CHAPTER 81……………………………………………..
“No, I think I understand.”
Irenes drew a quick conclusion after giving it a little thought.
One faction had almost lost their voice due to the engagement issues with Eliane.
The Karen Marquis family had been favorable toward Lesean ever since the title of marquis passed from Soju to Direna.
That left only one remaining marquis family.
“Do you mean the Haner Marquis family?”
This was the family that had always had a strained relationship with the Lesean Dukes.
Naturally, if they could find a fault in the Lesean Dukes, they wouldn’t hesitate.
“Yes, and the other side too. Did the dukes make enemies with the counts?”
“Counts, you say…”
The only one coming to mind at the moment was Count Gielea.
In a sense, Lesean and Sieren had intervened and split his family. Alisa and Ortega might call it independence…
‘The count probably wouldn’t see it that way.’
It seemed they were also firmly intent on finding a fault in the Lesean Dukes.
But the phrasing “counts” rather than “the count” caught Irenes’ attention.
“You said counts?”
“The Mirel Count family. They seemed quite dissatisfied as well.”
‘The Mirel Count family?’
By memory, they had always been a neutral family.
Irenes, who had paused for a moment, quickly realized the reason.
‘Is it because of Eliane?’
Yujire had intervened and prevented Eliane’s engagement.
That must have rubbed them the wrong way in multiple ways.
“Honestly, nobles these days… they think every little incident is caused by a curse…”
The emperor spoke lightly, pouring tea, but there was a clear undertone of displeasure in his voice.
“I didn’t know there was so much doubt about my blessings.”
Immediately after came another thought.
Perhaps soon someone might be dragged out for treason against the royal family.
‘I hope it doesn’t come to that.’
“So, Lord Sieren.”
The emperor took another sip of tea and stared intently at Irenes.
“Do you know what the black magician desires?”
It was already certain that this black magician was the same individual as the one who had appeared before.
If so, their goal was singular.
“…Treason.”
To seize the empire and gain power sufficient to sacrifice the empire’s citizens.
Through this, they would achieve greater dark magic.
‘They pursue power blindly, nothing else matters.’
For the black magician, what they would do with power was irrelevant.
They pursued only greater strength.
“Yes, treason. To commit treason, they’d need influence.”
The teacup in the emperor’s hand slowly began to crack at the handle.
“Where on earth would they be hiding it?”
Irenes began to choose her words carefully.
At this point, the Lesean Duke’s territory was the most obvious place to suspect.
‘Everyone has gotten too used to it.’
They had adapted too well to the affected territory.
It seemed as though they had no fear of beings like dark magicians or demons.
‘They aren’t the type.’
Separate from her personal regard for the Lesean Dukes, Irenes knew that the villagers were innocent.
She didn’t want to create trouble by saying unnecessary things.
“What do you think, Lord Sieren?”
The emperor began to prod after the silence dragged on.
Irenes hesitated briefly before answering.
“They won’t be in an expected place. If we let our guard down, they will reveal themselves.”
“An expected place?”
“I mean somewhere like the Lesean Duke’s territory.”
There had been too many stories about dark magic and spirits.
The black magician hadn’t even bothered to hide their traces.
Almost as if they wanted everyone to believe that they only operated within that territory.
“If left alone, they’ll let their guard down.”
So it might be better to wait a little longer.
Until the black magician’s forces, or the nobles interested in the curse, overstep the line.
Even if they were caught, there would be no complaints.
“…That’s my thought.”
“I see.”
The emperor replied with a lukewarm tone. It wasn’t a negative sign.
‘If he intended to reject it, he would have reacted positively by now.’
And once he was sure the other party had been deceived, he would have roared his approval.
“It’s possible. But how long should we wait?”
The emperor’s golden eyes stared straight at Irenes.
“And if a problem arises before then?”
“I will take responsibility.”
Irenes had considered that possibility, of course.
Still, she raised the topic out of confidence in herself.
She believed she could prevent anyone from being harmed by the black magician.
Since her first-year mistake, she had never failed to save anyone.
“Good. If you insist that much.”
The emperor set down his teacup.
“I’ll trust you with it. Then, Lord? Stay in the capital for about a week.”
“Eh?”
She had expected to be sent back to the territory.
“There’s been so much talk of curses lately. Having the head of your order here would reassure everyone, wouldn’t it?”
“I will obey.”
‘He wants to lull them into a false sense of security.’
Irenes concluded quickly.
Since the black magician had already revealed themselves once, they would likely remain in hiding for the time being.
If Irenes were present in the territory, they might hide even deeper.
But since Irenes would be away, it was likely the guards would relax sooner than expected.
‘In that case, Lord Sogong might notice.’
If the black magician were left unguarded, Yujire would naturally catch on.
Once the report came in, it would be time to act again.
‘Ah, and…’
The recent command had another purpose.
It was to find nobles who seemed to side with the black magician.
In other words, it was to determine whether the rebellious faction was in the capital.
‘There’s a lot to do.’
“I’ll be going now.”
Irenes greeted briefly and turned.
It seemed there was much to accomplish over the week.
The black magician was in the Lesean Duke’s territory.
The news had to be reported not only to the emperor.
“I’ve returned, Duke.”
It was necessary to report to the Lesean Duke as the lord of the territory.
That was why Raseil had returned to the duke’s residence.
‘I wonder if this will be okay.’
She was concerned about the black magician in the territory, but there was no other choice.
Yujire, who managed the territory, could not personally come to report.
Ruzea had to serve as Yujire’s escort, and Eliane was not part of the duke’s household.
“Duke?”
Raseil entered the office and scanned her surroundings again.
At this hour, the expected person was nowhere to be seen.
“Ah, a guest has arrived?”
The duke’s voice came from behind.
Raseil immediately turned her head.
Short navy hair, gray eyes, and an intimidating presence even without trying.
It was Ermeta Lesean, head of the Lesean Duke family.
“I heard you were coming, but so early?”
“It’s urgent.”
“Sit first. Have you greeted the head maid?”
“Not yet.”
“She’ll be a little upset.”
Ermeta smiled faintly and walked toward the parlor.
Soon, a maid brought tea and snacks to the table.
“Do you want sugar? You’ll probably need it.”
“…”
Apparently, Ermeta still thought Raseil looked six years old.
Even though she had stopped taking sugar in her tea since she was fifteen.
“That’s fine.”
Raseil quickly declined and hurriedly began reporting what had happened in the territory.
“In the forest—”
“Calm down first. Drink, then talk?”
But before the story could continue, Ermeta interrupted.
“Before that—”
“Drink, then talk?”
“…Yes.”
In the end, Raseil, overwhelmed by the presence, drank the tea.
The bitter taste in her mouth seemed to calm her a little.
‘I was too hasty.’
At the same time, she realized she had lost some composure.
Had she reported in that state, she would have babbled incoherently.
Ermeta seemed to notice Raseil’s state immediately.
“Feeling a bit calmer?”
“Yes. May I report now?”
“Of course.”
Raseil summarized the story regarding the black magician as concisely as possible.
Surprisingly, Ermeta didn’t seem very shocked.
