Chapter 111: The Joint Party
Aracila took the letter with a puzzled expression and began reading its contents calmly.
The sender was Ben Diark, the commander of the Imperial Knights. The opening paragraph revealed that they had identified the mastermind behind Ken’s attempt to assassinate Damian: none other than Albi Carter.
According to the letter, Carter had volunteered as the expedition leader from the start, driven by ambition for advancement. To claim the glory of the beast-slaying mission for himself, he had targeted the Vandemir couple for elimination. Knowing he couldn’t take on both alone, he had bribed Ken to attack Damian first.
Evidence showed that a sum matching Ken’s debts had recently been withdrawn from Carter’s illicit funds. When confronted by the royal court, Carter, unable to withstand the pressure, left a written confession and took his own life.
Consequently, the Imperial Knights officially named Albi Carter as the culprit and declared the case closed. At the end of the letter, Ben Diark included a brief personal message encouraging Damian.
After reading it through, Aracila tilted her head, still bewildered.
“Damian, didn’t you say your investigation found no real evidence against Carter?”
“That’s right,” he replied.
“And now they’re saying Carter was the mastermind? That he confessed and killed himself?”
The investigation’s conclusion felt dubious. Aracila didn’t know Carter well, but he didn’t strike her as someone who’d resort to murder for the sake of glory. It wasn’t a matter of trusting his character; rather, his cooperative yet reserved demeanor during the beast-slaying mission didn’t align with such ruthless ambition.
If Carter had truly been desperate for recognition, he would’ve been at the forefront, not consistently hanging back to provide rear support.
“No matter how significant the mission’s success was, it doesn’t make sense that he’d try to eliminate us just for that,” Aracila said.
They weren’t mere nobles—Damian was a sword master and commander of a knightly order, and she was a mage considered a candidate for the next mage tower master. They were hardly the kind of targets someone would casually plot to kill for a single achievement.
And how could Carter have been so certain the mission would succeed that he’d bribe Ken in advance? There was always a chance of failure.
“Could that anonymous high-ranking official you mentioned have pinned everything on Carter to force the case closed?”
“I think that’s highly likely,” Damian agreed.
“Who could this official be?”
Aracila’s expression grew serious.
Damian had a close connection with Prince Lucas, and he wasn’t without allies in the royal court. So who, in league with the Vandemir Duchy, would dare target him?
“No one comes to mind?” she pressed.
Damian’s thoughts immediately turned to Crown Prince Frederick.
In truth, nothing overtly suspicious had tied Frederick to the beast-slaying mission. The decision to send the Red Hawk Knights had been made in an unofficial court meeting, one Frederick hadn’t attended. No clear links to Ken or the Vandemir Duchy had surfaced either.
Though a nagging unease lingered, there was no direct evidence or circumstance implicating Frederick. Swallowing his suspicions, Damian spoke.
“For now, the royal court has reached a conclusion, so the official investigation will likely end here.”
“That’s absurd! You nearly died, and the case is just over like that?”
“Don’t worry. I plan to keep pursuing this high-ranking official privately.”
The official investigation’s closure was, in a way, convenient. With the royal court’s attention shifting elsewhere, Damian could move more freely in the shadows.
I need to look into who attended that unofficial meeting, he resolved silently before steering the conversation elsewhere.
“By the way, how was your first day back at work?”
“Oh, it felt great to be back,” Aracila said, her face lighting up with a smile.
She’d relished the simple joy of walking to work, doing her job, and heading home on her own two feet. Then she remembered the idea she’d meant to bring up.
“Oh, Damian, I have something to propose. What if we threw a celebratory party for the beast-slaying team?”
“Sounds good,” he replied without hesitation.
Aracila, who’d been ready to elaborate, blinked in surprise at his swift agreement.
“You’re awfully quick to agree. What if your knights object?”
“Some of my men were actually disappointed they didn’t get to properly say goodbye to the mages.”
“Really?”
It seemed both sides shared the same lingering regrets. Knowing this erased any hesitation.
“Then let’s set it for this weekend.”
“Agreed.”
And so, the beast-slaying team’s commemorative party was decided on the spot and swiftly organized.
On a bright weekend afternoon, the Vandemir estate’s garden bloomed vibrantly with autumn flowers in every hue. Round tables laden with delectable dishes dotted the grounds. White cloths draped between tree branches displayed name tags for the mission’s participants, while a three-tiered fountain bubbled nearby.
One by one, guests invited to the party began to arrive through the arched garden gate. Dressed not in uniforms but in fine attire, they marveled at the radiant garden, their eyes wide. As they glanced around in awe, they made their way to the tables to take their seats.
By chance, a group of knights and a group of mages chose the same table.
“Oh…”
“Uh, please, have a seat.”
“No, you all sit first.”
Flustered, the group hesitated, each offering the other the chairs. Finally, one of the mages spoke up tentatively.
“Would you… like to sit together?”
“Yes, that sounds good.”
The two knights and three mages took their seats awkwardly, a tense silence hovering around them. Yet, surprisingly, their expressions weren’t entirely displeased.
Following their lead, tables across the garden began to fill with mixed groups of knights and mages. At an empty table, Sally and Rudy sat whispering to each other.
“Wow, I’ve never seen knights and mages mingle like this before,” Sally said. “Look at Iona—she used to hate knights, but she’s sitting with one now. It’s weird how it doesn’t look out of place.”
“It helps that no one’s in uniform today,” Rudy replied. “It feels less formal. And besides, it’s just people meeting people, regardless of their roles. You said yourself knights don’t seem so bad anymore.”
“Well, yeah, I guess,” Sally admitted, shrugging.
Her negative view of knights had softened considerably. She’d been irritated and offended overhearing their gossip in the carriage, but fighting alongside them against the beasts had changed her perspective. Their teamwork had been surprisingly seamless, and seeing them protect their comrades had given her a glimpse of true chivalry.
“Besides, if we get along with the knights, it’ll be good for Senior, right?” Sally added.
As she spoke, a shadow loomed over her.
“Long time no see. If no one’s claimed these seats, mind if we join you?”
The cheerful greeting came from Isaac, and behind him stood an unexpected companion: Logan, the knight who’d clashed with Sally after gossiping about Aracila.
Sally and Rudy’s eyes widened, startled by their sudden appearance. The air felt charged with unease. When no response came, Isaac spoke again.
“If it’s uncomfortable, we can find another table.”
“No, it’s fine! Please, sit,” Sally said quickly, exchanging a glance with Rudy.
Having just resolved to get along with knights, she couldn’t turn away the deputy commander of the Red Hawk Knights. She politely gestured to the empty chairs.
“Thank you,” Isaac said with an easy smile, taking a seat alongside Logan.
Unlike their last encounter, Logan avoided Sally’s gaze, looking uneasy.
“I hope we’re not interrupting your conversation,” Isaac said. “Sorry if we are.”
“No, it’s okay,” Sally replied, then cautiously added, “But… why did you choose our table?”
Their presence did feel a bit awkward, and she wanted to understand their intentions. Isaac placed a hand on Logan’s shoulder.
“This guy didn’t properly introduce himself last time before running off.”
“Oh…”
“Logan, go on, introduce yourself,” Isaac urged, his tone almost commanding.
Logan hurriedly complied, his voice stiff.
“Greetings. I’m Logan Harford, with the Red Hawk Knights.”
Caught off guard by his formality, Sally and Rudy exchanged glances before responding in kind.
“I’m Sally, working under Senior Aracila at the mage tower.”
“I’m Rudy.”
A silence settled over the table. Sally stole a glance at Logan, who seemed restless, his lips twitching as if he had something to say.
Isaac gave Logan’s shoulder a pointed tap, urging him on. When Logan still hesitated, Isaac’s brow furrowed.
“Logan, are you going to keep acting like this? Don’t disgrace the Red Hawk Knights. If you have something to say, spit it out.”
“Yes, sir!”
With a sharp, disciplined response, Logan took a deep breath and bowed deeply to the two mages.
“I’m sorry. I spoke carelessly about Lady Vandemir last time without knowing better. I was arrogant, and I apologize.”
Sally blinked, stunned by the unexpected apology. Rudy looked equally surprised.
But Logan was earnest, and Isaac, seated beside him, was just as serious.
“I also apologize for being rude to you, Miss Sally, after my shameful behavior was exposed. I promise it won’t happen again.”
“Oh… well, it’s okay,” Sally said, nodding readily.
She’d already let go of the incident, and Logan’s sincere remorse made her reluctant to press further.
Logan’s face lit up, his eyes sparkling as he continued.
“Honestly, seeing Lady Vandemir take down those beasts was incredible.”
“Hmm, really?”
“Yes. When she rushed in to protect the commander and us at the end, I was truly moved.”
Sally’s lips curled into a grin. Hearing praise for her admired senior naturally lifted her spirits.
“Sir Vandemir was amazing too, taking out the core of that top-tier beast,” Logan added.
“Oh, absolutely, right?”
“Yeah, it made me understand why so many follow him.”
The atmosphere softened as the two began praising each other’s leaders, their conversation flowing more easily.
Isaac, watching Sally and Logan chat amiably, raised a champagne glass and caught Rudy’s eye.
“Thanks for your help back then,” Rudy said, bowing slightly. “It let me focus on defensive spells.”
Isaac grinned broadly and extended a hand.
“And thanks to you, I could fight under a solid barrier. Thank you.”
Rudy clasped Isaac’s calloused hand. During the beast-slaying mission, their coordinated efforts had fostered a subtle camaraderie. Both had come to respect the other’s strength and defensive skills.
Similar friendly exchanges were happening at tables throughout the garden, the atmosphere growing warm and convivial.
Just then, Damian and Aracila appeared.
Damian, in a crisp white dress uniform, and Aracila, in a deep crimson gown, looked as though they’d swapped roles. His silver hair, parted to the left and neatly swept back, complemented the pristine uniform, exuding refinement. Her lavender hair, cascading naturally, harmonized with the allure of her elegant dress.
The couple walked to the pergola at the front of the tables and turned to face the guests, offering brief words of greeting.
“You all worked hard on the beast-slaying mission,” Aracila said.
“Today, eat, drink, and enjoy yourselves,” Damian added.
As their words concluded, the crowd erupted in cheers, and the party officially began.
Tables groaned under the weight of succulent dishes: smoked duck, seasonal fruit desserts, and lightly alcoholic champagne. Extra tables held reserve food, ensuring no one went hungry.
Rather than lingering at one table, Aracila and Damian moved through the crowd, exchanging light conversation and offering words of praise.
Their steps eventually led them to the table where Sally, Rudy, Isaac, and Logan sat.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ✧: *. ꕥ .* :✧ﾟ. ───
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