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Chapter 91
“…The Mage Tower wants to take her?”
The unexpected statement caused everyone present to stir.
“Lady Semperion is competent, huh? Is that all it takes?”
“I don’t think it’s something that warrants going that far… What exactly do they gain from this?”
After all, this matter didn’t really require the Mage Tower’s involvement. It was more like a case of ‘Duke vs. Temple.’ Was it really necessary to confront the temple in this situation? Even the royal court was staying quiet.
“The Mage Tower does care a lot about their affiliated magicians…”
“Perhaps they’ve been eyeing her to study the relic separately?”
Amidst the restless murmurs, Elegia quickly scanned the room. Prilien, nervously biting her lip; the subtly displeased ambassador; Jerome, trying to gauge the mood…
And yet, Finn alone looked calm.
Waiting for the commotion to die down, he spoke steadily.
“As far as I know, the lady has repelled multiple beast invasions. That accomplishment is by no means trivial.”
Finn looked at the Emperor with calm certainty, as if pointing out the obvious.
“It’s only natural that she should be rewarded.”
“…That’s true.”
The Emperor responded slowly, glancing aside. His expression was ambiguous, as if recalling something forgotten or pretending not to know. The ambassador frowned at the sight.
‘…That did happen.’
‘Even so, shouldn’t she be properly rewarded? This isn’t the first time. If we let it slide, Duke Semperion’s temperament might be upset.’
The Emperor had said something along those lines back then.
Although unofficial, Elegia had even repelled beasts during the saint’s descent. In this current crisis, she had worked with Finn to repel them again.
The Emperor had decided: “With so many eyes on this, let the Mage Tower handle the reward.” Still, he might have a small desire to compensate Elegia in some way. Even though special investigative rights were granted to the temple, since Elegia might not be the culprit, there needed to be some leeway.
“Alright. That makes sense. Then what should we do?”
The Emperor spoke, seemingly having thought of something.
“Leonard, what do you think?”
All eyes turned to the Crown Prince, including Elegia’s.
Their eyes met briefly; it seemed he had been watching her all along.
“I…”
The Crown Prince, caught off guard, hesitated before slowly speaking.
“…I think the reward and the current treatment are separate matters.”
‘What?’
Elegia swallowed a sigh internally. The Emperor seemed to be thinking positively, but now the prince was adding complications.
Just as she was about to quietly resent Leonard, he quickly clarified.
“I mean, being rewarded and being treated appropriately are two separate things. She should receive a fitting reward, and proper treatment as well.”
Leonard spoke firmly. The Emperor studied him with curiosity, then murmured thoughtfully.
“…Indeed, considering her past achievements, that makes sense. We should hear her opinion as well.”
The Emperor turned to Elegia.
“Elegia Semperion, this time I want to hear your thoughts. What do you wish to do?”
“…Pardon?”
Surprised by the direct question, Elegia’s eyes widened. The Emperor’s face had softened, looking kindly at her.
“The temple wants you, the Mage Tower wants you… and if you wish, you may even stay with the royal court. First, I want to know your opinion.”
“…!”
It was unexpected. She had never been asked for her opinion like this. Normally, her requests were always dismissed. But this time, she had a strange feeling it might be accepted.
Seeing her hesitate, the Emperor added reassuringly:
“Of course, whichever you choose, I’ll personally ensure you receive a special gift. As the Crown Prince said, they are ‘separate matters.’”
The Emperor glanced briefly at Leonard and Elegia, then gave her a small, mysterious smile.
At that moment, a notification appeared:
Ding!
Special Event Triggered!
Surprise Event: Where should the villainess go?
“Being investigated over the relic… oh no!”
Now she had to decide where to reside. Choose from the following three options: Follow the saint to the temple!
Staying with the royal court is also fine!
Go to the Mage Tower!
Each choice links to a bonus quest.
Choices cannot be reversed. Choose carefully.
A bonus quest was attached—clearly an important decision. Elegia tried to hide her expression as she thought quickly.
‘…Option 1 is out.’
No matter how much Prilien promised, “I’ll take responsibility,” “I’ll treat you well,” her influence here was still uncertain. How well would the temple staff obey a suddenly appearing saint? Especially with the ambassador watching closely, going straight to the temple would be foolish.
‘Option 2… the Emperor is involved.’
Even though she could stay at the court, it wasn’t his original suggestion. Clearly, it wouldn’t be comfortable. And since the royal family had granted special investigative rights, they could easily hand her over to the temple if things went wrong.
So…
Elegia was about to make her choice when a familiar voice spoke.
“Elegia Semperion.”
She turned to see the Duke of Semperion, who had been silently observing her.
“You want to stay home?”
“….”
An option that didn’t exist.
Unexpected, she hesitated. Above his head appeared:
Disappointment: 367%
‘…I don’t even know what that means.’
She had no idea if the number was high or low. As always, the meaning of these stats was a mystery. At least it hadn’t exceeded 500.
Elegia focused on the Duke instead, trying to read his true intentions from his expression and tone.
‘…Stay home?’
A question she had never considered, difficult to interpret. His tone wasn’t angry; his eyes weren’t sharp. This request would be of no advantage to him.
The Emperor had clearly said, “You can’t go home.” This was an impossible choice.
“…It’s alright, Father.”
Elegia bowed slightly. Whether he was joking or serious didn’t matter; she didn’t need to place unnecessary burdens on the Duke. She still had choices.
So Elegia made her decision:
“I want to go to the Mage Tower.”
“Mage Tower? You’re going to the Mage Tower?!”
Howell, hearing the news as soon as she returned home, shouted in disbelief.
“Hey! You should have just insisted on staying home! From what I hear, if you’d pushed, they might have agreed!”
“But it’s about the relic… would that have worked?”
“…True.”
Howell realized and lowered his voice. He sighed heavily, then said:
“Still, visiting won’t be too hard at the Mage Tower.”
‘Visiting?’
What is he planning to do? Follow her there and nag?
Elegia shook her head and spoke.
“Actually… not entirely. I won’t only stay at the Mage Tower.”
She frowned in dissatisfaction.
“…I’ll still need to go to the temple regularly.”
“Why?”
“Special investigative rights. They still have time left.”
Elegia looked reluctant.
“There’s still the excuse that the relic hasn’t been found, and the rights are active, so for about a month, I have to stay at the temple a few days each week for investigation.”
She remembered Prilien’s face lighting up subtly at that. He probably muttered something like, “If she comes to the temple, I can practice swordsmanship…” but she might have imagined it. The distance made it hard to read his lips.
Anyway, in the end, Elegia would split her time—half at the Mage Tower, half at the temple.
‘All that effort for nothing!’
Still, at least she got a choice. Pushing past Howell’s continued questioning, she opened her wardrobe.
“Alright, we need to move all the things today, so step aside for now.”
“No! You still have a lot of answers to give! And you can’t pack alone anyway.”
“Yes, I can. I’ll only take what’s necessary…”
“Ha, and don’t come asking me to bring things later during visits! The Mage Tower’s cake won’t taste as good as ours.”
“No, Howell. No one packs cakes as luggage.”
‘It could be poisoned anyway.’
Since the attempted poisoning incident, security had tightened—or maybe people were just being cautious. Still, thankfully, no one else had been harmed.
Perhaps her departure would even be better for the household.
As Elegia sighed internally, a sound approached.
Nya-nyang!
A heavy pitter-patter ran toward her.
Bang.
Nyaaang! (Human! Are you safe?)
Seolpyo leapt into Elegia’s arms. Her fur shone with health. Even living in the same mansion, it felt like seeing her after a long time.
Nyaa, nyaaang! (I was so worried when I heard they followed you! Those monsters were terrifying…)
As Seolpyo meowed rapidly, another voice called from beyond the door.
“Take your cat with you.”
“…Father?”
She had thought the Duke had grown fond of the cat, but he told her so firmly to take it along.
Nya-nyaang! (Are you really okay, human?)
“I’m fine. Don’t worry.”
Elegia patted Seolpyo, letting her snuggle in.
She hadn’t forgotten the cat since the poisoning incident. Seolpyo had cried in apology, and despite her busy schedule, she had sneaked treats and pats whenever they met.
‘You’ve always been popular whenever I passed by.’
Indeed.
Seolpyo had become a star in the mansion. People initially wary of the beast warmed up when they saw her with magical gear. They’d crowd around, feed her treats, and watch her. Elegia could hardly get a word in.
‘Looks like you’ve been eating well, huh?’
Nya, nyaaang, nyaang? (Why are you looking at me like that, human?)
Seolpyo clung to her hand, oblivious. The Duke commented:
“She’ll go to the Mage Tower and the temple with Elegia—will the cat adapt?”
Nya-nyaang?
Hearing about Elegia only now, Seolpyo looked at her helplessly.
Nya-nyaa! Nyaa-nyaang! (Why there? Say you won’t go!)
Shaking her head, the cat clutched her dress. Howell marveled.
“Wow, looks like she doesn’t want you to go.”
“Smart cat. Let her resist more.”
“No!”
Elegia exclaimed in disbelief.
“It’s already decided, so there’s no stopping it!”
