Chapter 184

Chapter 184
## Chapter 184: Delirium (2)

—The sorcerers of the island of Rodentz, the barbarians of the Rapus mountains, the magical creatures of the labyrinth… they all pose a threat to the Empire. However, if you ask me who has held a sword to my throat the longest, it has always been the imperial bureaucratic nobility.

—I use them as weapons, but at any moment they can turn against me… Roselyn, you must never be careless.

Princess Roselyn observed the remains of Emperor Gertrel, whose body lay in a chair with the appearance of someone lost in sleep. Although he was not an affectionate progenitor, he always dedicated words of caution to his daughter whenever their paths crossed. Death gives no warning. Neither does a final farewell.

She had assumed that the ruthless dispute for the imperial throne had dried up any emotion in her being, but a painful pressure tightened her chest upon seeing that lifeless and worn-out body. “Do not lose control. Maintain serenity and integrity. Analyze the situation coldly, without giving in to panic.”

Even this exercise of self-hypnosis that she used to resort to was losing its strength. It was useless before the corpse of the man who gave her existence. Roselyn remained static, biting her lower lip hard. There were no tears or laments, the common response of children to the loss of a father. She had long ago mastered the art of stifling her feelings. Her face was covered by her hair as she slowly retreated from the site. Her steps were precise, quiet, and determined.

Her eyes reflected a chilling resentment. “This news will shake the Empire. It is impossible to hide; an official communiqué is required immediately.”

One level down, in the place where Emperor Gertrel’s remains were being prepared, three individuals were gathered in a board room plunged into twilight. Derek Raidof of Ravenclaw, Baron and figure of maximum authority with total responsibility over the academy. Princess Roselyn, descendant of Gertrel, successor to the throne, and possessor of immunity against any spell. Dan Kohlera, Chief Magical Advisor of the Empire, a 6-star transformation expert and the real command behind the inspection team. They were direct witnesses to the imperial passing. Now, their mission was to mitigate the disaster.

—Father is…

Roselyn’s voice turned icy as she processed the facts. Gertrel, who always supported her right to the throne, clearly appreciated her. A spark of fury emanated from the princess’s eyes as she clenched her teeth.

—Undoubtedly, he has been murdered by the witch of chaos.

—…The evidence points to it. Although there are discrepancies about the reality of a 6-star confusion mage, the culprit possesses at least the 5-star level.

—The protection surrounding this academy’s grounds… have you raised it alone, Chief Magical Advisor Kohlera?

—Indeed. Not a single being will be able to leave this site for a good while. My magical capacity remains formidable.

The magnitude of the event was immense: dozens of structures had been isolated by the power of a single mage. However, magical energy is not inexhaustible. Not even a 6-star mage could sustain such a barrier indefinitely.

—It should hold for three days… What happens after is uncertain.

—We have three days to locate my father’s executioner within this closed perimeter.

Roselyn sighed between her teeth before normalizing her breathing. The fire in her gaze gained intensity. What was usual in these cases would be to burst into curses or weeping, but the princess controlled her trembling voice with admirable discipline.

—First, what was the motive for killing him? If it had been a political adversary, it would be understood… But for an outsider, without ties to the Gremfort Palace, to assassinate the sovereign suggests an intrigue or a hidden purpose.

She clung to logic in the midst of the emotional whirlwind. It was a vital quality for someone destined to inherit power in Gremfort castle.

Derek watched her with his arms crossed. “Someone capable of separating feeling from reason. She will become a great mercenary.” It was an inappropriate thought for a member of royalty, but everyone judges according to their own standards.

—…The ‘Light of the Empire’ has vanished.

—…Father?

Kohlera seemed to understand the reason for Gertrel’s murder. The legendary 6-star magical artifact, which granted its possessor the ability to extend their magical domain throughout the Empire, had disappeared. It was obvious that that was the assassin’s loot.

—That light belonged only to Emperor Gertrel. A vulgar thief could never use it. I spent weeks creating a magical seal so that only His Majesty could channel its strength.

—Are you implying that the assassin finished off His Majesty to break that bond and take the scepter?

—It is the most logical hypothesis for now. He could not let it pass. They killed the owner to free themselves from the chains that I myself imposed.

That a dangerous 6-star mage had seized a weapon capable of managing the entire government implied devastating risks.

—Manipulating an object of that class is not simple. Even I, an expert in transformations, needed almost ten days to load it with magic and bind it to its bearer.

No sorcerer could master such power immediately. Therefore, recovering it is still viable. That is the reason for Kohlera’s barrier. Allowing the assassin to escape with the staff would bring unpredictable misfortunes. The light was not just a weapon of war; it represented imperial sovereignty. It cannot remain in the hands of a criminal. That was Kohlera’s veiled warning.

—Everyone has seen the appearance of the magical shield. We cannot silence this event. Gather everyone present in the main hall; as regent of the academy, you must lead this announcement, Baron Ravenclaw.

—Understood. With so many powerful aristocrats from the west here, we must prevent panic from spreading.

—Panic is inevitable. What is crucial is to find the assassin.

Roselyn bit her lip again. Despite her internal agitation, she synthesized the situation briefly.

—The suspect altered memories at will and surely used camouflage magic. Even if we were in front of him, we could forget it. He is capable of erasing his trail and blending in among the people.

—It is a complex task, without a doubt. However, even a 6-star mage has their limits.

The restrictions of 6-star mages were real. Kalimford was left exhausted after summoning the meteorite. Kohlera could not sustain that barrier eternally. Manipulating hundreds of memories requires a colossal reserve of magic. That explains why many doubt Roselyn’s accounts about a witch capable of altering the entire world: such a feat seems superhuman.

—The fundamental thing is to notice any anomaly… Princess Roselyn, you would notice, wouldn’t you?

—That is right.

—Then… Your Majesty must remain absolutely calm.

Derek rubbed his face and patted himself to react. The scenario demanded total alertness. Even his own senses and memories were under suspicion. The culprit could be any witch present; almost all noble families had representation in the place. Time was running out. The assassin’s identity was an enigma. He could be hidden behind the face of an acquaintance. It was a fog of deception denser than any labyrinth.

Derek stood up. —First, congregate everyone who possesses magical gifts in the great hall. This is going to become chaos.

—Before you withdraw, there is something you must know.

When Derek was going to leave, Kohlera stopped him with a soft tone and a smile loaded with intention. That snake-like expression had never given him confidence. Upon turning, Derek saw how Kohlera made a shining object appear. A book. It was hidden using transformation magic.

—…What is this about?

—The Book of Vengeance. A 5-star magical relic.

Roselyn observed the object with uneasiness; she clearly recognized it. An artifact of that level has the value of a fortune. It can only come from the depths of a labyrinth or be the work of a transformation master. Derek stared at Kohlera looking for answers.

—I do believe in the existence of the 6-star witch, —Kohlera continued naturally—. For that reason, I was always prepared for this encounter. We need defenses.

—This book… is our defense?

—Correct. Its function is simple. It is read, its essence is understood, the spell is declaimed…

Kohlera stood up while her voice acquired a deeper tone. —…and that makes a wish come true.

—…

Derek suspected there was something more. If such magical faculties were infinite, the object would far exceed 5 stars. There must be a cost or severe limitations. —As you would suppose, this power has a price. And it does not ensure that we catch a 6-star confusion mage; it has its margins. But it could be the key.

—If I happen to forget where I have put this book, I beg you to remind me.

The pressure was high. Even for a confusion mage, it would be difficult to erase Kohlera’s memories. Immunity to that type of magic varies by individual. If Kohlera started to forget, Derek would probably be in a worse situation. But Kohlera made that request with a clear intention. Wouldn’t Princess Roselyn be the most indicated to watch him?

—Are you asking that of me?

—I have already communicated it to Her Majesty.

—Is it true?

Roselyn nodded briefly at Derek’s gaze. It was obvious that she knew more about the artifact.

Derek closed his eyes for a moment before letting out a heavy breath. —Understood.

The opponent attacked perception: he altered, erased, and installed memories at will. The culprit could be anyone.

—Then, let the search begin.

With a gaze full of rage, Derek left the room.

*

—What… what did he say?!

—His Imperial Majesty… has died…?

—How is it possible that something like this has happened?!

The great hall of Ravenclaw Academy was in effervescence. Derek remained firm on the podium after having gathered all magic users. The disorder was immediate. Nobles from the Duplein, Belmierd, Beltus, and Renuel houses were present. Even the escorts turned pale at the news. Each new detail increased the impact. No one would leave until finding the assassin. The suspect was a master of manipulation, possibly a 6-star confusion mage.

—Does it mean anyone here could be the assassin?

—Good heavens! Gathering all the mages is the same as gathering all the suspects!

—A 6-star witch? Who can believe such madness?!

—Damn! Are they going to lock us in with a criminal?! It’s absurd! Let us out!

—I thought Ravenclaw Academy was a prestigious and safe place! How did you allow this?!

In the midst of the confusion, Derek did not flinch. He analyzed every face among the hundred aristocrats. The culprit had to be among the magic users.

—SILENCE!

A dry blow against the table silenced the noise. Everyone looked toward the red-haired young woman.

—Maintain composure. The Belmierd family officially backs Ravenclaw Academy. We will not tolerate hostility toward this institution.

Elennate’s sharp gaze swept the room. —In such a moment, the smartest thing is to follow Baron Ravenclaw’s orders.

The regicide of an emperor is a matter of extreme gravity. With Princess Roselyn and Advisor Kohlera in charge, calm is the only option.

—The Beltus Council joins that position. Control must fall to those who understand the situation.

—Duplein supports Derek. Being against him is being against us, and we will not forgive such an affront.

The support of Denis and Diela made the loudest nobles think twice. The support of the three most powerful families of the southwest carries immeasurable weight.

“Should I intervene too? Has the moment passed me by? Is it too late now?”

Only Tricia hesitated, lost in her thoughts about the others’ reaction. Always the same. With the regional powers supporting Derek, resistance was unviable. Order would be maintained. Once calmed, individual interrogations would proceed.

When Derek was going to resume speaking…

—Baron Ravenclaw.

The butler Delbritton approached with urgency and whispered: —More victims have been located.

Derek rubbed his temples. Everything was getting worse by the moment.

*

Aren, one of the court magical advisors, was found lifeless at the main entrance of the Amarilis House. The blood emanated from a thoracic wound identical to that suffered by Emperor Gertrel. Her official robe awakened memories in Derek. She was one of the collaborators that Kohlera had brought with him. Of Kohlera’s four assistants, she was one.

—Aren…!

The other three advisors turned pale upon seeing their companion. —Even an imperial magical advisor…

Kohlera appeared shortly after Derek. He was reviewing the details of the crime when he received the report. His shock seemed real.

—I started to get worried when she didn’t answer my calls… She served me with loyalty for seven years… It is a heartbreaking loss…

Kohlera bowed in a sign of respect. His other subordinates tried to maintain their composure, but the blow was evident. Aren was a fundamental piece of his team.

—We will guard the body to give her a dignified funeral. Do I have your help, Baron Ravenclaw?

—Of course. But… forget it.

Derek kept the question he was going to ask to himself; it was not the time to interrogate someone who was suffering a loss.

—…This will only increase the panic. I don’t think there will be more attacks.

But Kohlera read what Derek did not say: —Are you wondering why they eliminated Aren?

He approached and whispered enigmatically:

—This is a warning directed at me.

That was why they were attacking his people. The message was clear: Lift the barrier or the slaughter will continue.

—…

—Do not worry, Baron Ravenclaw.

After saying this, Kohlera bowed his head again and returned with his team. He seemed the perfect leader consumed by grief. But for those who knew her true face, she was a woman obsessed only with magic. Her lips, away from the sight of others, curled a little more. “Are you sure?”. Eliminating Kohlera was an almost impossible task in a direct magic confrontation.

The marble building that was supposed to house the daughters of the nobility had become an improvised morgue. Derek was determined to capture that witch right here, whatever it cost. He already sensed it. “This is the opportunity of my life to discover it. Battles between level 6s usually end in draws.”

Derek looked at her without saying anything. Kohlera regained her usual serenity and only lowered her voice to say: “I will never lower my guard.” The assassin was trying to corner Kohlera by hitting her people. A 6-star confusion mage.

But under Kohlera’s hood, as she walked away, Derek noticed a smile that froze the blood. “A lot.” It was that cold and familiar grimace.

Sometimes, at night, he himself dug out of pure stubbornness. He remembered Aiselin striving with the blueprints until dawn. His project was now the stage of a tragedy.

Derek, with an impassive face, covered himself with the hood of his cloak and lost himself in the crowd.