“Whether it’s Count Ermeinz or someone else, they clearly deceived us. What kind of nonsense is it to claim that she’s the daughter of the Archmage Lysten? She looks like an ordinary civilian.”

Indeed, looking at her outward appearance, it raised doubts about her being a woman inheriting the lineage of an Archmage.

Spatial teleportation magic was the most fundamental form of magic. Although the difficulty increased with longer distances, generally, ‘geniuses’ who inherited the Archmage’s lineage had excellent magical aptitude, making long-distance teleportation a walk in the park.

Even in this restricted area, with the dense magical concentration emitted by the plants, making it challenging to use magic, it was still daytime. When night fell, the magical concentration would increase, making magic use even more difficult. There was a risk of falling into hallucinations, and at night, she might become prey for active magical beasts.

This was basic knowledge, and sitting idly, trying to pass the time, looked undeniably foolish. Even if she couldn’t use magic as an ordinary person, it was understandable behavior, but having enrolled in Horizon, where magic was taught, she was undoubtedly a magician. Her foolish actions seemed incomprehensible.

“If she were Lysten’s daughter, she wouldn’t act so foolishly. She should just use magic. At this point, she must be incapable of using magic. We’ve made a mistake.”

While Reynald agreed with his subordinate’s words, there was still a lingering doubt in his mind.

“When it gets dark, magical beasts will become active. Continuously holding her ground like this won’t be feasible.”

“…Are you saying you’ll continue with this?”
“When people feel threatened, they tend to reveal their true nature. It’s dangerous to make hasty judgments about whether that woman is genuinely an ordinary person unable to use magic or intentionally concealing her ability to use magic.”

“Why would she intentionally hide her ability to use magic?”

“She might know that her father was pursued and murdered by us. Moreover, Giben Lianster has many enemies. If she is involved with Giben Lianster, she may have faced such threats. Perhaps she intentionally behaves like this to expose our presence.”

Reynald only intended to observe her from a distance.

An outstanding magician should be able to survive in this forest where dangerous magical beasts roam. If she is truly Lysten’s child, she should be able to handle numerous magical beasts alone. Otherwise, she would just be food for the magical beasts.

In the latter case, it was a bit regrettable that an unrelated person would be sacrificed, but there was no other option. If not this way, it would be challenging to confirm the extent of her power and whether she was truly the daughter of the Archmage Lysten.

However, there were no plans to observe her for a long time. The longer they waited, the higher the probability that Giben Lianster’s side would understand the current situation.

Now was the opportune time, while Giben Lianster lay in bed.

They had to gain something.

“For now, I’ll continue to observe.”

Giben, who was leisurely reading a book, was momentarily startled by a sudden chilling aura and put the book down. He immediately sent telepathy to Suck.

Suck, track Riley’s location right now.

About five minutes later, a response came from Suck.

The lady’s location is not known.

…How about the shadows?

Contact with the shadows is also lost.

Giben frowned and fidgeted with his earring with one hand.

It was a specially crafted earring, exactly the same as the one he had given Riley, and had the function of sensing the wearer’s mental state and location.

Of course, the location detection function was only usable for short distances, but the resonating function between earrings, which was effective regardless of distance, was valid if the wearers felt emotionally distressed. Although her exact location wasn’t determined, through the vividly conveyed emotional state, he realized that something was wrong.

He had already arranged her schedule. The fact that the welcoming reception would take place in the hotel’s underground dining room at 7 o’clock was also information he had received in advance from Suck.

Was there a change in the schedule? No, it was unlikely. From the moment an inexplicable sense of anxiety was detected, there must have been a problem with Riley’s safety. Since this earring was severely affected only by the wearer’s emotional state, especially in an intense state, there was an issue with Riley’s well-being.
Under normal circumstances, earrings do not easily resonate with each other. So, the probability of malfunction was low.

Giben tried to maintain his composure and checked the time.

He had attached shadows around her, but the fact that not a single one was in contact meant that the shadows had been compromised.

It was impossible for someone to suppress or control all the shadows unless they were a considerably skilled individual.

Suck, prepare for a teleport to Lurat immediately.

Hold on, Master. It’s not a good idea to go yourself when you haven’t fully recovered yet.

Stop the nonsense and get ready.

But…

The shadows have been compromised. Even if they send others, how can we trust them?

I’m not saying the Master should go directly. It’s not like there’s no talent in Horizon, and there are plenty of mages who can go find the lady on behalf of the Master.

I can’t trust them.

….

What will you trust and entrust? Have you already forgotten that the Master was assassinated within Horizon? Do you think it’s possible without internal collaboration?

She is trembling with anxiety. She is frightened.

Just like back then…

So, he had to go himself. For this issue, nobody could be trusted and relied upon. The master had been assassinated by a traitor within Horizon.

Giben didn’t want to see that face again, the one that became a mess, crying. One terrible experience was more than enough.

Giben reluctantly got up, grabbed his coat, and without any hesitation, left the mansion.

Prepare, I’m going to Lurat right away.