Chapter 73.1

“I’m sorry, but you’re not allowed.”

Dave got ahead of Reynard and didn’t let him talk nonsense.

“We have come on behalf of the House of Carthia. The Marquis demanded an answer, has the investigation progressed?”

After the word ‘Carthia’ the knight reduced his impudence a little. But he still blocked the two of the way.

“We didn’t find anything remarkable. We’ll send a letter to the Carthia family when we have solid evidence.”

“May I come and have a look?”

“Sorry. Outsiders aren’t allowed.”

“That goes for House Carthia as well. We will also start investigating.”

“I’m sorry, but that’s not going to happen.”

Contrary to what he had said, there wasn’t a trace of regret on the knight’s face. Unable to stand and watch anymore, Raynard pushed Dave away and stepped forward. Dave grabbed his hand, as if telling him not to interfere. But it was pointless.

“So many days have passed since the attack. Are you telling me you ‘didn’t find anything special’? Who knows what power is behind this attack? We can no longer sit on our hands. Give me the way.”

The knight’s face hardened.

“Does this mean that you now doubt the strength of the Imperial Knights?”

“If you had the strength, you would have already somehow fished the answer: what to do and who is to blame.”

The knight glanced at Reynard, not concealing his hostility. After that, he openly laughed at him in the face.

“You’re a child who knows nothing in life. That’s why you speak loudly. Before doubts about our abilities, I think it would be great for you to find yours.”

“I will…”

“Stop.”

Dave forcefully deflected Reynard’s hand away from the knight.

“Master!”

“We don’t need to play with fire. Don’t you know that you can be arrested for disrespecting the imperial family?”

“What does it matter?”

“Maybe none for you. But if they put you in a prison, do you realize what will become of the house of Carthia, your patrons? And can you guarantee that this won’t affect the girl who brought you to this house?”

When the story about Yurina surfaced, Reynard had nothing else to do. But his anger never went away, so he clenched his fists and held his breath.

Dave gently patted him on the shoulder.

“I understand your feelings. But still, now is not the time. Let’s wait a little.”

“I’ve waited long enough. Clearly, there is some magic involved here. But if there are no traces, is it possible to doubt the strength of the knights? Or something else, they didn’t think to look for the culprit!”

When Raynard yelled like that, some of the knights turned to him. Dave waved his hand at them, pretending that everything was okay.

“Sir Gerard, in charge of the investigation, is revered as one of the best mages in the Empire. They say that the crown Prince himself oversees this matter.”

“And yet…”

Raynard was speechless and shook his head.

“…Master, you’re right.”

There was nothing he could do about the current situation. He learned magic, and now and then heard about the ‘blessed’, the favorite of the goddess. But now he didn’t have the strength to change anything.

Once in the Empire, he was just a mage who never graduated from the academy. No more, no less. Moreover, now he even has to hide his face.

He had the ability to suddenly jump out and take down all those knights. But he didn’t have a strong rear behind him. After all, he didn’t even receive the knighthood that all mages receive.

But still…

“I can’t stand and do nothing.”

No arguments mattered if Yurina was involved. He rushed to solve the whole matter as soon as possible and without a trace.

“What if I reveal that I’m Blessed? Will he listen to me?”

Raynard stared at Sir Gerard, who was wearing a magical robe bearing the imperial crest. Now no one would take his words into account. But if it had been ‘Blessed’ himself, Sir Gerard might have listened to him.

“No.”

“Master.”

“Stop.”

“But master!”

“It’s useless for you to reveal your identity to them now. This will only add to our problems.’

A sound of grinding of teeth was heard.

“Are you saying that you will continue to stand and watch?”

“Don’t be arrogant. What do you think will change if you throw yourself at them?”

“Master!”

Although Reynard had a shocked face, as if his cold mind had finally left him, Dave still spoke firmly.

“I recognize your skills. But that doesn’t mean you should underestimate the skills of others. Gerard, he’s just like me. He’s a gifted man, graduating from Crohn Academy in seven years. Besides, you’re still inexperienced. If you believe you’ll find the key, why do you think they won’t?”

Dave couldn’t resist and, sighing sharply, pressed hand against Reynard’s shoulder in order to seat him on a small stool.

“Trust me and wait. If magic is involved, Sir Gerard is sure to find a clue.”

Raynard covered his face with both hands. Dave gently patted him on the shoulder, bending as if in front of a child.

“I know what you feel. Of course you will be worried. But thanks to you, she survived.”

His voice was as soft as when he tried to comfort the young Raynard, who was disappointed in his own abilities.

Raynard kept his mouth shut and didn’t move. Just like when he was a child, and now.

“I promised to protect her.”

Raynard’s voice trembled, as if he were about to cry.

‘I swore that I would protect her in exchange for my own salvation. That I would protect her, no matter what the circumstances. And what…?’

He was determined to protect not only her body, but also her mind. But all he could do this time was hug her from behind at the last moment.

He failed to save her heart from the fear of death. He should have guessed everything beforehand.