Embracing Magic - E.M Chapter 130 (Part 1)

A crowd began to gather at the site where the enormous beast had fallen.

Yesterday, the Tower Master and mages of the Landes Magic Tower arrived during the day, and the knights who had lured the giant beast returned at midnight.

By morning, mercenaries who had fought the beast even once and soldiers from the Hedenes region had joined them. Even nobles in luxurious carriages made their appearance.

More than 1,000 people had gathered in the relatively small clearing. With so many people present, it wasn’t even easy to get a clear view of the giant beast.

“Quite the commotion.”

“Has the Tower Master arrived?”

“Yes. But why is there such a crowd all of a sudden?”

“Isn’t it because of the beast? A monster that devastated two nations has been slain.”

Most of the people were gathered around the corpse of the beast. In the back, many even climbed atop carriages for a better view.

“Tsk, people should maintain some order.”

“They’re curious about who killed the beast.”

“Well, I suppose that’s understandable. Let them know that the person responsible will arrive today, so they’ll meet him soon enough.”

Rodin had slain the giant beast just yesterday afternoon. Barely a day had passed.

Yet, both the Kingdom of Tebia and the Kingdom of Lennox were already in an uproar.

Every tavern in the bustling streets was abuzz with stories about the giant beast and the hero who defeated it. Some even described the battle as if they had seen it themselves, though they clearly hadn’t.

“I understand. But…”

“But what? Do you have more to say?”

“There’s a rumor spreading that our magic tower was the one to slay the beast. What should we do?”

The Landes Magic Tower was the strongest single force among those gathered here. Coincidentally, the tower’s mages had arrived at the scene only yesterday.

Given the timing and circumstances, the rumor that the Landes Magic Tower had killed the beast was spreading as though it were true.

“Just tell the truth. Or are you after credit for something you didn’t do?”

“Of course not. What’s the point of claiming credit for something we didn’t achieve? The truth will come out eventually. It’s just… I don’t have enough information to explain anything to the people.”

“His name was Rodin, wasn’t it? As for his age… hmm, I’m not sure. But he’s definitely young.”

Francis, the Tower Master, hadn’t seen Rodin’s face. All he knew was that Rodin had a not-so-old voice, was quite tall, and had a sturdy build.

‘He seemed to deliberately hide his face.’

When Rodin reached the 7th Circle, Karis and Jena had stood guard. After his ascension, he wore a robe with the hood pulled low over his face.

‘Even while rescuing his siblings, he kept his hood up. It’s clear—he’s deliberately hiding his face. Is he a criminal?’

At the time, Rodin had been rushing at full speed with Larry and Bianca.

Naturally, he hadn’t donned the robe intentionally; it was simply what happened when he summoned Jito, who transformed him into his usual hooded-robed appearance.

“Do we have any other information?”

“Ah! It seems his home is in the Marquisate of Richmond.”

“The Marquisate of Richmond? That’s in the Kingdom of Lennox, isn’t it? Could he have chased the beast all the way from there?”

The giant beast had first appeared in the Kingdom of Lennox. Meanwhile, this place was Hedens, on the western edge of the Kingdom of Tevia. Crossing the border and traveling this far was no small feat.

“No, it didn’t seem like that. It felt more like he encountered the beast while traveling with another destination in mind. Though, we’ll only know for sure if we ask him directly.”

“I see. I’ll make sure to spread that version of the story.”

“Good. Also, send someone to the Marquisate of Richmond to investigate this Rodin fellow.”

Francis couldn’t shake the unease caused by Rodin’s hidden face. It felt like there had to be a reason.

‘Could he be part of Slavon or Vallis Nova?’

Slavon and Vallis Nova were secretive organizations, often dismissed as mere conspiracy theories.

However, someone of Francis’s stature—one of the Tower Masters of the four great towers—would inevitably have access to certain insider knowledge. He knew these groups truly existed and wielded considerable power.

Francis suspected that Rodin might be affiliated with one of these organizations.

“Is there anything in particular that arouses suspicion?”

“Not yet. I’ll let you know when I’m certain.”

“Understood. I’ll dispatch someone.”

The Kingdom of Lennox fell under the influence of the Cedria Magic Tower. It was customary to seek Cedria’s permission before any activity in their territory.

But the Landes Magic Tower was an exception. While they would notify Cedria of any major operations, conducting simple information-gathering didn’t require permission.

Matthew woke to the sound of birds chirping at dawn. The horrifying events of the previous day flashed through his mind, but the cool, fresh air quickly helped him regain his composure.

“Ah! My body… feels amazing.”

Life often leaves people with accumulated fatigue and minor injuries, causing stiffness and discomfort.

But after drinking the potion Rodin gave him and receiving healing magic, all his aches and fatigue had vanished. He felt so light, it was as if he could fly.

“Matthew, you’re awake.”

“Ah, Lady Jena. Good morning.”

“Yes, a good morning to you. Are you planning to prepare breakfast?”

“Of course. It’s my job, after all.”

Matthew instinctively checked his cooking utensils. He also glanced at the neighboring tent, where Larry and Bianca were still sleeping.

“There’s no need to worry. They’ve fully recovered.”

“Oh, is that so? By the way, where’s the boss?”

“He’s doing his morning training.”

Jena pointed to a spot behind the carriage, out of sight.

“And Lady Karis? I don’t see her around.”

“She’s stepped out for a while. She’ll be back in a few days.”

“But I thought she was injured yesterday.”

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