C138

"Check his divine power?"

Duke Seymour's silver eyebrows arched.

Priests often visit the areas where commoners live, trying to find children with divine powers.

Unlike nobles who control their divine power as soon as they are born, commoners couldn't receive any immediate blessings, and many children are neglected even when they have healing powers.

However, it is now the season of the Goddess's birth, and the central temple is at its busiest due to people visiting the temple.

"Is the temple carefree enough to send manpower for inspections now?"

"It's been a week already! No matter how much I went to the temple, they pretended to be ignorant, saying they knew nothing about it, and the officials told me to wait longer because civil complaints were ahead... heuk!"

The boatman cried sadly as he pounded his chest, and Duke Seymour fell silent for a moment before speaking.

"I will use my power to expedite the investigation."

"Thank you! Duke Seymour. I will never forget this grace."

The boatman, who bowed deeply, was sent back first. Duke Seymour sank into his thoughts with a rigid expression, and Rosad, who was beside him, gave his opinion.

"I can't believe they didn't return the child after a week. I feel like someone might have posed as a priest. I also heard that slave traders kidnap children by deceiving commoners in the same way."

If imperial investigators intervene, they will also suspect slave traders first.

"But the girl is too young to be kidnapped as a slave. If the parents are taking care of her like this, the trader wouldn't really approach them."

"..."

"Of course, I'll have to look into that side as well. But..."

Duke Seymour spoke slowly with a rigid face.

"I can't be sure, but I instantly thought that this might be in a similar context to the kidnapping of people that took place in the eastern territory."

Rosad squinted his eyes.

"Does this mean that this kidnapping may also be related to the human sacrifices the dark mages were conducting?"

He tried to find out who is behind this and their purpose, but the investigation couldn't continue since the dark mages who were captured had died.

Seeing that they didn't spill the beans to the end, those guys were very loyal.

Moreover, the dark mages, who had long hidden in the shadows to escape imperial persecution, knew how to flee by hiding their traces.

Rosad thought his father's speculations were plausible, but there was a worrying part, so he spoke with a serious expression.

"But father. It wouldn't look good if we investigate incidents happening in the capital instead of those in the territory."

"... I'm thinking of moving secretly. If the opponent is the dark mages, we'll have to move even more discreetly."

Starting with the crack in the barrier... This feels unusual.

At first glance, it might look like a calm lake, but something was bubbling unsettlingly beneath the water's surface.

"I think we need to release our informants to find out the situation in detail."

"I can't believe they still haven't found the presumed newborn baby who is supposed to be a Saint."

The fourth queen hit the armrest of the chair with a rigid expression.

There were no recently born babies among noble families showing divine power.

This part was quickly confirmed through the list of names created in the temple.

However, investigating among commoners and slaves was more challenging than expected.

This is because there were too many humble people who didn't report their births immediately.

While the fourth queen felt anxious, a maid approached and whispered something in her ear. Soon, wrinkles appeared on her forehead.

"Javi... is he preparing to go to the academy?"

She asked her son several times to build a strong friendship with the northern forces elevated to the marquisate, but now he suddenly wants to go to the Academy?

The third prince is not much compared to the crown prince, also a swordmaster, inheriting the blood of the imperial Histach family, so he has a natural talent for sword handling and is currently part of the Red Knights.

When he went to war, the Swordsmanship Faculty acknowledged that he had participated in class, so there was no reason for him to go to the academy at this time.

"Call Javier right away!"

"Yes. Queen Jamilla."

However, the third prince did not appear at her call.

"The third prince said he was attending a party today, so he would see her tomorrow morning."

"Who is the host of the party?"

"It's Count Rowan."

She knows all the members of high society, so she quickly remembered who he was.

If it's Count Rowan, it's a connection that wouldn't really help them, as he is a wild person.

He doesn't even have enough time for his training. She remembered her son looking at her with eyes full of resentment while reeking of alcohol, so she hit the armrest before heading to the palace where the third prince stayed.

However, the third prince, Javier, had already gone out to choose his clothes for the party.

"It's nice to be in the capital after being in the cold and harsh north."

The third prince smoked a long pipe in a relaxed position.

He inhaled the smoke and blew it towards the woman sitting beside him.

Although he was being unpleasant, there were endless women around the prince.

He resembled the fourth queen and had a mysterious appearance despite being handsome, so he would be popular wherever he went.

The third prince, who was chatting with the opera actress while eating the snack she gave him, suddenly heard a familiar name.

"So, are you saying that Duke Visconti and Deborah are in a serious relationship?"

"I heard that. It seems they stroll together around the academy."

"If they get married, it will be good for their families."

"Duke Visconti will gain the tower lord as a father-in-law."

That woman has good background. That's why she's so haughty.

When the third prince took a sip of champagne and clicked his tongue, the party host, Count Rowan, sat beside him.

"Wherever I go these days, I can only hear great stories about Duke Visconti."

"Aren't you sick and tired of hearing about him? Well, I understand because he's a very handsome and cool guy."

"I think he became noisier because Deborah turned out to be his companion for the duke's title ceremony."

"That's also correct. I could say they're a unique match, so it's inevitable to be the talk of the town."

"By the way, Duke Visconti seems ambitious. His personality is no joke, but he endured well."

"Well, she's pretty enough to endure anything. The fact that Duke Seymour is the father-in-law also means that you could make connections with the arrogant mages."

She is indeed a very desirable woman. The third prince reached for the pipe again, remembering her fiercely shining red eyes.

It's much better to be the talk of the town in the social world than to be buried without a sense of presence.

"I'm in a bad position compared to Behonick, who has the title of Crown Prince."

His mother made him do a great task, saying he could do whatever he wanted afterward, but his position in the social world wasn't much different even after going to the north.

"Seymour is a family with a long history and a great reputation."

The third prince's black eyes gleamed with greed.

"Yes, she is very beautiful. Deborah caught my attention the most during the ceremony."

Count Rowan spoke sincerely.

"Her opponent is Sir Isidor. It won't be easy."

"There are soldiers guarding the castle walls everywhere. That's why it's important how you enter the castle."

The third prince pursed his red lips and smiled wickedly.

"Well, it might be possible to capture her. Because a woman's heart is like a reed."

The Count smiled as he tapped the ashes from his pipe.

"What do you mean?"

"Everyone knows that Deborah had feelings for Philap Montes until last year. It was even once talked about for marriage."

"Ahh-."

"Sir Philap went to the academy with another woman, but no one knew he would change his mind so easily."

"There might not even be a very deep relationship between Duke Visconti and Deborah."

The third prince, who enjoyed the party until dawn, made his next appointment with Count Rowan before leaving the party.

He liked Count Rowan, who was quick with social rumors.

"Seymour..."

His sweaty body leaned against the carriage, and he squinted as he looked out the window facing the Imperial Palace.

"That day, the event ended very well thanks to you."

Why is the third prince at the academy?

I felt nervous when I saw the third prince appear out of nowhere, and Isidor, who was walking with me on campus, also had a stiff expression not much different from mine.

"At that time, he heard the presentation of my vassals, so you must have known who I am. Deborah."

"Yes. Although, I'm not sure why I need to know."

I spoke suspiciously, and the third prince's mouth trembled slightly.

"How should I say it? You're a very honest lady. I like that part of you. And it piqued my interest."

... What is he suddenly saying?

While looking at the third prince, I suddenly felt a faint energy and glanced sideways.

No wonder Isidor's expression was colder than ever.

Isidor exuded a strong atmosphere and soon took a step toward the third prince, with no time for me to stop him.