102. Clue (2)

Memories were always jumbled and blurred. But Adeline never doubted the haze-like haze that floated in her clouded mind. From the beginning, he was destined to live like that, and he firmly believed that he would live with memories that drifted aimlessly like a small boat engulfed in sea fog in the harbor at dawn.

‘Kill it. Cut the enemy.’

Place of origin, age, family. It was just a list of meaningless words buried in a corner of my memory a long time ago. The reason for her blindness was not so important now either. It didn’t matter what I could recall and what I couldn’t. Because the only word that controlled and moved her was ‘Leon Benning’s command’.

‘Remember, you are a knight who surrendered to me in battle and serves only me with true loyalty.’

Only those words were Adeline’s identity and the reason for her existence. But, for some reason, whenever Adeline’s head recalled those words, a shiver from fear came to her. In order to run away from that feeling of fear again, Adeline did not try to dwell on the Count’s words too deeply. However, the fear had already gone far beyond Adeline’s control and penetrated deeply into her head.

pain. Adeline felt pain from the energy leaking through the crack in the open door, and for some reason, the pain was too familiar. My eyes felt like they were on fire. A sensation that shouldn’t exist kept stinging my eyes. Pain soon brought back memories. Countless words from the Count flooded Adeline’s mind. Fear, and the idea of submission.

‘Adeline.’

‘Pull out your sword. Slash your enemies to death. Dedicate that supply to me.’

‘With these eyes… .’

“Adeline?”

It wasn’t the Count’s dry voice, but someone else’s. Adeline suddenly remembered where she was and what she was doing.

That’s right, the investigation of the magic tower. As the Count ordered, I was trying to find out what research they were doing behind the scenes to find out their plans. And, in the meantime, you have to keep an eye on that mysterious knight and find out the king’s true intentions. In addition… .

Being blind, Adeline did not know that her hands were shaking. He didn’t know that his blood was getting cold, or that his face was turning pale and cold. darkness is evil It was so wicked and mean. There was only her in a world where there was nothing. A nightmare overtook her as she never slept. He opened his hands and grabbed his neck, choking his breath and forcing a scream.

“Adeline.”

The voice heard again, and the new feel and warmth felt in the hand.

Adeline realized that someone had grabbed her hand. At the same time, Adeline’s consciousness returns from a nightmare that is like a thought. And only then did Adeline remember the fact that she had come out of an investigation with a knight called Arsene and had gone into a cafe for a while and sat there.

“… Are you okay?”

A voice that seemed to forcefully ask something he didn’t want to ask. Returning to reality, Adeline tried to answer her companion’s question in her usual voice.

“It’s okay, it’s okay.”

Of course, I had to clear my throat while clearing my throat because my voice, which couldn’t have been normal, was disturbed. Thanks to that, Adeline’s reply sounded like someone trying to say ‘I’m not okay at all’.

“what’s going on? All of a sudden, the blood is gone, and my hands are shaking.”

Adeline then noticed that her hand was still clenched by Arsene. Should I feel bad, or should I say I don’t know. Adeline deliberately pointed out that fact in a voice more harsh than usual.

“First of all, can I put my hands down and talk?”

“… Yes, sorry.”

A voice that became a bit gruff was heard. Adeline could feel her hand, which had been wrapped in warmth for a moment, touch the cold air again. Another feeling touched the empty hand again. Maxim pushed the warm cup with his hand. Adeline held the cup with both hands, wondering whether she should thank her for that kindness.

“So, tell me what the hell is going on. Anyway, we are investigating together.”

Adeline shook her head slightly. He didn’t want to think too much about what had happened to him, but he couldn’t help it now. Using the still warm cup as a support, Adeline spoke.

“I felt a sense of resentment at the place I pointed out. It was also flowing quite thickly. If they had lost control just a little bit, you could probably feel it too.”

Maxim frowned as if he was puzzled by Adeline’s answer.

“Saihan spirit… , was that enough? To the extent that a powerful knight like you trembles like that?”

Adeline shook her head. It was an incredulous nod. Maxim looked at Adeline blankly. It was to determine whether that figure was truly fearful or not.

“I do not know. It didn’t seem to be that powerful… , What I felt, besides that kind of intimacy… .”

throbbing.

again. Adeline’s eyes burned with intense pain. Adeline shuddered and buried her face in her hands. The pain was turbulent. A wave of wind swept through her body, and Adeline exhaled heavily to regain her breath.

This fact should not be disclosed.

It felt like a stamp. I didn’t think of a reason. Just, like an order, Adeline followed that thought. At that time, Maxim’s voice pierced Adeline’s ears.

“Then, since I can’t force you to take you away in such a state of trembling, I’ll do the investigation tomorrow by myself.”

In response to Maxim’s seemingly helpless words, Adeline quickly raised her head.

“Why?”

“Why do you think so? Check your body condition right now. Trembling in fear alone, then flinching again. Even if I hide something, I have no intention of interrogating you, but at least I don’t think I’m in a state that can help me in the next investigation. If you are a knight, you must have the ability to judge the extent.”

The words that came back were cold. Adeline answered with a slightly raised voice. The fact that she might not be able to carry out all of the Count’s orders again aroused Adeline’s fears.

“You can. It is only a temporary phenomenon. You don’t have to worry too much about it.”

“I should have told you, it would get in the way. If I report that this has happened, the Count will probably agree that the situation was unavoidable.”

In an instant, a sharp force surged from Adeline. Maxim calmly accepted the momentum from the front and continued.

“It’s like pulling out a sword.”

“I mean, I would have warned you to be careful.”

Adeline was really ready to get out. Maxim was just accepting the killing intent that sent chills down his spine. Conversely, he did not radiate momentum or back down, he just accepted it.

“Adeline.”

“Please don’t call me by name.”

Maxim sighed and gave advice to Adeline, who was now in the mood to use it.

“I think it would be a good idea to cool your head first and then talk again. There are still two days left before the Count returns to the scene to receive a report, so there is no need to react too much.”

Maxim drank the tea. A bitter taste spread in the mouth, and a not-so-high-class scent wafted faintly. As time passed, the energy that had been brutally stimulating the skin began to fade little by little. Maxim lifted his head slightly and looked at Adeline’s condition. It was like watching a child who knew his mistakes couldn’t apologize for his pride.

“First, let’s drink tea. At best, everything I ordered will cool down.”

“… All right.”

A muffled voice was heard. Adeline still held the teacup in her hand for a while, then finally lifted the cup and began to drink tea little by little, as if feeling the heat draining away little by little.

“When the seniors finish their investigation, we join them and head to the dorm. I don’t know how long it will take, but given the way wizards are doing today, it doesn’t look like it’ll be over anytime soon.”

Adeline nodded softly. They were the wizards who bullied the investigation team from the entrance. There was no way I would quietly participate in the investigation and present my corruption data, saying, ‘Here I am’.

After Adeline shut her mouth, there was only silence. Maxim sipped tea little by little and wished that Dennis and Charlotte would finish their investigation as quickly as possible.

—

“Dog wizards.”

That harsh sound, unexpectedly, came out of Charlotte’s mouth. Maxim’s seniors arrived at the dorm exhausted, and sat down with their foreheads buried at the table on the first floor where the four of them were seated.

“All of them are talkative, bustling, unnecessarily loud, and impatient to interrupt. Dog-like puppies.”

Dennis nodded weakly, as if agreeing with Charlotte’s tough words. In his hand was a piece of paper with the results of today’s investigation written on it tightly.

“I’m glad it didn’t work out too bad. I’ll have to look more carefully tomorrow to find out, but I’m lucky I got some data.”

Saying that, Dennis raised his head buried in the table. It must have been a lot of hard work, and the eyes were full of fatigue. Maxim looked at his senior as if he felt sorry for him. Dennis waved his index finger at Maxim with a twisted smile and pointed.

“Your choice was excellent, Arsene. I’m a little pissed off that you used us as bait, but I wouldn’t have even attempted to find the research if you hadn’t chosen that method.”

Charlotte nodded and agreed in a voice still unresolved.

“Even though they rush in with warrants and evidence, they’re betting something else here and bothering them there. If there was no direct evidence, he would have used magic to drive it away.”

Charlotte’s gaze slowly moved from Maxim to Adeline. Mouth tightly closed as usual. Charlotte spat out words at Adeline as if testing them.

“So, did the one who used us as bait have any success?”

Adeline shook her head, adjusting her posture, as if she knew that the voice was directed at her.

“… There were no direct results.”

Charlotte raised her eyebrows as if she hadn’t expected Adeline to answer directly, then took notice and asked the question again.

“If there was no direct result, does that mean that something was found indirectly?”

This time, Maxim nodded.

“I still feel like I have a clue about a clue. It can’t be rushed either. I guess we’ll have to investigate further tomorrow to find out more.”

“Does that mean that you will go into the Mage Tower disguised like that tomorrow too?”

To Denis’s question, Maxim again affirmed.

“Thanks to the seniors, all the spectators, including our group, were kicked out in the middle. If you look again, you won’t find it strange. Still, if we investigate by tomorrow, we will be able to find out for sure.”

“… Okay. Then, shall we disband today? We have to deal with those damn wizards tomorrow too, so I want to rest a little early.”

Disgusted, Dennis showed his intention to close the table. Maxim somehow felt as if he had become a sinner.

“That… sorry.”

“no. Where else can you be sorry while performing your mission? It should have been expected from the time the Count arranged personnel like that.”

Dennis waved his hand. As soon as the dissolution order went in, Charlotte trudged up to her room, and Adeline followed suit, slowly walking up. As Maxim also tried to leave in search of a room, Dennis erased the tired look from his face and grabbed Maxim.

“Are you guys okay? What happened?”

Maxim wondered if he should tell Dennis about Adeline’s abnormal symptoms today, then shook his head. It was better to wait and watch than to talk hastily and cause unnecessary infighting. Maxim showed a casual expression and added a joke.”

“There is not. Except for the fact that it’s still awkward and I’m dying.”

Dennis smiled and patted Maxim on the shoulder.

“Come to think of it, your group had to go through that kind of hardship. I might not have been in a position to complain that I was having a hard time.”

Dennis stretched, revealing the fatigue he had been hiding. Maxim thought as he turned his back to see the back of Denis as he walked towards his room.

The aura of love, the strange Adeline, and the sorcerers who were running in a hurry. It was not something that could be solved simply by undertaking an undercover investigation tomorrow. Maxim remembered the black hooded overcoat he always carried with him after his affairs in the east were resolved.

Let’s take a look around.

Maxim recalled the location of the room Adeline pointed out in his head and headed toward the room.

—

Adeline was curled up on the bed, clutching her sword. As always, the familiar feel of the hilt gave her a sense of security. Adeline tried to go to bed early to prevent any more jumbled thoughts from taking over her, but a series of savage thoughts continued to interfere with her every move.

Read at noblemtl. com

Now that this has happened, Adeline gathered her spirits and expanded her senses, with the mindset that she would rather spend the night meditating. As always, start by contemplating the world and slowly focus your senses on yourself.

Expanding her senses, Adeline was able to capture how the people in the dorm were behaving and what conversations they were having. The presence of Charlotte, who had just fallen asleep from exhaustion, the presence of Dennis, who was still awake and active, and the room next door… .

“… Arsene.”

Adeline stopped meditating halfway through and woke up from a state of concentration. Arsene’s presence was gradually fading. He didn’t completely disappear from the room, but it seemed he was trying to hide his presence. Adeline was embarrassed by the stealth, which was hard to capture even her keen senses, and extended her senses to inspect Arsene’s room.

Very, very faintly, I could hear the hinges of the windows creaking. Its presence, which was blurry and difficult to capture, was about to disappear completely like a candle that was going out. A sound that sounds like cutting through the wind. Adeline quickly got up from her seat and opened the window at once.

‘Track and monitor Arsene.’

Was it because of the Count’s orders, or was it because of some other reason? Adeline felt that she had to follow Arsene, who was getting farther away. Fortunately, I was already holding it in my black hand, and I could feel the texture of the cloak I was hiding in. There was no reason to hesitate any longer. Adeline opened the window, expanding her senses as much as possible to follow Arsene’s presence.

“Magic Tower.”

Adeline, who confirmed the direction the black-haired knight was moving away, jumped into the darkness of the night.

—

In early winter, it seemed that it was still too early for complete darkness to set in, but complete darkness had already engulfed the streets of the capital. When the lights all over the street lit up the darkness of the royal capital, Maxim took advantage of the shadows that did not shine and walked down the street. Wearing the hood tightly and killing his presence, Maxim arrived at the square of the Mage Tower, which was ivory and glowed strangely even at night.

“… Good luck.”

Maybe it’s because they were controlling access, but there were hardly any people in the plaza at night. I could see the wizards leaving the Mage Tower from time to time to get off work late, but I didn’t see anyone else. Maxim flew his body toward the entrance of the mage tower. The footsteps the elf passed on made the wind go to Maxim’s side.

“… Alright then, I’ll leave work today too.”

“Oh, you always work hard.”

Maxim completely killed his presence and listened to the conversation coming from the lighted entrance.

“What kind of palace did you send someone to today? You are suffering a lot.”

“It was nothing. It wasn’t a big deal, so don’t worry.”

It seemed to be a conversation between a guard and a wizard. As Maxim drew closer, the voice of a person believed to be a wizard was immediately heard.

“There are still people in the tower who have to leave, so I think you should keep the door open.”

“Yes Yes. Professor, please go in carefully.”

The magician’s presence gradually faded away. Maxim looked carefully at the entrance after the wizard’s figure had completely disappeared from the square. The security guard, of course, didn’t seem to notice Maxim’s presence. Maxim’s eyes saw the open door to the magic tower.

great.

While the guard opened his mouth wide and yawned, Maxim jumped again. The guard rubbing his eyes didn’t notice that something had just brushed past him. Maxim killed the presence and passed the huge tombstone as it was, and arrived at the main building on the first floor.

‘The place I pointed at then.’

The empty first floor had a very different atmosphere from that of the afternoon. It seemed that only Maxim existed in a terrifyingly silent space. The mysterious exhibits and sculptures in the Magic Tower suddenly turned into something bizarre at night, and the tightly closed visits dedicated to research all had the same shape, turning into a watcher glaring at Maxim.

‘… found.’

Maxim picked up the door Adeline had pointed to. I couldn’t feel the ‘relationship energy’ that Adeline mentioned, but the sense of heterogeneity that the atmosphere exuded was enough to make Maxim embarrassed. I didn’t intend to open the door right away. Just recognizing the identity of the sense of incongruity he felt would be a great harvest.

However, the more he thought about the sense of incongruity, the more Maxim could feel the unknown discomfort gripping him. A wound in my chest that I no longer feel, the feeling of sudden pain. Maxim knew it was hallucination, but he put his fist on his chest. My heart was beating at a strange beat. Does the aura of black magic affect the curse engraved on his body? Maxim swallowed dry saliva and broke out in a cold sweat.

I should be nervous about this.

Maxim, overwhelmed by the atmosphere, sharpened his mind. Feeling the weight of the sword at the waist, preparing for battle by refining the intent to kill. So, expand your senses and look around. expand, expand.

The sword was swift. The blade, which did not even make the sound of cutting through the wind, reached out to suffocate the enemy.

king-!

short metallic. Maxim was astonished at the skill of the enemy who defended his blow, but he couldn’t help but frown at the identity of the enemy.

“Adeline… ?”

Adeline’s expression as she blocked Maxim’s blow with her sword half pulled out of the scabbard showed that she was uncommonly flustered.

“What are you doing here… .”

Adeline waved her hand in the air and brought her index finger to her mouth. Maxim immediately withdrew his sword and looked around. Unexpectedly, I couldn’t feel any movement in the lobby. The guard didn’t seem to find the noise just strange.

It was only after the two of them drew back their swords and regained their spirits that Maxim lowered his voice further and asked Adeline as if questioning.

“What the hell are you doing here?”

Adeline bit her lip slightly in protest.

“That is what I want to ask you.”

After arguing, Maxim realized that he was not in a position to stand out so proudly and kept his mouth shut.

“There is something on my mind, so I came to look around for a while.”

Before Adeline’s mouth could move to say anything, a sign appeared from beyond the door. Maxim froze as it was, and Adeline reached for the hilt.

how? Obviously I couldn’t feel anything… .

Before Maxim could finish thinking, the door opened. A wizard with a shaggy beard rubbed his shoulders and was about to walk out the door. When he saw Maxim and Adeline, his eyes widened like lanterns.

“You…”

Even before the wizard’s mouth opened, Maxim and Adeline began to act. Maxim snatched the wizard and went into the lab with the door open, and Adeline quickly closed the door.

Silently, Maxim put the wizard to sleep, and Maxim raised his head to see the room they had entered.

It was dark.

Maxim realized why neither he nor Adeline could sense the wizard’s presence until he opened the door.

“… Dungeon?”

Such a sound came out of Maxim’s mouth. It occupied the middle of the room, and when I saw the pit with its mouth open, I couldn’t help but say something like that. The energy, the aura that was darkly touching the skin, attacked Maxim.

Maxim then felt several signs approaching from beyond the door. I don’t know if it was too much of a commotion, or if the guards were finally going to look around, but Maxim realized that if this scene was discovered right away, everything would go to waste. Maxim turned around and looked at Adeline.

“here… .”

A pale face somewhere. A trembling hand gripped the sword tightly. Maxime grabbed her by the shoulder and tried to distract Adeline somehow.

“Adeline. Calm down.”

Due to the closer energy, Adeline did not change at all in Maxim’s hands and words. Maxim shook her even more, but Adeline, who fell into more panic, simply held the sword tightly in her arms and showed no reaction.

Damn it.

There was no way. The signs were getting closer. Maxim grabbed the panicked Adeline by the hand, holding the fainting wizard by his side. The entrance to the dungeon was wide open. Maxim threw the wizard into the dungeon. It made a heavy sound, but it wasn’t that high, so it wouldn’t hurt.

5 seconds.

Maxim could not let go of his lingering feelings and looked for the exit. Adeline’s hands were still shaking.

“what’s the matter?”

“I think there was a noise.”

When the sign finally reached the door, Maxim jumped into the gaping dungeon with Adeline, whose face was completely pale.