Chapter 142: The Mad Magus They Already Met [Part 2]

Chapter 142. The Mad Magus They Already Met [Part 2]

Tessa intervened. "There’s nothing wrong, my lord. We simply received separate orders from the Light Temple."

"What orders? Why wasn’t I informed about them?"

"Concerning Lord Rey."

Cassian’s expression became more guarded. "What kind of orders?"

Vera answered before Tessa could say anything else. "I’m afraid we cannot disclose the details."

Chief Marr frowned. "He’s the man who saved this town."

"We understand."

"Then I hope your Temple intends to thank him."

Vera met his gaze. "Our responsibility is to ensure that Lord Rey receives the attention appropriate to his position." It wasn’t technically a lie. Unfortunately, the attention involved placing him before the Holy Relic and examining his body for traces of forbidden corruption. Something she doubted he’d appreciate.

Lord Veymont remained silent for a moment. Then he stood. "Very well. Follow me."

The six women exchanged glances. They’d already lost the advantage of arriving while Rey was occupied. They couldn’t afford to lose him altogether. Because if Rey Valen decided to leave Lumenford before they met him, their entire journey would become meaningless. And that possibility was more realistic than Vera cared to admit.

He was a Royal Magus. A master of six elements. Wind included. He could simply fly away. No need to inform anyone. He could be halfway back to his estate before they realized he’d departed.

Vera followed the lord into the corridor.

Behind her, Tessa leaned toward Rina. "Did you expect this?"

"Of course not."

Nora lowered her voice. "Maybe the rumors about his abilities weren’t exaggerated."

Maeve shook her head. "Or maybe the rumors about his madness weren’t."

Vera heard every word. She said nothing.

The lord led them past several rooms overlooking the courtyard, before stopping outside a large wooden door. "This is Lord Rey’s room." He knocked. "Lord Rey?"

No answer.

He waited. Then knocked again. "Lord Rey, the Light Temple has sent representatives to see you."

Silence.

Vera felt her stomach tighten.

Lord Veymont tried once more. "Lord Rey?" Nothing. Finally, he opened the door.

The room was empty.

Sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating a neatly made bed and an untouched writing desk. There was no luggage. No cloak or sign of the Royal Magus.

Vera stepped inside. Her gaze swept across the room. Nothing.

Lord Veymont scratched his chin. "Hm. It seems he’s gone out."

"Gone out?" Tessa repeated.

"Perhaps he’s strolling around town. He mentioned wanting to enjoy Lumenford before leaving."

Vera’s expression stiffened.

’Before leaving.’

Those two words were considerably more alarming than the lord probably realized.

Rina glanced at her captain. Nora’s smile had disappeared. Even Maeve, who’d spent most of the journey making shameless observations about a certain naked stranger, looked genuinely concerned.

Vera turned sharply. "We need to find him."

Lord Veymont frowned. "Is there really such urgency?"

"Yes."

"May I ask why?"

Vera hesitated. She couldn’t reveal the Temple’s actual objective. Not yet. Especially not to two officials who clearly held Rey Valen in high regard. If they discovered the Temple intended to examine their savior for forbidden corruption, they might warn him.

And if Rey decided not to cooperate... Six S-Rank warriors might not be enough.

Vera knew that better than anyone. A magus capable of defeating the Dark Lord was not someone they could simply surround and threaten. Their orders specifically required them to bring him back peacefully whenever possible. Because provoking Rey Valen into a fight was precisely what the Temple wanted to avoid.

"We have separate instructions," she repeated. "That’s all I can tell you."

Lord Veymont looked unconvinced. "I see." His tone suggested he saw considerably more than she wanted him to.

Vera stepped toward the door. "Sisters. We’ll divide the town into search areas."

"Understood," Rina answered immediately.

"Tessa and Nora, search the eastern market and the harbor. Rina and Syl, take the residential district and the main streets. Maeve, search the western side and the coastal paths."

Maeve nodded. "And you, Captain?"

"I’ll check the administrative quarter and the roads leading out of town."

Tessa hesitated. "Should we ask the guards?"

"Discreetly. We’re looking for Lord Rey, not hunting a criminal. Don’t cause unnecessary alarm."

The women nodded.

Lord Veymont sighed. "I can have my servants inform you if he returns."

"Thank you."

They moved in a hurry.

Outside, the warm afternoon sunlight greeted them. Lumenford’s streets were crowded with merchants, sailors, and townspeople going about their business.

Vera tightened her gloves. This was becoming a nightmare. They’d prepared themselves for a dangerous confrontation with a corrupted magus. Instead, their target had apparently gone sightseeing. What kind of madman treated a mission involving forbidden necromancy like a brief vacation?

Behind her, Tessa suddenly cleared her throat. "Captain?"

"What?"

"Since we’re searching the town anyway..."

Vera closed her eyes. She already knew. "Don’t."

"But that handsome stranger from the beach might be here."

Rina immediately brightened. "Oh! That’s right!"

Nora smiled. "We could find him while looking for Rey Valen."

Syl nodded thoughtfully. "Two searches at once. Very efficient."

Maeve folded her arms. "And if we happen to see him again, we could ask whether he knows where he is staying."

Vera slowly turned toward them.

Five innocent expressions greeted her. She stared. Then sighed. "Fine. But finding Lord Rey comes first."

"Of course!" Tessa answered far too enthusiastically.

"Absolutely," Nora agreed.

"We’re professionals," Rina added.

Vera seriously doubted that last statement. Still, at least their enthusiasm had returned.

Within moments, the six women dispersed into the streets of Lumenford. Each searched for the mysterious Royal Magus and each secretly hoped she’d encounter the breathtaking stranger they’d spotted swimming naked beneath the cliffs.

Vera herself couldn’t entirely dismiss the memory. She shook her head. She had a mission to complete. Unfortunately for her, she had no idea that the two men occupying her thoughts were actually the same person. And somewhere in Lumenford, Rey was enjoying the last moments of his late afternoon while six elite Holy Guardians searched desperately for him.

One could only imagine how their expressions would change when they finally discovered the truth.