Thud.

“G-Gretel?!”

Elodie was just as surprised. She never expected Gretel to boldly make contact like this. What if she incurred Gabe’s wrath? Wasn’t this acting recklessly? With a furrowed brow, Gabe coldly brushed off Gretel’s hand.

Tap!

“Uncomfortable.”

“Sorry!”

Luckily, Gabe didn’t even bother to look at Gretel as she floundered. Elodie was secretly relieved.  Luckily, it seemed that Gabe didn’t take much notice of Gretel.

 ’Gretel’s gamble paid off.’

The end was what mattered, not the process, and she had achieved her most important objective: to see Gabe Jenade’s face and make contact. 

It was like placing a tracking device or surveillance camera on a target.

Isis, who had his arms crossed and was staring intently at Gabe, asked bluntly.

 “Okay, so you’re saying you’re going to go through with it?”

 “Because there’s no basis for your claims. If you have evidence, bring it to me. I’ll review it.”

 “Wow, are you planning to continue to be a sneaky weasel in the future too?”

 “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Are you suggesting starting a tower war?”

“No way. I’m a pacifist.”

The stubborn conversation between the two tower lords continued incessantly.

Elodie had achieved her goal, but… the debate between the two towers regarding magical plagiarism was just beginning.

***

Conclusion.

Negotiations collapsed.

Gabe rejected the negotiation proposal presented by Isis.

Completely, without exception.

In the end, we had to leave the South Tower without any gains. It was fortunate that there was no armed conflict. Whether the demonstration was suspended or not, all that remained beside the Tower was the carriage we rode in on.

Having come all the way to the South Tower without resolving anything, I thought Isis would be in a bad mood. So, until we boarded the carriage, I tried to be as quiet as possible, keeping an eye on him, but Isis…

’Huh?’

He was laughing. Laughing in a situation where he had been hit by Gabe. Was he serious? Suddenly, I was concerned about Isis’s mental state, so I seriously observed his face.

“Isis, are you okay?”

“What’s there to not be okay about?”

 “It seems like the South Tower is going to push through with the release. You worked hard to develop it, Isis, and it’s been taken away from you.”

Many nobles have seen the commotion today, but it’s quickly quieted down when the South Tower actively tries to bury the hatchet. 

Duke Angellus, the investor, will not sit idly by as the situation escalates. In the end, it will be a situation where Isis did all the development work, but Gabe releases it.

While I was upset, Isis remained calm.

“Lili accomplished her goal, didn’t she? That’s all that matters. Originally, entering was unpleasant, so such a result was expected and is fine.”

“Aren’t you upset, Isis?”

“Upset over something like this? Not a chance.”

Despite having lived a few more years than me, Isis spoke as if he had lived fifty more years.

When my expression remained grim, Isis, perhaps trying to soothe me, added, resting his small hand on the top of my head. 

“Don’t worry about trivial matters. You’re not getting any taller. And I’m not planning to stay still anyway.”

“What do you plan to do?”

“Destruction.”

“What?”

Destruction…? What a sinister word. Greed sitting on Gretel’s lap seemed to sense something intriguing, as it perked up with a gleam in its eyes.

“I already didn’t like it, but this is perfect. That brat from the South Tower will regret messing with me.”

 “…….”

“We’ll sabotage every formula of the magic arrays the South Tower releases. Then, who would dare to buy them?”

Hehehe…

Isis emitted a sinister and wicked laugh.

To an observer, he appeared to be the epitome of villainy.

 This time, the South Tower was releasing an installed magic circle.

Given its large scale, the installation costs were exorbitant. However, if they were to be destroyed without a trace, naturally, no one would dare to consider purchasing them.

However, manually sabotaging each array was undoubtedly a tedious task even for Isis. He seemed quite irritated by the South Tower’s antics.

But I had no intention of dissuading him. On the contrary, I was all in.

“Alright, Isis. I’ll gather information about the installation sites and let you know!”

“Good!”

I didn’t want to lay eyes on the South Tower either!

 “I’m not going to collaborate with anyone on the magic tools anymore. I’ll just research alone, as usual. There’s no one trustworthy in this world.”

Though he pretended otherwise, Isis was hurt by the betrayal of his fellow mages. As I was consoling him, I suddenly locked eyes with Gretel.

Gretel simply smiled softly, not asking anything once again.

‘She must be curious.’

I approached her first because I needed her ability, and when I made that clear, she wasn’t offended, but instead said she was glad to help. 

‘She’s truly a wonderful person.’

Once again, I embarked on reckless actions knowing it would be risky. I only accompanied her because of my request. Even if I’m considered her benefactor, it wasn’t an easy decision to make.

 “Miss Gretel.”

 “Yes?”

When I called her name, Gretel tilted her head slightly. I pondered what words to choose carefully. I realized I couldn’t rely on Gretel anymore without explaining anything further. Just then, Urania, who had been alternating glances between me and Gretel, suddenly stood up.

“Um, I have something to say to the coachman, so I’ll step out for a moment! Feel free to talk!”

With that, Urania swiftly got off the carriage.

“U-Urania?!”

 “Huh?”

Gretel and I were startled as we saw the wide-open carriage door. Despite being a strong mercenary, jumping off a moving carriage… After a moment, we heard a surprised “Aah?!” from the coachman’s seat. It seemed like Urania had landed beside the coachman. Isis, who had been leaning against the carriage wall with his arms crossed, bluntly asked,

“Do I have to make way for you too?”

“Oh, no. Please stay where you are.”

It was a story Isis knew anyway. I didn’t mind Urania hearing it, but she didn’t want to be a bother to me. It was a bit odd to bring Urania into this conversation. 

 “You know I’m going to be relying on Miss Gretel to help me in the future, and I feel I owe you an explanation.”

“I’m fine, Elodie. You don’t have to tell me if it makes you uncomfortable.”

“No, please listen.”

How could I condense this long story into a brief explanation? After a moment of deliberation, I decided to start with the most intriguing statement.

“In truth, I am not the daughter of Duke Perdia.”

“What?!”

“Huh?!”

As expected, Isis and Gretel’s reactions were explosive.

Indeed, the secret of one’s birth is a universal cliché that captures everyone’s attention.

Having successfully piqued their interest, continuing with the backstory was quite easy.

 I explained that I am actually the daughter of Duke Severes, and I’m involved in some sort of deal with Duke Kreundel to awaken my biological father. Furthermore, my birth parents sacrificed themselves to save me, and I was entrusted to the Perdia family for protection, which is quite an unremarkable story.

“That’s how it is.”

Of course, I didn’t mention anything about Raeyan in my explanation. That’s his personal matter, and it’s not something I can casually disclose to others.

 “My theory is that Gabe Jenade, Lord of the South Tower, has some sort of connection to the Cult of Irkala. Gretel’s power is crucial for me to find evidence.”

 “I see…….”

Isis seemed lost in thought, not saying anything else. Gretel looked at me with a face that seemed to have many questions, but she didn’t speak up easily. I wondered if revealing such personal matters made her feel distant.

 “I’m sorry, Miss Gretel. It’s a bit much, isn’t it?”

 “What? What do you mean?”

 “Is it not?”

“No, I was just overwhelmed and trying to figure out what to say.”

I blinked my eyes blankly at the unexpected reaction. Regardless of whether I spoke or not, Gretel’s words struck a chord with me. 

 “It’s about saving the world!”

 “Well, yes, but-.”

 “I hope His Grace the Duke of Severes wakes up soon!”

“T-Thank you.”

“I’m really glad that my humble power can be of help. And… Miss Elodie is amazing! Truly my savior!”

“Ahaha…..”

I awkwardly smiled at Gretel’s blunt comments.

 ‘So much for distance. I shouldn’t have worried.

Once again, Gretel defied my expectations.

***

 Gabe walked down the damp underground corridor, which lacked ventilation.

Drip, drip……

The sound of water droplets falling from somewhere in the ceiling echoed.

Since people didn’t frequent this place, the sensation of cobwebs clinging to his skin was distinctly felt.

Gabe leisurely walked, sweeping away the almost invisible cobwebs.

This building was one of his many private research facilities scattered across the continent.

It was in a state of neglect due to lack of maintenance, but the upkeep costs were substantial due to the crucial research conducted there.

In order to cover these costs, he was in negotiations with Duke Angellus, but it had been troublesome lately.

He had tried to make money by releasing out magical tools, but that wasn’t easy either.

‘The new investor still hasn’t responded.’

With Duke Angellus’ financial situation not being favorable, he sought other sources of funding, but their attitude was passive. With such indecisiveness, they probably still hadn’t dealt with the First Prince.

“Tsk.”

Still, it didn’t matter.

He would soon move as he pleased. Straightening up, Gabe arrived at a door and began unlocking the numerous locks attached to it.

Click, click.

Finally, after releasing the seal magic he had placed himself, he could step into the room.

Passing through the door, Gabe looked around the room with a smirk.

‘This d*mn building will soon be disposed of.’

He entered the room leisurely.

The interior was a sparsely furnished bedroom.

On a bed in the corner, Gabe’s perfect test subject awaited him….. 

At the same time, someone was observing the scene.

It was too dark to see clearly, but it wasn’t difficult to grasp the general appearance.

Indigo hair, black eyes.

A face with an innocent expression, looking up at Gabe.

Elodie saw someone else in that face.

That woman resembled someone. Yes.

Duke Leon Kreundel. 

It seemed she had found the missing Belissa Kreundel. One step closer to waking her father, Duke Severes.

‘Just wait a little longer, Dad.’

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