Chapter 121:………………………………………
Conspiracy (2)
It could actually be seen in a somewhat positive light. Up until now, because of his public status as the chief court mage, there was no way to openly persecute Lowell, so they had endured by simply ignoring him.
The thought of finally dealing with him directly gave a strange sense of relief to their twisted hearts.
But that came with complications.
“Still, wouldn’t it be extremely tricky to confront him head-on?”
“The hardest part is that he will never compromise. If we don’t completely break him now, he’ll continue to interfere.”
“Then… what method do you plan to use?”
A brief silence fell over the room at that question. Someone finally spoke after a long pause.
“If you have no intention of persuading him, how about exploiting a weakness? Like taking a hostage.”
“A hostage? Is there even anyone worth targeting in Lowell van Trea’s circle?”
“How about someone from the Trea family?”
“They have connections with our side. If we touch them rashly, it could destroy our internal cohesion.”
“Ah, yes. A major guest of the Callis land, indeed. Certainly a foolish gambling type, though.”
Those who shook their heads clicked their tongues in disappointment and murmured among themselves.
“Besides, I heard Lowell barely interacts with them. Then the one interfering would suffer the greater loss.”
“Would it be hard to find someone who isn’t a mage? That would make handling things easier.”
“Would Lowell even have ties to non-mages? On the mage side, there are only a handful he interacts with.”
At that moment, someone timidly raised their hand. Once they saw all eyes on them, they slowly spoke.
“Well… there’s a rumor lately that he’s been keeping a newly hired assistant with him…”
After a brief explanation, everyone exchanged glances. Ligma nodded as if in agreement.
“Oh. Now that I think about it, it’s unlike him, but he is keeping that assistant with him.”
Although they had only seen her briefly at the academy, the very fact that Lowell had brought her there indicated she was treated differently from others. Thinking back to their own school days, it was easy to understand just how much kindness Lowell had shown her.
“And lately, wherever he goes, he’s been carrying out interference operations with that assistant in tow.”
Above all, the fact that he had personally gone to rescue a kidnapped assistant was completely out of character.
That self-righteous man… risked himself for someone else?
Then there could only be one conclusion.
But there was a fatal flaw for using this in their plan. Perhaps remembering that fact, the investigator cautiously voiced their opinion.
“Well… it would indeed be a useful card, but publicly, she’s the daughter of the duke. That’s the youngest daughter the Duke of Etval cherishes…”
“Yes. Even though she’s a non-mage, we can’t proceed as if rescuing a mere experiment!”
“Then should we give up? How could we find a better plan at this point?”
“Easier said than done. After the previous incidents, they’ve surely strengthened their security.”
“Then what exactly should we do? At least offer an alternative!”
For a while, arguments bounced back and forth among the people. It was a headache in every sense.
“Of all people, the card that can control that guy is such a difficult opponent.”
It was already clear that persuasion would not work due to previous incidents. Who would willingly cooperate with someone they almost died because of? Ligma’s fists trembled again, furious at the group that had kidnapped the assistant.
“I clearly said to be careful when gathering materials! If you were going to catch them anyway, you shouldn’t have let them escape.”
Everyone involved was foolish. Normally, they might try to leverage a family member as a hostage, but since this was a prominent ducal family, poking around would only result in heavy losses on their side.
“This is tough… is there really no one nearby?”
“Lowell is famous for keeping no one around him.”
“That’s why we should investigate the assistant’s surroundings! Surely, she must have people around her.”
“She’s the duke’s daughter? Then those around her won’t be easy to handle either.”
“We won’t know until we investigate.”
Those discussing turned their attention to Ligma. Since the final decision was his, they wanted him to give instructions. Ligma took a breath and spoke plainly. If they couldn’t touch Lowell directly, there was only one option left.
“Alright. Check around the assistant. Something should come up.”
“Not much of a woman after all?”
Like Lowell, Temia’s social circle was minimal, so the investigation didn’t take long. Reviewing the short written summary took barely a day before discussions began again.
“Nothing remarkable besides attending the academy.”
“She was weak and recuperated? Then she couldn’t escape on her own once captured.”
“But she never debuted and mostly stayed with family. How dull.”
“The only potentially useful case here…”
Everyone’s eyes landed on the last line.
“Wait. Kylie Lacroix… she’s only the daughter of a viscount? How did she become close with Lowell if they weren’t even at the academy together?”
“I heard she had an estate near the villa where she recuperated. That’s how they became close.”
“Oh! A childhood connection? If they’re still in contact, then they must be close.”
“Yes. We should target her.”
“Good. Security shouldn’t be that strict then.”
With the target confirmed, the plans proceeded swiftly.
But one person hesitated.
“Hmm, the family seems insignificant, but the name feels familiar…”
“What are you worried about?”
“I think I’ve seen the name somewhere.”
“You’re always mingling in high society to find investors. Maybe you saw it there?”
“There must have been a recent incident.”
Scratching his brow, he tried to recall. Something nagged at him, just out of reach.
“It says she recently got broken off from an engagement. Perhaps trying to attach a man to her might work.”
“…Ah, broken engagement! That’s it!”
“Whoa, what? Suddenly?”
“This woman, definitely. It has to be her!”
“That time?”
“She was Lowell’s fiancée!”
“What?!”
Everyone’s faces went pale. Fiancée. A word so alien to someone like Lowell van Trea!
“When did that happen?”
“There was a brief scandal before… but the news of the broken engagement spread too fast, so people only whispered.”
“Then there might have been some sort of negotiation involved.”
“Right. The Trea side admitted all fault and decided to settle it.”
“Interesting. People who would otherwise do anything to avoid losses.”
“Probably some kind of agreement. It’s already over, so it’s not our concern.”
In any case, it meant she was also connected to Lowell.
And for those plotting the conspiracy, it was an opportunity.
“Then she would be an even better card if taken hostage.”
“Since she’s close to both, she could be a useful leverage on both sides.”
“If she’s a viscount’s daughter, why not try persuading her family as well?”
“No, she’s not a mage and not remarkable. No need to bother.”
“But considering what we’ll do later, we don’t want to scatter our resources.”
“That’s true, but…”
Various opinions flew quickly. Questions were directed at the man who first recognized Kylie.
“Lacroix? Do you remember the family?”
“Reputation, situation?”
“Any chance of manipulation?”
“No, if she was broken off, maybe using a marriage promise might work?”
Seeing their fervor, the man held up his hand.
“Wait, calm down everyone!”
“Then speak quickly! We’re all waiting.”
“I don’t remember much. About this lady, I know little. But…”
“But?”
“I know a fair bit about the Lacroix family.”
He began explaining methodically.
“The Lacroix viscountcy is a typical lower noble family. They lack status and wealth, so they’re ambitious.”
“Easily influenced by outsiders, then?”
“Yes, precisely. Especially the viscount himself is greedy. So pressuring through this side could work.”
“They might be quiet for now after the broken engagement… but greed doesn’t disappear easily. They’ll try arranging marriage through their daughter soon.”
“Then we might as well handle them from our side.”
“They’ll contact those near the Lacroix estate.”
A sinister smile spread among those who had set their target.
