9 Marc Triem 1 (2/2)
Edward's body drew in towards the table as he asked how combatant strengths were classified.
Johan had a half smile as replied that powers in the Three realms follows the Mercenary Guild's classifications for ease of assessment. From weakest to strongest would be Iron, Steel, Damascus and Adamant. Johan referred to Tarin as a former adamant class combatant.
”Tarin is considered as a top class combatant?”
”He was formerly the leader of the Praetorian Guards for Consul Triem, the premier general of Astrea Empire. In a battle two years ago, he used Ignition to burn the monster core and the gems in one of his spheres to gain a drastic increase in combat abilities for a short period to save Consul Triem's life.”
”In exchange, he can no longer use three spheres. He can only use two. He resigned from the Praetorian Guards and took up the role of war adviser instead after the battle. His reason for resignation was that the leader of Praetorian Guards cannot be a combatant who is no longer Adamant class. Though if you ask me, I believe Tarin is still plenty strong even with two spheres, but I understand where he is coming from.”
Edward looked puzzled as he enquired why Tarin was with Aureus as he seemed close with Consul Triem.
Johan's expression was reminiscent as he explained that Tarin and Aureus were close even before the former's injury. Triem wanted to retain Tarin after his injury by bending army regulations but Tarin would hear nothing of it and stepped down. This caused relations to sour between the two men. It was at this point that Aureus requested Tarin to be attached to his camp as a special adviser.
”When his highness received his posting to the outer realm, Tarin wanted to follow his highness along. Heard he made peace with Consul Triem after joining his highness's camp though.”
”Command issues related to disabled personnel are indeed tricky to deal with. In particular, when said personnel have accumulated various military merits. Had Tarin stayed, it would have caused discontent amongst the senior command as well as the rank and file. I quite admire Tarin's resolve to take such a clean break.” Edward looked impressed as he commented.
”He rose up the ranks along with Consul Triem. He was there at the start of Consul Triem's career. It would not be an exaggeration to say he is one of the factors behind Consul Triem's meteoric rise.” Johan related in a respectful manner.
”Could you relate Consul Triem's achievements? Rumor has it that he was a patron of his highness when he was leading troops early on.”
Johan's manner was highly respectful as he related Consul Triem's achievements. Making Legate prior to 40 and Praetor before 60 despite a middling noble background. On the back of his numerous decisive victory, he made Consul at age 82 when the average age for that rank was between 120 and 150 years old. High command ratified the decision with no resistance.
His achievements were even noted by the Emperor himself who praised Triem during a state event. There were dissenters that tried to argue that Triem's background was insufficient. The Emperor and the then Princeps turned a deaf ear towards such complaints.
Edward then inquired why Consul Triem was considered a patron to Aureus.
Johan replied that as far as he knew, when they were in the inner realm, Consul Triem would practice the blade and discuss matters of the state with Aureus when time permitted.
”Who was the better swordsman?” Edward asked with a lilt to his voice.
”Ask Tarin about that, I have no idea.”
—
Two weeks passed by in a flash, during this time Edward met with Johan on every other day and settled into a rhythm.
In the castle's study, three figures gathered and voices can be heard.
”Johan, what is your assessment on our current favorite outworlder after spending the past few weeks with him?” Aureus asked as he sat behind the desk.
”Highness, it is my sincere opinion that Williams is a highly capable individual. For the time being, I feel that it is good he seems to be benign and poses little threat to us,” Johan paused for a few moments before adding. ”I am unsure as to whether he will remain so.”
”Let us leave aside speculation for the moment. Johan, what has he been doing? Is there anything interesting you have learned about him?”
”Highness, there are various mysteries about Edward that I am unable to decipher. From what I understand, apparently the realm he comes from does not have aether magic,” Johan paused and paced a few steps before continuing. ”They depend on science and technology to conduct their daily lives. Of note would be how Edward shows little confusion to image or sound crystals and scene orbs. He says his realm has an equivalent known as a smartphone which has all the functions of the three items.”