CH 21

"Why is it that curse magic can be lifted so easily!?"

The sun was setting, and the room was filled with an angry voice that sounded unpleasant to hear.

It was utterly abhorrent. If you're going to scream, why don't you scream in a place where I can't hear you?

But that's how unexpected this incident was. It is not humanly possible for a third party to lift the curse of a girl who has not even signed a contract with a grimoire, let alone deal with a curse that has been placed on her.

"...That is something that blocks the functioning of magical organs, making it impossible to manipulate magic power! And I've designed a magic formula that mimics a bruise so that it can't be detected from the outside!"

I kicked the chair away and the expensive bottle that lay at the end of it cracked with a sound.

A plan that was supposed to be going so well was turned into a failure in just one night. I can't blame them for this.

To be frank, I didn't expect this either.

The curse magic was not only one that interfered with the functioning of magical organs, but also one that absorbed the life force itself, making it one of the most difficult curse to break. Even if the curse is lifted, it has the property of possessing nearby objects in search of a new host.

However, the magic of the curse has completely disappeared.

I had sensed that it had been transferred from the body of the duchess to the body of another person... but it seems that it was destroyed at the point where it was transferred....

This can be a hindrance.... to our plans.

....Let's use this fool for one more thing.

"I'm not ready to give up yet, Count Granz." (TL: Same count from that noble that turned up at the library)

"'Do you have a plan?"

The angry man who was stomping on the bottle he had just destroyed, Count Granz looked at me. I could see impatience and anger in my bloody eyes.

It's funny how once a plan stumbles, you let your emotions get the best of you and forget yourself. But instead of letting it show, I announced the backup plan I had in my head.

"Once again, you can embed the curse in the duchess."

"Again? Is there a way?"

"Of course, sir."

I took out a sheet of paper with a magic formula drawn on it from my pocket and slid it onto the desk in front of the Count.

He picked it up, unfolded it, and frowned at it quizzically.

"What kind of magic formula is that?"

"Curse magic, of course. with an improved formula that makes it more difficult to break the spell than before. I've made some modifications to the Count's formula."

"Oh. So, how will you get this to Lady Sion?"

"This is not something you can get close enough to embed at a dinner party like last time. It is only necessary to see it from a distance and activate it for the curse to take effect on her again."

"I see. No, that's great!"

Instantly in a good mood, the Count stroked his fleshy chin and looked at the formula.

Good. Now he's going to try again with the duchess. One more push.

“However, there is one obstacle that cannot be overlooked.”

"You think it's a problem?"

"Yes. From what I've been able to find out, the duchess is currently under the protection of a single guard."

"... Well, sometimes you have to be careful and have an escort. Especially since you're from a family of origin. What is the identity of this escort?"

" He said, "He is a librarian in the library of the royal capital. The rank is Notensho (Powers), so I don't think he's that much of a threat, but just in case."

"A Librarian! Oh, yeah, that's him!"

The Count, smiling somewhat jubilantly, sipped and slurped on a bottle of red wine that had been placed on the table. It seems that he know who I'm talking about.

"It's convenient that the boy is with you, since he seems to have done my son a disservice the other day. I didn't like the way he didn't consider nobles as higher. He is like a pest to us nobles. It's a good idea if you can get rid of them both at once here!"

I'm glad you're in a good mood.

And if you disregard him and are willing to attack, it's good for us.

"And the Notensho? It's not worth it! All of our raiding troops will need to have at the very least a Rikitensho (Vaces)!"

"It's more than just a power book. But then, won't the number of people be limited? It's not easy to gather them."

"It's easy with ten people. I'm sure there are mages out there who don't work for any of them. Show them the money and they'll come on board."

"I understand. Can I leave the mission to them?"

"Good. It's not in my nature to plan strategies and tactics in the first place. It's better to have someone who knows how to fight."

"...Then so be it."

As I bowed my head, I couldn't stop laughing.

There are not many noblemen who are so easy to handle. You are the loyal pawn that does exactly what I want you to do.

I said earlier that the librarian guy was not a threat, but that's a lie.

The guy is clearly nothing more than a... monster.

It seems that there is no mistake about the rank, but the biggest difference for mages is the rank of the grimoire, which he fills with his knowledge, magical power, and tactics. It's not just about filling in the gaps, it's about rising to even greater heights in terms of ability.

Perhaps the raid will fail.

But this is fine. If it didn't fail, I would be in big trouble.

Just then, the door of the room opened with a bang.

"Father, you wanted to see me?"

The person who came in was Reves, the son of Count Glanz.

Both father and son have similar physiques, so sometimes it's hard to tell which one is which.

"Oh, Reves. Good news. The librarian who mocked you is going to be purged... You should be pleased."

"Really? I'm happy to hear that!"

"Ah, this is what happens to all those who have no respect for the nobility. He deserves it."

"And that would include the... Sion thing?"

"Yes. I thought it was going to be a clean slate, but just be ready for anything, okay?"

"Of course! Finally, that beauty..."

The resemblance, even to the vulgar face, is both funny and strange.

There's no point in me staying here any longer. Being in the same space with these guys, even if they are just using me, is extremely uncomfortable and unbearable.

“Then I will gather my troops.”

Without hearing a response, I bowed, turned on my heel, and left the room.