When The Silver Bell Of Charlotte's Pharmacy Rings (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 153

When the marquis sighed, the mood at the table grew heavy.

As for Matiel, he thought it was already fortunate enough that they hadn’t been struck on the back of the head while floundering helplessly—not to mention catching even a glimpse of the enemy’s tail. Depending on what information they gathered next or what new variables emerged, the situation might shift, but as of now, they hadn’t even located Maleblanc, let alone found Edesa.

‘They’re likely together. Either Edesa is dead, or she’s become one of his subordinates…’

He suddenly thought it might be easier to see her corpse. It went against his basic ethical principles, leaving him with a faint sense of guilt, yet if Edesa were to return unharmed, that would pose an even more indescribable problem—because it was far more likely she would no longer be human.

The marquis spoke.

“I believe we must deploy more law enforcement personnel, Your Majesty—not just for the royal capital, but for the safety of the entire nation.”

“That’s sensible advice. Let’s consider deploying both the capital’s knights and soldiers together. I’ll summon the supreme commander and the admirals of each port to deliberate on this matter as soon as possible.”

At that moment, Matiel offered his opinion.

“No matter how many troops we reinforce, without a clear strategy for dealing with the threat, it will only lead to needless losses. What we truly need are individuals possessing both the knowledge and capability to handle vampires or monsters.”

“But Duke Elinak, even if we scoured the entire kingdom starting today, gathering enough qualified people would be difficult. And the mages of the Tower certainly won’t suddenly appear now to offer their aid to the kingdom.”

Count Scrabster’s tone carried clear displeasure. He still harbored resentment toward the mages for not supporting the royal family when the old monarchy collapsed.

“I understand your frustration toward the mages, Count. However, for the sake of Roanoke’s peace, I believe we must be willing to humble ourselves somewhat—they are, after all, exceedingly reclusive by nature.”

King Ryuen spoke.

“Yet not all mages are like that. After the revolutionary government fell and the current regime took power, the Tower’s mages became even more reluctant to interact with the outside world. Before that, they would visit the royal library or laboratories to exchange wisdom with officials. Perhaps, Count, the mages aren’t as shamelessly indifferent as you believe. If their reluctance to visit the capital stems from embarrassment over not aiding the old monarchy, then extending our hand to them first might well give us the upper hand.”

Matiel harbored doubts about whether that would truly work, but kept them to himself. He had learned that not all mages preferred locking themselves away in dusty, moldy rooms; there were plenty—well, had been plenty—who mingled freely with others.

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