Chapter 6.2

In the drawing room, a young man with dark brown hair and slightly lighter eyes waited for her.

As soon as he saw her, he smiled brightly.

“Greetings. I’m Alec, a Mage of the Imperial Court.”

Alec seemed unusually outgoing for a mage.

Mages were known to control the ambient magic others couldn’t even sense, but most of them were aloof, difficult, and antisocial. They rarely shared their findings with the world.

That was the stereotype of a mage in the empire.

Synox was a rare exception. While most mages hoarded their power jealously, he used it freely to help others.

Rosaline had come across numerous newspapers describing his involvement in national relief programs and charitable work.

…And that was why he had said he would “provide what she needed.” He was good at helping others.

Rosaline squeezed her eyes shut tightly, then opened them again. It wasn’t proper to think about someone else while speaking to a guest.

“I should’ve introduced myself first. I’m Rosaline Rensier. I’m acting as head of house while my parents are away.”

In name only, of course. When the count and countess were away, it was the butler, Dwen, who managed most household affairs. Rosaline only stepped in when her presence was personally requested or etiquette required it.

“Thank you again for your help the other day.”

“No thanks needed. As someone under imperial service, it was my duty. How’s your health?”

“Thanks to you, I’m well.”

Though the method used to save her wasn’t something she could ever talk about… it still didn’t feel quite real.

Alec moved naturally into the main topic.

“I’m here today to collect a description of the kidnapper. Your sister already gave her statement, so we’ll add details from your answers to further the investigation.”

He asked a few procedural questions, then got to the appearance of the assailant.

“Red hair, dark green eyes, reasonably good-looking. Early to mid-twenties. Is there anything else you’d like to add?”

Rosaline paused just before answering.

“All thanks to the ‘saint’ of Aphlenta, one of you will spend the rest of her life broken.”

Anyone could tell the kidnapper had been targeting Synox. It was almost as if he wanted her and Aria to resent him.

Synox had his enemies. He was too prominent not to, but this was the first time Rosaline had been caught in the crossfire.

Whatever the kidnapper’s grudge, it wasn’t Synox who had harmed them. It was him.

Rosaline had no desire to play into the attacker’s agenda.

And yet, her thoughts returned to that moment. The damp floor, the dim, crumbling walls, the ropes that cut into her wrists…

“I want to get a good look at the Rose of Rensier.”

…That mocking voice.

A tightness gripped her chest, and she tried to breathe slowly, one breath at a time. Alec set his pen and paper down.

“Are you alright?”

“Yes.”

“That concludes the statement. If you want to add anything later, feel free to send a letter to my research office at the Imperial Palace or contact the city guard.”

Please use whichever method is most convenient for you. With that, he rose.

Rosaline followed him to the entrance of the garden.

“You truly didn’t have to accompany me this far.”

“It was no trouble.”

Since she had cut the conversation short earlier, it was only right to see him off properly.

Alec hesitated for a moment, then asked, “Would you like to know more about the kidnapper?”

Rosaline paused.

It was considered undignified for nobles to dig into criminal investigations. But still…

“Yes.”

Alec responded without surprise, like he’d expected that answer.

“He’s believed to be a mage operating outside the Tower. It’s exceedingly rare for one to reach adulthood without registering, which means he likely lived far from the capital.”

“There are mages who aren’t registered with the Tower?”

Every mage Rosaline had ever met was affiliated with it. Even Synox, even though he rarely set foot inside.

He was still destined to succeed the Tower’s leadership.

The Tower—often called the Ivory Tower—maintained magical order by selecting the strongest mage of each generation to inherit its power.

The current Archmage had led for decades. When she passed, Synox was expected to take her place.

Alec shrugged.

“Some people want more freedom than they’re allowed.”

“…”

“He’ll be caught soon. Don’t worry.”

Now then, Miss Rensier, the sun’s starting to get hot. I’ll excuse myself.

Alec paused, waiting politely for Rosaline to extend her hand, as etiquette required.

He bowed and brushed a kiss across her knuckles.

“If the opportunity arises, I hope we meet again.”

Once he was gone, Rosaline turned to go back inside—

“Miss Rensier.”

“Lord Aphlenta?”

She froze at the voice. At the end of the corridor stood Synox, and he was now striding toward her.