Martina had returned to the royal palace and was on her way to the Minister of Military Affairs, accompanied by Lambert. It was said that only in emergencies could one approach the minister’s office without a prior appointment.
“The Minister of Military Affairs is the Marquis of Tierslan, correct?”
“Yes. He is a very trustworthy individual, so you can rest assured. His Majesty holds him in high regard, and your words will not be dismissed lightly.”
Hearing Lambert’s reassuring words, Martina felt a bit of the tension leave her stiffened body.
The two moved quickly through the palace halls, and a few minutes later, they arrived in front of the minister’s office.
“Minister, the captain of the First Knights and an official from the Administrative Department are here with urgent news. May I let them in?”
When the guard outside the door called inside, the door promptly opened. The Minister of Military Affairs, apparently in the middle of paperwork, was seated at his desk.
“Lambert, Official, what brings you here?”
“This is an emergency, so I will get straight to the point. A black mist has appeared in the eastern forest, and a large number of monsters, including ones not native to this region, are emerging from it. We are currently managing to hold them off, but the situation could escalate at any moment.”
“…Monsters are emerging?”
“Yes. Regarding the mist, Martina here possesses relevant knowledge and will explain further.”
As Lambert introduced her, Martina raised her head slightly, her face tense.
“I am Martina, from the Administrative Department. The black mist is likely what is known as a miasma pool. This term appears in four books I’ve read: Decoding the Dark Ages, Dark Histories, Origins of Humanity, and The Ecology of Demons.”
Martina proceeded to explain the details she had previously shared with Lambert, this time in greater depth. The Minister of Military Affairs, dumbfounded, gaped at her.
“…Wh-What do you mean? How do you know so much? Have you been studying the Dark Ages?”
“No, I have an exceptional memory and never forget anything I’ve read or heard even once. This ability led me to love reading, and I’ve read every book in the public library. Currently, I am working through the royal library’s collection, and the information I shared comes from that knowledge.”
The minister seemed skeptical, his expression conflicted as he struggled to process her claim.
“Minister, I assure you that Martina’s words are true. I have witnessed her abilities firsthand,” Lambert vouched.
“…Understood. If Lambert says so, I’ll believe it. However, I must verify the books you mentioned.”
“Of course. I can even tell you the exact pages where the relevant information is found.”
At the casual mention of specific page numbers, Lambert widened his eyes in surprise. The minister, already overwhelmed, appeared to resign himself to the situation, his expression blank as he spoke.
“…Could you tell me now? I’ll check the books immediately and consult His Majesty afterward.”
“Certainly. I’ll start with Decoding the Dark Ages. References to the miasma pool are scattered throughout, beginning on page 27, line 6—”
Martina then conveyed every section containing relevant information. By the time she finished, the minister, now regarding her with a mixture of awe and fear, finally spoke.
“Thank you. I’ll consult His Majesty and determine our course of action. Once decided, we’ll notify both the knights and the Administrative Department. Please await further instructions.”
“Understood.”
After bowing to the minister, Martina and Lambert left the office.
“What will happen now…?” Martina murmured anxiously as they walked back to their respective workplaces.
Hearing her, Lambert glanced out the palace corridor window at the dark clouds gathering in the sky and responded.
“Busy days lie ahead. Let’s hope the damage doesn’t spread.”
“All we can do is pray.”
“Indeed. But thanks to your efforts, we now understand the mist’s nature and can act swiftly. Thanks to you, Martina, the damage should be minimal.”
Lambert’s words seemed to ease Martina’s anxiety slightly, and she allowed herself a small smile.
“Thank you.”
“Let’s both do our utmost to protect the kingdom.”
“Yes!”
With determined expressions, the two nodded to each other and returned to their duties.
