This is most likely the Counts doing.

After Merc gave him the letter that Kena had discovered, Astard murmured, his expression sour.

But it doesnt make sense. He most likely discovered who you are and chose to write this letter, but that doesnt change the fact that the Dukes men are already on their way. Besides, how did he get past my barrier and take Tetem?

Now is not the time for this. If we dont hurry up she could end up like the professor!

Youre right But doesnt it bother you? Why didnt they take Tetem with the professor if they knew about her?

Despite the urgency of the situation, Astard leisurely expressed his concerns. Perhaps it was just a terrible habit of scholars, but Merc couldnt take it any longer and spoke up.

The professor hid her, so they probably didnt find her. They probably had somebody watching you and spotted her when we brought her back.

Thats plausible, but it still doesnt make sense. To begin with, how could the Count have known you were my spy rather than the Dukes?

I dont know But thats not important. Well think about it later, lets first head to the Counts mansion. The letter says you shouldnt do anything, but we cant simply sit here. Lets break in and rescue her.

Okay.

Although Astard looked slightly dissatisfied, he realized that Tetems safety came first. He handed the letter to Kena and began preparing hurriedly.

I have a bad feeling about this letter

Kena stated, glancing at the letter, just as Astard and Merc were ready to depart.

A bad feeling?

Its nothing Im probably just overthinking things

I see. Lets leave it for later. Tell us more about it when we get back.

Okay.

After leaving Kena to watch over the house, Merc and Astard hurriedly left.

M-Master! There are a lot of people standing around the house!

What?

Count Fonan, who had been hiding the evidence of his misdeeds, gasped in astonishment as his servant entered his room.

The Dukes men? But its too soon

Count Fonan had hoped for a little more time, but it appeared that the Duke was serious this time. He reasoned that, in addition to Zera, the Duke had likely employed additional spies.

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This is bad. If they storm in, Ill be done for. Damn it. I dont have a choice. Hey! Bring Doctor Glodels research here, ASAP!

What? But

Dont dawdle! If the Duke sees the research, hell realize that Ive been leaking information about the Falgaros to the Empire! I was planning on striking a deal with the Empire, but now its too late!

U-Understood.

Damn it. If Porto was here I wouldnt have needed to explain such simple things

After being pressed by the Counts outrage, the servant hurriedly delivered Doctor Glodels research.

Are you sure this is all?

The Count inquired, and the servant responded with a slight nod. The Count then began looking over the dozen pages of research documents.

This seems to be all Its unfortunate, but it cant be avoided. Hey! Burn all of th

When Count Fonan looked at the servant, he froze when he noticed that the servants head was missing. Only a fountain of blood remained where the servants head had been.

What the

Count Fonan had only averted his gaze for a few seconds. Yet such a thing had happened.

The Count, overcome with horror, noticed something enter his sight for a brief instant. Unfortunately, he wasnt able to clearly see the wooden stick heading straight for his head, flattening it.

Count Fonan died without knowing anything.

It seems like he already has guests.

He sure does Are they Duke Lezaus men?

Probably. Theyre quite early.

When Merc and Astard arrived at Count Fonans mansion, they found a dozen soldiers standing guard in front. Some of Count Fonans personal guards were also there, although they were heavily outnumbered. The most they could do was look.

Excuse me, are you the Dukes men?

Who do you think you are? Outsiders arent allowed here!

One of the soldiers responded angrily to Astards query. Nonetheless, considering Astards suspicious attire, he couldnt be blamed. Astard, on the other hand, calmly sighed and retrieved his Adventurers License from his robe.

Check for yourself.

Huh? A-Astard? T-The Great Sage, Astard?

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In the flesh.

When he spotted Astards Adventurers License, the soldiers expression shifted to one of disbelief. At the same time, his tone also softened.

I sincerely apologize for my rude behavior. The Duke dispatched us to aid you, Great Sage. Were at your service.

Great.

Excuse me. Do you intend to raid the Counts mansion?

Merc asked, standing next to Astard. In response, the soldier gave Merc a skeptical look, but knowing that she was Astards companion, he responded, moving his head sideways.

No, we still dont have permission. The Dukes knights are soon to arrive. Until then we are to keep watch so that the Count doesnt escape.

How long have you kept watch?

We encircled the mansion this morning, but weve been keeping an eye on it since last night.

Last night Did you by any chance see a young girl being brought in?

Astard inquired, leading the soldier to rummage through his thoughts. After a brief pause, the soldier once again shook his head.

We havent. No one has left or entered the mansion since last night.

Is that certain?

Apart from keeping watch, we have also been observing the Mana inside the mansion. Were continuously on the watch for Mana anomalies, but weve discovered nothing unusual.

I see

So the Count didnt kidnap Tetem.

However, it was also likely that the Counts man had slipped past the soldiers surveillance. After all, hed also managed to break through Astards barrier. It shouldnt have been difficult to evade the soldiers surveillance.

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What should we do, Merc?

What else? Were going in. We dont have the time to be

Merc was replying to Astard when she felt a fleeting Mana discharge coming from the mansion. Even though it was just for a moment, she had sensed a large quantity of Mana emanating from the mansion.

I see it wasnt just me. You also felt that, didnt you?

What was that Mana Although it vanished quickly, I could tell it wasnt ordinary.

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It felt like it resembled your Mana. We should hurry.

Astard and Merc both approached the residence with serious eyes after sensing the odd Mana.

Great Sage, what happened?!

The soldier inquired, most likely because he hadnt noticed the anomaly.

Even if the Mana had been tremendous, it had also vanished in an instant. It would have been impossible for the average person to notice. Merc and Astard were most likely the only ones who could sense it.

Oh my

The soldier who had been following them both mumbled and came to a halt. When Merc turned around, she noticed that the soldier was staring at the mansion with his jaw hanging open.

Hey! What happened?

Its burning.

What?

The mansion is burning EVERYONE! FIRE! THE MANSION IS BURNING!

The soldier yelled after coming to his senses, alerting the other soldiers stationed outside the mansion. Both Merc and Astard gazed at the mansion at the same time, only to see fires raging here and there.

Impossible. Was it the Mana that started this fire? Is the Count going to burn himself, along with the mansion and the evidence?

Its entirely possible. Anyways, lets hurry!

After all, they were dealing with Count Fonan, who had gone to great lengths to conceal the evidence. It was very possible that he had devised a plan to dispose of it along with the entire mansion.

However, Merc and Astard didnt have the time to think about this right now. Merc concentrated Mana to the soles of her feet and rushed for the mansion, leaving Astard behind.

Im going ahead! I need to get to Tetem before the flames do!

Ill leave it to you!

Merc zoomed through the mansions gardens after leaving Astard behind, heading towards the main building. Although she arrived quickly, it was already too late.

The outside was holding up, but the interior, which Merc could see through the entrance and windows, was nearly fully consumed by the fire. In no way did it appear to be a regular fire. It was clearly made with the help of magic.

Tetem! TETEM!

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Merc yelled at the crumbling mansion but received no response. She hesitated for a moment before resolving to wrap her body with hardened Mana and go inside. Back in the elf village, she had successfully resisted even the Ghezo Velches flames in this manner. This much was a piece of cake she figured.

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Despite being taken aback by the destruction in front of her, Merc chose to enter the blazing mansion, praying for the best.