Chapter 23 - The Ark Of A New Group?

"And to feed the frenzy, the above-world tosses those problems into the underworld, creating more chaos."

"Love it when humans do that. Passing the torch of blame and problems. It's a clown fiesta to me,' said Baldwin, shaking his head disapprovingly.

The Valkyrie gave a giggle and a yawn, indicating the end of her attention span.

"Looks like it's time for Mavislin's nap," said Ysabeau, scooping the young girl into her arms.

As the mother and child left, it gave the men some private time to discuss more dangerous matters at hand. Especially the part about the Congregation's failure.

"With the Congregation's fall, what are you guys planning to do about the remaining Mages?" asked Minwoo.

"And why are you asking about that?" asked Baldwin, obviously annoyed at the mere mention of the Congregation.

"I want to know if we could work together in the future. If you guys help me with the underworld, then I want to repay the favor by helping you with your upcoming plans," replied Minwoo, crossing his legs.

"Most probably we won't need your help but thanks for the offer," answered Baldwin, sharply.

"Lighten up, Angry Man."

Baldwin shot a glare towards the soon-to-be Marquess. Minwoo merely laughed at his expression but soon composed himself.

"Young Mages like Mavislin need a place to call home and a group to call family for them to survive on Earth. I can't sleep soundly, knowing children are without family or shelter just because they are 'different'," responded Minwoo.

"If you are that keen, there are two options you could do. One, you could invite the Mages back into the common society. Let the Mages live with humans again. I've got no clue how's that gonna work, so don't ask me. With the right title, everyone is inclined to do what you order."

"Won't that be dangerous?" he asked, scratching his head.

"Of course, for both you and the Mages. As I said, once you've gained the people's trust, they'll abide by your commands. Try being nice or run the domain as a tyrant."

"I wouldn't want to run my domain using fear, that would be meaningless."

"Suit yourself. If things turn out badly, there's always another option," replied Gillian.

"The other option is to work with us, allow the Mages to stay under our organization. We keep the Mages in order and you keep the humans from tangling with us. We will segregate the community into two. End of story," replied Gillian.

"Hm... That's a better plan. And if there's any problem that involves Mages, I'll hand the problem over to you?"

"Provided it has been proved that it was the Mages who started the issue, and not humans. And if the matter is not big enough for us to care, don't bother bringing it up to us," replied Gillian.

"Well, that's helpful."

"I'm not kidding either. I don't care about such trivial problems. We've got bigger issues worth our time," replied Gillian, bluntly.

"So, how are you going to go about your plan?" asked Minwoo.

"Us? We'll probably create something like the Congregation again. This time, each department will be allowed to function individually. No need to come looking for the Head."

"Instead of following how the Congregation worked, I was thinking another approach for the new organization. Where every Mage can be mixed around with other Mages. Rather than segregating the Mages using the Holders' System, I'm going to follow how humans do it," explained Gillian.

"Humans? How so?" asked Minwoo, puzzled.

"Humans function by having armies. And in these armies, they have further separated into other departments. It's based on what the department is defending or in charge of."

Baldwin cracked a small smile as he began to think how much Gillian had been studying humans. It was nearly a century since the three had met. Ysabeau was fascinated by how kids behaved while her husband was always interested in how humans waged battle.

"Correct, our armies have different departments. We've got air, sea, and land defense in our armies. And in those departments, there smaller teams as well. Some are in charge of medical aid or gathering intelligence," replied Minwoo, deep in his thoughts.

"I would like to try something new but similar to what you've mentioned. I'm including the air, sea and land defenses as departments. But I'm further adding a department for gathering intelligence as well as an attacking ace."

"Why an attacking ace? Usually, our land defense is in charge of that."

"Humans are versatile since they are using weapons, they can choose what they need to fight with. Mages are quite different. Some might excel in defensive Magecraft while others are great at attacking."

"Let's continue this at night. Marquess Dalles, get ready for an all-nighter," said Baldwin, sauntering off.