“……”

Ryan stared at Rachel silently, seemingly shocked by what she had just said.

The imperial family currently depended on the Magic Tower due to their shortage of mages. That’s why they sought independence from the Magic Tower, with Rachel’s presence being evidence of this effort.

However, the relationship between the Magic Tower and the imperial family wasn’t bad.

The imperial family could request cooperation from the Magic Tower at any time, and the Magic Tower received a certain amount of funding from the imperial family.

This meant they still couldn’t let go of each other.

Yet Rachel had just named Magic Tower Master Randolph as a suspect in the Crown Prince’s attack.

“Do you really think Randolph would go that far?”

It wasn’t that he didn’t believe her words, but the trust built with the Magic Tower over the years made it difficult to accept readily.

“I’m not sure. I don’t know what kind of person the Magic Tower Master is.”

Ryan found Rachel’s calm voice puzzling.

“But you’re a mage. Isn’t the Magic Tower Master quite important to mages?”

Ryan’s point was reasonable. The Magic Tower Master served as a spiritual pillar for mages.

Rachel too once looked up to Magic Tower Master Randolph. That was during the early stages when she repeatedly experienced Tervan’s death.

There was a reason she had sought help from Edward rather than the Magic Tower that stood prominently in the capital.

While Edward’s friendship with Rachel was a factor, she had previously requested help from Magic Tower Master Randolph multiple times only to be rejected, so she had long abandoned her admiration for him.

Of course, Rachel understood that Randolph, being the Magic Tower Master, had no obligation to help her.

Still, given her desperation, she had hoped for even a little assistance and couldn’t help feeling disappointed.

“Even so, I don’t believe the Magic Tower Master is beyond suspicion.”

When Rachel spoke in a calm voice, Ryan hesitated before nodding. After all, the Magic Tower Master was also a mage.

“For now, I’d like to keep this from the Magic Tower Master’s knowledge. The only mages I know are friends from the academy and those from the Magic Tower, so narrowing down the range shouldn’t be difficult.”

“Understood. Then let’s look into it as quickly as possible.”

After answering, Ryan began giving instructions to his aide.

Having overheard Rachel and Ryan’s conversation, the aide quickly understood Ryan’s words, bowed, and stepped back.

“Is there anything else you need to check here?”

Ryan asked to see if Rachel needed to gather more information from the attackers.

Rachel looked over the three men one by one before shaking her head.

“No. This should be enough.”

“Alright. Then we should leave now. Shall we go to my office? I also have something to return to you.”

Ryan said as he stood up. Rachel also rose from her seat.

The head jailer opened the door as the two prepared to leave.

“I’m glad you offered to check this case personally first, Rachel.”

Ryan said as they left the prison.

Rachel turned her eyes toward him, wondering what he meant.

“Actually, I tried to solve this case through other imperial mages, but… it didn’t work out. So I was going to request assistance from the Magic Tower.”

Ryan gave a bitter smile, feeling foolish for having considered asking for help when the culprit might be within the Magic Tower itself.

Rachel stared at him for a moment before shrugging.

“I’m an imperial mage for the agreed period, after all. You can tell me about these matters anytime. At the very least, I can serve as a filter before you request assistance from the Magic Tower.”

“When you put it that way, it’s reassuring.”

Ryan finally smiled with relief.

“I can’t express how fortunate I am to have you by my side, though I know that sounds inadequate.”

His voice was self-deprecating.

Rachel looked at him before shifting her gaze forward.

“Everyone has different capabilities, so you shouldn’t blame yourself like that. You have things you can do as Ryan. It could be swordsmanship, or like now, managing as the person in charge of the case.”

Ryan felt strangely reassured by Rachel’s calm voice. He could sense comfort in her words.

“Thank you for saying that.”

“It’s just the truth.”

Ryan chuckled at Rachel’s response.

Then, realizing he hadn’t told her something, he began to speak.

“Um…”

“…?”

When Ryan couldn’t continue smoothly, Rachel glanced at him with curiosity.

He smiled awkwardly and opened his mouth.

“I just realized I haven’t thanked you yet.”

“Thanked me?”

Rachel tried to recall if she had done anything deserving of thanks. But nothing particular came to mind.

Feeling she needed to hear more details from Ryan, she chose to remain silent. Soon, Ryan continued.

“Yes. During the hunting competition when we were attacked, your defensive magic helped prevent major damage. Please forgive me for expressing my gratitude only now due to the confusion.”

“Ah, that’s what you mean.”

Rachel, who had wondered what he was talking about, let out a small laugh.

“In the end, you and the royal knights could have handled it sufficiently without me.”

“But you were the one who stopped it. Isn’t that the truth?”

“Well… yes.”

Rachel nodded readily.

“So it’s only natural that I thank you. You helped us.”

Ryan turned to Rachel with a bright smile.

“Thank you, Rachel.”

Ryan smiled as brightly as sunshine. Rachel found his expression unfamiliar and awkward, feeling confused about how to respond. Soon, she smiled faintly and nodded.

Before long, the two arrived at the main palace. Ryan guided her to his office and invited Rachel to sit. Refreshments were soon served on the table.

Rachel took a sip of tea and looked at him.

“Is the item you wanted to give me my necklace?”

At Rachel’s direct question, Ryan nodded and gestured to his attendant. The attendant carefully brought a jewelry box and handed it to him.

“Yes. I checked it, and as you said, it’s an ordinary necklace.”

Ryan opened the jewelry box and held it out so she could examine the necklace.

Rachel took the box and quietly looked down at the necklace.

Watching her, Ryan spoke up.

“But wouldn’t it be better not to wear that necklace if possible?”

Ryan’s voice was full of concern.

Rachel tilted her head, not understanding what he meant.

“Why?”

“That necklace… it has the same design as the one where the Time Demon Creon is sealed. What if Duke Bermund misunderstands and harms you?”

Finally understanding why he said this, Rachel took the necklace from the box and put it around her neck.

Ryan watched her intently. Even though she was just putting on a necklace, he couldn’t take his eyes off her.

“It’s fine. Even if Duke Bermund targets me, I won’t be defeated easily.”

As she answered, Rachel inwardly smiled at the irony of providing different information to Ryan and Duke Bermund.

It was unfortunate for Ryan who believed the necklace was fake, but Rachel didn’t want him to know she was the contractor of the Time Demon Creon.

At least until she eliminated the dangerous element that was Duke Bermund, no one should know.

If possible, it would be better if no one ever knew.

After all, it was information that wouldn’t benefit anyone else.

“You’re right. I keep forgetting that you were the hero of the monster subjugation team.”

Ryan smiled sheepishly. Rachel responded to his smile with one of her own.

“Has there been any movement from Duke Bermund’s side?”

She asked while adjusting her hair, and Ryan contemplated.

“Nothing yet.”

“I see.”

Rachel recalled Duke Bermund whom she had seen at Viola’s birthday ball.

It seemed he was holding his breath, waiting to see what answer she would provide.