Saer de looked like a man in the twilight of his life — his eyes clouded and murky, his reactions to things seemingly sluggish, still wearing that kindly, genial smile, turning a blind eye to the unusual expressions on the faces of Duke Vaolet and Natasha. "Several months ago, thanks to the Lord's revelation and accurate intelligence, the Night Watch of the Tribunal tracked down an agent dispatched by the Magic Parliament who was hiding in Altor. Although the Magic Parliament frequently sends arcanists through Altor to venture into the ruins of the ancient Magic Empire deep within the Dark Mountains, very few dare to linger in Altor and attempt to contact the bearers of the ancient arcane heritage here."
"Perhaps they simply wanted to bring Altor's ancient heritage bearers to the Magic Parliament. That's what they've been doing for the past two hundred and odd years — every additional arcanist, according to the Magic Parliament's current structure, adds considerable strength. Unless that arcanist has no further desire to grow." As a devout adherent of the Church, Duke Vaolet did not seem to share the ordinary person's fear and revulsion toward arcanists — perhaps because he had seen many and possessed a thorough understanding.
While Saer de, Duke Vaolet, and Natasha — the three most authoritative figures in the Principality — sat in the front row of the royal box discussing this matter, the several Counts and Countesses behind them listened intently, their expressions equally peculiar, as though recalling some rumor, yet none of them spoke up.
"Judging by the people he contacted in Altor, he clearly harbored other designs. Unfortunately, the Night Watch failed to take him alive — he destroyed himself." Saer de did not answer directly. Instead, he glanced at the tall Holy Knight standing guard beside them, clad in full plate armor with his face hidden, and let him explain to the Duke and the Princess.
"We suspect that the mysterious arcanist known as 'the Professor' came here for the same purpose, and furthermore was tasked with investigating the death of the previous arcanist. We can therefore conclude that he arrived in Altor after the Witch was burned."
Only knights of the Church could be called Holy Knights.
Though Natasha's expression had been somewhat peculiar earlier, she leaned back in her chair with an air of leisure, perfectly relaxed all along. Now she gazed down at the seats of the common nobility and musicians with a smile in her eyes. "Your grasp of Altor's arcane circle seems quite impressive."
Although Natasha's devotion to the God of Truth had been praised by Cardinal Saer de, and her teacher was none other than the commander of the Holy Sword Knight Order, apart from prayer and when she stood before the God of Truth, she maintained this languid demeanor even in the presence of the Cardinal and the Duke.
"He attempted to conceal his arcane knowledge, but the differences between the current arcane system and the ancient one made his efforts somewhat unsuccessful. Still, it's clear that this Professor does not trust Altor's arcanists. I believe he suspects that the previous arcanist was surrounded and captured precisely because he made contact with the arcane circle here."
The tall Holy Knight relayed the Church's internal assessment. "Our two operatives hidden within Altor's arcane circle have come under suspicion from others because of that incident, making it very difficult for them to track 'the Professor.' Furthermore, until we have concrete intelligence on the Professor, the Night Watch dare not approach their secret gatherings, lest we walk into a trap. I'm afraid we won't be able to arrange a capture."
In Altor, a city where the Church's power ran deep, the bearers of the ancient arcane heritage had, over several centuries, inevitably seen some secretly recruited by the Church, and others who slipped up and were captured, switching allegiance. But the Church had not repeatedly cracked down on Altor's arcanists and apprentices to thoroughly purge the exposed elements — their strength was no longer sufficient to stir up great waves in Altor. On the contrary, preserving the integrity of this arcane circle might lure in bigger fish.
Duke Vaolet stroked his gaunt chin. "The Professor is not an urgent matter. What matters most right now is the movement of the Silver White Horn and what their designs in Altor truly are."
"As you wish, Your Grace." The Holy Knight had come to the same conclusion, since the Magic Parliament had sent only a single, unremarkable arcanist — there would be no grand conspiracy for the time being. "The matter of 'the Professor' has been handed to the junior Night Watch for surveillance. We are devoting our full efforts to tracking the Silver White Horn."
Natasha toyed with her purple hair that reached down to her waist and asked casually, "Still haven't found Long Sang Allen?"
"He may be under someone's protection. Find him and we should find the root of everything." The Holy Knight fell silent after that. Below, the orchestra had finished its preparations — the concert was about to begin.
At that moment, at the entrance to the royal box, a young man with purple hair walked in, half a head taller than Natasha. His features bore a partial resemblance to hers, but his bearing was harder and more composed. He wore a simple knight's uniform bearing only the crest of the Violet family.
He smiled and nodded in greeting to Count Hain, Count Lafati, and the others one by one, then walked to the front row and respectfully bowed to Saer de and Duke Vaolet.
"Dear cousin, you're late." Natasha waved her hand with a smile. This was none other than Count Verdi, the supreme commander of the City Guard and nephew of Duke Vaolet.
After completing his knight's salute, Count Verdi sat down beside Natasha, with only the middle-aged woman between them. "Before coming over, I was dealing with some intelligence the City Guard received about the Silver White Horn. Unfortunately, nothing very useful came of it."
As he explained, he picked up the program. "Lucian Evans — who is this composer? When did he write this symphony called 'Fate'?" Count Verdi, who was well-known in musical circles, was quite familiar with the members of the Musicians' Association.
At his words, both Duke Vaolet and Bishop Saer de picked up their programs and studied them carefully.