Chapter 25

This is the port town of Toen.

It is the neighboring town of Sealamena, the port that served as the base for the operation to subjugate the sea serpent (which was actually a sea dragon).

On the rocky coast where the sea stretched out far into the distance, a man in a navy robe was sitting alone.

“Lord  Sevillino Osa Arens, I presume?”

“And you are…?”

The man raised his face slightly to look at me. He wore an expression of deep exhaustion.

“My name is Ekvar Kroas Karlsroa ,” I said, bowing slightly with one leg stepped back.

“The Marquis of Karlsroa’s…!? My apologies for my rudeness!”

As he hurried to stand, I gestured for him to stop and sat down beside him.

“Relax. I am not inheriting the title, so there’s no need for formalities. For now, I’m just one of the investigators for this mission.”

“Investigation… I see. But all I can say is the same as what the Archmage has already reported…”

Arens gave a self-deprecating smile.

It was understandable—he wasn’t even allowed to protect the honor of the woman who had sacrificed her life for others.

Having become a court mage, he couldn’t oppose the will of the Archmage. To do so would bring trouble to his family, the barony from which he hailed. Becoming a court mage to protect his family had been an excruciating choice.

“Please, take it easy. I have a friend in the Second Knights, and to be honest, I’m a fan of ‘the Violet Lady.’”

“…”

His gaze, as if in disbelief, made me wink playfully.

Then, I relayed the stories I’d gathered as if they had come from my knight friend.

In truth, while I did have a friend in the Second Knights, I’d only heard a little about the Violet Lady. At the time, I thought the stories exaggerated and didn’t listen closely—something I now regret.

Arens listened nostalgically, gazing at the sea with gentle eyes.

“I’m glad someone like you understands her…”

“If only I’d had my father back her… Things might have been different.”

“Haha, she might have refused even that.”

For a while, we spoke about the Violet Lady, Iriya—her past, her reputation, and what she was like through his eyes.

When it came to evaluating a mage’s abilities, hearing from another mage was always the best approach.

The conclusion? The more I heard, the more capable she seemed. She was talented enough that I wished we could trade the current Archmage for her.

Among the details, one point caught my attention. If he believed I wouldn’t report him for praising the Violet Lady, I needed to draw out what he was carefully hiding.

“I’ve heard the situation is dire… But Arens, you seem to believe in the possibility that the Violet Lady is alive. It doesn’t seem like just a fleeting hope—do you think she had some hidden ability?”

“…”

A long silence followed.

So there was something. His gaze seemed fixed on the horizon, not in resignation, but as if waiting for something.

“…I have no proof,” he finally said.

It was time to play my hand.

“If you’ll share your secret, I’ll share one of mine.”

“What… do you mean?”

I glanced around, ensuring no one was nearby. Then, placing a hand on his shoulder, I spoke softly.

“If there’s even the faintest possibility that Iriya is alive, I have a secret order from my lord to pursue it and find her.”

Arens was speechless. I nodded slowly.

I saw a light return to his eyes—a light of hope.

After a moment’s hesitation, he carefully chose his words and began speaking.

“She… never told anyone, but I believe she had a pact with a demon. This is only my deduction, but I am certain of it.”

“A demon!? So she was versed in summoning as well!?”

My voice rose involuntarily. Dangerous.

“It’s unmistakable. Moreover, it was likely a high-ranking demon with a title. If you consider that she was taught her magic and artifact-crafting by this being, it all makes sense.”

His serious expression made it clear he wasn’t lying. This was the conclusion he’d reached after much thought. If she had a pact with a high-ranking demon, that alone would place her among the top court mages.

“What makes you think it was a demon? There are other beings adept in magic.”

“I felt its magic once. It was during her first battle, against the wyverns. After scattering the wyverns, she faced Nidhogg alone. At that moment, I sensed an ominous magic not of this world. It manifested as flames that incinerated the dragon in a single strike.”

A chill ran down my spine as the cold sea breeze rustled my hair.

“Such a feat… Even among titled demons, not all could accomplish that.”

Arens nodded solemnly.

“She claimed her mentor defeated it. But that would mean her mentor was the demon.”

“In that case, it’s more reasonable to believe she survived.”

“Lord Karlsroa…!”

She was alive—I was certain of it. For some reason, she’d faked her death and escaped the country.

“This conversation stays between us. Leave the search to me. And, keep my mission confidential as well.”

“Of course. Please, I’m counting on you…”

Tears streamed down Arens’ face. Even if he suspected she was alive, carrying such a secret alone had been too much. For the first time, he took his eyes off the sea, lowering them to his hands. Opening his palm, he revealed a small, white fragment of stone.

“By the way, what’s that white stone? It doesn’t look like a gem…”

“This was… something Iriya gave me. A sort of ‘homework,’ if you will. She asked me what I thought it was, but it’s neither a natural stone nor a mineral. I’m investigating whether it’s a result of magical alteration, but I’ve found nothing yet.”

Considering its magical nature, it must indeed have some strong magical essence. Yet it differed from any stone I’d seen before—a true puzzle.

“So… Iriya made this stone herself?”

“…Made the stone itself…”

Arens froze, murmuring under his breath. Had I stirred up unnecessary thoughts?

“Oh, no, it’s just a layman’s idea—don’t take it too seriously.”

“No, thank you. This gives me a new approach to consider.”

A true researcher type, as the rumors said. Still, “homework” from a genius? This could lead to something fascinating.

Just as I was leaving, satisfied with the results, one last question came to mind.

“By the way… Are you in love with her?”

“No, not at all.”

“…Huh?”

That was a miss.