“I don’t even know how to put it into words. It’s one thing not to sense magic, but Lady Lila, you have no magic at all.”

“Is that strange?”

Lila tilted her head, unperturbed by the revelation. To her, having no magic was not surprising. But Huon’s expression grew serious.

“I had assumed until now that you had magic, just in such minuscule amounts that it was unusable—or that you lacked the talent to wield it.”

“Hmm?”

“Most others likely thought the same.”

“Why would they?”

“Every person is born with some degree of inherent magic, no matter how small. The difference lies in whether they can harness it or not.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. Among those capable of using magic, only a rare few can develop their abilities further and become true magicians.”

The explanation piqued Lila’s curiosity, a rare occurrence for her.

“It’s the same with martial artists. Only those who can control the innate energy they’re born with can reach the rank of an expert.”

“So you’re saying, regardless of hair or eye color, every person is born with magic?”

“Exactly.”

“Then why don’t I have any?”

“That’s what’s unusual. I can’t sense any innate magic from you—not even a trace. It’s as if your body is an empty vessel.”

Huon furrowed her brow, the situation perplexing even her. In her experience, even martial artists exhibited faint traces of their innate magic. But Lila’s body was entirely void. After a long pause, Huon spoke cautiously.

“There are two possibilities. Either you are an extraordinarily rare mutation—one in a million—or your magic was stolen.”

“Stolen? Is that even possible?”

Lila’s brows knit slightly at the new possibility Huon introduced.

“It is. In the past, magicians or sorcerers who lacked natural talent often resorted to stealing magic. This was known as forbidden sorcery or black magic.”

“Black magic?”

“Yes. Black magic emerged during a time when sorcerers also served as priests, offering sacrifices to deities. It involves human sacrifices, which is why it’s strictly forbidden in almost every nation.”

“So all black magic is banned?”

“Not entirely. There’s a specific form of black magic called enhancement sorcery, where one sacrifices themselves to break through magical limits. It’s still in use, albeit rarely.”

Huon gave a bitter smile and absently ran her remaining hand over the bandages on her arm. Lila’s eyes flicked to them, realizing for the first time how Huon might have lost her arm and eye.

“Black magic is extremely dangerous. Even enhancement sorcery can cost your life if misused.”

“I didn’t know such magic existed.”

“Black magic was commonly used during times of war. Captured magicians would have their magic stolen, and even innocent civilians were sacrificed. The death toll was staggering.”

“Ah.”

“About 200 years ago, a treaty was signed by representatives of various nations to outlaw black magic, nearly wiping it out. Now, most people don’t even know it exists.”

“I see….”

“If someone stole your magic, it likely happened when you were very young.”

Huon’s face darkened. Though nothing was certain, the mere possibility was horrifying. If Lila truly had been a victim of black magic, only one person could have orchestrated such an act.

‘Would Grand Duke Eustace know about this?’ Huon bit her lip anxiously. A magician of his caliber could not have overlooked such a possibility. Resolving to discuss it with him later, Huon glanced at Lila. She had learned the previous night from Elvin about Lila’s life. Huon worried that her words might hurt her.

“What I’ve told you is just speculation. Nothing is certain yet….”

“Yeah, I know.”

“Apologies. I shouldn’t have said anything.”

“It’s fine. Don’t worry.”

Lila’s tone was calm, her demeanor as composed as ever. But like Huon, she too immediately thought of the emperor.

The emperor she knew was a man who would have no qualms about using black magic. If he had known the empress was carrying twins, there was no way he would have let it go. Even so….

“Like you said, nothing’s certain yet.”

“Lady Lila….”

“Let’s end this conversation here.”

Lila, her mind suddenly heavy with chaotic thoughts, chose to end the discussion. Her expression and voice remained unshaken, but turmoil brewed within.

Swallowing down the bitterness that surged up, she clenched her hands tightly under the table.

***

“…! Your Grace!”

The nobles, clustered together in front of the assembly hall, immediately brightened upon spotting Grand Duke Eustace emerging from the far end of the corridor. They eagerly approached him, and the Grand Duke greeted the middle-aged man who came forward first with a gentle smile.

“It’s been a while, Count Greer.”

“I’m relieved to see you in good health, Your Grace.”

“What was supposed to be a short rest ended up lasting longer than expected. I must have caused you some concern.”

After exchanging light pleasantries with Count Greer, Grand Duke Eustace turned his attention to the others greeting him. He smiled warmly at each of them while his cold eyes swept the crowd. With practiced ease, he quickly noted who smiled at him sincerely and who seemed uneasy, filing the observations away before softening his gaze.

“Rather than lingering here, let us proceed inside.”

As soon as the Grand Duke spoke, the crowd parted to clear a path for him.

“Grand Duke Eustace is entering!”

The doorkeeper announced loudly as he opened the doors. Inside, nobles, gathered in small groups, turned their attention toward the Grand Duke. Unperturbed by the sea of gazes, Eustace walked confidently into the hall.

The room was filled mostly with nobles who supported the emperor. A few of them, however, frowned or looked disappointed at the sight of Eustace, whose appearance was far more composed than they had anticipated.

“It’s been a long time, Your Grace,” said Chancellor Nike, the leader of the imperial faction, stepping forward to greet him.

“I heard you were gravely ill, but it seems you’ve recovered well. In fact, you look healthier than ever.”

“There have been many pleasant developments during my rest,” the Grand Duke replied with an intentionally radiant smile, meeting the chancellor’s veiled jab with ease.

“Pleasant developments, you say… That reminds me. Recently, there’s been quite a rumor circulating about Your Grace in the capital.”

The chancellor raised an eyebrow, clearly displeased by the Grand Duke’s nonchalant demeanor, before clearing his throat. As the leader of the emperor’s faction, Nike found Eustace to be an especially difficult adversary. While proud of Eustace’s accomplishments as a subject of the empire, his loyalty to the emperor made fully appreciating them a complicated matter.

“A rumor? What rumor would catch the attention of a chancellor known for his stoicism?”

“Are you unaware? There’s widespread talk in the capital about the warrior who saved Your Grace from the clutches of an assassin.”

“Ah.”

At the mention of Lila, the Grand Duke’s smile softened into something entirely genuine.

“Ah, our dear Raven. It seems word of her has already spread this far.”

The Grand Duke’s voice was filled with unmistakable affection, his expression one of unrestrained happiness.

“…Our dear Raven?”

Chancellor Nike blinked, momentarily convinced he had misheard. He stared at Eustace as if he had just seen a ghost, utterly unprepared for the overwhelming response to his casual inquiry.

“I also heard a rumor that you plan to grant that warrior a title,” Nike added, regaining his composure.

“That’s correct. A title ceremony will be held at the ducal estate soon. I would be delighted if you could attend.”

The Grand Duke’s bright smile startled the chancellor anew. Even those nobles who had been eavesdropping were taken aback.

“Would my presence be welcome?”

“Of course. The more well-wishers, the better.”

The nobles in the assembly hall, regardless of faction, cast glances at the Grand Duke, whose cheerful demeanor was hard to ignore. Though Eustace was known for his smiles, they often felt calculated and distant, like a mask. However, the smile he wore now was unmistakably genuine.

“…It’s as if he’s in love,” one noble murmured absentmindedly, prompting others to exchange startled glances.

The idea seemed absurd at first, but upon reflection, Eustace’s demeanor did resemble that of a man deeply enamored. Determined to uncover the truth, many nobles resolved to investigate the eastern warrior who had saved him.

Just then, the doorkeeper announced the arrival of the emperor and crown prince.

“The Sun and Moon of the Empire enter!”

The lively chatter in the assembly hall came to an abrupt halt. The nobles swiftly moved to their seats, standing respectfully as the emperor and crown prince entered.

“Glory to the Sun and Moon of the Empire!”

“Be seated,” the emperor commanded.

He strode to the throne, taking his seat with an air of authority. The crown prince followed, sitting directly across from Grand Duke Eustace. The crown prince’s gaze lingered disapprovingly on the Grand Duke, whose unblemished appearance seemed to irk him.

“It’s been some time since we’ve last met, Grand Duke,” the emperor said, his tone measured.

“I feel the same, Your Majesty.”

Unlike the crown prince, the emperor was skilled at concealing his emotions. Yet, it was clear he, too, harbored no fondness for Eustace. His pale blue eyes scrutinized the Grand Duke from head to toe, darkening ever so slightly.

“I sent imperial envoys to check on your health, only to have them turned away repeatedly. I thought you might be gravely ill, but it seems I was mistaken. Seeing you in such fine condition is a relief.”

“It’s all thanks to Your Majesty’s benevolence.”

‘What a despicable old man.’

Grand Duke Eustace inwardly cursed as he forced a smile to his lips. If he didn’t, he feared curses would spill from his mouth or his expression might betray his true feelings.

“Then, are you fit to resume your duties?”

“Of course.”

The Grand Duke deliberately widened his smile. Outwardly, he appeared pleasant, but inside, he was seething, like boiling oil.

“I believe Lady Lila may have fallen victim to black magic.”

Since his conversation with Huon last night, he had been simmering with anger. As much as he wanted to grab the emperor by the collar, he knew it wasn’t the time.

“If His Majesty truly used black magic, it would violate international treaties. If Your Grace reveals this, even the Magic Tower will take action.”

“Calm yourself.”

“Your Grace!”

“Do you think I haven’t considered that? For years, I’ve had Elvin and the commander of the Mage Corps investigate. But they found nothing.”

“Nothing at all…?”

“Yes. All the palace servants who attended to the empress at the time were purged. The records left by the royal physicians and scribes have all vanished as well.”

Grand Duke Eustace had suspected the use of black magic long before Huon mentioned it. He hypothesized that the emperor had stolen Lila’s magical powers and transferred them to the crown prince.