In the morning, Jared and his companions, after being seen off by Hugo and his family, departed from Duke Rüdiger’s territory.
Hugo seemed reluctant to part with Jared and his group. His daughter, in particular, appeared sad about her return to the capital, looking somewhat dispirited. He bowed to Jared, entrusting his daughter to his care, and invited them to visit again.
Hugo’s face lit up when Jared readily agreed. Hugo stated that he also had business in the capital in the future, promising they would meet again. Pfeil also received similar pleasantries, apparently having won Hugo’s favor.
They embarked on a journey through the sky, riding the flying dragon dispatched by the Mage Association, just as they had upon arrival.
This time, the journey was more relaxed, as they were merely returning to the capital. The stay at Duke Rüdiger’s estate, which felt both short and long, was finally over, and they could finally let their guard down.
It was unfortunate that only Pfeil had to return by land with horses provided by Duke Rüdiger, as his presence was not to be made public. However, he had no desire to ride a flying dragon anyway, so it was unlikely they would have traveled together regardless.
“Thank you for your hard work, Master Murphy!”
Dennis Beckman greeted the flying dragon as it landed at the Mage Association headquarters.
He had not visited the duchy but had heard that he had been providing support from the capital. He assured them that this support, including not only supplies but also personnel, would continue in the future. The Mage Association, despite being a semi-independent organization, maintained good standing with the nobles due to its actions during times of crisis.
When magicians were needed, as in cases like this, they dispatched them without hesitation. They were not merely an organization that protected magicians; one of their important roles was to create an environment where magicians like Jared could utilize their abilities to the fullest.
Simultaneously, they did not require those who only sought protection. In that sense, they were an organization that embodied both kindness and strictness.
“Dennis, thank you for going out of your way.”
“Not at all. My job is not complete until I have confirmed your safe return, Master Murphy.”
Dennis rejoiced at the return of Jared and his group as they disembarked from the flying dragon, but his expression soon clouded over. He then bowed his head.
“I am truly sorry for what happened. We did not anticipate that not only ghouls but also members of the Royal Mage Corps would appear as enemies.”
“Please lift your head. Fortunately, I am alive. Thanks to the two secretaries and Duke Rüdiger’s family, everything was handled. So please do not apologize.”
The Mage Association was not at fault, nor was Dennis. While it was indeed a setback that they could not investigate beforehand, who could have predicted that the Orthodox Magician Army would attack at this particular time?
“I have also caused you trouble, Dennis. Let’s consider it mutual and forget about it. More importantly—our focus must be on countermeasures against the Orthodox Magician Army.”
It was clear that the Orthodox Magician Army was solely to blame, and it was not Dennis’s fault. Jared felt reluctant to have the man who had been supporting him since he was selected as a Court Mage Candidate continue to bow his head. As he managed to get Dennis to look up, his expression turned grim.
“Our staff are already investigating the Orthodox Magician Army. We have also apprehended the families of the Royal Mage Corps members involved in this incident. Of course, we have not treated them roughly, but we intend to extract information if they possess it.”
“Please do.”
Jared expressed his gratitude for the swift action.
“I have a message from Lord Brauer. He wishes to speak with you at a later date regarding the Orthodox Magician Army. He seems very concerned and mentioned that he waited to greet you and Master Murphy today. However, for fear it would cause too much of a stir if a Court Mage were involved, he refrained from approaching.”
Lord Brauer’s greatest concern was undoubtedly Ernesta. Dennis’s gaze shifted towards her mid-sentence, confirming this. Ernesta had abandoned her resentment towards Jared and expressed her intention to move forward. Whether she could face Tres in the future now depended on her. Jared hoped that their relationship would improve.
“Lord Brauer plans to contact Master Murphy directly at some point.”
“Thank you.”
“Not at all. We would be grateful if you could provide us with Master Murphy’s information as well.”
“Would a report suffice?”
“Verbal confirmation is acceptable, but considering that we were planning to compile a report on the recent incident at Duke Rüdiger’s estate, a report and verbal confirmation would be best this time.”
As Jared nodded, Dennis continued.
“While we will rely on you for now, Master Murphy, please use your secretaries for reporting in the future. That is their job.”
“That’s right. I haven’t had secretaries before, so I’m still not quite used to it.”
“It’s understandable. Everyone feels bewildered at first. Please submit the report as soon as possible at a later date. You can contact us, and an official will come to collect it. And please, Master Murphy, tell me everything in person.”
“Understood. I will compile the report as quickly as possible. I will be returning to my mansion now.”
“Yes. Thank you for your hard work.”
Dennis bowed deeply, and Jared, along with both secretaries, returned the bow.
“Um, Jared…”
“Yes?”
The fact that they could now converse in a more casual tone indicated a deepening of their relationship. After a brief farewell to Dennis, Jared turned to face the secretaries.
“Tres just mentioned…”
“He was definitely worried about Ernesta. He’s been concerned about you for a while.”
“Yes. I know. But I was so stubborn… Um, I think I’ll write a letter to Tres.”
Jared was surprised by Ernesta’s resolve, but soon a smile spread across his face.
“I’m sure Tres will be happy.”
“I hope so.”
“Don’t worry. If he’s been worried about you all along, your intention to reach out will naturally help mend your relationship.”
Lily offered words of encouragement to Ernesta, who couldn’t hide her anxiety. There was no doubt that Tres cared about Ernesta, and if she made the effort to approach him, their relationship, even if not fully restored to what it once was, would improve.
“I’ll gather my courage and apologize to Tres.”
Not only Jared but also Lily couldn’t help but wish for the swift resolution of Ernesta’s newly determined path and Tres’s relationship. However, the priority was to rest well. They needed to be fully prepared, both mentally and physically.
“How will you two get back?”
“I plan to borrow a carriage from the association. What about you, Ernesta?”
“I was thinking the same thing as Lily.”
“Then let’s go back together.”
“Yes, gladly.”
Lily mentioned that she lived in her mansion in the capital with her younger brothers, who attended the Royal Academy, and their household staff. Since their residences were not far from Ernesta’s, they arranged to share a carriage, which Dennis helped them secure.
“I’ll be visiting Olivier soon, so please send her my regards.”
“…Hahaha. I suppose I’ll pass that along.”
“Excuse me, Jared.”
“Ah, Ernesta, Lily, please rest well. Thank you for your hard work.”
After seeing off the secretaries, Jared let out a large sigh of relief, feeling that it was finally over. All that remained was to return to his mansion.
“Thank you for your hard work, Master Murphy. I’m glad to see your relationship with the secretaries has improved.”
Dennis, who had arranged for the carriage and seen them off, offered his congratulations but soon turned his gaze outside the association grounds.
“Your fiancée is waiting. Please go see her right away.”
Jared instinctively felt a sense of disbelief at his words and noticed a carriage stopped on the road.
“Dennis, excuse me.”
“Yes. Please rest well.”
Exchanging brief pleasantries, Jared walked forward. A mix of slight nervousness and eager anticipation quickened his heartbeat. As he approached the carriage, the woman he had longed to see appeared from within. His fiancée, her beauty veiled by a habitually slightly displeased expression, couldn’t hide her underlying concern.
“Welcome back, Jared.”
Jared finally felt the reality of being home.
