"It is indeed a very interesting proposal. When you finish it, I will take people there to take a look. As long as you can really train excellent mages, funds will definitely not be a problem."
A month later, in Freden, in a restaurant in Snowy City, Benjamin and Master Finch met again after many days. After hearing Benjamin's introduction about the Magic Academy, Master Finch said this with a look of interest.
The construction of the college is still proceeding in an orderly manner, but Benjamin cannot stay there forever to move bricks. The establishment of the academy requires attracting more forces, and the number of free mages in Freden is undoubtedly the most among all countries in the world.
Therefore, he returned to Frieden's capital alone.
After those turmoils, Freden's situation changed drastically, but the only one who was not affected much was Master Finch. As the richest man in the country, his influence is naturally what Benjamin needs most at the moment.
"When the college is completed, I will definitely invite you to attend our opening ceremony." Therefore, Benjamin replied with a smile, "However, I also hope that you can help us do more publicity and win over Freden. some students."
Master Finch was a little surprised: "... Oh? I thought you only recruited people from Carites."
"Of course it's not just that. Our academy is open to all people from all countries who are interested in magic." Benjamin immediately replied, "Don't worry about political issues. I have signed a treaty with the King of Carites. People who enter the academy will not Service to a particular country would be mandated.”
However, Master Finch still looked amazed.
"How did you do it?" he asked curiously. "To be honest, a person who can sit in a position like a king would never let such a huge piece of cake slip away from his eyes."
"It's very simple." Benjamin replied with a smile, "I helped him back."
In fact, if he was more ambitious, he could have done what the church did before and planted a curse on the king to control the entire Carites.
The king also understood this, so he was so straightforward when fulfilling the deal.
"I see. It seems that the rumors are true." Master Finch nodded and said, "They all say that you are the nemesis of the church. When you walked to Freden, you drove the church away just after Freden came to power. Go down; go to Carites, and as soon as they take power, you drive them out again. You are quite famous now."
Benjamin smiled and said nothing.
"Don't worry, I will help you publicize it in Freden's circle of mages. With your reputation, it shouldn't take much effort." Master Finch said.
"Then it's up to you."
"It's not a favor. You drove away the church but left in a hurry. All the mages in Freden owe you a favor. Even the people from the Mages Guild will probably not object."
Benjamin nodded with satisfaction.
But... Speaking of the Mages Guild, he also knew that the mages in Freden had reorganized a Mages Guild under the wishes of General Stewart. This is a mage organization that purely serves politics. From a certain perspective, it is a competitive relationship with their magic academy.
Fortunately, according to the information he learned after returning to Freden, the power of this mages guild is not very powerful, and it is completely incomparable to the one in Iker. Most of Freden's mages are still free and ownerless.
In Benjamin's schedule, after meeting with Master Finch, he will soon meet with the head of the Mages Guild and General Stewart.
This is an inevitable meeting. And the relationship between him and General Stewart...can't be said to be hostile, just a little subtle. The other party used him to seize power, failed to win over him, and even wanted to get rid of him secretly. However, after all, everyone did not break up. Times have changed, and they can still sit down and have a good talk.
All for the Magic Academy. Maybe Benjamin would have to invite them to the opening ceremony.
"It's getting late, and I have to go to the palace to meet with the general and the others. Master Finch, you are welcome to visit us in Carites at any time."
"I will."
In this way, the two said goodbye. Benjamin left the restaurant and walked towards the palace in Snowdy City without much rest.
He had contacted Freden's Prime Minister before coming. In the letter, Prime Minister Pace showed extreme enthusiasm and especially welcomed Benjamin to come and meet with them. Benjamin was a little uncomfortable seeing this. Is this still the slick Prime Minister from before
However, at least it was a public meeting that was scheduled in advance, and the other party should not have any evil intentions.
"Is it Master Benjamin? Hurry! Her Royal Highness the Princess is waiting for you in the hall!"
As soon as he arrived at the door, several servants and guards were standing there, greeting Benjamin warmly. Benjamin said nothing, nodded, and walked into the palace again under their leadership.
This place... I haven't been here for some days.
Walking through the familiar corridor, Benjamin quickly entered the hall of the palace. There were more people in the hall than he thought. General Stewart, Prime Minister Pace, a strange mage, and even Mikel, whom he hadn't seen for a long time, were standing aside. When Benjamin came in, he hid behind and said hello to Benjamin.
As for the throne, there sat the princess who looked distracted.
This is probably Freden's political situation at the moment. The princess has been fooled, and the general controls the government behind his back, acting like a king. It is said that he is also planning to let his grandson marry the princess. From now on, Freden's heirs will all be his.
—It can be regarded as a relatively soft means of usurping the throne.
Benjamin felt that the princess was quite pitiful, and he also felt that the general's grandson was quite pitiful. But... that's how politics is, he has no way to interfere. Besides, if the general's methods are more powerful, it might also be a good thing for Freden's mages.
At least the church is not that easy to penetrate.
"See Your Highness the Princess."
Thinking of this, Benjamin first saluted, and then turned to look at General Stewart, the guy who had taken advantage of him.
For the sake of the Magic Academy, this old hatred can only be temporarily put aside.
"General, we meet again."
General Stewart looked at him, suddenly showed a heroic smile, and said: "Yes, I wanted to win you over to be the president of the Mages Guild at the beginning, but who would have thought that when I turned around, you would do so many earth-shattering things. Now. The young man is really amazing, hurry up! Bring a chair to Mr. Benjamin, and pour a few times more wine. How can such a distinguished guest be allowed to stand!"
Benjamin raised his eyebrows.
Which song is this sung from
Among all the people present, the only one sitting was the princess. Although she was almost asleep leaning on the throne at this moment, due to royal etiquette, the general himself stood and did not sit down.
The enthusiasm seemed a bit excessive.
Can't blame Benjamin for being suspicious. It's true that he came to settle the old grudges, but the general's attitude was far from the scene he expected, so he was a little confused.
"No need, everyone is standing, how dare I sit down." Thinking of this, he smiled and said.
"That's it... Since Master Benjamin insists, then let it be as you wish." Upon hearing this, the general waved his hand again and said nonchalantly. The servant next to me was struggling, moving a chair around, not knowing what to do.
Benjamin nodded and looked at a mage standing next to the general.
"This mage should be the new president of the Mage Guild, right?"
The mage looked quite old. Hearing Benjamin's words, he touched his bearded chin and nodded. His attitude was lukewarm, much more real than the general's.
"My name is Benjamin. Nice to meet you."
"The famous Master Benjamin, I am Steve, and I have admired your fame for a long time."
The two of them probably got to know each other. This mage didn't seem to like Benjamin very much. Although he spoke politely, his demeanor was a little cold. This is different from what Master Finch said to Benjamin before.
However, Benjamin was too lazy to care about this.
He got down to business directly: "Master Steve, General Stewart, I'm currently building a magic academy. It will be completed in about a month or two. Have any of you heard of it?"