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Chapter 43. Dangerous Woman

Half a day had passed since the academy was attacked. The sun had set, and the world was shrouded in darkness. The academy had several streetlights, but the magic-generated light wasn't strong enough to pierce the night as intensely as the lights I experienced in my previous life.

Due to the attack, all classes for the day were canceled, and everyone was gathered near the dorms to make it easier for the knights to protect us. There were rumors that an extermination operation against the cult had begun in the capital, and occasionally, we could hear what sounded like explosions in the distance. I wondered if it was okay to have such flashy battles in the capital... but I guess it's better than leaving terrorists unchecked.

"What are you doing here?"

"Ivy. What about you?"

"This time when the night engulfs the world is my domain."

For Ivy, who could control and hide within shadows, the night, when the world's light was weakened, was indeed her domain.

"All students are supposed to be waiting in their rooms... isn't that right?"

"That applies to you too."

I was sitting on the edge of the academy's rooftop, a place where I could see the capital in the distance. I was curious if there were any signs of fire in the capital, but all I could hear were explosions. It seemed the extermination operation was progressing without major issues.

"So, you came here because you were curious about something? Tell me... I'm bored anyway."

"You're going to listen to my delusions again to kill time?"

Last time, it wasn't a delusion... so I'll listen seriously this time.

"Previously, I suspected that there was a traitor in the country's core, who incited Viscount Pornorde's house to revolt and pitted the 1st and 5th Divisions against each other. However... the subsequent actions were strange."

"The cult that started acting in the unguarded capital was an unknown group with no significant power. They occupied the academy but did nothing until the division commanders arrived, a bunch of incompetents."

"Exactly. They didn't even recognize the 3rd Division Commander Liester, known as 'Lightning Speed'. It's just strange."

Sorry... I didn't know that nickname either.

"Everything is odd. Did they think they could handle a division commander alone, or did the attack have some meaning... Either way, the cult must be disposable."

Hmm... What's the purpose of using the cult as pawns? The cult members I encountered in the capital's back alleys were more trained. The woman with a self-destructive spell, whom I subdued and handed over to the magic knights, bit her tongue and killed herself before we could get any information. The cult that attacked the academy didn't seem nearly as well-trained.

"The Minister of Military Affairs said the enemy knew the capital well. But do you think such an incompetent group could manage that?"

"So, Ivy, you suspect another organization is using the cult. And the one behind that organization is a traitor in the country's core."

"The most likely suspect is the Chancellor."

Chancellor Albrecht... He could move the military by influencing Minister of Military Affairs Morgus.

"But Chancellor Albrecht is the most trusted by the king. And Duke Albrecht... is the king's nephew, Marcus Albrecht, right?"

"Then he's the traitor."

"Is it that simple?"

"I don't know."

It's just Ivy's conjecture, but I don't think it's far off.

"If Marcus Albrecht, the Chancellor, is indeed a traitor... the Minister of Internal Affairs won't let it slide."

"The Minister of Internal Affairs?"

"He's the most popular figure among the citizens and the de facto top of domestic politics. He was originally a powerful member of the Magic Knights and is deeply patriotic."

A popular commoner as the Minister of Internal Affairs... If the Chancellor is a traitor, he definitely wouldn't let it slide. If the Chancellor is caught as a traitor, it would surely lead to a public execution.

"Chancellor Albrecht is famously wary of Minister Froedil. With strong public support and his own prowess, the Minister is a thorn in his side."

So it's like a thorn in his side. Then, we should find out where this Minister Froedil is and what he's doing now.

"Just so you know, Minister Froedil is currently in the capital."

"Is that so? Then it's just a matter of time, isn't it?"

Such a crude attack plan would soon lead to the mastermind. I don't know who the final traitor is, but if it gets resolved without me doing anything, that's fine.

"Well... I've talked a lot, but as long as we're in this academy, there's no problem."

"Hey, haven't we had this kind of conversation before? Didn't we get caught up in an incident right after hearing your delusions?"

Is this a flag? Do you have a grimoire that makes things happen as you say?

"Theodore, that's just an illusion. People tend to notice topics they've just heard."

"It's definitely not that kind of talk. It's something different, right?"

Clearly different.

"You're a worrywart. The Minister of Military Affairs is leading the Royal Knights directly. Noble families around the capital are also sending their private soldiers. By tomorrow morning, we'll hear about the arrest of the mastermind."

"You say that well, considering you were the one talking about a traitor in the country's core."

I'm starting to think your delusions are actually information you're leaking to me.

This girl claims to be a commoner, but she knows too much. Even if she can hide in the shadows, knowing such classified information implies she's... lying.

"You're not sneaking into the royal castle regularly, are you? That's a lie, right?"

"...What are you talking about?"

"Is there a way for others to detect your [Sariel]?"

"I'm going back to my room. I'll get in trouble if they find out I'm not there."

She blatantly changed the subject and ran away... I thought she was just a dangerous woman, but she's actually someone who sneaks into the royal castle.