110 Chapter 110

"What do you think of the boy Theodore? "

Theodore Parkinson. One of influencial figures of the association. Although he hadn't reached the high council, nor did he think he could in his life, but he knew that in Tulip city, no one would outright challenge his authority. Not even the other mage families.

And as far the mage Association was concerned, he held almost half the votes in the lower council. It was the lower council which saw to the day to day activities of the association. Although higher council were the overseers, but it was the lower council who actually run the place. Thus they had far more influence than what they ougtht fo have.

Working class mages rarely saw someone from the high council. They reported to the offices of the lower council for all their life. For them, the lower council was all that mattered.

Theodore had started as a bright eyed young mage who tried to make a difference. Pushed down due to politics of that time, he had become cynical and selfish. He too started working for his agenda. Perhaps it was that change which had made sure that he held the position he had today.

He wasn't young anymore, but he still worked hard to improve his own capabilities and of those under him. For all he was, he was good to those under him.

He was one of the people in the lower council who had control over a mine of magestones. Mage stone mining was something which was solely controlled by the high council. This showed the level of influence Theodore held.

His mine wasn't large, but was predicted to last for quite long time. He had planned a way by which his family, house of Theodore would always be directly or indirectly be the one operating it.

Although association held on to the lion's share of the production, the share left for Theodore was large enough to lay the foundation of his own house in the future to come. For all that was worth, he didn't dare to line his pockets with the mine. The high council scared him still. They didn't really mind the politics being played by those on the lower council, it was human nature to thrive for power, be it magical or political. But they didn't favour dishonesty. They thought it showed poorly for a person of such power as a mage.

He was recently informed of a new development in mining tools. At first he didn't bother much with it since there was always something new happening and it wasn't worth it to invest in it each time something new came up.

But when he repeatedly heard about this fabulous new artifact with multiple uses, he couldn't but help check it out. Mages had their own curiosity after all.

What he saw of the artifact left him flabbergasted. Such an artifact haven't been seen in quite a few years. He couldnt even imagine all the possibilities such an artifact could offer. Weapons and mining were just the beginning. He foresaw a lot of other uses for it, depended people could afford it's cost.

He had called upon Ericson, his second in command sort of. Ericson too was part of the council. Infact Ericson was his senior, he was on the council before Theodore himself. Maybe Ericson lacked Ambition of his own, or there was a fear of failure, but instead of forwarding his own agenda, he had supported Theodore. Without his support, Theodore wouldn't have the same clout he had now.

So, when he asked Theodore of his opinion about the boy, he couldnt be but honest about it.

"You know Leo, what I think of the boy. He was a fool, yet smart at the same time. I am sure what he did infact wasn't his idea to start with. " Said Theodore while he sipped on a cool drink to quench his thirst.

"It is Indeed as you think. From what I was informed, he was part of the fair held by the artifactors. Our people on the judge's team would have snapped him up one way or the other if it wasn't for Azo."

" Ah. Azo. He is too much of an idealistic at times, But he knows when to back out. What was the reason he was so insistent this time around?"

" Someone he knew had stood up for the boy and pressed Azo to help the boy. You know he is the sentimental type. Plus the artifact was really good. It was easy for him to call for a favour from Matthew."

" Matthew helped him and didn't take the boy as his own?" it had suprised Theo that his rival had left the boy alone. It wasn't like him. He was equally if not more ambitious than Theo himself.

"As I said. Azo called a favour. Sentimental fool if you believe me. But he did it. The boy offered up his artifact to the association for a base price of 100,000 stones. "

" Azo must have suggested the boy to give up his artifact. He knew someone would have either bought the boy or had him forced to work for them. Azo couldn't provide him safety for ever. This way the boy has got enough fame that in case something happens to him, there will be few asking some questions about him. And he wouldn't be the only one who posseses the knowledge of the artifact which makes targeting not that worthwhile. "

" It was nicely played to be honest. But it doesn't matter. Such people surface time to time. He is but an insignificant space mage. An artifactor who have perhaps already reached his high. If history is an example, not many people succeed in making two of such artifacts. And with the distractions offered by Tulip city and with his new found money, it would be surprising if he has time for anything else. "

" Not so Theo. From what I have gathered, he had chosen a reclusive mansion as his residence and rarely visits the city. He chooses to stay at home most of the reading if the the number of books he borrows suggest. "

" Interesting. Does the boy think he could make another artifact of value? Do you think it's worth it to give him an offer to join our faction? " Theodore made quick decisions. It was perhaps one of the reasons for his success.

"You could. Having a young talent is never a bad idea. Of course if he doesn't come up with something, we could let him go after few years. But even if he manages to somehow improve his own artifact, it will be worth it. "

" We would need to hurry though. If could think of it, so could Matthew. He might have left the boy alone that time. But making a good offer, even Azo wouldn't be against it. "

" Who do you suggest we send?" asked Leo.

"Its a young boy. Young people have hot blood, they might not submit to pressure. It needs more tact. What do you think of Amelia? "

" Amelia. The boy is a goner. " Said Leo with a smile.

Unknown to Aaron, some people had already assumed his fate. And if he really fell for their schemes, perhaps he would loose the opportunity he had created for himself.

Right now he had the money and time to really work on his plans for a bit. He had a couple of spells to look forward to which would increase his own power by a fair bit.

But all of this would only be possible if he could perhaps overcome Theodore.

Could Aaron make it? Or will Amelia prevail. Wait until the next episode of Dragon ball... Errr True Space mage.