The Department of Arbitration and Observatory Karion, the department in charge of "Seal Designation", is the oldest classroom in the Clock Tower. It has existed longer than any other department, even the vast majority of lords and nobles.
In the magic world, time is mystery, history is capital, and the capital of the Arcanum Arbitration Bureau is enough to let it hold its head high in the face of anyone and any force. Even if it is the Lord of Law and Politics, Lorelaia, or the famous second magician "Gemstone Man" Kishua, as long as they can't give a suitable reason, the Arcanum Arbitration Bureau can still ignore them.
It is for this reason that magicians are terrified of "sealing designation" and the Arcanum Arbitration Bureau is kept secret.
Because of this, "Jewel Man" did not directly agree to Shinji's request - because he knew that even if the Arbitration Bureau did not give him face, he could not do anything to the other side unless he was willing to completely break off relations with them and directly destroy the Arbitration Bureau by violent means.
Shinji was aware of the old man's concerns. In order to help Orange cancel the "Seal Designation", he did a lot of homework and worked out a thorough and feasible plan.
Leaving Yustisa's arms, Shinji drank some water to moisten his throat and began to persuade the old man.
"I don't know if you have ever heard this saying: if there is a 100% profit, the capitalists will take risks; if there is a 200% profit, the capitalists will defy the law; if there is a 300% profit, then the capitalists will trample on everything in the world!"
"I've heard that this sentence is adapted from Marx's Capital." In addition to "Gem Man" and "Magic Marshal", the old man has another nickname - "Kaleidoscope", which is used to describe his erudition and versatility. The books he has read are richer than the collections of any library in the world.
"Although this statement is a bit biased, the truth in it is universal, whether it is the secular world or the mysterious world, whether it is the capital market or the clock tower, don't you think so?"
"That's right." The old man nodded. "The magicians in the Clock Tower, especially those in the Law and Politics Department, are all profit-oriented. So you want to use profit to impress the Arbitration Bureau? Tell me your price."
"My price is a complete rune system, from the 18 originals to the 24 derivatives, from the application of runes to various types of rune magic at low, medium and high levels. With this, the declining rune system can be directly restored to its peak."
Having said that, Shinji looked at the old man with certainty.
"If it were someone else, they might think I was talking nonsense, but you should know that what I said is not false at all."
The old man nodded again: "Indeed, after all, your teacher is the Queen of the Kingdom of Shadows, the highest-ranking Rune Envoy. But you should be aware of its value. This is a treasure that can change the magic system and even the structure. Are you really willing to do this?"
"Of course I am willing. Knowledge is a dead thing after all. Compared with living people, it is too light." Shinji's voice was as calm as his expression. "If this sentence offends you, the elder of the Clock Tower, I am willing to apologize."
The old man has been in business for thousands of years, and he has a broad mind and bearing that matches his status: "It doesn't matter. The relationship between knowledge and people is not definitive. Aozaki Touko is indeed worthy of you doing this. As far as I know, she seems to have touched the edge of the third magic. Her grandfather did not choose her as the heir, and he also did not want to waste her talent. Magic is not only a 'miracle'; it is also a limitation."
Yustisa seemed to be thinking about something, but Shinji remained indifferent.
The old man noticed the two people's completely different attitudes, but he didn't point it out. He continued, "In terms of the price, it is indeed not low, but this may not impress the Secret Ritual Arbitration Bureau. From what I know about them, they have another choice, which is to send out the Executioner Team to rob it!"
Many times, big powers do not follow the rules because they have big fists. Compared with negotiation, they prefer to put on a reasonable cloak and then directly rob - for details, please refer to the democratic and free America.
"That's why I didn't choose to negotiate on my own, but chose you." Shinji smiled, "I don't believe those guys have the guts to snatch things from you."
If "Jewel Old Man" really gets angry, the entire Executioner Corps will not be enough for the old man to kill alone. This is the power supported by the first generation of Dead Apostles, the second generation of Magician, and the highest-ranking magician.
The old man didn't comment, but just said: "What if they still don't agree? People tend to be stubborn when they get old, and the same goes for power. If they bring up tradition and history, I'll be in a difficult position."
Shinji cursed without caring about his image: "History is a woman, and the victors can smear it at will. Traditions are not immutable. If the director of the Arbitration Bureau really doesn't give face, then tell them - 'Seal Designation'; continue, we will kill as many executors as you send. If Aozaki Touko can scare you once, we can scare you twice or three times. Let's see how many executors you have for us to kill. As for the complete Rune system, forget about the Clock Tower. Please tell the news to 'Wandering Sea'; just because you don't like it doesn't mean that others don't like it."
The three major departments of the Magic Association, the Clock Tower, the Wandering Sea, and the Alastor Institute, are in a state of disharmony. The Wandering Sea is obsessed with studying Age of Gods magic and has a bad relationship with the Clock Tower. Whether it is out of the pursuit of Age of Gods magic or out of consideration for disgusting the Clock Tower, the "Wandering Sea" will not miss the opportunity to obtain the Rune System.
This is Shinji's real confidence. With this card, the Arbitration Bureau has no choice but to agree. If they don't agree, the lords in the Clock Tower who are at odds with the Wandering Sea will unite to force the Arbitration Bureau to agree.
Even if the Arbitration Bureau really withstood the pressure, Shinji could use this as a condition to ask the people of the Wandering Sea to protect Orange. The history of the Wandering Sea is longer than that of the Clock Tower. It has always been regarded as the prototype of the Magic Association, and there is no general superior-subordinate relationship within the organization. From the perspective of research and hiding, it is more suitable for Orange than the Clock Tower.
"How about it, old man? Are the chips in my hand plus the reward this time enough to invite you to come out?"
"You are so well prepared. I have no reason to refuse." The old man's style is still so straightforward. "In order to ensure smooth negotiations, I will give you another suggestion - let the new lord of the Barthelmero family come with me. This is also a good opportunity for her to expand her influence."
"No problem, I'll talk to Lorelaia right away, she will definitely agree."
Anyone who refuses this kind of win-win situation is a fool.