There Is No Place For Fakes [EN]: Chapter 62

* * *

The next day, in the Emperor’s office.

Count Polan entered, having completed the investigation the Emperor ordered after yesterday’s dinner.

“The investigation confirms Philomell was indeed detained at the police station.”

*Crack.*

The Emperor’s grip tightened, cracking the armrest.

Count Polan continued his report, his voice reflecting the increased tension.

“However, I couldn’t uncover the specific circumstances of her detention. I apologize.”

“Why?”

“Reportedly, none of the personnel present at the police station during that time remain in Angelium. The prisoners detained with her have vanished, and the police officers involved abruptly resigned and left the city.”

“…That Averide whelp must be involved.”

Justis spoke, his voice low and dangerous.

“Now that I think of it, Duke Averide hastily returned from Angelium, met with Philomell, and departed the capital the very next day. If there was intervention, it must have occurred then.”

“The impudent fellow. How dare he conceal matters concerning my daughter and act as he pleases?”

“Shall we summon the Duke and reprimand him?”

Count Polan asked cautiously.

“…No, not for now. He is still Philomell’s fiancé, after all.”

Justis hesitated, then waved his hand in refusal.

Seeing this, Count Polan inwardly breathed a sigh of relief. Antagonizing the Empire’s most meritorious family served no purpose.

The Emperor commanded, his face cold.

“However, one act of grace is sufficient. Track down those who have disappeared. If they are alive, eliminate them without exception.”

“As you command.”

Having given his reply, Count Polan raised another matter.

“Also, there’s something else Your Majesty should be aware of.”

“What is it?”

“Sir Humphrey is waiting outside the office to report directly to Your Majesty.”

“Let him in.”

Soon, Humphrey, the highest-ranking court wizard, entered. He was an exceptional wizard, rapidly promoted and even granted a title despite joining the palace staff only a few years prior.

Humphrey paid his respects before speaking.

“This concerns the two new court wizards who recently joined our ranks.”

“Is there a problem?”

The Emperor frowned at the mention of mere new court wizards.

“It might not be a problem… but the fact that both are Children of Dawn is unsettling.”

“Children of Dawn?”

‘Children of Dawn’ referred to a past experiment and the beings born from it.

Justis tapped the desk, lost in thought.

“Children of Dawn… A grandiose name for the madness a crazy wizard committed.”

The experiment was conducted relatively secretly within the Magic Tower, but its scale and the number of people involved made complete concealment impossible.

Belleroph and other countries were keenly interested in the experiment’s results. Understandably so, as it potentially created tremendous power in large quantities.

The experiment was as alluring as it was dangerous.

What if that power, previously uncontrollable, fell into their hands?

They licked their lips, consumed by desire.

Humphrey spoke cautiously.

“Three children were born from that experiment. One is extremely reclusive, so I don’t know him well, but I know the other two.”

Count Polan’s expression turned serious as he listened.

“Your Majesty, should we arrest them immediately?”

Justis remained silent, staring at Humphrey.

“Did you inquire why they became court wizards?”

“I did, but they only stated it was for personal reasons.”

“Have their actions been suspicious?”

“No. I’ve been observing them, and there have been no unusual occurrences.”

“Then there’s no justification for arresting them. Simply place them under surveillance.”

“But they might be plotting something!”

Count Polan exclaimed sharply.

“Polan, involving ourselves with the Magic Tower or the Children of Dawn will only create complications. And…”

Justis smiled arrogantly.

“Even if they have ulterior motives, do you believe they pose even the slightest threat to me?”

“However…”

“If their father himself were to appear, it might be a different matter. But he’s not one to resort to such troublesome tactics, unless he openly invades.”

“…I understand.”

Ultimately, Humphrey departed with only the order to monitor the two brothers.

Count Polan was about to leave to carry out his orders when he addressed the Emperor again.

His lord seemed uneasy.

“Your Majesty, is something troubling you?”

“…No. It’s nothing. It must be my imagination. You may go.”

Count Polan retreated, puzzled.

* * *

Lexion arrived at the appointed place later than the agreed-upon time.

Jeremiah spat out, sullenly.

“You’re late.”

“I apologize. I was delayed because I had to evade surveillance.”

“Did they notice?”

“It’s unavoidable, given that we didn’t infiltrate under false identities. Even if we had disguised ourselves, we would have been discovered quickly. The Empire’s intelligence capabilities are not to be underestimated.”

Jeremiah sighed.

“Keep a close watch on Cardin. If left unchecked, he won’t even realize he’s being monitored.”

“I’ve warned him. With Lughin’s assistance, Cardin can easily shake off the surveillance.”

“Why do I have to go through all this trouble…”

Jeremiah clicked his tongue.

“It’s to get Phil away from here. Isn’t that why you stayed behind as well?”

Lexion continued in an indifferent tone.

“…”

“Your existence shouldn’t be exposed yet. Please persuade her as soon as possible, leveraging our shared experiences.”

“…Even if I persuade her, what am I supposed to do?”

“The most effective approach is to transform the Magic Tower into a place that Phil finds appealing.”

“How?”

“It’s simple. Bring the things Phil likes to the Magic Tower.”

“What does she like?”

Jeremiah muttered, then asked.

“You and Lughin need to figure that out. What else are you doing while staying by Phil’s side?”

Lexion narrowed his eyes.

“Think carefully. You may have already noticed something.”

“There’s no way… !”

“I heard you went to the central square with her the other day.”

Jeremiah recalled and spoke.

“She mentioned liking the pastries from a confectionery called Cression.”

“Cression is problematic. It’s so famous that they’d be reluctant to come to the Magic Tower under any circumstances. Should we resort to threats?”

“…And she said the apple pie she ate at that run-down pastry shop was also delicious.”

Jeremiah recalled Philomell’s flushed face after eating the apple pie.

“That wouldn’t be difficult. I’ll handle the recruitment.”

“Are you serious about doing it?”

“Of course. If we offer excellent conditions, wouldn’t they want to relocate to the Magic Tower?”

Lexion said confidently.

But the news he brought the next day was not good.

“I apologize. I went there, but the owner’s family had already disappeared.”

Jeremiah narrowed his brow.

“Where to?”

“They left in a hurry, as if eloping, and no one knows where they went. The Rainbow Confectionery has also closed.”

“That was a wasted effort.”

“It can’t be helped. But where did they go?”

Their question was soon answered. The answer was in the breakfast Philomell received.

“Wow, Jeremiah. This apple pie was made by the owner of the place we ate at.”

“What? That guy is here?”

“According to the maid who brought the table, he was suddenly specially hired by the Imperial Palace.”

They were preempted in a spectacular fashion. The Emperor had moved first.

Only Philomell remained completely unaware of the behind-the-scenes struggles taking place because of her.

“It’s probably because of me. I mentioned the apple pie in front of Ellensia, and she said she wanted to eat it. So, I think His Majesty gave such an order.”

Jeremiah decided not to tell his innocent sister the details. It was more beneficial for them if she remained ignorant.

“Anyway, it’s good that we get to eat this apple pie here. It’s also a good thing for the owner since he got to work at the Imperial Palace.”

Philomell opened her mouth wide and devoured the pie, savoring it with a happy expression.