Chapter 47

A few days after the ball, Viela was called to the director's office at the Magic Bureau and was being briefed on the rewards for her outstanding performance during the expedition.

Her achievements were highly recognized, as she had prevented additional expedition costs and the preparation expenses for new barrier stones, as well as avoided the dangers from monsters. As a result, she was to be awarded a bonus equivalent to six months' salary.

Although she had been living a frugal life, allocating most of her salary for remittances, the salary of a royal court mage was quite high. Six months' worth would be a substantial amount, and Viela's eyes sparkled when she saw the deposit slip.

"Director, is it really all right for me to receive this much?"

"Considering Lord Huebert's contributions, this is a reasonable amount. I also consulted with Chief Dressel, and it seems that your work attitude has been excellent. Your ability to dispel magic is apparently very important in the Technical Division. This amount is given with the expectation that you will continue to contribute to the Magic Bureau."

"Thank you?"

Viela felt a catch in the director's words "continue" and "expectation," and responded with a question. She had been asked by Lukas and Duke Ambros to "be careful about the content of the reward. If it's a promotion, I would appreciate it if you could decline as much as possible." It seemed that the king was planning to ignore Lukas's retirement request and was concerned that Viela might be used.

Viela herself strongly wanted to help with the new business in the Huebert territory, where her family lived. She thought her magic skills could be applied to refining honey from the white trees and the tools used for boiling it. She was actually excited about the idea of creating specialized magical tools. Moreover, she wanted to keep the promise of a slow life with Lukas. Her resolve to make her dear husband happy had not wavered.

Therefore, Viela steeled herself and watched the director's moves. Normally, if it was just about the reward, it would have been enough to hear it from Chief Dressel in the Technical Division's office. It seemed a bit much for the top director of the Magic Bureau to call her in personally.

"Lord Huebert's ability to dispel magic is, in our evaluation, outstanding among the young royal court mages."

"You're flattering me too much."

Her skill came from her experience of dispelling more magic formulas than others. There were people who were better at manipulating magic and had more magic power than Viela. She believed that anyone could surpass her if they grasped the knack. However, the director shook his head gently and looked serious.

"No, no, without Lord Huebert, the expedition would still be ongoing. It's a relief that it was avoided. The Magic Bureau has recognized the importance of protecting and dispelling magic formulas and decided that we need to act to prevent a recurrence. We have decided to form an independent investigation team to investigate the incident in more detail from a magical perspective."

"I see."

The situation was looking ominous. Viela swallowed hard.

"I was thinking that Lord Huebert could provide advice from the perspective of dispelling magic formulas."

"--- Well, I think the senior members of the Development Division and the Technical Division would have better advice. I'm more intuitive, and I'm worried if I can properly convey it in words."

"The senior members are also part of the team, and they want the fresh perspective of young mages. Most importantly, Lord Huebert is the one who directly dispelled the layered magic formula."

"In other words?"

"We would like you to join the investigation team and contribute to solving the case. What do you think?"

Viela tightened her hands in her lap.

"I am currently in the process of applying for retirement. If I were to leave in the middle, it would be very difficult and I would feel very guilty if it caused any inconvenience to the investigation."

She tried to decline indirectly, but the director's expression did not change.

"To be honest, the proposal for Lord Huebert to join the investigation team came from His Majesty."

"From His Majesty himself?"

"Yes. His Majesty is very pleased with Lord Huebert's performance and thinks it's a waste for you to be just a technical division staff member. However, because you are in the process of applying for retirement, he held back the promotion offer to avoid burdening you. Instead, he proposed that you contribute to the important mission of the investigation team. Do you understand?"

This was meant to show consideration for the circumstances, even from the king. Being trusted by the king was an honor, and responding to it was the duty of a royal court mage. Unless one was in a position to voice an opinion to the king, a regular staff member could not refuse the king's proposal. The only response Viela could give was one.

"I will do my best to contribute to the investigation team."

"I am glad you accepted. His Majesty and the other team members will be pleased. I am looking forward to it."

"Yes."

Bowing her head, Viela secretly clenched her teeth. When she raised her head again, the director was smiling very contentedly.

"Is there anything I need to prepare on my end?"

"The number of investigation team meetings will increase. I will inform Chief Dressel, but please try to avoid personal assignments and keep your schedule open. That's about it. Any other questions?"

It seemed he had no intention of burdening other staff members. A very typical high-ranking official's way of thinking. However, there was no one to complain to, so Viela pasted a smile on her face.

"No, not at this stage."

"Then continue with your regular duties until the next contact. The bonus will be deposited within a few days, so please check it later. That's all."

"Understood. Excuse me."

Viela left the director's office and slumped her shoulders as she turned the corner in the hallway.

(Ugh... It's an honor to contribute to national defense, but if I join the investigation team, it will be difficult to leave due to the risk of information leaks. In other words, it will be hard to retire. In that case, I'll do my best to cooperate and finish my role!)

She was probably being sought for her knowledge of the layered magic formula that caused the incident. The actual search for the perpetrator was the job of the intelligence department of the knights. She decided to use all her knowledge and experience to boost her motivation to retire.

"Viela-senpai, what are you doing?"

She stopped in the middle of the hallway, making a fist at her chest, and was called from behind. Turning around in surprise, she saw the familiar red-haired young man, Clement, the leader of the Barrier Division's second team, looking at her with a puzzled expression.