“Of course. I mentioned earlier that I was being cautious and gave my thoughts on the Orthodox Magician Army, but that was solely regarding their hideouts. While even the lowest-ranking Members of the Royal Mage Corps seem to be making an effort, there are many sightings. In most cases, they have been confirmed around the mansions of nobles.”
“So, returning to the beginning, should we expose the nobles involved after all?”
“Possibly. However, as Luzer said, there’s also the option of ignoring the nobles, focusing solely on capturing and interrogating Royal Magician Staff members to find out who knows their whereabouts.”
In that case, Waalthe should mobilize all available troops, not to mention, to capture the Members of the Royal Mage Corps. Those already apprehended will likely be interrogated, but these actions should be conducted concurrently.
“To put it bluntly, the problem is that we don’t know which nobles are involved in this incident.”
“As the Duke says, but we will not target all nobles. As one piece of evidence, it is essential that they have Magician’s Blood flowing through them.”
Everyone agrees with Laurentz’s statement. He had fought against the Orthodox Magician Army at the Academy and heard from them that they intended to create a country solely for Magicians. If that were the case, there would be no place for non-Magicians.
“Only Magicians… It’s a late realization, but why did this all happen? I have never discriminated against Magicians; in fact, I believe I have even treated them favorably.”
Pfeil calmly addressed Harald, who wore a somber expression.
“Rather, I believe this is precisely why such events have occurred.”
“What do you mean?”
“It cannot be helped that there are Magicians who are favored. Regardless of the era or the person, it is only natural that those who excel receive commensurate treatment.”
“I agree. I don’t favor all Magicians just because they are Magicians.”
“However, for those who possess Magic Power and can use Magic, even if they are not exceptional—it’s understandable that they would feel dissatisfied about not being favored. It is precisely because they possess moderate power that they mistake themselves for being superior. And once such a person misunderstands, it is very rare for them to admit their own fault.”
While not everyone could say that everything was exactly as stated, everyone felt that Pfeil’s words were not incorrect. In fact, the majority of the students at the Royal Academy had followed Leonard. While they might have been skillfully induced, it was an undeniable fact that they harbored dissatisfaction with their current situation.
Of course, there is nothing wrong with that. Life is full of unreasonable events. There are many dissatisfactions and many things that do not go well. It is also free for students, still in their student years, to desire better treatment commensurate with their status. However, that does not mean that participating in terrorism is acceptable.
Their thoughts were insufficient. Even if they were sweet-talked by the Commander of the Royal Mage Corps, they should have realized the danger in his words about creating a country of Magicians with a little reflection. It is fine to be dissatisfied with the current situation. It is all right to shout loudly if one dislikes it. However, merely complaining is not enough. Without using their discontent as fuel and striving with gritted teeth, thinking that they too might one day—even with talent, there are limits to growth.
“While it’s unclear why the members of the Royal Mage Corps follow Leonard, the fact that the students of the Royal Academy foolishly participated in terrorism is due to their misguided belief that being a Magician is something special.”
“Your words are harsh, but Pfeil is right. Not all Magicians are treated specially. Only outstanding Magicians are.”
Luzer’s words, following Pfeil’s, could also be considered extreme. Magicians are seen as special simply because they have talent. Since not all humans possess Magic Power, it is understandable that there are schemes to incorporate Magician’s Blood. However, this causes Magicians to misjudge their own worth and become arrogant. In today’s era, with the declining number of Magicians, this may be unavoidable.
“By the way, Duke, you mentioned earlier that you do not wish to hold the manipulated students accountable, but how do you intend to handle them?”
From Pfeil’s information, it is known that the students are being manipulated by some sort of spell. However, Laurentz’s testimony clearly indicates that they followed of their own free will. Therefore, the Lightning Mage asks.
“If they appear as enemies, I will strive to apprehend them, but there may be situations where they must be neutralized. While it might be possible to show leniency to manipulated students, I don’t know if I can afford to do so for students who are acting of their own volition and participating.”
Harald clasps his arms, hesitating. He knows he should not make a unilateral decision here, but for the sake of Luzer and the others who will be fighting, he must clarify things, at least for now. At least, his judgment as Duke Alway at this moment.
“Honestly, this is not a matter for me to decide, but even if they are students, if they commit a crime, they are responsible. I wish to avoid holding them accountable as much as possible, but that is because adults like Leonard have enticed immature boys and girls.”
The most unforgivable person is Leonard Gallagher.
“However, whether they were tempted by empty promises or claimed ignorance, the fact remains that they participated in treason against the nation. Regarding the manipulated students, I wish to forgive them for their reckless actions. But if they have participated by agreeing with Leonard without being manipulated, then they are no longer subjects we should save.”
The Duke’s expression darkens. He must also dislike making such judgments.
“Even if the children harbored dissatisfaction with the country as Magicians, or even if they didn’t know it was rebellion, we cannot simply dismiss everything solely because they are children. Of course, until the incident is resolved, it’s honestly unclear whether they will be held accountable, but if those who stand in our way as enemies are manipulated students, prioritize their apprehension, and if they are those who participate of their own will—your safety comes first, so take them down.”
