Volume 9 Chapter 16 Rumors At The Lord's Manor
"It's rare to see you at this time of night."
It was already late when Al visited Eric's mansion. He was taken to the drawing room right away, as if they were expecting him. Even the gatekeeper treated him politely. Inside, Eric and Leda were already relaxing after dinner, dressed in casual clothes.
"Sorry for coming so late. I need to ask for a favor."
Al hesitated. He wanted to tell them that they might be attacked with magic. But how much should he say? Eric and Leda had always told him to come to them for help, but this could affect not only Margrave Rain but also lead to war with a neighboring country. Eric was the head magician of Viscount Lester's household. This could become complicated. Should he tell them?
While Al was unsure, Eric spoke up first.
"Is it about Lady Patricia?"
"Huh?"
Al was surprised by the unexpected question. Eric and Leda exchanged a glance and smiled. Were they discussing something before? Did they know what Al was about to say?
"I heard from Leda. There's quite a rumor going around the lord's manor. They say Princess Patricia, who's staying there, has someone she loves──a knight who helped her escape. Soon, Sir Stroud, the Margrave's second son, is supposed to propose to her and vow to help rebuild the kingdom. But it seems she can't forget that knight."
What a romantic story. It made sense that the servants would gossip about it.
"That knight... that's you, isn't it, Al? The rumors said ‘knight,' but didn't mention your name."
Leda asked seriously. It was a bit embarrassing, but there was no one else who fit the description. Al nodded reluctantly. The conversation had strayed far from what he originally wanted to ask, but he couldn't believe how much the servants at the lord's manor were talking about him.
"I see. Since Eric became the head magician at the Viscount's mansion, I've been helping with the magic defenses. I often hear things while working in the women's quarters. So, when you showed up at this hour, I thought it might be related to that."
Leda didn't seem to dislike this kind of gossip. Maybe since she wasn't on duty, it was okay. If this information could help, it might be worth using.
"Yes, that's part of it. I also need advice about magic. But first... how is Lady Patricia?"
It had been a while since Al last saw her. Joanna had mentioned Patricia was deeply troubled.
"Well, I don't know what Viscount Eugene discussed with her, but she's clearly worried. She's lost weight and often holds a sachet filled with jasmine, something from her homeland, while she thinks deeply."
A sachet──those were small scented bags. Jasmine was known for its calming properties. Was she using it to soothe her mind?
"Has Sir Stroud arrived yet?"
Al asked next. Ruella had told him that Stroud was supposed to meet Patricia during the Mushroom Festival, and Joanna had mentioned that Stroud was supposed to fall in love with Patricia at first sight. Had the plan changed? Leda glanced at Eric, as if seeking his approval to speak. Eric, with a small sigh, answered instead.
"He's expected to arrive in three days. There will be a welcome banquet at the manor, and we'll be stationed there for security. Sir Stroud will likely meet Princess Patricia then, and he's expected to stay for a week before returning to the capital."
"There's a rumor that Lady Patricia will leave with him when he goes back," Leda added.
Al nodded slowly, his chest tightening. Patricia was probably unsure whether she could trust Stroud's offer to send a knight brigade for her kingdom's recovery. And behind the scenes, there were people trying to kill her.
"When I first heard the rumor, I was surprised. But now that we've talked, I realize even you, Al, have your own struggles. If there's anything else, please don't hesitate to talk to us."
Eric's words broke the silence, and Al finally nodded in agreement.
"Thank you. I've learned what I needed to. If I need more help, I'll come to you."
Eric nodded back.
"Was that all you wanted to talk about tonight?"
He seemed to think there was more Al wanted to say. But Al couldn't think of anything else to ask about Patricia, so he switched his focus and opened the spellbook he'd brought.
"I also have a question about magic. I was hoping you could help me understand the last part of this 'Telepathy' spell. I don't get this symbol here at the end."
Al pointed to a symbol surrounded by black lines. Eric glanced at it and nodded.
"That's a hand sign. Think about when you'd use a Telepathy spell──like when you want to have a secret conversation. You wouldn't want to chant out loud and give away that you're about to talk privately, right?"
"Wait, so... you can cast the spell without speaking, just by using hand signs?"
Al asked, and Eric nodded.
"Exactly. Those black lines show the finger movements. First, you spread your palm, then move your fingers up and down before clenching your fist. You should be able to figure out the finer details from this symbol."
Al finally understood.
"Could you try casting 'Telepathy' from the third-floor balcony?"
Leda chimed in suddenly, then stopped, glancing at Eric. Eric sighed with a smile.
"Just don't misuse this. The detection devices at the lord's mansion can sense invisible beings, illusions, and magic, but they don't cover the entire building. The main rooms are secure, but places like the third-floor balcony are harder to guard. So, you could stand on the balcony and use Telepathy from there, just don't do anything suspicious."
Al realized that if he learned Telepathy, he might be able to contact Patricia directly. He could ask Ruella to arrange a time for Patricia to step out onto the balcony for a secret conversation.
"I understand. Also, is there any way to block enemy magic?"
Al's mind returned to the Mushroom Festival. He suspected that someone was planning to attack using magic. In most cases, the first to cast a spell wins, but he couldn't just attack the enemy magician in the middle of the festival. The only protection he knew was the Shield spell, but that didn't feel like enough. Maybe Eric had a better idea.
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