Episode 168. The Assassination Order (4)
Starting that evening, all the banquet invitations that Kuze and Enzo had forged began to be sent out.
Although the event was due to be sent on Saturday, Rubin wasn’t worried. It would be hard to find anyone who received an invitation who didn’t attend. There was also the intention of not giving anyone time to check the authenticity of the invitation.
…and Friday night.
“Professor Benitez, of course you received it, right?”
“Huh? What do you mean by receiving it?”
Professor Solana met Benitez on the way to the Rhapsody Hall. As soon as they exchanged greetings, they brought up the subject of the banquet.
“I mean, a banquet invitation.”
Solana answered, waving the paper in her hand.
A trace of mana could be felt on the paper. Even in a wizard city, this kind of special paper is not something you can see often.
“Oh, that’s right. I saw it in the mailbox, but I didn’t check it.”
“You didn’t open it? Well, he’s a famous scholar known to the system, right? Isn’t this kind of invitation precious?”
Benitez waved his hands in humility, but it wasn’t really wrong.
But Benitez couldn’t help but widen his eyes at Solana’s subsequent words.
I knew that the Delin-Ielos family held banquets, but the scale of the banquet seemed to be far greater than I had imagined.
“So you’re saying that you received them all, all the professors?”
“Yes, even the teaching assistants.”
“Huh… Even the teaching assistants?”
“I heard that everyone is canceling their plans for the weekend.”
It was worth it. It was something that would be a source of pride for the Samhwi wizards and the nearby nobles for a long time.
Besides, if Eric or Dahlia become high-ranking officers of the Empire and gain fame, they’ll have more to brag about.
“The timing is right.”
It has been revealed that there is no connection between the murder case and the magic school. The professors have also decided to end the dormitory security as of midnight today.
The reason the two went to the Rhapsody Hall was because of the final meeting where all the professors gathered.
“When you go upstairs, everyone will be talking about this.”
“Is that so?”
Groan, groan.
“See, I told you I was right!”
As Solana said, all the professors gathered in one place were talking about the banquet that was to be held the next day.
‘It doesn’t seem to matter that the Magic School and the Ielos family aren’t on good terms.’
The main story was that they had simply been invited to a banquet and were looking forward to the next evening.
“It’s amazing that the two children were selected as ‘draft candidates.’ It’s amazing that the Ielos family invited even the school professors.”
“Well, I guess your family would think of it as a great achievement achieved not by a magic student but by the ‘son of the Ielos family’.”
The banquet story continued without pause. The royal family of Nice was coming, nobles from a neighboring kingdom were coming, Eric was going to pay tribute to his homeroom teacher, Gaizen, before the banquet began, and so on. There were also many rumors of unknown origin.
“Maybe those two are planning to make a surprise announcement at this banquet?”
“Two? Dahlia and Eric?”
“Hey, think about their age, Professor Calandin!”
Before he knew it, Solana had joined the professors and was adding a few words. Benitez smiled awkwardly as he watched them.
This sudden atmosphere was a bit strange, but it wasn’t bad because it seemed like a bright banquet awaiting to overturn the ominous incident.
‘I was thinking of taking a break since it’s the weekend, but I guess I should go too.’
Benitez shrugged his shoulders and thought about it.
Swish.
Rubin, hiding in a shadowy curtain, watched the professors’ noisy meeting.
‘I don’t think I can cancel it now even if I want to.’
Now that I was sure everything was going as planned, it was time to head back to my room.
* * *
The next day, Saturday morning, the day of the banquet.
As soon as Rubin woke up, he checked his body condition. In fact, it was as if he hadn’t slept at all. He had closed his eyes and was absorbed in the inner Haneke and sword fight.
Still, I was in good physical condition and felt like I wanted to face Rosenthaler right away.
-Oscar, that kid is excited about the banquet.
On the other side of the transparent ceiling, Oscar was extremely busy. He too seemed quite touched by the fact that he had received an invitation from Dahlia.
From the crack of dawn, he went out to downtown Capotini to borrow a dress, and while wearing it, he is busy practicing his noble dance.
“What are you doing, Oscar?”
“Are you up? Can’t you see? I’m practicing dancing.”
Oscar’s gestures were sloppy, as he had forgotten all about noble dancing since the entrance ball. Rubin snickered, and Haneke also laughed heartily.
Now that I think about it, the beginning of the semester comes to mind.
He said he was preparing for the entrance ceremony ball and was diligent in practicing his dance. In the end, Oscar didn’t get to dance with anyone.
Several months have passed since then, and too many things have happened in that span of time.
Ironically, the image of Oscar practicing his dance was the same, but that day and today had completely opposite meanings.
If that day was the beginning, today was the end. After today, Oscar only had one day left to leave Capotini.
‘If only I had regressed and not come here.’
The chosen wizard, Oscar, must once again fight for his life.
Although he himself cannot remember, Oscar’s current life is very different from his previous one. He did not have his life taken away by the imperial edict, and he did not lose his father.
‘A great wizard who becomes an ally rather than an enemy. I’m glad I didn’t kill him.’
“… … .”
Of course, right now, he’s just a magic student who stumbles and falls over while dancing awkwardly.
“Ahh… It hurts.”
-It’s funny how I don’t know what’s going to happen in my life. I could be going to Americmana tomorrow.
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Bang! Bang!
“Oh, I guess I should ask Lulu for help.”
As Oscar, who had been falling down repeatedly, thought of the bear Uldin, Rubin got out of bed and went to the window.
‘I guess I should start moving slowly.’
-Before that, Rubin.
‘… … ?’
-What happens starting tomorrow?
Haneke’s voice continued.
-If you let Chloe and Oscar meet, what happens next? You’ll have achieved the purpose of coming to Capotini.
Haneke had already been wondering about tomorrow. What if Rubin were to lose and die in the fight with Rosenthaler? It seemed like such a tragedy was not on his mind from the beginning.
The confidence he felt from his swordsmanship master. Rubin didn’t dislike that kind of trust that seemed natural.
-Are you going to stay in Capotini until your training as a Roynenser is over?
‘I don’t know. I wonder what will happen… ‘
As Haneke said, after today, the purpose of coming to Capotini will have been achieved. It is an achievement that far surpasses the original purpose of eliminating Per Lorenzini.
After Oscar goes to Americmana, will I still be in Capotini?
Rubin was unable to confirm either yes or no.
-If the agent in charge of the Imperial Order dies, there will be changes for you as well, right? For example, you will be sent to a new city.
Of course not.
The standard for Roinens’ education was that he was the son of an assassin, not an agent of the Imperial Order. The city did not change even though the agent of the Imperial Order in charge of him died.
‘That’s not true, but… … .’
There were exceptions. Rubin, who had been speaking, stopped midway. His gaze was fixed outside the window. His eyes quickly gained strength.
He continues speaking while looking at a certain spot outside the window.
‘… Maybe, there will be a change in me too. That thought suddenly occurred to me.’
A very long distance. Rubin looked at someone so far away that an ordinary person would never be able to distinguish their figure.
-But why? Is there something?
‘… … .’
From afar, an unexpected being was looking at him. Realizing that Rubin had sensed his presence, the being soon turned away.
Rubin also lifted the darkness that had been completely focused on his vision. An unexpected visitor had appeared, but he was not the one who was important right now.
‘I don’t think it will bother me right away. Well, I guess it will come to me when the time comes.’
If the ‘author’ had been going to interfere, he would have already ruined things. For now, it seemed like he was just going to watch with interest to see what would happen.
Rubin decided not to care. The immediate priority was to meet Chloe and eliminate Rosenthaler. He also had to fool Naif Greas perfectly along the way.
“Hey, where are you going?”
“I have to go to the bookstore.”
As Rubin prepared to go out, Oscar glared and asked,
“Today too? We should go to the Dahlia banquet together later! It’s seven o’clock… I wonder how long it will take to get to the Ielos estate from here… Hmm, maybe we can leave around five?”
“Oscar, I’m sorry, but I’m going to go alone.”
Rubin added.
“And leave at four o’clock. That way, you won’t be late. There are a lot of people going to the estate, so you won’t get lost.”
“Hey! Let’s go together!”
“At the banquet hall, let’s see if we can.”
It’s a sad greeting that you might not be able to see.
Leaving those greetings behind, Rubin left my room. Oscar just scratched his head at his roommate’s empty room beyond the transparent ceiling.
“Anyway, you always pretend to be busy.”
* * *
“Miss, I’ve arrived.”
Chloe opened her eyes. She could tell from the mana ring alone that she had arrived at the Ielos territory.
This is because the Mana Circle has shrunk slightly as it has escaped from the Capotini where the giant Mana Stone is buried.
Of course, this is also the site of an old magic family. Throughout the territory, mana stones crafted for magicians are installed like sculptures.
“It’s the most successful family among the three magicians. Even if there are some useless lands, if you look at the area, it’s not as big as the nobles of the system.”
“… … .”
Chloe peeked open the carriage window. She was now in the vast territory of Ielos, in the area where the old-fashioned banquet hall was located.
“It is said that this family was very successful in business. In particular, the wine of the Ielos family is said to be spread all over the western part of the continent.”
“Yeah, I saw a lot of wine cellars earlier. Before we go back to Americmana, prepare some gifts for my brothers and the servants.”
“Yes, Miss.”
“Oh, and something to give to the captain as well.”
Currently, the imperial troops guarding her are far away. Ielos’ vassals are glancing at them as they occupy the hill.
“Yes, let’s do that… Hey, it looks like the owners are coming.”
A group of people were approaching at a brisk pace. They were the heads of two families, their spouses, and Dahlia and Eric.
Celesne went out first and opened the carriage door, signaling the arrival of the Imperial Noble. When Chloe finally appeared, everyone bowed and paid their respects. Even Dahlia.
‘As expected, these are unexpected faces.’
Although an invitation was sent out, no one was sure Chloe would come.
Plus, Chloe arrived a full two and a half hours before the banquet started at seven.
Those who deserve more attention than the main characters of the banquet, such as imperial nobility, are usually expected to appear around the second part of the event.
‘Has Per arrived?’
Chloe also had a reason to move at five o’clock. Five o’clock was the time Enzo had said in advance that he would reveal his son.
“I meet the imperial nobility.”
“I meet the imperial nobility.”
“It’s nice to meet you. I’m glad to be able to celebrate the good news of both families together.”
Chloe greeted the two heads of the household. Then she glanced at Dahlia, who was standing behind her, and their eyes met for a brief moment.
Chloe just smiled brightly at her friend whom she hadn’t seen in two weeks, but to Dahlia, it was a completely different smile. The time they spent together as friends in the classroom seemed unrealistic.
After that, there was a brief, formal conversation.
“Lord Ielos.”
Now that they had to move on to the next location, Celesne opened her mouth to address the Ielos family.
“… … ?”
“I would like to inspect the banquet hall in advance. This is a procedure for the safety of the imperial nobility, so I hope you understand.”
“Oh, I forgot. Of course I should have checked for you.”
“I would appreciate it if you could take over the banquet hall’s internal staff for 30 minutes.”
“30 minutes. Understood. Then, during that time, will Lady Youngae come with us to the mansion… …?”
“No, I will go with Celestia. I need to check the condition of the dress as well.”
The family members could not say anything more to Chloe who was speaking with a smile.
“Oh, and I would like Dahlia to be my guide instead of someone else.”
Originally, the banquet venue was the Ielos estate, so Eric should have guided them. But what could be done if an imperial noble wanted to be guided by a classmate?
“…Please go.”
Dahlia began to guide Chloe and Celestia. Even in the classroom, Dahlia was not very close to Chloe, so she did not let her lips move from theirs.
“Dahlia, I think this is going to be a wonderful banquet.”
“…thank you.”
“You can speak informally when we’re alone.”
Still, Dahlia just smiles awkwardly.
“Hundreds of people… no, maybe closer to a thousand.”
“No. This banquet will only be attended by high-ranking officials. The number of attendees is expected to be only a hundred. Of course, none of them will be of concern to the Imperial nobility.”
“okay?”
Chloe tilted her head. While riding the carriage to the banquet hall, she passed quite a few attendees who had left early. Judging by their number alone, there must have been more than a hundred.
But I learned that it is impolite to ask too many questions. I’m sure the two families prepared well.
“Are you here?”
They stopped in front of the banquet hall building. As if they had been notified in advance, a group of vassals were hurriedly leaving inside.
While Celestia went inside to check if anyone was still there.
“dahlia.”
“… … ?”
“Have you seen the other kids? Anybody. Whether it’s our class or another class.”
Dahlia shook her head.
“You’re my first. As a school friend.”
“…I see.”
“miss.”
Celesne approached after confirming that there was no one inside. Chloe exchanged glances with Celesne and then quickly stepped into the banquet hall.
Then he paused for a moment and looked back at Dahlia.
“Dahlia. I really hope you become an officer cadet. I hope to see you in the system.”
“…thank you.”
Chloe’s words struck me as somehow meaningful.
The next moment, a high-dimensional barrier and defensive shield appeared simultaneously around the banquet hall.
“… … ?”
Celesne had cast a spell. Even though she was an imperial noble, did she really have to go this far to check the dress? Dahlia’s eyes were filled with doubt.
Again, again, again.
However, Chloe had already entered the banquet hall, her shoes making a clicking sound.
A while later, inside the banquet hall.
The banquet hall, which was in the final stages of preparation, was dark. Chloe deliberately did not use magic to light up the room. It was Per who had been hiding until now. It seemed like this level of consideration was necessary.
“Nothing has been detected yet.”
Celesne whispered. When she first came in, she had set up security devices all over the banquet hall. It was for Chloe and Per’s safety, but also because Per was not a completely trustworthy opponent at the moment.
“If anyone wanted to enter the banquet hall, they would have been detected by the barrier. Right now, only Miss Dahlia is near the barrier.”
For some reason, she felt anxious. Chloe bit her lower lip. In the dark main hall of the banquet hall, her breathing sounded faintly.
But at that time.
“Celestine, still?”
“Yes, still. There is no one trying to enter the barrier… … .”
Celestia stopped talking. It was because she felt someone approaching her across the darkened banquet hall.
Thud thud.
The next moment, Chloe saw the other person’s face and was so shocked that she covered her mouth with her hand.
