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Chapter – 25
“The Schlean territory.”
It was something Lafine had not expected to hear.
She quietly waited for Bayern to continue.
“You know that the Marquis of Schlean is also an ability user, right?”
“Yes, of course.”
Lafine nodded and recalled what she knew.
The Schlean family, who guarded the border, had long been famous for their outstanding martial skills.
Most nobles would try to move into the central nobility to gain wealth and honor, but the Schlean family never did.
They stayed firmly at the border, building their own reputation.
Although things were fairly peaceful now, long ago the empire was frequently attacked by neighboring countries.
And each time, it was the Schlean family who stood at the front and overcame the crisis.
There was another reason the Schlean family was famous.
They were also a lineage that inherited special abilities.
“It seems the Schlean territory has been quite unstable lately.”
Bayern spoke with a serious expression.
In truth, he had already gathered enough information about Schlean, but he acted as if he didn’t know too much to avoid suspicion.
He also wanted to make it sound like an important mission.
At the same time, he didn’t want Lafine to think of herself as useless.
From what he had seen while staying by her side, she was more than capable and intelligent.
He wanted to give her a situation where she could fully use her abilities.
“Unstable? Why?”
Lafine asked, widening her eyes.
Bayern carefully chose his words.
He didn’t want to upset her.
And he also knew she didn’t like being praised too much, so he decided to explain the situation first.
“It’s a border region, right?”
“Yes, it is.”
Lafine gave a small smile, as if to say that was obvious.
“Spies usually come and go in border areas.”
“Spies?”
At that word, Lafine felt like something serious had happened. She straightened her posture immediately.
This didn’t feel like something to take lightly.
“Yes, spies. Actually, until now, Schlean was one of the regions His Majesty didn’t worry much about.”
“That’s true. The Count is very strong. Even the nobles in the capital know how loyal he is.”
Lafine nodded, and Bayern nodded along.
“But lately, it doesn’t seem to be that way anymore.”
“……”
Sensing the seriousness, Lafine chose to stay quiet.
“Recently, spy activity has been increasing.”
“That’s hard to believe. The Count of Schlean isn’t someone easy to deal with…”
She carefully chose her words. Bayern continued, agreeing.
“Right. But there are rumors that the Count hasn’t been managing the territory properly lately because of his son.”
“His son?”
“Yes. The Count has only one son, and he had him very late, so he cherishes him a lot. You know that too, right?”
Lafine nodded.
“But that son has recently fallen seriously ill and is hovering between life and death.”
“Oh my…”
Lafine frowned with concern.
“And it seems the illness has been worsening for quite some time, so the Schlean territory is in quite a mess.”
“I see.”
“So it’s become harder to track the spies than before.”
“……”
“They still have their systems, so it hasn’t completely collapsed… but recently, there was also a major flood there.”
“They say bad things come all at once… the Count must be having a very hard time.”
“Yes. That’s why His Majesty said he hopes you can go and help.”
At those words, Lafine nodded slowly, then asked carefully.
“But… will I really be helpful?”
Her face showed a mix of emotions.
It sounded like a very important role, and she wasn’t sure if being an ability user alone was enough.
Bayern quickly understood her concern and added,
“The Count of Schlean is very particular about people.”
He calmly continued explaining, as if he knew exactly what she was worried about.
“Why do you think His Majesty didn’t send other aides? He tried to send people to help the Count before, but…”
“But?”
“The Count has lived on the border for so long that he’s extremely cautious. He doesn’t like accepting help, and he’s very stubborn.”
“……”
Lafine’s face became more serious. It sounded even more difficult now.
Seeing her expression, Bayern smiled gently and continued.
“But it’ll be different if it’s someone with abilities like him.”
“Will it?”
Still worried, Lafine looked at him.
“Didn’t I tell you before?”
“About what?”
“That people with abilities can connect with each other.”
“Ah!”
Lafine clapped her hands.
She remembered that day when she fell from the tower. The Emperor had recognized her ability faster than anyone else.
She recalled the conversation she had with Bayern back then.
“People with abilities naturally connect with each other.”
“That day… when you fell from the tower, His Majesty already knew you had an ability.”
“What do you think it means when people with abilities connect?”
Bayern asked.
Lafine tilted her head and answered vaguely.
“Maybe… recognizing each other’s abilities?”
“That too—but His Majesty said that those who have awakened abilities can also share emotional connections.”
“Really? Then… is that possible between me and His Majesty too?”
“Yes.”
For a moment, Bayern’s face turned slightly red before he regained his composure.
“Really? But I don’t feel anything like that.”
Lafine pouted.
At that, Bayern burst out laughing.
“Why are you laughing? I really don’t know. Honestly, it’s amazing that His Majesty even noticed my ability. Even if he stands right in front of me, I don’t feel anything.”
“That’s natural. You haven’t practiced using your ability much. Once you get used to it, you’ll feel what His Majesty feels too.”
But to Lafine, it still felt far away.
The Emperor had already reached a high level in using his abilities. She couldn’t imagine reaching that level.
Still, the thought gave her hope.
Thanks to him, she could now use her abilities more easily, but they still didn’t feel completely natural.
“Anyway, since the Count of Schlean also has abilities, he’ll feel more comfortable around you.”
“I see…”
“He’ll trust you more than others. That will definitely make things easier.”
“You think so?”
“Hm?”
“You think so—not His Majesty.”
Lafine teased him with a playful smile.
Bayern looked flustered and quickly corrected himself.
“O-of course His Majesty thinks that! That’s why he made this suggestion!”
“You’re not praising me in front of His Majesty, are you? Don’t do that.”
“N-no! Do I look like someone who can’t separate work and personal matters?”
“Hahaha, I’m joking.”
Lafine burst into laughter.
Seeing that, Bayern felt relieved.
He had thought she would stay depressed because of Elizabeth, but she seemed mostly the same.
He waited for her to finish laughing before speaking again.
“Think about it carefully. It’s not a bad offer. If needed, I’ll go with you.”
“What? You’ll come all the way there too? Why do you like me so much!”
Lafine teased him again.
Bayern widened his eyes and waved his hands.
“N-no, I just thought I could help. And… it might be boring if you go alone.”
“You’re going there to work. Why does being bored matter? Honestly…”
Lafine kept laughing.
After calming down, she said she wanted to help with the Emperor’s task.
Bayern supported her decision, saying it was a good choice.
And that night—
She was secretly summoned by the Emperor.
