"Alentia. Why are you so excited?"
When Duke Cardin frowned and gave her a look of displeasure, Lady Alentia took a deep breath, cleared her throat, and reported.
“Your Excellency, there was a tower ambush at the southern site.”
“What is the magic tower?”
“Are you saying that the Duke of Argenthoz came in person?”
“Yes. And they captured Viscount Arthur Rognier.”
The news of the capture of the giant made the warlocks dizzy.
Arthur Rognier was a high-ranking warlock.
"Oh my god!"
"Oh, no. Didn't Viscount Rognier commit suicide right away?! He was caught alive?"
Duke Cardin shouted sharply.
Lady Alentia continued, barely controlling her distorted expression.
"They say Duke Argenthoz prevented him from committing suicide. He probably wouldn't kill us, so he could use us as a witness to bring charges against us."
“Still, tsk.”
Lady Alentia, who had coldly turned away from those who clicked their tongues, turned her head towards Cordelia.
"Your Excellency! Tell me quickly. Who is it? That vile person who interfered with our plans! I will find him immediately and nip him in the bud."
Lady Alentia shouted venomously.
Even though she used black magic, she was always gentle and quiet, so when she got excited, the high-ranking black magicians looked slightly surprised.
“I know, but I don’t think it’s right to cut it off right away... I think he’s a bit of a difficult person.”
Cordelia slowly looked around at the high-ranking warlocks around her.
"My guess is that it's probably Princess Yvonne Argenthoz. The woman you all so desperately wanted to turn into a warlock."
Princess Argenthoz?
The eyes of the black magicians widened as the unexpected name came out of Princess Mare's mouth.
Cordelia tapped her temple and smiled.
"She's so resourceful. She's a talent I'd covet. But she's trampled on us like this. Do you still want to hire her as a warlock?"
She asked questions as if testing the bewildered senior warlocks.
They looked at each other in confusion.
“Princess Argenthoz?”
"No way."
“Really?”
Having seen Princess Argenthoz in person at the Argenthoz Mansion and been captivated by her potential, they were repeatedly met to scout her as a black magician.
"Yes."
Their faces turned blue in shock.
At that moment, a black fog spread heavily over the high podium of the conference hall, and the air was filled with a poisonous spirit.
It was Empress Giselle.
Everyone rose from their seats as if it were a given, knelt down toward the stage, and bowed deeply.
Empress Giselle slowly walked out through the black fog.
The eyes that flashed with anger were so fierce and chilling that it felt like they would be cut at any moment.
Her red lips parted.
"Cordelia. Why are you so sure that Princess Argenthoz is the one who ruined our plan this time?"
Cordelia, who was bending down, moistened her lips, which were dry with tension, and answered her carefully.
“Yes. In fact, I have been keeping a close eye on the movements of the Duke of Argenthoz, as they are unusual.”
“The Duke and little Duke Barden Argenthoz?”
"Yes. He was often seen discussing things with the Academy professors and the Master of the Tower... but I never thought he would plan something like this. I apologize, Your Majesty, the Empress."
“So? Keep talking.”
"All circumstances point to the Duke, but that's not true. I've been with him on the last battlefield, and the little Duke of Barden wasn't that clever. Instead..."
“I think I know.”
Empress Giselle, who had been listening quietly, rubbing her chin, cut Cordelia off.
"She is the Princess of Argenthoz. She knew of our plan, so she secretly put his brother, the little Duke, in motion."
There was anger in her eyes as she burst into a sharp laugh.
The warlocks, unable to understand Empress Giselle's reaction, were murmuring, and Cordelia was left alone with her thoughts.
'You knew the plan?'
Empress Giselle already recognized Yvonne as her enemy.
What on earth happened?
But Yvonne showed no such signs when she met and talked with Cordelia recently.
Rather, she even regretted going to see Yvonne, who had been so indifferent the whole time.
'Since I am the 'key,' I will die anyway. Empress Giselle deceived me... I hope the Princess understands my intentions so that things don't go her way.'
Cordelia became anxious when Yvonne didn't come to her after meeting her at Cafe Dailing, so she deliberately provoked the warlocks in this place to somehow bring Yvonne back.
'What does Princess Yvonne know and how much?'
Cordelia gulped, remembering Yvonne's gaze as she sat cross-legged in the cafe, her chin raised, and her eyes glaring at her arrogantly.
"Your Majesty, what happened with Princess Yvonne Argenthoz?"
Duke Cardin stepped forward to ask, but Empress Giselle put her finger to her lips, indicating that she would say no more.
Instead, she looked down at them and asked coldly.
“I need to figure out the situation first. Please tell me.”
“Unfortunately, the operation to release the ancient demon seal seems to have been a complete failure.”
The voice of the elderly, high-ranking warlock trembled as he stepped forward and reported.
“Tsk.”
Empress Giselle clicked her tongue in disapproval.
He was very afraid of such an Empress, but he continued to speak because he had nowhere else to retreat.
"Several warlocks, including Viscount Arthur Rognill, have been captured. Your Majesty, what should we do next?"
"Aren't all the preparations complete? Can't we skip the other steps and open the door to liberation right now?"
When Duke Cardin mentioned the Gate of Liberation, Cordelia flinched and looked at Empress Giselle.
Silence fell on the dark conference room.
Empress Giselle's eyes, which had been lost in thought without moving, narrowed.
A series of troublesome situations followed.
Especially because of that, Yvonne Argenthoz.
Four of the brilliant warlocks she had commanded to pursue Yvonne Argenthoz have now suffered a major blow, having lost their prized high-level familiar
So, she even received a report that it would be difficult to pursue the Princess right now.
Empress Giselle stroked her chin in thought.
"The more I hear about it, the more I crave it. She sneaked in like a rat and killed Omoko, but she's also incredibly resourceful. She subdued four high-level familiars in one fell swoop and escaped. She's no ordinary human."
Yvonne Argenthoz.
It may sound like poison now, but if she becomes a her and follows her, it will be an incomparably sweeter name.
A slight heat flashed through Empress Giselle's eyes as she recalled Yvonne's appearance, completely destroying all her plans. Then it subsided.
'Something impudent.'
Her master, Toilat, the archdemon and commander of countless demons, found the human world fascinating. He loved the vast narratives that only humans could unfold.
He said he wanted to see up close the sight of people who were intoxicated by happiness and then collapsed in despair.
This was also what the Demon Legion Commander Toilat always whispered to Empress Giselle.
He even painstakingly planned the despair of humanity he would feel on the land he would incarnate on.
She thought there was enough time.
So, she also planned an operation called the Fountain of the Sun to bring in Cordelia Mare, the key, as the Crown Princess of the Vervent Empire.
Of course, she crossed the water in vain.
The first plan was to release the seal of the ancient demons, drench the entire continent in blood, and then bring forth a large number of black magicians who would unleash terrifying curses and attacks at the right time.
At that time, the beautiful and kind white magician Crown Princess and the sword master Crown Prince, who everyone loves, set out to save the world.
But what if they found out that the Crown Princess, who was like that, was actually a warlock, not just someone who saved people?
Rather than feeling betrayed and angry, they will be overcome by a fear they've never experienced before, and they will be disheartened. Then, the very ethics and morality that supported each other will collapse.
Moreover, it is even more so when they know that the Crown Prince is also a Sword Master created by the warlock Empress.
This perfect narrative says there is no such thing as 'salvation' for those who have been played by the devil.
Demon Legion Commander Toilat had long awaited this moment. When the chaos and disorder were just right, he would open the gates of liberation he had diligently prepared, intending to manifest his massive body here from hell.
He then brought demons from his legion to kill humans and enjoy the ruined human world filled with screams and pain...
"Giselle."
The voice of the demon corps commander, Toilat, echoed in Empress Giselle's head.
"Don't worry. I'll make sure she has enough despair with another fun story."
"Good."
Empress Giselle slowly closed her eyes, reassuring him, and then slowly opened her mouth again.
"I'll scrap the plan to awaken the ancient monsters for now and wait and see how they react. After all, if I step in myself, they won't be able to touch me."
It wasn't arrogance, it was the truth.
The faces of the high-ranking warlocks brightened as they realized how great a warlock she was.
Empress Giselle's gaze fell on Cordelia, the only one with a dark expression.
“I’d rather catch that little rat that’s been giving me a headache and see its face...”
Empress Giselle gave a slow order with a smile.
"Cordelia. You must immediately capture the little Duke of Barden Argenthoze. I need bait."
“...Yes, I understand. Your Majesty, the Empress.”
Empress Giselle smiled happily as she watched Cordelia's back as she answered in a trembling voice and disappeared, but then suddenly another thought came to her mind.
'That kid might even be able to shake Yvonne Argenthoz. She used to chase him around so much that she was so good.'
She sent additional men north to bring Yvonne alive before her.
Her adopted son, Crown Prince Adrian, is the Sword Master.
Empress Giselle called Adrian before he left and gave him a little brainwashing.
To add to the obsession with Yvonne as a gift.
“That’s cool.”
I was honestly impressed.
The Iels Castle, which is said to be as old as the Iels family, was a sturdy castle built for defense, yet it boasted a very beautiful and noble appearance.
It wasn't old at all, and it was old-fashioned and grand, giving it a very imposing feel.
The Iels Castle was quite similar to it.
Of course, that's how it is, since this is where Rudnine was born and raised.
If I were to make this person into an object, it would look exactly like this.
"Thank you."
He who was escorting me responded softly.
It was so obvious that his earlobes were red, perhaps because he was a little embarrassed.
Ahem. Why is that? It's cool.
Anyway, I had imagined that the Iels Castle would be similar to the beautiful white mansion in the Iels Townhouse in the capital city, but it was very different.
And what's even more surprising is that, even at a rough estimate, it was larger than the Imperial Palace.
It is impossible to count how many buildings, including countless towers and windows, make up the Iels Castle.
I, hit, it.
Rudnine's words, which had previously appealed to me about his wealth, suddenly flashed through my mind.
I guess it wasn't a joke.
Well, he even destroyed the expensive Thiels mine without hesitation.
Haha.
The difference between him and me was so palpable. Today, for some reason, I feel quite discouraged...
The situation became more serious as we entered the lobby of the Iels Castle.
Where am I? Who am I?
Looking inside the castle, I felt like I understood why Duke Iels had never visited the capital or the imperial palace.
There was no need to go.
I should keep this to myself, but the Iels family was already practically the kings of this northern land.
I was so amazed by the castle, which was as splendid and beautiful as the Verbent Palace where the royal family resided, that I unconsciously tightened my grip on him.
“Yvonne. Are you cold?”
He asked urgently as he walked through the halls of the Iels Castle lobby, a perfect embodiment of both classical beauty and sophisticated opulence.
“No, Rudd. I’m fine.”
Since it was a question that had been repeated since earlier, I shrugged my shoulders and answered.
Seriously, this guy is really good.
Even though Iels Castle is located in the northern part of the continent, it's still early autumn. The sun feels warm during the day.
But Rudnine kept worrying and wondering what would happen if I got cold the whole time he came here with me.
He was still suggesting to me, for the exact eighty-third time, that I wear a sweater.
I decided to make a strong appeal to Rudnine about my steel physique to reassure him.
"Rudd. Unlike most young ladies, I'm very strong. I don't get cold at all, so don't worry about me."
But he smiled lightly, his eyes showing that he didn't understand at all.
"Yvonne. I don't care if others are cold or not. I'm only worried about your health."
When Duke Cardin frowned and gave her a look of displeasure, Lady Alentia took a deep breath, cleared her throat, and reported.
“Your Excellency, there was a tower ambush at the southern site.”
“What is the magic tower?”
“Are you saying that the Duke of Argenthoz came in person?”
“Yes. And they captured Viscount Arthur Rognier.”
The news of the capture of the giant made the warlocks dizzy.
Arthur Rognier was a high-ranking warlock.
"Oh my god!"
"Oh, no. Didn't Viscount Rognier commit suicide right away?! He was caught alive?"
Duke Cardin shouted sharply.
Lady Alentia continued, barely controlling her distorted expression.
"They say Duke Argenthoz prevented him from committing suicide. He probably wouldn't kill us, so he could use us as a witness to bring charges against us."
“Still, tsk.”
Lady Alentia, who had coldly turned away from those who clicked their tongues, turned her head towards Cordelia.
"Your Excellency! Tell me quickly. Who is it? That vile person who interfered with our plans! I will find him immediately and nip him in the bud."
Lady Alentia shouted venomously.
Even though she used black magic, she was always gentle and quiet, so when she got excited, the high-ranking black magicians looked slightly surprised.
“I know, but I don’t think it’s right to cut it off right away... I think he’s a bit of a difficult person.”
Cordelia slowly looked around at the high-ranking warlocks around her.
"My guess is that it's probably Princess Yvonne Argenthoz. The woman you all so desperately wanted to turn into a warlock."
Princess Argenthoz?
The eyes of the black magicians widened as the unexpected name came out of Princess Mare's mouth.
Cordelia tapped her temple and smiled.
"She's so resourceful. She's a talent I'd covet. But she's trampled on us like this. Do you still want to hire her as a warlock?"
She asked questions as if testing the bewildered senior warlocks.
They looked at each other in confusion.
“Princess Argenthoz?”
"No way."
“Really?”
Having seen Princess Argenthoz in person at the Argenthoz Mansion and been captivated by her potential, they were repeatedly met to scout her as a black magician.
"Yes."
Their faces turned blue in shock.
At that moment, a black fog spread heavily over the high podium of the conference hall, and the air was filled with a poisonous spirit.
It was Empress Giselle.
Everyone rose from their seats as if it were a given, knelt down toward the stage, and bowed deeply.
Empress Giselle slowly walked out through the black fog.
The eyes that flashed with anger were so fierce and chilling that it felt like they would be cut at any moment.
Her red lips parted.
"Cordelia. Why are you so sure that Princess Argenthoz is the one who ruined our plan this time?"
Cordelia, who was bending down, moistened her lips, which were dry with tension, and answered her carefully.
“Yes. In fact, I have been keeping a close eye on the movements of the Duke of Argenthoz, as they are unusual.”
“The Duke and little Duke Barden Argenthoz?”
"Yes. He was often seen discussing things with the Academy professors and the Master of the Tower... but I never thought he would plan something like this. I apologize, Your Majesty, the Empress."
“So? Keep talking.”
"All circumstances point to the Duke, but that's not true. I've been with him on the last battlefield, and the little Duke of Barden wasn't that clever. Instead..."
“I think I know.”
Empress Giselle, who had been listening quietly, rubbing her chin, cut Cordelia off.
"She is the Princess of Argenthoz. She knew of our plan, so she secretly put his brother, the little Duke, in motion."
There was anger in her eyes as she burst into a sharp laugh.
The warlocks, unable to understand Empress Giselle's reaction, were murmuring, and Cordelia was left alone with her thoughts.
'You knew the plan?'
Empress Giselle already recognized Yvonne as her enemy.
What on earth happened?
But Yvonne showed no such signs when she met and talked with Cordelia recently.
Rather, she even regretted going to see Yvonne, who had been so indifferent the whole time.
'Since I am the 'key,' I will die anyway. Empress Giselle deceived me... I hope the Princess understands my intentions so that things don't go her way.'
Cordelia became anxious when Yvonne didn't come to her after meeting her at Cafe Dailing, so she deliberately provoked the warlocks in this place to somehow bring Yvonne back.
'What does Princess Yvonne know and how much?'
Cordelia gulped, remembering Yvonne's gaze as she sat cross-legged in the cafe, her chin raised, and her eyes glaring at her arrogantly.
"Your Majesty, what happened with Princess Yvonne Argenthoz?"
Duke Cardin stepped forward to ask, but Empress Giselle put her finger to her lips, indicating that she would say no more.
Instead, she looked down at them and asked coldly.
“I need to figure out the situation first. Please tell me.”
“Unfortunately, the operation to release the ancient demon seal seems to have been a complete failure.”
The voice of the elderly, high-ranking warlock trembled as he stepped forward and reported.
“Tsk.”
Empress Giselle clicked her tongue in disapproval.
He was very afraid of such an Empress, but he continued to speak because he had nowhere else to retreat.
"Several warlocks, including Viscount Arthur Rognill, have been captured. Your Majesty, what should we do next?"
"Aren't all the preparations complete? Can't we skip the other steps and open the door to liberation right now?"
When Duke Cardin mentioned the Gate of Liberation, Cordelia flinched and looked at Empress Giselle.
Silence fell on the dark conference room.
Empress Giselle's eyes, which had been lost in thought without moving, narrowed.
A series of troublesome situations followed.
Especially because of that, Yvonne Argenthoz.
Four of the brilliant warlocks she had commanded to pursue Yvonne Argenthoz have now suffered a major blow, having lost their prized high-level familiar
So, she even received a report that it would be difficult to pursue the Princess right now.
Empress Giselle stroked her chin in thought.
"The more I hear about it, the more I crave it. She sneaked in like a rat and killed Omoko, but she's also incredibly resourceful. She subdued four high-level familiars in one fell swoop and escaped. She's no ordinary human."
Yvonne Argenthoz.
It may sound like poison now, but if she becomes a her and follows her, it will be an incomparably sweeter name.
A slight heat flashed through Empress Giselle's eyes as she recalled Yvonne's appearance, completely destroying all her plans. Then it subsided.
'Something impudent.'
Her master, Toilat, the archdemon and commander of countless demons, found the human world fascinating. He loved the vast narratives that only humans could unfold.
He said he wanted to see up close the sight of people who were intoxicated by happiness and then collapsed in despair.
This was also what the Demon Legion Commander Toilat always whispered to Empress Giselle.
He even painstakingly planned the despair of humanity he would feel on the land he would incarnate on.
She thought there was enough time.
So, she also planned an operation called the Fountain of the Sun to bring in Cordelia Mare, the key, as the Crown Princess of the Vervent Empire.
Of course, she crossed the water in vain.
The first plan was to release the seal of the ancient demons, drench the entire continent in blood, and then bring forth a large number of black magicians who would unleash terrifying curses and attacks at the right time.
At that time, the beautiful and kind white magician Crown Princess and the sword master Crown Prince, who everyone loves, set out to save the world.
But what if they found out that the Crown Princess, who was like that, was actually a warlock, not just someone who saved people?
Rather than feeling betrayed and angry, they will be overcome by a fear they've never experienced before, and they will be disheartened. Then, the very ethics and morality that supported each other will collapse.
Moreover, it is even more so when they know that the Crown Prince is also a Sword Master created by the warlock Empress.
This perfect narrative says there is no such thing as 'salvation' for those who have been played by the devil.
Demon Legion Commander Toilat had long awaited this moment. When the chaos and disorder were just right, he would open the gates of liberation he had diligently prepared, intending to manifest his massive body here from hell.
He then brought demons from his legion to kill humans and enjoy the ruined human world filled with screams and pain...
"Giselle."
The voice of the demon corps commander, Toilat, echoed in Empress Giselle's head.
"Don't worry. I'll make sure she has enough despair with another fun story."
"Good."
Empress Giselle slowly closed her eyes, reassuring him, and then slowly opened her mouth again.
"I'll scrap the plan to awaken the ancient monsters for now and wait and see how they react. After all, if I step in myself, they won't be able to touch me."
It wasn't arrogance, it was the truth.
The faces of the high-ranking warlocks brightened as they realized how great a warlock she was.
Empress Giselle's gaze fell on Cordelia, the only one with a dark expression.
“I’d rather catch that little rat that’s been giving me a headache and see its face...”
Empress Giselle gave a slow order with a smile.
"Cordelia. You must immediately capture the little Duke of Barden Argenthoze. I need bait."
“...Yes, I understand. Your Majesty, the Empress.”
Empress Giselle smiled happily as she watched Cordelia's back as she answered in a trembling voice and disappeared, but then suddenly another thought came to her mind.
'That kid might even be able to shake Yvonne Argenthoz. She used to chase him around so much that she was so good.'
She sent additional men north to bring Yvonne alive before her.
Her adopted son, Crown Prince Adrian, is the Sword Master.
Empress Giselle called Adrian before he left and gave him a little brainwashing.
To add to the obsession with Yvonne as a gift.
***
“That’s cool.”
I was honestly impressed.
The Iels Castle, which is said to be as old as the Iels family, was a sturdy castle built for defense, yet it boasted a very beautiful and noble appearance.
It wasn't old at all, and it was old-fashioned and grand, giving it a very imposing feel.
The Iels Castle was quite similar to it.
Of course, that's how it is, since this is where Rudnine was born and raised.
If I were to make this person into an object, it would look exactly like this.
"Thank you."
He who was escorting me responded softly.
It was so obvious that his earlobes were red, perhaps because he was a little embarrassed.
Ahem. Why is that? It's cool.
Anyway, I had imagined that the Iels Castle would be similar to the beautiful white mansion in the Iels Townhouse in the capital city, but it was very different.
And what's even more surprising is that, even at a rough estimate, it was larger than the Imperial Palace.
It is impossible to count how many buildings, including countless towers and windows, make up the Iels Castle.
I, hit, it.
Rudnine's words, which had previously appealed to me about his wealth, suddenly flashed through my mind.
I guess it wasn't a joke.
Well, he even destroyed the expensive Thiels mine without hesitation.
Haha.
The difference between him and me was so palpable. Today, for some reason, I feel quite discouraged...
The situation became more serious as we entered the lobby of the Iels Castle.
Where am I? Who am I?
Looking inside the castle, I felt like I understood why Duke Iels had never visited the capital or the imperial palace.
There was no need to go.
I should keep this to myself, but the Iels family was already practically the kings of this northern land.
I was so amazed by the castle, which was as splendid and beautiful as the Verbent Palace where the royal family resided, that I unconsciously tightened my grip on him.
“Yvonne. Are you cold?”
He asked urgently as he walked through the halls of the Iels Castle lobby, a perfect embodiment of both classical beauty and sophisticated opulence.
“No, Rudd. I’m fine.”
Since it was a question that had been repeated since earlier, I shrugged my shoulders and answered.
Seriously, this guy is really good.
Even though Iels Castle is located in the northern part of the continent, it's still early autumn. The sun feels warm during the day.
But Rudnine kept worrying and wondering what would happen if I got cold the whole time he came here with me.
He was still suggesting to me, for the exact eighty-third time, that I wear a sweater.
I decided to make a strong appeal to Rudnine about my steel physique to reassure him.
"Rudd. Unlike most young ladies, I'm very strong. I don't get cold at all, so don't worry about me."
But he smiled lightly, his eyes showing that he didn't understand at all.
"Yvonne. I don't care if others are cold or not. I'm only worried about your health."
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