An hour after the meeting had ended, the venue was left with only a few servants tidying and cleaning. Martina, however, remained, still facing the magic circle. She seemed so engrossed in her work that she hadn’t noticed what was happening around her.
“Martina, I figured you’d still be here.”
As Roland entered the venue and spotted Martina, he spoke with an exasperated tone. Finally, Martina lifted her gaze.
“I was worried since you didn’t return, so I came to fetch you.”
“The cleanup of today’s venue is my responsibility. If you don’t clear the space soon, it’ll cause problems.”
Hearing Nadia and Sylvan address her as well, Martina relaxed and let the tension leave her body, her lips curving into a soft smile.
“Sorry, I got so absorbed thinking it would just take a little longer. Nadia, thank you for coming to get me.”
“It’s no problem. I’ve already finished my tasks for today.”
“Oh, is it that late already?”
“Yes. Don’t you think it would be better to leave the rest for tomorrow?”
After pondering the suggestion briefly, Martina shook her head and pointed to a specific part of the magic circle.
“I think I’m almost done here, so I’d like to push through a bit longer.”
“Then at least change locations. You’ll find it more comfortable working in the Royal Library,” Roland suggested.
“You’re right… That does sound better. I’ll do that.”
Martina agreed readily, carefully rolling up the large sheet with the drawn magic circle so as not to crease it. She held it in both arms.
“Oh, by the way, the meetings will be on break for a few days starting tomorrow. Have you heard about this?”
Martina suddenly remembered and looked up to address the three. Roland nodded and spoke.
“Yes, Lord Sophian just informed us.”
“I see. That’s good news.”
“But I also heard the next steps are entirely up to you, Martina. Are you okay with that?”
“Well… I think I’ll manage somehow, but there are still uncertainties. I feel like I’m missing some key information.”
Seeing Martina’s furrowed brows, Sylvan let out a snort, gazing down at her from close range.
“Don’t think you’re the only one capable of extraordinary things. Even if there’s something you can’t do, someone else might be able to. You’re undoubtedly a genius when it comes to memory, but there are others with superior insights and ideas.”
Though his words might sound harsh, those familiar with Sylvan recognized them as his way of encouraging Martina and easing her burdens. They couldn’t help but smile.
“Yes. If it becomes too difficult, I’ll rely on all of you. Well then, I’ll head to the Royal Library.”
“Martina, I’ll go with you. Let’s head back to the dormitory and have dinner together afterward.”
“Okay! See you later, Roland and Sylvan.”
With that, Martina and Nadia left the venue and began walking toward the Royal Library. Along the way, they noticed someone, likely a foreign participant in the meetings, wandering the hallway in confusion.
“Nadia, do you think that person is lost?”
“Perhaps. Judging by the attire, he seems to be from the Kingdom of Ghazal. I’ll go talk to him. You’re carrying your things, so go ahead to the library. I’ll catch up later.”
“Got it. I’ll leave it to you.”
“Yes, leave it to me.”
After a brief exchange, Nadia approached the wandering man while Martina continued toward the Royal Library. In some parts of the corridor, the dim light of the setting sun cast an eerie atmosphere.
♢ ♢ ♢
Meanwhile, just a short time earlier, when Martina was still absorbed in studying the magic circle, the third prince of the Kingdom of Ghazal, Aditya Ghazal, sat in a guest room assigned to his delegation. He wore a scheming smile, accompanied by two attendants who shared his plotting.
“Now is the time to execute the plan,” Aditya declared.
“Yes. If we abduct Martina now, Your Highness will have exclusive control over the Saintess.”
At these words, Aditya grinned wider and clenched his fists in barely contained excitement.
“This is it! This will pave my way to becoming king… I can’t wait to see the despair on the faces of those who’ve looked down on me!”
“Your Highness, and us?”
“Loyal men like you will naturally be promoted to the highest ranks of the kingdom. Perhaps even as my advisors.”
“Thank you, Your Highness…!”
“With the Saintess in my grasp, no nation will dare challenge the Kingdom of Ghazal. Ha! Hahaha! It’s as though this continent is already mine!”
Laughing uproariously, Aditya stood from the sofa and cast a sharp glance at his attendants.
“You must not fail.”
“Y-Yes, we understand. But with the teleportation magic circle, success is assured.”
“Indeed. To think such a thing was found in the Royal Archive… It’s as if the gods themselves have ordained me to rule the world!”
“Yes. It must be divine guidance that brought the magic circle to Your Highness.”
“The other representatives are fools, freely sharing valuable information… True value is wielded by someone like you, Your Highness.”
Buoyed by their flattery, Aditya flashed them a satisfied grin.
“Then let’s proceed. We’ll abduct Martina and return to the kingdom. The destination of the teleportation circle is already set inside the carriage, correct?”
“Yes. Since long-distance teleportation is difficult, the destination is a hidden carriage in a forest on the outskirts of this city. I always keep the magic circle close at hand.”
“After abducting Martina, where shall we rendezvous?”
The three continued to refine their plan based on their observations of Martina’s past movements. If she were alone, they would capture her immediately and meet at an abandoned warehouse. If she were with someone, they’d find a way to separate her first.
“I’ll wait at the warehouse. You two bring Martina there after capturing her.”
“Understood.”
The men exchanged sinister smiles, their expressions twisted with malice.
