This Time, I Became the Fiance of a Duke’s Daughter. But She is Rumored to have Bad Personality, and Ten Years Older – Chapter 330

The group, who had been awaiting information, was visited by a Waalthe spy less than an hour later.

The spy, who landed silently on the terrace outside the window, was noticed only by Pfeil and Luzer.

“That was surprisingly fast,” Pfeil murmured as he received the information, nodding to his subordinate. His expression visibly darkened with each word from his subordinate, a fact obvious to everyone around him.

“What is it, Pfeil?”

“It seems the Orthodox Magician Army intends to proceed with extreme caution. They haven’t ascertained its location.”

Everyone present, including Duke Alway, knew that the Waalthe, despite being the continent’s top Assassination Organization, excelled in information gathering. Their disappointment was as great as their expectations had been.

“Do you have any other information?”

“Fortunately, the Royal Palace and the Mage Association appear to be unharmed. It seems the Court Mages managed to defend them. Other Ducal Families are also confirmed to be safe, though some family heads cannot be reached.”

“It’s a relief that the Royal Palace and the Mage Association are safe. That’s one less worry.”

“There appear to be a large number of arrests. The Knights and members of the Royal Mage Corps who did not join the rebellion are handling them. Laurentz, some of the apprehended individuals are students from the Royal Academy.”

“—Is that so? Thank you for the information.”

Luzer, standing beside Laurentz, patted his shoulder reassuringly. Laurentz’s bitter expression suggested he was troubled by his inability to stop Leonard at the Academy. However, under circumstances where everything was reactive, it was likely impossible for Laurentz to reclaim students who had been lured by sweet words.

This was especially true since Leonard had revealed that the students would come to resent Laurentz. Merely protecting the royal Laz, a feat, should have been hailed as a triumph, but Laurentz did not seem satisfied.

“Do you know the condition of the students?” Pfeil nodded in response to the Duke’s question.

“They are all gathered together and appear to be under someone’s control. It is likely the work of the Jutsushi from the Orthodox Magician Army who are said to have manipulated Ernesta.”

“If they are being controlled, perhaps they will not be held accountable for their crimes. The issue is how to release them from the curse technique, but we cannot even begin to think of a solution with our current abilities.”

“Ultimately, we here, myself included, are combatants. We have no choice but to leave the Dispel Magic to the Mage Association.”

Pfeil’s words were sound. No matter how much they worried about the students present, no solution would come to mind. Therefore, they should do their best within their capabilities.

“More concerning is the fact that some Ducal Family heads and nobles cannot be contacted. I suspect they have sided with the Orthodox Magician Army and are committing treason against this country. What do you think, Duke Alway?”

“Regrettably, at this stage, we cannot deny that possibility. Of course, it is not easy to confirm it either. It is possible they have been harmed and are simply awaiting rescue due to being unable to make contact. Given these various possibilities, it is unfortunate that it is so difficult to ascertain the truth.”

“As Duke Alway says, since we don’t know who the rebels are, wouldn’t it be wiser to ignore that for now?” Luzer, holding his head, made the suggestion to the Duke and continued.

“Now that the safety of the Royal Palace and the Mage Association has been confirmed, our top priority must be the rescue of Olivier and Jared. This will become more difficult with each passing moment.”

They were likely safe for now. But an hour later, who knew. From Laurentz’s information, they knew Jared was being manipulated as a pawn by the enemy. They couldn’t grasp the extent of how Jared would be used as a pawn, but there was a worst-case scenario where he could stand against them as an enemy.

Olivier was in the same predicament. She might be useful as a hostage for Jared now, but if she were deemed unnecessary, her life could be taken. Given that they were so far behind, it was better to act with the worst-case scenario in mind, even if it was a future they desperately wished to avoid.

“I understand what Luzer is saying. Of course, I want to save my daughter as my top priority. However—” The Duke’s hesitation was likely due to his position as the guardian of the Capital City.

“I believe saving Olivier will lead to defeating the enemy.”

“I agree with Luzer. I am not suited for defense. Therefore, I even think it would be faster to find and defeat the enemy.”

“I also believe we should focus on Olivier and Jared right now.”

Not only Luzer, but Pfeil and Laurentz also advised the Duke that rescuing Jared and Olivier should be the immediate priority.

“…Very well. We will do as you say. We will rescue Olivier and Jared. For we believe that will lead to defeating the rebels.”

They all nodded.

“Then let us find the location of our captive daughters. Pfeil, do you have any other information?”