Herdin pulled out a book related to dark magic from a bookshelf with a magic book inserted.

For a while, only the sound of rustling bookshelves echoed in the quiet room as Herdin covered the book with a sigh and took out a new one.

However, the new book didn’t contain the desired information.

“Her Majesty the Empress had a document with a magic circle on it. And beneath that, there was dark magic related to the second condition of the supernatural contract,” Blair explained. Although what Blair mentioned about the document didn’t seem significantly related to the Empress’s palace fire incident, Herdin decided to investigate it for now.

“Why was Her Majesty the Empress investigating that?” Considering how important the content was, so crucial that even Esmeralda kept it a secret from him.

Yet, in the dark magic book he possessed, Herdin couldn’t find any information related to the supernatural contract.

“Even though dark magic books are designated as restricted throughout the continent.” Still, by leveraging the name of Delmark, it wouldn’t be impossible, though a bit complex and time-consuming.

Herdin decided to stop searching for information at this point and left his study.

Just then, outside the window behind the desk, Agnes and Blair, who had walked from the garden, appeared.

After the kidnapping incident, Blair continued her daily life as usual, except for not being able to go out. Contrary to Herdin’s expectations that she would be confused and unstable after suddenly regaining her memories.

But why did her appearance feel more unsettling?

So, to finally check on her condition, he summoned Agnes.

Finally, the two’s figures were no longer visible behind the mansion. Just as Herdin was about to turn around and sit back down, he heard a knock.

“Your Excellency, may I come in?”

It was Ruth, who had gone out to check the situation outside.

“How’s the atmosphere out there?”

“As Your Excellency expected, the rumors have spread extensively. People are saying the Mistress almost got kidnapped.”

With the entire Delmark knights moving that day and the incident at the mansion where Blair was kidnapped escalating, it became difficult to quiet down the situation.

In times like these, it was wiser to stay silent until the rumors died down rather than rushing to explain. Moreover, he wanted to make Katrina, who was monitoring their reactions due to the failed plan, even more anxious.

A rushed opponent was bound to show a gap.

“If we don’t feed them, they’ll naturally quiet down. Any news from the kidnappers?”

“Not yet.”

“They might have noticed and cut their tails. Still, keep an eye on them for a while. They might be trying to make it look like their tails were cut even if they’re not.”

“Understood.”

“And this, I hope you’ll look into it separately from the kidnapping case.”

Ruth took out a notebook from his pocket.

“Please give me your orders.”
“Investigate everything related to the power of the family, forbidden contracts, and dark magic associated with them. Even the smallest details matter.”

Upon hearing this, Ruth flinched.

Dark magic was a prohibited form of magic across the entire continent due to its inherent dangers. If someone were revealed to be a dark mage, immediate execution was permitted, and mere investigation could lead to severe punishment.

“May I ask for the reason?”

“Her Majesty the Empress was secretly investigating and inquiring about the contents even to me. I cannot know the details because the documents were burned.”

“Well, it might take some time… I will find out as soon as possible.”

As Herdin concluded the conversation with Ruth, a cautious knock was heard.

“Herdin, can you come out? Can we talk for a moment?”

It was Blair’s voice. She had returned after seeing off Agnes.

As Herdin nodded, Ruth opened the office door for her.

“Hello, Madam. How are you feeling?”

“Thanks to you, much better. I appreciate your concern, Sir Ruth.”

Blair smiled warmly at Ruth, and Herdin’s gaze, observing the two, turned cold.

“Well, have a pleasant conversation.”

Ruth, unaware of Herdin’s gaze, finished his greetings at an appropriate line and left the office.

Only then did Herdin notice a letter held in Blair’s hands, which was approaching him hurriedly.

Recognizing it as an invitation from another family, Herdin looked at her with a puzzled expression.

“Why did you bring that?”

“I saw Mason trying to get rid of it a while ago, so I brought it. He said to reject all the party invitations.”

After the rumor spread about Blair being kidnapped, party invitations arrived from various families. While there were those genuinely intending to build friendship, there were undoubtedly others wanting to confirm the truth of the rumors.

So, Mason was instructed to reject all party invitations for a while. Herdin had no intention of turning Blair into gossip material in the social circles.

However, her thoughts seemed different.

“Silence in response to rumors is good, but showing a calm demeanor at times like this can also be a good strategy.”