“Is that Jared Murphy’s true strength? Petrify Magic… honestly, I don’t think I can win.”
Rosa Roen muttered in exasperation, recalling her recent battle against Jared Murphy and Yeny Daum. She had watched the entire fight between Jared and Barnabas Kaif from atop a nearby building. Pfeil stood beside her, his expression displeased.
“Explain yourself. Why didn’t you send me to Jared? You’d be in trouble too if he died.”
“I wanted to see his true abilities, as we couldn’t fight him properly before. But it’s beyond my imagination. I never expected his magic power to be sealed.”
“I am surprised by that as well, I must admit.”
“Even with his power sealed, he possessed a magic power that would be considered exceptional for a mage. But once unleashed, there are few humans with such power. Even my father, Wahash, doesn’t possess that much magic.”
In front of them, Jared was being carried away by members of the Mage Association. Having killed a Court Mage Candidate and defeated Barnabas Kaif, who had even bested a Court Mage, Jared now had no other path but to become a Court Mage. Furthermore, he had used Petrify Magic, considered an ancient spell. A family that produced Earth Elemental Mages would desperately want such a talent. Even with Olivier Alway, the fiancée of a Ducal Family, there would be an increasing number of women wishing to become his consort. With Yeny Daum, the daughter of a Baronial Family, already set to become a consort, her social standing would not be an issue.
Pfeil felt a pang of sympathy for Jared, knowing the trouble that lay ahead. More than that, he yearned for a rematch. He had lost to Jared before. He had given his all then and had no regrets, but it irked him that Jared had been fighting with his powers sealed. As the loser, Pfeil wasn’t even allowed to voice such complaints.
“Pfeil, after seeing his power, are you still determined to fight him again?”
“Of course. It’s true that Jared’s magic power is not something a human should possess. However, he had only fought using a limited amount of his magic power until now. If his fighting style changes, even if his power increases, its quality might decrease. If so, there lies my chance.”
“Then you should fight him again soon.”
“Heh, that’s impossible. I wouldn’t be satisfied. There might be a chance, but it’s only when Jared has grown so strong that my chance disappears―― that he will be a worthy opponent for me to risk everything and defeat.”
Rosa sighed at Pfeil’s excitement. She often thought he was not suited to be an assassin. He, along with herself and others, were not assassins but they were somewhat soft-hearted for people who performed assassinations. Wahash was pleased that he resembled himself, but the detestable man running the organization would undoubtedly wear a bitter expression.
“Rosa, it’s about time you told me why you’re holding me back.”
“…Very well. It’s all on Wahash’s orders.”
“—! Could it be that Wahash is in the capital?”
“He is. But rest assured, Wahash is acting with purpose, and Jared Murphy is not his target. However, it was convenient to observe his power this time, so I was ordered not to interfere.”
Pfeil scanned his surroundings, but there was no sign of anyone. Was Wahash watching from somewhere, or had he left after the battle concluded?
“I’m more curious as to what my father, Wahash, thought after seeing Jared Murphy.”
“Why are you so fixated on Jared?”
Even when Yeny was abducted, she knew he hadn’t fought but had tried to extract information. However, Rosa Roen, as Pfeil knew her, was not that kind of person. She was an extreme individual who killed enemies and cherished allies. Although she had been defeated by Yeny and left, Rosa’s current focus on investigating Jared was undeniably strange.
“So, you didn’t know? Then let me tell you. Jared and I—”
Pfeil was speechless at Rosa’s words.
“Don’t tell anyone. Certainly not Jared Murphy. I will appear before him again someday. But you don’t need to get involved. As long as you act as a member of Waalthe, you can live as you please. That is Wahash’s policy.”
“…Then I shall live as I see fit.”
Meeting Pfeil’s challenging gaze, Rosa smiled. She then vanished from the spot without another word. The remaining Pfeil followed Jared, who was being carried away.
