A few days later, in the office of the Purification Bureau.
The desk, which should always be piled high with documents and papers that needed to be dealt with, was surprisingly clean. The same was true for the desks of the two assistants.
“Please report.”
Yohan tapped his fingers on the desk. The regular sound echoed through the quiet office.
“The Western Magul of the Empire has been sealed off.”
Elena began her report and summary in a calm voice.
“All cracks have been restored, and although it’s not completely safe yet, most of the remaining monsters have been eradicated.”
Recently, the second campaign of the Purification Bureau had ended successfully. All the Maguls in the West had been closed.
There had been an unexpected incident, but it was resolved without much trouble. The damage was minimal, except for Yohan and Rudbecia.
“So, the Western Empire is free from the threat of monsters. Count Cantabil mentioned that he’d like to send regular support to the Purification Bureau.”
Special military facilities like the Purification Bureau or government offices could receive sponsorship from the nobility, unlike other knightly orders. It was more like a favor to build rapport.
Of course, that sponsorship was used to pay the officers’ salaries or to run the facilities. Some corrupt officials might use it to line their own pockets, though.
“Good news. What about the magicians?”
Yohan circled something written on a piece of paper as he asked.
“The First Officer went in to eliminate or capture them. It turns out that the special Magul in the West was their main hideout.”
“The new commander seems to have handled the job well.”
“Yes. They also conducted monster extermination during the process of entry, and apparently, it ended without any casualties.”
Tap. Tap.
Yohan continued tapping his fingers on the desk.
‘This is more than enough.’
The Western Empire had been the biggest headache, but not only had they closed the special Maguls without the help of reinforcements from the Holy Kingdom, they had also eradicated the magicians.
This could be considered a great success.
“Is the situation well under control?”
“Yes.”
Yohan nodded with a satisfied smile.
In fact, since they had only restored the cracks and were resting, he hadn’t known exactly how things were going. But with Elena neatly organizing everything like this, it was a great relief.
“I see. Good work.”
“Thank you.”
“What’s the schedule going forward?”
“We have a week of vacation starting in two days.”
“A week?”
Yohan asked again, surprised by the length of the time. Seeing his confusion, Elena added an explanation.
“They said there’s something important. That’s why the vacation period was set for that long.”
“Ah.”
Yohan thought for a moment, then remembered. Two days from now was the day Duke Ferbache would be arriving in the capital.
‘Oh no.’
Yohan couldn’t hide the despair on his face and closed his eyes tightly. He had intended to forget about it for a while, but the day had finally come.
“…Should we adjust the vacation schedule?”
Elena asked, noticing the shadow of despair on Yohan’s face.
“No, it’s fine…”
Yohan only shed silent tears.
Was this how livestock being led to the slaughterhouse felt?
It was a vague feeling, something that words couldn’t quite express.
* * *
A space where a golden chandelier poured out dazzling light. Marble pillars and extravagant frescoes decorated the area, and an endless feast was laid out on the long table.
Nobles, adorned with jewelry made of rare gems, chatted as the sounds of clinking wine glasses and laughter never stopped, accompanied by the melodies of the orchestra. A grand banquet was being held at the Imperial Palace.
It was to celebrate the near disappearance of the Empire’s Maguls.
Yohan quietly sipped his drink from a corner of the banquet hall.
‘The champagne is light, so it’s drinkable.’
He had originally wanted to drink Imperial wine, but due to Francia’s persuasion, he had to settle for champagne. However, the champagne was quite refreshing and crisp, fitting his taste perfectly.
‘It’s supposed to be a specialty of the West.’
A drink made from fruits that only grow in the Western Empire. It felt similar to fruit liquor in Korea. Though, honestly, his memories of Korea were already becoming vague.
Clink.
Yohan sipped from his golden champagne glass and looked toward the center of the banquet hall.
“-!”
“—.”
“–.”
The royal family and the great nobles, all of them prominent figures, were gathered in one place, chatting away.
Of course, among them was the third princess, Laryana. She was smiling at Yohan from a distance, but she didn’t approach to speak with him. It seemed like she was trying to keep her distance.
‘Looks like she’s forgotten the pain of heartbreak.’
Well, that was a relief. If Laryana had locked herself in her room and refused to come out since then, it would have been awkward for Yohan.
As Yohan was sipping his drink and scanning the banquet hall, a voice called out to him.
“Duke Rahardt?”
A woman called to him. Yohan turned his head toward the sound.
Zevela Highlander, wearing a beautiful dress, was smiling at him.
“Ah, Lady Highlander. It’s been a while.”
Yohan greeted her with a warm smile. There was no need to be cautious around her. They had worked together on a mission before.
“What are you doing here all alone? If you’re Duke Rahardt, you could be the star of this banquet.”
Zevela gracefully walked over and sat down next to Yohan. Her movements were smooth and natural.
“I don’t particularly want to be the star.”
“I see. After all, meeting nobles is the most tedious thing, isn’t it?”
She waved a fan and lightly tapped her palm with it, making a face of boredom.
“I know that connecting with the family is important, but every time I meet someone, they try to introduce me to their sons. I imagine the same kind of offer will come to you, Duke, and it sounds like quite an annoying situation, doesn’t it?”
Nobles were generally people who made decisions based on rational judgment and the benefit of their family. If they weren’t close friends, it was only natural for such talk to arise.
“It seems like Lady Highlander has a lot on her plate as well.”
“Of course. I think Duke Rahart must be bothered by it too.”
Zevella smiled lightly and lifted her glass. The red wine gently swirled inside. It was an unspoken signal to clink glasses. When Yohan extended his champagne glass, Zevella gently touched her glass to his, then smiled once again.
“Thank you for indulging me.”
“You’re welcome. I assume you needed a break.”
The reason she came specifically was that when she was near Yohan, she could avoid the approach of other nobles. Yohan knew this as well, which is why he gladly accepted Zevella’s conversation.
Zevella smiled subtly as she swirled her glass.
“Hmm, as expected, Duke Rahart is so kind.”
“Isn’t that basic courtesy?”
Yohan awkwardly smiled and turned his gaze away. If she had harbored ill intentions like others, he would have cut the conversation short like a blade.
Well, that wasn’t the case, so she was Zevella Highlander.
“My younger sibling is indebted to the purification hall. How is she doing? Is she handling things well?”
The atmosphere was natural and smooth. This was the moment Zevella had been waiting for to get to the point.
“Ha-ha, indebted? If anything, I’m the one who should be grateful. Someone as skilled as Eris—no, a Highlander elite knight—came to assist.”
“Hmm…”
Zevella narrowed her eyes as she observed Yohan’s reaction. By calling her younger sibling by name, it seemed they weren’t distant. Well, they had known each other for quite some time, so this much was to be expected.
“It seems like you’re close to my younger sister, Eris.”
“Close might be the wrong word, but I would say we trust and rely on each other.”
“I see…?”
Zevella closed her eyes and shook her head. From his response, it seemed like Yohan had some positive feelings for Eris, but there was no romantic interest at all.
‘What is she doing, Eris…’
She had come to observe how her younger sibling’s romantic life was progressing, but it seemed like it hadn’t even started yet.
If things went on like this, it might be too late. She wondered if Eris even had the intention to start anything.
However, since there were positive feelings, it could still develop at any time.
“By the way, I heard that a special guest will be arriving today.”
Having gathered all the necessary information, Zevella shifted the conversation. Getting involved unnecessarily here could result in bad consequences.
“A special guest, you say?”
“Master of the Magic Tower.”
“…”
Yohan’s eyes narrowed.
Master of the Magic Tower, Rain Adriche.
The greatest and most powerful mage on the continent.
A monster who could challenge entire nations alone.
And, as of now, the only surviving male protagonist who had been aiming for Francia.
Yohan’s guard went up immediately.
“Originally, he doesn’t attend events like this, but for some reason, he’s coming today. A lot of nobles are coming to see the face of the Master of the Magic Tower.”
Zevella explained with a somewhat displeased expression.
“It seems you’ve met him before.”
“Yes, I visited the Magic Tower once for an inspection.”
As she tilted her glass and took a sip of the wine, Zevella continued, making a face of disgust.
“He was so… so arrogant—no, rude. I never want to see him again. Self-centered, acting however he pleases. Ugh…!”
Zevella shuddered, as if just thinking about the Magic Tower’s master made her angry.
“I see…”
Of course, this was valuable information for Yohan. The Master of the Magic Tower was not someone you could just run into by chance. Knowing Rain Adriche’s true tendencies and personality would be very helpful.
It was at that moment, as the conversation continued…
– The great transcendent mage, Rain Adriche, the ruler of the Magic Tower, is entering!
In that instant, the air in the banquet hall grew heavy.
Tap. Tap.
The sound of leather boots striking the marble floor echoed.
Under the dazzling lights, a man draped in a black robe slowly revealed himself.
“…The protagonist of the story has arrived.”
Zevella murmured in a low voice.
“Indeed.”
Yohan casually took a sip of his drink. A hint of wariness flashed in his blue eyes.
The Master of the Magic Tower was ignoring the greetings of the approaching nobles and scanning the room with a sharp look.
‘Is he looking for Francia?’
If that was the case, it was important to act first and prevent any contact.
Yohan didn’t want to get involved, but if the Master of the Magic Tower detected the magical nature of Francia, it could become troublesome.
Just as Yohan was about to stand up—
“…The Master of the Magic Tower is coming this way?”
Rain Adriche was striding toward them.
“I think I’ll leave now. Thank you for today!”
Zevella hurriedly stood up, walking away with quick steps, clearly trying to avoid running into him. After she left, Yohan waited for a moment, and then the Master of the Magic Tower greeted him.
“Good evening, Duke Rahart.”
Yohan glanced indifferently at the hand he offered before slowly shaking it and asking,
“It’s our first meeting. May I ask why you sought me out?”
“Haha, I simply wanted to have a conversation with the protagonist of the rumors.”
Rain Adriche smiled smugly as he continued. His smile was filled with insincerity.
“I’ve heard the story. It’s said that you can restore the rift in the Magul.”
“Fortunately, I acquired such a capability.”
Rain Adriche’s oddly favorable attitude made Yohan suspicious. Did he attend the party just to see him? Yohan’s suspicions deepened.
“Haha, you’re too humble. What do you think, Duke Rahart? How about visiting the Magic Tower sometime?”
“I appreciate the offer, but I must decline. I’m quite busy.”
Yohan rejected him sharply, not wanting to get involved.
If he had to pick the most bothersome person among the four men, it was certainly Rain Adriche.
“I do hope you’ll find time to visit the Magic Tower when you can.”
“Yes.”
The Master of the Magic Tower smiled again before turning away. Was he just here for a conversation like this? He had been looking for him from the beginning, so it didn’t seem like he had come to meet Francia…
‘I don’t understand what’s going on.’
As Yohan watched his back—
‘As expected, that’s him.’
Rain Adriche felt a chill run through his entire body. His heart seemed to freeze in place.
It was that man.
The one who brought death to him.
Bloody memories resurfaced. They felt far too vivid to be just a nightmare. If that was the case, then there was only one thing to do.
‘I have to kill him. And, in the process, I’ll take the Black Obsidian Saint as well.’
Rain Adriche slowly smiled. But behind that smile, a deep darkness lingered.