“A wizard…”

Partec’s expression became grim. Glade and Lavan, who were quietly following along, could no longer hold their curiosity and carefully spoke up.

“Have you ever seen a wizard before?”

“Isn’t it good that a wizard is joining?”

“It is. The owner of the evil land should feel very reassured that a wizard is joining. However, most wizards are…”

Partec started explaining to the two mercenaries about wizards, and the slaves also listened with interest. On the other hand, Mirian chatted nonstop into Eugene’s ear.

“Tsk, tsk! Our little bear doesn’t really know much about wizards either. Sir, they are nothing special. They die all the same if you stick a sword in their gut. There are quite a few wizards who acted all cheeky toward knights and got their heads lobbed off.”

“…..”

“My seniors told me to be more careful of wizards whose names and schools are unknown. Apparently, those known to the world to some extent are easier to deal with because they can be materialistic and worldly.”

However, Eugene wasn’t all too interested in wizards. Instead, he was worried about other things.

‘High-rank monsters have never been spotted in Evergrove Territory’s labyrinth before, right?’

At least, that was the case according to the information provided by the Palin Association. However, it was the first time in almost five years that the county hired a wizard for a subjugation.

‘That would mean that their goal is to explore unidentified areas of the labyrinth. Or perhaps…’

- There is a possibility that something might have happened in the labyrinth.

Eugene recalled Priscila’s words.

It appeared that he would have quite a bit to talk about with Galfredik when they met again.

*** 

After leaving Maren, Eugene’s party traveled for two days before arriving in the Evergrove territory. The castle was quite small for a county, and the gates were wide open. Guards immediately allowed Eugene’s group to pass as if they had been instructed to do so.

“Sir Jan of the Eugene family has arrived. Please enter, sir.”

Under the guidance of an old butler, Eugene entered through the large door while carrying his helmet under his arm. Four people were inside the spacious and neat office. 

Eugene walked up to a young nobleman sitting behind a large desk in the middle of the office. Without sparing the others a glance, he lightly bowed his head with his palm resting on the handle of his sword.

“Nice to meet you, Young Master Jevin. I am Jan of the Eugene family.”

“You are younger and more handsome than the rumors have it. I heard one of your ancestors was an elf?”

Jevin was the eldest son of Count Evergrove and successor to the county. He was a handsome man in his early 30s with gray hair. Count Evergrove was still healthy, but Jevin had been put in charge of managing a portion of the county since two years ago, which included the evil land subjugation.

“Yes. That is what my late father told me.”

“Even with the thinning of blood, the beauty of the elves is still prominent. Have a seat.”

“Yes.”

Eugene slumped into a fluffy chair, then finally looked around at the other three figures.

“Give your greetings. As you all know, this is Sir Jan Eugene. This is Sir Entler, and next to him is Sir Lugates.”

Eugene greeted the two knights with his eyes. He was unfamiliar with Entler but had heard many stories about Lugates. He had won last year’s tournament held by Count Evergrove.

Galfredik had evaluated Lugates to be on par with him in terms of swordsmanship.

‘But Galfredik said the results might have been different if he had not been injured in the semifinals. Moreover, he said the process of the jousting competition was a bit doubtful as well.’

Lugates had a rugged face, which was a mismatch with his long, lush, blonde hair. It was foolish to evaluate a knight by his appearance, but Eugene had a hunch that the knight named Entler was the stronger one between the two.

“And this person is…”

Jevin continued to explain. He gestured towards a figure sitting calmly between the other figures.

“This is Master Romari, one of the wizards practicing the inheritance of the Sandstone School. She is talented in finding people using sand magic, a type of earth magic.”

The wizard slightly raised their head. Even though she was in the presence of a count’s successor, her face was mostly covered with a hood.

‘A woman?’

Eugene was slightly surprised. The eyes that stared at him under her long eyelashes were reminiscent of a dead fish. It was the first time Eugene saw an actual wizard, but he had never expected it to be a woman. The wizard also looked a little surprised to see Eugene. A glimmer appeared for a brief moment in her blank eyes before disappearing.

“First of all, Sir Eugene, I would like to express my gratitude for coming earlier than initially scheduled. I hope you understand that we must immediately delve into the matter and discuss the subjugation. The situation is rather critical.”

“That is fine, Young Master Jevin.”

“Hmm. Your consideration does not betray your high reputation, sir.”

Jevin spoke with a smile before continuing. He knew how important it was for high-ranking nobles to have manners in public.

“I originally planned to discuss the matter with these three, but since Sir Eugene arrived, we can all proceed together. Oh, before that…”

Jevin turned his eyes towards Eugene. He spoke in a slightly dampened voice.

“Sir Eugene shares a deep friendship with Sir Galfredik, is that correct?”

“Ah… Well, you could say that.”

Eugene didn’t know whether it could be called a ‘deep friendship,’ but he knew Galfredik might have called it as such. Thus, he nodded.

“As expected. Then I must deliver some sad news. Sir Galfredik failed to return from the last subjugation of the labyrinth which took place two months ago.”

“…..!”

Eugene was shocked by the sudden news.

“Of course, his death has not been confirmed yet. Sir Galfredik and the entire subjugation party went missing. What happened was…”

Befitting his status as a well-educated successor, Jevin calmly explained the incident in an orderly manner.

“…And that is why I hired Master Romari and Sir Eugene. Do you understand?”

“Yes. Can I ask you a question?”

“Go ahead.”

Eugene turned his eyes away from Jevin towards someone who looked quite bored.

“Sir Lugates. Will you be participating in this subjugation?”

“…..!”

Lugates flinched, and Eugene continued while staring into the knight’s eyes.

“Sir, you were the last person to see Sir Galfredik alive. I think that you could help us greatly in finding him if you were to participate in the subjugation.”

Lugates stared at Eugene for a moment, then glanced at Jevin before replying. “I would like to, but according to the laws of our territory, territorial knights are supposed to participate in subjugations only twice a year. You, sir, might not know, since you are a free knight.”

Lugates put emphasis on certain words. It was clear that there were distinct ‘classes’ even between knights. Such distinctions were made clear by the fact that territorial knights weren’t often dispatched on subjugations of evil lands.

It was enough to hire and send free knights and mercenaries. There was no reason to send an important power of the territory into an evil land. However, it would not do to have powerful resources lying around to rot. As such, territorial knights usually participated in subjugations about two or three times a year.

“Conserving the territory’s power. Is that it?”

“It seems that you know it very well, sir.”

Lugates responded with a smile, and Eugene turned to Jevin.

“Young Master Jevin, Sir Galfredik is an outstanding knight. If he manages to return safely, he would be a great help to the Evergrove Territory’s overall power, am I right?”

“…..!”

Lugates’ expression distorted, and Jevin stroked his chin.

“You are not wrong. However, the problem is that Sir Galfredik participated in the subjugation before he was officially sworn in.”

Although Galfredik successfully led the subjugation in the Tywin Territory, Count Evergrove did not have him sworn in immediately. Instead, the count offered to have him sworn in if he gave an outstanding performance in the subjugation of Mount Morrison’s labyrinth.

To put it nicely, it was a reasonable offer. It was a thoroughly calculated move by Count Evergrove.

“It was because Sir Galfredik coveted so much merit that this happened in the first place…”

Lugates muttered, and Eugene glanced at him. Eugene found him rather distasteful, but he held back since they were in the presence of the count’s successor. Eugene spoke to Jevin.

“Then will I be entering the labyrinth along with Sir Entler and Master Romari?”

“That is correct. There will also be 14 mercenaries and four porters.”

Including Eugene’s group, the total number of participants would come to 27. These numbers were average at best, but with the addition of a wizard, they would be an even stronger force.

“The main objective of the subjugation will be to search for Sir Galfredik and the missing party. I will compensate you 300 silver coins upon success. I will also let the Palin Association know. Can you leave tomorrow morning?”

“Yes.”

“I like that you are straightforward. Then let me explain the plan for the subjugation.”

Jevin continued to explain for several minutes. The subjugation would be headed by Entler, one of Evergrove’s territorial knights, and Romari was hired to track the missing group.

“Do you have any questions?”

“No.”

“Good. I will have accommodations ready for you and your people, Sir Eugene.”

The butler had been waiting outside the room. At Jevin’s instructions, he personally led Eugene to his residence.

“Sir Eugene. Do you have a moment?”

Eugene started following the butler. However, he was interrupted by the wizard, even though she had remained completely silent during their time in the office. After asking the butler for understanding, Eugene approached Romari, who was standing a little distance away.

“What is it?”

Romari asked in a quiet voice. Her eyes were still dazed and without focus.

“Excuse me, but I would like to speak to you alone later. Would that be okay?”

“Kieeek!? Is this wench trying to seduce our esteemed Sir Eugene? I cannot allow it! Get lost!”

Eugene ignored Mirian’s tantrum and responded.

“I have no reason to, nor have the desire to.”

“I promise that it will not be a waste of your time, Sir Eugene. Rather, you might find it helpful. Could you spare me a moment after dinner? I will come to visit you quietly.”

“Hmm. Well, do as you like.”

Eugene contemplated briefly before nodding.

Unlike priests, wizards were not known to be very hostile toward vampires, and Romari was a wizard who would be helpful in finding Galfredik.

*** 

“I cannot believe he’s missing…”

Eugene clicked his tongue after entering his provided residence. Things were taking a strange turn from the first subjugation he was participating in after signing the contract with the Palin Association.

Mirian babbled while sitting on his shoulder. “Sir, sir. That big bear is a little weird too, but the wizard girl who looked like a raccoon. Don’t you find her a little weird?”

“Why?”

“They said she was from the Sandstone School, but I could not feel that much earth energy from her. Rather, I thought she was emitting an energy similar to the dark tribe. Did you not feel it?”

“Hmm.”

It was his first time meeting a wizard, but Eugene agreed with Mirian’s words. Perhaps it was instinctive, or the sixth sense of a vampire.

The moment he met Romari’s eyes, he was surprised to see she was a woman, but also because she felt rather familiar. Perhaps it was the power of her magic, but Eugene trusted his sixth sense. His instincts had never been wrong before.

“Well, she said she had something to say, so we will find out sooner or later.”

“Hmph! You can’t fall for her though, okay? The seniors told me that wizard wenches were crazy about men!”

“I have no interest.”

“Kekeke! I knew I could trust you, Sir Eugene!”

The crazy spirit quickly abandoned her spazzy attitude and laughed boisterously. Eugene simply ignored her and contemplated.

‘What is it that she wants to talk to me about? She didn’t look particularly dangerous.’

Although it was improbable, if he judged the wizard to be a threat, then today would be the day he would feast on a wizard’s blood for the first time.