Arasila received the paper in bewilderment and calmly read the words written inside.

The sender of the letter was Ben Diac, the captain of the Imperial Knights.

The first paragraph stated that they had discovered who had instigated Ken to attempt to assassinate Demian.

That person was none other than Albi Carter.

From the beginning, he had volunteered as the investigation team leader for advancement, and tried to eliminate the Vandermir couple to monopolize the achievements of subjugating the demon beasts.

However, since it was difficult to harm two people alone, he bribed Ken to attack Demian first.

As evidence, an investigation of Albi Carter’s secret funds revealed that an amount equal to Ken’s debt had recently been withdrawn.

When the imperial court learned of this fact and pressed him, unable to bear the pressure, he left a suicide note with his confession and took his own life.

Thus, the Imperial Knights officially designated Albi Carter as the culprit and declared the case closed.

At the very end, there was a brief personal message from Ben Diac encouraging Demian.

After confirming the contents of the letter, Arasila tilted her head in confusion.

“Demian, didn’t you say there was no particular suspicion on Mr. Carter when you investigated?”

“That’s right.”

“But now Mr. Carter is the culprit? He even confessed and took his own life…”

It was an investigation result that seemed somewhat implausible.

Although she didn’t know Albi Carter well, it didn’t seem like he would try to harm someone out of desire for achievements.

It wasn’t that she believed in his character, but based on the cooperative yet passive attitude she felt during the demon beast subjugation.

If he had truly desired achievements, he would have taken the lead first, but he consistently stepped back and focused on rear support.

“No matter how great the achievements of subjugating demon beasts are, it’s hard to comprehend that he tried to eliminate us just for that within common sense.”

He wasn’t just an ordinary nobleman, but a Sword Master Knight Commander and a candidate for the next Mage Tower Lord.

They were definitely not targets one would easily think of killing just for one achievement.

Moreover, how could he have bribed Ken in advance knowing the subjugation would succeed?

There was a sufficient possibility of failure, even if remote.

“Didn’t the anonymous high-ranking imperial official you mentioned pin all the charges on Mr. Carter and forcibly close the case?”

“I think that’s highly likely as well.”

“Who on earth could that high-ranking official be?”

Arasila’s expression became serious.

Demian had a close friendship with the First Prince Lucas.

Since he wasn’t completely without connections to the imperial court, it wouldn’t be easy to touch him, so she wondered who had colluded with the Vandermir ducal family to target him.

“Do you have anyone you suspect?”

“…”

At that question, Demian reflexively thought of Crown Prince Frederick.

In fact, no suspicious points were found regarding him in relation to this demon beast subjugation operation.

The Red Hawk Knights’ demon beast subjugation was said to have been decided at an unofficial court meeting, but Frederick had not attended that meeting.

No connections were detected with Ken or the Vandermir ducal family either.

Although he felt very uneasy, for now, he had not found any direct evidence or circumstances that Frederick was involved in this incident.

So Demian swallowed Frederick’s name and said.

“For now, since the imperial court has reached a conclusion, it seems the official investigation will be wrapped up here.”

“That’s absurd. You almost died, and the case ends like this?”

“Don’t worry. I personally intend to continue pursuing that high-ranking official.”

It was rather good that the official investigation had concluded.

As the imperial court’s interest in this incident fades, it will become a little easier for Demian to move behind the scenes.

‘I’ll have to look into the people who attended that unofficial meeting in detail.’

Having made up his mind, Demian naturally changed the subject.

“By the way, how was work today?”

“Oh, it felt good to work after a long time.”

Arasila smiled brightly.

She had truly felt the joy and pleasure of walking to work, working, and returning home on her own feet.

Then, remembering that she was going to suggest a joint party to Demian, she opened her mouth.

“Oh, Demian. I have something to say. How about holding a joint commemorative party for the subjugation team?”

“Sounds good.”

Demian answered immediately without hesitation. Arasila, who was about to add a detailed explanation, flapped her lips.

“You’re answering more readily than I expected. Your subordinates might object, you know.”

“There were some guys on our side who were secretly disappointed about parting without even greeting the mages.”

“Oh, really?”

In fact, the lingering attachment was the same on both sides.

Knowing this fact, there was nothing more to hesitate about.

“Then let’s set it for this weekend.”

“Alright.”

Thus, the subjugation team’s commemorative party, decided on the spot, was quickly prepared.

On a sunny weekend afternoon.

In the garden of the Vandermir mansion, where colorful autumn flowers bloomed profusely, round tables filled with delicious food were placed here and there.

White cloths hanging between tree branches bore the name tags of those who participated in the subjugation team, and on one side, a three-tiered fountain spouted water.

Soon, the people invited to the party began to enter the garden one by one through the arched garden door.

Those who had taken off their uniforms just for today and dressed up opened their eyes wide at the bright scenery of the garden.

Looking around in admiration, they headed to the tables to take their seats.

At that moment, by chance, a group of knights and mages chose the same table.

“Ah…”

“Oh, um, please sit.”

“No, you should sit.”

As they hesitated, offering seats to each other in embarrassment, the mage side spoke up first, hesitantly.

“Wo-would you like to sit together?”

“Ah, yes. That would be nice.”

Two knights and three mages sat down, somewhat awkwardly.

An uncomfortable atmosphere swirled suffocatingly around the five people, but surprisingly, their expressions weren’t too bad.

Led by them, tables where mages and knights sat mixed appeared here and there.

Sally and Rudy, sitting alone at an empty table, whispered in conversation.

“Wow, it’s the first time I’ve seen such an intimate scene with knights. Iona, she used to hate knights so much, but now she’s sitting with one? It’s surprising that the picture doesn’t look strange.”

“It feels less out of place today since they’re not wearing uniforms. And regardless of their profession, it’s a meeting between people. You said knights don’t seem all bad to you anymore either, right?”

“Well, that’s true.”

Sally shrugged as she replied.

Indeed, her negative image of knights had been greatly diluted.

Until she overheard the gossip in the carriage, she felt unpleasant and annoyed, but after fighting the demon beasts together, her heart had softened a lot.

They worked together better than expected, and she glimpsed the spirit of chivalry in their actions to save their comrades.

“Anyway, if we get along well with the knights, it’ll be good for our senior too…”

As Sally was saying this, a black shadow suddenly loomed over her head.

“It’s been a while. If there’s no one holding these seats, may we sit here?”

The person who approached with a cheerful greeting was Isaac. Behind him stood an unexpected companion.

Logan. The knight who had fought with Sally after being caught gossiping about Arasila.

Sally and Rudy looked at the two knights with wide eyes.

They felt dazed by their sudden appearance.

As the silence lengthened without an answer to his question, Isaac spoke again.

“If it’s uncomfortable, we can go somewhere else.”

“…No! It’s fine, please sit.”

Having just decided to get along well with knights mere seconds ago, they couldn’t send away the vice-captain of the Red Hawk Knights like this.

Quickly exchanging glances with Rudy, Sally politely indicated the empty seats.

“Thank you.”

Isaac sat down with Logan, smiling good-naturedly.

Unlike before, Logan seemed unable to even make proper eye contact with Sally.

“I feel sorry if we’ve unnecessarily interrupted your pleasant conversation.”

“It’s fine. But why did you choose our table specifically…”

Honestly, since their joining was uncomfortable, Sally carefully asked the reason.

Then Isaac put his hand on Logan’s shoulder and said.

“I think this guy left without properly introducing himself last time.”

“Ah…”

“Logan, hurry up and greet them.”

At Isaac’s words, which were almost an order, Logan hurriedly moved his lips.

“Hello, I’m Logan Harford of the Red Hawk Knights.”

Surprised by the quite courteous greeting, Sally and Rudy rolled their eyes in bewilderment before similarly stating their names and affiliations.

“I’m Sally, working in Senior Arasila’s research lab at the Mage Tower.”

“I’m Rudy.”

And then silence fell over the table.

Sally glanced slightly, looking at Logan who seemed somehow restless.

He seemed to have something he wanted to say, his lips twitching.

Isaac patted Logan’s shoulder as if to give him a hint.

Even so, as Logan hesitated and fumbled without easily speaking, Isaac frowned.

“Logan, are you going to keep acting shamefully like this? Don’t disgrace the Red Hawk Knights, if you have something to say, say it quickly.”

“Yes, I understand!”

Logan, who answered loudly with strict discipline, took a deep breath and bowed his head deeply towards the two.

“I’m sorry. I apologize for speaking carelessly about Lady Vandermir last time without knowing well. I was too arrogant.”

Sally blinked at the unexpected apology. Rudy also had a surprised look.

But Logan was serious. Isaac sitting next to him was the same.

“I also apologize for being rude to Miss Sally even after being caught in such an unseemly act. I promise it won’t happen again.”

“Ah… Well. It’s okay.”

“Are you accepting my apology?”

Sally nodded readily.

It was already a forgotten matter, and Logan’s expression seemed sincerely repentant, so she didn’t want to say anything more.

Logan, who raised his head with a joyful face, said with sparkling eyes.

“Actually, I thought Lady Vandermir looked so cool when she was subjugating the demon beasts.”

“Hmm, is that so?”

“Yes. At the end, when she jumped in to protect the captain and us, I was truly moved.”

The corners of Sally’s mouth curled up. Hearing praise for the senior she respected naturally made her feel good.

“Lord Vandermir was also amazing when he appeared after removing the core of the highest-grade demon beast.”

“Ah, indeed, right?”

“Yes, it made me think this is why there are so many people who follow him.”

Unlike before, a gentle atmosphere flowed between the two as they praised each other’s superiors.

Isaac, who was watching Sally and Logan chatting happily as if they had suddenly become a good match, raised his champagne glass and met Rudy’s eyes.

“Thank you for helping me then. Thanks to you, I was able to focus only on defensive magic.”

Rudy bowed his head first, expressing his gratitude.

Isaac extended his hand with a hearty smile.

“I was also able to defeat the demon beast with a sturdy barrier thanks to you. Thank you.”

Rudy grasped the hand with calluses embedded here and there.

During the demon beast subjugation, a strange intimacy had formed between the two as they fought in harmony.

They had given positive evaluations, highly appreciating each other’s offensive and defensive powers.

Besides them, favorable conversations were taking place at tables all around.

Just as the warm atmosphere was deepening like that.

Demian and Arasila appeared.

Demian in a white dress uniform and Arasila in a dark red dress gave the impression of having swapped each other’s uniforms.

The silver hair parted on the left side and swept back halfway matched well with the snow-white dress uniform, giving a neat impression, while the naturally loose light purple hair harmonized well with the alluring dress atmosphere.

The two walked to the pergola located in front of the tables.

Then, standing facing all the attendees, they gave a brief greeting.

“Everyone, thank you for your hard work in subjugating the demon beasts.”

“Today, please eat, drink, and enjoy yourselves comfortably.”

As soon as the words finished, people let out cheers.

The real party had begun.

From well-roasted smoked duck to desserts made with seasonal fruits, and champagne with just the right amount of alcohol.

People flocked to the appetizing foods, each and every one.

There were tables with extra food, so they could get more if it ran out.

Arasila and Demian, rather than lingering at a specific table, went around here and there, engaging in light conversation and giving words of praise.

Their footsteps headed towards the table where Sally, Rudy, Isaac, and Logan were sitting.