Episode 42: Evidence
With the help of the Count Ekarsi, Yohan returned to his position as an official in just three days.
The first thing he did upon returning to the capital wasn’t meeting Francia, nor was it taking a break.
“An ambush during the inspection of the demonic lair?”
It was reporting.
In the commander’s office, Fedelian frowned. Someone else targeting him? It puzzled him.
“Yes. I brought evidence.”
Yohan placed a dagger used by the Hyenas on the desk in the office.
Fedelian narrowed his eyes, examining it closely, then rubbed his chin.
“A Hyena serving a specific household.”
As the Crown Prince, he couldn’t be unaware. Hyenas frequently employed by high-ranking nobles were always a headache.
“Their daggers differ depending on the household they serve, but within a pack, they are uniform. It won’t be easy to trace, but it’s better than nothing.”
While it would be ideal if the dagger could pinpoint the household they served, the Hyenas operated in secrecy, and their numbers were vast.
It wasn’t easy to determine which family they served based on a single dagger alone, though it was still better than having no lead at all.
“And this as well.”
Yohan placed another dagger, slightly corroded, on the desk. It was used during the first ambush orchestrated by Cassis.
The Crown Prince’s eyes narrowed.
“This one?”
“This wasn’t their first attack.”
Yohan added coldly.
“On the night of the social gathering, while returning, I was ambushed by the same group.”
“…The time you were returning with the Special-Class Mage Fervache?”
“Yes.”
Fedelian’s expression darkened. Recalling the incident left him in a foul mood.
But that didn’t mean he would overlook the current situation. He was now aware Francia was involved.
“They clearly have a target.”
Fedelian’s voice was low, but icy fury simmered beneath. Yohan met his gaze and raised the corner of his lips slightly.
“Yes. Like someone targeting the Special-Class Mage Fervache. And I must be the biggest obstacle.”
“…….”
Yohan’s words were sharp. Fedelian’s fingers lightly tapped the desk, his irritation subtly intensifying.
“…I will personally investigate this matter.”
Suppressing his displeasure, Fedelian nodded. Assisting Yohan didn’t appeal to him, but with Francia involved, he had no choice.
“Yes. Then I’ll head to the First Division Office.”
“The First Division Office?”
“I think the commander of the First Division should also be informed.”
“…….”
Hearing that, the scattered pieces in Fedelian’s mind aligned. He now had a clear idea of who was behind this.
“I see. So that’s what it is.”
“Then, if you’ll excuse me.”
Leaving the nodding Fedelian behind, Yohan politely bowed and exited the office.
As he stepped out of the Second Division building, some female officers approached him.
“Special-Class Mage Harsen!”
“You look troubled. Is something wrong?”
These officers, who often showed interest and kindness toward him, were concerned. Yohan relaxed his stiff expression and smiled lightly.
“It’s nothing. I’m just tired from my recent mission.”
His slight smile left the female guards breathless. They suppressed their urge to confess and continued the conversation.
“By the way, I heard you stopped a demonic lair’s overflow single-handedly during your last mission!”
“Oh my, is that true? Truly remarkable, special class Mage Harsen!”
While suppressing a demonic overflow early wasn’t too difficult, that was only when guards worked together.
Even for Yohan, the most promising Special-Class mage in the Bureau’s Second Division, stopping a demonic overflow alone was no easy feat.
“You’re incredible!”
“This will surely enhance your reputation!”
The female officers giggled and showered him with praise, blatantly trying to win his favor.
Yohan, understanding their intentions, offered an awkward smile.
“Thank you. However, I have matters to attend to. May I take my leave?”
“Oh, of course. Sorry for holding you up.”
“Good luck with your work!”
“Then, excuse me.”
Bowing slightly in thanks, Yohan made his way toward the First Division building.
Upon entering, knights and mages stared at him intently.
While his appearance played a part, most of their curiosity stemmed from his victory against the deputy commander of the First Division.
“…Special-Class Mage Harsen.”
It didn’t take long after entering the building for Yohan to encounter Cassis Lenokhonen. Judging by his rather displeased expression, it seemed he had realized the previous operation was a failure.
“Sir Lenokhonen. I must say, the gift you sent me recently was well received.”
Yohan smiled faintly. It was a gentle smile, but his gaze was sharp. Cassis’s face momentarily twisted but quickly returned to normal.
“…I’m not sure what you mean.” he replied, his voice slightly tense.
“It’s truly astonishing how you remain so indifferent. Ha ha.”
Yohan’s words, on the surface, were polite, but he was clearly reproaching Cassis in the aristocratic manner of speech.
“……”
The subtly provocative tone made Cassis want to draw the sword at his waist immediately, but he restrained himself with great effort.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about. I’ll take my leave. It seems continuing this conversation will serve no purpose.”
Cassis chose to retreat, knowing that nothing good would come of continuing the conversation.
“I never thought I’d see you retreat like this. How surprising.”
Yohan said, not stopping even as Cassis turned his back to leave. It was the noble speech he had learned from noblewomen during his time at the academy.
“To see such a cautious demeanor, it must not be a trivial matter. Is there something weighing on your mind, perhaps?”
Yohan’s deliberately provoking tone continued. Having experienced it himself countless times as a child, he knew just how infuriating it could be.
“……”
But Cassis didn’t respond. It was a wise choice—engaging in further conversation would yield nothing beneficial.
As Yohan watched Cassis’s retreating figure, he shrugged and moved toward the First Division’s office.
Knock, knock, knock.
After three knocks, Yohan opened the door and entered. Inside was the commander of the First Division, Grand Duke Lenokhonen, whom Yohan had seen before.
“…Special-Class Mage Harsen? What brings you here?”
Grand Duke Lenokhonen, familiar with Yohan’s somewhat renowned name and face, removed his monocle and narrowed his eyes.
“I have something for you to see.”
Yohan said, striding confidently to the desk in the office. He placed the daggers used by the Hyenas on the desk.
“This is…”
The grand duke’s face hardened. There was no way he wouldn’t recognize the daggers—they were the weapons of the Hyenas who served his family.
“I was attacked twice by Hyenas wielding these daggers. Once while with Lady Fervache, and another time while scouting a demonic lair in the Ekarsi County.”
Yohan added with a subtle, meaningful smile, “As they say, the conduct of one’s children is a reflection of the family. Given how exemplary your family is, I trust this will be properly addressed.”
In simpler terms, he was saying, “Keep your son in line.”
“……”
Grand Duke Lenokhonen’s expression turned icy as he stared at the daggers. Meanwhile, his fist clenched tightly, his anger evident.
“I told him to be cautious…”
Though his voice was low, it carried a suffocating pressure that filled the room, like a chilling killing intent.
“The culprit this time was clearly targeting Lady Fervache. When they encountered an obstacle, they decided to eliminate it first. Naturally, the obstacle would be me, as her partner.”
Even amidst the heavy, oppressive atmosphere, Yohan remained unfazed. Instead, he continued provocatively.
“To think that someone so upright would be swayed by emotions and make repeated mistakes—it’s truly a fascinating sight. It seems emotions do indeed surpass reason.”
In simple terms, he was saying, ‘How amusing to see someone blinded by a woman and acting so foolishly.’
“…I understand your intentions well, Special-Class Mage Harsen. I will personally handle this matter.”
The grand duke, suppressing his surging anger, spoke with restraint. If left unchecked, his son would surely face imprisonment. Hence, as the head of the family, he needed to intervene personally.
“Unfortunately, that won’t be possible. I’ve already reported this to His Highness the Crown Prince—or rather, the head of the Second Division. He stated he would investigate the matter personally.”
Yohan had no intention of letting this matter pass quietly. He sought to swiftly deal with Cassis, who couldn’t separate personal feelings from public duties and had caused such chaos.
Moreover, he couldn’t overlook the need to avenge the knights who had lost their lives.
Of course, this situation wasn’t entirely favorable for Yohan either.
If the issue escalated, Duke Fervache might declare a territorial war, and the influence of the Lenokhonen family was substantial enough to create chaos in the empire.
There was even a risk of civil war breaking out.
“What a headache…”
Grand Duke Lenokhonen pressed his temples with his fingers, as if a migraine was setting in from the trouble his son had caused.
“…I understand your concerns. You may leave now.”
“Yes.”
Yohan suppressed his urge to cheer and instead offered a polite bow.
Click.
After stepping out of the First Division’s office, he grinned.
‘Does this mean Cassis is dealt with?’
It would’ve been ideal if he could be imprisoned, but unfortunately, that was impossible. The Lenokhonen family stood behind him.
Still, he would lose significant authority.
Neither the hyenas nor even the Black Knights would be able to act anymore.
The fearsome demon of the battlefield that had terrorized the southern barbarians—gone.
***
Evening, after sunset.
As soon as she finished work and returned to the mansion, Francia strode directly into Yohan’s room.
Sweat glistened on her forehead, and her breathing was slightly labored.
“Yohan!”
There was urgency in Francia’s voice.
“Ah, Francia. You’re here.”
However, contrary to her worried expression, Yohan greeted her with a calm smile.
Francia paused briefly at his composed demeanor, though her concern lingered.
“What on earth happened? A demonic beast outbreak…?”
Francia cautiously perched on the edge of his bed, meeting his gaze with trembling hands.
“You don’t need to worry. The Demonic Beast overflow was suppressed early.”
He gently stroked Francia’s drooping hand. At his touch, her trembling fingers began to settle slightly.
“See? I’m perfectly fine, aren’t I?”
Yohan spread his arms wide. Francia leaned into his embrace, lightly tracing her hands over him. The warm touch of his skin and the absence of any wounds reassured her.
“…Are you really okay?”
Francia carefully examined his neck and shoulders again, a faint shadow of concern still in her eyes.
“Of course.”
To alleviate her unease, Yohan softly ran his fingers through her hair. Francia shyly turned her head before smiling and nodding.
“I’m so relieved.”
Francia rested her head against Yohan’s arms, which held her securely.
“You’re so reliable. That’s why I like you.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. I still worry, but…I can’t help trusting you.”
“That’s reassuring to hear.”
“But that doesn’t mean you should take unnecessary risks.”
“I know.”
“Do you really?”
Francia puffed her cheeks and glared at him, dissatisfied with his casual response.
Yohan looked at her face, her irritation evident, with affectionate eyes.
“I know everything. Your heart, your worries—all because you care for me so much.”
When Yohan playfully ran his hand through Francia’s hair, she blushed, whispering shyly in his arms.
“It feels like I’m always the one falling for you.”
“That’s not true.”
“You do like me, right?”
“You’re stating the obvious.”
“Fufu.”
Francia let out her signature giggle and softly brushed her fingers against Yohan’s thigh. Her gaze glowed faintly with warmth.
“Tomorrow’s a holiday…”
“It is.”
“Tonight, I just want to think about you.”
Her whispered words grew softer. Her glowing eyes lingered on him, and her hands reached toward him.
“What a coincidence. I feel the same.”
As their gazes locked, Yohan slowly cupped Francia’s face and pressed his lips gently against hers.
“Haa…!”
Her breath hitched faintly, and the air in the room grew warm and tender.
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