Seeing that he wasn’t telling her, it was clear there wasn’t good news, and tears filled Alicia’s eyes.

“Did you hear anything? Is he still unconscious?”

Eric, who had lost consciousness on his return from the ruins of a temple in the northern part of the kingdom, had been transferred to the imperial court.

Alicia, who had immediately returned to Lancaster Earl’s estate on another carriage, didn’t know about the situation at the time and heard about it from a servant of Earl Russell the next day.

She had frantically made inquiries but heard nothing more than that Eric wasn’t doing well.

Allen couldn’t be reached as he was on emergency duty, and Prince William only said he was getting better but gave no details.

The Duke and Duchess also didn’t know much, comforting Alicia that it wasn’t the first time Eric had been seriously injured.

So she had asked Chase.

Knowing that he had frequent meetings at the imperial court due to recent negotiations with the Valua Empire, she had asked him to inquire about Eric’s condition.

“Chase, please.”

“He hasn’t woken up yet, but he’s much better.”

“Still?”

Alicia’s voice trembled. Quickly, Chase added.

“The problem isn’t an injury but magical corruption from a monster. That’s why visitors aren’t allowed. But the imperial physician is personally treating him, and he’s improved a lot. He should wake up soon.”

“Really?”

“Yes. So don’t worry.”

“Mmm…”

There was nothing Alicia could do but wait here.

It was a matter related to monsters, so visits weren’t possible.

Although it was comforting to know the imperial physician was treating him, she still wanted to see him with her own eyes.

“It’s my fault.”

“Alicia.”

“I should have noticed sooner.”

She had foolishly believed Eric when he said he was fine, even though she had seen the extent of his injury.

She had thought he was really okay just because he was worried about her, who had merely twisted her ankle.

No, she shouldn’t have created a situation where he could get hurt in the first place.

“I shouldn’t have suggested going to the festival.”

“…”

“I should have just stayed home like usual.”

“It’s not your fault.”

Watching the tears that had welled up now flow down, Chase found it difficult.

The Alicia in his memory had always been cheerful.

He had known Alicia since she was a child, and he couldn’t remember many instances of her crying.

Excluding when she was very young, had he ever seen her cry?

‘I really want to cry too.’

Continuously offering perhaps ineffectual comfort, Chase sighed.

Then he embraced the sobbing Alicia, patting her back to console her.
Holding the sobbing Alicia, he soothed her back.

“You feel like dying right now, don’t you? Honestly, I also feel like dying. Even if that person is by your side, you feel like dying. Even if that person is not by your side, you feel like dying, and I don’t know what to do.”

The investigation of the ruins of the northern temple was undertaken by the Knights of the 1st Division of Edinborough.

The place was uninhabited to begin with, so control was not difficult, and it was close to the capital, making procurement of manpower and supplies not too challenging.

They worried there might be remaining monsters, but fortunately, there were no traces of newly manifested magic and no more monsters appeared.

“The clergy have arrived.”

“Hmm. Form groups with one clergy, one mage, and two knights. Move.”

“Yes.”

Soon, the groups of clergy, mages, and knights were dispersed into their designated areas.

And Edinborough was planning to proceed into the inner part of the temple ruins, as per Alicia’s statements.

“Commander, preparations are complete.”

“What about the clergy and mages?”

“They are waiting. We can depart immediately upon your command.”

“Then let’s go now.”

Edinborough started moving inward with the clergy and mages.

Alicia was highly cooperative in the investigation, providing detailed information up to the interior of the temple, allowing them to even draw a map based on her statements.

“Just as Lady Lancaster said.”

“You did well drawing the map.”

“Is it over there?”

“Yes.”

They arrived at the spot where Alicia and Eric had lain.

Soon, the mages began to apply tracking spells to find traces.

“As expected, strong traces of magic remain.”

“Is it because of the barrier?”

“It could be, but something feels off.”

“Why?”

“I’m not sure.”

Confused, the mage answered, prompting Edinborough to instruct further investigation as he looked around.

Then he noticed the rags scattered on the ground.

The bloodsoaked rags seemed to indicate how severe Eric’s injuries had been.

“It’s a miracle he’s alive.”

“What?”

“Never mind. What about other areas?”

“This place has the strongest traces, almost none elsewhere.”

“Then there’s no need to stay any longer.”

Edinborough began to move, taking the clergy and mages with him.

As they exited, a subordinate ran up in haste.

“Commander!”

“What is it?”

“You need to come see this.”

Upon seeing the urgency on the subordinate’s face, Edinborough hurriedly moved.

When he checked the place the subordinate led him to, his expression hardened.

“What is this?”