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On the day the Duke’s letter was delivered to Lucia and each ministry,

the Empire, the Cult, the Magic Tower, and governments across various nations found themselves in serious contemplation.

Slaughtered combat magicians, magic department investigators, and soldiers.

Monsters from the Mauritania Continent that ambushed the Rift.

The four Inquisition Officers who were killed while carrying out some sort of operation.

The covert movements of the Holy See.

The Imperial Government that didn’t even issue a common letter of protest and the silence maintained by the Royal Family.

Letters stamped with the seal of the reclusive Duke.

Even though the events in the North had not been made public, those with their eyes and ears intact, the ones who could tell, noticed something was amiss.

This included the parties involved—the Cult and the Empire, of course. Even the dispatched magicians and clerics, and foreign armies were sensing the oddity.

The situation in the North was perilously tense, and those intertwined with it were on high alert, wary of any impending incidents.

It was a situation perfectly aligning with the phrase “a spark could set it off.”

All the incidents stemmed from a seemingly trivial question posed by the magicians dispatched from the Magic Tower.

“Why did the Duke send a letter to the Cult instead of us?”

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Episode 12 – The Strongest Magician in History

Following the delivery of undead bodies, the Archbishop’s letter, and the Duke’s missive, the situation unfolded smoothly.

Numerous government ministries, including the Ministry of Defense and the Magic Department, formed countermeasure teams, and an investigative unit was organized centered on the Magic Department.

Legally speaking, all administrative and judicial authority in the North rested with the Military Government Headquarters, but the one who effectively ruled the North was the Duke. The Duke’s blood flowed with that of the Imperial family. In the Kien Empire, royal blood holds a status that transcends legalities.

Of course, the fact that she was the current Emperor’s aunt and an Archmage who participated in the war between the Cult and the Magic Tower a century ago also played a part. Even under martial law where fundamental rights are restricted, the military wouldn’t dare encroach upon the Duke’s political standing and practical authority, which had been built on bloodline and achievements.

The Duke’s intention was straightforward.

“If the Imperial Ministry of Magic and the Ministry of Defense cooperate, I shall allow the Inquisition’s forces, including the exorcist priests, to carry out investigations freely in the North.”

Given that she participated in the war a century ago, lost numerous comrades under the Inquisition’s blade, and that the resentment still lingered, allowing the Inquisition’s forces to enter her territory for ‘investigation’ was indeed a remarkable act of generosity.

Once the Duke’s permission—something everyone thought would be impossible—fell, the Empire and the Cult immediately gathered personnel and dispatched them to the North. Up until this point, everything seemed fine.

However, the problem arose from a place we never anticipated.

“…What did you just say?”

“As I mentioned, I wish for you to reconsider the Duke’s decision.”

The magician of the Magic Tower spoke.

“We cannot comprehend why you would send a letter to the Cult allowing their Inquisition’s forces to conduct investigations in the North while excluding the Magic Battalion and the Secretariat.”

A headache naturally accompanied the magician’s words.

Whatever nonsense had occurred, it seemed that rumors had spread like wildfire among the magicians dispatched to the North, about the fact that the Duke and Lucia had exchanged letters directly.

While rubbing my throbbing temples, the magician continued in a monotonous voice.

“Thus, I sincerely request that you persuade the Duke to change her mind.”

“……”

“Administrator.”

A pair of violet eyes reminiscent of violets glided smoothly.

There was no sign of inflamed passion born from anger, nor the icy chill of detachment; just an ordinary gaze devoid of any feeling.

“Your words just now imply that the Duke made an erroneous decision.”

The Duke was no ordinary royal or magician.

She was a person who had made contributions during the war known as the “War of Independence” or the “Liberation War” that occurred a century ago. She was also of the Kien Empire’s royal bloodline, being the sister of the previous Emperor.

A master of the magical world, she stood shoulder to shoulder with the founders of the Raniere and Rishidike households, a figure who systematically established and developed the previously secretive and cautious teachings of magic into a formal academic discipline.

No, calling her an intellectual is underselling it. The Archmage is in a position far beyond those who merely live as scholars.

To them, the Archmage is a prophet conveying messages, a pioneer boldly treading the thorny path ahead of others.

As my eyelids felt heavy and the violet eyes vanished, a calm voice pierced through the silence.

“Of course, the Duke is human and can make mistakes…”

A glimmering look of authority peeked through her purple eyes.

“Do you believe you have the right to question the Duke’s judgment?”

“……”

“Is that not how you feel, Sir Martinez?”

As the weight of her reproach bore down on him, the person in charge of the Magic Tower Secretariat, Juan Pablo Martinez, shook his head.

“If that is how it sounded, then there’s nothing I can do about it, but I would appreciate your kindness in understanding our situation.”

“……”

“This is the Inquisition we’re discussing. It’s hardly reasonable for the Duke, who knows better than anyone what they’re capable of, to permit an investigation by their forces.”

Francesca’s head tilted slightly.

While her expression was hard to read, her complexion didn’t seem too poor. Martinez began to explain to Francesca.

His tone was devoid of emotion, as if only presenting the facts.

“All the magicians are confused by this decision.”

“And what does that mean?”

“As you know, the recent situation here can hardly be called peaceful. Many magicians have been slaughtered, with clerics from the Cult being named as suspects.”

“Official investigative results have yet to be released, Sir Martinez. Please be mindful of your statements.”

“What matters is that people are thinking that way, regardless of the truth. For the magicians, suspecting clerics as murderers while the Duke’s decision has been made is like pouring oil on a fire.”

While no additional explanation was given, it was evident how events were unfolding.

The magicians dispatched to the Rift in response to a request for support had witnessed a murder. They had seen the bodies of the Empire’s combat magicians butchered in a remote gorge.

Immediately, the magicians pointed fingers at the clerics.

Since the knights were present near the slain combat magicians. The clerics who first discovered the bodies had been moving along with them, and most importantly, there were divine responses detected from the corpses.

It seemed the magicians dispatched to the Rift had been gossiping about the incident. Typically, conspiracy theories like this tend to exaggerate or inflate, so it was no surprise if bizarre rumors circulated among the magicians of the Magic Tower.

For reference, the gentleman who had witnessed the bodies firsthand while examining them was none other than Juan Pablo Martinez, talking to Francesca over there.

“Lady Raniere.”

“Speak.”

“Please, convince the Duke to reconsider.”

Martinez said. Contrary to his previously emotionless demeanor, his voice now held a slight variation in tone.

The magician appealed to the descendant of the Archmage.

“Just like Lord Rishidike, Lady Raniere, you are a descendant of a great magician. Those who hold the right to converse with the Duke are limited to the Tower Lords and the Oracle’s committee members, as well as direct descendants of great families. With Lord Rishidike at the front lines now, you are the only magician who can meet the Duke.”

Martinez lowered his body in a bow. Francesca’s gaze lingered on his head before shifting away.

“…Tsk.”

Having grasped the situation, Francesca clicked her tongue in discontent.

“What did the Oracle say?”

“The committee members and the Tower Lord have stated they respect the Duke’s decision.”

“Isn’t that good?”

Francesca briefly regarded Martinez before returning her gaze to the paperwork.

“The Oracle has not raised any objections to the Duke’s judgment, and the Empire hasn’t made any substantial comments either. As far as I know, the Military Government Headquarters, which received administrative and judicial powers from the city government, also did not oppose that decision. Given that, the magicians rebelling is…”

“……”

“Very strange, isn’t it?”

“I would greatly appreciate your understanding that everyone is terribly anxious.”

With another line of dull explanation added.

“After all, the Duke sent a letter to the Cult before us, didn’t she?”

“……”

Francesca did not respond.

She was seldom one to speak.

Martinez attempted to elaborate on how the dispatched magicians in the North were agitated, what the source of their unease was, and why the Inquisition’s forces could no longer be allowed into the North.

“Let’s stop this.”

Francesca raised her hand, cutting off Martinez’s words.

“That’s enough. Sir Martinez, you may leave now. Keep an eye on things so strange rumors don’t circulate, and make sure the magicians don’t cause any disturbances.”

“Lady Raniere, but I can’t comprehend the Duke’s decision—”

“Should the Duke have to accommodate anyone’s understanding when making his judgments?”

The magician’s mouth shut tightly.

A chilling voice followed.

[Do not cross any further lines, Sir. This is not advice; it’s a warning.]

[…Understood.]

Martinez bowed deeply and exited Francesca’s office.

The sound of his shoes on the wooden floor echoed back and forth until the door finally clicked shut.

*Click.*

I stopped the recording and took off my headset, placing it next to the eavesdropping equipment.

*

People tend to think eavesdropping is a tricky business.

But honestly, it’s not as complicated as it seems.

Advancements in technology have put smartphones in the hands of everyone, and at some point, people started carrying around the essence of their entire lives in their pockets.

From email addresses, phone numbers, IDs and passwords, to location data, payment history, social media and messaging apps, photos, and biometric information.

Smartphones are essentially walking safes, and if you just crack open a single phone, a waterfall of information pours out. By devouring all the data inside and connecting to the mic and camera, an information officer can effortlessly transform a smartphone into a surveillance and eavesdropping device.

There’s no need for complex technology for such tasks. Just buy hacking tools designed for smartphones made by Israeli or Italian private enterprises and you’re set.

Sure, if you’re carrying a smartphone with encryption features like a government official, you may need to put in some extra effort, but it becomes a piece of cake if you just shoot off a text or email crafted perfectly; you can do it in under a minute.

Of course, if you’re in a place where people don’t have smartphones or where such technology doesn’t exist, then this easy eavesdropping method won’t fly.

Unfortunately, I found myself in both situations.

“Administrator, have you finished your discussion?”

When I leaned against the office door to ask, Francesca responded in a curt tone.

“Why are you asking when you were watching?”

“Come on… Eavesdropping? Someone might take that the wrong way.”

“Never mind. Just take down that stuff you set up over there quickly.”

I collected the eavesdropping and surveillance equipment I had set up in Francesca’s office.

The number one small magic capturing tool aimed at the door from inside a flower pot, and the number two capturing tool snugly fitted into a palm-sized box with a hole drilled into it. Eavesdropping devices hidden under chairs and inside magic lamps too.

After gathering everything, including the equipment I had tucked away under her desk, I plopped down in front of Francesca.

“This is getting absurd. I never imagined the Magic Tower folks would go this crazy.”

As I remarked with a big grin, Francesca let out a groan.

“Yeah, I didn’t expect such a backlash either.”

The influence wielded by the descendants of great archmages in the magical community is enormous. They were the ones who liberated oppressed magicians and led magic to be recognized as a legitimate field of study.

Yet, even a descendent like Francesca, not to mention a duke who stood shoulder to shoulder with legendary archmages, is facing backlash from the magicians with the duke’s decisions.

“To be precise, they’re agitated…”

“Well, that part isn’t that important.”

Francesca rubbed her temples, sighing heavily.

“The agitation among magicians is a problem, Colonel.”

“Indeed. But isn’t the real issue why the magicians are so worked up?”

“True…”

I began piecing together the information Martinez spilled along with what Francesca knew to analyze the cause of the magicians’ uproar.

“The magicians who witnessed the bodies of combat magicians in the rift are suspecting the priests of being involved in the murders. Meanwhile, news has come in about the Inquisition people, who they already found awkward to face, coming in droves.

And it turns out the archmage gave permission for the Inquisition’s forces to set foot in the northern regions and even allowed investigations across the territory—without even consulting the magicians of the Magic Tower.”

Is this what has the magicians riled up?

“…Well, that’s one way to see it.”

Francesca seemed fed up and confirmed my deductions with a lack of enthusiasm.

I rested my chin on one hand, mentally chewing over the current situation once more.

And I came to this conclusion.

“It’s a mess.”

I turned to Francesca, pressing her.

“Are the magicians always this out of whack? What gives them the right to demand the archmage’s decision be overturned? They don’t even have the courage to confront him directly and instead whisper complaints to a civil servant like you. Is this the way people in the Magic Tower think? It’s way different from what I knew.”

“Why are you taking it out on me? I was just sitting here.”

“I’m sorry. That wasn’t my intention.”

My voice was laced with disbelief. I apologized, not meaning to direct my frustrations at her, and like a true magnanimous individual, Francesca accepted my apology.

Leaning back in her chair, she let out a sigh and answered my question.

“They wouldn’t normally react like this. This agitation seems more intense than expected.”

“But does that justify acting out like this? The duke even wrote a letter to Lucia, and the Oracle said they respect his judgment. Isn’t this outright rebellion?”

“Exactly, and that’s the problem. The very people who understand the implications are the ones reacting this way.”

“Huh.”

“Things might be worse than they seem. Although they hail from different nations, those combat magicians were killed without a single resistance…”

“They feel threatened for their lives?”

“Probably. With unpleasant incidents happening on the battlefield, everyone seems to be on edge.”

I posed a question to Francesca, who was muttering to herself in contemplation.

“So, what do you plan to do?”

“The easiest way is to persuade the magicians affiliated with the three main schools to quell the backlash. Since the major factions are elemental, sorcery, and astrology, the minor factions will naturally follow in line with them. Alternatively, ignoring the situation altogether might be an option too.”

The fact that they had an easy method but weren’t implementing it suggested one thing.

They couldn’t use that approach right now.

“But this isn’t a situation where ignoring it will solve anything. Whether persuading the three schools will even yield results remains uncertain.”

“Figure something out. We can’t just let this slide.”

“Of course. I’ll talk to Sir Evangelos and see what he thinks. We need to discuss measures before things get more serious.”

“Understood. Do you need anything?”

“Just asking, but you’re not thinking of placing an eavesdropping device in my office again, are you?”

“Of course not.”

I replied with a smile.

I was just planning to attach the eavesdropping device directly to Francesca, so, technically speaking, I wasn’t lying.

While Francesca was setting up a meeting with the Commander of the Magic Tower Magician Battalion, Evangelos Rysidike, I busily packed up my things and prepared to leave the room.

Just as I was about to step out.

“Oh, right.”

With my hand resting on the doorknob, I asked Francesca for one more thing.

“Administrator. About the rumors circulating among the folks at the Magic Tower. About what happened in the rift and the duke sending a letter to Lucia.”

“Yes? Why do you ask?”

“Can you find out who started those rumors?”

“Sure, that shouldn’t be a problem. It’ll take a little time though. But why?”

“Oh, it’s nothing.”

I smacked my lips.

“It’s not a big deal, just a suspicion…”

“Sure.”

“I’m just worried someone might be intentionally spreading those rumors.”

 

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