“…Why?”

“I don’t know. That’s just the rumor. There were also speculations that Lyshtun’s disappearance had something to do with the royal family, considering the pressure the royal family was putting on the mage towers at that time.”

The mage towers under the royal family, especially the powerful ones, had started manufacturing and selling magical artifacts, moving beyond their role as research institutions. The royal family had made significant efforts to stop this.

However, as the production and distribution of magical artifacts expanded, the power of the mage towers grew. In exchange for loosening regulations on the mage towers, the royal family started to put more pressure on mages.

Taxes were levied not only in money but also in magical energy, especially from powerful archmages, who were monitored and suppressed by the Ministry of Magic.

The royal family was not satisfied and continued to monitor and keep in check mages, especially powerful archmages.

To them, mages were both a thorn in their side and a necessary existence.

If Lyshtun had been operating in the shadows of Horizon, the royal family might have felt threatened by an archmage who remained hidden.

“Nihil, huh… How do I make the request?”

“I know someone in my information network who is well-acquainted with the lower echelons of Nihil. I will discreetly make contact.”

Whether Nihil is connected to the royal family or not, it doesn’t matter.

If it’s true that they were chasing Lyshtun in the past… they would be very interested in Lyshtun’s daughter. They probably don’t know about her existence either.

If I can’t have Riley Eadalin, at least that bastard Gibnen Lianster shouldn’t have her.

I wonder what face he’d make if he lost something he cherished so much. He’d probably be furious enough to die.
That alone would somewhat alleviate this resentment. Revenge couldn’t be better.

Count Ermeintz seemed resolute as he responded.

“Contact Nihil and leak information about Laistun’s daughter. Also convey that I want to meet as soon as possible.”

“Miss, you look well these days?”

“Huh? Was my complexion bad before?”

“You seemed full of worries just a week ago, but not anymore.”

At Rachel’s words, Riley, who had been pondering, nodded.

“It feels like all the issues surrounding me have been completely resolved.”

“Issues?”

“Yes, there were some.”

Riley had been enjoying a very peaceful daily life lately. It was because her most recent worry had nearly been resolved.

‘It may feel like everyone’s avoiding me, but it’s better than being openly harassed.’

Ever since Gibnen had intervened in the student council and covered up the incident, the attitude of the previously hostile Prestige people had changed.

The gazes filled with contempt and mockery were gone, replaced by gazes full of fear. They now began to avoid, rather than provoke or harass.

Although it felt a bit awkward when she caught people getting startled as if they had spotted a ghost, Riley was actually quite pleased with the situation.

‘I wish every day could be this peaceful.’

She didn’t know why they feared her, why they avoided her like she was a ghost, but thanks to that, her environment had become much more pleasant. It was a relief not to have to worry about someone picking a fight anytime and anywhere. Being ignored was better than being subjected to violence.

After all, she had grown closer to Hila, and she had never wanted to get close to people from Prestige anyway. Of course, they probably felt the same.

She had no intention of breaking or crossing the invisible class barriers within the academy. She was content with the way things were now.

There was no reason to dislike being treated as a non-entity and being ignored by the most uncomfortable faction within the academy. On the contrary, it was something to be welcomed with open arms.

“Are you going out? You said you only have morning lectures today.”

“I have plans to meet a friend.”

“A friend? Ah, is it Hila?”

“Yes, we’re going to a bakery called Lebietta that has just reopened.”

“Lebietta! It’s famous, probably the most famous bakery in Prestige.”

“I’ll bring you something, too.”

“There’s no one like you, Miss.”

Rachel buttoned up her coat and bid Riley farewell.

Following the directions of the guards that Saki had arranged, Riley took a regular carriage to the meeting place. She had chosen an ordinary carriage so as not to stand out, and she quite liked it that way.

Although guards were supposed to accompany her, none were visible.

The bakery, Lebietta, was fairly crowded. Thankfully, Hila had reserved a seat in advance, so there was no need to wait.

“Riley, here!”

Spotting Hila waving, Riley promptly sat down next to her.

It was their first private outing as friends. Her heart raced more than usual, as this was the first time spending personal time with a friend outside the academy.

“Here, the recommended menu items are lemon tart, crème brûlée, and carrot cake. Want to try all three?”

“Yes.”