Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Nalant uses grenades to attack the goblin airships, eventually cracking their protective shields and causing them to crash.
• The goblins attempt to shoot down Nalant with their magic cannons but fail due to his use of enhanced grenades to create a mist barrier.
• The goblin leader orders the airships to retreat, but Nalant uses Little Gray to catch and secure both airships before they hit the ground.
• The goblin leader decides to retreat from the battle, realizing that their forces are outmatched.

Character Developments

• Nalant demonstrates his strategic thinking and resourcefulness in using grenades to disable the airships.
• The goblin leader shows his willingness to retreat when faced with insurmountable odds, prioritizing the survival of his tribe over personal pride.

Significant Themes

• The power of strategic thinking and adaptability in battle.
• The importance of understanding one's own limitations and knowing when to retreat.

Character Interactions

• Nalant and the goblin leader: Nalant's actions force the goblin leader to reassess his strategy, ultimately leading to the goblins' retreat.
• Nalant and Little Gray: Nalant relies on Little Gray's agility and strength to secure the airships, demonstrating their strong bond and teamwork.
• The goblin leader and his subordinates: The goblin leader's subordinates provide advice and express their concerns, influencing the leader's decisions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Nalant leads his forces against the goblins, who flee upon hearing the retreat horns.
• Nalant pursues the Goblin Chief, who escapes on a one-eyed troll.
• Nalant defeats the one-eyed troll and confronts the Goblin Chief, who surrenders without a fight.
• Nalant captures nearly 5,000 goblins and over 50 one-eyed trolls with minimal casualties.
• Nalant learns about the goblins' airships, magic-energy cannons, and their method of subduing one-eyed trolls.
• The goblin leader gives Nalant a construction manual containing plans for various magical items, including the magic-energy cannon.

Character Developments

• Nalant demonstrates his combat prowess and strategic thinking, earning the respect of his subordinates.
• The Goblin Chief shows cowardice and lack of honor, surrendering at the first sign of defeat.
• The goblins display cunning and resourcefulness in their methods of subduing one-eyed trolls and building magical items.

Significant Themes

• The contrast between Nalant's honor and the goblins' shamelessness.
• The importance of strategic thinking and adaptability in warfare.
• The value of ancient knowledge and technology, and the challenges of recreating them.

Character Interactions

• Nalant and the Goblin Chief: Nalant shows no mercy, while the Goblin Chief surrenders without a fight.
• Nalant and his subordinates: They work together effectively, with Nalant leading from the front.
• The goblins among themselves: They show no shame in surrendering and follow their chief's orders without question.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Nalant captures a goblin tribe, including their chieftain, Rumba, and several Cyclopes.
• Nalant discovers that goblins have unique craftsmanship skills and can build various structures and tools.
• Nalant tests a goblin master craftsman by asking him to build a Siege Crossbow.
• Nalant offers Rumba better treatment in exchange for his loyalty.

Character Developments

• Nalant: Shows strategic thinking in winning over Rumba to control the goblins better. He also demonstrates his power and influence, making Rumba consider pledging loyalty.
• Rumba: Initially proud and unwilling to submit, Rumba's hunger and the temptation of better treatment lead him to consider pledging loyalty to Nalant.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics: Nalant's power and influence over Rumba and the goblins.
• Loyalty and submission: Rumba's consideration of pledging loyalty to Nalant in exchange for better treatment.
• Craftsmanship and skill: The goblins' unique craftsmanship skills, which Nalant sees as valuable.

Character Interactions

• Nalant and Rumba: Nalant uses his power and influence to pressure Rumba into considering pledging loyalty. Rumba, driven by hunger and the temptation of better treatment, considers submitting to Nalant.
• Nalant and Lilia: Lilia serves as a reference for Rumba, showing that Nalant treats his loyal subordinates well.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Nalant hosts a meal for Goblin Chief Rumba, who is impressed by human food.
• Nalant tests the goblins' craftsmanship by having them build a crossbow cart. The master craftsman, Hamba, improves the design, increasing its power.
• Nalant recruits the goblin craftsmen into a corps, offering them wages and housing.
• Nalant receives a system reward of Affinity Fruits and Spirit Fruits, which he uses to create a mage corps.

Character Developments

• Goblin Chief Rumba shows gluttony and a desire for better food, but also displays loyalty and willingness to serve Nalant.
• Hamba, the goblin master craftsman, demonstrates his skill and confidence in his craftsmanship.
• Nalant shows generosity and foresight in recruiting and rewarding the goblin craftsmen, and in creating a mage corps.

Significant Themes

• The power of food as a tool for diplomacy and influence.
• The value of skilled craftsmen and the importance of their recruitment and retention.
• The potential for loyalty and service from unexpected sources (goblins).

Character Interactions

• Nalant and Goblin Chief Rumba interact over a meal, with Nalant testing Rumba's loyalty and Rumba showing his appreciation for human food.
• Nalant interacts with Hamba, testing his craftsmanship and offering him a position as chief craftsman.
• Nalant interacts with the goblin craftsmen, offering them positions in his territory and a craftsmen's corps.
• Nalant interacts with Mario, the civil administrator, in recruiting and registering the young serfs for the mage corps.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Nalant distributes weakened miraculous fruits to the serf children to enhance their magical aptitude.
• A month passes, and Storm Territory remains peaceful. The Sacred Alliance sends envoys to buy Nalant's Goblin airships, but he refuses.
• The Sacred Magic Academy dispatches a convoy led by senior mage Kiri to acquire the airships, with Roel accompanying them.
• Nalant successfully breaks through to become an advanced mage and masters teleportation magic.
• The Sacred Magic Academy convoy arrives at Storm Territory, and Nalant greets them.

Character Developments

• Nalant: Becomes an advanced mage, masters teleportation magic, and remains humble and composed despite Kiri's arrogance.
• Roel: Warns Nalant about Kiri's intentions regarding the airships and tries to help Nalant navigate the situation.
• Kiri: Arrives at Storm Territory with the intention of acquiring the airships, displaying arrogance and disdain for Nalant's lack of experience with senior mages.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and status: Kiri's arrogance stems from his status as a senior mage, while Nalant remains humble despite his strength.
• Friendship and loyalty: Roel warns Nalant about Kiri's intentions, demonstrating his loyalty as a friend.
• Ambition and greed: The Sacred Alliance and the Sacred Magic Academy both covet Nalant's Goblin airships, highlighting their ambition and greed.

Character Interactions

• Nalant and Roel: Reunite warmly, and Roel warns Nalant about Kiri's intentions.
• Nalant and Kiri: Interact politely, but Nalant sneers inwardly at Kiri's arrogance.
• Kiri and Nalant: Kiri displays disdain for Nalant's lack of experience with senior mages, while Nalant remains composed and inviting.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Roel and Kiri visit Storm Territory to purchase a Goblin Airship from Nalant.
• Nalant serves them milk tea and cream cake, which Kiri finds surprisingly delicious but maintains a nonchalant demeanor.
• Nalant refuses to sell the airships, citing a contract with the goblin craftsmen.
• Kiri threatens Nalant, using the influence of the Sacred Magic Academy, but Nalant remains unfazed.
• Roel intervenes, asking Kiri to rest in town while he tries to persuade Nalant.

Character Developments

• Nalant: Maintains his composure and dignity in the face of Kiri's threats, showing no fear of the Sacred Magic Academy's influence.
• Kiri: Struggles to maintain his superior attitude despite finding Nalant's offerings delicious. Threatens Nalant but is ultimately persuaded by Roel to back down.
• Roel: Acts as a mediator between Nalant and Kiri, trying to prevent a conflict and find a diplomatic solution.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The chapter explores the power dynamics between the Sacred Magic Academy, represented by Kiri, and Nalant's Storm Territory. Despite Kiri's threats, Nalant remains unmoved, highlighting his growing influence and confidence.
• Cultural Exchange: The scene with the milk tea and cream cake showcases the exchange of culinary culture between Nalant's territory and the outside world, with Kiri's unexpected appreciation of the local delicacies serving as a comedic moment.

Character Interactions

• Nalant and Kiri: Their interaction is tense and confrontational, with Kiri threatening Nalant and Nalant refusing to back down.
• Roel and Kiri: Roel acts as a mediator, trying to calm Kiri down and prevent a conflict with Nalant.
• Roel and Nalant: They share a moment of understanding, with Roel acknowledging Nalant's difficulties and offering to speak with him privately.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kiri leaves Nalant's castle, and Nalant and Roel discuss the academy's intentions regarding the airships.
• Kiri plans to seize the airships by force, while Roel tries to dissuade him.
• Nalant learns of Kiri's plan and decides to teach him a lesson.
• Nalant infiltrates Kiri's room, disables his barriers, and beats him up.
• Kiri attempts to cast a spell but is interrupted by a chili powder grenade.

Character Developments

• Kiri: Shows arrogance and overconfidence, underestimating Nalant and Storm Territory's defenses.
• Nalant: Demonstrates his cunning and resourcefulness, using stealth and surprise to teach Kiri a lesson.
• Roel: Acts as a mediator between Nalant and Kiri, trying to prevent conflict.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics: Kiri's overconfidence in his power and status leads to his downfall, while Nalant's strategic use of power maintains his territory's safety.
• Trust and loyalty: Roel's loyalty to Nalant is evident as he tries to protect him from Kiri's schemes.

Character Interactions

• Nalant and Kiri: Their interaction is characterized by conflict and tension, with Nalant teaching Kiri a lesson for his arrogance and disrespect.
• Nalant and Roel: They work together to protect Storm Territory, with Roel providing information and Nalant taking action.
• Kiri and Roel: Kiri treats Roel as an underling, expecting him to follow his orders without question, while Roel tries to reason with Kiri.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kiri, an advanced mage, is attacked by Nalant in his room, who uses a grenade filled with chili powder and lime.
• Kiri casts spells to counter the attack but is still left bedraggled and injured.
• Nalant reveals he's a Plane Agent, a guardian of the territory sent by the gods, and can use both Battle Qi and magic.
• Kiri tries to flee but is chased and beaten by Nalant, who warns him not to cause trouble in Storm Territory again.
• Kiri wakes up in the inn, injured and frightened, and decides to leave Storm Territory immediately.

Character Developments

• Kiri: Shows his magical prowess but is terrified and humiliated by Nalant's power. He decides to leave Storm Territory after the encounter.
• Nalant: Proves his strength and reveals his status as a Plane Agent. He drives Kiri away from Storm Territory.

Significant Themes

• Power and Fear: Nalant's display of power instills fear in Kiri, leading him to flee Storm Territory.
• The Unknown: Nalant's mysterious origins and abilities add an element of the unknown, further unnerving Kiri.

Character Interactions

• Kiri and Nalant: Their interaction is one of conflict and fear. Kiri is outmatched and terrified by Nalant's power.
• Roel and Kiri: Roel is concerned about Kiri's condition but doesn't know the full story. Kiri decides to leave Storm Territory without explaining the situation to Roel.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kiri, a high-level mage and noble, visits Nalant's territory to request an airship, but Nalant refuses.
• Kiri encounters a mysterious person who attacks him through his shield and flees in disgrace.
• Kiri returns and spins a tale of a Sky Knight ambush to save face. Sacred Magic Academy punishes Nalant, forbidding mages from cooperating with him.
• Thievery occurs in Lucky Town, with the goblin chief Rumba being caught stealing food and drink.

Character Developments

• Kiri: Shows cowardice and desperation to maintain his reputation.
• Nalant: Remains unperturbed by Sacred Magic Academy's punishment, focusing on developing his territory independently.
• Rumba: Develops a taste for luxury, leading him to steal food and drink.

Significant Themes

• Reputation and honor: Kiri's desperation to maintain his reputation contrasts with Nalant's indifference to the academy's punishment.
• Power dynamics: The relationship between Nalant and Kiri/Sacred Magic Academy highlights the power imbalance between them.
• Greed and temptation: Rumba's descent into thievery due to his newfound cravings for luxury.

Character Interactions

• Kiri and Nalant: Their interaction results in Kiri fleeing in disgrace and Nalant being punished by the academy.
• Nalant and Rumba: Nalant discovers Rumba's thievery and brings him to the castle for questioning.
• Kiri and Carlyle: Kiri's father helps him spin a tale to save face and punishes Nalant through the academy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Nalant discovers that goblins have ancient technology for advanced weapons and vehicles, which rely on magic stones.
• The goblins' expertise in construction speeds up the building of Storm City's walls by several times.
• Nalant orders the purchase of magic stones for his future projects.

Character Developments

• Nalant shows mercy to Rumba, the goblin leader, and gains his loyalty and trust.
• Rumba reveals the goblin's ancient technology to Nalant, hoping to restore their race's glory.
• Mario proves to be a competent and perceptive assistant to Nalant.

Significant Themes

• The value of loyalty and trust, as seen in Nalant's treatment of Rumba.
• The power of ancient technology and the importance of resources (magic stones) in this world.
• The impact of new additions (goblins) to the workforce on productivity and progress.

Character Interactions

• Nalant and Rumba: Nalant shows understanding and respect for the goblin race, winning Rumba's trust and loyalty.
• Nalant and Mario: Mario demonstrates his understanding of Nalant's intentions and cooperates with him to maintain order and prestige.
• Nalant and the goblins: Nalant appreciates the goblins' construction skills and improves their treatment, fostering a positive work environment.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Nalant's forces grow stronger with more Title Knights and improved Wild Wolf Knights.
• The mage corps makes rapid progress, with many becoming apprentice mages.
• Nalant learns about the annual campaign to clear out Dark Creatures from the Sacred Alliance Council.
• He plans to purchase magic energy stones and hire Black Tower to forge a magic energy cannon barrel.
• Black Tower arrives in Storm Territory, and Nalant invites him to a feast in Lucky Town.

Character Developments

• Nalant continues to expand and strengthen his forces, showing strategic planning and resourcefulness.
• Bessie focuses on cultivating Sacred Thorn instead of catalyzing fruit trees, demonstrating responsibility and adaptability.
• Black Tower shows enthusiasm for forging the magic energy cannon barrel, displaying his expertise and eagerness to please Nalant.

Significant Themes

• Power and Influence: Nalant's growing forces and influence are evident in his expanding territory and the respect he commands from various characters.
• Alliances and Politics: The Sacred Alliance Council's message highlights the political landscape and Nalant's integration into it.
• Resource Management: Nalant's strategic use of resources, such as purchasing magic energy stones and hiring Black Tower, showcases his ability to balance short-term gains and long-term plans.

Character Interactions

• Nalant interacts with the Sacred Alliance Council messengers, demonstrating his willingness to fulfill his duties as a member of the alliance.
• He shares campaign news with his subordinates, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose.
• Nalant welcomes Black Tower, showing hospitality and appreciation for the Dwarf's skills, while also treating him to a feast in Lucky Town, further cementing their bond.

Plot Points and Events

• Nalant keeps Black Tower drunk to keep him in Storm Territory.
• Nalant orders Goblin craftsmen to forge Magic Carriages instead of Siege Crossbows.
• The Parkin Principality delivers Magic Energy Crystals to Storm Territory.
• Nalant learns about the connection between mana crystals and Dark Creatures from Prince Parker.
• Black Tower finishes forging the mana cannon barrels, and Nalant hands them over to the Goblin craftsmen.
• Vivian informs Nalant about the advancements in the mage corps.

Character Developments

• Nalant demonstrates strategic thinking and resourcefulness in keeping Black Tower and securing mana crystals.
• Black Tower shows dedication to his craft, working diligently on the mana cannon barrels.
• Vivian proves to be an efficient and reliable assistant, keeping Nalant informed about the mage corps' progress.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for resources, particularly mana crystals, and the connection to Dark Creatures.
• The importance of strategic alliances, as seen in Nalant's relationship with Black Tower and the Parkin Principality.
• The value of knowledge and expertise, exemplified by Black Tower's craftsmanship and the Goblin craftsmen's skills.

Character Interactions

• Nalant and Black Tower: Nalant uses Storm Eye to keep Black Tower in Storm Territory, while Black Tower remains dedicated to his work.
• Nalant and Prince Parker: They engage in a polite and mutually beneficial transaction, with Parker sharing information about mana crystals.
• Nalant and Vivian: Vivian keeps Nalant informed about the mage corps' progress, demonstrating her loyalty and efficiency.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Nalant visits the mage corps' training grounds and is pleased to find five boys and girls have become elementary mages.
• He rewards them and encourages the others to train harder.
• Nalant goes to Luba's workshop and finds the magic cannon completed.
• They test the magic cannon, which destroys a boulder two hundred meters away.
• Nalant tests the idea of using Cyclopes to carry and operate the magic cannon.

Character Developments

• Nalant shows concern for his people's progress and rewards their efforts.
• Luba demonstrates his skill and dedication in forging the magic cannon.
• The Cyclopes display their strength and obedience.

Significant Themes

• Reward and recognition for hard work and achievement.
• Innovation and adaptation of technology for new purposes (using Cyclopes to carry magic cannons).

Character Interactions

• Nalant interacts positively with the mage corps trainees, encouraging them and rewarding their progress.
• Nalant and Luba collaborate on testing and discussing the magic cannon.
• Nalant tests the Cyclopes' strength and gives them a task, showing his innovative thinking.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Nalant successfully mounts magic-energy cannons on one-eyed trolls.
• He modifies the cannon mount to allow for 360-degree rotation and adds a rifle-grip handle for better aiming.
• The magic-energy carriage is forged, capable of carrying twenty people at a speed of fifty kilometers per hour.
• Nalant leads an expedition of over two thousand personnel, including knights, mages, goblin troops, and one-eyed trolls, to fight against Dark Creatures.

Character Developments

• Nalant demonstrates his ingenuity and resourcefulness by modifying the magic-energy cannon mount and designing the magic-energy carriage.
• Quick and Rumba prove to be reliable subordinates, reporting to Nalant and leading their respective troops.

Significant Themes

• The importance of innovation and adaptation in warfare (Nalant's modifications to the magic-energy cannon mount and carriage).
• The value of diverse troops and their unique strengths (goblins as laborers and fighters, one-eyed trolls as mounts for magic-energy cannons).
• The unity and confidence of the troops in their lord and their mission.

Character Interactions

• Nalant interacts with Luba, the chief master craftsman, to create the modified cannon mount and carriage.
• Nalant leads the expedition, with Quick and Rumba reporting to him and leading their troops.
• Nalant inspires his troops with a speech before departing, emphasizing their confidence and the importance of their mission.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Nalant arrives at New Tulip City with his party, greeted warmly by other nobles.
• Bernard welcomes Nalant, and they prepare to set off for Thorn Fortress.
• After a month-long journey, they reach Thorn Fortress, where camps are assigned. Tulip Territory is given a remote, cleared woodland site with tree stumps.
• Bach Empire's nobles mock Tulip Territory and Nalant, revealing they were deliberately given the worst campsite.

Character Developments

• Nalant's reputation has grown significantly among minor vassal nobles.
• Bernard feels stifled by Nalant's achievements but is proud of his son-in-law's success.
• Andrew, Nalant's nominal father, enjoys the reflected glory of Nalant's accomplishments.
• Nalant feels frustrated and angry at the Bach Empire's nobles' provocation.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics and politics within the Sacred Alliance.
• The consequences of being weak in a power-driven society.
• The tension between Nalant's growing strength and the established order.

Character Interactions

• Nalant and Bernard discuss Stella's situation, both feeling helpless.
• Nalant and Bernard discuss the unfair campsite assignment, with Bernard advising patience.
• Bach Empire's nobles mock Tulip Territory and Nalant, leading to tension between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Nalant arrives at the Thorn Fortress garrison camp and encounters minor nobles from the Bach Empire who provoke him.
• Nalant decides to challenge them, aiming to take their camp.
• The Bach Empire nobles, led by Eric, the First Prince, plan to teach Nalant a lesson and have him killed if possible.
• Nalant uses a Gale Spell to enhance his speed and easily defeats three mid-level Earth Knights and a mage, demonstrating his prowess.

Character Developments

• Nalant shows remarkable speed and combat skill, proving himself to be a formidable opponent despite his young age and humble origins.
• Eric, the Bach Empire's First Prince, is revealed to be ambitious and ruthless, ordering Nalant's death without hesitation.
• The Bach Empire nobles underestimate Nalant and pay the price for their arrogance.

Significant Themes

• The theme of underestimation and the danger of underestimating one's opponents is prominent in this chapter. Nalant's humble origins and young age lead many to underestimate him, but he proves to be a formidable force.
• The power dynamics between different factions and nobles are explored, with the Bach Empire nobles looking down on Nalant and his Storm Territory.

Character Interactions

• Nalant interacts with the Bach Empire nobles, provoking them and demonstrating his strength through combat.
• Eric, the Bach Empire's First Prince, interacts with his subordinates, plotting against Nalant and ordering his death.
• Nalant's companion, Bernard, warns him about the danger of fighting the Bach Empire nobles but ultimately supports Nalant's decision.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Nalant defeats six young nobles from the Bach Empire, including a mid-tier mage, in a one-against-six battle.
• He seizes their camp and gives the Bach Empire's subordinates 20 minutes to vacate the area.
• First Prince Eric of the Bach Empire arrives with a cavalry force, confronting Nalant.
• Eric demands Nalant to release the captured nobles, apologize, and compensate them, to which Nalant refuses.

Character Developments

• Nalant demonstrates his immense strength and fearlessness, even against a Sky Knight.
• Eric shows his arrogance and willingness to use his empire's might to bully others.
• The captured nobles show cowardice and willingness to yield under pressure.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and the abuse of power by the strong against the weak.
• The consequences of arrogance and underestimating one's opponent.
• The importance of standing up for oneself and not yielding to bullying.

Character Interactions

• Nalant vs. the Bach Empire nobles: Nalant's strength and resolve against the nobles' arrogance and underestimation.
• Nalant vs. Eric: Nalant's refusal to back down against Eric's threats and demands.
• Eric vs. Nalant's subordinates: Eric's attempt to intimidate Nalant through his subordinates' safety.

Plot Points and Events

• Eric, the First Prince of the Bach Empire, arrives at Thorn Fortress with his forces, intending to seize Nalant's camp.
• Nalant threatens to use mana cannons against Eric and the Bach Empire's nobles, causing panic.
• Duke Miller of the Nock Empire arrives and persuades Nalant to stand down.
• The Alliance Enforcement Team is called, and they side with the Bach Empire, ordering Nalant's forces to withdraw from the camp.
• Mages from the Sacred Magic Academy arrive, led by Kiri, who demands that Nalant release one of their students he had captured.

Character Developments

• Nalant shows cunning and determination, using the mana cannons as a threat and later demanding justice from the Alliance Enforcement Team.
• Eric is revealed to have used his influence to secure a better camp for the Bach Empire at Nalant's expense.
• Kiri, an instructor from the Sacred Magic Academy, shows hostility towards Nalant and demands that he release one of their students.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and political maneuvering between different factions.
• The importance of mages in the Sacred Alliance and their influence on the conflict.
• The consequences of breaking Alliance rules and the role of the Alliance Enforcement Team in maintaining order.

Character Interactions

• Nalant and Eric's conflict escalates, with Nalant threatening Eric and his nobles with mana cannons.
• Nalant and Kiri's animosity continues, with Kiri demanding that Nalant release a captured mage student.
• Duke Miller arrives to support Nalant, showing their alliance from the previous incident with Natasha's family.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Nalant seizes part of the Bach Empire's camp, angering Prince Eric and Magister Carlisle of the Sacred Magic Academy.
• Alliance Enforcement Team Vice-Captain Lier arrives, threatening Nalant but is persuaded by Duke Miller to back down.
• Chairman Theodore arrives, apologizes for the mistake, and proposes a solution to resolve the dispute.
• Magister Carlisle intervenes, demanding Nalant's punishment and withdrawal from the Bach Empire's camp.
• Stella, Nalant's fiancée and a Prophetess, arrives and defends Nalant.

Character Developments

• Nalant stands his ground against the Bach Empire and the Sacred Magic Academy, showing courage and determination.
• Duke Miller shows support for Nalant, demonstrating his fairness and impartiality.
• Chairman Theodore tries to mediate but faces pressure from Magister Carlisle.
• Magister Carlisle shows his influence and power, threatening to withdraw the Sacred Magic Academy from the expedition if Nalant isn't punished.
• Stella shows her love and support for Nalant, arriving to defend him.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and influence within the Sacred Alliance.
• The importance of mages in the Sacred Alliance and their high status.
• The tension between the Bach Empire and Nalant, with the Bach Empire trying to assert its dominance.

Character Interactions

• Nalant and Stella: Show affection and support for each other.
• Nalant and Duke Miller: Miller supports Nalant, showing respect and fairness.
• Nalant and Magister Carlisle: Carlisle sees Nalant as a threat and tries to punish him.
• Chairman Theodore and Magister Carlisle: Theodore tries to mediate but faces pressure from Carlisle.
• Duke Miller and Magister Carlisle: Miller shows respect but is cautious due to the Sacred Magic Academy's influence.

Plot Points and Events

• Stella, the Prophetess, arrives to support Nalant, revealing she's his fiancée.
• Carlisle challenges Stella, but she defends Nalant, threatening to withhold awakening potions if Nalant is treated unjustly.
• Theodore proposes a secret ballot vote among the alliance representatives to resolve the conflict.
• Nalant requests and gets approval for secret ballots to prevent intimidation.
• The vote results in a landslide victory for Nalant (73 votes) over the Bach Empire and Sacred Magic Academy (45 votes each).

Character Developments

• Stella shows her determination and resourcefulness in supporting Nalant.
• Nalant demonstrates his strategic thinking and calmness under pressure.
• Carlisle and Eric show their arrogance and underestimation of other nobles.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and corruption within the Sacred Alliance.
• The influence of anonymous voting in revealing true sentiments.
• The tension between magicians and divine maidens.

Character Interactions

• Stella and Nalant's affectionate interaction strengthens their bond.
• Carlisle and Eric's dismissive attitude towards other nobles leads to unexpected results.
• Theodore navigates the conflict, trying to maintain neutrality and fairness.