Hugo was surprised by Jared’s words, but not entirely unprepared.
While he didn’t recognize the defeated opponent, he had heard from Tres the other day about the existence of Magician Supremacists within the Royal Mage Corps, and Jared was trying to expose them.
Still, he hesitated to casually mention Tres’s mission to Hugo, thinking it over before speaking.
Once this conversation was over, he would have to inform Tres in the capital about it.
“It’s regrettable,” Hugo said.
“Indeed it is. However, it seems that belonging to an elite group of magicians like the Royal Mage Corps inevitably fosters a sense of superiority, doesn’t it? It’s similar with the Knights. But they don’t engage in radical ideas or actions.”
“The difference is far too great.”
They both nodded in agreement.
Members of the Knights were elites among knights, capable of serving the country. Therefore, they had high pride and occasionally caused problems. However, he had never heard of such dangerous ideologies as trying to exclude non-knights.
Perhaps it was due to the difference in innate Magic Power, or perhaps it was the ideology of the people who controlled the Magician Supremacists.
“We already had information that extremist groups were gathering under the banner of Magician Supremacists. It was a topic of discussion in the Royal Palace, the Mage Association, and the Knights. But because they operated behind the scenes, we couldn’t get a grip on them, and they didn’t even take any noticeable actions.”
“But now, for some reason, they’ve started moving. And what’s more, they’re espousing the absurd idea of excluding everyone but magicians? It gives me a headache.”
He couldn’t understand why they had reached such a conclusion. Jared, also a Magician, could only express his astonishment at their thinking.
“Indeed. But now that they’ve acted, they’re criminals. I will definitely expose and crush them!”
Hugo’s anger, stemming from his territory being attacked, was palpable.
There were towns that had been devastated by these dangerous individuals calling themselves the Orthodox Magician Army. His anger was justified, and he felt emotionally charged about it, even for those who were unaware of the circumstances despite suffering damage.
“Please tell me if there’s anything I can do to help. This is not just someone else’s problem for me either.”
“I appreciate that, Lord Jared. I’m relieved to have you with me!”
Magician Supremacists did not exist solely within the Wethered Kingdom. However, he didn’t think they were connected to Magician Supremacists in other countries. While the circumstances of magicians might be similar in different countries, there were also differences.
He suspected that the people involved in this incident were from within the country.
While proof was limited to the fact that a Member of the Royal Mage Corps was involved, it was natural to conclude this, given that the attackers knew about him.
After all, they were trying to exclude members of the Royal Family and Nobles who lacked Magic Power. Regardless of which country they were from, no one was allowed to do that.
More importantly, if their actions intensified, Olivier and others, who were Nobles but lacked Magic Power, would also become targets. Jared had a reason to crush the Orthodox Magician Army.
“For the sake of the Territory Residents who suffered damage, and for the sake of the people who might be caught up in this from now on, we must crush the Orthodox Magician Army!”
It was unclear how far the Orthodox Magician Army would mobilize from now on, but he decided to quickly contact the Mage Association, as well as Tres, who was pursuing the Magician Supremacists.
Hugo would inform the Royal Palace. For now, they simply lacked information, which was also a problem.
Given the current situation, they would be reactive, as they were this time. He wanted to avoid that.
“By the way, what will you do with those whose identities have been confirmed?”
“Honestly, I’m having trouble dealing with them. If we broadly declare them Rebels, the others will become wary and won’t act. For now, I want to proceed secretly.”
“I believe that’s a wise decision.”
“I have already dispatched people and ordered the capture of their families. If the Magician Supremacists have families with Magic Power, in most cases, the ideology is passed down from parent to child. If they consider themselves to be chosen, that’s their prerogative, but if they belong to the Orthodox Magician Army, they must be apprehended.”
“Perhaps there are similar individuals in their circle of acquaintances.”
“Yes. We can only investigate that, but we can place them under surveillance.”
It would be time-consuming, but if they acted, they could be apprehended immediately. They might even be able to intercept them in the act of colluding with someone. Even with the drawback of possibly coming up empty-handed, the Marquis’s approach was sound.
“I have already taken measures for what can be done now. I apologize for dragging you into this, but it would be best to leave the rest to us.”
“I understand.”
This time, he was only called to assist in defeating a horde of Ghouls.
The emergence of the organization calling themselves the Orthodox Magician Army was unexpected, and it was difficult for Jared, who was currently just a Student, to intervene.
Perhaps Hugo felt bad about it, as his expression was grim. Despite having been saved, he seemed to be contemplating his position, having to say that he would handle it.
“I’m sorry, please don’t take it the wrong way.”
“No, thank you for your concern. But I’m fine.”
Eventually, when they knew he was alive, they would likely contact him again.
Although it had become more extreme than Tres had predicted, he had no intention of showing mercy if they intended to harm him.
This time, he had been caught off guard and defeated, but he was alive. Therefore, he wouldn’t make the same mistake.
“This might be a bothersome question, but will you relieve Lily from her duties as Secretary Officer?”
“Hmm? No, there’s no need for that. I appreciate your concern, but my daughter wishes it, so please use her freely. I wanted a reliable contact when sending information to you, Lord Jared, so it’s perfect.”
“But isn’t it dangerous?”
“It’s no different even if she were on my territory. Magical Beasts, Barbarians, the Orthodox Magician Army—there are many enemies to fight. Whether she’s closer to me or you, she’s bound to get involved. Thank you for your concern.”
No, Jared shook his head.
Then, as if struck by an idea, the Duke leaned forward.
“I had intended to create an opportunity to discuss this later, but it’s perfect timing—let’s talk about my daughter.”
“Yes?”
“I am aware that you have Olivier, Lord Jared. And you also have your Cousin. However, I would be grateful if you would consider my parental desire for Lily to find happiness.”
This was problematic. The conversation had taken an abrupt turn, and he couldn’t respond.
“I thought she had no interest in men, but you are the first man she has ever truly liked. To be frank, I even considered her becoming a Consort—but her initiative in becoming your Secretary Officer to stay by your side has surprised me. I, as her parent, also apologize for her having concealed her identity. Please do not treat her unkindly.”
“I wasn’t intending to treat her unkindly…”
“Of course, I understand. It must be troublesome to have me say such things.”
He didn’t particularly find it troublesome, but he was indeed unsure how to respond.
Jared had Olivier. He had also promised to protect her and her family. He considered them important people, and similarly, he felt the same way about Yeny.
He hesitated to discuss another woman in their absence.
It wasn’t that he disliked Lily—it was simply that Jared was generally clueless about matters of marriage.
In Olivier’s case, she had been drawn into circumstances where she had no choice and made her own decision. In Yeny’s case, it was also due to meeting Olivier without his knowledge and for his junior’s involvement in the Alway Ducal Family’s issues.
However, both were now important to him.
“I apologize. I didn’t want to trouble you, but as a parent, I felt I had to tell you.”
“No, please don’t apologize.”
“I’m planning to meet with Harald soon. I’ve arranged for Lily to talk to Olivier. I apologize for deciding this without consulting you, but please let her speak before you give your answer. Besides, I don’t think marrying Lily would be such a bad thing.”
“Huh?”
Confused by Hugo’s words, Jared let out an inadvertent foolish sound.
“As a way of expressing my gratitude for this incident, I had decided to become your patron. Of course, with Olivier as your Fiancé, everyone would assume the Alway Ducal Family is your patron and greatest supporter.”
“Yes, that’s right. Personally, I don’t want to cause you too much trouble.”
“What, Lord Jared, do you dislike power? That’s unusual for a young man.”
He hadn’t considered power. He was the Eldest Son who wouldn’t inherit his Baronial Family. He had never acted like a Noble before.
Becoming a Court Mage would grant him the title of Count, but even that was beyond his comprehension. Nevertheless, the thought of increasing his involvement with a Ducal Family made his mind stop.
“If Lily were to become one of your fiancés as a Consort, I could then offer my support wholeheartedly. There will inevitably be those who find a young Magician troublesome. While both Harald and I are more inclined towards the Knights, we should be able to help in many ways.”
“I appreciate your willingness to help, but I haven’t even officially become a Court Mage yet, so I can’t say anything.”
“No, Lily’s feelings won’t change even if you don’t become a Court Mage. She’s a bit tomboyish, but she’s also quite beautiful. If she can get along with that Olivier, then our Lily should be fine too.”
—Did he just say ‘Lily’ just now!
Among the words spoken by the imposing warrior, something unbelievable was mixed in, and Jared’s eyes widened.
“Honestly, as a parent who wishes for my daughter’s happiness, please marry her before she becomes an old maid—I implore you, Lord Jared, no, my son-in-law!”
Jared was convinced. Hugo Rüdiger was a doting father.
“If you agree now, I’ll openly favor you.”
“No, no, that won’t do!”
“I don’t mind for my daughter’s sake!”
Whether it was a joke or serious—though likely serious—Jared could only offer a wry smile at the Duke, who was shamelessly promoting his daughter.
After that, Hugo launched into stories about his daughter and her anecdotes, not stopping until Lily, worried, visited his room late at night and took disciplinary action against her father’s behavior.
To Lily, who apologized with a bright red face, Jared could only say, “Don’t worry about it,” and felt utterly exhausted.
However, unlike Olivier in the past, he couldn’t help but smile at the relationship between Hugo and Lily, which showed their good family bond.
