Arcadia's Ignoble Knight: Dark Elf Arc

Chapter 29

Sylvia de Floresca had been busy ever since she sent out Elincia and Caspian to take care of matters in Parumé. Of course, when she sent them out, she never expected them to be confronted with a Lich King. After the matter was settled and the Lich King defeated, she had been hoping to let them return home. The information given to her by Callisto De'Falco Genitore had forced her to change that decision. Now the two of them were in Dorumhold to investigate Marquis Hunington, who Callisto said was trafficking slaves.

The office was quiet as she read through several reports. As the leader of the Sorceress Council, she received reports from all over the world, not just Arcadia. Many of these reports were old. It still took about a month or two for letters to reach her from other countries. That said, even if an issue occurred months ago, she needed to be kept abreast in case the situation changed.

D'artagnan stood behind her, his leather armor creaking as he occasionally adjusted his stance. The sound was soothing.

As she was reading a document regarding the political situation in Takama no Hara, the intercom on her desk beeped. Sylvia almost sighed. This new magical technology truly was useful, but she didn't like being interrupted.

"Yes?" she asked into the intercom.

"My Lady, Duke Callisto De'Falco Genitore is here to see you," Lacy said from the other side.

What does that man want now?

Sylvia debated sending him away, but then she sighed. "Send him in please."

"Yes, My Lady."

After shutting off the intercom, Sylvia went back to reading the report in her hand. According to this, there was no political upheaval or even a trace of discontent within Takama no Hara. Not only that, but there was no sign of the murakumos being manufactured there.

What could this mean?

The most obvious conclusion Sylvia had reached was that Takama no Hara had no hand in the production of murakumos, which also meant someone had made those in the likeness of Takama no Hara Peacekeepers to throw her off. A diversion, perhaps? However, if this was a diversion meant to avert the Sorceress Council from the real danger, then where was the real danger?

As she continued to churn over the issue, a knock came at her door.

"My Lady, Callisto De'Falco Genitore is here."

"Send him in."

The doors opened and a man walked in. While he looked as impeccable as always, there was a surprisingly stern frown on his face. His normally kind blue eyes were narrowed in frustration. The frown marring his lips caused her to frown as well.

"Duke Callisto," Sylvia greeted, actually remembering his name. They had seen each other too much for her not to remember. "To what do I owe the honor of your visit?"

"I've come here for an explanation, Lady Sylvia," Callisto said with what sounded like barely suppressed anger. Sylvia narrowed her eyes just a fraction. While this man sounded legitimately angry, she could not help but feel like it was all an act. Even so, she couldn't called him out when she didn't know why he was acting.

"I'm afraid you'll have to be more clear on what I should be explaining," Sylvia replied in a mild voice.

"Just a few days ago, Erica Angelo came to my dukedom to meet with me." Callisto's hands shook as he clenched them into fists. "I thought nothing of it at first, but then she attacked me and my servants. She released a powerful summoning spell that destroyed a good portion of my house and nearly killed me."