Chess Mage of Faerûn

Chapter 370 The Disciple Delivered to the Door
And this kind of worry about children's future is by no means unique to parents in China.

Iltan, the Grand Duke of Flamefist, was unwilling for his son to continue struggling on the narrow path of a bard, but changing professions was not something that could be done easily.

For Gavial, who is nearing adulthood in Faron, to change careers midway requires not only determination but also talent.

The reason why a certain cheater does this is because he has the system to back him up. What does Gawell have?
The warriors who were initially tested were declared failures early on, and in the end, the ones with some potential were the rogues and mages who were related to the bard profession.

When it comes to the profession of wanderer, no matter how it is romanticized, the word "thief" still lingers in people's minds. How can they be compared to spellcasters?
"I'm very sorry, young master does have the aptitude of a mage, but unfortunately he is not outstanding. It is likely that the fourth ring is his limit."

Inside Old Habasir's general store, a mage in charge of receiving test takers read out seemingly regretful words with a blank expression, then added, seemingly with good intentions:
"If you are willing to pay a small fee, we can offer you honorary apprenticeship status, with periodic mentoring and Q&A opportunities."

The mage's tone suddenly became much more sincere, but Iltan's face darkened.

What kind of bullshit honorary apprenticeship is this? Isn't it just a gilded certificate for those aristocratic children who want to get a title? Guidance? You might not even have a chance to meet them more than a few times in six months. If any of them show up, you should be grateful if they can even be a mid-level mage. As for guidance from a grand mage?

Well, haha, they didn't say that the person providing guidance and answering questions was Lord Habather!
Knowing full well the ulterior motives involved, Iltan politely declined and took his leave, but as he stepped outside, he couldn't help but think of the young man named Chanem.

After a sigh, a flash of inspiration appeared in the Grand Duke's mind, vague and elusive.

It wasn't until many days later, when the other party returned with news from afar, that he finally made up his mind to make a deal with them, or rather, to...

ask.

The conversation between the two sides was on equal footing, not only because of each other's background, but even if all that were removed, the fact that the two sides were powerful lords was enough to allow them to converse on the same level.

In response to Master Zhang's request, Iltan displayed almost extravagant generosity: "It's just iron ore, isn't it?" Two words:

Enough pipe!

The Grand Duke even readily agreed to rent transport ships.

At the very end of this pleasant conversation, the Grand Duke finally revealed his true intentions.

"Besides that, I have one small condition..."

As soon as he finished speaking, the smile on Zhang Yuan's face froze a bit. Everyone knows that a small condition is the same as me just saying a few words.

“Gavial is a talented boy, but unfortunately he wasted his time back then. Right now, he's very interested in the mystical arts and has quite a bit of aptitude, but…”

At this point, Iltan feigned annoyance:
"I do have a few mage advisors under my command. Although they can't be compared to masters, they are still quite capable. Unfortunately, Gavial is too ambitious. Sigh..."

It's true that parents always have the same heart, and Iltan, who is usually tough and inflexible, became unusually tactful and roundabout.

Zhang Yuan listened with skepticism, while Nancy, who knew some of the inside story, curled her lip, looking like she was watching his performance.

"Lord Chanem, a disciple of Master Tyrantir, possesses extraordinary knowledge and lineage. Perhaps you can offer some advice and guidance to this lad." What?
The words had been made very clear, but Zhang Yuan hesitated. Taking on a disciple would earn him Iltan's strong support, which seemed like a sure-fire way to make money. But could there really be such a cheap thing as a free lunch?
The Grand Duke didn't rush to press him. Instead, he generously stated that even if they disagreed with his proposal, the previously agreed-upon compensation and cooperation would not be canceled or changed. The Canaan team had ample time to consider before making a decision.

The group, having temporarily bid farewell to the Grand Duke, decided to return to Ska's residence first, and discussed the matter along the way.

To be fair, Zhang Yuan did not want to doubt Grand Duke Iltan's credibility and magnanimity. After their previous frank and open conversation, there was really no need for either side to resort to underhanded tactics.

However, even in cooperation, there are differences in depth and level, and the subsequent impact of having or not having Gaviel as a link or intermediary is self-evident.

What's troubling Master Zhang right now is the true intention of the Grand Duke.

The so-called love and pursuit of arcane magic was clearly just a pretense. This whole thing was the Grand Duke's idea from beginning to end, and that brat Gavial was completely orchestrated.

But what was he after? Just to establish some connection with Gaolibao, he hardened his heart and sent his son, whom he had only recently reunited with, to the north?

Wouldn't it be better to keep it in the Flame Fist training program?
"No, things aren't what you think. Flame Fist's situation is a bit special."

Compared to Zhang Yuan's confusion, Nancy seemed to understand somewhat and explained slowly:

"The leadership of the Flame Fist Guild and the title of Grand Duke are not inherited through bloodlines like traditional noble titles."

"The title of Grand Duke belongs only to the leader of the Flame Fist Guild, which itself is composed of multiple squads and outposts. Only by winning the support of the majority of members can one ascend to the position of Duke."

"Gavial isn't cut out for this!"

“I know that boy. He has his own strengths and talents, but he is definitely not good at leadership and military affairs. Even with Iltan’s support and resources, he will find it difficult to win people’s hearts.”

"As for why Iltan put you here, I think he wanted to find another path for little Gavial."

"After all, our Lord Chanem is a disciple of an archmage, a dignified mage lord!"

The female thief's words were full of sarcasm, but Zhang Yuan, lost in thought, ignored them.

After the meeting, Iltan, alone, was not as calm as before; a rare look of helplessness appeared on his face.

Ore is not a major problem. Ever since the day the Iron Throne's conspiracy was thwarted, Flamefist and Grand Duke Belter have never stopped their control and suppression of it. To this day, the Iron Throne's influence in the ore and iron products industry in the Bodø region has been gradually waning.

Furthermore, the discovery and mining of new mineral veins deep within the Cloak Forest has led to a booming and thriving trend in the iron and mineral industry controlled by Baldur's Gate.

The amount of iron ore required by the other party is a bit much for a small territory, but what does it amount to for a being of Bode's size?
While it may not be a drop in the ocean, it was still a small matter. Iltan's generosity in paying the Canaanite squad and allocating subsequent trade rations was truly remarkable.

Thank you ZSPZSP, Summer Arakawa's Path, and Alukard for your monthly pass support!

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(End of this chapter)