Chapter 175: The Politics of Dungeons
Evelyne glanced at her former master.
“Since you’ve come all this way, why not stay for dinner? We still have plenty to discuss.”
Calista considered the invitation for a moment before smiling.
“Very well. It has been a long time since I shared a meal with my former student.”
Evelyne instructed the servants to prepare dinner, and the two settled into a more relaxed conversation.
They spoke about the academy, old acquaintances, and the changes that had taken place during their years apart. Calista occasionally teased Evelyne about her younger days, drawing the occasional exasperated sigh from the Duchess. Despite the passage of time, their familiarity remained unchanged. For a short while, neither of them had to think about political obligations or the weight of their positions. They were simply a former master and her student, sharing a rare evening without interruption.
Eventually, dinner came to an end.
Calista glanced toward the window, where the evening sky had darkened considerably.
“I should return,” she said, rising from her seat.
Evelyne stood as well.
“Of course. I won’t keep you any longer.”
She accompanied Calista to the entrance. After a brief farewell, Calista left.
Evelyne retired to her chambers. The following morning promised to be considerably more complicated.
—
The next morning, Evelyne finished breakfast and departed for the Imperial Palace.
The meeting hall was already crowded when she arrived.
Nobles occupied the rows of seats, speaking in low voices as officials arranged documents near the front. Soldiers stood at regular intervals along the walls, their presence a quiet reminder that this was no ordinary gathering. Representatives of the Empire’s most influential houses had assembled, each carrying their own expectations regarding the proposed changes to dungeon management.
The three dukes were already seated in their designated places. Evelyne greeted them before taking her seat among them.
Her attention soon shifted toward a familiar figure seated near the front.
Calista Veyne had also arrived.
As Headmistress of Ambrose Academy and a Ninth Circle mage, she commanded considerable respect. Several nobles approached her to exchange greetings, while others maintained a polite distance. Evelyne acknowledged her former master with a subtle nod. Calista returned it before resuming her conversation.
A moment later, the doors at the far end of the hall opened.
Emperor Augustus Aurelmont entered, accompanied by his attendants.
Every conversation ceased. The assembled nobles and officials rose.
“Your Majesty.”
Augustus acknowledged them with a brief gesture before taking his place at the head of the hall.
“Be seated. We have important matters to discuss.”
The gathering settled into silence.
Augustus turned toward a group of researchers waiting near the center of the hall.
“Present your findings.”
One of the researchers stepped forward. Behind him, assistants carried a large circular device constructed from dark metal, silver crystals, and multiple thin rings engraved with intricate runes. They placed it carefully on a prepared stand.
“This is the dungeon-assessment device developed under imperial authority,” the lead researcher announced. “Its purpose is to determine a dungeon’s current rank before an expedition enters.”
He explained that the instrument measured several key factors—monster strength, mana density, spatial stability, environmental conditions, and the strength of the central structure—then assigned a classification from E-Rank to S-Rank.
“The assessment reflects the dungeon as it exists at the time of examination,” he continued. “If conditions change afterward—through a rise in mana concentration, the awakening of a stronger creature, or an alteration to the central structure—its threat level may change as well. We cannot guarantee that a dungeon will remain at the same rank throughout an expedition.”
One noble leaned forward.
“So the device tells us what we are dealing with when we examine it, but not necessarily what we will encounter later.”
“Precisely.”
One of the assistants activated the instrument. Mana flowed through the engraved rings, causing the silver crystals to glow with a steady light. After several moments, a series of readings appeared on the display. The researcher briefly explained how the measurements were converted into a final assessment.
The demonstration was efficient and clear. Military officials paid close attention to its potential applications. Territorial lords quietly discussed how such a tool might affect their own operations and the allocation of forces near unstable dungeons.
Calista watched in silence, her attention fixed on the flow of mana through the instrument. From time to time her gaze shifted to the engraved rings, as though examining the principles behind their construction.
When the remaining questions concluded, Augustus ordered the researchers to withdraw.
Once the doors closed, he rose.
“What you have witnessed today is an important step toward a more systematic approach to dungeon exploration.”
His gaze swept across the assembly.
“Dungeons present both opportunities and dangers. They contain valuable resources and avenues for magical advancement, yet they also threaten nearby settlements and place every expedition at risk. Until now, much of our knowledge has remained scattered among individual explorers, noble houses, and research organizations. If we intend to manage these dungeons effectively, that must change.”
He gave a signal. Soldiers began distributing books to the assembled nobles and officials.
When the distribution was complete, Augustus continued.
“These documents contain the proposed framework for dungeon management. They address the circumstances surrounding a dungeon’s appearance, the responsibilities of the territory in which it emerges, the assistance that may be provided by imperial forces, and the distribution of resources recovered after a dungeon has been cleared. They also establish procedures for assessing threats, allocating assessment devices, and determining when the Empire may intervene.”
He allowed the nobles a moment to examine their copies.
“Since a dungeon disappears once it has been cleared, the question is not one of permanent possession. We must determine how each dungeon should be managed from discovery to clearance—and how the resulting benefits and responsibilities should be divided.”
That distinction immediately drew attention. Several nobles turned more carefully to the relevant sections.
Augustus then turned toward Calista.
“There is another matter we must address: the education of the next generation.”
Calista met his eyes.
“Ambrose Academy trains many of the mages, warriors, researchers, and officers who will eventually serve the Empire. As our understanding of dungeons develops, our educational institutions must adapt. The proposal includes plans to teach students about dungeon environments, known threats, and expedition procedures, as well as practical examinations under appropriate supervision.”
He addressed her directly.
“Given your position and experience as a Ninth Circle mage, I ask you to review these proposals carefully. If any part is impractical, unsuitable for students, or likely to create unnecessary risks, raise your objections.”
𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦
“I will, Your Majesty,” Calista replied. “An examination must serve an educational purpose. It should not expose students to dangers they cannot reasonably handle.”
Augustus nodded.
“That is precisely why I have asked for your assessment.”
He then turned back to the full assembly.
“Examine these documents thoroughly before tomorrow’s meeting. This is a proposal, not a finished system. Consider the circumstances of your territories, the resources available to you, and the responsibilities that should fall upon local authorities. If you believe a provision is unfair or impractical, explain why and offer an alternative. I will not accept objections based solely on personal advantage.”
Several nobles exchanged guarded looks. The Emperor’s expectations had been made clear.
Augustus straightened.
“Read carefully. We reconvene tomorrow. That is all for today.”
Chairs shifted across the polished floor as the assembly began to disperse. Officials gathered their papers. Nobles formed small groups to discuss the proposals, some already identifying sections they intended to challenge, others remaining silent as they absorbed the implications.
Evelyne rose with her book in hand. Nearby, Calista closed her copy and tucked it beneath her arm. Their eyes met briefly. Neither spoke. There would be time enough for discussion later.
As Evelyne turned toward the exit, she considered the possibilities.
A standardized assessment system could reduce unnecessary casualties. Clearer rules could prevent disputes between territories and establish more consistent procedures for expeditions. Yet every new system also created opportunities for those who understood how to use it to their advantage. The device could provide information. The framework could establish rules. Neither could guarantee that the people responsible for implementing them would act fairly.
Before the last of the attendees had left, a sudden cough broke through the fading noise.
Augustus covered his mouth and coughed twice more.
The interruption was brief, but both Calista and Evelyne noticed it.
The Headmistress turned toward the Emperor.
“Your Majesty, are you feeling unwell?”
Augustus lowered his hand and straightened, his expression composed.
“It is nothing, Headmistress Calista. I have simply been working longer than I should. I need some rest.”
Calista studied him for a moment.
“Even so, Your Majesty, I hope you will allow yourself time to recover. No responsibility is worth neglecting your health.”
A faint smile touched Augustus’s lips.
“I appreciate your concern. I assure you, I know my own limits.”
Calista did not appear entirely convinced, but she recognized that pressing further would accomplish little.
“As you wish, Your Majesty.”
Augustus gave a small nod and turned to the officials still waiting nearby.
Evelyne left the meeting hall with the documents in hand.