He parted his lips and stared at me with a persistent gaze.
“...Of course, if there’s a way, I’d like to know it now. Before my greed grows any bigger.”
“Rudd.”
“But I know there’s no such thing, so I’ve given up.”
His tone was gentle, but it felt like he was imprinting something.
If I hadn't met Cordelia, I would have fainted with joy.
Now, her words were making my head hurt even more as they fueled my anxiety about the uncertain future.
And, this is him...
If there is something I can do for such a loving and wonderful Rudnine, shouldn't I do it?
Why did the grand role of protecting the earth and sky where he exists become my lot?
I told you I wanted to live quietly...!
It would be best if I could defeat evil normally with the power I have.
I resented fate.
The kiss he left on the back of my hand was painful and stinging like a hot burn.
"Welcome."
"Nice to meet you."
Today, a secret meeting to eradicate demons was finally held in the morning.
The meeting was presided over by the Duke of Argenthoz, and on behalf of the Duke of Iels was his assistant, Baron Ant Rudican.
Duke of Iels sent a message apologizing for not being able to attend an important meeting, saying that urgent matters had arisen today.
Those present at the meeting, including Duke Argenthoz, were convinced that something of great importance had arisen.
To that extent, people's trust in Duke Rudnine Iels was already very strong.
Duke Argenthoz, who only nodded without asking for a detailed reason, rubbed his chin and expressed his regret.
"It would have been better if Duke Iels had attended the meeting, but it can't be helped. It's okay."
“I apologize. The Duke said he would attend the meeting as soon as he finished his work.”
“No. That’s something Duke Iels will take care of.”
“Hahaha.”
Ant awkwardly smiled, trying to avoid the gaze of Duke Argenthoz, the Magoc tower lord sitting next to him.
'Ugh.'
He felt uneasy.
Of all things, the reason his superior, Rudnine, was absent from the meeting was because he wanted to date the daughter of the Duke of Argenthoz.
Those attending the meeting would be shocked to learn that the Duke of Iels had skipped the meeting to go on a date.
But Rudnine was very serious.
Secret meeting to exterminate demons?
To him, a date with Princess Argenthoz was a thousand times more important than that.
Even Ant, who had witnessed Rudnine's tearful efforts to plan the perfect date course to capture her heart, was deeply impressed.
Besides, Ant now sincerely supported Rudnine's love.
Ant, who had just once accidentally spoken to Princess Argenthoz through a magical communication device, fell completely in love with her.
"I've never met someone who could read the minds of their subordinates so sincerely. She's the kind of Duchess I want to serve! Fairy, please date our Duke! Please!"
Ant, more than anyone else, was hoping that Rudnine would definitely capture Princess Yvonne's heart on their date today.
So, even though he was originally a meticulous person, he prepared very diligently for this meeting and attended on behalf of Rudnine.
"Well then, let's begin. Let's check the prepared materials first."
“Please read from the first page.”
A long and tedious meeting began with the words of Duke Argenthoz and Ant, and the nobles who shared their views.
Several circumstances and evidence came first.
But the conclusion was simple.
For a long time, black magic was taboo in the empire, and even books related to it were burned, but it somehow survived.
The group of black magicians who learned black magic had been slowly growing in size for a longer period of time than expected, while cleverly hiding their movements. However, recently, the number of black magicians has increased rapidly.
Behind this was the support of Empress Giselle and the Duke of Cardin.
When Duke Argenthoz pointed out this part, everyone sighed.
“It’s hard to believe. Seriously, Empress Giselle would use such black magic?”
“The same goes for Duke Cardin. I know him to be a very polite man!”
“Is Crown Prince Adrian also part of the gang? A warlock, I mean?”
“I’m not sure about that. I know His Highness the Crown Prince is a Sword Master.”
Duke Argenthoz frowned and shook his head, refusing to answer the question he was unsure of.
Since his last birthday banquet, Crown Prince Adrian has been living a quiet life, reducing his official activities.
To the point where he can't figure out why he's doing that.
The Duke of Argenthoz was troubled.
'Obviously, the Crown Prince isn't a warlock. Then why did Empress Giselle bother to adopt him under her and raise him as Crown Prince?'
That was the big question for Duke Argenthoz.
It was difficult to understand the actions of the Warlock Empress Giselle.
It felt awkward, but also like a whim, just because she didn't have a son.
It was an ambiguous feeling.
For now, they decided to ignore the part about Crown Prince Adrian and focus on the immediate crisis: the operation to eradicate the demons.
When Duke Argenthoz gave Barden a wink, Barden quietly stood up from his seat.
Barden, holding a map of the empire in front of him, picked up his baton and began to calmly explain.
"Look carefully at the areas marked with red dots on the map. These are all places where monsters were sealed in ancient times, and where there are magic pillars erected by the Empire to prevent their invasion. However, as you know, the magic pillars have recently weakened."
"Aha, now I understand. Every time we tried to repair the Magic pillars, Duke Cardin would step in and block it, citing insufficient funds! I really thought he was concerned about the national treasury."
The Count of Parisen ground his teeth.
"Yes. The magic pillar's effect has weakened, and the monsters' appearance cycle has become shorter. Here's some related information, so please refer to it."
Barden answered calmly and distributed information about the monster's appearance cycle and explanatory materials to everyone sitting in the conference room.
The eyes of those who read the table widened.
“As expected... You are a genius, Little Duke!”
“That’s amazing. How did you know about this?”
“Oh my god.”
Barden, who had been watching those who praised and admired him, immediately shook his head.
“I didn’t do it.”
“No?”
Barden spoke calmly to the surprised people.
"Yes. This is all my sister, Princess Yvonne Argenthoz of House Argenthoz, who discovered it through her own research. It provided a crucial clue to this case."
As soon as he finished speaking, silence fell over the conference room.
Those who had been looking at each other in surprise gradually began to nod naturally.
“Oh my... my goodness. This is amazing.”
"Well, ahem... I thought the Princess was a bit unusual. Anyway, I knew she was an outstanding magician, but I didn't know she had such insight."
“That’s amazing...”
“Isn’t this genius?”
“Well, I’ve often heard rumors that the Princess was a genius since she was little.”
Everyone was surprised, but there were still two people who couldn't even speak: Duke Argenthoz and Ant.
First of all, Duke Argenthoz knew his daughter was smart, but he didn't know she was this brilliant.
And then suddenly he was struck by a serious worry.
'There's no man who would suit my daughter, who is getting prettier, smarter, and more perfect. What should I do?'
Meanwhile, Ant Rudican slowly read the document on monster appearance cycles that Yvonne had analyzed and written, as if savoring poetry.
‘Ah... So our fairy really wrote this?!’
It was truly a feeling he hadn't felt in a long time.
Although he was a knight who wielded a sword, he was also a civil servant who handled the overall administration of the Duke of Iels's family, so he was very excited by this document that showed such intelligence.
Ant made up his mind.
To be more loyal to the Duke of Rudnine Iels, whom he serves.
He had been doubting the charms of Princess Argenthoz for a long time, and he had deeply reflected on his foolishness in believing only rumors.
The Duke must have been chasing her around so relentlessly because he knew she was such a perfect person!
Ant looked towards the Nasiel district, tears welling up in his eyes.
'Your Excellency... we must capture the fairy's heart. Before our fairy's charms are revealed and others catch her eye, quickly!'
It was Ant's inaudible cry, now bordering on madness, beyond cheering.
The praise for Princess Argenthoz continued a little longer, and everyone became more curious about her, but the matter was so urgent that the meeting returned to the main topic.
"That concludes my remarks. Next, Baron Ant Rudican will explain the upcoming operations."
Ant, who had been repeatedly writing 'Yvonne♡Rudnine' in a corner of a document with a pen and wishing for love, calmly got up from his seat and came forward.
“Ah, yes. Originally, Duke Iels was going to speak directly, but I will explain on his behalf.”
His explanation followed soon after.
There were signs that the seal on the ancient monster was about to be broken, so the plan was to simultaneously dispatch to each region and have the wizards and knights work together to destroy it.
Everyone was amazed.
“This can’t be happening...”
“This is also very great, isn’t it?”
An operation meticulously incorporating the expertise of the Duke of Iels' family, who have dealt with the monsters that periodically appear in the northern Iels territory.
Duke Argenthoz was also surprised, his eyes widening.
The strategy of wizards and knights working together to block escape routes and quickly destroy monsters showed no weaknesses.
If things continue this way, not a single ancient monster will be able to break free and will be destroyed.
At this point, Duke Argenthoz stepped forward with a determined expression.
“The important thing is to capture the warlock who will definitely appear in this situation without killing him.”
"I see. That way, we can secure the evidence, get a confession, and get them out of there."
"You're right."
There was a sense of tragedy in the eyes of those who nodded at each other.
The thing that was ultimately brought down was not only Empress Giselle, but also Crown Prince Adrian.
Although Crown Prince Adrian had not yet been found guilty of any crime, he could have been dethroned simply because he was the adopted son of Empress Giselle.
Of course... Those here just followed along, thinking, ‘I guess so.’
They don't know the exact reason, but the Duke of Argenthoz and the Duke of Iels - both of them were desperately seeking to depose Crown Prince Adrian.
“...Of course, if there’s a way, I’d like to know it now. Before my greed grows any bigger.”
“Rudd.”
“But I know there’s no such thing, so I’ve given up.”
His tone was gentle, but it felt like he was imprinting something.
If I hadn't met Cordelia, I would have fainted with joy.
Now, her words were making my head hurt even more as they fueled my anxiety about the uncertain future.
And, this is him...
If there is something I can do for such a loving and wonderful Rudnine, shouldn't I do it?
Why did the grand role of protecting the earth and sky where he exists become my lot?
I told you I wanted to live quietly...!
It would be best if I could defeat evil normally with the power I have.
I resented fate.
The kiss he left on the back of my hand was painful and stinging like a hot burn.
***
"Welcome."
"Nice to meet you."
Today, a secret meeting to eradicate demons was finally held in the morning.
The meeting was presided over by the Duke of Argenthoz, and on behalf of the Duke of Iels was his assistant, Baron Ant Rudican.
Duke of Iels sent a message apologizing for not being able to attend an important meeting, saying that urgent matters had arisen today.
Those present at the meeting, including Duke Argenthoz, were convinced that something of great importance had arisen.
To that extent, people's trust in Duke Rudnine Iels was already very strong.
Duke Argenthoz, who only nodded without asking for a detailed reason, rubbed his chin and expressed his regret.
"It would have been better if Duke Iels had attended the meeting, but it can't be helped. It's okay."
“I apologize. The Duke said he would attend the meeting as soon as he finished his work.”
“No. That’s something Duke Iels will take care of.”
“Hahaha.”
Ant awkwardly smiled, trying to avoid the gaze of Duke Argenthoz, the Magoc tower lord sitting next to him.
'Ugh.'
He felt uneasy.
Of all things, the reason his superior, Rudnine, was absent from the meeting was because he wanted to date the daughter of the Duke of Argenthoz.
Those attending the meeting would be shocked to learn that the Duke of Iels had skipped the meeting to go on a date.
But Rudnine was very serious.
Secret meeting to exterminate demons?
To him, a date with Princess Argenthoz was a thousand times more important than that.
Even Ant, who had witnessed Rudnine's tearful efforts to plan the perfect date course to capture her heart, was deeply impressed.
Besides, Ant now sincerely supported Rudnine's love.
Ant, who had just once accidentally spoken to Princess Argenthoz through a magical communication device, fell completely in love with her.
"I've never met someone who could read the minds of their subordinates so sincerely. She's the kind of Duchess I want to serve! Fairy, please date our Duke! Please!"
Ant, more than anyone else, was hoping that Rudnine would definitely capture Princess Yvonne's heart on their date today.
So, even though he was originally a meticulous person, he prepared very diligently for this meeting and attended on behalf of Rudnine.
"Well then, let's begin. Let's check the prepared materials first."
“Please read from the first page.”
A long and tedious meeting began with the words of Duke Argenthoz and Ant, and the nobles who shared their views.
Several circumstances and evidence came first.
But the conclusion was simple.
For a long time, black magic was taboo in the empire, and even books related to it were burned, but it somehow survived.
The group of black magicians who learned black magic had been slowly growing in size for a longer period of time than expected, while cleverly hiding their movements. However, recently, the number of black magicians has increased rapidly.
Behind this was the support of Empress Giselle and the Duke of Cardin.
When Duke Argenthoz pointed out this part, everyone sighed.
“It’s hard to believe. Seriously, Empress Giselle would use such black magic?”
“The same goes for Duke Cardin. I know him to be a very polite man!”
“Is Crown Prince Adrian also part of the gang? A warlock, I mean?”
“I’m not sure about that. I know His Highness the Crown Prince is a Sword Master.”
Duke Argenthoz frowned and shook his head, refusing to answer the question he was unsure of.
Since his last birthday banquet, Crown Prince Adrian has been living a quiet life, reducing his official activities.
To the point where he can't figure out why he's doing that.
The Duke of Argenthoz was troubled.
'Obviously, the Crown Prince isn't a warlock. Then why did Empress Giselle bother to adopt him under her and raise him as Crown Prince?'
That was the big question for Duke Argenthoz.
It was difficult to understand the actions of the Warlock Empress Giselle.
It felt awkward, but also like a whim, just because she didn't have a son.
It was an ambiguous feeling.
For now, they decided to ignore the part about Crown Prince Adrian and focus on the immediate crisis: the operation to eradicate the demons.
When Duke Argenthoz gave Barden a wink, Barden quietly stood up from his seat.
Barden, holding a map of the empire in front of him, picked up his baton and began to calmly explain.
"Look carefully at the areas marked with red dots on the map. These are all places where monsters were sealed in ancient times, and where there are magic pillars erected by the Empire to prevent their invasion. However, as you know, the magic pillars have recently weakened."
"Aha, now I understand. Every time we tried to repair the Magic pillars, Duke Cardin would step in and block it, citing insufficient funds! I really thought he was concerned about the national treasury."
The Count of Parisen ground his teeth.
"Yes. The magic pillar's effect has weakened, and the monsters' appearance cycle has become shorter. Here's some related information, so please refer to it."
Barden answered calmly and distributed information about the monster's appearance cycle and explanatory materials to everyone sitting in the conference room.
The eyes of those who read the table widened.
“As expected... You are a genius, Little Duke!”
“That’s amazing. How did you know about this?”
“Oh my god.”
Barden, who had been watching those who praised and admired him, immediately shook his head.
“I didn’t do it.”
“No?”
Barden spoke calmly to the surprised people.
"Yes. This is all my sister, Princess Yvonne Argenthoz of House Argenthoz, who discovered it through her own research. It provided a crucial clue to this case."
As soon as he finished speaking, silence fell over the conference room.
Those who had been looking at each other in surprise gradually began to nod naturally.
“Oh my... my goodness. This is amazing.”
"Well, ahem... I thought the Princess was a bit unusual. Anyway, I knew she was an outstanding magician, but I didn't know she had such insight."
“That’s amazing...”
“Isn’t this genius?”
“Well, I’ve often heard rumors that the Princess was a genius since she was little.”
Everyone was surprised, but there were still two people who couldn't even speak: Duke Argenthoz and Ant.
First of all, Duke Argenthoz knew his daughter was smart, but he didn't know she was this brilliant.
And then suddenly he was struck by a serious worry.
'There's no man who would suit my daughter, who is getting prettier, smarter, and more perfect. What should I do?'
Meanwhile, Ant Rudican slowly read the document on monster appearance cycles that Yvonne had analyzed and written, as if savoring poetry.
‘Ah... So our fairy really wrote this?!’
It was truly a feeling he hadn't felt in a long time.
Although he was a knight who wielded a sword, he was also a civil servant who handled the overall administration of the Duke of Iels's family, so he was very excited by this document that showed such intelligence.
Ant made up his mind.
To be more loyal to the Duke of Rudnine Iels, whom he serves.
He had been doubting the charms of Princess Argenthoz for a long time, and he had deeply reflected on his foolishness in believing only rumors.
The Duke must have been chasing her around so relentlessly because he knew she was such a perfect person!
Ant looked towards the Nasiel district, tears welling up in his eyes.
'Your Excellency... we must capture the fairy's heart. Before our fairy's charms are revealed and others catch her eye, quickly!'
It was Ant's inaudible cry, now bordering on madness, beyond cheering.
The praise for Princess Argenthoz continued a little longer, and everyone became more curious about her, but the matter was so urgent that the meeting returned to the main topic.
"That concludes my remarks. Next, Baron Ant Rudican will explain the upcoming operations."
Ant, who had been repeatedly writing 'Yvonne♡Rudnine' in a corner of a document with a pen and wishing for love, calmly got up from his seat and came forward.
“Ah, yes. Originally, Duke Iels was going to speak directly, but I will explain on his behalf.”
His explanation followed soon after.
There were signs that the seal on the ancient monster was about to be broken, so the plan was to simultaneously dispatch to each region and have the wizards and knights work together to destroy it.
Everyone was amazed.
“This can’t be happening...”
“This is also very great, isn’t it?”
An operation meticulously incorporating the expertise of the Duke of Iels' family, who have dealt with the monsters that periodically appear in the northern Iels territory.
Duke Argenthoz was also surprised, his eyes widening.
The strategy of wizards and knights working together to block escape routes and quickly destroy monsters showed no weaknesses.
If things continue this way, not a single ancient monster will be able to break free and will be destroyed.
At this point, Duke Argenthoz stepped forward with a determined expression.
“The important thing is to capture the warlock who will definitely appear in this situation without killing him.”
"I see. That way, we can secure the evidence, get a confession, and get them out of there."
"You're right."
There was a sense of tragedy in the eyes of those who nodded at each other.
The thing that was ultimately brought down was not only Empress Giselle, but also Crown Prince Adrian.
Although Crown Prince Adrian had not yet been found guilty of any crime, he could have been dethroned simply because he was the adopted son of Empress Giselle.
Of course... Those here just followed along, thinking, ‘I guess so.’
They don't know the exact reason, but the Duke of Argenthoz and the Duke of Iels - both of them were desperately seeking to depose Crown Prince Adrian.
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