Heroes of Might and Magic: Grand Consul

Chapter 23 Maggie Garfield
A noblewoman walked slowly into the hall surrounded by a crowd. Her swan-like neck and long, black, lace dress trailed on the ground, and her collar was adorned with dazzling diamonds. As she walked on the deep red carpet, she shimmered with a captivating light.

Her long, golden hair cascaded down like a waterfall, adorned with pearl earrings, and her necklace seemed to possess ancient magic, giving her an unparalleled noble air with every gesture.

The moment she walked in, she became the center of attention for the entire evening.

“Maggie Garfield, the future Marquess!”

Su Mu didn't even need to use his Qi Observation Technique; anyone with a brain could figure out the woman's identity.

Such adoration and adulation could only come from Garfield. Su Mu was interested in observing her characteristics and attributes, but with a plethora of magical treasures she carried, it would be difficult to investigate.

To be honest, Su Mu had seen his share of beautiful women, but Maggie was unique and captivating. Perhaps it was her status, or perhaps it was her perfect figure and face; in short, she was impeccable.

But that's it.

Behind this woman lies a great vortex. Oling once told in detail the story of the power struggle between the two major forces in Longlitburg, but he never mentioned the main character involved.

Garfield's eldest daughter is coming of age; is she willing to become a controlled puppet?
This is a question that no one has thought about, but at least for now, Maggie has a good relationship with both sides. This marquis is no simple man!
An elderly man with a white beard, wearing a gray magic robe, walked into the center of the ball; this was Galad Blackthorne, the guild master of the Magic Guild. A stern middle-aged man in a light blue noble robe was Acker Griffinson, the Griffin Training Master.

These two are key figures in the old guard, and their attendance at the ball suggests they have ulterior motives.

But Maggie was no pushover either. She handled her uncles and elders with ease, strolling around with her wine glass in hand, chatting amiably with the nobles at the ball, instantly enlivening the atmosphere.

These were all prominent nobles and merchants from the Marquisate, with considerable influence in Langlit Castle; they were the true protagonists of the ball. There were quite a few people like Su Mu, who had come from remote towns, but they were all fawning over the celebrities, flattering and complimenting them, seizing this hard-won opportunity.

Such is the way of the world: minor nobles or merchants who want to protect their interests must rely on the charity of major nobles, while major nobles who want to expand their power must recruit new people; both sides exploit each other. Moreover, with war approaching, they need to stick together for warmth and security even more.

Su Mu sat in a chair in the corner, drinking wine while observing the myriad aspects of life.

There are those who, despite being ridiculed, still shamelessly make fun of themselves; those who diligently promote and offer gifts to ask for favors; those who negotiate trade and celebrate with wine; and many more who are small figures surrounding the powerful and wealthy, hoping to get a chance to shine.

Is it humble? Is life tiring?

If he were in his late teens, he would think they were a pitiful bunch, bound by fame and fortune, and rarely free.

Now that he has lived two lives, he has a different perspective.

Who would willingly lower themselves to beg for help? Only when all else has been done, and they've trampled their dignity and self-respect underfoot into mud, making themselves a laughingstock. They are no longer children; they have a large family to support, responsibilities as men to bear, and various hardships to endure.

Compared to the sincere yet pitiful gaze of a hungry child who is ignored when they are down on their luck, what is this little bit of humility?
War is cruel, and the struggle for power is even more like a battlefield. Most people yearn for it, hope for it, but ultimately end up disappointed.

Swirling his wine glass, Su Mu raised it to toast those struggling present, and also to his past and present self.

[Close-up observation of Maggie Garfield, Basic Governance Skills Proficiency +100]

[Close observation of the Magic Guild Master, Basic Governance Proficiency +200]

[Close observation of an unnamed person increases basic governance proficiency by 500]

The art of governance is never a lofty tool; it is magic, a magical art rooted in people's hearts and the secular world.

Ou Ling felt quite indignant. She had thought it was a welcome banquet to greet Su Mu, but it turned out they were just insignificant nobodys.

Su Mu had already anticipated this. How could two nobodys from a remote village attract the attention of a marquis or nobleman? They were overestimating themselves.

After a few drinks, Eugen walked over with a woman in a red dress, exquisitely beautiful, and with a wanton demeanor. The old man wasn't embarrassed at all, and didn't think there was anything wrong with his boasting to Su Mu earlier. On the contrary, he felt that being able to bring the two of them to a ball of this caliber was the greatest compliment.

This woman is named Emma Groon, the illegitimate daughter of the Garfield branch, whom Eugen had previously introduced to him for a marriage alliance.

Emma looked Su Mu up and down, a hint of disdain flashing across her face, but she quickly masked it and began chatting with a smile about the interesting things that happened in Langlitburg.

"Lord Sumu, I've heard you're a hero. Have you ever heard of the legend of the Tower of Eternity? Is there really a miracle that can grant mortals immortality?"

“Miss, if I may be so bold, this is a miracle that even the gods would yearn for. We mortals should not even think about it.”

"I heard your forest farm is very large and has a considerable output. Do you rely on oxen and horses to transport the goods?"

"Hmm, you have a point. As long as the money is right, I'm also a member of the working class."

"Are you familiar with the Northern Poetry Collection sung by wandering poets? It contains the most romantic love stories, which deeply move noble ladies. If I had a tragic background like the heroine, I would never know how to survive." "Windsor is a noblewoman raised in the Duke's household. Although she has been targeted, she will actually receive the wealth she deserves upon reaching adulthood. This wealth is enough for her to live on for a lifetime, so it is quite easy for her to survive."

"..."

The conversation stalled, and Emma excused herself to wash her hands and hurriedly left, ending the awkward chatter between the two.

It wasn't that Su Mu didn't want to deal with it properly; he knew very little about Elton's aristocratic etiquette and customs. He had originally planned to go to the Magic Guild to brush up on his knowledge, but he hadn't had the chance yet. He was basically just a military leader who hadn't even graduated from elementary school, so it was no wonder that the noble ladies didn't want to talk to him.

Eugen didn't look too good; it seemed difficult for him to negotiate and facilitate this matter.

"You little rascal, even if you're lacking in knowledge, surely you can still use sweet talk? When it comes to charming women, do you have to be so rigid?"

Su Mu grinned and said, "I still need the Baron to teach me more. I really don't understand women."

Let's not talk about that anymore. Garfield himself is here today. I wonder how the appointment in Kuraki Town went?

When it came to business, Eugen hesitated: "Franz and the others deserted in the face of battle, so we can no longer appoint a mayor. Logically speaking, you deserve to be the mayor because you have done a good job in protecting the town. However, timber is becoming increasingly scarce, and someone else has their eye on this position, so it might be a bit difficult to handle."

Su Mu's expression turned cold: "Who is so bold as to risk getting themselves caught in the crossfire on the border?"

Eugen gave a mysterious smile: "This person is not simple. He has enough power behind him and wants to get involved in the timber business. You'd better be careful."

Su Mu followed his gaze and looked at a man at the ball, a tall and handsome knight, surrounded by many noble ladies. He was actually talking to Ouling, and they seemed to be having a very pleasant conversation.

Su Mu glanced at the Baron, and Eugen understood immediately: "Of course I support you, but without sufficient maneuvering, how can you entrust important responsibilities to the big shots who don't even know you?"

He immediately understood the underlying meaning: "Don't worry, you and they will all be included."

However, I have a small request. I went to the Magic Guild today but was unable to enter the second level to learn magic. They said it requires the guild master's approval. I hope you can make an exception for me.

Eugen patted his chest and assured him, "It's no big deal, no problem at all!"

When Su Mu returned to his seat alone, he stared intently at the dazzling knight.

Eugen chuckled to himself upon seeing this, shaking his head and muttering, "They're just from the countryside, lacking in shrewdness. I thought they were a weapon, a sharpshooter, but it turns out they rely entirely on their sharpshooter commander."

That's fine, though; something too sharp is hard to grip, making it more suitable for average people to handle.

Their conversation was very private, with almost no outsiders interfering, but little did they know that it was overheard by someone with ulterior motives.

Maggie chatted with the noble ladies about afternoon tea and aristocratic etiquette, occasionally commenting on which young master was handsome and dashing. She handled the situation very appropriately. In fact, she had overheard the conversation between the two of them through some means.

【Curse-Concealing Earrings (Level 1 Treasure): Increases detection range and grants the ability to eavesdrop, allowing you to freely listen to private conversations within a specific area.】

She had heard about the defense of Kuraki Town and thought that a knight with firm beliefs would come, but she didn't expect him to be so mercenary.

During a break in their conversation, Maggie steered the conversation: "I heard that the Isidore Empire is regrouping its forces and intends to continue its advance into the heart of the kingdom. I wonder where the war will go from here?"

"The kingdom has now assembled a large army and is about to march to the battlefield. With the help of your distant uncle, Knight Commander Peyton, they will definitely teach the enemy a lesson."

“Even if we attack the heartland, the Marquis’s territory is full of talented people. Like that Su Mu before, I heard he was very good at fighting, able to take on ten men at once and slaughtering the centaur legion.”

"What? He just relies on his sharpshooter commander and a bit of luck. You really think a guy who barely qualifies as a local nobleman has any real skill?"

The person speaking was Emma's cousin, with a look of utter disgust on her face.

The Gelong family intended to recruit Su Mu, even though she was just an illegitimate daughter, they still felt Su Mu was not good enough for them. If she hadn't become a hero, the deal would probably have fallen through long ago.

"A local aristocrat!"

Several noble ladies chewed over this derogatory term, and each of them shook their heads.

It's no wonder they were prejudiced. In those days, the rate of knowledge dissemination was low, and farmers in rural towns were completely uneducated. It was difficult for them to systematically learn military and cultural knowledge. Even if they were lucky enough to become heroes, that was the end of their journey.

After hearing everyone's comments, Maggie nodded and quickly forgot about it.

(End of this chapter)