“I am truly grateful that you safely brought my wives back to the mansion. Hannelore told me how you three saved her in her time of need, and I can never thank you enough.”
Laurentz and his companions, having safely escorted Hannelore and the others to the Alway Ducal Family Villa, were led to the study of Duke Harald Alway, the head of the ducal family. Fortunately, their journey from the villa had been uneventful, and the main residence was also unharmed. The Duke, no doubt worried about his wife’s safety, had rushed out to meet the carriage as it arrived, a scene still fresh in the boys’ memories.
“We are not worthy of thanks from you, Your Grace. Olivier (female) and Jared were kidnapped. We are truly sorry.”
Laurentz, speaking for the group, offered his apologies, bowing alongside Luzer. Pfeil, however, stood with his arms crossed, leaning against the wall. It wasn’t a misperception; his expression seemed tinged with bitterness.
“I know you’ll still be bothered even if I tell you not to worry about it. However, their kidnapping is not your fault. Please don’t blame yourselves too much.”
These were Harald’s honest words. The rebellion by the Royal Mage Corps had begun without any warning. What was more, it was being led by the Commander of the Royal Mage Corps himself. Supporters had already gathered, and even students from the Royal Academy had been taken. They were far too slow to react. While the kidnapping of his daughter and her fiancé was certainly a blow in such circumstances, he harbored no resentment towards the youths who had defeated many enemies and protected his wives.
Harald felt that if anyone should be blamed, it was himself. His wife, Hannelore, and their eldest daughter lived in a separate residence because their lives were in danger. However, that was no longer the case. Thanks to Jared, his daughter’s fiancé, they had exposed the mastermind within the family and all their wicked deeds. They could have returned to the main residence, or he could have summoned them back. He hadn’t done so because he wanted his wife and daughter, who seemed happy living apart from the ducal family, to remain so.
Though his intentions were good, in this instance, their separation had inadvertently put them in danger. Of course, it would have been more convenient for the secondary wife’s troublesome daughter to live with them in the separate residence. Harald had also intended to give them the separate residence once Olivier (female) married Jared. There were reasons for their living apart. Nevertheless, it was understandable for Harald to regret the fact that his beloved daughter and her fiancé had been kidnapped.
“Perhaps it is fortunate, but we know that Emilia and Yeny, who were visiting the Daum Barony, are also safe. The Daum Barony was also attacked by the Royal Mage Corps, but they managed to repel all attackers.”
The Daum Barony, Jared’s birthplace, was not a mansion renowned for its defenses; it was a typical baronial family estate. However, it must have been unfortunate for the attackers that its residents were far from ordinary. The head of the Daum Barony, Niklas Daum, was a man feared as a “demon of the sword.” Harald had relied on him both in the Knights and in his personal life, and entrusted his older sister to his care.
His son, Johan Daum, had a somewhat difficult reputation, but it was recently revealed that this was a misunderstanding. As the son of the demon of the sword, he had been called a genius swordsman from a young age and had proven himself capable enough to earn his noble title through his achievements. Johan’s younger brother was, for better or worse, an ordinary man, but his daughter, Yeny Daum, possessed talent comparable to that of the demon of the sword and the genius swordsman. Her talent was so overwhelming that she was forbidden from training, yet when she grasped a sword, she fought as if possessed, making one realize that talent could not be suppressed, no matter how much one tried.
With these three and the Daum Barony’s private soldiers, there was no way the attackers could have possibly won, even if they were magicians. In fact, most of the attackers were apprehended, and the situation was resolved without further incident. For Emilia, who had been treated kindly by the Daum family, including Yeny, and had been staying with them, being at that mansion was akin to being protected by an impenetrable fortress. She would remain under the protection of the Daum family until this matter was resolved.
“I am relieved that Lady Emilia is safe.”
“Thank you. As far as I know, the Herring Count Family and the Phillip Viscount Family are also safe. It appears their targets were the ducal families and other families they wished to eliminate due to their military strength.”
Laurentz let out a sigh of relief upon hearing that his own family was safe. After fighting the Royal Mage Corps at the academy, he had immediately rushed to the Alway Ducal Family Villa to check on his friend. He had been occupied ever since, but though he hadn’t voiced it, he had been worried about his family. Luzer, who lived with his mother and father, Viscount Phillip, had confirmed their safety when he left his home. His participation in the battle had been to forcibly enter the Alway Ducal Family Villa. Nevertheless, hearing again that his family was safe undoubtedly brought him peace.
“Are the other ducal families safe?”
“We have been in contact with the Rüdiger Ducal Family. I was just informed of Lady Lily’s safety.”
However, the Duke continued,
“We have lost contact with the other ducal families. Given that our own family was attacked, we must assume other households have also been targeted. As ducal families, they have their retainers and private soldiers, so I doubt there will be any dire consequences, but we cannot be optimistic. For now, we must prioritize cooperating with the Royal Palace and the Mage Association to deal with the rebels. We cannot afford to be behind any longer.”
“Please tell me if there is anything we can do to help. Jared is my friend, and I have had the pleasure of meeting Olivier (female). I will do anything for them.”
“I agree. The Alway family has gone to great lengths for my mother and father. If I can repay that kindness, I will gladly do so.”
“Laurentz Herring (Male), Luzer Fischer (Male), I thank you for your cooperation.”
Duke Harald had heard that Laurentz was highly regarded by the Mage Association as a candidate for Court Mage. Luzer, it was said, possessed power equal to that of his trusted friend Jared. If the two were willing to offer their help, it would be a great source of strength.
“I am a member of Waalthe. I have no interest in this country’s troubles.”
“Pfeil, you…!”
Luzer exclaimed in exasperation at Pfeil’s staunch insistence on his affiliation with Waalthe. Pfeil himself had lived with Jared and the others, and surely regarded them as family. Yet, he maintained this stubborn stance. Luzer was about to reprimand him.
“However—”
But before Luzer could speak, Pfeil continued,
“I will be the one to kill Jared Murphy. I will not allow anyone else to kill him. I will never forgive those who try to use him as a pawn. As one of Waalthe’s successors—I will take Jared back. And while I’m at it, I’ll save Olivier (female) too.”
“…You’re not very honest, Pfeil. You could have just said you wanted to save Jared and Olivier (female).”
“Be quiet, Laurentz Herring (Male). I merely stated my own opinion.”
Everyone chuckled wryly at the young assassin who, despite his intention to help, spoke so indirectly.
“Laurentz Herring (Male), Luzer Fischer (Male), and Pfeil—thank you for your cooperation.”
