Chapter 159

Episode 159

I had always been curious about magic.

Aside from the need for a thorough investigation related to the recent incident, I also had personal curiosity.

Why was magic regulated in this world that could be called a fantasy world?

‘Usually, regulations are imposed when there’s concern about a power becoming too great.’

That meant the abilities of mages were beyond imagination.

I had mastered basic magic, but they might be able to use even stronger magic.

I was curious about what kind of magic they could actually perform and how powerful it was.

Therefore, investigating the Magic Tower was a golden opportunity to fulfill both the mission and my personal curiosity.

With the cheat-like skill ‘Mind’s Eye,’ I could gain a lot of clues just by having conversations.

“You want to investigate the Magic Tower? Are you asking me to lift the closure?”

“Yes, Your Highness. The Magic Tower is very close to the Imperial Palace. It’s difficult to guarantee your safety without a thorough investigation. As far as I know, the Magic Tower’s involvement hasn’t been clearly established.”

“Hmm…”

Karma fell into contemplation.

I had heard from him earlier that Tower Master Eldritch had raised his voice and unleashed his magic power on Count Apellai at the Imperial Palace.

Based on that alone, it was highly likely that Eldritch was unaware of the cruel experiment.

But that was one thing, and this was another.

“Let’s postpone that for now. The Tower Master is showing remorse by closing the tower. Lifting the closure immediately would be infringing on his rights. It could also give the impression that Kalisto is retaliating against the Magic Tower. I’ll order the closure to be lifted when the time is right.”

“I’ll follow your will, Your Highness. Then can I at least investigate the servants who assisted Arthur?”

“That’s not difficult. All those involved are imprisoned in the dungeons. I’ll inform Sir Olaf, so you can interrogate them anytime.”

As if remembering something, Karma set down his teacup and looked at me.

“Surely Lady Lucia didn’t order you to investigate the Imperial Family?”

“On the contrary, my Lady asked me to assist Your Highness in handling this matter smoothly. You’ve already cleared that with her.”

“That’s a relief.”

“Your Highness, since we’re in a comfortable setting, I’d like to speak frankly. Would you permit me?”

“Of course. Speak freely.”

There was a condition attached to the permission to possess magical forces. And that condition was beyond my expectations. I needed to gather as much information as possible.

“I’m curious about what the Margrave truly desires. The fact that he set an impossible condition suggests he has ulterior motives.”

“Fertile land, I presume.”

Karma sighed briefly and took a sip of tea.

“He’s a knight with strong convictions. He’s never imagined losing a war. To win, he needs a strong army and fertile farmland. He’s requested to expand his territory several times in the past, but I couldn’t grant it because it could lead to his independence.”

“But we must reward him for his service in defending against the Nordic invasion.”

“If everything went according to plan, being Emperor would be a leisurely job.”

That was true.

In fact, it applied to everything. We call the things that don’t go according to plan “life.”

“Just by them guarding the border, all the nobles are indebted to them. But everyone is too greedy. Of course, House Kalisto is an exception…”

“I understand, Your Highness. After investigating the servants, I’ll head to Whitefield County with the Inspection Unit. May I ask one more favor?”

“Go ahead.”

I had to gain as much advantage, both in terms of justification and practicality, from this incident.

The practical aspect was satisfied, so now it was time to build justification.

“I’d like to conduct this mission as the Lucius Inspection Unit, at the request of Prince Karma. Would you grant me permission?”

“Hmm, so you’re asking Lady Lucia to formally issue a request?”

“Yes. Making our position clear will alleviate the Margrave’s suspicions.”

The prince wouldn’t be able to refuse. Otherwise, it would appear as if the Plenipotentiary of Kalisto was visiting the north on his own accord.

“Alright. I’ll send a messenger to Kalisto. I’ll order her to issue a mission order to you.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

“But do you have any good ideas to appease the Margrave?”

I answered honestly, “Not yet. I want to take a long-term approach to this mission. I need to understand the culture and traditions of the north to respond effectively.”

“I see. I’ll trust you.”

After the audience, I returned to my lodgings. Prince Karma had provided us with luxurious accommodations within the Imperial Palace.

Jericho was busy looking around in awe.

“The ninth mission will begin soon. The prince will send a messenger to Lady Lucia, and we’ll receive an official mission order from the Inspection Unit.”

“A mission? But what about the magical forces issue? I’m more curious about that.”

“There’s a condition attached. That’s our ninth mission.”

I relayed the conversation I had with the prince to the two of them. Their expressions turned serious. They knew how stubborn Margrave Finwinter was.

“This won’t be easy. It’s a gamble for the prince, but it’s also a big risk for the Inspection Unit. If we fail, your position and mine will become ambiguous.”

If that happened, we wouldn’t be able to stay in Kalisto Territory.

We would either be dragged to the Magic Tower or exiled.

“The prince only promised to overlook our failure to register as magicians. We have to handle everything else ourselves.”

“So we’re going to the north?”

Selendis asked, and I nodded.

“Taking a large entourage might provoke the Margrave, so the three of us will go alone. We’ll station the investigators near Whitefield County.”

“Understood, my lord.”

“Hmm, I can’t think of any ideas. How can we appease the Margrave? His anger must have accumulated for decades, no, generations.”

I didn’t have any ideas either.

But if we faced the situation head-on, we would surely find clues.

“When faced with a difficult situation, I always recall my mentor’s words: ‘There’s a reason for everything.'”

“That’s a good saying. If we can find the reason behind a phenomenon, we can solve the problem.”

“Let’s set aside the north for now and focus on what we can do immediately. I’m planning to investigate the servants who assisted Arthur. Sir Olaf should have prepared for the interrogation by now.”

“Yes, let’s go!”

* * *

The Imperial Palace dungeons were a damp and gloomy space with no sunlight.

Stern guards stood with halberds, and lanterns provided the only light source.

In that suffocating silence, we began our investigation.

Time passed.

“That’s enough. The investigation is over. You can leave.”

“T-Thank you…”

After finishing the interrogation of the fifth suspect, I leaned back in my chair and closed my eyes. My neck was stiff, and I had a headache.

“How long have we been here? It feels like quite a while.”

We couldn’t tell the passage of time in this place. There was no natural light.

Jericho took out a small pocket watch, opened it, and gasped.

“Huh! We’ve been here for five hours? No wonder I’m hungry. Aren’t you hungry, Lady Selendis?”

“I’m fine.”

“Come on, don’t be shy.”

Seeing that he still had the energy to joke, I figured we could interrogate one more person.

I called a knight who worked here and asked, “How many suspects are left?”

“Just one.”

“Bring him in. We’ll conclude today’s interrogation after we’re done.”

The knight brought in a young man. He was so pale that it wouldn’t be strange if he collapsed right now.

“What’s your name?”

“C-Coriolis.”

The young servant was trembling. If it were before my possession, I would have offered him a cigarette.

I continued the interrogation with ‘Mind’s Eye’ activated.

“From now on, all investigation records will be submitted to His Majesty and Prince Karma. There must be no lies.”

“Y-Yes… Please spare my life. Please…”

“You were one of Arthur’s personal attendants. In other words, you assisted him closely. How often did Count Apellai visit?”

“Well… I think he came about twice a week.”

White light. It was true.

Not just this attendant, but most of the others had also told the truth. It meant there wasn’t much information to be gained from them.

But I couldn’t give up. I asked more detailed questions.

“I heard Count Apellai was close to Arthur. Was there a difference in their relationship before and after Arthur’s serious injury during the duel?”

“What do you mean by ‘difference’…?”

“Did his attitude towards Arthur change?”

“N-No. He was concerned about his injury, but it wasn’t much different from before.”

True again.

“Did Court Magician Muon visit often?”

“Not often. Maybe once a week… I think he always came once a week.”

“Did anything special happen during those visits?”

“I don’t recall anything unusual.”

Both true.

This was enough. I introduced the ‘variable’ I had prepared.

“There’s a rumor that Count Apellai conspired with Arthur to engage in illegal activities. Did you know about it?”

“I-I know nothing. I’m just a humble servant.”

A murky light flickered.

He took the bait.

The ultimate goal of investigating the servants was to target Apellai. If there was a clue, I could strike.

“Your testimony contradicts the information I have. It seems you’re unaware of Count Apellai’s current situation. It would be in your best interest to tell the truth.”

“Huh? W-Was the Count arrested?”

I didn’t answer and just stared at him. Jericho and Selendis did the same.

Coriolis tried to suppress his panic.

But this place was too terrifying.

“Poor Coriolis. It seems you’re unaware of what’s happening outside because you’re confined here. I understand. So I’ll give you one more chance to revise your answer. There won’t be a third chance, so think carefully before you speak.”

I repeated the same question I asked before.

Finally, Coriolis lowered his head. He said in a resigned tone, “I don’t know much. But… I know that the Count was taking care of Prince Arthur’s messes.”

A series of truths.

I changed the question slightly.

“Where?”

“J-Jimbolba. I really don’t know anything else! Please believe me!”

An unexpected name. I looked at Jericho. He also seemed surprised.