Arasila tilted her head, wondering if there was anything else she had lied to herself about. It would be troublesome if she had deceived herself about something very important.

Seeing Arasila’s face growing more serious, Sisle hurriedly said:

“The reason I chose you, Arasila. Actually, I… have known about you for quite some time.”

Sisle’s cheeks flushed slightly. It had been a very long time since she had discovered Arasila in the newspaper.

The article she saw in the corner of the back page mentioned that Arasila had been hired by the Magic Tower at the youngest age.

At that time, Sisle thought she was amazing but also envied her.

While Sisle was living a miserable life, Arasila’s brilliant talent was recognized and she was scouted by the Magic Tower, even though their age difference was not that great.

With a mix of admiration and jealousy, she followed Arasila’s news. She was curious to see how far this young noble lady could go.

The articles about Arasila, which initially only occupied a very small space, increasingly appeared on the front page over the years. This was because she was gaining more credit on her own.

While watching the process of Arasila rising higher and higher, Sisle also began to sincerely cheer for her at some point.

Of course, being of noble birth, she was a being too far from her own, and she probably wouldn’t take Sisle’s humble support kindly.

Still, she thought it was cool how Arasila carved her own path. Even though it was presumptuous, she felt a kind of vicarious satisfaction.

When she decided to report Johnny Pattinson to the Magic Tower, it was natural in a way that Arasila was the first to come to mind.

In the Magic Tower, where the majority of executives were male wizards, Arasila was a rare young and promising female wizard, and someone Sisle respected and supported.

Even knowing it would be a nuisance, she sent the report thinking that at least Arasila would listen to her words once.

Then, when things seemed to be going awry, she belatedly said harsh words to prevent harm from coming to Arasila.

Even so, it was all just an excuse from Sisle’s point of view.

“I’m sorry for causing you trouble in many ways. It’s ridiculous for someone like me to say this, but I hope you will always be happy and achieve everything you want.”

Sisle bowed her head politely. Arasila quietly listened to her story. Even after she finished speaking, she stared at her for a while. Then, she said as if throwing the words:

“It’s not funny at all.”

“……”

“I’d only be pleased if someone cheered for me. What does their status or occupation matter?”

Arasila had so many enemies in the Academy, within the Magic Tower, and in social circles that she was simply grateful whenever anyone supported her.

She really didn’t care about the other person’s status or occupation. This was even more so as the position she aimed for was the Tower Master who was revered by all.

“Keep cheering for me, Sisle. Because I will become the Tower Master.”

Arasila raised her chin and smiled confidently. Rather than looking obnoxious or pretentious, her confidence based on passion and effort felt cool.

A smile spread across Sisle’s lips as she opened her eyes wide. She nodded her head greatly.

She had a strong feeling that if she trusted and supported Arasila, she would see her rise to the position of Tower Master someday.

“I will definitely do that.”

“Yes, thank you. Ah, and this.”

Arasila rummaged through her uniform jacket, took out a small pouch, and held it out to Sisle. In fact, this pouch was essentially the reason Arasila had come to see her today.

Sisle’s face became puzzled when she confirmed that it contained money.

“Why are you giving this to me……”

“Sisle, to be honest, I won’t say we can see each other again.”

Arasila spoke calmly. Since the life she had lived so far and the life she would live in the future were very different, there was a high possibility that there would be no second meeting.

“Instead, take that money and go somewhere to live a new life.”

“……”

“And in that new life, never lie to anyone. Struggling until you die to not live like before is your punishment.”

Tears hung at the ends of Sisle’s eyes. She bit her lips, trying to hold back her tears.

Sniffling and carefully taking the pouch, Sisle bowed in thanks and turned away from Arasila.

When coldly considered, Sisle’s future would not be all smooth or happy. It would not be beautiful or abundant.

But Sisle was still glad. Because she could now listen to Rose’s words to live a new life, even if it was late.

Arasila, who had been watching Sisle’s energetic departing back, also took a step.

Meanwhile, the Red Horse Knights were gloomy for a while after the truth of the Johnny Pattinson case was revealed and they were shocked.

It was understandable, as the true nature of a trusted colleague turned out to be a cowardly murderer. Even after the emperor’s judgment was passed, some trembled, unable to accept reality.

Fortunately, however, their superior was an excellent and cool-headed man.

Demian first corrected the mental state of the executive knights, including Isaac, and together with them, he firmly grasped the discipline of his subordinates.

He strictly prohibited any mention of Johnny Pattinson, conducted internal safety training on black magic, and showed a resolute attitude that he would not cover for anyone who did wrong in the future, regardless of position.

“Camaraderie is limited to dangerous situations when fighting the enemy. If the knight next to you has committed a crime, it is your proper duty as a fellow knight to execute him. Be courteous, but do not neglect your duty as a knight.”

When the superior’s standards were clear, the subordinates only had to follow him, making it easy.

The knights, who at first couldn’t get a grip due to emotions, gradually came to their senses. They accepted that Johnny Pattinson was a terrible criminal and shook off their lingering attachments to him.

Demian was also relieved when the Knights returned to normal.

He returned home looking slightly tired. As he sat on the couch in his office and closed his eyes for a moment, Arasila came to see him.

“What brings you here, my lady?”

“I came to inform you that Johnny Pattinson has safely arrived on Luzon Island.”

There had been an incident where the criminal had made an extreme attempt during the escort.

But in the end, a report came up today that he had arrived alive on Luzon Island.

“I see. It is good that he will properly pay for his crimes.”

Demian replied calmly, rubbing the corners of his eyes. Arasila leaned against the doorway and stared at him intently.

In the past, she would have had no interest in the condition of her knight husband, but now his slightly shadowed face concerned her a bit.

“Are you… okay? In a way, Johnny Pattinson also backstabbed you. It must be quite bitter.”

“I’m not particularly affected. I don’t deeply trust people in the first place.”

Demian scoffed. He had once trusted Johnny and even confronted Arasila, but he was not surprised by a subordinate who had ultimately betrayed his trust.

After all, there were many who had received his trust while living but had betrayed him.

“I guess I still lack discernment in people. I plan to cultivate my eye and manage my subordinates more meticulously in the future.”

As he was about to wrap up the conversation appropriately while making new resolutions as a commander, Arasila’s plump lips, which had been looking at Demian somewhat unsatisfactorily, opened.

“It’s not your fault that Johnny Pattinson turned out to be trash.”

“……”

“There are many people belonging to the Red Horse Knights, and it was revealed that one of them had a personal problem.”

It was not a crime that the entire Knights had participated in, but one that he had committed alone in his private sphere.

Arasila also knew it was difficult to perfectly manage the private lives of individuals in a group, so she didn’t want to say anything about it.

Demian stared at her, who was taking his side, with a curious look.

“…Why are you looking at me like that?”

“It’s quite unexpected. I didn’t know you would say such a thing.”

“Then what did you think I would say?”

“Why didn’t you cultivate your eye earlier, grasp your subordinates more tightly, the Red Horse Knights and you should learn from me, a wizard.”

“……”

“I expected you to say things like that while boasting.”

Demian spoke with a voice full of pure sincerity. Arasila laughed absurdly with an astounded face.

“Ha, well… No, I did have such thoughts inside. But I can make the judgment that there’s no need to say it out loud in this situation.”

This incident was a tragedy for many people, and Arasila herself had made mistakes in the process of resolution, so she didn’t want to speak lightly about it.

Demian looked at Arasila, who was becoming more and more surprising, and said:

“You can do that if you want.”

“No, it’s fine. I’m a great person who doesn’t need to feel superior while boasting about such things.”

“That’s a bit like you.”

Demian smiled with a chuckle.

Arasila had such a distinct personality that you could see what kind of person she was just by looking at her for a moment.

But people were said to be three-dimensional and multi-faceted beings. Getting a step closer than before, her human side was newly seen.

For example, the fact that she kept her own line and was considerate of others in her own way.

‘Is it fortunate?’

Although he said it was nothing, Demian was actually quite bitter inside, so he was relieved.

Johnny Pattinson had not only betrayed his trust, but the entire Red Horse Knights.

If Arasila had really boasted about this matter, he would have felt bitter.

“Anyway, you’ve worked hard all this time. Now that it’s all over, please rest comfortably.”

“That’s what I should say. Demian, you should rest at ease too.”

“I will.”

Demian readily nodded his head at Arasila’s pert reply.

Although they still bickered with each other, it was clearly felt that their sharpness toward each other had softened compared to before.

Nora White regularly held gatherings with young ladies of her age.

It was an effort to expand her power in social circles and become a central figure who had followers.

With the solid support of her mother, the Duchess of White, she quickly gained one of the most influential positions among young ladies.

Today, a tea party was held in the White Ducal House garden under Nora’s initiative. Only ladies from viscount families and above were invited.

While enjoying refreshments and talking about recent trends, dressed beautifully, the Johnny Pattinson incident was mentioned, which was by no means a coincidence.

The one who brought it up was the daughter of Earl Cooper, who could be called Nora’s right-hand woman.

“I was so surprised to hear that Young Lord Pattinson had done such a thing. When I met him in passing, he seemed like a very kind person.”

“This is why they say you can’t judge people by their appearance. Ah, I heard the Magic Tower also concluded the case through an internal investigation by the Knights, right?”

“Yes. But it seems they couldn’t avoid tarnishing the reputation of the Red Horse Knights.”

Everyone was talking as if it was somewhat unfortunate.

“But isn’t it fortunate that the honor of Madam Vandermir has been restored?”

Nora said, elegantly putting down her teacup. Everyone’s eyes instantly focused on her.

“Madam Vandermir was in charge of the case at the Magic Tower. Until the case was first concluded, there were bad rumors about her… But they disappeared after she cooperated with the Red Horse Knights to arrest Young Lord Pattinson.”

The way Nora said this was subtle. Depending on the listener, it could sound like she was talking without much thought, or it could feel like she was implicitly criticizing.

The ladies with keen eyes pricked up their ears from then on to accurately grasp her intention. The reaction they had to show differed depending on what her intention was.

Nora smiled briefly at the ladies who were focused on her, then opened her mouth again.

“She seems really amazing. If it were me, I would have been too afraid of harming my husband and wouldn’t have interfered in the first place, but she stepped up and resolved it herself. As always, someone rational is different no matter when.”