WFCF 16

Chapter 16

“You really went so far as to plan something like this.”

After hearing the full story, Chandler’s expression twisted into a deep scowl.

To think they went to an auction house just to bring a mage into the estate. It made no sense whatsoever.

Given Duke Deus’s position, obtaining a mage should not have been that difficult.

“What exactly do you intend to do with a mage who can’t even use magic? Or rather, can someone who cannot use magic truly be called a mage in the first place?”

“That’s a fair point. But when it comes to creating equipment related to magic, no one is more suitable than him. His mathematical calculations and applications are truly genius-level.”

“Ha. Let’s assume he is a genius, as Miss Emma says. Then why is such a genius stuck bound in an auction house instead of going to the Magic Tower?”

Chandler’s voice was sharp with frustration. It was a difficult situation—how was he supposed to convince someone who was openly hostile?

“I heard he dabbled in dark magic.”

“…Pardon?”

Chandler’s previously aggressive expression collapsed in an instant, as if he couldn’t believe what he had just heard.

“Dark magic… does that really exist?”

If Emma had said it, he might have dismissed it as a joke. But coming from Deus, he couldn’t simply ignore it.

Chandler looked half-stunned.

Dark magic. He had heard the term before, but only in rumors and legends.

“How… how could something like that happen…!”

“We’ll have to meet him soon and hear the truth directly.”

“Why would you bring someone so dangerous into the estate!”

Chandler raised his voice, his face contorted.

“Why does Your Grace always choose such dangerous paths?! How long do you intend to push yourself into the corner like this!”

“It was a choice made to escape danger.”

“Where exactly is the escape in that?! You’re not trying to save yourself—you’re trying to save her, aren’t you!”

At that point, Chandler even mentioned Rosalyn. Emma looked at him in shock.

“Sir Chandler, please, let’s calm down first…”

“If that’s how it is, then I’ll go meet him right now! I’ll tell him I’m the one from back then and settle this properly!”

But Chandler’s emotions had already become like a snowball rolling downhill—far beyond Emma’s ability to stop.

Emma quickly looked around. Even though this was the ducal estate’s front courtyard, there was no telling who might be listening.

“I’ve thought about this for a long time. About who killed my parents. Why it happened. And why they never came for me afterward.”

Deus suddenly brought up a past story. Chandler bit his lip, suffocated by frustration.

“And I came to a conclusion. There is only one person in this empire capable of making House Cervellion an enemy.”

“……”

“I have no proof. So I won’t force you to believe me. You are my knight, but also a knight sworn to the Empire. If I officially summon a mage under these circumstances, how do you think that person would respond?”

“This is ridiculous…!”

It was a reality he couldn’t accept—and didn’t want to accept.

The bag in Chandler’s hand slipped to the ground. He covered his face with trembling hands.

There was only one person in this empire higher than House Cervellion, the sole ducal house.

The Emperor of this land—Paladio Blanco Baldwin.

“I’ve heard rumors that maritime trade regulations will soon be tightened. Ships traveling more than a week beyond the harbor will require escort by the Imperial Knights. Let me ask you again—how many merchant guilds in this empire can afford such voyages?”

“……”

“I simply wanted to ensure the safety of those who must face the Imperial Knights in the open sea.”

“Why are you telling me this now…? Wasn’t Emma aware of this long before me?”

Chandler raised his head with a strained cry. Emma stepped between him and Deus.

“I only just heard about it myself. The Duke only mentioned needing defensive equipment in passing, so I simply recommended someone I knew. So please calm down, Sir Chandler. Do you not understand that causing a scene here only puts His Grace in greater danger?”

Her sharp words cut through the tension. Chandler rubbed his face roughly. Compared to Emma’s rational composure, his own emotional reaction felt pathetic.

“Chandler Kalino.”

Deus slowly called Chandler’s full name. Chandler lifted his exhausted gaze.

“I consider you my blade, my only friend, and my family. I did not tell you because I distrust you, but because I trust you. I already knew how you would react. You never thought much of imperial decrees, did you?”

Unlike Deus, who smiled faintly, Chandler looked as if he might cry at any moment.

“Your Grace…”

Emma quietly stepped back.

Imperial decrees or not, this was not a conversation she wanted to be part of.

She just wanted this situation to end quickly and return to the estate to rest.

While the two men exchanged heated gazes, Emma quietly picked up the fallen bag and slipped away.

“Late puberty, huh… incredible, truly incredible.”

Shivering slightly, she quickly escaped their line of sight.

* * *

“Master, do you know what I just heard?”

Martini burst into the reception room full of excitement.

But Rosalyn was nowhere to be seen—no sign of her lounging on the sofa as usual.

Strange.

Martini stretched his neck and looked around, unease creeping in.

“Don’t tell me she’s out causing trouble again.”

Recalling Rosalyn’s impressive track record, he shook his head in exhaustion. Cleaning up after her was nothing new.

He hesitated at the entrance, unsure whether to go search for her or stay and wait anxiously.

Neither option was appealing.

“Why is serving someone above you always such a pain…”

All he could do was sigh. In the end, he decided to handle what was in front of him first.

He nudged aside a small piece of debris with his foot. After all, he was the one who would clean this mess up.

“Does she not realize all of this is gold? Oh look, more gold here! And here too! Why doesn’t she understand it’s all gold even if she can’t use it?”

He began humming a strange tune with even stranger lyrics. After all, hard labor required an appropriate song.

While singing happily, he suddenly noticed something odd.

“The window isn’t even open… why is it so cold? Must be night—no, or maybe…”

“Or maybe what?”

“Eeeek!”

Rosalyn’s voice came from behind him, and Martini leapt into the air, throwing the broom aside.

“W-When did you get here?!”

He quickly retreated as far from her as possible and snatched up the fallen broom like it was a shield.

“From the part where you said, ‘Why is she throwing it away when she bought it?’”

Rosalyn imitated his voice with a blank expression. Hearing one’s own words spoken back like that was unsettling. Martini’s cheeks turned red.

“Forget it. I’m not going to scold you.”

As expected, Rosalyn headed straight for the sofa. She removed her mask and hood, tossing the dark cloth carelessly aside.

Martini hurried over and gathered the discarded fabric.

“But Master, you left before me. Why are you late?”

“I was thinking.”

“Thinking?”

“Why are you so surprised? That’s a bit insulting.”

Rosalyn narrowed her eyes slightly as she removed her gloves. Martini quickly shook his head.

“N-No! I’m not surprised you were thinking! Not at all!”

“Now that you say it like that, it sounds even more suspicious. Is that how you see me?”

“Absolutely not! Really! I swear!”

Martini desperately defended himself with his whole body. Rosalyn lightly laughed and tossed her gloves at him. He caught them quickly.

“As expected, you’re entertaining to poke at.”

“I’m not dough or anything. What are you even planning to do by poking me?”

Martini, now relieved, quickly regained his energy and grumbled.

“Oh right—sandwich.”

Rosalyn suddenly remembered. Martini froze.

“I’ll bring it first thing tomorrow morning before you wake up!”

The textbook answer poured out instantly. Rosalyn flicked her finger.

“Then go to Marchelland as well.”

“Ah, for the pearls?”

Martini immediately understood. Rosalyn gave him a thumbs-up.

At the rare praise, his lips curled up proudly.

He had expected to be scolded after letting Dobak go, but instead she was in a good mood?

Curiosity got the better of him.

“Master… you seem oddly happy today?”

“Oh? I didn’t tell you yet?”

“You told me, just not the reason.”

“I’m planning to take on letter commissions.”

Martini’s eyes widened.

She had sworn yesterday she wouldn’t do it, couldn’t do it, and would destroy everything if she had to.

“It’s profitable. That’s all that matters.”

“Are you really going to do it?”

“I succeeded once. Why wouldn’t I do it again?”

Rosalyn stretched lazily.

As she wandered the dark streets earlier, she had thought deeply about Deus.

And after thinking it through, she made a decision.

Instead of letting her thoughts spiral, she would observe him directly—right by his side.

She had no idea what kind of storm this choice would bring in the future.

“As expected, the only thing that can beat the Master is gold!”

And Martini, grinning mischievously, was no different.