Martina and Roland explained the details of the previous day during their audience with the king. That afternoon, after the audience ended, the king summoned the chancellor and the minister of military affairs to his office.
“First, regarding the Ghazal Kingdom, is there any objection to imposing various sanctions such as demanding reparations, halting or restricting exports and imports, and imposing entry restrictions?”
“None, Your Majesty. Moreover, since this occurred during an international conference, we should publicly disclose the Ghazal Kingdom’s wrongdoing to other nations.”
The king nodded in agreement with the chancellor’s suggestion.
“Then handle the matter with the Ghazal Kingdom as proposed. …Now, onto the next topic: I would like to discuss the issue of dark magic attributes. In our kingdom, a negative perception of dark attributes has spread, and the royal family has not actively denied it. However, it was Roland, a dark magic user, who saved Martina.”
Hearing the king’s words, it was the minister of military affairs who spoke first.
“To be honest, I held a prejudice against dark attributes. I had the impression that it was something associated with villains, a belief that had taken root within me. But when I heard that a dedicated official in the government was a dark magic user…I felt ashamed of myself.”
The minister spoke with quiet remorse, and the king nodded in serious agreement.
“I feel the same. However, it’s also true that dark magic users in the past have committed crimes, which is one reason the current prejudice exists.”
“Indeed. Although criminals exist among users of other attributes as well, dark magic’s inherent abilities tend to make it more conspicuous,” the chancellor added in a calm tone, and silence fell over the room.
Historically, crimes committed by dark magic users included stalking, abductions, and murders. The ability to track someone by remembering their magical essence created fear, as there was no escape within the same town. Over time, this fear shifted from individual criminals to the magic itself.
“The problem lies not in dark magic itself, but in those who misuse it. However, eradicating deep-seated prejudice is no simple task.”
“Indeed… Have there ever been dark magic users employed within the royal palace?”
At the king’s question, both the chancellor and the minister of military affairs pondered. The chancellor, with a slight furrow in his brow, spoke first.
“I can’t say for certain without investigation, but I believe there haven’t been any in official positions. Unless, of course, someone deliberately concealed their abilities.”
“As for the knights, no one has joined with that attribute in at least the last decade.”
“There was one dark magic student who enrolled in the magic academy about ten years ago, but they eventually dropped out due to prejudice.”
With no prior positive experiences involving dark magic users, the three men remained silent, uncertain about how to handle Roland.
“Has it become widely known that this official possesses a dark attribute?”
“Not significantly at present, but many soldiers and knights witnessed it, as did members of the Ghazal Kingdom. Moreover, when explaining how Martina was rescued, it would be difficult to hide.”
“Then we must proceed under the assumption that his attribute will become public knowledge. While dismissing him solely for that reason is not an option, keeping him employed may still lead to disorder.”
With a pained expression, the king spoke, and the chancellor and minister hesitantly nodded.
“Those familiar with him likely won’t have issues, but other departments with no prior interactions may voice complaints.”
“For his own sake, it might be difficult for him to continue working.”
“If we do keep him employed, the kingdom would need to launch a large-scale effort to improve the status of dark magic users.”
Though the chancellor suggested such measures, the king, deep in thought, did not immediately agree. Silence lingered in the office as the three pondered whether to convince Roland to resign peacefully or transfer him to a less interactive position.
Suddenly, a knock came at the door.
“My apologies for interrupting the meeting. I was entrusted with an urgent document by Lord Laforet, who insisted it be delivered to His Majesty immediately.”
The assistant to the chancellor entered and handed over a document.
“Is it related to the summoning of the saintess?”
Given Lord Laforet’s involvement in the project, the atmosphere grew tense. However, as the chancellor read the document’s title aloud, confusion replaced the tension.
“On the Importance of Dark Magic.”
“What’s this? Why would a historian like Laforet produce such a document?”
“Incidentally, the official in question, Roland, is actually named Roland Laforet. He might be Lord Laforet’s grandson. Also, this document appears to be co-signed by Martina.”
The hastily prepared document included references to historical studies on whether magical attributes correlate with personality, records of dark magic users becoming heroes, and evidence of dark magic’s indispensability for summoning the saintess.
“…We can’t dismiss this lightly,” murmured the king, his expression brightening.
“Indeed. Highlighting the role of dark magic in the summoning ritual could significantly change public perceptions.”
“If Lord Laforet supports this, we’ll have no shortage of materials to explain it to the nobility and citizens.”
“Very well. The kingdom will strive to elevate the status of dark magic. Roland will remain an official, and we’ll ensure his position is secure for the time being.”
The king’s declaration brought a relieved expression to the faces of the chancellor and minister of military affairs.
“Understood. To emphasize the kingdom’s need for dark magic, perhaps we could also recruit dark magic users into the knight order, similar to how we recruit light attribute users.”
“Agreed. Let’s move forward with that plan. Additionally, the magic academy should welcome dark magic users and hire teachers capable of instructing them.”
“Understood. I’ll make the arrangements.”
Through the decisions of these three leaders, the long-oppressed dark magic users began to see a brighter future. The day when dark magic serves the kingdom and its users receive gratitude from all may not be far away.
