Chapter 280
yE0aOwThe prophecy had been just a simple, continuous conversation.jXSK
FV5zBut the information it contained was anything but light.ENwPnA9
GHP‘Pellenberg is in danger.’vWbIkCF
yuVEUvIt might be a false alarm, of course.Xe7
yc4mUijThe situation described in the book and the current one were completely opposite.fvEpCFM
2OOqerHowever, 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.wxzl
YWYMThe attack would come, sooner or later.HXk
4ZwxkThey had to be thoroughly prepared.Vuz9Po6
kjXe‘The man who was talking to Dantalion…’J2PPR
Uie8A0Dantalion had called him “Your Majesty.” That could only mean he was a king.pJdDB3o
d3M29‘He said the south of Befalecio belonged to Dantalion, and the north to that king.’7qc
6IIElXhSo he had to be one of the northern monarchs.zE4ge1p
tie9That was the most likely possibility, though Fernan considered another—that he was a descendant of a fallen kingdom who declared himself king.WqUhL
C0EmIt was more believable that a sovereign with no real power would ally with demons.Ms1jP
PudA king without a throne, with nothing to lose, made more sense.SW5p
XxyWX‘In the prophecy, that supposed king treated Dantalion as an equal.’r4cS
KeiUnkfAnd demons didn’t consider useless humans as equals.wHAV
IpQnWhether he was a true king or not, he had to have considerable power behind him.ub5wuFk
HNsC‘Then it’s settled—demonic armies will advance from the north.’4VApk
4BjRt0cAnd their starting point would be the northern kingdoms.6Zd
8i7NFrom now on, finding out who that “king” was would be Fernan’s number one priority.2QL
lYAClop-clop-clop-clop.uttpFVo
9S8The horses galloped swiftly down the mountain path.CkVr
P37x2“We’ll reach the port any moment now.”myh
6PxWpPV“Good. The ship should already be ready, so we’ll set sail immediately.”JBQPjA
6aCHFernan had already sent a letter to his father from Esrin, via the Golden Turtle Company.rIjkh
Pc2RVTb“It’s hard to believe the demons have such deep roots they’d go after Pellenberg?”2LfL
PM1L“They already did at the Academy. Why would it be any different with us?”jza
THi“That’s exactly why I said it.”gdbQAQ
rt6qUuuOn the surface, the attack on the Academy had been carried out by Andrealphus and his army.yXHEl
Sv0EBut the truth was far more complex.safnf
x4dPA“Andromalius, Andrealphus, and Dantalion.”DMhg
rifNo less than three demons had acted within the Academy, and Dantalion in particular had set traps for years to neutralize the professors.kOy9tuq
fDZRMoreover, nearly a hundred lesser demons had died there.NUU
OzBWXoLuina realized the demons had poured massive power into that attack.qs8u
t9dllaIt was hard to believe they still had enough strength in the Empire to threaten Pellenberg.q4v
CIsR0Or more precisely, that they had infiltrated so deeply without anyone noticing.I0YsKXe
zHIl“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.”Doj
wYmfThL“Yes. Learning that the Monster Wave that nearly destroyed Bercheff was caused by them is still shocking.”lTT
LlMkNDuring his explanation about the prophecies, Fernan had also told her why Bercheff had suffered an unprecedented monster wave years ago.dVKjhp
WkNEKimaris had descended, gathered the magical beasts, and pushed the region’s former rulers southward.RO8ebN
NeB5C“It’s believed Dantalion summoned him. So we have no idea when he arrived in this world or how long he’s been here.”Xd7
xoqThat’s why he was the most dangerous—and the one who needed to die first.IYNBHfg
Oshhw3“I swear I’ll be the one to cut off his head.”DCvXZ4j
K2w3S4XLuina clenched her fists.4LoSw
HYwYRYShe had come to understand who her family’s true enemy was.q55
CMR“If possible, I’ll let you.”BSo
WKa5HSoon after, the two boarded the ship, which set sail for Pellenberg.FNBok1A
68y“Shouldn’t we notify the Academy? The authorized leave period is over.”Qbxl
MnDhmjRFernan had requested special training leave to participate in the Dragon God Tournament.8QcUT5
3YtCOwA student from the Academy participating in that tournament hadn’t happened in a thousand years, and the news had caused quite a stir.oHS
Rs9“Incredible. I knew you’d become an Archmage one day, but not so soon.”sKNzUB
12Az3“Can I go, then?”Jwq
wrP“Of course. If I don’t let you, Duke Pellenberg will demand my resignation.”o8l
QpSl“Thank you.”rCZ41
ZKT98q4“Now that you’re going, win. If you lose, I’ll expel you.”kOP
R7w“They’ll probably scold me, but they won’t expel me.”3LrWVV
an1After all, who would be stupid enough to expel a newly recognized Archmage?JfySie
BUfGThere was no need to mention Fernan’s relationship with Headmistress Rosalia.Xut8
TFuFHLuina 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.rOrB
0CZPCEuDays later, they arrived in Pellenberg.MyC
Gfpd“We’ve been waiting for you, young master.”y3Hb
rZdQUTAt the duchy’s first port, the city of Hatoon, the escorts sent by the duke awaited them.bhQ6c
HOi“And my father?”pNOIZw8
thGG“He awaits you at the mansion.”zKGNr
mDmRPFernan 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.fi8QhaK
gUSFkoVPellenberg was connected via magic portals to several of its most important cities.5MR
g2mtbxBuilding 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.”fp9
FfqFIn an instant, they arrived at the main residence.vlirE
KmVN“The duke is expecting you.”XDBsj
YKt6sThe butler, who had already been informed, personally welcomed them.De4Amv
nneXvba“Oh, and this young lady must be the famous…?”2vt
1DRAA“Luina Bercheff. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”cdsqM
9T7CBL“The honor is mine. I ask you to please take care of our young master.”53d9
xnPxkE2“Yes.”MXnU
4Ebh“…And why do you so calmly accept a request like that?”BM4c8l3
6I4PQFUFernan didn’t even have time to complain before his father changed the subject.H1iCvwq
O55EDd“I received your letter, Fernan. If you brought Luina Bercheff with you, I can assume she also knows the truth, right?”aho3ch
XMIYB“Yes.”UBV705I
okP“Yes. I’ve also heard about the prophetic book.”peK2M
5Fb“Then I can speak freely. Explain to me in detail—you’re saying they’re targeting Pellenberg?”tt8w01
eGClKAuThe 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.S8fqg
7iqG8“I suspected it. Several things you mention fit, and there are events that can only be explained if demons are involved.”YO9yPV
aVDPZThe northern kingdoms were moving in near-perfect coordination, as if they were a single nation.SxtA
vE3Although with some time lag, they had all begun attacking the Golden Turtle Company—criticizing its products, spreading rumors, and stirring the people against it.H7RE5Y
N2rjGa“In many northern regions, monsters and lesser demons have already been detected. One could say those kingdoms are now under their control.”zmgKgU
Ej7CogiIt was hard to believe—but when it came to demons, nothing was impossible.NsX
7w5i“Will you retreat, then?”sGwOH
a0FZ“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.”ZkE1exC
n7C87xIf the demons had taken the north, all the wealth of Pellenberg would be of little use.fCm8L
ojPTo them, gold was just a worthless piece of metal.ArTjf
yF7Nor could they cross borders and deploy military forces without a formal reason.cqoP
W4qcVjd“They won’t allow a peaceful retreat.”R2u
jQ3AtskIf Pellenberg evacuated with all its goods and supplies, the demons would know those resources could fund an enemy army.Se7
jeT8“In fact, we’ve already begun the withdrawal. Not massively, but it’s underway.”16ymy
XT66kk“Ah.”ctSg7Xu
dHjXgbAFernan was surprised—his father was already several steps ahead.NF0
obOu“In any case, if what you say is true, sooner or later the demons will attack the main residence. We must be prepared.”JsPTH
o4zYog2“Yes, sir.”qHynAoc
jvo5qVk“I’ll take care of it.”0C9Nl4R
9AK5oo7Duke Yvon Pellenberg placed a hand on his son’s shoulder.eHSM
JckUUe“And although it’s late, congratulations on becoming an Archmage, Fernan.”lTM74
SREA“Thank you, Father.”8gTbkq
5Eq“And you, Luina. I’m doing everything possible to get you certified for the Dragon God Tournament soon, so don’t worry.”6uVKDkJ
ww8NA“Thank you very much.”6d30b
vQxb“By the way, Father, I brought you a gift.”erZiI
bFSj“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.”XaDB2X9
4SAmj8Y“Yes, sir.”pATy
puv“Go together.”srdn
5QL“Excuse me?”YM6oA
C7X9With the duchess?JgG
YRoLuina swallowed hard, tense.OuA3L5
gmF***UNEDDe
j05i“Please, have a seat.”8rW
WZB7jDark blue hair down to her waist, blood-red eyes identical to Fernan’s, and skin so white it looked like snow.1Ob
5yhIHelena, Duchess of Pellenberg, welcomed them in the garden while enjoying a cup of tea.hPE03
azIr“It’s been a while, Mother.”C6l2
AUBs“I’m hurt, my son. No matter how busy you are, you shouldn’t go so long without visiting the family home.”Dvvdpm
RahEggH“I’m sorry.”cz26u49
kpye“It’s fine. Sit down.”lF4JrB
G8q“Yes.”uxm0
lScAfJFernan sat without hesitation, but Luina couldn’t do the same.BD89Ur2
CagIg“……!”m4rv
6tQtShe had once heard that only the strong can recognize the strong.f3Dhs
nraGNo aura emanated from her, but that very lack made her skin crawl.KCSlMl
xA6danXEvery living being gives off a trace of energy; being completely neutral was unnatural.dwLPUu
VzT‘…She’s powerful.’UBZDy8
maa6An immense strength.C6oU
69okbProbably at the level of the Royal Knights or upper Archmages.yqscTO
JGqsOqHowever, she had never heard that the Duchess of Pellenberg possessed such a rank.wvlmc5l
OpkWho the hell was this woman?VuQ1X4
vSlJsg“Mother, your sense of humor is rather twisted.”t27g
VHs99“You’re very perceptive, young lady. If your level were a little lower, you wouldn’t have even noticed anything.”m8s0w
ZK28hThe duchess returned to her normal state, that of an ordinary human lady.HcvB
hUJD7W“It was only a joke, don’t be so frightened. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Luina Bercheff.”ilzhQ71
Zw9ViP“…A pleasure to meet you, I’m Luina Bercheff.”DQnqZSH
kS9ZOR“I know. You can’t imagine how much I’ve wanted to meet you.”bQz
qAkXEUThe duchess smiled sweetly.iKO
alH4Luina leaned toward Fernan and whispered.P2X9
DOrU‘What’s wrong with her?’pFjSutD
nemhggn‘She’s my mother.’vZn
Toos7‘I don’t mean that.’Bdi
gFJi‘Did her strength impress you?’hfw
kY8p‘Yes. I’ve never heard that the duchess was an Archmage or a Royal Knight.’4Pbn6
bEo5bQ‘Because she’s been hiding it intentionally.’yDfMz
ENPvqK2‘What?’mGv0
ulMo‘I already told you — a knife hidden in the dark is more dangerous than one in plain sight.’nTb
EwF7cThat wasn’t just his personal saying; it was the philosophy of the entire Pellenberg family.RCL
Y3D‘Good heavens…’r8I4mn
9lLsHiding a superhuman?IsZt
wJ9L8And that superhuman was the duchess herself?yP8
GQPPellenberg was definitely a crazier family than she had imagined.q4yi
jBnShe knew other Elector families also hid secret combat organizations, but an entire superhuman?WmJmd3
tCdajIf Fernan and now the duchess were hiding their power, how many more could there be within the family?0zgA
gfPFF‘In Bercheff, nothing like that exists.’0dNs
3sWIThere was no time to hide there — every day, the walls withstood the onslaught of monsters.wCL
5tzvN3“You seem very surprised.”Achsq
jvL“Ah, no, it’s nothing.”xOkjmi
quQKS3O“I’ve heard much about you.”BYrLw
UZo6Pe“I haven’t really talked much about myself, to be honest.”ytpZpg
Nd60Ib“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?”1Qeo
NPKchN“…Yes, Mother.”Qp8e
wXGWnmlFernan shut his mouth. That was indeed unexpected for Luina.R75Wh
ukaIh— Kyu.ybOvD1W
8FgAt that moment, Wooden jumped out from Fernan’s clothes and leapt toward the duchess.jyTJU
JtpsShe extended her hand, took him, and stroked him tenderly.VgZ
Ha1mZ“How have you been?”IZjye
2GDWy— Kyuu.hVl98Q1
PDxh“Are you eating well? Fernan hasn’t mistreated you, has he?”zWw55
4cFgwl— Kyu…FL8gGuv
DhG2LQe“He’s made you work a little, but you forgive him because you’re satisfied with your shield? Is there anything else you want?”oDBSu
3P47— Kyu, kyu.4aJy
m5iThey conversed naturally. Luina couldn’t help but feel strange at the sight.8SkHs7
wYOfwC‘Fernan, could it be that the duchess…?’JyiLs
2gp‘She’s a spirit summoner.’9vhe
ZOncjh‘A human with spiritual affinity? That’s extremely rare…’UDpE
TIxNot impossible, but nearly nonexistent. Among humans with martial or magical talent, those capable of communicating with spirits were practically nil.uUxR
9uscpmX‘Well, not entirely, actually.’iDcMmDC
8Gr‘Eh?’FpR4
2CONMo‘My mother is indeed a summoner, but she’s not completely human.’nnq
5B3Fi‘What?’zHZ
hXn‘She’s half-elf.’NAk
N96mYG2‘What…?’iuVHcle
szkU4Luina’s eyes widened so much they almost popped out.nJc
MeZAnd just then, the duchess dropped another bomb that exceeded the limits of her mental endurance.C5vf
xHR“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.”zCBeZ
Ht2aI6v“Excuse me? What are you talking about?”bVxkmN
Hztc“You didn’t tell her, Fernan?”y4m4L
Twm“Not yet…”Rtl
ihdWI“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.”oBoos
FY47Te“…What?”CzAzfV
2lCRLuina’s mind simply collapsed.sLIig5Q
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