ushernet Chapter 41.2
Chapter 41.2
“Couldn’t we simply fulfill that purpose for him?”
“If that were possible, he would already be operating within the Empire, not the North. Moreover... it’s possible that he harbors resentment toward the Empire.”
“Hmm...”
Ricard’s conjecture was quite reasonable.
Arad’s continued presence in the barren and uninviting North likely stemmed from one of two reasons:
He had a goal that could only be achieved with the North’s cooperation, or he bore a grudge against the Empire for some unknown reason.
“Find a way to establish contact with him, whatever it takes.”
Canbraman desired Arad Jin just as much as he coveted the North.
“As you command. However, if he ultimately refuses, what should we do?”
“If we cannot have him, it is better to destroy him. Can it be done?”
“It would take effort, but it is feasible even now.”
The one thing Canbraman feared more than failure to secure Arad Jin was Arad joining forces with Renslet to obstruct the Empire’s plans.
“Um... Your Highness?”
It was then that Karaso hesitantly spoke, addressing the Crown Prince, who had just decided on their course of action regarding Arad.
“Duke Yulcanes has taken a keen interest in Arad Jin.”
At Karaso’s suggestion to consult the Tower Master before deciding Arad’s fate, Canbraman nodded without showing any sign of displeasure.
“Of course, it would be strange if he weren’t interested.”
After all, Yulcanes, the continent’s sole 8th-circle archmage, had every reason to be intrigued.
What irked Canbraman, however, was that Yulcanes had conveyed his opinion through the Chancellor rather than presenting it in person.
Still, Canbraman understood. Yulcanes was always engrossed in research and had been particularly bothered during the recent crafting of the Black Monument.
‘I’ll need to seek Duke Yulcanes’s counsel regarding Arad Jin’s recruitment.’
As this thought crossed his mind, Canbraman prepared to continue the meeting.
“Your Highness! Archbishop Teresia urgently requests an audience!”
The voice of a palace guard at the entrance resounded through the chamber.
“Tsk... It must be about the Renslet Church in the North. Let her in.”
“Your Highness, is there an issue with Lady Mary?”
“Uh... Mary?”
“While I understand she has her own duties, it seems inappropriate for her to miss such an occasion.”
“Well... You see...”
I ended up directly expressing my dissatisfaction to the duchess.
It was, in hindsight, an utterly reckless move.
After all, I had just confronted Arina Rune Renslet, the duchess of the North, the sovereign of this land.
Yet, I had my reasons.
Though my behavior bordered on insubordination, I believed my contributions thus far justified my words.
“Well... You see...”
As expected, she didn’t scold me but instead looked flustered.
“Ohohohoho! Apologies, Sir Arad.”
At that moment, however, a reply came not from Arina but from the side.
“Ahem! Lady Mary has been dealing with personal matters of late.”
“Indeed! I shall personally ensure she attends later this afternoon.”
It was Isabelle, Haita, and Sir Balzac who interjected.
Their immediate reactions to Mary’s absence only confirmed my growing suspicions about her background.
“What, exactly, has she been dealing with?”
“Well... It’s a personal matter, so it’s difficult to elaborate. In any case, I’ll make sure she shows up later today.”
Since they framed it as a personal matter, it was likely related to her status—or possibly her biological family.
“Hmm... Very well.”
No matter how important Mary was to me as an employee, antagonizing the Frost Fangs, the Witch’s Circle, or the duchess’s household was not an option.
With a begrudging nod, I accepted their compromise.
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