Jared glared at the knights who had barged into the room.
“How rude to barge into someone’s home. Who are you people?”
Their armor was unfamiliar. It wasn’t from the Magic Knights, who had been reorganized the other day.
Seeing that they had already drawn their swords and were filled with murderous intent, it was clear they wouldn’t hesitate to attack at any moment.
He clicked his tongue, realizing Olivier wasn’t by his side.
“We are knights serving the Hagedorff Ducal Family!”
“…Could it be, Cassandra’s?”
“How dare you! How dare you call our master by his name!”
One of the knights, whose armor was adorned with decorations, seemed to be their leader. He spoke on their behalf.
“Ah, I apologize. However, I am acquainted with Cassandra. Could you please tell me why you are doing this?”
“Silence!”
Rasmus, who had just spoken again, was struck on the cheek with the pommel of a sword and fell to the floor amidst the man’s angry roar.
“You bastard!”
“This is what happens when you tell such obvious lies. How could a child like that possibly know Lady Cassandra?”
While Jared and the others knew Rasmus had lived for over five hundred years, the knights did not. Even if the truth were told to them, they would either dismiss it as a lie or become angry. It was that difficult to overcome the limitations of lifespan.
“Well, I suppose it can’t be helped.”
“…I wish you’d be more supportive, Jared.”
“And even if you are retainers of a Ducal Family, this is the Alway Ducal Family’s residence. It’s not exactly peaceful for you to show up in armor, swords drawn. I don’t suppose you’ve laid a single finger on Olivier and the others, have you?”
“We have not touched the women, including Lady Hannelore Alway. We have come here on a mission.”
“A mission? Before that, show us your faces.”
“My apologies. However, there is no guarantee you won’t attack us. We wish to avoid being defenseless before a Court Mage. Can you not understand?”
“No, I don’t need to understand, as I have no reason to attack you?”
“That is because you do not yet know why we have come here.”
“Then hurry up and tell me.”
He wanted to end this pointless exchange soon.
He also wanted to confirm Olivier and the others were unharmed, as the knights claimed.
“Then let us conclude this. Jared Murphy, you are under arrest for the unauthorized use of a Level 1 Forbidden Magic designation.”
“–What?”
Jared could not comprehend what he had just heard.
Not just Jared, but everyone present doubted their own ears.
“I’m being arrested? And for using Forbidden Magic?”
“We are glad you understand. Please do not resist.”
As the knight raised his hand, two knights waiting behind him approached Jared with handcuffs.
“Wait. Wait a minute. I haven’t used any Forbidden Magic. This must be a mistake.”
“Yes, until yesterday, you had not committed any crime.”
“What do you mean?”
“It is truly unfortunate, but the petrifying magic you use was designated as Level 1 Forbidden Magic yesterday.”
Jared was speechless. He had never imagined such a thing could have happened without his knowledge.
A Level 1 Forbidden Magic designation. The magic commonly known as Forbidden Magic is subject to punishment upon use.
This is a law enacted by the Mage Association to prohibit magic deemed dangerous, such as magic that harms others or the user.
“Are you kidding me… What have they done behind my back…”
“Unfortunately, it is a decision from above. We are merely following orders.”
“Wait.”
It was Pfeil who spoke, as if to shield Jared, who was on the verge of lashing out in anger.
“There is no arrest warrant for Lord Pfeil, so please do not interfere.”
“I cannot do that. You mentioned a mission, but why are knights of the Hagedorff Ducal Family moving to arrest Jared? In this situation, shouldn’t it be the country or the Mage Association that takes action?”
“The Mage Association and the Royal Magic Knights are too close to Jared, so our master showed consideration.”
“Are you saying he was trying to prevent Jared from escaping?”
“No, that is not something we are concerned about. Please consider it our master’s thoughtfulness in trying to avoid having an acquaintance make the arrest.”
“Hmph. Such eloquence. Do you think we would arrest Jared based on a law that was decided without us knowing when it was enacted?”
“Certainly, we do not expect that. However, if there is any resistance, we have been ordered to arrest those involved, including Olivier Alway.”
“…Oh?”
Pfeil narrowed his eyes and slipped his hand into his pocket.
He judged further conversation to be futile.
“Pfeil, stop.”
“…Tch. Fine. I am not involved in this matter, am I?”
“Of course not.”
“Then stand aside. I will go and check on Hanne and the others. Come with me, Rosa.”
“Sorry about this, Pfeil.”
“Hmph. This is not for your sake.”
With that said, Pfeil led Rosa out of the room.
Ramsingly bumping into a knight on the way was unlike him, but he was likely doing it to vent his frustration.
“Lord Jared, we do not wish to resort to rough methods. We do not want you or our subordinates to get hurt.”
“…I understand. Arrest me.”
“Thank you.”
The knights bowed to Jared, who had finally given up, and put on the handcuffs.
Rasmus, who had silently watched the scene, muttered with a look of despair.
“This is the worst… we’ve completely fallen behind.”
