Chapter 71

The carriage jolted and slowed down.

It seemed they were close to their destination, and Cordelia quickly adjusted her dress.

The dress she wore today was a mountain-ash yellow.

It had minimal exposure, and the decorative collar adorned her neckline.

It was an elegant and refined design, and with this, even Leonhardt, who was far away, seemed somewhat reassured.

Cordelia flipped the hem of her mountain-ash yellow dress and stepped out of the stopped carriage.

She slipped through the gate of the Royal Magic Bureau, greeted the person in charge, and decided to start her investigation.

As expected, the investigation did not progress smoothly.

After all, the Royal Magic Bureau had already conducted an investigation regarding Zaid's case.

It was only natural that Cordelia, who was not a specialist in magic, would not yield satisfactory results now.

(The real focus today is on the investigation being conducted by Lord Bernhardt.)

Bernhardt, a high-ranking noble from the Gramwell family of the magic kingdom of Eltoria, was a person who could use magic.

His specialty was the military application of magic, but he was also well-versed in other areas of magic.

When she inquired about the progress of the investigation just a while ago, it seemed to be going very smoothly.

(I hope he finds some solid evidence... Hmm?)

A person wobbled past in front of Cordelia.

He was wearing the black robe of the Magic Bureau, but he looked like he was about to collapse.

Worried, she watched as a loud growl came from his stomach. He seemed to be faint from hunger.

"Did you hear that just now?"

"I heard it."

The figure looked at her awkwardly.

He was tall but younger than she expected.

He appeared to be a black-haired boy, a few years younger than Cordelia.

"If you'd like, please have this."

Embarrassed, Cordelia took a cookie from her pocket.

She had brought it in case she skipped a meal during the investigation.

"Is it okay?"

"Please, it's a cookie baked by our servant. I think it tastes good."

"Thank you."

The boy gratefully and happily accepted the cookie.

Though he seemed embarrassed, his hunger was too much to resist.

Why was he so hungry?

Magicians were generally well-paid.

The innate talent required to become a magician was significant, and only about one in several hundred people had the necessary magical power.

A magician employed by the Royal Magic Bureau should not be struggling to eat.

"Hey, what are you---"

"Hey, look, Julian is getting food from someone."

At the voice of a third person, the boy—Julian—trembled.

He looked at a group of three magicians with a nervous expression.

"Pitiful. Despite that, he's from the direct line of the Gallea family, right?"

"The prestigious Gallea family might be coming to an end."

"Indeed. Of all people, the heir is that Julian."

They deliberately spoke loudly enough for him to hear, and Cordelia frowned at the trio, who showed no remorse.

Julian did not respond, but huddled like a turtle.

The trio eventually got bored and left, and Julian let out a thin sigh.

"Sorry. It seems I've involved you in my bullying."

"Is it always like this?"

"I'm used to it."

Julian smiled resignedly.

Upon closer inspection, there were signs of injuries on his wrists and other parts of his body.

It seemed he was not only being gossiped about but also subjected to violence.

"There's nothing I can do. I'm from the direct line of the Gallea family, but my magical power is low."

The Gallea family was one of the most prestigious magical lineages in the kingdom of Riolbern.

Magical power had a hereditary nature, and naturally, the expectations placed on the children of a prestigious magical family were high, and the backlash when those expectations were not met was also significant.

Magical power was largely innate and directly related to a magician's abilities.

In such a situation, Julian had low magical power and a timid personality. His inability to fight back might have led to the bullying becoming more severe.

(Poor thing. I wonder if it would be better for him to choose a different path...)

He had enough magical power to become a magician, but he was far from being top-tier.

It might be a living death for him.

"I'm fine. I'm used to it, and even if I'm a failure as a magician, I can still make a living---whoa!"

Splash.

Suddenly, a mass of water fell from above.

Julian was drenched, and splashes hit Cordelia next to him.

It seemed to be water created by magic.

"It's cold..."

"Ha, look at him, he's a wet rat!"

It was the same magicians from before.

They had brought more companions and now seemed to be bullying Julian with five of them.

"What are you doing? If you want to play with water, do it outside."

"Who are you?"

Cordelia's unwavering voice made the magicians take a step back.

Then, as if ashamed of their retreat, they lunged at her fiercely.

"You're not a magician here, are you? What are you doing?"

"I have official permission to enter. Is there a problem with that?"

"Don't stick your nose where it doesn't belong."

The magicians remained defiant.

They were a very clear example of how people with rare talents often become arrogant.

"Who was it that suddenly doused this outsider with water?"

"It's because you stink---"

"What are you doing?"

The magicians froze.

They seemed to have noticed Bernhardt, who had approached from behind Cordelia.

"Ugh, it's the white uniform of Eltoria."

"Troublemakers are here. Get lost."

The magicians scattered like cockroaches.

Eltorian military uniforms were white for nobles and black for commoners. Many noble military personnel were also magicians, so they were known as the "white uniforms of Eltoria" and were feared.

"Such trivial people."

Bernhardt's cold purple eyes followed the backs of the magicians.

"The investigation here is finished for today. Let's head to the next location."

"Wait, please."

As Cordelia was about to chase after Bernhardt, a voice called out to her from behind.

"Thank you for the cookie. If we meet again, I'll return the favor."

Julian waved and saw her off.