“Was the dragon truly a demon?” Duke Valentino asked.

Scarlett stood at the entrance of the man’s opulent office, observing the portly man seated behind an arched wooden desk. His brows were furrowed deeply as he looked at Sir Home beside her.

“Yes, Your Grace. It was the largest demon I have ever encountered, and while it bore an uncanny resemblance to a dragon, there was no mistaking its true nature,” Sir Home answered. The captain of the Sable knight order wore the same grim expression that had been etched upon his face all morning as he presented his report. “I understand why you might have mistaken it for a dragon when it attacked you and the young Lord, but no living creature in this world exudes such a malevolent aura, nor could any emit a breath as cursed as the one it unleashed. It could only have originated from the Blazes.”

“I received your scout’s report, but I never anticipated such a foul creature to be responsible for my injuries and my son’s current state,” the duke muttered, his expression laced with barely restrained anger. He rested one arm on the desk, which was meticulously organized with neatly arranged papers and documents.

Scarlett and the rest of the group that had returned from their mission to slay the Vilewyrm had arrived in Bridgespell again not long ago. Upon their return, she and the knight captain had immediately been summoned to Duke Valentino’s office to discuss the details of the ‘harrowing’ encounter.

“I had hoped it would not be as dire as it sounded, but this is far worse than I feared. This situation is reminiscent of that incident in Quickmallow.” The duke fixed his gaze on Sir Home, his eyes sharp and probing. “And you are certain that the demons which attacked your men after the fight retreated towards Crowcairn?”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

“Do we know why that village in particular?”

“No. However, there were no signs of an attack, and my men reported seeing the villagers going about their routines. It is likely that the demons are in hiding.”

The duke’s frown deepened as he assumed a contemplative expression. “…I’ve assembled those who arrived too late to join your expedition yesterday, as well as several guardsmen. They are prepared to depart at a moment’s notice. I am entrusting you with this matter, Captain Home, and granting you the authority to take any necessary action to resolve this issue swiftly and prevent further harm. I have faith in your judgment and ability to handle this situation.”

“Of course, Your Grace,” Sir Home responded in a deep, unwavering voice. “I am fully prepared to execute your orders to the best of my ability.”

Scarlett studied the man for a moment, her eyes scrutinizing his expression, before shifting her attention to the duke. “What do you intend to do?” she asked.

The duke looked at her. “Is it not obvious? This corruption has been festering within my domain for Ittar knows how long, but we have only just now uncovered its presence. It is my duty to eradicate this evil by whatever means necessary, and that includes bringing any individuals responsible for this situation to justice. If there exists a network of demon-cooperators and their sympathizers within that village, I will ensure that each one faces the consequences of their actions.”

Scarlett’s gaze remained on him for several seconds before she lowered her head slightly in a nod. “I suppose you are right,” she said. “In that case, I would like to make a request.”

“And what might that be?”

“Allow me to join Sir Home and his men on their mission to Crowcairn.”

The duke’s eyebrows shot up as he regarded her. “…Why?” he asked, his tone laced with a hint of skepticism.

“I possess prior experience dealing with demons and their kind,” Scarlett replied. “As a member of the empire’s nobility, I cannot simply ignore a matter of this magnitude. My duty compels me to offer my assistance in dealing with this threat.”

“This matter is far too delicate and fraught with danger. I cannot permit outsiders to interfere simply because they wish to. While I will extend my gratitude for your role in bringing this situation to my attention, this is the extent of your involvement.”

“I assure you that I will in no way hinder your people’s efforts,” Scarlett said. “In fact, I suspect my expertise and abilities could prove invaluable. There will also be no risk of my sustaining any injuries and the blame falling upon you, if that was one of your concerns. I am more than capable of protecting myself, as Sir Home might be able to attest.”

Duke Valentino turned to Sir Home, who offered a single nod.

“Baroness Hartford is a highly skilled mage, Your Grace,” the knight captain acknowledged. “She was the one who slew the demon during our battle.”

The duke’s eyes widened slightly, the surprise clear on his face.

“To be precise,” Scarlett said. “I merely delivered the final blow. By that point, the demon had already been severely weakened by the valiant efforts of Sir Home and his men. It was only a matter of time until it succumbed to its injuries. While I am indeed proficient in magic, please do not misconstrue that as me single-handedly neutralizing a threat on the scale of a dragon.”

“That may be true,” Sir Home interjected, “but from what I observed, she is likely more skilled than any of the mages under my command. Without her and her companions’ timely assistance during the final moments of the battle, many more of my people would have suffered grave injuries or died. If we are to face more demons, I believe her aid could be a great boon, Your Grace.”

Scarlett glanced at the aging knight, noticing that he kept his gaze fixed ahead, refraining from looking at her directly as he spoke. Still, that was some pretty glowing praise, considering she had avoided helping them for most of the fight. Was he just keeping business separate from private matters?

Well, not that what he thought of her mattered that much. As long as he didn’t outright protest against her joining them.

She returned her attention to Duke Valentino, who was scrutinizing her closely. Finally, the man spoke. “Perhaps some of those rumors circulating about you aren’t that exaggerated after all, Baroness.”

Scarlett met his gaze, wondering specifically which rumors he was referring to. Lately, it seemed like her name was gaining more and more traction within noble circles, but she was always left in the dark regarding the nature of these whispered speculations. Maybe she could check with Evelyne when she returned to Freybrook to see if the younger woman knew anything. Or perhaps she could send a letter to Lady Withersworth. The older lady was well-versed in these matters, and she might even appreciate Scarlett’s correspondence.

After a brief pause, the duke continued. “I will permit you to accompany Captain Home and his men,” he declared. “…If your claims are indeed accurate, then I welcome your assistance. However, I must ask, where have you encountered demons before?”

Scarlett allowed herself to show him a polite smile. “The specifics of my past encounters with demons are a topic better suited for another time. Let us simply say that my recent endeavours, including those related to my Zuverian research, have exposed me to a multitude of challenges and valuable information.”

The duke let out a soft huff, as if he had expected a more in-depth answer than that. Soon, however, he turned to Sir Home, as if just having realised something. “I regret the necessity of burdening you with this responsibility immediately after the ordeal you just returned from, Captain. For that, and bringing you away from new grandchildren, you have my apologies. However, you understand the severity of the situation just as well as I do, so ensure that you handle it swiftly so that you may return and enjoy your well-deserved rest.”

Scarlett also shifted her gaze towards Sir Home, noting the traces of exhaustion lingering on his features. Nevertheless, she was impressed by his resilience and rapid recovery compared to his state immediately after the battle. If she had been in his shoes, she wouldn’t have been surprised if she had needed a week and a half of bed rest, even with access to healing magic.

“That I will,” the knight declared.

The duke nodded in acknowledgment before addressing them both. “Is there anything else we need to discuss before your departure?”

Sir Home’s forehead creased together as something seemed to cross his mind. “While I fully intend to carry out your orders as instructed, Your Grace, I feel I must ask: shouldn’t we also seek help from the Followers of Ittar? Considering the circumstances, the Dawnbringers would prove invaluable if the situation escalates beyond our control.”

“I will forward a request to them,” the duke said. “But I am reluctant to risk the demons evading capture or escaping while we wait for the Followers to act. Assembling a substantial force would take too long. That is why I want you to deal with it to the best of your abilities. If it becomes insurmountable, however, we will have to rely on them as reinforcements. In such a scenario, you should at least assess the situation so that we know what we are dealing with.”

“Very well,” Sir Home replied.

The duke turned his attention to Scarlett, his eyes studying her once more. “…We shall discuss the details regarding compensation for your assistance in vanquishing the demon and addressing this other issue once all of this is resolved. I heard that the demons made off with the heart of our alleged ‘dragon’, after all, which I suppose means you’ll have other requests in exchange.”

The faint smile that graced Scarlett’s lips now was much more genuine than the previous one. “I eagerly await that discussion, Your Grace.”

The man simply grumbled, offering no further response.

After that, Scarlett and Sir Home left the duke’s office, with the knight captain stating that he would find and gather the men the duke had mentioned. Meanwhile, Scarlett went in search of her own party.

Allyssa and the others awaited her in a reception room within the duke’s manor, a space with minimal decorations but suitable for hosting less distinguished guests for shorter durations. Her companions were gathered on a couch, a modest spread of refreshments and drinks laid out on the table before them, courtesy of the duke’s servants.

Scarlett took her place in an armchair across from them and recounted her conversation with the duke.

“So we’re leaving immediately?” Allyssa asked once she had finished.

“As soon as Sir Home and his men are ready, yes,” Scarlett answered, taking a moment to pour herself a cup of tea. It seemed she wouldn’t have time for a proper meal until this situation was resolved.

“And where is this Crowcairn?” Shin asked, the young man eating an apple.

Scarlett tested the tea’s temperature, adjusting it to her liking with her pyrokinesis. “It lies near the swamp where we fought the demon.”

Allyssa fiddled with a strand of her golden hair, cradling her brown leather goggles in her lap. Her expression carried a hint of concern. “And they’re really certain that those demons are hiding there?”

“Certain? No.” Scarlett sipped her tea. “However, it is the only lead they have to follow. I concur with their assessment; it seems a plausible scenario that the demons would be hiding there. I trust that I do not have to explain to you the dire consequences if demons are allowed to run rampant across the countryside.”

Allyssa shook her head. “No, I get it. It’s not like we can ignore something like this. In fact, I’m surprised the duke isn’t involving the Shields Guild, given how serious all of this is. I get that all the branches are stretched thin right now, but this is an emergency.”

Scarlett continued drinking her tea, glancing up at the girl. “I believe I have a decent grasp of the duke’s reasoning.”

Allyssa’s brows furrowed in confusion, though judging from Shin’s serious expression, he understood what Scarlett meant.

“The duke is considering the possibility that the entire village may be in league with the demons,” he said. “…And like Scarlett said, it’s his duty to ‘deal’ with the situation, regardless of the methods. The Guild might not agree with what that might mean.”

Allyssa froze, one finger curled around her hair. She stared at Shin, then turned to Scarlett. “That can’t be true, can it?”

Scarlett remained silent, steadily meeting her gaze.

The girls’ eyes widened. “We’re talking about an entire village of people. Surely he can’t seriously be considering killing them all? There’s no way that’s legal!”

“If they have all willingly engaged in summoning and making pacts with demons, it would be considered the lawful execution of dangerous criminals,” Scarlett said, maintaining a dispassionate tone. “I do not know what else you would expect.”

For a moment, Allyssa seemed genuinely shocked by her words. “…Anything else but that. That’s what a tyrant would do.”

“Perhaps. But in such a scenario, the duke would be well within his rights to do so. Of course, there is no guarantee that all the villagers are involved, so this is all mere conjecture.”

Scarlett knew for a fact that the village itself wasn’t really ‘involved’ with Malachi’s demons, but she supposed that distinction didn’t really matter much. The truth wasn’t much better, at least from the perspective of an imperial noble.

Allyssa looked at her with narrowed eyes. “But you’re talking as if it isn’t.”

Scarlett stayed quiet for a few seconds, continuing to drink her tea with an air of indifference. “If you would prefer to stay in Bridgespell for this expedition, you are more than welcome to do so. With Sir Home and his men present, it is unlikely that I will require your specific services this time. The same goes for you, Shin.”

While she wouldn’t stop them from going if they really wanted to, it might be best for both of them if they didn’t. Scarlett herself might not be affected by such things, but the same couldn’t be said for everyone.

Both Shielders looked at her. Allyssa wore her emotions openly on her face, her expression a mix of horror and anger, while Shin appeared to be trying to gauge Scarlett’s intentions.

“Can I also decide not to go?” Fynn suddenly asked.

Scarlett blinked, turning her head to the white-haired young man. “You wish to remain behind?”

He shook his head. “No, but clearly you don’t want to go,” he stated, his yellow eyes meeting hers.

She frowned. “I do not understand what you mean by that. As I have already informed you, I have every intention of accompanying the duke’s men when they depart.”

“But you’re angry.”

“Angry?” She set her teacup on the table before her, leveling a sharp gaze at Fynn. “I am not angry.”

Surprisingly, she found herself slightly annoyed by his claim.

“You are,” Fynn said. “You’ve been angry ever since this morning when we first heard about the demons near Crowcairn.”

“I have not—” Scarlett paused, staring at him. Her brows furrowed even deeper as she actually considered his words. He wasn’t entirely wrong. She wasn’t angry, but…there had been something gnawing at her ever since she realized that Malachi had deliberately framed the villagers. She initially thought it was irritation at the woman doing exactly what Scarlett herself had chosen not to, rendering her restraint pointless, but now that she truly thought about it, that wasn’t the case. This was something else.

If she were to put it into words, it was distaste.

Strange, considering things. Even stranger that she hadn’t even realized what it was until now. And here she was, thinking she had finally started getting a hang of her own emotions as Scarlett.

She shook her head slowly, returning her focus to Fynn. “You are not entirely mistaken, but no, I am not angry. As for whether I wish to go or not, that matter is not up for debate. I must go, and that is that.”

Fynn studied her silently for several seconds before nodding. “Alright. Then I’m going as well.”

“Good.” Scarlett turned to Allyssa and Shin. “And you two?”

“…If the duke’s men decide that all the villagers are guilty, will they really try to kill them?” Allyssa asked.

“That is not a question I can provide a definitive answer to, but it would not surprise me.”

“Couldn’t you stop them?”

“I…” Scarlett pressed her lips together. Her intention had been to answer with a simple ‘no’, but for some reason, the word hadn’t left her mouth. Instead, that strange distaste reared its head, clamoring for her attention like a persistent bug. “…I do not see how I could,” she eventually said.

“I see.” Allyssa wore a complicated expression as her gaze dropped downwards. “I’ll…I’ll think about it. Just until we leave. Sorry, is that okay?”

“That is perfectly fine,” Scarlett said. She then looked at Shin.

“I’ll go if she goes,” he stated.

Scarlett nodded. “I suspected as much. Simply ensure that you reach your decisions soon, and that you understand the gravity of the situation before doing so. I trust that you will be able to choose what is best for you.”

Meanwhile, Scarlett would make the choice that was best for her. And in this context, that meant what was best for Rosa.

That said, she might have to reconsider a bit exactly what that meant.