“We’re likely to be on the defensive for a while.”
“Since we don’t know when the enemy will make their move, it can’t be helped, unfortunately. All I can do is gather as much information as possible.”
“The problem is how to gather that information… If you’ll have me, I’ll cooperate.”
“I appreciate that. I’m already getting help from Adelina, but the situation isn’t favorable.”
Tres muttered, “This is troubling,” perhaps feeling the weight of responsibility.
“I’d like to hear your opinion if possible, Jared. What do you think about disclosing information?”
“Are you referring to the Orthodox Magician Army?”
“Unfortunately, the information isn’t well-organized yet, so I just want to appeal to the public about the existence of people involved in terrorism.”
Jared pondered.
He believed information should be disclosed. In reality, he thought it was necessary considering those who were in danger without knowing it. At the same time, he had to consider the risk of the information reaching the enemy.
However, what was even more terrifying was—
“I agree with disclosing information. However, in the worst-case scenario, I believe it could lead to suspicion and become troublesome. I’d rather avoid a witch hunt.”
When it’s unclear who the enemy is and who is an ally, it’s natural for people to lose their ability to judge calmly.
History shows that similar events have occurred in the past.
There were times when powerful magicians were feared by those in power and judged for crimes they didn’t commit. There were also eras when people without magic power persecuted those with magic as monstrous.
“I don’t want a witch hunt either. The Mage Association and the Royal Palace are afraid of causing confusion and want to maintain the status quo—but it will be too late if something happens.”
“Yes. Even if it’s difficult to inform everyone, it might be better to inform the executives of both the Knights and the Mage Corps. Frankly, the Mage Corps seems risky.”
“That’s true. But we can’t keep the information contained forever. Duke Rüdiger is scheduled to report to the Royal Palace later.”
“The Duke himself?”
“He’s one of the few who witnessed the Orthodox Magician Army firsthand.”
“You too,” Tres added.
Indeed, only Jared and Hugo had directly confronted the Orthodox Magician Army. The slain magicians were identified as part of the Orthodox Magician Army based on their testimonies. This meant that neither the Mage Association nor the Royal Palace could clearly recognize the existence of the Orthodox Magician Army at present.
However, it was unlikely that the words of Jared, who was scheduled to become a Court Mage, and Hugo Rüdiger, the head of Duke Rüdiger’s Family, would be doubted.
“After getting direct testimony from Hugo Rüdiger, we will discuss what to do next.”
Tres glanced at Jared, then hesitantly opened his mouth.
“There’s a possibility you might be invited to that meeting.”
“What?”
“As I said earlier, you are also a participant.”
“…This is troublesome. Until recently, I was just a student.”
“If my memory serves me right, I don’t think you were just a student… but anyway, I don’t think you’ll be summoned to the Royal Palace out of the blue. It’s possible the investigation will end with interviews of Mage Association executives and other Court Mages. However—”
Jared looked at Tres, who looked inexplicably hesitant and unable to finish his sentence.
He seemed reluctant to speak, but opened his mouth again.
“There are rumors that some nobles want to summon you.”
“Why would they do that?”
Jared wondered what he had done to attract the attention of nobles.
“Your achievements are remarkable. You’ve already defended the ducal territory and fought against terrorists. Your engagement to Olivier, the daughter of Duke Alway, would be enough to make you a topic of conversation, but you also exposed those who targeted Hannelore. It’s understandable that rumor-mongering nobles would be interested.”
Even though he hadn’t officially become a Court Mage yet, Jared had already done more than enough to naturally attract interest.
With the emergence of a new Court Mage after a long time, there were likely various intentions, from those who wanted to be his patron to those who wanted to build a cooperative relationship.
However, Jared Murphy, the new Court Mage, was already recognized by those around him as part of Duke Alway’s family. Recently, he also had ties to Duke Rüdiger’s Family, and Lily Rüdiger, Hugo’s daughter, served as his secretary officer.
Other families, who had missed their chance, were looking for an opening to approach him, and their interest continued unabated.
“If things had gone as planned, it wouldn’t have escalated this much. Due to a shortage of personnel, we had no choice but to have you act sooner. As for the incident in Duke Rüdiger’s territory, both I and Adelina volunteered, but we had other cases we were handling, so it didn’t work out. I apologize.”
“It’s not your fault, Tres-sama. Or rather, no one is at fault, so please don’t apologize.”
It was only natural to strive to protect the country where he lived. With Lily as his secretary, there was a good chance he would have been heading to Duke Rüdiger’s territory regardless.
“Thank you. As a replacement… though it might be a bit strange, I heard that your appointment as a Court Mage will be decided earlier than scheduled.”
“I suppose I should be happy, but honestly, I’m just anxious. My secretary has just been decided, and hearing that my becoming a Court Mage has been expedited doesn’t sit right with me…”
“That’s understandable. Fortunately, you won’t be a Court Mage tomorrow or the day after, so make sure to prepare well. Soon, the Mage Association will likely discuss new combat uniforms, and if you want advice from a senior—”
He paused and pondered for a moment.
“Before you get too busy, you should spend some quality time with your fiancé, Olivier, and your cousin, Yeny.”
