Re: Tales of the Rune-Tech Sage

Chapter 302: Marriage Candidate II

CH302 Marriage Candidate II

***

Alex waited with his arms folded, giving Zora a patient but expectant look.

”I wasn’t joking when I said she’s similar to Udara and me,” Zora began. ”Just like our sizes, we each have our specialities—and thus, our uses to you. Interestingly, they don’t overlap but rather complement one another, forming a sort of complete set.”

”First,” she continued, raising a finger, ”is our profession branch. Each of us is a talent in our respective branch—top of our crop, really. Nothing more needs to be said about my talent as a mage, does it?” She ended with a smirk.

Alex wanted to roll his eyes.

Her humble-bragging was nothing new—something she picked up from Merlin—but there was truth behind it. Zora had one of the best mage talents the Enclave had ever seen. Under Merlin’s direct tutelage, her mastery over practical magecraft and spellcasting was second to none.

According to Merlin himself, if not for his insistence on slowing her growth—forcing her to polish every stage before advancing—Zora would already be a Grand Mage by now, not the Elite Mage she had remained for five years.

And that was while managing her duties as the Enclave’s majordomo.

”Like me,” Zora went on, ”Udara has one of the best warrior talents either of our fathers has ever seen. Since you’ve fought alongside her, you should already know—she’s also one of the best in her rank.”

Alex nodded solemnly.

He couldn’t deny it. Udara’s skill in combat was nothing short of monstrous. Even without his Rune-Tech advantage, she could wipe the floor with almost anyone if rank and energy levels were ignored. And even with them, she could comfortably face opponents a full rank above her—those nearing Veteran-ran.

That was insane.

”So, let me guess,” Alex said, ”Lady Eleanor has one of the best Warlock talents around?”

”Exactly.” Zora nodded, smiling proudly. ”I don’t know what kind of Providence you have, Alex, but somehow, you’ve managed to attract the most talented and skilled women across the three professional branches.

”As brilliant as you are in the three branches, each of us still surpasses you in our respective branch. Meaning, like Udara and me, Eleanor can train you—or train with you—in her profession branch whenever the need arises.”

Alex rubbed his already stubbled chin.

”That does sound like a fine card to bring to the table,” he admitted. ”But I don’t necessarily need it. Sure, it would be a waste not to explore the Warlock path, especially with my fused bloodline, but my plate’s already full. I won’t have much time to train it anyway. It’s not a strong enough reason to base a decision on.”

”I’m not done,” Zora replied, her lips curving into a knowing smile. ”I said she’s useful in more ways than one, didn’t I?”

”Alright,” Alex said, leaning forward slightly. ”I’m listening.”

Zora raised a second finger.

”Craftsmanship.”

”Lady Eleanor is a Tier III Expert Alchemist,” she explained. ”Meaning she can help you with the final major craftsmanship branch for your Rune-Tech—Alchemy. Beyond that, she’ll also be immensely useful for your Interplanar conquests.”

Most forces focused on bringing as many combatants as possible into planar wars. However, that was only one of several viable strategies.

With the presence and aid of a competent craftsman—by Pangea’s standards—one could approach conquest in a much subtler way. Technological superiority was one of the most understated yet devastatingly effective methods to subdue a plane with minimal bloodshed.

When executed properly, the denizens of a conquered realm could end up surrendering their sovereignty without even realising it.

Alchemy, being the broadest and possibly the most complex of the three major craftsmanship professions, offered the greatest potential for such soft conquest.

And Alex, truth be told, was in desperate need of an in-house Alchemist.

Among the three major crafting disciplines, he had no issue with Runesmithing or Array Mastery. He was also fairly competent as a Forgesmith—not quite on par with his Rune craftsmanship, but AetherKindle easily compensated for much of that gap.

Alchemy, however, remained his blind spot.

As his Rune constructs increased in grade and complexity, he would inevitably need the aid of a proper Alchemist to help process the materials—Rune ink, beast skins, medium reagents... the list of applications was endless.

In fact, Alex had already been planning to recruit an Alchemist into his main party. But if one of his wives was a capable Alchemist, that would give him far more flexibility when assembling his inner circle.

By noble etiquette, once he became a fief lord, that group would serve as his closest confidants and direct retainers—much like Earl Drake’s Hounds.

Alex would have settled for a Tier II Journeyman Alchemist, but a Tier III Expert?

An alchemist capable of handling all his Alchemy needs below Sainthood? That was a utility he couldn’t ignore.

”Hmm... okay, that’s a pretty good reason to consider her,” Alex said, keeping his tone calm.

”I’m not done,” Zora continued, raising a third finger. ”Another skill she brings to the table is Finance Management.”

”In many noble households—especially fledgling ones like yours—wives play an important role in territorial management. It’s always best if they can contribute something beyond just being the Lord’s spouse.”

”Wives are often more trustworthy than employed help,” Alex agreed. ”They’re more likely to have their husband’s and family’s best interests at heart. More so than retainers, and definitely more than hired hands.”

”Exactly.” Zora nodded. ”Just like Udara and I, she can handle a specific aspect of your territory’s management.

”As your queen, I can act as your proxy in the day-to-day administration of your lands. I already have vast experience serving as Father’s proxy in the Enclave’s affairs.

”Udara, on the other hand, trained under your cousin, Countess Megan Fury, mastering the art of maintaining a military outfit in both war and peace. She’s well-versed in military management.

”As for Lady Eleanor—she’s a businesswoman in her own right. She built and manages one of the most successful shops in the Enclave. She can bring that experience to your side as your partner in overseeing your and your territory’s finances.

”And considering how much you earn, it would be wise to have someone you trust managing your coffers.”

”Okay, fine. I can see why you chose her.” Alex smiled wryly before his expression hardened. ”But even with all that, what I’m most concerned about is her nature and character.”

He sighed. ”As much as I don’t want to judge her by background, I can’t help it. She carries royal blood, after all. The last thing I want is to let a wolf into my home.”

Zora nodded, her tone understanding.

”I know what you’re worried about,” she said softly. ”I was concerned about the same thing. So, I had someone investigate her while we were still in the Enclave.”

***