This Time, I Became the Fiance of a Duke’s Daughter. But She is Rumored to have Bad Personality, and Ten Years Older – Chapter 262

The next morning, Jared, awakened by Trane, was surprised by her flustered state.

When he asked what had happened, she explained that two secretary officers had arrived with urgent business.

Since it was still quite early, even if not the crack of dawn, he had a bad feeling. He quickly changed and met them in the reception room.

“Good morning, Ari. Ernesta. Is there any problem?”

“Good morning. We apologize for the early hour. However, the Royal Palace and the Mage Association have a request for you, Jared.”

“A request? So suddenly? And from the Royal Palace?”

Jared’s eyes widened at Ernesta’s words, which came as soon as they had greeted each other.

Though he showed his surprise, Ari continued, pressing on.

“We were also surprised, but it seems they want you to demonstrate your abilities as a Court Mage, albeit ahead of schedule.”

“That certainly is ahead of schedule. I haven’t even been officially appointed yet…”

“We understand how you feel. I was just speaking with Ernesta, and it seems they don’t have any Court Mages available at the moment.”

“So that’s why me? I understand. Then, what happened?”

The fact that they needed to mobilize Jared, who wasn’t even officially a Court Mage, meant there must be a serious reason.

The secretary officers nodded to each other, and Ernesta spoke.

“A horde of Ghouls has been discovered in Duke Rüdiger’s territory. One town has already been attacked, and while it wasn’t completely destroyed, there have been casualties.”

“…Ghouls, huh.”

He remembered that the former Court Mage, Tres Brauer, had dealt with Ghouls, which normally didn’t form packs. While not individually strong enemies, their ferocious appetite for humans and their infectious nature were terrifying. They couldn’t infect humans, but they could turn Magical Beasts, and sometimes even Dragon Species, into Ghouls.

Even in modern times, the detailed ecology of Ghouls is not fully understood. However, there are countermeasures. Crushing their heads kills them. Crushing their limbs incapacitates them. They are no different from humans in that regard. What’s troublesome is that whether you cut off an arm or a leg, as long as there’s a human prey in front of them, they won’t stop.

“Duke Rüdiger’s forces are dealing with them, but the horde is so large that they’ve requested assistance.”

“From the information I’ve gathered, over two hundred Ghouls have been confirmed.”

Duke Rüdiger’s territory is located in the northern part of the Wethered Kingdom. While its land area is the largest in the kingdom, most of it is undeveloped. It’s said to be a land where snow piles up in winter and remains cool even in summer. Particularly troublesome is the high incidence of monsters appearing there. Furthermore, there’s the threat of humans not belonging to the Wethered Kingdom, commonly known as ‘Barbarians.’ Duke Rüdiger is responsible for guarding the northern part of the kingdom. The appearance of a Ghoul horde in such a crucial location is a major problem. Moreover, with over two hundred of them, it’s far beyond a minor issue.

“We might not be able to defeat them without cooperating with Duke Rüdiger.”

“However, you have Petrify Magic, Jared. If you can petrify them, it will not only halt their advance but possibly kill them outright.”

At Ernesta’s words, Jared’s face twisted into a bitter expression. The first being she had petrified was none other than her own older brother. Seeing that she had read his mind, she spoke in a gentle voice.

“Please don’t worry about my brother. Right now, we need to think about the people of Duke Rüdiger’s territory.”

“Yes, you’re right. Are the preparations ready?”

“Dennis Beckman of the Mage Association is already prepared. As soon as you agree, Jared, we can depart at any time.”

“As Ari mentioned, Jared, you have the right to refuse. Normally, a Ghoul horde would be handled by Court Mages, or an elite unit of the Royal Mage Corps. Even though it’s decided you’ll become a Court Mage, you have no obligation.”

Jared was bewildered by Ernesta’s statement, which implied he could refuse, even though the reason he was being approached was the lack of anyone else to handle the situation.

“No, obligation or not, it doesn’t matter. Let’s head to Duke Rüdiger’s territory immediately.”

“…I thought you’d say that.”

—Was I being tested?

He couldn’t help but glance at Ernesta, but he couldn’t decipher her intentions. However, he didn’t have time to dwell on it, so he dismissed the thought.

“I’ll start preparing now. You two, please inform Dennis that I’m coming. After that—”

“No, I’m coming with you.”

“Of course, I will accompany you as well.”

“Do you really think I would allow such a reckless thing?”

He glared at the two secretary officers who had spoken so rashly, but they didn’t back down.

“I am a Magician, and a member of the Royal Mage Corps. If we don’t act in the face of danger to the people, then what’s the point of belonging to the Royal Mage Corps?”

“I am not a Magician, but I am proficient with a sword, and I am confident that my skills are sufficient to keep up with even a so-called Knight. So please don’t worry. In fact, there’s a reason why only I can go.”

“A reason?”

While Ernesta’s motivation was understandable, Jared couldn’t comprehend Ari’s reason.

“I’ll explain everything once we get to Duke Rüdiger’s territory, so let’s hurry there for now.”

“—Alright. However, once we’re there, you will follow my orders.”

He certainly couldn’t afford to waste time. At the same time, he hesitated about bringing secretary officers he had just met into a dangerous area. The role of a secretary officer is to accompany a Court Mage. They might even have to face death. He believed they were prepared for that, but Jared didn’t want them to get into danger because of him.

“Then, I’ll head to the Mage Association first. Please come once you’re ready. Just the essentials will be fine. I heard that Duke Rüdiger will be providing supplies.”

“Understood. I’ll be there shortly.”

He couldn’t afford to argue with them any longer. He didn’t know how many troops Duke Rüdiger’s family possessed. The fact that they had requested help meant they must have judged that they couldn’t handle it themselves. Ghouls should be dealt with by Magicians, but even a Duke probably wouldn’t have many Magicians.

“Ari, please make sure you’re fully equipped too. Alright?”

“I understand. Then, I’ll be waiting at the Mage Association.”

He watched Ari bow and rush out of the room, a flicker of unease crossing his mind.

“Um, if it’s about Ari, I’ll protect her, so please don’t worry too much.”

“I’m counting on you. In the worst-case scenario, let’s arrange for protection from Duke Rüdiger. But we’ll think about that later. I’m going to get ready, so please wait here. If you need anything, just say the word. I’ll prepare whatever we have in the mansion.”

“Thank you for your concern. However, I’ve already made my preparations.”

“You knew from the start that I would accept, didn’t you?”

Jared left the room without waiting for Ernesta’s reply. He didn’t have the luxury of considering what she might be thinking now. Not only did he have to prepare for his duties as a Court Mage, which had been moved up, but he also had to explain the situation to his Fiancé.

“Olivier! I have something to tell you!”

Standing in front of his Fiancé’s room, who might still be asleep, Jared called out in a loud voice. In response, he quickly heard a reply.