Saikyou Mahoushi no Inton Keikaku (LN) - Volume 13 - Chapter 74

Seventy-Fourth Chapter

A Free Pawn

Alus was making his way towards the palace, carrying Lilisha.

Once they made it past the middle district, which spanned the largest area, they could run unnoticed. The problem was that the next region was where the wealthy upper class lived.

Positioned near the lake that surrounded the Tower of Babel, the palace was surrounded by fences for several kilometers, with checkpoints set up at key points. A license code was necessary at each, and anyone without appointment would be turned down and marked for surveillance.

A first-rate Magicmaster was in charge of palace security, and a portion of the security force consisted of reemployed veterans, so it was as strictly guarded as the military headquarters.

The question was how to break through all that.

“So you haven’t thought of anything?” asked Lilisha, scornful. “You did get in touch beforehand, didn’t you?”

Alus wanted nothing more than to ignore her, but the conversation wouldn’t go anywhere if he did.

“I can’t be bothered to go that far. Besides, she’s probably already noticed we’re here. If we try to play by the rules, we’ll just be sent off,” Alus explained, keeping his face forward. But he tapered off at the end. “Actually, is security normally this tight? You’d think there was a terrorist threat or something.”

“There’s no way the ruler’s palace would be unguarded! As a Single Digit, haven’t you guarded it yourself? Where did all that momentum in the beginning go?” asked Lilisha.

“Aside from a few times when she was out of the nation, like for the rulers conference, Lettie was in charge of that. Anyways, it’s going to be a pain to break through by force.”

From a concealed location, Alus and Lilisha were looking at the defensive formations when Loki forcibly stepped between them.

“Whoa?!” exclaimed Lilisha.

“Ms. Lilisha, you can confirm the situation without clinging to Sir Alus like that. And we’d like to avoid fighting in the first place.”

“Won’t that be difficult? Just breaking through is already a crime,” Lilisha muttered as she gave up her position to Loki.

As a matter of fact, members of the general public and those without business weren’t allowed to even so much as approach the palace. Even when using a Circle Port, it was impossible to reach without a special code.

“Well, let’s try walking up like normal,” suggested Alus. “If they refuse us, then I’ll just have to push my way through.”

“Wow, that makes me incredibly uneasy... Even with Ms. Loki’s help, what are you going to do if something happens?” Lilisha wore a wry smile and didn’t sound too displeased about the idea.

But there were beads of sweat on her forehead. Alus, aware that he was pushing her too hard, felt the need to check her burn again.

“I’m taking a look.”

“Huh?!”

Alus moved around behind Lilisha and pulled her shirt up. It was tactless, but even Loki felt the need to take a look. So Lilisha curled up and closed her eyes in embarrassment, waiting for them to finish staring at her exposed back.

“There’s a faint trace of mana,” said Alus.

“It’s a little warm, but it’s not so bad that I can’t move,” said Lilisha.

“So we still don’t know the principles or mechanisms, huh?” answered Alus. “At any rate, we should hurry to remove it.”

Suddenly Loki noticed something. “Ah, so you’re not wearing a bra.”

“What?! Well, I’m wrapped in bandages... You know that. Actually! Both of you lack any tact!” said Lilisha.

“I was just saying. It was simple curiosity.” Loki replied, serious, prompting Lilisha’s cheek to twitch.

Loki paid her no heed and let out a sigh. “Still, why must there be so many women gathering around Sir Alus who must so easily expose themselves.”

“You little—?! Don’t lump me together with those innocent little girls. I’m not going to start screaming over being seen.”

“That’s a problem in its own right, isn’t it? In other words...you’re easy,” said Loki.

“Who are you calling a slut?! I’m the same as others...in that regard,” said Lilisha.

“I know that you’re trying to be subtle,” responded Loki, “but I didn’t need a report on your status. All I am saying is that you need to learn to be bashful.”

“What the hell?!”

Alus spoke coldly to quell the girls’ rapidly heating but pointless argument.

“Let’s hurry. It’s good that you’re full of energy, but we don’t know what effects the brand will have if it’s interfering with your Fundamental Words. It’s best not to drag this out. You got that, Loki?”

With that, the three left their hiding place and walked up to the checkpoint nonchalantly.

Several guards stood on each side of the massive gate. Word spread among the guards as they spotted Alus and the others in the distance. As Alus’s group got closer, more and more began to gather.

Eventually the guard in the front called out to them. “Sorry, but stop right there. You are from the military, aren’t you?”

“That’s right,” said Alus.

“Things are rather dangerous nowadays, so we would like to start by patting you down.”

Three guards walked over and began to check them.

“What’s this?” one asked.

“Hmm? It’s a normal AWR. I’m a Magicmaster, so it’s not a problem,” said Alus.

“That’s not how this works. No weapons are allowed into the palace. On whose orders are you here, and what is your business?”

The pat down was done away from the gate to be cautious. Even if Alus and the others were to make a move, they couldn’t quickly get through the checkpoint. And while the guards were acting unconcerned, they had AWRs at their waists.

“I have business with Lady Cicelnia,” said Alus. “No orders or appointments.”

For a moment, the guards stopped their pat down. The guard checking Alus turned to the others and discreetly shook his head. The others returned with a gesture in kind.

“Where did you come from?” the guard asked.

That’s when Alus realized his slight oversight. The guard was likely talking about a Circle Port, the only official route to the palace. Since Alus had bypassed that, it was only natural they were suspicious.

The guards at the gate were quickly checking the security system for any malfunctions. The man in front of Alus tensely held one hand at his waist and held out the other for the Magicmaster’s license.

“Loki, did you bring yours?”

“Ah, I forgot,” Loki replied, monotone

She was such a hammy actor that Lilisha’s cheeks twitched. It was clear that Alus and Loki had no intentions of going about this peacefully.

With this realization, Lilisha bumped into the man checking her and let out an “Ahhh!” as she dramatically fell.

“Hey, what do you think you’re doing?!” he demanded.

“That’s my line! Just where do you think you’re touching?!” said Lilisha. “What is with that? You’re using this search as an excuse to grope me! You’re the worst! Uhm, ah yes, as a senior secretary to the Governor-General, I will make sure to report this to the proper authorities! Now make way!”

“H-Hold it! What are you...?”

Lilisha acted indignant and began walking towards the checkpoint. Loki caught on and raised her voice as well.

“How shameless! This is an abuse of authority, and I won’t stay quiet about it!” She gave her checkpoint guard a sharp kick and knocked him out.

Alus chopped the back of the neck of his guard and followed Loki and Lilisha. The remaining guard pulled out his AWR and held it up high, trying to launch a flare to signal an emergency, but he was easily stopped.

Loki turned around and held the palm of her hand towards him. The next moment electricity ran through his body. It wasn’t very strong, but he’d be paralyzed for a while.

Seeing all that, the guards at the checkpoint were swift. A group of guards emerged from the guardhouse.

“So, what do we do next?” Lilisha asked

Alus calmly replied, “We’ll just have to break through by force. I’ll hold back enough to just knock them out.”

“Ha. Well, I guess it’s better than overdoing it. Wait a second.” Lilisha stopped Alus from making his move and spoke to the approaching group.

“This is all a misunderstanding! They used the pat down as an excuse to grope us!” she said. “We had no choice but to resist! We would like to make an official complaint at the palace, so please make way!”

“Who do you think will fall for that?” asked the guard.

Lilisha shrugged. “Well, I did give you our excuse—I mean objections. Okay, Alus, you can take it from here. But it will all go to waste if you seriously hurt anyone.”

Alus acknowledged her words, then stepped forward to take the lead. He didn’t actually plan to attack them directly. He just needed to prevent them from getting in the way.

Alus’s steps never wavered as he pushed through the group wielding all sorts of AWRs. He released enough mana to control the entire area and freeze most of the guards in place. They were prey before a predator.

However, these guards were also high-ranking Magicmasters who weren’t about to flinch before any attacker, and a few were able to withstand Alus’s pressure and put up some resistance.

“Don’t hold out too long. I’m wearing myself down holding back this much.” Alus said, giving the few able to move a sharp glare, which made them turn pale and freeze as well.

Despite all of that, there was one last man, likely the captain, who stood before Alus and refused to budge. It was clear he was the strongest person at this checkpoint.

He wielded a sword and wore typical armor. As someone who likely had quite a bit of experience in the Outer World, he could sharply sense Alus’s overwhelming power.

“N-No matter your business, you will not pass without permission,” the captain managed to squeeze out with defiance.

From behind an indifferent Alus, Lilisha applauded in awe of his guts.

“I’m being very compromising with the ruler here. You have no reason to know this, but she started this. I didn’t come here to attack, but depending on your attitude, I might end up having to use magic.”

That meant that a Single Digit would get serious.

But even though he was breaking into a cold sweat, the captain shook his head. “It goes against my duty! Regardless of who you are... Even if you are on the level of a Single Digit Magicmaster!”

Alus narrowed his eyes, impressed. Despite the overwhelming pressure, the guard refused to budge. He was truly exemplary.

However, the situation being what it was, Alus’s eyes turned frosty as he put his hand on his AWR. Just then a woman’s clear voice spoke, breaking the tension. “Mr. Alus, we have been expecting you.”

Alus looked over to find Felinella elegantly walking up behind the guards.

Before he could ask why she was there, he spotted the ruler’s aide, Rinne Kimmel, with her. The situation confused him.

Rinne looked over some of the guards that had collapsed. She put her hand on her forehead in exasperation and said, “You are as reckless as always, Sir Alus. Captain, you can let him pass. We wouldn’t want him to do any more damage. That would only lead to rumors that the palace guard is unmanned.”

“Understood!” said the captain as he saluted, an expression of relief evident on his face for only a moment.

“Thank you for your service.” Alus casually flashed his license as he walked past the captain.

“I knew you had it on you. You really are the worst.” Lilisha exclaimed, but Alus ignored her. Next to them, Loki also showed her license as she passed through the checkpoint.

“It’s just more efficient to go about it this way. When you understand the workings of the military, you know they’ll just call their superiors and you’ll end up stuck for an hour otherwise.”

Lilisha smiled, but she didn’t admire Alus’s actions. It was a cunning that only those who’d lived through a harsh world learned. But while Lilisha didn’t want to take after him, it was a lesson worth learning.

Seeing Lilisha’s expression, Felinella spoke to her. “Oh, Ms. Lilisha. Are you feeling better already?”

As her senior, Felinella asked her out of concern, and Lilisha decided to greet her in kind with a fake smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Socalent. Yes, I’m all better now. Thank you.”

Felinella saw through her, but like the kind senior she was, she stayed calm instead of getting upset. “I’m glad to hear it. I was really worried, you know. I’m the dorm supervisor too, so I paid you a visit once when you were resting.”

“I see.” Lilisha gave a standard response, but she was perplexed by the negative feelings welling up inside her towards her kind senior.

But she didn’t have to think too hard about it. Felinella Socalent. She is a model noble lady through and through, but something feels strange, she thought.

Lilisha had a feeling that she was wrong but still kept her heart closed. But despite her wariness, she held her hand out to give Felinella a handshake, which felt even stranger. It was one thing for her to respond to a person’s handshake, but she never held her own hand out. When she realized what she was doing, Lilisha bitterly began to pull her hand back.

Oh, that was close, she thought. This person is scary in a different way...

Felinella had a maternal quality that had naturally softened Lilisha’s stubborn disposition. As a noble, she would be skilled at maneuvering personal interactions, good and bad. And now her goodwill was directed Lilisha’s way.

Lilisha, who was skilled at observing people’s faces, could sense that Felinella wasn’t simply acting as a model noble lady; she also had an open mind.

“Nice to meet you, Ms. Lilisha.” Felinella wrapped her hands around Lilisha’s hand before she could pull it back.

In the end, they shook hands despite Lilisha’s reluctance, but she turned her face away, as if to escape Felinella’s soft hands and warmth.

“M-Me too...” said Lilisha, awkward, like someone trying to hide her embarrassment.

Seeing the interaction, Alus asked from the side, “What are you doing?”

Lilisha instantly turned red all the way up to her ears and let go of Felinella even though, for some reason, she felt like she wanted to hold her hands forever.

“More importantly, Feli, why are you here?” Alus continued, glancing at Rinne.

“While I was looking into Aferka, I came across a problem and hoped to report to you,” said Felinella.

Before Alus could point out that they could just use the call function in the license for that, Felinella continued, “I judged that it would be best to meet with you directly. So I arranged with Ms. Rinne to wait for you here.”

She smiled in a way Alus couldn’t understand while introducing Rinne. Of course, this wasn’t Alus’s first time meeting Rinne. She’d called him to meet with Cicelnia in the past, and they’d worked together in the Outer World.

Aware of that or not, Felinella gently urged Rinne forward in spite of her seemingly not wanting to get involved.

“You don’t have to say anything, Sir Alus,” said a reluctant Rinne, avoiding meeting Alus’s eyes. Unlike the proper Alpha’s Eye he’d seen before, Alus found this version of Rinne rather awkward and unexpectedly cute.

“It seems I am quite hated,” quipped Alus. “I have no intentions of blaming you for anything, but if I get shunned any harder, I feel like I’ll lose the chance to take a look at those eyes of yours.”

“Then do as you please,” said Rinne. “No matter what you ask, I am just a pawn anyways.”

“Oh, a pawn, are you? So you’re at least aware that you are standing on that woman’s game board,” said Alus.

“That was a slip of the tongue,” Rinne said after a moment, shoulders slumping as she shut her mouth.

Felinella took pity on her and intervened. “Mr. Alus, I understand how you feel, but please don’t bully Ms. Rinne.”

Alus wanted to say something, but Rinne beat him to the punch. “Just so you know, I am the oldest one here.”

Alus completely ignored her statement and continued, “So how do you know Ms. Rinne, Feli?”

“Through some correspondence,” answered Felinella. “It’s not like we’re old acquaintances, but we did become friends recently. She has a lot of hardships, so I can sympathize with her.”

“So an older lady working at the palace complains to a younger student. What was that about being the oldest again?”

“Sir Alus, a man shouldn’t be finding faults in a discussion between women. Besides, I only spoke a little with little Felinella on our way here,” responded Rinne.

“Please, I told you to stop adding ‘little’ to my name.”

Felinella and Rinne seemed to have formed an almost instant bond, and their voices bounced off one another in harmony like they were two schoolgirls.

Alus had never seen anyone talk to Felinella like that. It was almost as refreshing as it was unexpected. Noticing his stare, she looked a little bashful.

It was Loki, feeling left out, who decided to wash away the peaceful mood by bringing up a more important topic. “Ms. Rinne, will we be able to meet with the ruler after this?”

That was enough to bring everyone back to reality.

Typically, as a fellow spotter, Loki would show more respect for the ranked No. 2 spotter.

Rinne greeted Loki and waited for her to return the greeting before speaking. “Indeed. Lady Cicelnia has already given an order to let Sir Alus through to the palace.”

“I bet,” Alus quickly responded.

Alus has already known it to be true, and the reason Rinne was there. Alus knew it was impossible to hide from her Eye of Providence, and he noticed they hadn’t encountered anyone else after leaving the checkpoint.

The palace was the center of politics in Alpha, and it never slept. It was unreal for surveillance around the palace to be so lax.

“But, Ms. Rinne, you get it, don’t you?” asked Alus. “I’ve been pretty lenient with her horseplay, but this time she crossed the line. What happens next depends on Cicelnia’s answer...”

“Of course. But I believe speaking directly with Lady Cicelnia will help you understand.” Rinne cast her eyes down and solemnly conveyed some hopeful words.

“I wouldn’t be so sure. Like I said before, I’d rather not have a falling out with you.”

“That goes both ways, Sir Alus. It is rare for somebody to have a scholarly interest in my magic eyes. Not to mention all the contributions you have made as a researcher. So I’d like to ask you to be gentle,” Rinne said and deeply bowed to Alus.

After a long pause, she raised her head, wearing the perfect neutral expression of a ruler’s aide. Alus struggled to read anything from the complicated smile.

“Well anyways, I only have one matter of business. I’m sure you’ll understand too, Ms. Rinne.” Alus pointed his gaze to Lilisha, who simply gave Rinne a soft stare of her own and nodded.

“Then please go ahead,” Rinne said, opening a grand set of doors they had just reached.

The throne room was ahead, majestic and luxurious but also draped in seriousness. It was the room used for conferring peerage and awards. Thick columns lined the room, and a crimson carpet gave the floor color. The decor was old-fashioned, but the room was a practical culmination of dignity.

“Welcome, Alus.” Sitting on the throne was Cicelnia, as beautiful as ever, welcoming him with a dubious smile.

People called her a living goddess and a messenger from the heavens because she was as beautiful as can be. Her smooth black hair flowed down past her shoulders with a lustrous, mirrorlike sheen.

Facing that beauty, Lilisha lowered her head and got on her knee. Felinella did the same.

Keeping your head low when facing the ruler was a remnant of the past, when no one could look at the imperial visage without permission. Today, it was more of a formal ritual.

“What? Do you want me to tell you to raise your heads?” Cicelnia, known to be a friendly ruler, was fed up with that old tradition. She sighed and looked over to Rinne.

Seeing the aide nod, she resigned herself.

“Yes, yes. Please raise your heads,” she said. “This is some really outdated etiquette. Now then... Felinella Socalent, a visit from the Socalent family is both rare and unexpected.”

“I am honored to be granted an audience with Your Highness.” Felinella’s clear and dignified voice reverberated in the room. She gave a perfect noble response, completely calm and courteous without betraying any emotion.

“Oh, you’re pretty enough to make me a little jealous. If I recall, you are a student in the Second Magical Institute, just like Alus.”

Sensing from Cicelnia’s light confrontational phrasing that some warm-up political dealings had begun, Felinella cast her eyes down. “Yes, it is a privilege to be close to Mr. Alus. At times we share the same lunch table.”

The corners of Cicelnia’s eyes twitched at the topic.

“However, isn’t that a little imprudent for a noble daughter, especially the daughter of the renowned Lord Socalent?” asked Cicelnia, using her preferred form of address for Felinella’s father.

Cicelnia continued, “Your family makes up one of this nation’s pillars. The daughter of that family getting closer than necessary to the greatest Magicmaster in the nation will lead to unwanted speculation from others.”

Cicelnia was implicitly telling Felinella not to stir up noble society for no reason. But the same advice could be given to Tesfia, who was part of the Fable family, another of the three great noble families

Cicelnia’s words seemed to be based on personal feelings rather than well-meaning advice. Alus heard the verbal sparring and sensed a quarrel forming over something trivial, but he was unable to determine what exactly it was about.

Meanwhile, Felinella fired back without faltering.

“With all due respect, we are a family established in my father’s generation, a lowly upstart if you will. As such, my father has repeatedly told me that if my words are deemed unworthy of noble society or if my position creates unnecessary conflicts or restrictions, he will humbly give up his position.”

Vizaist was willing to quit being a noble if it interfered with his daughter’s future, and he wasn’t bluffing. Alus had heard something similar from Vizaist directly. He only maintained his position because Felinella would someday join the military as a Magicmaster.

He was a doting parent if ever there was one.

“Ha ha, your courage to say that before the ruler is commendable,” said Cicelnia. “It’s normally not something to be praised, but there is nobody here who would call it insolent. However, Lord Socalent is vital to the military and must at least have a noble title. I understand your resolve, but you would do best to consider if it’s really wise to simply follow your own wishes.”

The atmosphere changed as Cicelnia finished speaking. She stared down at Felinella with a sharp gleam in her eyes.

Felinella raised her head, undaunted. “I see no reason to even entertain the thought. Just being in this place with Mr. Alus is the greatest statement of my determination.”

It was as if Felinella and the entire Socalent family were stating they would stand by Alus’s side throughout this entire series of events.

Despite Felinella’s bold statement, Cicelnia’s face was expressionless.

Then Cicelnia narrowed her eyes, looked down at Felinella, and icily said, “Learn your place. You go too far.”

She rested her elbow on the throne’s armrest and planted her cheek in her hand, staring at Felinella. After a moment, she exhaled loudly and made a show of changing position to lean into her throne.

“You say outrageous things despite your cute face. Good grief, a certain unsociable person sure is sinful,” Cicelnia said, hiding her face behind a folding fan.

In their little war of words, one thing had become clear to Cicelnia. Unfortunately, not only did Felinella Socalent have nerves of steel, she was also a “maiden,” who was no doubt standing with Alus. She was an unnecessary pawn in Cicelnia’s plans. And her personal feelings for Alus had the potential to be a problem.

Through the gaps of her folding fan, Cicelnia looked behind Alus as well. Standing there was the girl with silver hair, Loki Leevahl.

Cicelnia had information on Loki, so she didn’t see her as much of a problem, but based on her behavior during the brief war of words, she was yet another “maiden.”

Good grief... This goes beyond just sinful. It’s a mortal sin I say. Cicelnia thought, looking back to Alus himself.

He showed a different reaction.

He seems oblivious as always, thought Cicelnia. This isn’t just some lighthearted story about a popular lady-killer.

Still, Felinella’s stubbornness weighed on her mind. For Cicelnia, who also was also obsessed with Alus, or rather his power, this was the only variable she couldn’t account for.

Cicelnia noticed one more girl who had come and pulled herself together. When she looked at Lilisha, the edges of her lips curled up a little. It hadn’t all been miscalculations.

There is a lot to consider, but the bigger the gamble, the greater the fun, thought Cicelnia. And leaving them for last will be the best. Well, first will be Felinella Socalent. I suppose I should give this cute little student a good patting.

The Seven Nations Friendly Magical Tournament had proven that Felinella was one of the strongest students in the Institute. And while she was the daughter of the Socalent family, it wouldn’t be very fun if the ruler simply had the upper hand in a war of words because of political dealings.

A maiden’s feelings were on the line.

But Felinella was straightforward and open about her feelings. She wasn’t embarrassed to put them into words either, wielding them like a weapon at Cicelnia.

Felinella only wanted to stay near Alus’s side so that she could one day be helpful... Regardless of what lay behind that desire, Cicelnia didn’t intend to step on to the same playing field.

Well, it’s not like I have the qualities of a “maiden” in the first place. Still, it is exciting to experience something new, thought the ruler. I don’t know what this girl thinks my feelings are, but she took the initiative to put me in check. 

Cicelnia knew that seeing everything as a game was a bad habit of hers, but she couldn’t help but find the unexpected reaction fun. Shaking her head, she fought the desire to play with the girl’s genuine feelings for her own leisure.

That would be despicable, and Cicelnia found herself taking a liking to the girl before her.

“Well, no matter. But back to the topic of dining with Alus in full view of everyone,” Cicelnia said and left a meaningful pause.

Felinella made full use of the opening. “Oh, there is nothing strange about it. After all, whether Mr. Alus likes it or not, he tends to stand out quite a lot. I am merely concerned as somebody who understands his circumstances and as a senior at the Institute. Or do I perhaps need the ruler’s permission even for that...?”

Cicelnia didn’t overlook Felinella’s sharp phrasing. “Yes, that’s right. It is necessary.”

For a moment, Felinella said nothing. She couldn’t believe the ruler had said that with a straight face—and with Alus present. He notoriously hated being controlled or restrained.

Cicelnia had said what she had despite that. Even if she expected him to balk at needing her permission, she had things she wouldn’t compromise on.

However, Cicelnia just smiled, enjoying Felinella’s reaction.

“Oh don’t think too hard about it,” she said. “It was only a joke. Alus is an individual before he is the nation’s Single Digit Magicmaster. I wouldn’t be so unreasonable. And he always does such a good job, despite me pushing him to do the impossible... I fear he might secretly hate me.” With a sorrowful smile, Cicelnia gently continued. “Ah, this is all just me talking to myself, so don’t mind me, please.”

At this point, Felinella began to consider quitting. She did not enjoy chaos, but as a noble and an honor student, she couldn’t completely disregard Cicelnia’s will.

Cicelnia said that her permission was needed to even dine with Alus. She’d soon say it was a joke, but it gave Felinella a glimpse into the ruler’s mind.

And that glimpse showed signs of the immensely beautiful ruler caring for Alus. While Felinella had no intentions of bending when it came to her feelings, as a noble under the ruler, she knew that acting stubborn and inflexible weren’t options.

Felinella finally accepted a cease-fire of sorts with a new understanding of how deception powered the military and the nation’s central government. She couldn’t help but feel a lack of power.

“I understand what you are saying,” Felinella said after a moment. “Please don’t worry about it. Mr. Alus is not that mean.”

Her words were pure lip service, but she did her best to sound as respectful as possible. She always made every effort to act like a proper lady in front of Alus.

The situation was settled for the moment, but the only one who had gotten a read on the seemingly casual conversation between the two was Rinne. Alus and Loki had only caught half the nuance, and Lilisha had been breaking into a cold sweat from the beginning.

Aferka had once been under the direct control of the previous ruler and, therefore, more affected by their influence. So Lilisha was hypersensitive to the intentions of the ruler. As she watched the conversation, Lilisha had shrunk back in fear, wanting to prostrate herself before the ruler and apologize for her acquaintance’s rudeness.

Completely opposite of her, Alus took a step forwards towards Cicelnia without a care. While he didn’t understand what was going on beneath the surface of their exchange of words, he did know that it had come to a pause.

Alus was forceful. “You know what I’m here for.”

“What a greeting, Alus. How long has it been since you came to the palace of your own volition? As I recall, you haven’t even attended any awards ceremonies...so it has been quite a while now,” Cicelnia said, trying to look distant.

Alus wasn’t going to let her play with him. He continued in a cold tone, “I don’t have the time to waste on pointless conversation.”

There was probably nobody who could beat Cicelnia at the art of manipulative communication, with and without words. Alus considered it a preemptive action to prevent her from seizing the initiative.

“Do you really think you can feign ignorance after getting me involved like this?” he said. “Don’t look down on me.”

“Wow... Don’t you think you are being a little too harsh?” responded Cicelnia. “It’s not like I wanted to anger you. I have my own circumstances to consider, and you would just refuse if I asked for your cooperation anyways.”

“Of course I would. You even went ahead and used Berwick for it.”

“Oh, you’ve got it all figured out already. I suppose I should apologize, then. I’m sorry, Alus.” Cicelnia lowered her head but stayed seated. The insincere gesture was only a formality, and she didn’t even feign to look guilty.

“I’m glad you can understand what’s on my mind. You think that’s enough to make me feel relieved?” Alus asked.

Cicelnia shrugged. “Oh, is it not enough? Don’t be so glum about it...okay, Alus? Oh, I suppose it can’t be helped. Would you like to hear the details of my plan?”

“Yeah, I want no more part of it,” said Alus. “But it’d be a pain if you just continued to sidestep the details, so I’ll get straight to the point and ask what I want to know.”

“I already know what you’re after, so let me just give you the answer. It’s about Ms. Lilisha isn’t it?” Cicelnia’s lips curled up into a smile and she snapped her fingers, signaling a new person to enter the room.

The sound of a cane tapping against the floor rang out as an elderly woman in old-fashioned garments stepped in.

“Ms. Miltria?!” Lilisha croaked, eyes wide, when she first spotted the woman. But her surprise soon softened into nostalgia.

Alus wasn’t particularly surprised as he repeated the name in his mind. Miltria... Miltria Tristen?

He quickly pulled up in his mind what he knew about a person who seemed to fit the description. If he recalled correctly, her name had appeared on a list of important magic researchers. She had put forward the theories of group unification and parallelization of formulas.

Alus vigilantly stared at the elderly woman who was gently smiling at Lilisha.

“I have caused you trouble, Lilisha,” the woman said.

“No... Th-This is all because of my own failings!” Lilisha answered. “I was a terrible disciple, and now I have been chased out of the family. And because you covered for me, your position and status...”

“It is nothing for you to concern yourself with. It was time for these weary old bones to retire. And I didn’t see eye to eye with the current leader.”

From their exchange, Alus understood what kind of relationship the girl and the old woman shared, but he couldn’t help but feel wary about her sudden appearance.

Meanwhile, Cicelnia held her upturned palm out for introductions.

“Ms. Miltria here is a great pioneer who I brought over with special treatment. She is the former Witch and currently Aferka’s adviser. In the past she was their commander-in-chief.”

“Ha ha ha, I am nothing but an old hag now. And calling me ‘commander’ is a bit misleading,” said Miltria. “In the past Aferka was run by two people. Back then there was so much work to be done...”

Miltria looked like she was about to begin reminiscing about old times, and Cicelnia gave her a reminder. “No long stories please.”

After nodding, Miltria stared at Alus. “So you must be Alus. You look pretty dashing. I can see why Lilisha has taken a liking to you.”

“Huh?! I-I don’t really...” Lilisha exclaimed in surprise.

With a gentle smile, Miltria shook her head at the girl. “Lilisha, you may not be an official disciple, but this hag hasn’t gone so senile that she can’t see through your heart. I can see through your situation too. It’s not like rumors within Aferka wouldn’t reach me as the adviser.”

“O-Oh...” Lilisha quietly muttered in response.

Miltria turned back to Alus. “Hmm, Alus is it? From what I hear, you are attending Sisty’s Institute. To think Sisty is in the position to teach the young. Time goes by so fast lately. Just the other day she stopped by to visit me... Speaking of, I suppose Sisty would be Lilisha’s fellow disciple.”

Alus only narrowed his eyes at the revelation. It was at this moment he became convinced that this elderly woman was Sisty’s source of information. No wonder Sisty found out about Lilisha’s movements as an assassin of Aferka.

Lilisha was also surprised. “The principal is your...?”

“Yes. That is why she inherited the alias of Witch,” explained Miltria. “Like the ruler said, that was my title in the past. Well, she is a cute little apprentice in her own right. You are less suited for using magic, so you were trained differently, Lilisha.”

“I-I see...”

“It is important to look at a person’s aptitudes when teaching,” continued Miltria. “But that aside, I caused you a lot of trouble too, Alus, so I am sorry. And I thank you for saving this child.”

“If you’re talking about what happened at the Fable estate, it’s just the natural course of events. Not to mention that your disciple, the principal, completely took me for a ride. Although it was partially by choice,” said Alus.

“Ha ha ha, is that so? Then it seems that you saved Sisty as well in a way. Which would mean that my two disciples owe you a debt of gratitude. Lilisha is like a granddaughter to me... She just happens to be unfortunate in a lot of ways.”

Even though she had only been a temporary mentor to Lilisha, Miltria had treated the girl like her granddaughter and held complex feelings about the situation.

“There’s no need to thank me. It was just the natural outcome,” said Alus. “Is that enough? Because I’d like to continue. Since you’re the former top of Aferka, this’ll be quick. You know more about the curse mark than we do, don’t you? So why don’t we start by having you look over the state that your favorite disciple is in.”

Miltria nodded, serious. Cicelnia probably hadn’t invited Miltria to treat Lilisha, but it seemed like Alus’s guess was correct. Only a brief explanation was necessary before Alus signaled Lilisha to come to the chair in front of Miltria. Lilisha faced the backrest and sat down.

Miltria had a rough idea of Lilisha’s state just from looking at her, but she reached out and touched Lilisha’s outer garment with her wrinkled hands.

Alus wondered what diagnosis she would give. As the former head of Aferka, it was possible that Miltria might know how to remove the curse mark entirely. As he watched with interest, Lilisha glared at him.

“Hey! If you keep looking, you’re going to see everything,” she said, pointing her finger in another direction, hoping he would turn away.

“If you like I can cover my eyes,” said Alus.

“Not enough!” she shouted.

If he disobeyed any further, Alus was likely to make an enemy of every woman present. He turned right and looked at the silver-haired girl.

He couldn’t tell what exactly Loki’s silence meant, but he felt a pang of guilt when she openly sighed. She probably wanted him to tell him to be more sensible, and he had a feeling a lecture on a woman’s heart was waiting for him later.

“Hmm, so this is a curse mark? It’s not a form of magic, is it?”

At Cicelnia’s words, Alus started to turn towards her, but Loki forcibly held his head still. So Alus answered her without looking.

“I thought you of all people would know. It’s the brand of an outcast that Aferka placed on Lilisha.”

There was a gasp as his words. Cicelnia had been avoiding thinking about what had happened to Lilisha, and this was the first she’d heard about the curse mark. Cicelnia may have had a sheltered upbringing, but she wasn’t the kind to be shaken by just anything. This mark was so bad she flinched.

“I knew about it, but I didn’t expect it would be this bad,” Miltria muttered.

“Do you get it now, Cicelnia?” asked Alus. “We’re here to remove Lilisha’s curse mark. Since Aferka used to work for the ruler, I figured you would know something about it.”

Cicelnia slowly answered, “I don’t. Obviously I never received anything about Aferka from my predecessor. I’ve never given them any direct orders.”

Cicelnia became the ruler at a young age when her father, the previous ruler, passed away due to illness. “But I understand why you’d think I’d know. Miltria, what about you?”

“Hmm, if the curse mark has spread this much, you must have really rejected it,” said the Witch.

Lilisha said nothing. She hung her head and tried to hold back tears.

She had always striven to be a member of Aferka, but at the very end she had rejected it. And that very rejection had caused the brand to spread across her whole back. She felt like her inner self had been exposed, but she also gained a deeper understanding of herself.

She had killed so that her brother would acknowledge her, with no regard for her own will. But that will surely remained. If not, she would have died at the Fable estate as her brother had commanded, and it wouldn’t have been a shock to learn the truth.

So in the end, it wasn’t that she couldn’t live up to expectations but rather that she wasn’t able to become a true member of Aferka.

However, now she was no longer so weak that all she could do was tremble. Lilisha looked up at her mentor and in a loud voice she spoke. “Yes.”

Miltria looked at Lilisha like she would a grandchild. “I see, I see. You did your best. So leave the rest to me.”

According to Miltria, the strength of the curse mark was influenced by the branded person’s mental state. When Lilisha had first received the mark, her mental state had been very fragile due to her dependency. As a result, the curse mark had become powerful and affected her both physically and mentally.

Miltria summarized Lilisha’s situation for Alus and the others.

“Since the curse mark has spread out this much, it will be impossible for her to use magic. And she will be unable to reveal anything about Aferka’s internal workings. Lilisha, refrain from doing anything careless until it is removed. If you aren’t careful, this will become even worse. It could even spell the end of your life as a Magicmaster.”

Alus asked her a question. “The curse mark shouldn’t be a darkness spell. Can it really do that much?”

“Yes,” said Miltria. “Aferka has an initiation ritual nowadays. They drop their blood on a magical tool and make an oath. The prospective recruits then drive in a wedge that will interfere with their basic magical structure. Because of that, they can be prevented from ever using magic or releasing mana ever again. It was actually worse when I was there. Anyone leaving Aferka for any reason was immediately branded a traitor. Instead of being given a curse mark, they were put on the purge list and would be hunted down for the rest of their lives.”

The old woman called it the fate of assassins, an ironclad rule for those who lived in the shadows in order to maintain order. Without a chain to bind those who kill, the organization could never survive.

“I see,” said Alus. “Actually, before Lilisha ever did, a man named Vector attacked Selva. Although rather than being an order from the organization, it appeared to be personal emotions that drove him. He was a former member of Aferka.”

“Vector. He was quite devoted to Selva in the past. Either way, I doubt he still lives. How unfortunate he was.” Miltria, suddenly nostalgic, narrowed her eyes as if thinking of examples to share.

Before she could do so, Cicelnia intervened. “I believe you should save that for later. It is true that I chose not to do anything about it even though to some degree I understood the risks that Ms. Lilisha would take.”

“So you admit it,” said Alus.

“Yes, but I swear that I did not know about the curse mark. I don’t believe an apology will be enough to make up for it, but I will do what I can,” said Cicelnia. “For starters...”

Lilisha put her outer garment back on and waited for Cicelnia’s next words.

“There is one conjecture I can make. And that is that the person who applied the mark should be able to remove it.”

Alus had thought as much. He nodded, waiting for her to continue.

“Another is that if a magical tool was used in conjunction with the curse mark, then another magical tool is most likely needed to remove it. The palace’s treasure vault has an area with items left behind by my predecessor, who had a deeper relationship to Aferka. There might be a tool there that could be the key.”

If there were sets of tools to place and remove curses, the ruler may have given Aferka the half of the set to create a curse, but he very likely would have held on to the part of the set that removed it.

“Is there really a guarantee that it’s a magical tool?” asked Alus. “It’s entirely possible that it could use a magical system to remove it.”

“Like I said, this is just conjecture,” said Cicelnia.

Alus doubted Cicelnia, but Miltria agreed with her.

“From what I have seen, it’s very likely. The previous ruler didn’t trust Aferka that much because he knew its origins. Ultimately he shunned their power and reached out to purge them. It is very possible that he left behind a form of insurance just in case.”

“Got it. So is there anything I can do to help?” Alus asked.

Cicelnia shook her head. “That’s admirable of you, but unfortunately, only the ruler and their aide are allowed in the treasure vault. Sorry, but you are going to have to wait. I will have all of my subordinates search for it.”

“I see. I thank you.”

Cicelnia’s eyes showed her surprise, but she said nothing. After a mere moment, her charming smile returned, but her gaze on Alus seemed unusually frail.

“I never expected to hear those words from you. You must be pretty angry. I anticipated that you would be. Of course, I learned from our last encounter and have stopped thinking of you as my belonging, but you are Alpha’s greatest blade and power. So you will always be needed no matter what.”

She spoke without a fragment of compassion, bluntly stating the facts. “Alus, I am serious too, seriously thinking about this nation.”

Cicelnia was finally facing Alus with her true feelings and shedding all pretense. Rather than pandering to the Magicmaster before her, Cicelnia opened her heart and chose to say how she truly felt.

Alus sensed this and focused his eyes on her. He wasn’t going to overlook a single word or the slightest movement.

As if to test her sincerity, Alus asked a piercing question. “Serious? What is? Pulling the strings behind the scenes like it’s a game? If you arbitrarily put people on your game board and fret about how many pieces you have and whether you’re winning or losing for fun, you’re crazy.”

“You’re going to question people’s sanity? Am I the crazy one, or is it the world? If you ask me, it’s both,” said Cicelnia. “What’s so wrong with controlling the country like it’s a game? That’s a ruler’s privilege. What am I even supposed to see in this tiny little space? What am I supposed to find in the ways of truth and sincerity? I’m crazy...? That is a pretty normal thing for you to say.”

The words sounded emotional, but her voice was calm. She had already reached a conclusion in her mind. Her words might be strange, but they were obviously sincere. That was no doubt that they were how she truly felt.

Alus could understand her; he was also shouldering a heavy duty and obligation. And to deal with it, he had distanced himself from the world of Magicmasters, which had put the responsibility on someone else. But she was the ruler.

He may have been the greatest Magicmaster, but he was still an individual. The ruler existed for the nation, meaning she had to give up the ways of a person and function as a political machine.

“I don’t know if I’d call it normal, but I see you’ve finally dropped the pretenses. In that case, I’ll follow your lead. So let me ask: how many pawns are there on this board? And what’s the outlook for the future?”

“I’d like to say that I don’t know or care—and it’s not like I’m omnipotent and able to predict the future—but since you’ve saved that girl, I will use my authority as a ruler as well. This is because it’s you, Alus.”

“That’s excessive praise. Are you planning on leaving everything up to me?” he asked.

“No, I’m just doing this because I want to. It’s not like I’m telling you to obey, but could you please turn that hostility away from me? It’s because I’m not all-powerful that I’m serious about this, using my own means to strategize in what you call a game.”

After that speech, Alus couldn’t blame her. Or perhaps she had set it up so that nobody could. Methods aside, she did what she did for the sake of her nation.

Lilisha had been caught up in those plans, but it might serve as a chance for her to break free from Aferka. The curse mark was unexpected, and while Cicelnia seemed indifferent, it was possible she had thought that far ahead.

“For the time being, I will assign a healing court Magicmaster to Ms. Lilisha. In addition to searching the treasure vault, there might be some more information that can be learned that will help in removing the curse mark, so I want you to rest in the palace for today.”

“O-Okay! I cannot thank you enough for this kindness,” said Lilisha.

“Don’t worry about it,” said Cicelnia. “Like I said before, I hold part of the responsibility for your situation. Just as Alus has, I’ve chosen to help you of my own will.”

After a deep bow, Lilisha left the room with Rinne and Miltria.

When she passed by Alus, she whispered to him, “Thank you, Alus.”

Alus gave her a warning instead of a reply. “Nothing’s been solved yet, so don’t let your guard down.”

He’d judged that Cicelnia was telling the truth, but that didn’t mean he would take everything she said at face value. Cicelnia was torn between being a ruler and an individual. He knew she wasn’t someone so easily touched, so they needed to be prepared for possible disaster.

“Alus. I will do what I can to help, but contacting Aferka is a surer way. Searching the treasure vault could find something, but it’s still only a possibility. The person who branded her would definitely know how to remove it,” Cicelnia suggested, like she was making pleasantries.

“I would have done that if I could,” said Alus. “Even if I knew where their leader was, I doubt they’d peacefully allow me to see him. Or maybe you’ll introduce me? Actually, how much do you really know?”

“Could you stop being so blunt and show more reverence?!”

Cicelnia furrowed her brows, but Alus wasn’t bothered in the least.

“If you want more respect, show the appropriate amount of sincerity. Once everything’s in place, then I might consider it.”

“Is that so?” Cicelnia asked. “I’m getting pretty tired myself. I never expected Sisty to interfere this much, but that’s Miltria’s fault too.”

“I don’t care. Besides, you invited her, didn’t you? If someone who’s supposed to follow you moved on their own, isn’t that because you lack the virtue?” asked Alus.

“But that’s because I’m still too young as a ruler. I don’t have experience. I’m not important enough to push someone of Miltria’s caliber around,” said Cicelnia. “It’s the same with Aferka. The handover was incomplete to begin with, and I never made any proper contacts, so they probably won’t listen to me at all. My point is that, unlike Lilisha, they’re not an organization that venerates the authority of the ruler anymore. Say, Alus, why don’t you help me?”

It was hard to tell if she was being serious or playful right now, but he could tell that she wasn’t truly enjoying this game from the bottom of her heart.

“There’s no time. I said before that I was serious. That’s the truth,” Cicelnia continued.

“That’s not enough to trust you,” Alus answered. “Besides, even when asking for help, you don’t plan to reveal everything, do you?”

Cicelnia’s reply was a tight smile. He held back the urge to click his tongue. He knew it was actually unusual for a person in a position of authority to openly talk about their thoughts.

Even if it made their subordinates uncomfortable, being uncompromising when necessary was the quality of a top official. And Cicelnia’s forte was her ability to talk and have political dealings without revealing her true intentions.

“I don’t mind if it’s temporary, but just once could we join hands?” Cicelnia whispered, her face in shadow.

She was afraid of Alus’s rejection and hesitated to offer her hand.

Alus looked for grounds to base his decision on. He glanced at Loki and Felinella, who were still in the room.

Felinella remained silent, keeping her opinion to herself. That was one of her virtues.

Loki furrowed her brow, looking a little bewildered. She was afraid that Alus would just be used as a pawn again, but her stare told Alus that she would respect his decision.

Alus made his decision.

Right now he was in the Institute.

At first he thought that he’d been forced in there, but not anymore. With the passage of time and a variety of experiences, he’d reached this place through the accumulation of decisions.

He had changed.

But it didn’t feel all that bad. Even if the path he had taken looked like the long way around, it wasn’t a bad one. So surely this would be the same.

It’s fine. Alus thought, like he was reassuring both Loki and himself.

He’d come this far to save Lilisha, so he intended to see it through to the end. This prepared him to take some risks, even if it meant joining hands with the Lord of Pandemonium.

“Phew, I feel far more at ease with Berwick’s requests,” said Alus after a pause. “Cicelnia, how many times have I moved for your sake? If I remember correctly, I wanted to be done with it. But this time it’s in return for helping remove Lilisha’s curse mark.”

Alus slowly walked forwards. Cicelnia nodded slightly and held her hand out. Alus lifted her slender white hand and held it in his palm.

“Yes, that is enough for me. I only wish this was at an official event,” the ruler said.

“Don’t be too greedy. You’ve started to understand how things work too, right? If you’d just stood with your head held high, demanding my cooperation in exchange for saving Lilisha, I would have refused immediately,” Alus said bluntly.

Rather than getting angry, Cicelnia just smiled. “I am glad to hear it. I almost slipped and said exactly that. Then we have an agreement, and I will borrow the strength of the rank 1 Magicmaster.”

“But don’t overestimate me. It’s not like I’m omnipotent.”

The two casually exchanged words with faint smiles.

“Feel free dismiss what I am about to say as idle nonsense, Alus...” Cicelnia suddenly began. “If pawns only ever moved as preordained, the world would be a little worse of a place. True potential is always outside of the norm. Perhaps that is the meaning of hope. Once this is all over...convince me that this was for the best.”

After those profound words, Cicelnia fell silent.

With that, Alus and the others were taken to extravagant guest rooms to spend the night.

◇◇◇

Under the curtain of night, when everything was completely dark and the people had finished their dinner and were about to go to sleep, Cicelnia returned alone to the throne room and sat down on her cold throne. Tilting a glass of wine to her lips, she gazed out at the tranquil world, her expression somber.

“Everything is fine when I can be engrossed and move the pawns without a care, but why am I brought back to reality when the game doesn’t go as planned,” Cicelnia muttered to herself, drinking the contents of her glass in a single gulp. She reached out for the wine bottle on the nearby table to pour another glass.

“But even that is within expectations, isn’t it?” said Rinne, who seemed to have been waiting by the side. She slowly stood up and retrieved the empty wine bottle.

“Oh, but this is just my first drink,” said Cicelnia.

“Or so you say completely shamelessly,” said Rinne. “Normally you never drink.”

“I suppose. But that Felinella...she noticed my intentions.”

“I’m sure she did,” agreed Rinne. “But she still didn’t say anything. She has a clever side to her—like you, Lady Cicelnia.”

“Indeed. That is Lord Socalent’s daughter for you,” said Cicelnia.

“You don’t call him Lord Vizaist, do you?” asked Rinne.

“Titles should go with family names. He appears to be going by that name, but that is only in the Magicmaster world.” The ice in Cicelnia’s glass clinked, and she nodded to Rinne. “Things are hard for both of us.”

“In my case, it’s because you work me so hard, Lady Cicelnia. But it’s not like I wasn’t prepared for it the moment I decided to work for you.”

Cicelnia quietly took a sip of her wine, then handed the rest to Rinne so as to not get too drunk. Rinne wasn’t particularly tolerant herself, but she decided to gulp it down.

Cicelnia was still young, a fact that even Rinne sometimes forgot. Because of her unique position and superior intelligence, she was always forced to think and plan far in advance. Fortunately for all, she had only used her brain to make the nation more prosperous. But anyone who saw her frail body could see that the weight might be too heavy for her to bear.

“Wouldn’t it have been fine to tell Sir Alus everything?” asked Rinne,

Rinne believed that despite Alus’s disrespectful attitude, he seemed like he could be discreet when necessary. Otherwise, he wouldn’t even be there.

Of course, Cicelnia probably expected that and knew deep down that she could entrust everything with Alus. But she was scared. She had always ruled in isolation.

Rinne saw that Alus was the only one who could get close to the young ruler. And while she was starting to acknowledge that, she wasn’t ready to trust him with all of her heart.

Rinne saw both of them as very similar: they were both perverse.

Well, it is Sir Alus after all, she thought.

Even so, Rinne never wavered in her decision to follow this ruler for the rest of her life. She just wanted to stay by her side and protect her. But she wasn’t arrogant enough to think that she could help heal her ruler’s loneliness.

Rinne understood that she couldn’t support Cicelnia all by herself, and she knew Alus could fill the role that she couldn’t. She couldn’t help but cling to the nonsense idea of Alus becoming the ruler’s personal bodyguard.

With this thought, Rinne suddenly called out to the ruler, tense. “Lady Cicelnia...”

Cicelnia saw Rinne’s serious expression. “I thought it was about time. I’m glad it happened before I caught a cold.”

“I hope that there is not a repeat of that time Sir Alus intimidated you,” said Rinne.

“What a fun joke. Rinne, as planned, you leave too.”

“Are you telling me that, knowing that I won’t obey?” Rinne asked with a smile, indicating she would stay.

They had discussed Rinne leaving before but decided it was dangerous. Plus, she had no intention of leaving the ruler behind.

Rinne put a hand over an eye and glimpsed countless views. Her special ability, the Eye of Providence, let her watch over the palace grounds and inside the palace.

Suddenly a shadow appeared, where moments ago only Rinne and Cicelnia had been.

After a pause, the figure spoke with a low voice that was distinctly male but also calm and pleasing to the ear.

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Princess Cicelnia il Arlzeit.” He gave a plain greeting, but there seemed to be some sarcasm behind the use of the title “princess.”

While Alpha used a different naming system than other nations, if using such titles, it would make more sense to call Cicelnia “queen” rather than “princess,” even if she hadn’t yet been crowned.

His words, given with a faint smile, indicated his refusal to recognize Cicelnia’s authority. But Cicelnia brushed it aside.

“If that is supposed to be sarcasm,” she said, “it lacks an edge, second son of the Frusevans—no, I suppose you have become the rightful heir now, Rayleigh.”

The long-haired, blond man wordlessly took a step forward, displaying his androgynous features in the moonlight that filtered in from a window. At the same moment, several black-clad figures appeared in the darkness behind him.

“Know that you stand before the ruler!!!” Rinne shouted in a thunderous voice, but the black-clad figures responded by throwing knives with black blades.

It was dark, but Rinne was able to swat them all down with a swing of her arm thanks to her magic eyes.

She covered her arm in a sharp mana blade. There was quite a bit of magical backlash to her if someone sensed her sight from afar, but it wasn’t much of an obstacle when they were close.

“Insolent curs! I will protect the ruler with my life!” she exclaimed.

“No, you have already fallen into our trap. How simple,” Rayleigh whispered.

At that moment, the knives that had fallen to the floor began emitting an ominous glow.

“‹‹Veibind››” The figures who had thrown the knives said together in strangely coarse voices.

Four mana ropes shot out and bound Rinne’s arms. They wrapped around her body and tightened like a snake.

The more she struggled, the tighter the ropes became. Eventually, she was struggling to breathe and fell to the floor. Rinne realized that the knives she had swatted down all had a single magic formula engraved on them.

They had thrown the knives to make it look like an ambush, but that had only been one part of the attack.

“Wha—?! Lady Cicelnia, please escape!” begged Rinne.

However, Cicelnia just stared at the attackers expressionlessly, as if she hadn’t heard Rinne.

“I didn’t know that a professional assassination organization like Aferka would use such roundabout methods,” she said.

“Don’t worry,” said Rinne. “Before long, there will be a mountain of dead bodies within the palace.”

“Oh, it feels like I’ve been bitten by my pet dog... Well, not that I ever kept you.”

Rayleigh ignored Cicelnia’s sarcasm. “Now that we are face-to-face, I am convinced that there is a monstrous mind lurking beneath that beauty. As I thought, Womruina is better suited for our goals and intentions.”

“A monster is not the kind of word you should use to describe a young woman. Regardless, you want to change them? You must be blind. But to think you would develop such ambitions the moment you learn to take off your own collar...” Cicelnia continued.

As she spoke she appeared casual and composed, but out of the corner of her eyes she saw Rinne’s collapsed form. Cicelnia felt a chill run down her spine, but she couldn’t let the insolent assailants see her concern.

She leaned into her throne, putting on a brave face in front of her would-be assassins. Secretly, she couldn’t help but feel that she looked pathetic. She felt cornered, about to be fully exposed. A self-deprecating smile formed on Cicelnia’s lips.

Rayleigh coldly stared at her as he continued. “I suspected you would move to eliminate us eventually. But to think you would be this blatant about it? What a frightening woman you are.”

Suddenly Rayleigh cast his dark eyes down and began to rapidly fade as if he was melting into the darkness.

Even Cicelnia could sense that death was approaching her. Within a few seconds, he would surely be standing next to the throne to thrust a cold blade into her heart.

She gripped the armrests and felt the beads of sweat on her forehead. She regretted not at least having a dagger on hand. Even though it would be useless, she wanted to fight back.

Instantly, her breathing became shallow and she unconsciously began counting down the seconds she had left in her mind.

In a moment, Rayleigh completely disappeared, and Cicelnia saw a flash of silver appear as the tip of the assassin’s blade curved towards her neck. It was on a trajectory to pierce her neck, but Cicelnia merely coldly observed it, determined to maintain her smile until the very end.

The next moment a loud metallic sound rang out as Rayleigh’s sword was deflected by something that appeared from the side. The momentum threw it just to the side, and it grazed Cicelnia’s cheek before stabbing into the throne’s backrest.

Seeing the strands of black hair that were cut dance through the air, Cicelnia became convinced that her gamble had paid off.

Filled with overwhelming relief, all of her strength left her body. She probably couldn’t even stand up, but she couldn’t afford to look unsightly. As the ruler, it was her duty to stand as the curtains fell... That was the only responsibility that Cicelnia had to fulfill in this situation.

Determined, Cicelnia looked around. She saw that the chain of Night Mist soared around her, forming a protective barrier. The moment he realized that this is what stopped his blade, Rayleigh jumped back from the throne, fearing a counterattack. He took a defensive posture and slowly retreated to where his men were lined up.

“That was a close one, Alus,” said Cicelnia.

“You’re the one who planned this, you vixen,” responded Alus.

“Oh, I wouldn’t be so sure,” Cicelnia playfully said as she slipped behind Alus, unable to hide her trembling hands.

“What happened to playing games? You’ve gone from spectating to making big gambles,” he demanded.

“My game is still proceeding as planned, I’ll have you know,” the ruler assured him.

“Then why cross such a dangerous bridge?” Alus asked.

“I always take my games seriously,” she said. “I’m not the excessively cautious type. Be it a game or otherwise, if I deem it necessary, anything and everything is a chip to be gambled or a pawn to be used. That even includes myself. If it’s necessary, I’ll cross as many bridges as I have to, even if they happen to be on fire.”

◇◇◇

Cicelnia stared at Alus with clear eyes and a fearless smile, completely masking her complex feelings. “That’s just what a ruler is. If I was satisfied being just an accessory, I wouldn’t be sitting on this throne.”

Once she had become the top of a nation and admired for her beauty, Cicelnia had given up the idea of a peaceful life.

However, her determination was evident in her choices, such as making Berwick Governor-General. Alus tried to figure out what she was thinking and if the plans she had in her mind were worth risking her life over.

She had me come to the palace and stay over for the night for this exact situation, he realized. She had already taken her life being targeted into account...

Alus found getting caught up in Cicelnia’s plans to be nothing but a nuisance. If her plans really were for nothing more than to kill time and have fun, he didn’t mind fully abandoning Alpha. However, he still didn’t fully understand her true motives.

First, he held out his hand and interfered with the binds around Rinne. For him, it was as simple as disturbing part of the spell construct.

Once freed, Rinne spared barely a glance of thanks to Alus as she ran to Cicelnia’s side. Rinne was practically the only loyal retainer Cicelnia had and the only one who could be relied on in a fight.

Any move Cicelnia made would have an effect on the nation’s nobles. Unfortunately, those nobles relied on their military power to suppress her. Nobles were given the authority to have private armies, while Cicelnia had practically no direct subordinates equivalent to elite guards.

Now that the Womruina family and other families that strongly opposed her were showing turbulent movements her lack of forces seemed even riskier. Cicelnia had cut her way through using intelligence and political maneuvering, but the limits to that were starting to show.

Alus closed his eyes. If he thought about it, it wasn’t hard to understand. Cicelnia was isolated and alone, but she’d learned the limitations of solitude.

Alus had originally planned to leave as soon as they could do something about Lilisha’s curse mark...

But now he stuffed away his frustration and looked over the man with the lean build and flowing golden locks. This enemy stood tall and keenly observed his surroundings.

Alus wondered why he could smell out his peers with such conviction. He recognized the eyes of those who didn’t think anything of killing and the expressions of those who made killing a part of their daily life. Those carried a form of darkness that never disappeared.

The man deliberately raised his head and spoke in a quiet, emotionless tone. “So we had only stepped onto an already prepared stage. Even we are your pawns, it seems. I thought we had camouflaged our actions more than well enough, but it seems I underestimated the Alpha’s Eye.”

Next, he spoke to Alus. “The current rank 1, huh? It doesn’t look like you will let us kill you so easily.”

Cicelnia looked over at him and the tension in her jaw eased a little. She smiled. “However, this is the first and last time the spotlight will be on you. After this, you will tumble off the stage.”

“And this is why you gave the order to apprehend us,” marveled Rayleigh. “That ingenuity is truly frightening.”

“Yes, Aferka’s attack on the Fable family was a blunder. Even though you used Ms. Lilisha as a sacrificial pawn to provide justification, it was not a plan that should have been set in motion in the first place. Those who dwell in the shadows can never stand in the sun. You need to remember your place and stay in the darkness.”

Cicelnia had given an order forbidding all the nation’s nobles from fraternizing with Aferka, as well as to capture its members or assist in the effort to do so. However, that would never be made public.

She had made no official decree nor stamped a seal on any order. It was a simple and very private announcement to the nobles who had sensed the recent developments in the palace. And those nobles, uncertain what would happen, showed discretion and refused to talk.

That said, Cicelnia had purposefully been selective about whom she told. Of course, she hadn’t told anyone from any of the Rimfuge families. As a result, rumors that the ruler had given the order to capture Aferka had spread. Sensing that the ruler had beaten them to the punch, they had begun to panic.

“I see. So while we aimed to destroy the Fable family, who is very cooperative with you, you were a step ahead of us...” Rayleigh said quietly.

“As a result, you all hurried out of your nest like vipers in an attempt to bite the king.”

Alus quietly listened as Cicelnia’s plot was explained.

I bet the timing’s all up to Ms. Rinne, thought Alus.

While Cicelnia made good use of the Eye of Providence, her meticulous planning showed that she had most likely anticipated the attack would come today. She had thought things through to a far deeper degree than even Berwick would have.

She lacked consideration for those caught up in her plot, but perhaps some level of insensitivity was necessary. After all, the ruler had risked her own life on a gamble just now. Even if she’d believed Alus would come save her, it had still been incredibly dangerous.

Seeing how this worked out, we’ll end up with one of the results that Cicelnia envisioned in the end. But this situation wouldn’t have arisen if I hadn’t saved Lilisha. 

Alus, who was keeping Cicelnia at his back to protect her, glanced over his shoulder.

“So this is the best choice?” he asked the ruler.

“I don’t know,” Cicelnia answered. “But it is one of the forecasts that Berwick made. I was just trying to think of ways to handle every potential situation and anticipate all the possibilities. Now that we are here, I think this was the only route possible.”

“Including a chance to remove Lilisha’s curse mark?” Alus asked.

The person with the key to remove the mark was the person who branded her in the first place. Cicelnia had said that they might find clues in the palace’s treasure vault, but she knew that search was unnecessary. After all, Aferka’s real leader, Rayleigh, would be coming.

“Yes, there was just an attempted murder on the ruler of this nation, but I’m sure the mastermind behind it also holds the key to Lilisha’s case. Two birds with one stone, as you say. So you better capture the culprit, Alus.”

“You really are twisted,” Alus said after a pause.

“I do feel bad about this, my dear knight,” said Cicelnia.

Alus snorted dismissively, but just for the moment he decided to accept the role. “You just sit there and wait.”

“Yes, that was the plan all along. So please do protect me until the end,” said Cicelnia.

“Just shut up,” he said.

Alus nodded at the throne, then faced Rayleigh again. Alus had saved her once. He wasn’t going to let her die in front of him.

As Cicelnia returned to her seat on the throne, a defensive wall made by the chains of Night Mist immediately formed around her.

Alus flipped his internal switch so that he could immerse himself in combat. It had been a while since he had had to focus so intensely, and he felt his consciousness sinking into himself. It sank even deeper than usual, to the deepest, darkest places, where not a single stray thought could interrupt him...

Ah yeah, I can’t kill him until I get him to remove Lilisha’s curse mark. Even that thought seemed directed at someone else as he reached a trance state...

Rayleigh held a thin dagger in his hand and vigilantly observed Alus. Alus noted not just the magic formula engraved on the dagger but its unique shape as well.

Sensing his intentions, Rayleigh spoke. “You’re trying to undo the technique performed on my foolish younger sister? How eccentric to think of fixing Lilisha and using her again.”

Rayleigh had already lost all interest in his sister. His words lacked not just hatred or contempt but any emotion whatsoever.

“That’s not the kind of line a lured-in insurgent would say,” said Alus.

Rayleigh didn’t fall for Alus’s taunt. Instead he replied matter-of-factly, “I don’t care if I am called a rebel now. If I can dethrone her, the new ruler will become a leading figure in history. We are only doing our solemn duty.”

Even as he talked about murdering the ruler and creating a new leadership system, Rayleigh showed no hints of his own aspirations or desires. He spoke in such monotone it was hard to imagine he even had emotions.

“Well, it doesn’t matter. You’re just an assailant in the end. I’m going to wrap this up quick and have you remove Lilisha’s curse mark,” said Alus.

“I see, so that’s your main goal... Then do your best to stop this assailant, Alus Reigin.” Rayleigh quietly held his dagger, looking less like an assassin than a Magicmaster. It was an eerie impression from the leader of an organization so smeared in blood.

Alus remained on guard, focusing on Rayleigh’s movements with narrowed eyes. In the next moment, Rayleigh raised one of his hands, and his subordinates ran towards the doors on the left and right.

Their goal was most likely to kill anyone on the ruler’s side within the palace, but as they reached the doors, they were blown back by an intense shock wave. Their bodies rolled across the floor.

“In a hurry? Sorry, but you’re going to have to stay with us for a while,” said their attacker.

“Do you like making flashy entrances, Ms. Felinella?” asked another.

Felinella came in through the right door. “You are the one giving our guests too grand of a welcome, Ms. Loki. I was scared you would damage the palace.”

And from the left door came Loki.

Aferka’s members began to slowly back away, realizing instantly how strong they both were.

Alus didn’t take his eyes off of Rayleigh as he spoke. “Are you okay? They might be weak, but they’re still professional assassins. Don’t force—”

“Mr. Alus, I did promise that I would help as much as I could, didn’t I?” asked Felinella. “And please don’t compare me to your average student.”

“Well, I noticed the abnormality and made my move first.” Loki puffed out her small chest in competition.

When Alus had sensed the attack coming, he had left the room without a second thought. He hadn’t had the time to tell the two anything, but it was only natural for Loki to notice his movements.

An Aferka member broke into their conversation with a hateful remark. “Tsk, you’re nothing but mere Magicmasters!”

These words were to make it known that the attack had only worked because it had been a surprise. Aferka specialized in fighting people, so they could not believe they would be inferior to Magicmasters, especially not two little girls.

“Oh, you shouldn’t underestimate us like that, it will only bring you shame. You think these slim arms are so weak they couldn’t harm a fly? But that is where you are wrong. They are more than enough to squash tiny bugs like you,” Felinella said with a smile, swinging down a thin rapier-like AWR.

Immediately, the spiraling magic formula on its surface began to glow vividly.

“You’re talking too much, Ms. Felinella.” Loki looked exasperated, swiftly constructing a spell, not even giving the enemy a chance to talk.

The attack blew a huge hole in the wall of the throne room.

Next, her body draped in electricity and enhanced by magic, closed in on the enemy and kicked one of them through the hole.

Felinella shrugged at Loki’s preemptive attack and looked over at Alus. “We will handle these people, Mr. Alus.”

As she spoke, Felinella created a wall of wind and blew several of them outside. Alus nodded in response. A surprise attack was one thing, but in a direct fight, Aferka didn’t stand a chance.

The outcome was already decided.

Alus used his field of view ability to check within the palace. Rinne was probably aware of the situation, and Felinella and Loki had probably figured it out as they chased the enemies outside. The palace practically deserted.

Cicelnia must have seen this coming, thought Alus. That is the palace is empty of people. 

“Why don’t we start too. Your crime is the attempted assassination of the ruler,” said Alus.

Rayleigh’s expression hadn’t changed even when Loki and Felinella appeared. He had only watched Alus and Cicelnia.

The sounds of combat were already coming from outside. The ground rumbled and dust dropped down from the old pillars and ceiling. When it cleared, Alus and Rayleigh immediately closed the distance to each other without warning.

Pulling a chain with him, Alus freely manipulated his sword. Even as he did, the chains around Cicelnia remained as they were.

Alus and Rayleigh exchanged a series of high-speed blows. Each impact echoed and flashed through the throne room. A single direct hit would mean death.

Dodging a thrust from Alus at the last moment, Rayleigh slashed at the Magicmaster’s temple. Alus parried it by raising his elbow just in time. This broke Rayleigh’s stance, creating a chance for Alus to go on the offensive...but Rayleigh was strong and wouldn’t let that happen so easily. He unleashed a sharp kick at Alus’s abdomen to cover his opening.

He’s certainly skilled, thought Alus.

It was a battle of initiative. For an exchange of this level, a single blow would decide the outcome. They had to be careful not to create any openings or to miss one from the opponent.

Alus grabbed his opponent’s leg in front of his abdomen.

“...!”

The kick had a lot of impact behind it, but it wasn’t anything he couldn’t take. Even though he was forced a few steps backwards, he took it without problem. As a bonus, Alus got a better grasp of Rayleigh’s martial arts abilities.

“You sure have some interesting moves despite the blank face,” Alus remarked.

Rayleigh’s kick had mana behind it, multiplying its force by over a dozen times. If Alus hadn’t responded by covering his own palm with mana, his hand would have been shattered.

It seemed like very precise mana control. But Alus immediately sensed that it wasn’t only mana control at work. Mana alone couldn’t amplify strength several times over.

This is not just mana control. For just a moment, mana information was mixed in... he thought.

It didn’t make sense. Rayleigh hadn’t used body-enhancing magic, nor was it pure mana control either. Alus had expected that anyone strong in Aferka would have been trained thoroughly in mana control.

Rayleigh lowered his stance slightly, and in the next instant physical mass disappeared and his mana information blurred in Alus’s vision.

“Tsk!” Alus had braced himself, expecting a quick attack. But realizing he had been taken by surprise, he looked back over his shoulder. Rayleigh was already quite a bit away from him.

His target was Cicelnia, and just Cicelnia.

The throne room was pretty wide, but it was no more than the size of a section of the training grounds. When Alus realized what Rayleigh was after, it was already too late to give chase. Alus merely pulled his AWR and punched the chain attached to it.

While from that distance, it would be difficult for Night Mist’s chains to protect her, Cicelnia showed no reaction when Rayleigh suddenly raced towards her with a deadly blade. The reason for her lack of concern was soon clear.

The chain that Alus had struck hard rippled and transmitted a wave all the way to the chains around Cicelnia. Before Rayleigh’s blade could even reach her, whiplike blow after blow assaulted him, as though he’d been intercepted by a swarm of guards.

Rayleigh repelled them all, but he couldn’t close the last bit of distance to Cicelnia. Rayleigh was busy defending himself against the chain when Alus closed in on him from behind.

“Don’t look away in the middle of battle,” Alus said.

Despite the storm of chains, Alus wasn’t slowed in the slightest. He extended a mana blade and thrust at his enemy’s back, but he never felt the sensation of hitting.

Rayleigh was slippery, and he disappeared. Instead, the blade made its way towards Cicelnia and stopped just before her eyes.

The next moment, blood sprayed from Alus’s arm.

“I see,” said Alus.

Rayleigh had dodged but had managed a shallow slash on Alus’s arm. Alus immediately turned towards Rayleigh, who somersaulted backwards.

Alus increased his focus even more, recalling the sensation he usually felt when working behind the scenes. He formed a mana blade with his second hand and, without pause, resumed his high-speed attack against Rayleigh with his dual blades.

“Let’s pick up the speed a notch.” Alus swung the blades faster than before, their clashes were now faster than what a normal person could even see.

The attacks were so fast there was no time to even blink, and Alus’s speed was gradually grabbing the advantage. Slashes started to appear on Rayleigh’s body, but thanks to his last-minute dodges, they weren’t fatal.

But even small wounds would add up. The victor would eventually be decided by the accumulation of maneuvers. Like a chess computer, Alus’s mind analyzed vast archives of moves to neutralize an opponent as quickly as possible. And with machinelike processing speed, a strategy to put his opponent in checkmate was rapidly being constructed.

As Alus’s victory seemed to become a mere matter of time, Rayleigh changed the way he held his dagger. The next moment, strange mana wrapped around his hand.

To Alus the hand appeared to suddenly warp and blur, but it wasn’t just an illusion. Another arm and weapon had actually appeared and was attacking Alus at the same time.

Alus locked blades with one of the daggers, but in the blink of an eye the other dagger had stabbed into his arm. As blood splattered again, Alus kicked to get some distance.

Blood ran down his left arm and dripped from his fingers to the floor. Alus wasn’t surprised, but he wanted to confirm something...

“To think you could duplicate with mana to this degree,” said Alus. “Feels like I got beaten at my own game. Or maybe it’s the properties of that AWR. At any rate, it’s not something a human could do.”

Rayleigh had exceeded Alus’s mana control, and created another arm and dagger through mana. It was like his elbow had grown another arm.

“So you can see through my Ash-Covered Corpse,” Rayleigh said bluntly as he flicked his dagger to remove the blood.

A ghostly mass of mana appeared from his back as if his soul had left his body. It was probably a mana information body—and Alus could just barely see it—but it was very incomplete.

It was a hazy clone of sorts, a bizarre existence that grew out of Rayleigh’s back. It most likely had an artificial personality that allowed it to create magic on its own. However, rather than looking like a mirror copy of Rayleigh it looked feminine.

Typically spells like these were categorized as summoning spells, but Alus pondered if it was magic at all. He figured that its external appearance was created through mana and that the AWRs abilities allowed it to function on its own.

Interesting. This is my first time seeing something like this, he thought.

The first thing that came to Alus’s mind was a transportation gate. The principle behind one was that it transferred a person’s mana information body to a remote location. However, a transportation gate couldn’t create copies, and it most definitely wasn’t something that could be done with just a single AWR.

Being able to split up like this meant that Rayleigh was not just an expert in mana control. He was also skilled at layering different mana information on top of his own. His high-speed maneuvering and unique evasion techniques were a product of elaborate mana manifestation.

This phenomenon was a result of not being able to visually or magically perceive Rayleigh’s position. It was a technique that included a disruption of recognition, and when it was used to full effect, it was impossible to land physical hits or with spells that required accurate spatial coordinates.

Suddenly the light in the room dimmed as if a cloud had covered the moon.

Rayleigh muttered to himself as he looked out the large hole. “The night is nearing its end.”

These few words had no emotion behind them. From what Alus could tell, Rayleigh was either really cold or just as elusive as his movements.

Although Cicelnia had completely deceived him, Rayleigh’s expression betrayed no anger. He had probably been just as cold and emotionless when punishing Lilisha.

Alus suddenly noticed a change in Rayleigh’s “clone.” The darkness seemed to make its outline more apparent and ready to fight, as if it had a will of its own.

“Let’s use magic too,” Alus said after a pause, making it clear he wasn’t going to hold back.

Letting his gaze meet Rayleigh’s, Alus picked up even more speed. However, normal magic couldn’t directly interfere with Rayleigh.

He specialized in masking his exact location, making spells requiring exact spatial coordinates unlikely to hit, and the longer someone took to construct a spell, the more open they were to attack.

Alus ran, pulling his arm behind him as he refined his mana. In an instant, he swung his arm and Night Mist as one at Rayleigh, who easily parried. The electricity Alus had clad Night Mist in ran through the blade to Rayleigh. But as if he’d seen it coming, Rayleigh used his momentum to brush aside the electricity.

Not effective, huh? thought Alus. Layering two mana information bodies over himself must increase his resistance to mana and magic as well as camouflage him. 

Since Rayleigh had a clone out at the moment, he practically had four arms, making it easy for him to counterattack even while blocking. The clone, which was moving on its own, swung its blade to stab Alus’s chest.

But Rayleigh furrowed his brows as he realized what happened. Alus’s body wrapped in mana right as a mana blade was about to pierce it, then the mana dispersed and Alus seemed to run through the particles right up next to Rayleigh.

He used a clone of his own to fight the clone, forming a dummy with his same mana information behind himself. He wasn’t as skilled as Rayleigh, but since he was able to use Shuffle, it wasn’t impossible for him to send his mana information elsewhere.

Just before his chest was stabbed, he had traded places with a clump of mana and immediately moved to attack. As he expected, even Rayleigh was surprised by this move.

Shuffle worked by completely trading the places of two spatial coordinates, but it required a suitable amount of mana information. Fortunately, Alus had had time to prepare for it this time.

But duplicating yourself with mana wasn’t something that could be used so many times, and it was unlikely that a move Rayleigh had already seen would work on him again. Either way, Alus had no intention of letting this chance slip from his fingers. He kicked up and this time he was sure that he’d struck the core of Rayleigh’s body.

The impact threw Rayleigh’s body up and slammed him into the ceiling. Following up on that, Alus grabbed a ring of his AWR.

“‹‹Maris From››”

Alus said the spell name, and branches of ice formed at his feet and ascended into the sky. Resembling a decayed ice tree, the branches froze all mana and rose through the air, chasing Rayleigh.

The frightening ice closed in on Rayleigh. However, Rayleigh spun around midair and landed on the ceiling like a cat. He saw the approaching branches of ice...and cut them all down.

The next moment, the shattered ice fell to the ground like shards of glass. But when the branches hit the ground, they regenerated into new branches. Rayleigh swung his AWR to fight them back again, and his clone did the same to crush the ice.

Alus looked up and swung his arm as well. He himself shattered Maris From and created a new spell.

He thrust out his palm and a translucent wall launched up at Rayleigh, who was blown even further up and slammed into the ceiling again. Alus put even more strength into his arm and thrust it at Rayleigh again. His body was blown through the ceiling.

Debris fell down at Alus as the ceiling collapsed. However, Alus was no longer standing on the floor.

The tip of the chain protecting Cicelnia reached out towards the large hole in the ceiling that Alus had already jumped through to chase after Rayleigh.

Meanwhile, Rayleigh flew upwards from the impact, ascending to a height where he could see the entire palace grounds. He flipped his coat, opened his eyes, and straightened his posture midair only to find Alus right behind him, covered in a dark shadow and about to kick.

Even though Rayleigh crossed his arms to block the incoming impact, Alus twisted his body and unleashed a second and third kick, propelling him back towards the ground. Alus also threw Night Mist, aiming for when Rayleigh would land.

He threw his weapon to maintain the initiative, but there was another reason as well.

The body double had counterattacked while Alus unleashed his kicks, and Alus’s legs had been cut repeatedly. Fortunately, the body double couldn’t exceed the movements of the main body, preventing him from taking further damage.

Alus clicked his tongue and followed the rapidly falling Rayleigh. Just before landing, Rayleigh and his clone twisted their body to either side as if they had split from one, dodging Night Mist before Alus’s eyes. It soared through nothing but air and pierced the ground.

I guess that was too much to ask for, thought Alus.

Alus’s attempt to finish the fight missed, and when he landed Rayleigh and his body double attacked from both sides. Alus pulled back his chain, which was covered in a vast amount of mana.

Sparks flew as a sword slid across the chain, making its way towards Alus’s neck. Alus saw it from the corner of his eye and twisted his body to avoid it and felt it graze him. But the clone had anticipated his dodge and also stabbed towards him.

“Tsk!” Alus clicked his tongue and jumped back just in time.

Knowing he had the advantage, Rayleigh gave chase. Their swords clashed dozens of times in an instant, and the air ruptured. Both of them flipped around and landed at the same time.

With some distance between them, they stared at each other.

Blood flowed down from Rayleigh’s forehead and dyed his face red like war paint. Aside from the stab from the initial attacks, Alus only had cuts on him that were far from fatal.

In the midst of the standoff, Rayleigh suddenly spoke. “I’m impressed you can keep it up with that arm. I didn’t know the likes of Magicmasters had a rank 1 this good.”

Rayleigh referenced Alus’s gravest injury, the stab to his left arm from the first attack. Alus had seemed unaffected by it and fought using both arms the entire battle.

“Did you graduate from being a silent assassin? You have some interesting moves yourself,” Alus taunted.

Rayleigh responded by silently raising his weapon again.

Like before, the outline of his arm blurred, but this time the cloned arm that appeared was clear.

“It’s the AWR’s performance. I couldn’t do this much with just my own power,” said Rayleigh.

That might have been true, but the technique was certainly on the level of a special ability. It was a truly masterful technique that could not be achieved without extremely precise copying of the mana information body.

If someone with Rayleigh’s skill existed who would listen to orders from above, there would be no need for Alus to do any of the work he did in the shadows. But Alus was not Aferka, who had turned their claws on the ruler.

But I suppose people rebel because they have power, thought Alus.

Rayleigh’s power might be useful, but since he wouldn’t do as the higher-ups wanted, he was an unnecessary blade. Alus, on the other hand, still got his fair share of behind-the-scenes work, but the nation wasn’t as turbulent as it had been during the previous ruler’s era.

At least as far as Alus could tell, Alpha was running smoothly under Cicelnia.

“I won’t say that it’s a waste that you turned on the ruler, but wasn’t there a better way?” Alus asked.

Rayleigh answered, “There’s no use in thinking about it. It would have turned out this way eventually.”

“So this is not just a result of her smoking you out?” asked Alus.

Rayleigh shook his head with a cold smile. “Rank 1, Aferka won’t change as easily as you think. We have all but lost our cause, and we won’t stay as ghosts that live in the dark. Even though we understand that, we have lived too long under strict control. Because darkness is all we know, we can’t help but feel something akin to a profound fear at the loss of our raison d’être. It’s what you would call a dilemma. And as a result, we realized that we must bring our name into the light or perish.”

Rayleigh spoke in a tone that was neither hollow nor pitiful. He slowly covered his face with his hand, as if to say that he had no choice but to forge ahead despite knowing that only hell awaited him.

“What we want is for Aferka to become an autonomous organization that won’t receive anyone’s patronage or orders. Without that, we have no way to live in the world as it is now. Besides, you appear to be in the same line of work, but from the moment an outsider like you started doing work in the shadows, our reason for existing started to waver. Those with dirtied hands are not needed in the clean world of politics. How are we not to notice that our time is limited? But as someone who lives in the shadows, it would at least have given us some peace of mind to be executed as a necessary cost for peace.”

◇◇◇

While now they were just a filthy squad of assassins with unclear origins and position, Aferka had once served the ruler until, including Cicelnia’s predecessor. But it had never been official, their existence—and especially that they took their orders from the crown—had never been never publicly acknowledged.

Because of that, opinions among noble circles were split between calling Aferka an executive unit beneath the ruler or an underhanded assassination squad.

But once Cicelnia became ruler, Aferka lost their unofficial position as an executive unit. As such, it was clear what would happen to them: They would eventually be executed for the sake of justice.

The existence of Alus, whom the ruler would love to have as a pawn, made all of that possible. And, thus, the fight between these men had become an inescapable destiny.

But reasons aside, what Alus needed to do hadn’t changed.

“I see,” he said to the Aferka leader. “But I don’t care one bit about your circumstances. You may have come to kill Cicelnia, but I will just crush you and get you to remove Lilisha’s curse mark. You’re the ones who put it on, so there’s no doubt a way to remove it.”

“Hmm, is that so? It was what that half-wit deserved. But there’s no reason to hide it, so very well,” Rayleigh continued with a slight smile. “The brand of the curse mark consists of three constructional foundations. If my blood is dripped on each of those, the mark will disappear. The curse mark seems to have been applied stronger than I expected, but it’s not all bad. It means that despite being weak and useless, she no longer needs to force herself and cling to the Frusevan name or their pride.”

“Don’t give me that crap,” said Alus. “Don’t put restrictions on her based on your own narrow view. Besides, she didn’t choose this path on her own. You didn’t give her a choice. Regardless, the spell binding her mind is broken by now, and she wished for the curse mark to be removed herself. Deep down she doesn’t want to be tied down by her lineage.”

Alus understood that Lilisha had been raised in Aferka, and therefore, it had become the basis for her values. She’d wanted to belong. As an assassin, she had honed her mana control skills and killed people to try to show that her existence had meaning.

Aside from her psychological dependency, she was somewhat similar to Alus, who had once only had a place in the military.

But as Alus quickly discovered that Lilisha didn’t have a sense for killing, or rather, she didn’t have an aptitude for it. She would always be tortured by guilt for her actions because she hadn’t chosen that path for herself.

However, since waking up in that infirmary bed, Lilisha had taken a step towards becoming more human, walking forward by her own will. No matter how small of a choice it might be, every choice she made on her own was a big step.

“She wished for it herself? I see... So she’s made her choice,” Rayleigh muttered after a moment. He broke into a smile as if something delightful had happened.

Giving him a sidelong glance, Alus spoke in an indifferent tone. “You could say that. But now that I know how to remove the curse mark, there’s no reason to keep you alive.”

But those seemed to be the words Rayleigh wanted to hear.

“That’s more like it. It is a duel to the death after all. That is our way of doing things. I will have you know that my skills have been compared to Singles. And the curtains won’t fall until one of us is dead,” Rayleigh said and adjusted his grip on his AWR.

“Single Digit Magicmasters mainly fight Fiends. They can barely scrape by against people. I can’t tell why anyone would want such a crippling disadvantage. So why don’t you teach me,” said Alus.

“Unfortunately, we are in agreement on that, so I can’t teach you anything. We are birds of a feather, you and I, so there is nothing that can be learned from one another,” responded Rayleigh.

“Hmph, what a boring answer.”

“But I can show you the power of a Single. That shouldn’t bore you, so consider it a parting gift.”

“Then show me what you’ve got.”

Rayleigh nodded at Alus’s invitation and unleashed his mana. Out gushed a level of mana that could only come from someone who had devoted themselves to training. It was an unthinkable act for an assassin... More importantly it was a statement of intent.

At some point, Rayleigh’s expression had become easier for Alus to read. He smiled now in elation that he was finally able to use the skills he had developed in darkness.

Rayleigh crouched low and started weaving magic. His dagger turned red-hot and started steaming as if it was overheating. Alus could sense it was a spell purely for killing—completely different from the kind of spell a Magicmaster would use.

“‹‹Helter Skelter››”

Rayleigh’s outline began to blur. As if his soul was being ripped out of him, his clone appeared. Since it was made from mana, physical attacks didn’t work on it. Even more troublesome was that its weapon was a mana blade in the same shape as Rayleigh’s AWR and just as sharp.

Just using the same trick is uninspiring, Alus thought, focusing.

That’s when he noticed that the clone was different from before. This copy was much more precise than the previous one. But Rayleigh’s own body had become more vague because he was using the camouflage technique from before. Eventually the two of them became practically indistinguishable.

That helped Alus finally realize what was going on.

This goes beyond mana control. This is more like interfering with space. Almost like...

It was space-controlling magic. It wasn’t to the point it could overwhelm Alus, but it was the first he’d seen someone other than him use it.

So that AWR can handle space-controlling magic? As Alus pondered the spell, it completed, and the two Rayleigh’s flew like arrows at Alus.

Alus stepped forward to face them even as he repressed his curiosity about them. This time, their cooperation was perfect. They even had the same amount of mana. Alus felt like he was fighting twins.

Interesting...!

It had practically become a two-on-one fight, but that didn’t bother Alus. If anything, he fully agreed with Rayleigh about battling to the death. Their blades crossed, cutting into each other, causing blood to spurt into the air.

While fighting their battle, Alus was also steadily working on Niflheim. No matter the situation, the environment-altering spell would be able to change things up.

This easy-to-control spell was among his more powerful cards to play. And it wouldn’t affect Cicelnia either. But just as he was about to cast it...

For just a moment, Alus paused and his mind blanked out. For some reason, his spell wasn’t manifesting. He quickly tracked down the reason.

The magic formula on Rayleigh’s AWR was intermittently lighting up. However, not all of it was being used—only a portion was used for support and there wasn’t enough time to cast any spells.

It’s not a spell! He’s controlling and duplicating information in just a certain amount of space! Is that even possible?! thought Alus.

Spatial magic was not part of the normal magic system because its characteristics allowed it to interfere with space more easily than other attributes.

But in reality, that ability itself was such a prominent trait that it could be considered another attribute all its own. Interference with space increased the power of a spell used after the interference.

But instead of using that process, Rayleigh was taking it in the opposite direction: He was duplicating and twisting the necessary coordinate axis, creating a sort of special force field. By using a vast amount of mana, it was possible to artificially create a similar effect, but completely blocking spells should have been impossible...

Alus jumped away from Rayleigh and sensed something was off. When he touched a layer similar to the Tower of Babel’s protective barrier, all of his questions were answered.

As I thought, there’s a limit. It must be about five meters at most... So it’s an anti-magic field. 

A Magicmaster being unable to use magic would typically stand no chance. Unable to use their abilities as their primary weapons, they would be like a fish on land.

Although, that only applied to typical Magicmasters.

Alus had immediately analyzed the bizarre situation, and he was already trying to figure out the weaknesses in the technique—because of its powerful effect, there was a limit to its effective range, and on top of that...

It only lasts for about three seconds, Alus realized. It’s weak due to being incomplete, and because of that it creates that force field.

Mana information had been duplicated several times over, and it functioned similarly to Rayleigh’s clone. It spread out with the caster at the center. Rayleigh’s AWR made the anti-magic field possible, and not even Alus could replicate it.

Realizing that, Alus immediately shifted his attention to recovering from the misfire of his spell. First he swung Night Mist to intercept Rayleigh’s dagger, then he used the chain to block the clone’s mana blade.

Like he’d done to cover Cicelnia, he froze the chains in place to create a simple barrier. A metallic sound rang out as sparks flew, and Alus’s mind kicked into top gear choosing a move to counterattack.

Duplicating mana information.

It was a move that Alus liked to use. As Alus left the effects of his anti-magic field, he saw a wall of black blades, his trump. Countless Night Mists seemingly grew out of space.

In total, Alus had created over a hundred copies of Night Mist.

“‹‹Oboro Hien››”

As he was flying backward, black blades shot out one after another and rained down on Rayleigh.

Rayleigh smoothly dodged the first few blades, but it would be impossible to dodge a swarm of blades so big that it covered his view.

Having no other choice, he lowered his center of gravity a little and readied his dagger.

And he repelled.

Swatted away.

Mowed down.

The deafening metallic sound felt like it would continue forever as he fought back against the rapidly flying blades. Sparks and white smoke billowed up from the countless pieces of metal scraping against each other and covering Rayleigh.

Once all the blades had been flung, it looked like Rayleigh had withstood Oboro Hien. But at that moment, Rayleigh saw another glint of light from a blade, and a silhouette of a person, concealed by smoke, appeared in front of him.

The figure leaped at him with the original Night Mist in hand.

Alus had timed the strike for when Rayleigh’s guard dropped after getting through Oboro Hien. It flew in a perfect trajectory to decapitate Rayleigh, approaching quickly to settle their match.

However, Rayleigh’s dagger and his clone’s mana blade both intercepted it as if he had anticipated as much. He then went on to slice through Alus’s chest.

Rayleigh’s eyebrows moved ever so slightly as a sign of surprise. Not a drop of blood spilled from Alus’s chest, and Night Mist suddenly fell to the ground as if it lost its support.

“Urgh.” Rayleigh gasped. He looked behind himself to find Alus’s mana slashed into him from the shoulder.

“It’s over. Clone or not, I have some understanding of copies myself,” said Alus.

Blood spilled from Rayleigh’s mouth as he dropped to his knees. His clone disappeared into nothingness as he dropped his AWR.

Alus had created an accurate copy of himself in the white smoke, but knowing Raleigh could probably see through that alone, he’d had it carry the real Night Mist, the very Night Mist, in fact, that had protected Cicelnia and clashed with his own weapon so many times... As a result, Rayleigh focused on the weapon and assumed that whoever was carrying it was real.

Alus stepped forward, but Rayleigh, who’d been beaten at his own game, lost the will to fight. Rayleigh hung his head, his eyes fixed on the ground; the deep gash in his shoulder made him struggle to breathe. He looked like he didn’t even have the strength to pick up his AWR, let alone stand.

“Finish me off already. If not, you’ll get the rug pulled out from under you,” Rayleigh fearlessly said between ragged breaths.

“Don’t worry, I won’t even have to stain my own hands. Attempted murder of the ruler. You were never going to escape death.”

Rayleigh said nothing, but suddenly he pressed his hands to his chest. Blood poured ceaselessly out from the gaps between his hands. However, his expression was impossible to read.

Perhaps he wasn’t even thinking about anything, feeling neither regret, nor anger, nor any other kind of emotion.

His attempt against Cicelnia hadn’t been due to hate or grudges but rather due to him going along with the flow of everything. Perhaps he never really had any strong will from the start, and things were always going to turn out like this, as he’d said.

Besides, just as Rayleigh had recognized, any world that acknowledged Aferka’s continued existence was one that rejected them. So him sacrificing himself for the organization might have been part of the end of the story.

“Hey, Cicelnia.” Alus said with anger in his voice, glaring at Cicelnia.

She answered back without flinching. “What might be the issue?”

“Were they going to die no matter how things panned out?”

Cicelnia had given a secret order to capture Aferka’s members. Rayleigh’s actions to oppose it seemed to be a reckless move that would only dig Aferka’s own grave.

Their main principle had been to loyally follow the previous ruler’s orders, so perhaps they had wished to be buried by the ruler’s hand.

“Yes, no matter what they did, Aferka had no way of surviving in their current state,” admitted Cicelnia. “It’s, of course, possible that they unconsciously wanted as much. But how could a stranger estimate that?”

“It would have been possible for you,” said Alus.

Cicelnia didn’t object to that. Her expression was peculiar and vague. There wasn’t confusion, anger, or dissatisfaction, only her horribly empty eyes told how complicated her state of mind was.

“Well, I won’t deny it. Even if Rayleigh hadn’t done this, the policies already in existence would have brought about this result. But I did have another ending in mind too, Alus.”

As Cicelnia finished speaking, she looked towards the door, causing Alus to look in the same direction.

“Brother!” exclaimed Lilisha.

Lilisha and Miltria were standing in the doorway. Rayleigh, reacting to the voice, looked over ever so slightly. But he didn’t pay any heed to Lilisha, looking only at the old woman standing next to her with a cane.

“Ugh, M-Miltria... I see, so it was you... You stepped down to cover for Selva Greenus, and I thought you had decided to live a secluded life as nothing more than an adviser... So you were the worm in the organization,” said Rayleigh.

Miltria sorrowfully shook her head and turned her back to Rayleigh as she walked towards Cicelnia.

“Rayleigh, you are half right,” said Miltria. “But I was more worried about this child than you. Lilisha has no talent for killing. Yet she desperately clung to our ways and the Frusevan family... Besides, didn’t I object to your idea of forcibly keeping Aferka alive on multiple occasions.”

“You came all the way to the palace for this...nonsense. Plus, I was well aware that she never had any talent.”

When Gill was banished, Lilisha desperately worked to keep the same fate from befalling her. But once Rayleigh became the top of Aferka, Lilisha had already reached the limits of her talents.

As a member of the five families, Lilisha received training like all others, but her progress was not as good as expected. Since Frusevan was the main family branch, they had to resolutely show their stance to the other four families, not allowing any question of their position.

This was why Lilisha had been branded a failure and exiled. In proportion to that severity, Aferka began searching more strongly for their meaning to exist. But they lacked fundamental mental support and became more radicalized as a result.

However, from Cicelnia’s point of view, just running around purging whoever they decided was evil under the name of loyalty towards the ruler made them nothing more than rabid dogs.

It was ironic and tragic. This sight was surely always at the end of their twisted path...Rayleigh’s defeat. So it really had been inevitable.

Rayleigh had accepted everything. He even held out a hand to stop Lilisha from running up to him.

“Brother?!” Lilisha asked.

“Don’t come. What could you possibly do? Or are you saying that you will take down the rank 1 in my place for the sake of Aferka’s dignity?” Rayleigh asked.

“Th-That’s...” Lilisha started.

“Hmm, you really are a failure of an assassin. So go down a path fitting of your position. A cowardly rabbit cannot live like a wolf. They have their own way of life. Not that I could ever understand,” her brother told her.

Lilisha’s head had been hanging low, but at those words she looked, startled. The last part had slipped out unconsciously.

It was too faint to be an emotional outpouring, but perhaps it was a first sign of a brotherly side. Perhaps the meaning behind the curse mark was...

With this realization, Lilisha looked down at Rayleigh’s feet. Her face turned pale as she saw a pool of blood forming on the floor.

“Brother! Th-There’s so much blood!”

“It’s fine. This is the end of the path that I’ve chosen,” he said.

Miltria, who was watching the two siblings, glanced at Cicelnia before quietly rebuking Lilisha. “Stop it. Rayleigh has already made an attempt at Alpha’s ruler. He won’t escape the death penalty. That won’t change no matter what you say, Lilisha.”

Lilisha bit down on her lip and shook her head. She stepped over the pool of blood to walk up to Rayleigh.

“Rayleigh! Fuck!!!” Screamed a blond man who had suddenly appeared in the throne room.

However, his intrusion was stopped by the maid behind him, who violently knocked him down and restrained him.

“Elvi.” Rayleigh looked over to his second-in-command from over his shoulder.

No one else needed to be involved with his fate. Even Elvi could have a chance to survive if he played it off as an order.

The maid who had restrained Elvi had brilliant technique. When Alus looked at her, he felt that she looked familiar. She was one of the battle maids at the Fable estate.

Alus’s other vision had shown him Selva and his subordinates’ arrival earlier. That was why he’d let Loki and Felinella fight the other members. He hadn’t underestimated Aferka that much.

Regardless, even with his arm pinned behind his back and held in place by the maid’s knee, Elvi screamed out, “Wh-What’s going on Rayleigh... Lilisha?! And the Adviser! You!”

His face turned red as he should, but his outburst only made the maid pinning him down push down harder. A groan of anguish escaped his mouth.

Rayleigh quietly spoke to him. “Leave it, Elvi. We lost.”

That was enough to get Elvi to finally give up. He shouted again before slamming his own face into the floor.

There were still more of them. This guy’s pretty good...but this maid is bad news, Alus thought.

If Alus recalled correctly, she was Eight, a maid who was paired with Hest. As she pinned Elvi, she kept her hand by his neck as if challenging him to make a move. That hand was no joke either. The killing intent she gave off made it seem like it was just as deadly as a sharp blade.

She would clearly kill him if he let out another outburst. Alus tried to silently tell her not to kill him with his eyes.

Besides, the maid bursting in with Elvi probably wasn’t something that Selva would be happy about. He would probably help Loki and Felinella if need be, but he seemed reluctant to join the battle in the palace.

Otherwise, they would have joined from the start.

Instead, he’d left it at probing for what Aferka was after on the outside because he’d wanted to keep it as a battle between himself and Aferka. Selva knew that showing himself in front of the ruler would end up getting the Fable family involved.

If he wanted to avoid that, he couldn’t let one of their combat maids kill a member from Aferka in front of Cicelnia. All of Selva’s careful consideration would go to waste. Even him appearing here himself and killing Elvi would be better.

Alus wasn’t sure if he’d managed to stop her as Eight expressionlessly kept Elvi pinned down. So, though it was impossible to tell from her face, Alus wanted to believe that his intentions had reached her.

Now then...rotten or not, she is the ruler. Cicelnia is the only one that can keep things from getting out of hand, he thought.

The outcome was decided. But how would Cicelnia, who’d witnessed the whole thing, react?

As everyone’s eyes focused on Alus, Cicelnia calmly spoke in her most dignified tone.

“It seems that issue is settled. It is only fitting that the top of Aferka pay for their attempted murder of the ruler with their life. I believe that the law is clear on that point, even without my personal discretion... Wouldn’t you say so, Rinne?”

“Yes, under domestic law, attempts of assassination are punishable by death. Even cutting off his head right here would be justifiable given the circumstances,” Rinne declared for everyone to hear.

With Rayleigh’s death, Aferka’s role would come to an end. However, as Cicelnia had said she had considered several outcomes, Alus sensed that something was off.

If she had plans in place to deal with them, she would no doubt aim for the result that was best for her. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have risked involving Alus.

But was getting rid of Aferka entirely really the best move? As if to confirm his concerns, there was a lengthy pause after Rinne’s statement.

Alus noticed that Cicelnia wasn’t looking at him or Rayleigh.

He had a feeling that what followed would be the biggest turning point, but it would also determine the success or failure of Cicelnia’s plan.

If only what happens next works out in my favor... Alus thought. It seems that the fighting outside has ended too. So it can’t be helped.

The tumult outside came to a stop, as the remnants of Aferka were suppressed. Alus looked at Lilisha. She seemed to be held captive by her conflicting emotions.

Rayleigh had rejected her, and that probably made her unable to take a step forward. So Alus decided to give her a push.

Loki’s words had lifted her spirits some, so he decided that he would curtly admonish her, telling her that now was the time to listen to her heart.

“Hey, Lilisha. You came all this way on your own, so don’t shy away now. Just say what’s on your mind. In the end, it’s that arrogant ruler over there who will decide what happens.”

Lilisha looked surprised, then she steeled herself, nodded, and walked over to Cicelnia. She kneeled, and Cicelnia looked down at her.

However, Alus didn’t miss the brief flash of relief in her expression. He had a hunch of what that might mean. There might be a thread of hope at the end of this gloomy and tragic story.

A dumbfounded Rinne and a sighing Miltria stood near Lilisha, but she kept her gaze directed at the ruler as she spoke what was on her mind.

“Alpha ruler, Lady Cicelnia. Please grant my foolish brother and Aferka your magnanimous generosity. Regardless of fashion, they have served this nation. They have merely made a misstep. Please grant them a chance to right their wrongs...!”

Cicelnia gave a somewhat mean-spirited reply. “Why would I show that much mercy? While it is true that I did not properly succeed the reign from the previous ruler, it doesn’t change the fact that this man turned his blade on me. It was not a child’s prank.”

It was a fair reasoning. Rinne realized Cicelnia’s bad habit was showing again.

“Even so...I beg of you. Please! Please...!” begged Lilisha.

“This incident will no doubt reach the ears of the nobles. And then what? Will they be told that an attempt on my life will go unpunished? I wouldn’t want a rebellion to start because I am underestimated. Examples need to be made... You understand that, don’t you?”

Cicelnia’s admonishment pushed Lilisha towards surrender, but she refused to give up. By that time, Loki and Felinella had safely returned uninjured, albeit tired, and were watching from the end of the hall.

Good timing, you two. You’re about to see something interesting. Alus thought to himself.

On the other side of the room, Lilisha knelt and threw her body to the floor. “I-I will do anything I can... So please, I beg you!”

“I am struggling to understand. Did you forget about the curse mark on your back? Is there really a reason for you to go so far? Is it just because he is your brother?” Cicelnia asked.

The ruler knew that Lilisha and Rayleigh had different mothers, but she couldn’t fathom a reason for Lilisha to cover for her brother after everything he had done to her. Was their blood tie really something to be so devoted to for one who had ordered her to die?

Cicelnia seriously could not understand her.

Alus furrowed his brows. The course of events wasn’t going very well because Cicelnia had taken an interest in Lilisha, who’d previously been outside her plans. Depending on Lilisha’s answer, the scenario set in place might have some unforeseen changes.

Lilisha gave a clear answer.

“Of course...it is because he is my brother. Rayleigh has always been a member of Aferka with a conviction stronger than anyone else. He has faithfully followed the old orders given to him by the ruler, guiding Aferka down the path that they desired.”

Cicelnia didn’t say a word.

Hugging her own shoulders, Lilisha continued. “The mark on my back...is the brand of a failure. Or so I thought. But I realized something after speaking to my brother just now. Aferka is not that same organization it was in the past... Instead of killing those it deems unworthy as it did in the past, they brand them—as a form of mercy. I realized that the curse mark on me might be just that. That it is a chain to contain any betrayal or leaking of confidential information.”

“I can’t believe it,” Cicelnia muttered after a moment and looked at Rayleigh again.

However, he kept silent, not intending to make any further excuses. Seeing that, her lips curled up into a smile and she looked back at Lilisha’s face.

“You said that you would do anything, didn’t you?” asked Cicelnia.

“Ah... Yes!” responded Lilisha.

Cicelnia folded her hands in her lap and gave an angelic but devilish smile.

“Good.”

Cicelnia stood up from her throne and in a clear voice declared, “Then from this day forth, Aferka will officially be under my, Cicelnia il Arlzeit’s, rule.”

Lilisha gasped at her words.

“At the top of the organization, there will be a new leader,” Cicelnia continued. “And Lilisha Ron de Rimfuge Frusevan, I hereby appoint you as the knight commander. Under the discretion I give you, reorganize the organization into a new Aferka. Pledge your loyalty to the ruler and devote your mind and body to Alpha until the end of your bloodline. If you can swear on that, I will take care of everything that happened.”

This was too much for Lilisha to take in, and she blankly stared at Cicelnia. The ruler hadn’t acquitted Rayleigh of his crimes, but taking care of it herself was a step forward.

At this point, Alus understood Berwick’s intentions when he’d sent Lilisha to the Institute. It hadn’t been to observe Alus or to resolve her problems with her family. It had been to team up with Cicelnia and strengthen her. Through Lilisha, the reins to Aferka could return to Cicelnia and be reorganized as a blade under the ruler’s control.

After a pause, Cicelnia muttered, “The truth is I wanted you, Alus. But you seem like you have something else you would rather do.” But her words were so quiet they only reached Rinne and Miltria.

She looked back to Lilisha and grinned. “So what will you do, Lilisha Ron de Rimfuge Frusevan?”

Alus walked up behind the still stunned Lilisha and poked the back of her foot with the tip of his shoe.

Lilisha jumped, then bowed and shouted, “Ah, y-yes! You have given more than I could ever ask for... I-I cannot thank you enough. I accept this honor and swear on my life that I will accomplish your will!”

They were words Alus couldn’t have imagined coming from Lilisha in the past, but he hadn’t misheard her.

With a bright smile, Cicelnia nodded. “That’s good. And Miltria, I want you to continue serving as her advisor. And one more thing... Lilisha, you lack the experience to lead a strong group like Aferka. Make Rayleigh your adjutant...that is, if he doesn’t die from his wounds before you can persuade him. Do you have any objections?”

“N-None, of course! But...” Lilisha hesitatingly said, turning towards Rayleigh, who was on the verge of death.

She wanted to get him treatment as soon as possible, but based on Cicelnia’s words, she needed to persuade him first. It was the least she could do in exchange for Cicelnia sparing him.

Accepting, she ran up to Rayleigh and stood before him. “Brother...”

The words that followed were heavy and deliberately chosen.

“Brother, it’s as you heard. The ruler has entrusted me with controlling and reorganizing Aferka...b-but it’s too heavy a burden for me alone—no it’s not something I could do myself... So I need your strength...”

Lilisha still couldn’t shake the instinctual fear she had of her brother. Before him, she struggled to say what she wanted, and she bit her lip. Even in this situation, it wasn’t easy to overcome such deeply ingrained fear. However, if this task proved too daunting, Cicelnia’s kindness would be for nothing.

And then nothing would ever change.

Lilisha knew this was the moment to stand and walk on her own feet. She looked straight at Rayleigh, her will stronger than ever to save her brother.

It was shocking that he’d attempted to murder the ruler, but she believed he must have believed it was in Aferka’s best interests. Times had changed and made it difficult for people in the shadows to live.

In the past, when the times had been more chaotic, the ruler had needed someone that could stain their hands with blood to support his authority. But the political situation right now was much more stable now.

The seven nations were much more cooperative, and people’s attention was focused on defeating the Fiends. There were still magical criminals and rebels plotting treason, but the domestic security force had risen to take Aferka’s place. The nation no longer needed assassinations to keep it safe.

A once-necessary evil had become nothing more than dirty jobs. As a result, Aferka’s reason to exist became increasingly relegated to the marginals of the arena of politics, so it was only natural for Rayleigh to feel frustration and see emptiness in Aferka’s future.

Suppressing the trembling in her voice, Lilisha thoroughly reflected on each and every word she said to persuade her brother.

“Aferka will be reborn. I believe it. This time, let us not stray from our path but fulfill our cause. You may have acted too smart for your own good, brother. So from now on you won’t have to be lonely at the top. I will be with you...”

However, Rayleigh brushed away her outstretched hand. He staggered to his feet, standing purely through willpower.

“It seems Aferka has somehow survived, so my role is over,” he said. “So just do whatever you want. Even if I am allowed to live through the ruler’s favor, it is pointless. Don’t say anything more.”

“E-Even so, I need your power!” Lilisha said.

“I said that it’s pointless. What reason is there to rely on me?” asked Rayleigh. “I branded and exiled you. Even if you were to suffer and die, I would not have felt anything. Even though it is our code, it would be considered outrageous outside of our organization. So let me tell you... It is Gill that you should rely on.”

“What? But, Gill was...” Lilisha’s words trailed off.

“He was exiled and is now working for the military,” said Rayleigh. “But his curse mark isn’t that severe. And just like yours, his curse mark can be removed with my blood. I am no longer the top of Aferka, just defeated and worthless. I can at least spare you my blood.”

Lilisha shook her head vigorously. “Even if Gill cooperates, it won’t be enough. Your strength is needed to gather and lead those who remain and to convince the five branches of the Rimfuge family!”

With Rayleigh’s plans now halted, the five families of Rimfuge would probably respect the ruler’s order to reorganize Aferka. However, Rayleigh’s existence carried a lot of weight due to the family tradition of meritocracy.

Elvi’s attitude showed as much. In fact, it was because it was Rayleigh in charge that order members had come on this mission, prepared for death.

For Lilisha to suddenly lead Aferka was a strange twist of fate, but she faced many problems. Primarily that she lacked leadership skills and experience.

But Rayleigh would be no help. He ignored her plea and remained silent. He coughed slightly and a trickle of blood ran down his lips.

Swallowing that, he turned, not to Lilisha but to Cicelnia on her throne. “Tell me. Why Lilisha?” he asked

Cicelnia looked a little surprised by his actions but then smiled at him.

“What if I were to say...because we’re both women? Forces that report directly to me need to not only be fierce and violent, but we must be able to understand each other. On top of that, she was considered a failure by Aferka’s twisted values. In other words, she is fundamentally different from you. She hasn’t been fully stained by dirty blood.” Cicelnia answered without taking her eyes off Rayleigh.

“What I want is a sword that will not stray from its path. Whether it is considered good or evil by some narrow definition doesn’t matter. What I need for my ideal nation is reliable power and someone moderately broken enough to use it. Someone detached from the old traditions is more convenient. And from what Miltria has told me of your sister’s personality and sensibilities, she meets the criteria I was looking for.”

“Is that all?” Rayleigh asked after a moment.

“Yes, that’s all. If she hadn’t existed, I wouldn’t have hesitated to take Aferka apart. An uncontrollable organization is unnecessary. The only thing that gave me pause for thought was Lilisha’s existence. Moreover, I can’t have you joining hands with Womruina,” said Cicelnia.

Alus narrowed his eyes at her final remark. She had just confirmed what he’d suspected while battling Rayleigh: Aferka had tried to replace Cicelnia with the Womruina family.

Aferka would have only bared its fangs against the ruler to put someone else in place as the pillar of the nation. Aferka, and Rayleigh for that matter, didn’t have the ambition to become king. They simply wanted to remain worthy to be the ruler’s bloodstained blade.

Still, hearing that name again... It went without saying to Alus who the instigators were of the Tenbram involving Tesfia and the Fable family. They could practically be considered the root of all evil.

“Indeed, that family... They must have gotten even more carried away by you lending them your aid,” Cicelnia said.

Her tone changed to one of condemnation as she coldly looked at Rayleigh. The fact that Womruina and Aferka were colluding was why Cicelnia was in such a hurry to get things done. Using her own life as a betting chip, she had started with Aferka.

“I won’t demand that you take responsibility. That is my job,” said Cicelnia. “But if you’re a brother, shouldn’t you try to help your little sister? It might have only been a one-sided bond, but you’ll just have to change that. You’ll also have to put up with walking between the path of light and shadows. At least make sure to heal your wounds before it’s too late so that Lilisha’s plea won’t go to waste...and for the sake of the other members you dragged into this.”

Rayleigh and the other members of Aferka had practically been taken hostage. And while he could easily throw his own life away, with the others’ lives on the line... He closed his eyes in resignation, giving up.

“Very well,” Rayleigh said. “Lilisha, I won’t ask you to forgive me, but I can at least give you advice. It is the last thing I can do for those who remain in the new Aferka.”

Lilisha’s eyes lit up, but the next moment her face turned pale as Rayleigh collapsed to the floor.

◇◇◇

Cicelnia gave the signal, and a group of healing Magicmasters and guards who Rinne had brought over ran inside the room. They put Rayleigh on a stretcher and carried him out. The apprehended members of Aferka were handed over to them as well.

With one last caring glance at Rayleigh, Elvi obeyed their instructions and was taken away. By that time, Eight, who had been restraining Elvi, was already gone.

Lilisha attempted to go after Rayleigh but was stopped by Cicelnia.

“Lilisha, when his wounds heal, there will be quite a lot of trouble. You will need to make sure you talk to that brother of yours. And this is just my personal advice, but...be sure to get along with Alus,” Cicelnia advised the girl.

“Yes...! Then if you’ll excuse me.” Lilisha made only a slight bow as she hurried out.

Once he’d seen everything play out, Alus turned to Loki and Felinella. “It looks like this is the end of this play. Why don’t you two go get patched up too. Just leave the rest to me.”

They had been holding their breaths and watching things over. And while they didn’t have any major injuries, they finally noticed the damage they had taken once Alus pointed it out.

“I understand. We will see you later, Sir Alus,” said Loki.

“Yes. I would like to get changed too,” said Felinella, “so I will take you up on your words.”

Exercising some discretion, they obediently accepted Alus’s suggestion. Miltria also read the situation and slowly left the throne room, rubbing her back.

At last only Alus, Cicelnia, and Rinne remained.

“So how was it? It didn’t turn out that bad, did it, my knight?” Cicelnia asked with a grin, putting both of her palms on her chin, as if to enjoy Alus’s reaction. It was a triumphant look.

“It just wasn’t the worst outcome,” Alus said after a pause. “Like you are in any position to say that.”

“I didn’t have any other choice. If you had taken my hand, it would have settled much quicker.”

She wasn’t a replacement, but Rinne was firmly holding one of Cicelnia’s soft hands that Alus hadn’t taken. She was a brave and loyal Spotter who had chosen to become the ruler’s right hand.

Alus, however, casually brushed off the ruler’s complaints. “I gave you a hand, so just settle for that.”

“You really are twisted. But, oh well, I already knew that. And you were a big help, even if you only moved because you wanted to remove Lilisha’s curse mark,” said Cicelnia.

“You selfishly got me involved and now you’re thanking me of your own accord, huh? Ruler sure is a very self-indulgent position,” said Alus.

“Even so, I really am grateful to you for saving me...” said Cicelnia.

“Well, I’m not doing it again. In fact, if I hadn’t been here for Lilisha, why would I come see a black-bellied snake like you?” Alus spat out.

In a playful gesture, Cicelnia hooked her fingers into the gap of her clothing and spread it open, revealing a milky white line of skin from her chest down to her abdomen. The moonlight shone on her flawless white skin, faint shadows cast by her ribs.

“Is it really that black?” she asked with a mischievous grin. Rinne scowled at her and immediately walked over to fix her clothes, muttering about how immodest it was.

“Compared to Lettie, who always has her stomach exposed, it is,” said Alus.

She must have been trying to shake up Alus by exposing herself. However, he was used to seeing such things when treating the injured or when female Magicmasters teased him, so he didn’t think much of it.

He gave her a sharp glare to remind her of what she’d done.

“Even if you didn’t anticipate the branding, you put Lilisha’s life at stake in your game. You treated her as a sacrificial pawn. So make sure you heal Lilisha’s wounds no matter what it takes. And do something about Rayleigh too. Of course, the palace should take responsibility for all of the costs,” Alus said, telling her to show some sincerity.

“Of course, the palace will take responsibility for all the costs. And I plan to personally apologize too. But I’m glad to hear that coming from you. Sorry for the troubles caused,” Cicelnia said, making it sound like she was accepting Alus’s demands.

She would comply with his requests. That way there would be no loose threads between them. Their relationship continued to have a subtle distance, not too close or too far, with no progress or regress.

Suddenly Cicelnia stared at Alus with damp eyes. “But you are getting caught up in a lot of things yourself, Alus. I heard that you went to the Outer World with Lettie... No, perhaps we should leave that at that. I’m tired.”

Even if it hadn’t been her intention, Cicelnia realized she was acting as if her man had gone out to dinner with another woman, and while she hadn’t said it aloud, it seemed that she was not happy about it.

She pouted like a small girl and furrowed her brows. It was another side of her that she’d only show to Rinne and Alus.

“Yes, I’m tired. So tired...” She said and waved Alus over. The fact that she didn’t choose Rinne showed a lot about her character.

Cursing himself for understanding her intention, Alus walked up to her, turned around, and crouched.

“Well, fine. I’ll let you borrow my back as a bonus. Although if the outcome had been any different I wouldn’t have allowed it,” he said.

“Yes, I know that too,” she answered. “Still, this game is always a lot of trouble. I don’t think much of it while it’s in progress, but once it’s all over, the exhaustion washes over me. A ruler is not something you want to be.”

Alus wanted to retort, but before he could...Cicelnia slumped onto him, putting all of her weight on his back. Her chin rested on his shoulder, and he could feel her beautiful black hair softly touching the back of his ear.

For some reason, Rinne was looking on with a smile.

“I really wasn’t sure what would happen for a moment. So please let me thank you too, Sir Alus,” said Rinne. “Well, this room was badly broken in the process. I only wish you could solve things more peacefully.”

“You’re going to focus on that, Ms. Rinne?” Alus asked.

“If I don’t, who will? Just how much do you think it will cost to clean and repair all of this...? Well, I hope you can forgive some idle complaints as venting.”

Rinne acted calm, but she must have been on pins and needles. She’d just been made aware of how she lacked the power to protect Cicelnia. So she looked unusually deeply troubled. And much to her dismay, her next job was to ask Alus to carry Cicelnia to her bedroom.

Cicelnia comfortably listened to the request and whispered into Alus’s ear, “Alus, I know you might be worried, but I won’t treat Ms. Lilisha poorly.”

“Of course. You just appointed that weak-minded girl as knight commander out of nowhere. If you don’t plan to give her any decent support, you should just quit being a ruler,” said Alus.

“I don’t have the willpower to laugh off that spite,” said Cicelnia. “But yes, after this I will hurry to make the reorganization plans for Aferka official and hold a public appointment ceremony. I will put preparations in order, but it will take some time, so Ms. Lilisha will remain a student at the Institute for the time being.”

“Well, if that’s what she wants. But what will you do about the nobles? Didn’t you give an order to capture Aferka? Shouldn’t you prioritize dealing with that?” asked Alus.

As if just remembering that she’d done that, she put her cheek on Alus’s shoulder and casually answered.

“You don’t have to worry about that. I’ve only given the secret order to those who I can trust and can read my intentions, such as the Fable family. So cleaning up after that will be easy. It was all just an excuse to smoke out Aferka. It never had an imperial seal on it. I’m sure Frose sent out that many troops because she realized that. Even if they had run around stirring up chaos to capture Aferka’s members for real, it wouldn’t be a problem. I’ve set it all up so that I can feign ignorance.”

When Eight had appeared in the palace in pursuit of Elvi, Alus had worried that Selva’s efforts to keep the Fable family out of it had gone to waste, but it seemed his fears had been unfounded. Cicelnia had already predicted the Fable family’s reaction.

And while Alus had no way of knowing it, just as Selva had realized that Rayleigh wasn’t at Aferka’s headquarters, he also received a letter that stated as much.

Alus realized Cicelnia’s deductive powers were frightening. It was like reports of everything that had happened were already at her desk, she had perfect memories of them.

But as she’d herself said, she was no god. She must have racked her brain and worn down her nerves to get this far, considering every minor detail and considering every possibility to choose the best outcome. With that in mind, even Alus wanted to put her in bed so she could rest her exhausted mind.

As if having sensed that too, Cicelnia whispered to him again with the perfect timing.

“Don’t leave me alone in this small garden and go flying away on your own, Alus...” she said as if it was pillow talk, and then Alus could see her slowly close her eyes from the corner of his eyes.

Even though her words rang with sadness, he didn’t respond. He interpreted her words as something too heavy to answer without preparation.

The pressure on her was something a single person couldn’t possibly carry, and Alus had been made painfully aware of that.

She created delicate plans that no ordinary person could ever hope to reach and reeled the desired outcome in with a thin thread that might snap at any moment using only her will of steel.

So what would she achieve at the ends of such toils? A peaceful nation? Praise and admiration from the people? Or perhaps renown as a ruler?

None of those really suits her, thought Alus.

In the end, she just didn’t want to be alone.

Alus didn’t realize that the root of the problem was the same loneliness he felt. While not fully, though, he could feel something that had always been unfulfilled being filled.

But people rarely notice what they have truly gained. As is customary, it isn’t until it is gone that they realize how irreplaceable it was. As such, Alus alone didn’t realize what he had.

In exchange, he had learned something. And that was what it meant to be a ruler, what fate awaited those who stood at the top of the nation and could order anyone around.

“In other words, being hated is your job,” Alus said.

Cicelnia was silent.

Rinne answered in her place. Casting her eyes slightly down, she spoke sincerely, putting consideration and nuance into every word. “I believe she truly relies on you. Lady Cicelnia can only pray that she doesn’t make too many enemies, but a nation can’t run solely on such lip service. This world is really well made, isn’t it?”

Rinne couldn’t help but let some resentful sarcasm slip in at the end as she voiced her complicated feelings. Meanwhile, Cicelnia maintained a profound silence. It seemed all tension had left her body and she’d fallen asleep.

But Alus, showing no consideration, didn’t bother to adjust the volume of his voice as he spoke to Rinne.

“So even you can get sentimental, Ms. Rinne.”

“How rude. I’m an adult, and I can look back on the past and get lost in my thoughts, reliving the emotions of various happenings in my life. But right now, I feel like complaining to the god of fate, considering the burdens Lady Cicelnia is forced to carry.”

“I see,” said Alus.

“I apologize for the inconveniences we have caused you, Sir Alus. Please look after Lady Cicelnia from now on too...” said Rinne.

Even as she said that, she knew Cicelnia still hadn’t told Alus everything, like that just recently she’d met with the magical criminal Elise, also known as Minalis Folce Quartz.

She also hadn’t told him all of the information she’d learned. And while, depending on the circumstances, there might not be any need to tell him, Rinne felt that if Cicelnia really needed Alus, she should tell him everything.

Cicelnia’s contradictory actions were evidence of her sensitive side. She wanted him to take her hand, but she was scared. She wanted Alus to trust her, but she was afraid he might hate her if she revealed everything.

As she thought about how Cicelnia had to keep her heart’s desires and her actions as a ruler completely separate, Rinne felt miserable on behalf of her ruler. Not being able to open up to the person she wanted to trust just made Cicelnia lonelier.

While she had given all kinds of plausible reasons for naming Lilisha as the next leader of Aferka, it might really have been because Lilisha was close to Alus. After all, he’d gone out of his way to remove the curse mark.

Lilisha was Cicelnia’s newest pawn because it put her closer to Alus. In fact, Cicelnia herself might not even have been aware of it, but Rinne felt that was close to her true intentions.

If growing up meant not easily opening up to others, then there was nobody more terrifying and cunning than Cicelnia. When it came to being up-front, the military top brass and old nobles were far more manageable.

My, look at how you are when you’re fast asleep, Rinne thought with a smile.

This shrewd master of hers was completely accustomed to wearing an iron mask, but if anyone was going to strip it off, perhaps Alus could.

If only Sir Alus could always stay at Lady Cicelnia’s side... No, I’m sure that would be impossible. I’m sure that he would refuse even if I asked in a roundabout fashion. 

It was a matter that had already been settled between them. While they didn’t say it aloud, Cicelnia couldn’t tolerate Alus’s stance, and Alus couldn’t accept Cicelnia’s demands.

But in their peculiar relationship, even without political considerations for the power and influence he had, Cicelnia was the one who wished for more from the other.

The ruler could sense the delicate balance of power she had and was not afraid of anyone, but she was strangely clumsy and inconsistent around Alus. Instead of taking the reins and controlling the situation, she acted timid one moment and strangely strong and abusive the next.

Even if it was intentional, Cicelnia of all people was unable to reach her desired results with Alus. He was the only person who caused her to forget her well-honed political skills and threw off her sense of balance, which allowed her to control anyone she spoke to except him.

Their paths were not joined, but she could only hope that they eventually would somewhere further up ahead.

With all that in mind, Rinne calmly looked at Cicelnia peacefully sleeping on Alus’s back, opened the door to Cicelnia’s bedchamber, and invited Alus in.