episode_0178

Episode 178

Marquis of Sesennes.

Even though he had a high status as a marquis, my impression of him was weak.

Although not as large as Laurentia, the Seine family also has considerable territory. But he comes and lives here in Lurie. It seems that the territory has been left to the vassals to manage it on their own.

In terms of popularity, Giuliana of the Academy of Sessenes is probably more famous. The world’s perception was that he was more of a glamorous traveler who enjoyed a leisurely, aristocratic life while being held captive by the beautiful and lively Juliana.

But it seems that wasn’t necessarily the case.

“What if they are strange people?”

“…They were people who practiced magic. The outfit was Lustier’s, but… I’m also a mage, so I knew that she had unusual mana.”

“Those who practice witchcraft? Julianna, was the Marquis of Sesennes also a mage?”

“No, it’s not. James had no talent for magic.”

Those who practice magic are approaching the marquis, who cannot control magic… Are they targeting the marquis’ property and territory?

I came to check on the development status of sexual instruments and ended up getting caught up in something strange. However, the power of the Sanseong family could not be given to unknown people. Also, I still need Juliana’s talent.

I asked Juliana first.

“But it’s strange. Julianna, you are also a mage who holds a grimoire, right? Is there any problem with someone who has such powerful powers both magically and socially?”

I have no particular intention to praise Juliana. It’s just an obvious fact. Juliana has the strength and will to crush any force if she puts her mind to it. You don’t even need to ask me.

Juliana answered with a dark face.

“…James told me not to get involved…”

“The Marquis of Seance…? Have you tried persuading him?”

“No… he doesn’t listen to me at all. After having a child… I always give instructions one-sidedly.”

Juliana clutched her arm as if she was in pain.

It seems that the marital relationship of the Marquis of Sesennes was quite different from what the world imagined. Contrary to his fame outside the house, the impression was that the power within the house belonged to the Marquis James. Well, it’s still just a feeling.

As I organized the newly acquired information in my head, I asked Juliana again.

“Juliana, first of all, let me make this clear. What do you want from me in a husband? Are you asking me to convince him? Or are you asking me to investigate his surroundings?”

Juliana was unable to answer readily. I felt like I didn’t even know my own thoughts.

“Well… I don’t know. What should I do? I just told the princess about the anxiety I had in my heart. It’s a story I couldn’t tell anyone.”

Belatedly, I felt like I could see a little bit of the person named Julianna.

Masturbating at work is not a common behavior. Usually, such secret work is done in a place where one can feel the most safe. Well, maybe it’s just because he’s a pervert.

I began to think that perhaps Juliana’s office and secret workshop were the only refuge she had.

Because she was unable to confide in her heart even to her husband, she devoted herself to outside activities and may have developed a sexual desire for abnormality.

“After hearing this far, I have no intention of leaving. Well then, let’s check one more thing. If the Marquis of Sesennes is a traitor, it’s okay to deal with him, right? Or perhaps… did you bring up this story hoping for that?”

Juliana’s eyes widened and she shook her head.

“Oh, no! I would never… absolutely not want that from a princess! It’s just that I can’t stand the anxiety…”

“Okay, Juliana. So is it okay to kill? Of course, if you are deeply involved in treason.”

Juliana flinched a little as if she was shocked. He immediately answered in a trembling voice.

“I also owe my life to the princess. The minimum penalty for treason is death… I have no intention of disobeying the princess’s judgment.”

That’s a standard answer.

James and Julianna. I haven’t been able to accurately determine what the relationship between the two is like yet. But at least at this stage, I was able to be sure that the relationship was not satisfactory.

Maybe Juliana is trying to use me to get rid of her husband. If it is determined that that was really the intention, Juliana will once again pay the full price for her insolence.

“I understand. When did they start appearing?”

“It’s extremely recent. I think it was three or four days ago… We come and go almost every day.”

“Hmm… I see. Is there any other information?”

“I don’t know anything more than this. Sorry…”

“No. If you have any other information or if the Marquis de Seine makes any moves, please let me know right away.”

With those words, I left Juliana’s office.

* * *

Judging by the fact that they are people who practice magic, it is possible that they are connected to the Black Mountain Society. Of course, it is still a leap. However, the timing of their start of activity is very suspicious.

It was exactly 5 days ago that Mystilia was broken. If they sensed that and started their activities again… they may have a plan to revive Mystilia or destroy Lustier in some other way.

Well, for now it’s just speculation. It may simply be a separate group that is targeting the marquis’s wealth and influence.

The person suspected to be behind it is… probably not the Noble Association. There is little possibility of using witchcraft, a non-aristocratic means, or a lowly means only used by foreigners.

Well, that could be a ploy to avoid being connected to them… but I don’t think that’s the case either.

With those thoughts in mind, I was trotting down the corridors of the palace. Then, someone called me.

“Ah, princess! You are here.”

It was the court magician Monaz. When I heard the voice and turned around, I saw that he had a slightly flushed face.

“Yes, Monaz. What’s going on?”

“I heard that you have become the owner of the grimoire. To become the owner of a grimoire without having any mana… that’s unprecedented. Anyway, congratulations!”

He seemed genuinely pleased with the princess’s accomplishments. In fact, he was also in charge of the princess’s magic class. I quit a long time ago because I had no talent.

I answered, a little embarrassed.

“Uh, where did you hear that?”

“Yes? I inquired with the Gerrard family and they informed me. Ascertaining the status of Lustier’s greatest asset, the grimoire, is one of the basic duties of a royal magician.”

I didn’t know that.

Well, the reason the Kingdom of Lustier can be so peaceful is all thanks to the power of magic. It may be natural for a mage of the highest rank to check the magic book that can be said to be its essence.

Anyway, I found out about this. It seems that the Tree of Knowledge has no intention of hiding the fact that I now possess the Book of Enekra. Well, there’s no reason for that.

I nodded and said.

“That’s right. I obtained the Book of Enekra. But Monaz, can you keep that a secret?”

“Um… why? I am very proud to have been recognized by the Grimoire. Don’t you think it should be widely known and congratulated…?”

“As you just said, I still lack the skills to be a mage. I am not yet satisfied with the qualifications to meet the expectations of a grimoire holder. That’s why I want to keep it a secret until I have the skills to be worthy of the grimoire I have.”

Monaz looked like she didn’t really understand the reason I said. He scratched his chin and reluctantly nodded.

“Um… Well, if that’s what the princess wants, then I’ll do it. However, the Gerard family is required to disclose as much information about the Magic Library as possible without violating the wishes of the Tree of Knowledge. It will definitely be revealed someday, right?”

“I know. So, we should try harder to develop our magic skills.”

“I understand. So you’re saying you’re going to start taking magic classes again?”

“Hmm… yes?”

“Yes? Didn’t you say you were going to develop magical skills? I may be pretentious, but I, Monaz, am proud to be a top-notch teacher. Although I wasn’t of much help to the princess when she was young… it will be different now.”

Am I digging my own grave? No, if you think about it, it wasn’t a bad opportunity. Although I have memorized all the spells in the Book of Enekra, I have rarely actually used magic. His class might be quite helpful.

Of course, adding another class to the schedule is a bit burdensome.

“I understand. I will do it. Um… we’ll discuss the schedule later.”

“Please leave it to me. I will let you hear the story of the return of the Sorcerer King Zednian.”

“Um, yes. Please take care of me.”

So I finished my conversation with Monaz and turned around. Needless to say, the place I was heading to was Carmel’s room.

“Welcome, Sarah.”

Carmel sat proudly on the sofa and greeted me. There was a soft smile on his lips.

I asked bluntly.

“Let me ask you something, mother. Have you ever touched Seville Street recently?”

“What are the details? No.”

It’s a calm expression. It didn’t seem like he was hiding anything. It’s just a feeling, though.

“Recently, it is said that the Marquis of Sesennes has been in contact with those who practice witchcraft. So I asked. I wonder if he is plotting something sinister again.”

“Hehe, it’s an evil plan… I definitely have nothing to do with that. But I can’t say it doesn’t exist.”

Carmel smiled meaningfully. Probably nothing much.

I asked Carmel again.

“You should be quite careful about that. By the way, do you think your mother would like to help me with this?”

“…need help? Am I to you?”

Carmel frowned a little. It seemed like he wasn’t used to this kind of situation.

At least among the shamans I know, there is no one more skilled than Carmel. Carmel was the most suitable person to contact and deal with sorcerers.

When I nodded with a serious face, a sharp smile appeared on Carmel’s face.

“Hehehe, hehehe…! Okay, Sarah. It seems you have finally come to recognize my power. If you really want it, I’ll help you. But you’re not asking for free help, right?”

“Let’s say I owe my mother a debt. How about that?”

“Debt… Okay. Please know that it will be very expensive.”

Carmel said that with a very satisfied face.