Chapter 116
Soon, a book appeared above Riana’s hand.
It floated in the air.
“…!”
“Spatial magic…?”
Startled voices and gazes turned toward her.
Only then did it truly sink in for them—the woman standing before them was the Sword Mage, the very symbol and guardian of Roan.
Unbothered by their reactions, Riana continued speaking.
“Duke Delcaron, this is everything I’ve recorded about the Forest of Death so far.”
Her magic carried the thick book toward Vernian.
His gaze landed on the cover—it was at least the width of a hand.
“Of course, I know the Empire also has plenty of records. But this one details the forest’s movements by the hour, sometimes even day by day. It should prove useful.”
Even after handing over the book, Riana went on to share everything she knew that might be connected to the current situation.
The magic scholars and nobles monitoring the forest immediately dove into heated discussion.
“These monsters all dwell near the outer edges of the forest.”
“That’s right. Their strength usually determines their territory… which means these aren’t among the strongest of the forest.”
“For now, only a handful have shown themselves, but if dozens begin pouring out, it could mean something has gone wrong with the forest’s ecosystem.”
“When you say ‘wrong,’ you mean…?”
“Exactly. There may be a disruption in the food chain or the internal balance.”
At Riana’s words, the scholars and several nobles let out heavy sighs.
The southern region of the Empire was its breadbasket.
Though they hadn’t placed any major facilities near the southeastern border—the area closest to the Forest of Death—any large-scale disturbance there could easily spread into the fertile south.
And if the countless monsters within the forest poured out at once?
The stationed military would never be able to contain the damage.
Tap, tap.
All eyes turned when Ianheart began tapping the armrest with his fingertips.
“There are no clear signs of major abnormality yet, correct?”
“Yes. According to the scouts who ventured in, there haven’t been any major changes. But they did say the atmosphere felt… unsettled.”
“Unsettled…”
Something always stirs before a change.
Riana studied Ianheart for a moment before speaking.
“Your Majesty.”
“Yes?”
His cold expression softened at her call.
‘…To think I’d see His Majesty make that face.’
‘Am I close to death?’
Conflicting emotions swept across the nobles’ faces, but neither Riana nor Ianheart paid them any mind.
“A few years ago, during the subjugation of the forest, you made it close to the inner depths, didn’t you?”
“I did.”
“Did you notice anything strange back then? Perhaps a particularly powerful monster?”
Ianheart frowned thoughtfully, sifting through his memories.
Strange…
It had been nearly ten years, so nothing came immediately to mind. But there was something that had left an impression.
“Ah. There was a place layered with illusion magic circles.”
“Illusion circles?”
“Yes. As if the thick poison fog weren’t enough, there were overlapping illusions as well. And the area had an unusual number of monsters.”
Illusion circles in the Forest of Death…?
“Does that mean someone went in and placed them there?”
“No. They were very different from modern magic circles.”
Riana’s eyes widened.
“According to Telbern, they seemed to be ancient magic circles.”
The moment Ianheart mentioned Telbern Isaac’s name, several nobles let out low exclamations.
“Ancient magic circles, you say…”
“If it’s Sir Isaac’s assessment, it must be reliable.”
“In that case, we should look into ancient texts. Surely something must be written.”
“Yes, I’ll join you.”
The nobles offered their opinions sincerely, fully engaged in the discussion.
Meanwhile, Riana silently repeated the name she had only heard in rumors.
Telbern Isaac.
The Empire’s youngest high-ranking mage, and a knight who had sworn loyalty to Ianheart.
She was said to be stunningly beautiful, though rarely seen in public, carrying out the Emperor’s personal orders instead.
Because of her reclusive nature, she remained wrapped in mystery.
The Tower Master himself had tried several times to recruit her as his successor, proof of her genius in magical theory.
And…
Riana’s expression dimmed slightly as she remembered something.
Back in the city of Venpool, she had once overheard a crude rumor linking Telbern with Ianheart.
‘…Of course, that can’t be true.’
She knew it was just gossip. Ianheart had admitted himself that he’d never had any romantic experience.
‘Then again… if he’s only inexperienced in romance, what about…’
The thought stopped her cold. Shocked at her own improper imagination, Riana almost slapped herself.
‘I must be losing my mind. Stop it. Just stop it.’
She heaved a sigh, chasing away the unwelcome thoughts.
Ianheart tilted his head slightly, watching her.
“Tired?”
“Huh? No, not at all.”
“Just wait a little longer. We’ll be done soon.”
He reached out and covered the back of her hand.
Riana expected him to let go after a brief pat, but his hand lingered as he spoke again.
“For now, send letters to the other nations regarding this matter. The Empire isn’t the only one bordering the forest.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. We’ll also ask if they’ve observed similar signs.”
“Good. And when the delegations arrive for the Founding Festival, instruct them to send representatives who can discuss this issue.”
“Understood. I’ve already told Count Birente to monitor the forest more closely and report regularly.”
With Ianheart taking the lead, the meeting quickly moved toward a conclusion.
After all, there was no use dragging it out with empty arguments.
“We’ll conduct our own investigation and report back as well.”
“Do so. For today, let us adjourn.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Ianheart was the first to rise.
He then extended a hand to Riana.
Though a little self-conscious, she accepted the escort without protest.
Rustle.
The fabric of her dress—one of those he had personally sent—made a soft sound.
‘Ah, I forgot to thank him for sending me the clothes.’
She decided to save it for later and instead turned to exchange polite glances with the watching nobles.
Some flinched awkwardly.
They had been speaking freely moments ago, yet now suddenly acted reserved.
Riana stifled a laugh at their inconsistency.
“Riana.”
Ianheart’s voice came from above, sounding almost displeased.
“Yes?”
“I just wanted to call you.”
When she met his eyes, he smirked.
…What was that?
His tone had almost sounded irritated. Maybe not.
“You’re so random.”
“I was calling you to hurry. We said we’d have lunch together, remember?”
Ah.
“You’re hungry?”
That could explain the mood.
“In that case, let’s go quickly. Come on.”
Satisfied with her conclusion, Riana tugged insistently at his arm.
He let out a soft chuckle, amused by her obliviousness, before allowing her to lead him away.
Together, they left the chamber.
A brief silence followed, then voices rose among the nobles.
“…Count, I think I need new spectacles.”
“…Let’s go together. Mine must be faulty too.”
“Still, don’t you think today’s meeting was unusually peaceful?”
“Peaceful? Normally it’s so tense I can hardly breathe. I wish every meeting could be like this.”
“My thoughts exactly. Chancellor, perhaps we should ask Her Highness to attend future meetings as well?”
“Yes, she seemed more insightful than most present today.”
“I may request a private audience. She clearly knows a great deal about monsters.”
“Then let us petition His Majesty.”
“…Or perhaps we should leave well enough alone.”
Thus began the Empire’s ministers slowly warming to Riana.
After a slightly late lunch, Riana was on her way to the place where the Kalti corpses were stored.
“Master!”
“Chelsea?”
Chelsea, her green hair tied up high, spotted Riana and strode briskly over.
“Your Majesty.”
“Mm.”
Ianheart returned the knight’s crisp salute with a short nod, so she wouldn’t be embarrassed.
