Chapter 31

“I know you must be surprised, but please understand that we had to reach out to you like this. I am Peyton, the third prince of the Empire.” 

“What are you doing here?” 

“His Majesty sent you this.” The man handed me the black envelope in haste. 

I couldn’t remember exactly what the third prince said, but his voice was polite and clear. 

“… Please tell him that I’ll be there soon.” 

“Yes, madam. Just a moment.” 

Bang. 

As soon as I closed the door, I leaned back, laughing with quickened breaths.  

No matter how hard I tried to speak, all that came out of my mouth was hysterical laughter. I was laughing like there was no tomorrow. 

“…Madam.” 

“I’m sorry, but our plan will have to change.” It’s good to have different strategies, but I have to survive first. 

***

“It’s not like there’s a lot of people who use black magic. Demonic techniques are of a much higher caliber than normal magic; you can’t perform them with sheer strength.” 

Rashid asked, “So, you’re saying they are outwardly indistinguishable?”

“Yes, it would be ridiculous if someone who genuinely knows how to use black magic couldn’t erase their own traces,” the royal wizard, kneeling, answered.

He came all the way north in search of Loam’s traces, but the wizard was ashamed because he had not known that the emperor would release him. 

“Your Majesty, if it is you or the previous wizards of your royal bloodline, then it is not impossible to catch the black magic user. But if it’s your uncle…” 

Rashid wrinkled his dark eyebrows. Kerhan, the brother of his late mother and a grand wizard, had long since disappeared from the world. Although the five princes discovered their magical talents early on, they still kept in touch with the tower.

However, all Kerhan did was leave the German Pearlstone to the newborn Haniel without even attending his mother’s funeral. 

“Then, how can we find them?” 

“Those who practice the dark arts are usually black-haired. It does not show up at birth, but the user will grow into it. ” 

“…And?” 

“There are times when they act under the pretext of instability and isolation. And since they put effort into captivating their targets, they’re appearance will be charming…” 

“I’m sure she is!” 

“…I told you to be careful.” A low voice sounded.

Rashid gave Tennon a fierce look, signalling him not to step in. However, Rashid also had an indescribable, unrecognizable look on his face.

“Is that all?” 

“I’ve never experienced it myself, but black magic users can also control a person’s soul. I heard that it’s hard to escape the grasp of black magic because it’s irreversible; that is the power of darkness.” 

“…That’s too much.” 

“I’ll find out more. Anyway, if anyone uses black magic, we should be able to find out as soon as possible. Oh, Prince Peyton is here, too.” 

“You’re back, Your Highness.” 

As soon as the royal wizard left, Peyton, who had delivered the letter, stepped inside. 

Shifting his expression after feeling the unusual atmosphere, Rashid uncrossed his legs. 

“What did she say?” 

“She looked a bit flustered, but she respected the Emperor’s words and agreed with your decision.” 

Surprised, Rashid stroked his chin. 

Peyton coughed. 

“She said she’s coming?” 

“She said she awaits her meeting with the Emperor.” 

“…What?” His older brother’s exclamation resounded in the chamber. 

Tennon scratched his cheek, feeling uncomfortable. 

“Are you sure you will be alright? What if she’s really a witch?” 

“That’s impossible.” 

Frowning, Rashid sat upright and rested his chin on his hands. 

“You can’t give up this opportunity; Loam, Haniel, and a few suspicious beings from the north are there.” 

“Right.” 

“In the North, where there is no governor or family head, only two women take charge.” 

No matter the result, it was a basic rule to inspect the area beforehand.