CH 32

The Great Incident that Occurred in the Mayquin Kingdom.

The downfall of the second prince and the punishment of the Transmutation Master who aided him.

Although not publicly announced, some information had also spread to neighboring countries.

Especially for those in the royal family or similar positions, it was not a matter unrelated to them.

A few days after the commotion in the neighboring country.

A luxurious carriage enters the Salem Castle.

The crest of a rose thorn motif indicates a prestigious noble family.

A stern-looking man with gray hair and beard comes out of the carriage.

The servants bow their heads.

“Welcome, Duke Gardenn-sama.”

“Yes, guide me.”

“Certainly.”

He is Duke Gardenn.

He is the same age as the king and one of the five major nobles who has the same voice as the royal family.

He visits the castle regularly and reports on his territory and policies.

The Duke and the servant walk through the palace.

Suddenly, he catches a glimpse of an unfamiliar woman in the distance.

“Who is that girl? She has an unfamiliar face.”

“Aria-sama? She recently became a Transmutation Master in the court.”

“Oh, a Transmutation Master. The hiring exam was still far off, but was someone recommended?”

“Yes. She was recommended by his highness, Yuren.”

He reacts to the name Yuren.

Duke Gardenn looks at Aria, who disappears into the trees, with a stern gaze.

“If she was recommended, she must be from a noble family. Where is she from?”

“Um, the details of her background have not been revealed.”

“What? What do you mean?”

“I-I’m sorry, I don’t know either.”

The servant was intimidated by Duke Gardenn’s oppressive presence.

He tries to look at Aria again, but she has already vanished.

“… Did his highness Yuren really recommend her?”

“Yes. There is no mistake.”

“I see.”

Duke Gardenn puts his hand on his chin and thinks for a few seconds.

“I’m sorry, but we have to change our destination.”

“Which one?”

“It should be obvious. At His Highness’s place.”

He came to the conclusion of going directly and finding out the situation.

The servant led him to Yuren’s office.

After knocking three times, Yuren responded from the inside.

“Come on in.”

“Excuse me.”

Yuren immediately recognized who had come from the sound of their voice.

He stopped working and focused on the Duke, who had just entered.

“Duke Gardenn”

“Yes, it’s been a while, Your Highness.”

The Duke placed his hand on his chest, showing a noble and stiff posture.

“What brings you here today? I don’t recall having any scheduled meetings.”

“Yes, Your Highness. I have something I want to confirm with you, and I apologize for coming without permission.”

“What is it?”

“It’s about a Transmutation Master named Aria. The story is that you recommended her.”

Yuren’s eyebrows twitched for a moment, but his expression remained unchanged as he calmly asked, “Has something happened to her?”

“The story is that you recommended her,” Duke repeated.

“It’s true, okay? I was the one who recommended her. Even Father acknowledges her talent, doesn’t he?”

“…Then why hide her background?”

Duke asked the crucial question.

No strange negotiations, just a straightforward inquiry about what he wanted to know.

It was thanks to the Duke’s unwavering trust in Yuren.

Yuren also trusted Duke in the same way.

“Can I talk to Duke Garrden about this?”

Yuren explained the situation that occurred in another country and how she was involved as a victim.

She left out the part about creating the poison that caused it.

She finished talking about the events and their vague meeting.

“So that girl is a Transmutation Master from the Mayquin Kingdom?”

“Yes, she was. She was unfairly dismissed but still has undeniable talent. She has a proven record of resolving one of our country’s national crises.”

“That’s great, but her background is not suitable. And the timing is bad.”

The Duke spoke with a stern expression.

“The incident at Mayquin Kingdom has spread throughout the country. It may be just a rumor, but some of the citizens know about it. If it were known that the Transmutation Master had been brought from the kingdom in the middle of such a situation…”

The citizens will be confused.

And they might misunderstand.

“I heard that you have a personal connection with that girl. Is that true?”

“Yeah, she’s been a friend of mine since childhood.”

“…With all due respect, it might be better to refrain from such friendship in the future.”

“Why is that?”

Yuren asks the Duke, sensing the reason but daring to ask.

The Duke answers with irritation.

“You understand, don’t you, Your Highness? If you associate with someone whose identity is uncertain, it could affect your credibility in case of emergency. And if the woman realizes that Your Highness has taken an interest in her, she might become arrogant.”

“What do you mean?”

“She might want a title, or money. What will you do if she becomes presumptuous?”

“That won’t happen. Aria doesn’t care about money or status. She doesn’t need those things for what she wants to do…”

“Your Highness…”

Duke bites his lip.

“No matter what kind of thoughts she may possess, the fact remains that that girl has issues. I won’t object to her working in the palace, but Your Highness should consider your position.”

“You’re overthinking it, Duke Garrden. Don’t worry, it won’t be what you think.”

“…I hope so.”

Yuren, who knows Aria’s heart, and Duke, who only knows her title and circumstances.

Their arguments are parallel.

Because they trust each other, they think deeply about it.