Episode 20
Normally, only the wearer should be able to see the magic inside a tool.
But Amon hadn’t even taken the priest exams yet—how could he see it?
I sighed and pushed his small shoulders back, blocking his view with my body. Then I spoke to Nordeel.
“I can feel the energy, but there aren’t any hallucinations. Mental magic is tricky, but this artifact doesn’t seem like much.”
Slowly, I drew back my holy power, thinking about how to handle the item.
Hallucination magic… that would make the report complicated. Writing about it alone could take a full day.
“Should I just purify it here? It’ll only take an hour.”
“…What?”
“Since I have some time. We can mark it as purified by the Feather Knights, if you want.”
“You would… leave this artifact with us? We’re grateful, but why would you go that far?”
“It’s not difficult.”
Purifying was simple. Writing the report would take ages.
If I brought it back, Karen would probably shrug it off, leaving all the work on me. Better to dump it on the Feather Knights.
“This way is simpler than all the paperwork. I’ll tell Sir Hayden myself, so don’t worry.”
“…Are you sure?”
“Of course. You said no one here can use purification magic, right? If anyone’s curious, they can even watch. One or two people.”
At that, Nordeel’s eyes lit up.
“You’d really let us watch?”
“Yes. I’ll have to summon a spirit anyway, so I’ll need to fetch supplies. Bring whoever you want.”
Sharing techniques like this was rare. Tempted, Nordeel didn’t hesitate any longer and rushed out.
I checked the door was firmly closed, then pulled out a handkerchief.
I wiped Amon’s mouth roughly. After only a few swipes, the cloth was black.
“Amon, what you just saw—that was magic. A force that harms people.”
“That?”
He pointed at the empty air of the parlor, where he could still see afterimages.
“But teacher, you always deal with things like that.”
“I don’t deal with them. I purify them. And one day you’ll do the same. …Anyway, it’s dangerous now. Don’t ever go near magic like that.”
“Okay.”
Still, I wasn’t comfortable.
In the past, the only thing I ever discovered about Amon’s tragedy was that a dark priest had attacked him.
The more the investigation went on, the more it looked like Amon went to the priest willingly. Because of that, the judiciary stopped the case early—claiming they were protecting the Marquis family’s honor.
I shook my head, bitter.
“This isn’t just a promise—it’s an order. If you see something like that, never get close. Always tell me first. And if you do touch something, you must tell me everything. Understood?”
“Mhm. Yes.”
Did he really understand?
While fiddling with his ear, Amon peeled a chocolate and shoved it at my mouth.
“Teacher, try this. It’s good.”
“….”
“Want tea too?”
“Just eat it yourself.”
I snapped, and he pulled the chocolate box back toward himself with a pout.
The peaceful mood didn’t last.
“What!? Sir Hayden’s subordinate is going to let them watch purification!?”
From down the hall, voices rang out. Amon gasped, and I stifled a laugh into my teacup.
“What nonsense.”
Ten years ago, if someone had said that to my face, I wouldn’t have let it slide.
“Let’s draw lots! Whoever wins gets in!”
“Only the team who retrieved the item can watch! Everyone else, out!”
“Wait, Gwen! You can’t just steal the box of lots!”
“Who says I can’t? If you don’t like it, come and take it from me!”
The sounds of scuffling and people being thrown around echoed.
“No soundproofing at all, huh.”
“Sh-should I tell them to quiet down?”
Amon asked nervously, but I patted his head, signaling him to stay put.
If Keldan had been here, he would never have allowed such noise.
But I had no escort today, and I wasn’t about to drag Amon into it.
“Leave them. They don’t even realize we can hear them.”
Amon’s eyes widened at my leniency.
“Today’s their lucky day.”
But despite my calm words, the teacup trembled visibly in my hand.
Not long after, Nordeel returned—with the “winner” of the lottery.
It was a burly, middle-aged man with black hair. His body was nearly twice the size of anyone else’s.
A toolmaker? Dressed like that?
A shabby suit on a man like him looked ridiculous.
“Ehem! Ehhm!”
Behind the door, the faces of those not chosen were crammed together, peeking in.
This place really was busy—so many even on a weekend.
“I thought I said only one or two? Not the whole lot of them.”
“Ahaha… there were… circumstances.”
Before Nordeel could explain, the big man threw an arm over his shoulder and laughed boisterously.
“Ha! So strict! Just like Hayden’s people!”
“…?”
“Don’t be so cold. I already heard you said this place looks like a haunted house, didn’t you? That it feels like ghosts could come out. Well, I’ll forgive that insult—so in return, show us something nice. Fair trade, eh?”
Amon’s face went white.
Nordeel’s shoulder, pinned under the man’s elbow, twitched like popcorn in hot oil.
“So? What do you say?”
Amazing. He was looking right at me and still didn’t recognize my status.
“Well. Is it really worth crowding over just one purification?”
“That’s not the point. They say you’re Hayden’s oldest subordinate, aren’t you?”
“Ugh, not again…”
Everyone around stiffened in shock, but the man just smiled and held out a hand.
“I’m Gwen.”
“….”
I frowned deeply. Realizing too late, Nordeel yanked him back.
“Gwen, you idiot! Shut your mouth!”
“What? Why?”
“Because this person is—”
He tugged Gwen’s ear like cheese, whispering something. Gwen’s eyes went wide, and he slapped a hand over his mouth.
Then, loudly enough for everyone to hear, he blurted:
“What!? She’s a noble!? Why would a noble be running errands here!? Which family!?”
“…Hmm. Hmph.”
Even Amon shook his head at him. Gwen scratched his neck awkwardly.
“Fine, fine. I messed up, huh? So you’re some big noble lady? Damn it, Hayden even makes nobles his underlings!?”
His voice rose louder and louder with anger.
Nordeel lowered his head in weary resignation.
“I apologize, Lady Carl Suilen. When it comes to Hayden, Gwen loses all sense. I’ll throw him out.”
“What? Throw me out?”
“Who else? Thanks to you, I might lose my head!”
“What!? She’s going to kill me!?”
“….”
Nordeel rolled his eyes at Gwen’s panic.
“Teacher.”
Amon tugged at my sleeve quietly.
I patted his shoulder to calm him and looked back at the others.
“I don’t cut off heads. But I do give beatings.”
“….”
“So, why don’t you sit down? I’m not used to looking up at commoners.”
“What?”
I pointed my chin at the opposite sofa. Gwen’s scowl darkened even further.
But before he could speak, Nordeel yanked him down hard.
“You insisted on barging in, so be grateful and sit down.”
“Young master, why should I—”
Nordeel glanced at the half-open door.
The silent threat was clear: refuse, and you’re out.
Grinding his teeth, Gwen looked between the door and me, then finally plopped onto the sofa.
“Tch. Fine. Thanks so much.”
