Chapter 53

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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 51
Chapter Title: I'm Here to Arrest Someone
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A meeting of the Magic Tower's executives was convened.

Mages bearing four or more star badges gathered in the conference hall.

An anonymous complaint, addressed to Aracilla, lay on the circular table. Its contents were specifically as follows:

「To Lady Aracilla,

A man named Jonny Pattinson of the Red Hawk Knights used black magic.

This occurred around midnight on April 2nd of last year.

Please investigate and punish the crime this man committed on that day.

I earnestly request that Lady Aracilla handle this personally.」

Even a mere rumor of black magic use was enough for the Magic Tower to launch an investigation.

For a complaint like this to arrive, it was an absolute subject for investigation.

The problem was why Aracilla, the wife of the Red Hawk Knights' Commander, was specifically named…

Not knowing the reason herself, Aracilla waited for Philip, who was meticulously examining the complaint, to speak.

As the highest decision-maker in this assembly and the master of the Magic Tower, he would surely provide wise guidance on how to proceed.

However, to some, her demeanor seemed as if she was trying to avoid the matter.

"Aracilla, why have you been so silent, not speaking a word?"

"Indeed! The Red Hawk Knights is where your husband serves as Commander, is it not?"

"A knight from there is accused of using black magic. Do you know anything about it?"

Three executives, who had always viewed Aracilla with disdain, banded together to pressure her. Aracilla calmly surveyed them.

The first among them to speak was a middle-aged mage named Fernando, who was the mentor of her rival, Travis.

The disciple and master behaved so similarly; it was his daily routine to pick fights with Aracilla at every opportunity.

"I am merely waiting for the Magic Tower Master to speak. I know nothing about the complaint. Furthermore, on April 2nd of last year, Demian and I were not acquainted."

"Then why did they specifically name you as the investigator?"

"How would I know that? I wasn't the one who filed the complaint."

As Aracilla crossed her arms and shrugged, Fernando's face twisted with displeasure.

Look at that insolent behavior.

He always felt that Aracilla didn't treat him with due respect. Of course, this was a one-sided opinion, without any consideration for his own attitude.

Just as he was about to say something more to her, Philip spoke.

"Ho ho ho, everyone, that's enough."

The gentle yet weighty voice immediately silenced the conference hall. Fernando, too, flinched and closed his mouth.

Then, an elder mage seated to Philip's right turned and asked,

"Magic Tower Master, what do you intend to do about this matter? Isn't the authenticity of the complaint unclear?"

"What do you mean, 'what'? We must uncover its authenticity."

"Then, who will you dispatch as the investigator…?"

"Naturally, Aracilla. It was already specified in the complaint, wasn't it?"

At his words, the other mages immediately protested.

They argued that Aracilla, whose husband was the Commander of the Knights, could not conduct an impartial investigation. Fernando, in particular, argued this with fervor.

Of course, Aracilla was somewhat offended, as she had no intention of siding with the knights simply because her husband was one.

However, she also understood that her involvement, given her connection to the Red Hawk Knights, could lead to controversy, so she remained silent for the moment.

"There must be a reason why the accuser specifically named Aracilla. It's not a bad idea to go along with their wishes."

Philip stroked his beard and spoke softly.

Knowing about Aracilla's contract marriage, he believed she wouldn't side with the knights because of her husband.

But Fernando was different. He had no trust in Aracilla whatsoever. This was even more true after her marriage to a knight.

"How can we trust Aracilla! How do we know she won't completely fall for her husband's influence!"

"Do you not trust your junior, Fernando?"

"I do not trust mages who marry knights."

Several mages agreed with Fernando.

Aracilla frowned. She was displeased to be treated this way because of her marriage to Demian.

If it weren't for my sister, really.

She swallowed her rising irritation and spoke as calmly as possible.

"Don't worry. I'm not so foolish as to fail to distinguish between my public and private affairs. Have you already forgotten that I defeated my husband and won the Hunting Festival?"

If she had intended to go easy on Demian because he was her husband, she would have conceded victory at the Hunting Festival.

Aracilla was a mage before she was anyone's wife. There was no reason for her to be lenient with Demian.

"Ho ho ho. Yes, everyone, let's trust Aracilla this once."

Philip let out his characteristic laugh, bringing the situation under control.

"Aracilla, go to the Red Hawk Knights immediately and apprehend the knight in question."

"Yes, Magic Tower Master."

Aracilla rose from her seat without hesitation.

* * *

It was the afternoon training session.

All the knights had gathered in the training grounds, each diligently practicing to improve their skills.

Isaac, who was meticulously observing a subordinate's sword stance, caught sight of a slender figure entering from the entrance and widened his eyes.

Why is Madam Vandermir here?

That rare lavender-colored hair was undeniably Aracilla's. The white uniform, never seen among the Red Hawk Knights, was also hers.

Isaac quickly located Demian. He was at the far end of the training grounds, so it would take him some time to get here.

Deciding it would be better for him to greet Aracilla first and guide her, Isaac moved.

"Greetings, Madam. It's been a while."

"Ah, Sir Wind, was it?"

"Yes, that's right."

Isaac nodded, his eyes noting the companion behind Aracilla.

It was a young male mage, dressed in the same Magic Tower uniform as her, holding a black bag.

"The Commander is over there. If you follow me…"

"No. Today, I've come to see Sir Jonny Pattinson."

"…Pardon?"

Isaac, who had naturally assumed she was here to see Demian, was flustered. Aracilla calmly asked,

"Where is Sir Pattinson?"

"Ah… he's, over there."

Isaac pointed to Jonny with a bewildered expression. Coincidentally, Jonny was nearby.

"But why Jonny…?"

"He's the brown-haired knight, isn't he?"

"That's right. So, why Jonny…?"

Ignoring Isaac's question, Aracilla approached Jonny Pattinson, who stood there blankly. Rudy followed closely behind her.

Jonny Pattinson had a good-natured appearance with large, gentle eyes like a cow. For a knight, he exuded a somewhat meek and docile aura.

Just by his looks, it seemed he wouldn't commit even a minor offense, let alone black magic, but one can never truly know a person by their outward appearance.

Often, those who hide the most may conceal it behind a simple exterior.

When Aracilla stopped in front of him, Jonny Pattinson flinched slightly.

"Sir Jonny Pattinson?"

"Yes…"

"I am from the Magic Tower. I am arresting you on suspicion of using black magic."

Jonny, who had been preparing to greet his superior's wife, clueless as to why she was there, turned pale.

The surrounding knights were also aghast. Isaac, who had followed, wondering why Aracilla was here for Jonny, was equally shocked.

"What do you mean—!"

"From now on, I will escort you to the Magic Tower. If you resist, be warned that I will use force to subdue you."

"Madam! Why are you doing this so suddenly!"

Isaac, unable to hide his dismay, stepped between Aracilla and Jonny.

But Aracilla didn't bat an eye, continuing to speak her mind without falter.

"To prepare for any potential danger, I will apply restraints that suppress magic. Please extend your hands forward."

"No…"

"Extend your hands forward, Sir Pattinson. I will not say it a third time."

It was then, as the knights stood frozen and bewildered by Aracilla's resolute words, that a voice cut through the air.

"What's all this commotion?"

The murmuring crowd of knights parted, and Demian appeared.

Feeling as if he had seen a savior, Isaac quickly approached him and briefly explained the situation.

A furrow appeared between Demian's brows as he understood the circumstances. He immediately approached Aracilla.

"What are you doing, Madam?"

"Commander Vandermir, a complaint has been filed with the Magic Tower alleging that your subordinate used black magic. We must take him for investigation, so please cooperate."

Aracilla met Demian's gaze directly, deliberately using formal address.

This was to make it clear that the current situation was official business, not a personal matter.

Realizing that she was genuinely here to arrest his subordinate, Demian's expression also changed. His face hardened, growing cold.

"Who filed such a complaint?"

"I cannot disclose that."

"Do you have any evidence?"

"We will find it starting now."

"Ha, are you saying you'll take someone into custody without proper evidence?"

Demian let out a hollow laugh, as if utterly dumbfounded. He was the Commander of the Red Hawk Knights before he was her husband.

With a chillingly calm expression, he spoke, determined to protect his subordinate.

"If you wish to arrest Jonny, bring me evidence. Otherwise, I cannot hand him over."

"If you do that, we will have no choice but to use force. Sir Pattinson's arrest is based on the law."

The Magic Tower had the authority to immediately arrest and interrogate individuals connected to black magic. This was legally stipulated.

Aracilla then whispered softly to Demian, who still stood firm and unyielding.

"Cooperate when I come, Demian. Any other mage would have immediately used binding magic."

"…"

"Do you truly want to see Sir dragged away, subdued by my magic?"

Demian silently frowned. He glanced at Jonny, who looked anxious.

His subordinate would never be able to defeat Aracilla in a confrontation. He would only lose face in front of his comrades.

Furthermore, Demian knew very well that the Imperial law regarding black magic was extremely strict. Resisting arrest would only harm Jonny.

Ultimately, deciding it was best to retreat for now, Demian turned to Jonny.

"Jonny, go with them to the Magic Tower for now."

"Commander! I did not use black magic!"

"I know. That's why I'm telling you to go. If you resist here, it will only cause unnecessary misunderstandings."

Demian gripped his subordinate's shoulder and spoke in a firm voice.

"Go and bravely prove your innocence, and get an apology."

"…"

"As long as I'm here, the mages won't be able to harm you."

At words that seemed to instill a deep sense of relief, Jonny reluctantly nodded.

He hesitated, then extended his hands in front of Aracilla.

"Rudy, apply the restraints to Sir."

"Yes."

Rudy took the restraints from his bag and fastened them around Jonny's wrists.

Demian and the other knights watched as the two mages led their comrade away.