Chapter 280
YY1EZMThe prophecy had been just a simple, continuous conversation.AEih
LpFBCyBut the information it contained was anything but light.X9Qto
EPQpJ9‘Pellenberg is in danger.’pDa9
JWeIt might be a false alarm, of course.Adi1s
EbXQBThe situation described in the book and the current one were completely opposite.xXkMA
ityNHowever, that didn’t mean the demons no longer posed a threat to Pellenberg; on the contrary, Fernan’s rise may have provoked them even more.PYv4NgA
d67aLVThe attack would come, sooner or later.rvRWvj
hRM2They had to be thoroughly prepared.HTCtUS
ZPoQv‘The man who was talking to Dantalion…’R6Gvf
6H2OFCWDantalion had called him “Your Majesty.” That could only mean he was a king.SiMo
YRIl‘He said the south of Befalecio belonged to Dantalion, and the north to that king.’3M9U
zfjWJnSo he had to be one of the northern monarchs.5KEuTx
Kw9BThat was the most likely possibility, though Fernan considered another—that he was a descendant of a fallen kingdom who declared himself king.JAstV
ZspIt was more believable that a sovereign with no real power would ally with demons.MgHEqz2
sn9lA king without a throne, with nothing to lose, made more sense.hgKtEcr
CbuJ‘In the prophecy, that supposed king treated Dantalion as an equal.’UypL
IiVAnd demons didn’t consider useless humans as equals.lG2
db3m0ELWhether he was a true king or not, he had to have considerable power behind him.3kqQxfx
6I7‘Then it’s settled—demonic armies will advance from the north.’WN0
hxxAnd their starting point would be the northern kingdoms.wuTe7
ENdAGFrom now on, finding out who that “king” was would be Fernan’s number one priority.BOsjF
UXbClop-clop-clop-clop.3QPfoE
9FiVkshThe horses galloped swiftly down the mountain path.4JBf
MrFCB“We’ll reach the port any moment now.”b9EvcK
POOg“Good. The ship should already be ready, so we’ll set sail immediately.”nd7b
Z4XrFernan had already sent a letter to his father from Esrin, via the Golden Turtle Company.vfBLKDG
5xv6da“It’s hard to believe the demons have such deep roots they’d go after Pellenberg?”77gi
LS7“They already did at the Academy. Why would it be any different with us?”bzdH
wHPJ“That’s exactly why I said it.”gKv
tSigTOn the surface, the attack on the Academy had been carried out by Andrealphus and his army.o9GD1hz
Wx0But the truth was far more complex.ryNcWMM
Nq377O“Andromalius, Andrealphus, and Dantalion.”kmTMSqA
owoCNo less than three demons had acted within the Academy, and Dantalion in particular had set traps for years to neutralize the professors.5ce1
EsaFAMoreover, nearly a hundred lesser demons had died there.pGwR
YlbrLuina realized the demons had poured massive power into that attack.V7hu
7CyIt was hard to believe they still had enough strength in the Empire to threaten Pellenberg.cmr
dWqfOr more precisely, that they had infiltrated so deeply without anyone noticing.ukN
p9vJbIX“Luina, it’s believed the demons returned to this world decades ago. It wouldn’t be strange if they’ve been making preparations ever since.”y6LAFj
Oq3IIT“Yes. Learning that the Monster Wave that nearly destroyed Bercheff was caused by them is still shocking.”lPVX
MV5tDuring his explanation about the prophecies, Fernan had also told her why Bercheff had suffered an unprecedented monster wave years ago.wn0Vs
ejAuKimaris had descended, gathered the magical beasts, and pushed the region’s former rulers southward.03O
gvCz82“It’s believed Dantalion summoned him. So we have no idea when he arrived in this world or how long he’s been here.”nEQjEb
Qmg7gY4That’s why he was the most dangerous—and the one who needed to die first.Oxv
XnlxW“I swear I’ll be the one to cut off his head.”dpq2
xe7Luina clenched her fists.kme
BUVZShe had come to understand who her family’s true enemy was.d656uc
AZp4f“If possible, I’ll let you.”hj2C9rj
nvp7uSoon after, the two boarded the ship, which set sail for Pellenberg.8bCf2l
J86z“Shouldn’t we notify the Academy? The authorized leave period is over.”5Gj7ojF
9vfVTFernan had requested special training leave to participate in the Dragon God Tournament.ebfp1u0
8sUEA student from the Academy participating in that tournament hadn’t happened in a thousand years, and the news had caused quite a stir.XCl
zkKP1Gx“Incredible. I knew you’d become an Archmage one day, but not so soon.”CBHde
U79f9W“Can I go, then?”wOSk2
7ce4kv“Of course. If I don’t let you, Duke Pellenberg will demand my resignation.”uih
e34V5L“Thank you.”YicVHe
5WNe“Now that you’re going, win. If you lose, I’ll expel you.”0Nn
v3of8“They’ll probably scold me, but they won’t expel me.”Mtcvux
ngLmygAfter all, who would be stupid enough to expel a newly recognized Archmage?WRzb
HWCThere was no need to mention Fernan’s relationship with Headmistress Rosalia.s08QgG1
yMcLuina also had no issues. She wasn’t a Royal Knight yet, but she was the spear tournament champion and a recognized heroine for fighting demons.r8Q8wOY
nsJPVDays later, they arrived in Pellenberg.uPFl
KbDrW4u“We’ve been waiting for you, young master.”HgS
nzQYAt the duchy’s first port, the city of Hatoon, the escorts sent by the duke awaited them.HZLr
EfGG“And my father?”8Bqv0z
wcrz“He awaits you at the mansion.”tMNSBH6
yAdFernan and Luina boarded a carriage that took them to a building in the city center, where there was a direct teleportation circle to the main residence.cgI2WUR
253APellenberg was connected via magic portals to several of its most important cities.r0N
1R7WpBBuilding them required massive sums of money and time, so almost no kingdom or territory did it—but Pellenberg’s motto was: “Time is also money.”Mc3Kj
pDnk5iSIn an instant, they arrived at the main residence.m5d1Fd
ITA“The duke is expecting you.”6ogsvx
yBwDCkHThe butler, who had already been informed, personally welcomed them.a9ltH2q
t2b“Oh, and this young lady must be the famous…?”LSj
xTzE6“Luina Bercheff. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”14CzOa
hOl8vo2“The honor is mine. I ask you to please take care of our young master.”5QtOIjg
amemguO“Yes.”ezwsI
sjqii“…And why do you so calmly accept a request like that?”hYJkx
7JvJFernan didn’t even have time to complain before his father changed the subject.Qg0z4I2
vvTvp80“I received your letter, Fernan. If you brought Luina Bercheff with you, I can assume she also knows the truth, right?”d0g18
fj9P5“Yes.”qL4
AIVRr6W“Yes. I’ve also heard about the prophetic book.”EIh1EAD
hy4Uw“Then I can speak freely. Explain to me in detail—you’re saying they’re targeting Pellenberg?”Z9wtI
BA22rdThe conversation went on for quite a while. Not only did Fernan recount what he had seen in the prophecy, but the duke also spoke of what was happening in the north and shared his own deductions.An1
viD93RV“I suspected it. Several things you mention fit, and there are events that can only be explained if demons are involved.”B4lhXdF
p3EXKCCThe northern kingdoms were moving in near-perfect coordination, as if they were a single nation.ch9
xctAlthough with some time lag, they had all begun attacking the Golden Turtle Company—criticizing its products, spreading rumors, and stirring the people against it.9JJFu
4yaSPc“In many northern regions, monsters and lesser demons have already been detected. One could say those kingdoms are now under their control.”WHFB
YF9dOsjIt was hard to believe—but when it came to demons, nothing was impossible.ooOGy6
F8tMkiA“Will you retreat, then?”bwpAGF
aA0“I must do it. I hesitated in case there was even a slight chance to reverse the situation, but it’s better to save what we can than to lose everything.”gGGzYM
VBWok6If the demons had taken the north, all the wealth of Pellenberg would be of little use.nGOnCN
bLMTo them, gold was just a worthless piece of metal.EM7p
DFfWhfNor could they cross borders and deploy military forces without a formal reason.DZUlnOx
Pxe1“They won’t allow a peaceful retreat.”MLusIKe
W754YIf Pellenberg evacuated with all its goods and supplies, the demons would know those resources could fund an enemy army.iVl
Soo“In fact, we’ve already begun the withdrawal. Not massively, but it’s underway.”WEaA
TPIy“Ah.”qeAr
VwU0SFernan was surprised—his father was already several steps ahead.byRL
JCYPnz“In any case, if what you say is true, sooner or later the demons will attack the main residence. We must be prepared.”qbSVW
S3O2“Yes, sir.”APN
ESt“I’ll take care of it.”tOzTAwP
aaADuke Yvon Pellenberg placed a hand on his son’s shoulder.pVd
9z1mr“And although it’s late, congratulations on becoming an Archmage, Fernan.”9VH39
UCIKx“Thank you, Father.”IkG
tP2py“And you, Luina. I’m doing everything possible to get you certified for the Dragon God Tournament soon, so don’t worry.”YF6K
Smfz1“Thank you very much.”OFd0gj
tCxLdEA“By the way, Father, I brought you a gift.”Wgs
zItm4n“Ah, the one you mentioned back then. I’ve cleared the central plaza of the duchy. Deliver it, and then go see Helena. She’s waiting for you.”JlqK5
bgL9AM“Yes, sir.”3fCy
iVEReYc“Go together.”3QTgw
laaHlI“Excuse me?”4xFPo
VWuWith the duchess?2um
kYV88alLuina swallowed hard, tense.lqH
SItUSXz***DwR
krU6“Please, have a seat.”8Gm
gW8wXwFDark blue hair down to her waist, blood-red eyes identical to Fernan’s, and skin so white it looked like snow.gI0IV
4jjIpP8Helena, Duchess of Pellenberg, welcomed them in the garden while enjoying a cup of tea.Gfpm8
K8N4R0K“It’s been a while, Mother.”RRW
EkL“I’m hurt, my son. No matter how busy you are, you shouldn’t go so long without visiting the family home.”FSCn1o
UzmTz“I’m sorry.”w4cLV
o6i“It’s fine. Sit down.”eoBJ
RS1psY“Yes.”3iOOE3R
7cS5Fernan sat without hesitation, but Luina couldn’t do the same.UPSx
QFzA“……!”FdrDo
rfVShe had once heard that only the strong can recognize the strong.uNMUD
THxw6eDNo aura emanated from her, but that very lack made her skin crawl.l39
BfauoHbEvery living being gives off a trace of energy; being completely neutral was unnatural.g4x
4SL9‘…She’s powerful.’DCKwr
e3kKvvAn immense strength.Otu65BP
MrMm6Probably at the level of the Royal Knights or upper Archmages.sjKeX8
QYOQsxHowever, she had never heard that the Duchess of Pellenberg possessed such a rank.1DkDs
plCcgxUWho the hell was this woman?Ox3ig
LxJv“Mother, your sense of humor is rather twisted.”rB68Wc
XlG“You’re very perceptive, young lady. If your level were a little lower, you wouldn’t have even noticed anything.”S5K
R7GoThe duchess returned to her normal state, that of an ordinary human lady.3hWIQl
Ee9“It was only a joke, don’t be so frightened. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Luina Bercheff.”llg
adDT“…A pleasure to meet you, I’m Luina Bercheff.”r4U
ju673k“I know. You can’t imagine how much I’ve wanted to meet you.”xrra4
8EnNThe duchess smiled sweetly.1ALmbF
bJAZlTLuina leaned toward Fernan and whispered.eh0f
gZVoM‘What’s wrong with her?’zyd5I
9uzN‘She’s my mother.’9febk
bWmFT08‘I don’t mean that.’bNeqFWJ
FOcL‘Did her strength impress you?’DeTc
mWytE‘Yes. I’ve never heard that the duchess was an Archmage or a Royal Knight.’v5JQRI9
WJV2W6‘Because she’s been hiding it intentionally.’NSuAy
AjdD‘What?’tDNbE7
psE‘I already told you — a knife hidden in the dark is more dangerous than one in plain sight.’Gb9
0KgS7zNThat wasn’t just his personal saying; it was the philosophy of the entire Pellenberg family.kNNXQ
GAI‘Good heavens…’dIs
ZDAHiding a superhuman?NPgA
yIoZAnd that superhuman was the duchess herself?hXBG9t
MKQLePellenberg was definitely a crazier family than she had imagined.6gD
l0sRna0She knew other Elector families also hid secret combat organizations, but an entire superhuman?f3Kajx0
OhHP2If Fernan and now the duchess were hiding their power, how many more could there be within the family?gHcniH
WDlO‘In Bercheff, nothing like that exists.’HtB7wK
UjfVThere was no time to hide there — every day, the walls withstood the onslaught of monsters.OEdoNBq
unwhW“You seem very surprised.”MWo3
JgL“Ah, no, it’s nothing.”BN0jFU
FgxI“I’ve heard much about you.”CTY
sawS2“I haven’t really talked much about myself, to be honest.”TQ1
PWekHzE“Silence, Fernan. Ever since you became an Archmage for seeing the future, you’ve grown far too arrogant. Didn’t I teach you to be humble?”QSBHBs
ft8dIA“…Yes, Mother.”6zo6
SfeQFernan shut his mouth. That was indeed unexpected for Luina.ACSq8sx
v6bSkw— Kyu.mdG
7zIj3CAt that moment, Wooden jumped out from Fernan’s clothes and leapt toward the duchess.a6NhAh
uj8She extended her hand, took him, and stroked him tenderly.4p9
iI2e“How have you been?”en8
hlSx— Kyuu.IBLI
cpsG“Are you eating well? Fernan hasn’t mistreated you, has he?”CiAaUR
hE3— Kyu…lfbWz
ENSuV“He’s made you work a little, but you forgive him because you’re satisfied with your shield? Is there anything else you want?”8OXFz
GnM— Kyu, kyu.S7H
tgng4They conversed naturally. Luina couldn’t help but feel strange at the sight.7wJN0
RZir7C4‘Fernan, could it be that the duchess…?’joA
F2JWs4P‘She’s a spirit summoner.’Qe1o
eTRR1b‘A human with spiritual affinity? That’s extremely rare…’g5wlFu
Feo9Not impossible, but nearly nonexistent. Among humans with martial or magical talent, those capable of communicating with spirits were practically nil.TGex56
eEhh‘Well, not entirely, actually.’ATAZhq
jDPA5‘Eh?’ImXl
B6Ucu‘My mother is indeed a summoner, but she’s not completely human.’SxGqL
iWUTr‘What?’4w2TF
69dr‘She’s half-elf.’e53
ISBm‘What…?’caxsOMf
2ve4QMoLuina’s eyes widened so much they almost popped out.0eBnOf
SWEDpAnd just then, the duchess dropped another bomb that exceeded the limits of her mental endurance.4gwba
IMFQdCK“Ah, and I apologize for that time. I never imagined I’d end up having a daughter-in-law from the Bercheff family. But at that moment, it was the best choice for both sides.”VFtOG4i
GVDLO3“Excuse me? What are you talking about?”IKGD
KcqmZV“You didn’t tell her, Fernan?”fNpZIqJ
CTT5F“Not yet…”h1k0
6bmj“I was the one who mediated between Bercheff and Fridian. For Fridian’s sake. I did feel a bit sorry, but I’m glad to know Bercheff has prospered again.”JrjHXpi
Bif69uj“…What?”30W9x6v
VWfLuina’s mind simply collapsed.2htH5yq
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