Chapter 59

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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 59
Chapter Title: Unfinished Aftermath
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Aracilla tilted her head, wondering if Sisley had lied to her about anything else. It would be troublesome if she had hidden something truly important.

Seeing Aracilla's expression grow increasingly serious, Sisley hastily spoke.

"It's about why I chose you, Lady Aracilla. Actually, I... I've known about you for quite some time."

Sisley's cheeks flushed faintly. It had truly been a long time since she first discovered Aracilla in the newspaper.

The article she saw in the corner of the back page of the newspaper stated that Aracilla had joined the Magic Tower as its youngest member.

At the time, Sisley thought she was amazing and felt envious.

There wasn't much of an age difference, yet while she was living a lowly life, Aracilla had been recognized for her brilliant talent and even scouted by the Magic Tower.

With half admiration and half jealousy, she followed news of Aracilla. She was curious to see how far this young noble lady could go.

Initially, the articles about Aracilla only occupied a small space, but as the years passed, they increasingly appeared on the front page. This was because she frequently achieved merits on her own.

Watching Aracilla steadily climb higher, Sisley, at some point, genuinely began to root for her.

Of course, as a noble, Aracilla was too far removed from her, and she probably wouldn't appreciate Sisley's humble support.

Still, she thought it was admirable how Aracilla forged her own path. Though presumptuous, she felt a sense of vicarious satisfaction.

When she decided to report Jonny Pattinson to the Magic Tower, it was only natural that Aracilla came to mind first.

In the Magic Tower, where most executives were male mages, Aracilla was a rare young and promising female mage, and someone Sisley respected and supported.

Even knowing it would be a bother, she thought Aracilla might at least listen to her, so she sent the complaint.

Then, as things seemed to go awry, she belatedly spoke harsh words to prevent Aracilla from being harmed.

But in the end, these were merely Sisley's excuses, presented from her own perspective.

"I apologize for being a nuisance in many ways. It might be presumptuous for someone like me to say this, but I hope you are always happy and achieve everything you desire."

Sisley bowed respectfully. Aracilla listened to her story quietly. After Sisley finished speaking, Aracilla stared at her for a long time, then said curtly.

"There's nothing funny about it."

"..."

"If someone supports me, I'm nothing but grateful. What does their status or occupation matter?"

Aracilla had so many enemies—in the academy, within the Magic Tower, and in high society—that she was grateful for anyone's support.

The other person's status or occupation truly didn't matter. This was especially true since her goal was to become the Magic Tower Master, a position revered by all.

"Keep supporting me, Sisley. Because I'm going to become the Magic Tower Master."

Aracilla lifted her chin and smiled confidently. Instead of looking arrogant or full of pretense, it exuded confidence born of passion and effort, which was admirable.

A smile spread across Sisley's lips, her eyes wide. She nodded vigorously.

She felt a strong premonition that if she continued to trust and support Aracilla, she would one day witness Aracilla ascend to the position of Magic Tower Master.

"I will definitely do that."

"Good, thank you. Oh, and this."

Aracilla rummaged through her uniform jacket, pulled out a small pouch, and offered it to Sisley. This pouch was, in fact, Aracilla's purpose for coming to see her today.

Sisley's face changed to a bewildered expression when she realized it contained money.

"Why are you giving this to me...?"

"Sisley, honestly, I won't say we'll meet again."

Aracilla said calmly. Given how different their lives had been and would continue to be, there was a high probability there wouldn't be a second meeting.

"Instead, take that money and go wherever you wish, and live a new life."

"..."

"And in that new life, never lie to anyone. To struggle until you die not to live as you did before—that is your punishment."

Tears welled at the corners of Sisley's eyes. She pressed her lips together, trying to suppress her sobs.

Sniffling, Sisley carefully put the pouch away, bowed at the waist, and turned away from Aracilla.

When thought about coldly, Sisley's future would not be entirely smooth or happy. It wouldn't be beautiful or abundant either.

But Sisley was still content. At least now, she could finally heed Rose's words and live a new life.

Watching Sisley's resolute departure, Aracilla also started walking.

* * *

Meanwhile, when the truth of the Jonny Pattinson case was revealed, the Red Hawk Knights were shocked, and their atmosphere remained gloomy for a while.

It was understandable, as the true nature of a trusted comrade had been revealed as a cowardly murderer. Some continued to flounder, unable to accept the reality even after the Emperor's verdict had been delivered.

However, fortunately, their superior was an excellent and level-headed man.

Demian first corrected the mental state of the Knights' executives, including Isaac, and together with them, strongly disciplined his subordinates.

He strictly forbade mentioning Jonny Pattinson, conducted internal safety training on black magic, and showed a firm stance that they would not protect anyone who committed wrong, regardless of their position.

"Displaying camaraderie is limited to dangerous situations where you fight enemies. If a knight beside you commits a crime, it is your proper duty as a fellow knight to punish him. Show respect, but do not abandon your duty as a knight."

When a superior's standards were clear, subordinates found it easier to just follow them.

Knights who had been wavering due to sentiment gradually came to their senses. They accepted that Jonny Pattinson was a terrible criminal and were able to shake off their lingering attachment to him.

With the Knights Order returning to normal, Demian felt a burden lifted.

He returned home with a slightly tired expression. As he sat on the office sofa, closing his eyes for a moment, Aracilla came to see him.

"What brings you here, Madam?"

"I came to tell you that Jonny Pattinson safely arrived at Luson Island."

There had been a commotion when the convict attempted something extreme during transport.

However, a report came in today that he had ultimately arrived at Luson Island alive.

"Is that so? It's good that he will properly pay for his crimes."

Demian rubbed his eyes and replied calmly. Aracilla leaned against the doorframe, gazing at him.

Before, she wouldn't have cared about her Knight husband's condition, but now, his slightly shadowed face bothered her a little.

"Are you... alright? Jonny Pattinson, in a way, also stabbed you in the back. You must feel quite bitter."

"It doesn't bother me at all. I don't trust people deeply to begin with."

Demian scoffed. He had once trusted Jonny, even to the point of conflicting with Aracilla, but he wasn't surprised that a subordinate ultimately betrayed his trust.

Many had betrayed his trust throughout his life.

"It seems my judgment of people is still lacking. I plan to improve my discernment and manage my subordinates more carefully from now on."

He was reaffirming his new resolve as Commander and was about to conclude the conversation when Aracilla, who had been looking at Demian with subtle disapproval, parted her plump lips.

"Jonny Pattinson being a piece of trash wasn't your fault."

"..."

"It was revealed that one individual had a personal problem within the Red Hawk Knights, which has many members."

It wasn't a crime committed by the entire Knights Order, but a crime an individual committed in their private life.

Aracilla knew that it's difficult to perfectly manage the private lives of individuals within a group, so she didn't want to say anything about it.

Demian gazed at her with a strange look, as she took his side.

"...Why are you looking at me like that?"

"It's quite unexpected. I didn't think you would say something like that, Madam."

"Then what did you expect me to say?"

"I expected you to boast with words like, 'What were you doing not cultivating your judgment sooner?', 'Discipline your subordinates more strictly,' or 'The Red Hawk Knights and you should emulate me, a mage.'"

"..."

"I expected you to boast with words like that."

Demian said in a voice filled with genuine sincerity. Aracilla let out a hollow laugh, her face bewildered.

"Oh, really... Well, I have thought something like that internally before. But I can at least judge that there's no need to voice it in this situation."

This incident had been a tragedy for many, and since she herself had made mistakes in the process of resolving it, she didn't want to speak lightly.

Demian looked at Aracilla with an increasingly surprised expression and said.

"It wouldn't matter if you did."

"No need. I'm already excellent enough without having to boast and feel superior about things like this."

"That's rather like you, Madam."

Demian chuckled.

Aracilla's personality was so distinct that even a brief look revealed her character.

But hadn't it been said that people are complex and multifaceted beings? As he grew a step closer to her, her more human qualities became apparent.

For instance, how she maintained her own boundaries while being considerate of others.

'Is that a good thing?'

Demian, who had secretly felt a bitter taste in his mouth despite saying he was fine, felt relieved.

Jonny Pattinson had not merely betrayed his trust, but the entire Red Hawk Knights.

If Aracilla had truly boasted about this matter, he would have felt bitter.

"Anyway, you've worked hard. Now that it's all over, please rest comfortably."

"That's my line. You should rest easy, Demian."

"Understood."

At her prim reply, Demian nodded obediently.

Although they still bickered with each other, it was clear that their sharp edges toward each other had softened compared to before.

* * *

Nora White regularly held gatherings with ladies her age.

This was an effort to expand her influence in high society and become a central figure with followers.

Thanks to the strong support from her mother, Marchioness White, she had early on gained considerable influence among young ladies.

Today, a tea party was held in the garden of the White Marquisate, hosted by Nora. It was a gathering of only ladies of viscount rank or higher.

Dressed elegantly, enjoying refreshments while discussing recent trends, it was no coincidence that the Jonny Pattinson case was mentioned.

This was because it was Lady Cooper, who could be called Nora's right-hand woman, who brought it up.

"I was so surprised to hear that Young Master Pattinson committed such an act. When I occasionally met him in passing, he seemed like a very kind person."

"This is why they say you can't judge a person by their appearance alone. Oh, and I heard the Magic Tower concluded the case based on the Knights' internal investigation, didn't they?"

"That's right. But it seems they couldn't avoid tarnishing the Red Hawk Knights' reputation."

Everyone was discussing it with a hint of pity.

"Still, isn't it fortunate that Madam Vandermir's honor has been restored?"

Nora said, gracefully setting down her teacup. Everyone's gaze instantly turned to her.

"Madam Vandermir was the Magic Tower's case investigator, wasn't she? At first, when the case was concluded, there were bad rumors about her... but after she cooperated with the Red Hawk Knights to apprehend Young Master Pattinson, those rumors completely disappeared."

Nora's tone was subtle. Depending on the listener, it could sound like she was speaking innocently, or subtly sarcastic.

The quick-witted ladies immediately perked up their ears to discern her true intentions, because the appropriate reaction depended on her underlying motive.

She briefly smiled at the ladies who were intently focused on her, then spoke again.

"She truly seems remarkable. If it were me, I'd be too afraid of harming my husband and wouldn't even interfere in the first place, but she stepped forward and resolved it herself. A rational person truly is different, no matter when or where."