Volume 9 Chapter 21 Determination
"I see, you spoke with Lady Patricia, didn't you?"
Guildmaster Levy nodded with a worried look after hearing Al's explanation that morning. Reginald was with him, and Barbara had gone home after switching with him in the middle of the night. It seemed they both only returned home to sleep and spent the rest of the time waiting. Guildmaster Levy didn't look well; he probably hadn't slept much. Al felt the same way.
"Yes, I used a magic tool that can use 'Telepathy' to talk, so I think we should be safe from eavesdropping concerns."
"That's good to hear... So, did Lady Patricia say anything?"
"Sir Stroud is expected to promise to reclaim Count Senety on the condition of marriage."
Today, Stroud, the second son of the Margrave, is supposed to arrive in this border city, Lester. He is supposed to meet Patricia for the first time there, but it seems some arrangements have already been made.
"Is it true that the rumors were real...? However, I'm not sure if I can trust that offer. I secretly asked Lady Serena (Al's classmate and daughter of Baron Rain) about Sir Stroud's character. She said it's better not to trust him. Especially regarding women, he has been in trouble for forcing physical relationships using his authority, and it seems that's why his fiancée ran away from him... The Margrave is lenient with his family, so it hasn't become public, but he is seen as a nuisance in the noble society of the capital."
Hearing Guildmaster Levy's story, Al frowned. He wonders if Viscountess Tara, Joanna, and even Patricia herself know about this. She said she had no choice but to accept Sir Stroud's offer to save the suffering people of Count Senet.
"She said she wants to think about it overnight."
"Overnight... What could she be thinking about...?"
Guildmaster Levy looked thoughtful.
"For example, what do you think would happen if Lady Patricia didn't come here for the Mushroom Festival?"
At Al's words, Guildmaster Levy shook his head lightly. The wrinkles on his forehead deepened.
"Of course, Lady Patricia might think that way too. I've considered it, but I believe it would only put her at a disadvantage. In the end, the Tempest Kingdom spies will try to attack her. We don't know who they are, but there seems to be an insider among us, so they will strike when it suits them. I feel this insider has harmful intentions toward our Levy merchant guild. If that's the case, an attack later will be even harder to prevent since we know when it might happen."
At that, Guildmaster Levy paused for a moment. It's true that there are such thoughts. However, using Patricia as bait is the same thing...
"So, for now, I'm suggesting we hire reliable mercenaries to increase security on the day. The condition of being reliable is tough, but I think we can manage to secure about 5 of them. Also, Al, you're good at 'Illusion,' right? Barbara suggested that we have you create an illusion of Lady Patricia and use it to intentionally show a gap to the enemy, making them attack. What do you think? If that's possible, we might be able to counterattack with less damage."
I see, then maybe he can protect only Patricia. But, to minimize the damage... They said they would blow everything away. If it's something like 'Magic Tornado,' the effective range would probably be at least 10m (≈ 32.8 ft) in diameter. If something like that is used in a crowded festival, the number of casualties would be quite high. It would be easy to create an 'Illusion' where only Patricia is alone, but making an 'Illusion' that can fool a large number of people over such a wide area is pretty difficult.
"I can only buy time with a tent for about 5 minutes. Even then, I think there's a high chance of other victims."
"I see..."
Guildmaster Levy looked up at the ceiling with a disappointed expression.
"The only plan I can think of right now is that. First, let's see if we can lure the enemy into attacking under those conditions. Also, there's something else I should tell you. A messenger from Sir Naresh has arrived."
"Really? Has there already been a reply?"
"No, that's not it. It's a regular communication from them."
It was definitely the day before yesterday when he said that Naresh in border city Parker and Guildmaster Levy's son Edmund in the capital would be informed of the current situation. That's really fast. Even if it's a swift horse, he doubt it has even arrived yet.
"According to this, security at the border with the Tempest Kingdom has become strict, and tensions are rising. Sir Naresh has been discussing with Viscount Parker about what to do if war breaks out. Unfortunately, they haven't received good news about the reinforcements Viscount Parker requested for the capital, and supplies are also delayed. Sir Naresh wrote a letter asking about any movements in the capital. At this rate, it seems there won't be any plans to attack the border city of Parker."
If they accept refugees from the Tempest Kingdom, their relationship will obviously worsen. Margrave must have understood this and made that decision. Naresh being sent to the border city of Parker must be part of this series of events. But now, the lack of reinforcements and supply support is puzzling. There are many suspicious things going on. Al thought deeply. Then, he tightly gripped the pendant of the assistant device that housed Glee. He took a deep breath.
"Guildmaster Levy..., shouldn't we advise Lady Patricia to escape? That way, we can avoid any immediate attacks."
Guildmaster Levy looked surprised at Al's suggestion.
"Running away... Are you saying you will take her out? She's in the lord's mansion, right? How exactly will you do that... Ah, you can talk about it. I heard you got the 'Fly' spellbook. So, you can force Lady Patricia to fly with you, right? Can you use it already?"
"Not yet... but I should be able to learn it soon."
He had just gotten the complete spellbook recently and had only opened it last night. However, Al had made significant progress with the damaged 'Fly' spellbook he bought from Lara before, and it seemed like he could apply that knowledge directly. He just needed one or 2 more magic images from the new spellbook to complete it. If that was the case, he could be flying in a few hours. But Guildmaster Levy shook his head.
"A magician serving the Viscount should be able to use the 'Fly' spell. Mr. Eric, who knows you, should be able to as well. If he sees her being taken away right in front of him, he will have to seriously pursue you."
"I'll think of a way to take her out. I don't know if Lady Patricia will accept running away. But if things stay like this, I don't think she will get what she wants."
Al remembered her face when she met him and said she didn't deserve to be respected as a member of the royal family and that he shouldn't kneel. What kind of feelings did she have when she said she didn't deserve that respect?
"I understand. Indeed, right now, everyone's intentions are mixed up, and she is just being swept along. If what I heard from Lady Serena about Sir Stroud is true, then she is in a very unfortunate position. Of course, politics might be like that... I have also spoken with Lady Patricia a few times. She is still young and probably not used to such things yet. Temporarily hiding somewhere might be a good idea. I think she would be concerned about the refugees from the Count Senet family, but it would be better for her to leave that to Sir Naresh. He is already taking action on that, and we at the Levy merchant guild are fully supporting it."
Having said that, Guildmaster Levy seemed to notice something and stared intently at Al's face.
"I remember that your father was a knight, Al. If you ran away with Lady Patricia, it could affect your father in some way. Have you thought about that?"
"Yes. Of course. But I won't do anything that would harm the Margrave family. My father will understand."
Seeing Al's serious expression, Guildmaster Levy narrowed his eyes and slowly nodded.
"I understand. If it really comes to that, I will think of something we can do from our merchant guild. Whether it's to repel an attack using 'Illusion' or for Lady Patricia to hide, let's make sure we prepare thoroughly for either situation."
* * *
That day, Al kept practicing and learning new spells while waiting for a message from Patricia, but he never received any 'Telepathy' from her. Feeling impatient, when the time he contacted her yesterday came, he decided to reach out to her immediately.
He turned his wrist and squeezed tightly, performing that unique action. Soon, Patricia's 'Telepathy' arrived.
'Sir Al...'
'Patricia, how did it go? Did you talk to Sir Stroud today?'
'Yes...'
Her voice sounded heavy. It felt like she was crying.
'Can you trust him?'
From what Ruella heard from Lady Serena (Al's classmate and daughter of Baron Rain), he didn't seem very trustworthy, but that was just hearsay. Patricia was supposed to have met with Stroud today. What was her actual impression?
'I don't know... I talked with Joanna too. She said Sir Stroud's words are light. We should refuse his proposal... But the people of Count Senet are suffering so much. As a member of the royal family, I feel I can't just run away by myself.'
From Patricia's way of speaking, it seems she can't decide what to do. It doesn't look like strong trust has been built, and Joanna, who met him directly, feels the same. They can't know if that's the right judgment. The risk is high, but using Barbara's method, 'Illusion,' might be the best way to counterattack the spies, even with sacrifices. Still, he should encourage Patricia to believe in what she thinks is right. Al tightly grips the assistant device filled with Glee and tells himself this.
'Patricia... I want you to think calmly. It seems to me that you following Sir Stroud is not what the people of Count Senet want. Can you trust me and come with me? For now, let's leave the rescue of the refugees from Count Senet to Sir Naresh and hide together. Then, let's see the situation and find what we can do.'
There's a slight pause. Patricia is probably thinking. Maybe Joanna is right next to her, discussing things.
'Okay. I will follow you, Sir Al.'
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