day.

As if in a rehearsal, Hudson followed the crowd and lined up, waiting for Caesar III's arrival.

The Royal Palace Square was already surrounded by crowds of onlookers. This was a spectacle that only happened once every five years on average, and the onlookers were showing great enthusiasm.

Wealthy merchants who were a bit extravagant even used expensive Projection Stone to record their observations.

There's no other reason than to record information more accurately so that I can be more discerning when encountering similar situations in the future.

On the rooftop of a distant building, the songstresses of Rainbow Moon watched the spectacle. Due to the distance, they couldn't even make out the figures, let alone hear any conversation.

It's all because of her profession. As a member of a famous singing group, she attracts public attention wherever she goes.

On such an important day of Investiture of Nobles, they were not to be allowed to overshadow the ceremony. If they were to observe closely and cause an accident that disrupted the investiture, they would be in serious trouble.

Unable to see or hear clearly, the group of beautiful women, who had initially been full of enthusiasm, quickly lost interest and returned to their own boudoirs.

Only Isabelle remained, gazing enviously at the conferment ceremony in the distance, lost in endless contemplation.

"Isabelle, your progress isn't very good. Once the Investiture Ceremony is over, that guy will be returning to his territory."

If you miss this opportunity, it won't be so easy to get close to him again.

A voice, devoid of any emotion, urged her from her ear, pulling Isabelle back to reality from her reverie.

She glared fiercely at the newcomer, Isabelle turned her head away in annoyance, saying in a huff:

"Fine, let's go back then. This damn mission is beyond human capability!"

It's not that she didn't try; it's just that she didn't have the opportunity to showcase her abilities.

Since arriving in the Royal Capital, Hudson has spent his mornings rehearsing at the palace and his afternoons strolling around with his fiancée.

Several opportunities for a chance encounter were arranged, but at the last minute, Isabelle was forced to cancel them all.

No matter how charming she is, she can't use it in front of someone's fiancée!

Faced with such an opponent, Isabelle was also helpless. If it weren't for the incredibly tempting rewards of this mission, she would have quit long ago.

"Too late! The organization never abandons its missions halfway. In any case, we must find out whether the Blood Moon Horn is in the Mountain Territory."

The higher-ups are already considering the possibility of purchasing the Blood Moon Horn. You could try negotiating with the Mountain Viscount; if the price isn't too high, you could buy it.

The shadow man said coldly.

The concept of "failure" does not exist in his life creed. The idea that the mission is paramount is ingrained in his very being.

Since his debut, although he has not always completed his missions 100%, this is the first time Shadow Kill has encountered such an embarrassing situation, where he has been struggling for several months and has not even been able to contact the person in question.

Stop dreaming!

Do you think I'm stupid?

Or is that Mountain Viscount a fool?

Isabelle mocked without any politeness.

The "Blood Moon Horn" is not something a songstress should possess. The moment she opens her mouth to discuss the price, her identity will be instantly exposed.

As a smart woman, Isabelle never put herself in danger. She wouldn't dare gamble on getting away unscathed after her identity was exposed.

Buying it cheap would be even more ridiculous. Anyone who gets their hands on such a bargaining chip would sell it for a good price; there's no reason to sell it cheaply.

Even if you want to put pressure on the other party, you have to reveal your organization's name and see if you can intimidate them.

Unfortunately, the Mysterious Organization simply doesn't dare to put itself in the open. Therefore, coercion is out of the question.

"Give it a try. With your abilities, even if the mission fails, he won't be willing to kill you. We will organize a rescue."

At the upcoming celebration banquet, I'll find a way to distract his fiancée and create an opportunity for you. However, you must act quickly.

It was clearly meant to incite, but when it came out of Shadow Kill's stiff mouth, it instantly took on a different meaning.

"Knew!"

"Isabelle said, flicking her skirt."

She only believed half of what Shadow Kill said. Reason told her that creating an opportunity was likely real, but the promised rescue was not something to be taken seriously.

Since joining the Mysterious Organization, she had never witnessed a rescue of captured intelligence personnel; instead, she had witnessed two instances of silencing them.

Once you enter Mysterious Organization, there's no turning back. Even knowing the mission is fraught with difficulty, Isabelle has no choice but to bite the bullet and go for it.

Perhaps the Mysterious Organization can't do anything to the great nobles, but it would be incredibly easy for them to control a little songstress like her.

There's no need to send anyone else; this guy who "comes and goes without a trace" is enough to take her life.

"The title of Viscount is bestowed upon Hudson - Coslo!"

After waiting anxiously for several hours, all they received was this one sentence from Caesar III. Kneeling on one knee to receive a knight's sword, the Investiture Ceremony was complete.

There wasn't a single word of encouragement or inspiration. And there was absolutely no exchange of ideas.

Even the traditional hand-kissing ceremony was omitted. It was completely different from the complicated ritual that my colleague had rehearsed.

It's clear that Caesar III was a decisive and efficient monarch. He drastically reduced the Investiture Ceremony, condensing all the elaborate rituals into a single sentence.

It doesn't conform to traditional rules, but now it is the rule. What seems like a lazy change is actually another declaration of Royal Authority.

Through his actions, he demonstrated to the newly appointed nobles that he, Caesar III, was the true ruler of the Alpha Kingdom.

There may have been setbacks before, but now everyone is happy to accept it, and no one thinks that Caesar III did anything wrong.

Or perhaps even if they have thoughts in their hearts, they've swallowed them back and don't dare to say them out loud.

Everyone else receiving the investiture was happy with it, and Hudson was even more so. Finishing the ceremony quickly and going home was the best thing to do; he had no desire to put on a show for everyone.

Even though the knighthood ceremony is the most glorious moment in a nobleman's life, Hudson, who dislikes trouble, felt that it was best to keep everything simple.

A simple ceremony means high efficiency.

At first, Caesar III personally read out the list, but when it came to the knighting of the knights, because there were too many people, he simply handed over the power to read out the list to the official in charge of the ceremony.

The investiture ceremony, which was originally scheduled to last several days, was completed by Caesar III in just three hours. Hudson and the others waited a long time simply because the King arrived late.

Whether intentional or unintentional, the boss can be late at will, but the underlings must arrive early to wait for them.

Having witnessed the majesty of Royal Authority firsthand, Hudson finally understood why so many people throughout history had sought to seize the throne.

Fortunately, this is the Aslant Continent, where the saying "Are kings and nobles born with special privileges?" is not popular. Otherwise, the powerful nobles of the Alpha Kingdom, who hold military power and are self-important, would have already caused an uproar.

"The investiture ceremony is over. Next is the victory banquet. Please take your seats."

"It was kind of you," Caesar III said.

Perhaps he was happy to have finished today's heavy workload, or perhaps he was delighted to have gained a group of followers; in any case, he was in a very good mood.

As the King, who defied expectations, departed, the crowd below erupted in a frenzy, with each small group engaging in their own discussion.

As one of the main figures being honored, Hudson, who was positioned near the front, witnessed the master of ceremonies in charge of the ceremony turn green with anger.

Clearly, Caesar III changed the rules at the last minute, and even the officials presiding over the ceremony were not notified in advance.

When the King was here, no one dared to show their true feelings too obviously, but now that he's gone, they're starting to reveal their true emotions.

Major events involving the Investiture of Nobles titles will inevitably be recorded in history. Such unconventional and unorthodox behavior always requires someone to take the blame.

As the person in charge of the ceremony, he was the perfect scapegoat. At the very least, Hudson heard the curses, mostly directed at the protocol officer.

At most, they would only criticize Caesar III a few times.

It's not that people don't want to criticize the King, it's just that in the Aslant Continent, vassals don't have the right to criticize their lord.

"Eating from the bowl and then cursing the cook." Even nobles who haven't completely lost their moral compass wouldn't do such a thing.