Reincarnated as the Lady Prodigy

Thirty-Six

Konseho's Tebras Axon

"The people who attacked Kalghaya possesses a distinct aura that might be the result of their evil magic. It's not easy to determine whether one uses evil magic or not because of their aura alone since it can be hidden, but, the flaw of concealing evil magic unlike any magic is that the more a person uses his evil magic, the harder it is to conceal it. I found about that during my fight with those people. Their magic energy slowly revealed that their magic is corrupted. Evil magic is the result of countless lives taken by using one's magic for the purpose of evil. Irga, Oli, Von, Austin, and Arga. Those are the names of the people who attacked Kalghaya. They were strong, Odalf can testify that." She glanced at Odalf who nodded in agreement. He experienced how strong those people were first hand. "But they too are clues for us. When they were cornered, the committed suicide. I thought all of them killed themselves but just to be sure, before I handed them to Konseho I took the liberty to take some blood samples from them and also used magic to determine whether they were truly dead or not. Evil magic is tricky so I had to be trickier." She shrugs. "Turned out there is something on their blood. It's mixed with some sort of liquid and small, very small shards of crystals. The very same crystals used to manipulate the villagers and with the purpose of trapping the spirit residing in the lake, Kalghaya."

"Ex... Excuse me, may I ask if you determined what was the liquid in their blood is?" Lady Suri asked hesitantly.

"Fortunately, I did. I have a powerful alchemist on my side so it was a great help." She answered smiling while glancing at her familiars' direction. Siren is the powerful alchemist she was talking about. Siren simply smiled with a small nod her way, she then continued explaining. "It was found out that the liquid in their bodies are called Oath of Dlyfun. It is similar to a slave contract but in the form of a potion. It works in a way that whoever bears the liquid in their bodies will die once the trigger dies, in their case it was Von. Although it's similar to a slave contract it has way more complex process of achieving that desired result. So because of that little complex, Oath if Dlyfun needs to enhanced through ceremonial magic. The flaw of Oath of Dlyfun is the potency in each person's blood. The small difference can change who the trigger is and has higher possibility of it being ineffective. Which means that even if the trigger dies, the others might not die so they needed the help of ceremonial magic to guarantee their deaths." It was a shitty, I know. Who would thought of such inhumane things, more importantly who would agree of dying along with someone else? Them. Those five did. She doesn't know whether they were forced, hypnotized or they agreed on their own accord.

"The thing is, that substances in their blood is unknown to almost everyone. And they're confident because of that. Unknown to them, they're caught in the trap." She smiled before she gestured, "Siren, please hand them the list."

Siren obliged without question. She placed the list while Duke Franklin and the others read them.

"These are...?"

"Those are the ingredients necessary to make Oath of Dylfun. The flower of Izbeth, as a whole it's effective as cure for external wounds no matter how grave the wound is, it can regenerate it just with this flower alone, but, one of the petals of this flower is the ingredient for the potion. Next, the tooth of the white Saber. This tooth is already a magic item itself. An artificer just needs to enchant the tooth and it's already done. It holds big amount of magic power that's why it's durable for five spells enchantments, however, it's another ingredient for the potion." She shrugs, "Next..."

She explained every item on the list and what their usual purposes are along with what type of ingredients they are for Oath of Dylfun.

Duke Franklin and the others are wide-eyed while they're listening. None of them have any idea what the hidden purpose of those items are so it's a huge surprise for them.

Especially Suri and Geubert. They can't help but wonder if they really the same age as her. She's far too scheming, which they think is a good thing? They're not sure.

"With that, the person who bought everything in here is the pawn, of the pawn of the mastermind." Jozine concluded with a smile.

"The pawn of the pawn?" Head Vicar asked.

"Yes, pawn of pawn. They wouldn't want to stand out so they tried covering up their tracks." She clarified.

They started their strategic meeting, Duke Franklin, Marquess Rolfe, and Head Vicar are very active with their questions.

"That's true. We can't do this plan in an open but more importantly with the reputation of nobles and royals in stake, we have to make sure that this plan works out just as we want." Marquess Rolfe stated.

"But... Duke Henstone is one of this kingdom's foundation... how come he's..." Suri couldn't believe what she just heard. She can't seem to accept this fact, she wanted to deny what Lady Jozine said but... she can't. There are sufficient evidence and even her father, Marquess Rolfe is suspicious of Duke Alerra.

Suri admired Duke Alerra. She's heard tales of his bravery as a young knight. Humble despite being of a noble lineage. He is a respectable man.

He was. In her eyes, she can't seem to imagine that behind his charming and kind smile, he could commit unimaginable crime. Don't mind being a noble, he is not a man. No man would defile, humiliate, and blackmail a woman just so he could get what he wanted.

He is not a noble, nor is he a true man. He's but a coward hiding his true self behind his kind smile.

"Our target is Duke Alerra and the force behind me. The possibility of nobles in Konseho is a huge considering his connections with noble houses supporting Konseho." Duke Franklin stated while looking at the scattered papers.

"Is it true that Konseho holds records of all magic users in the kingdom?"

"While it's not entirely all magic users, I believe majority of those that can use magic are recorded in Konseho since they are registered whenever they get their magic energy level check. Including what type of magic they have." Lady Suri is the one who answered.

"I see. I've been curious as to what they really are up to but based on the statements of the perpetrators in Kalghaya, they are aiming to change the world, also, they are waiting for someone. Their 'god'. What we are after is the 'Master' of this entire charade."

"I trust you Is— Lady Jozine, but, are you sure this will work? The mages in Konseho especially those in high positions won't jeopardize their position for personal gain."

"While that's true, Duke, we can't say the same about the head of Konseho here in Griselda. I'm sure he's now boiling in anger since not only did they lost their monopoly in the hunters but they will begin losing their customers. We will steal them. I'm sure they will move once they realize I'm attacking them. Indirectly."

Duke Franklin glanced at Marquess Rolfe, and Head Vicar before he burst into a satisfied laugh.

"That was an elaborate plan, very scheming of you, Lady Jozine. I did not expect that."

She chuckles, "I promised someone in Kalghaya that I will help, this is me thoroughly helping them." And besides, they are after me. Who knows what those crazy shits are up to.

The moment she catch them, she will ask them everything she needs to know by any means possible. If she has to c***k their heads open, she will. She needs to know what happened to Jozine's father and every single detail why his name was mentioned.

The plan is simple. She prepared everything, anticipated every possible scenario. She dedicated the might of her brain cells for this plan so she won't let this plan fail no matter what.

They need to catch them. Like fish caught in the net unable to escape.

She won't give them any openings or chances to slip away from her grasp.

Days passed and the auction house continued to strive. Everyday, the customers kept on increasing. People are filled with satisfaction and words of praise for the new establishment, except for the ones losing.

Konseho.

"Sir, the Head of Konseho in-"

"Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! I don't want to hear anything about those bastards!"

The mages listening outside the office flinched.

Head Mage Ibin has been acting strange. Tebras concluded. He reported him that they are suffering from loses because of the auction house that recently opened. They are garnering attention from their customers, their clients have been decreasing after the auction house opened. It hasn't even a week yet but they're already taking over about one-thirds of the market, it is very concerning that's why as part of his job, he is reporting this matter daily but instead of doing something, Head Mage Ibin told him not to bother him since he's busy doing something else. Something urgent, he said.

Tebras wanted to argue. What is more urgent than their sale's current drop? However, he can't refute no matter how much he wanted to. He is only an assistant, the decision still lies within the Head Mage.

"TEBRAS! COME HERE!" Head Mage Ibin yelled from inside the room.

Tebras sighs before he composed himself. He glance at the mages behind him through his shoulders. "Don't come in unless you are told to. Just wait for me here."

"Yes, Assistant Head!"

Once he made sure he's well and prepared, he announced his arrival. "Tebras Axon, I'm coming in, Sir,"

The Head Mage's office is spacious and filled with magic items. Every corner showcase his status in the Konseho from his furnitures, to his magic items carpet.

"I don't want to hear whatever the other heads are saying about our branch. Tell me, is there something new with that auction house?"

Oh, he's finally showing interest. Finally. Tebras handed him the papers regarding the auction house. Head Mage Ibin started reading it while nodding to himself.

"I took the liberty to send spies to confirm the rumors I'm hearing about the auction house. Every single detail is written in that paper, Sir. It seems that-"

"Shush,"

He zipped his mouth and quietly observed the Head Mage while he was busy reading the papers given to him. All of a sudden the Head Mage burst out laughing. He laughed manically while tapping his chin. His eyes glinted with mischief, his smirk's very sadistic. He shuddered.

Tebras almost thought that the Head Mage is disregarding the auction house and is not being considered as a threat to them, how wrong he was. It seems that the Head Mage hates the auction house on a personal level.

"Send some information to the Bureau of Justice, it seems that the auction house is doing some shady business."

"... Sir?"

Head Mage only smiled while looking up to him. "Ah," he realized what he was trying to say. "It will be done without hitch, Sir," he replied with a nod of his head. "I will prepare every necessary document."

"Good, good. Tell me once you're done. I want it done today, you understand, right?"

He stared at his Head before he nodded his head. "I completely understand, Sir." He understand him too well. It was him who does dirty works for him after all.

He excused himself with a small bow while the Head Mage simply waved him off, dismissing him. Once outside, the mages are still waiting behind him.

"Prepare our witnesses at once." He said.

"Yes, Assistant Head," the two mages answered without question.

Tebras strutter in the long hallway as he made his way to his office. He will be very busy.

How much will he need?

He will need more than a million gold coins to successfully execute the Head Mage's plan.

He massaged his temple. "Haaah,"

Tebras finally reached his office and closed the door shut. Once alone, he heaved a deep breath and closed his eyes.

Slowly, a grin formed on his lips while his arms wrapped around his body before he waved his hands and started to reveal i the room.

"Ahn~ You are very dignified today as well, Head Mage~!"

Indeed. The room is filled the images of the Head Mage, Ibin. Every angle of his face, every expression on his face, where he was, and what he does.

He grabbed a particular image, a painting. In that painting, the Head Mage is scowling angrily in his usual fit. He was the one who painted it, the image bore in his mind while he was staring at the Head Mage, after work, he painted it diligently and thus the result. His very own painting of the Head Mage.

"Ahhn! Head Mage, Head Mage! You look more wonderful here, Head Mage, Ahn~" He is rubbing his body in his image.

Panting with a lustful look in his eyes, he caressed the painting. "I shall do what you want me to, Head Mage~ Once you achieve your desire you must play your role very well..."

Tebras' eyes glinted and shifted from humanly brown to an animalistic purple as his eyes slanted. Fangs protrude as he licked his lower lip.

"Keke... ke... kekeke..."

Slowly, the Assistant Head Mage's room is filled with a sadistic laugh, mages that passed by unaware of the being lurking within them.

-

“We are officers from Bureau of Justice, Investigations Division. We received report that your are smuggling your sold items, not only that, you are also accused of extortion and forced labor, k********g and finally, use of dark magic.”

Heavy. She thought. She’s being accused of five charges.

She knew rumors would start circulating especially because of how extra they were when they arrived. There are two officers and ten knights with them. With their knights on all full armor, all customers were staring at them because they’re so eye-catching because of their shining armor.

She’s wondering if they can’t go there wearing a little less eye-catching clothes. She’s sure that they can wear their uniforms and not the full-armor.

Is their aim to intimidate them? If that is so then how pitiful, it won’t work. Not on them. Still, they welcomed them with world-class service. They were guided on the guest lounge for VIPs and are now facing her with her masks on.

“Could we ask you to comply with our investigation.” The investigation officer asked. His name is Arnold.

“Of course. Feel free to ask me anything.” She replied curtly but politely. Behind her are Blake, Elise, Eufema, Alarkson, Vana, Siren, and Kiera, like her, they are also wearing their masks.

There are five knights left to guard outside while five are inside the room, two are guarding the door, three are on the side of Arnold’s seat. His assistant is sitting beside him, her name is Marlie.

“First of all, could ask you to take your masks off?” Arnold asked bluntly with a serious expression.

She smiled beneath the mask. Straightforward. Nice. “I’m sorry, but no.” She answered quickly. “I’m sure I’m quite famous and many are curious of how I look. Regardless of that, I don’t think it’s necessary to remove my ask considering the fact that you are simply asking questions, furthermore, I am registered as a business owner under the Merchants Guild here in Griselda and paid appropriate amount of taxes and fees just to be granted license with my mask on. Dos, please,” Dos, which is Elise, stepped forward and placed the papers containing the agreement and licenses she has. “Duke Franklin and Marquess Rolfe vouched for my identity, you may ask them if you’d want.” If they can. She thought. They can ask them if they have the guts to do so but since she is accused of these charges and is acquainted with both the duke and marquess, they might ask them about some stuffs but that’s as far as they can go. Worse, they might not ask the duke and marquess at all in fear of offending them, however, that is only the case if they don’t have sufficient backing. These officers might have someone powerful, she’s not so sure.

She can only find out.

Arnold read the papers while nodding his head. “I believe in the legitimacy of these papers.” He then sighs, “honestly, I am truly wasting our time, am I not?” He frowned.

Oho. She chuckled. “You’re too carefree, Sir. I don’t think a Bureau of Justice Investigation officer should be saying that.” She commented with a smile.

Arnold scoff. “I doubt you as the owner doesn’t know what I mean. I am basically a cannon fodder here.”

She still chuckles although she does understand what he meant. They are using him as a cannon fodder, and he knows his position quite well. If she was ever offended by their sudden appearance in her auction house with knights and all, it wouldn’t be an underestimate that what ever house these two officers belong will be offending the duke’s and marquess’ house since they still interrogated her despite having the duke’s and marquess’ vouching for her identity.

“Your next question please?”

Arnold stared at her before he sighs tiredly. Dude is not even hiding his exhaustion. It looked like he’s had enough. She pitied him. The lady beside him looks concerned for him but didn’t say anything. It looked like she’s used to him complaining and everything.

Lol.

“Ah, yes, the next question, I don’t have any. Please, could you just show me proof that you’re not smuggling, extorting, k********g and forcing your people to work. Forced labor when illegal s*****y is not even addressed. Damn it.” He tried to whisper that to himself but she, they, can hear him all too well.

He sure got some issues with his work. She pitied him and amazed at him at the same time. She wonders how long he would last in his line of work, not too long she thinks given the look on his face.

“Well, if you insist. Tres, Quatro, please hand them the documents.”

About the products being sold at Faceless Shop, many would wonder how they have a lot of those with high quality in low price, of course it’s very sketchy but...

“As you can see, it’s impossible for us to smuggle the products when it was us who created those. I have outstanding alchemist, blacksmith, and artificer working for me.” Although those products were from Luxes and are already created, she wasn’t lying when she said she has those people working for her.

Siren as her alchemist. Vana as her blacksmith, and Kiera as her artificer. And Alarkson, her appraiser.

“Although they does not posses their license yet, they can personally show your their skills right now if you want to.” She added.

Arnold glanced at her before he cleared his throat. “That is truly a tempting offer but let me decline for now although I hope your offer still stands.”

“Of course, it would be our pleasure.” Honestly, she just wants to get this over and done with. Arnold is right, they’re both wasting their time but this is necessary no matter how boring it was, though it does feel good being able to brag about her familiars skills.

In your face, Konseho. In your shitty face!

“We also purchased items sold to us in right prices, we have records of each transaction. In terms of that k********g accusation, please... can’t they think of another s**t to come up with.” She whispered her eyes closed. Konseho should know better. My goodness, they are being too boring it’s not even funny.

Wrong. She said that out loud for everyone to hear. It was too late for her to realize that.

Surprised, she cleared her throat. “Anyway, I purchased slaves from legal slave trader, I did not kidnap anybody because everyone working for me has their own contract, they signed it themselves, no forced applied. You can ask them, here is the sample contract for permanent and temporary employees.”

Arnold picked up the said contracts. As he read it sentence sentence, he couldn’t help but be in awe. The contracts are elaborate and specific. The contract alone showed that it’s more favorable for the employee from their salary to their well-being. They are trained foe their job at the same time helped to developed their skills. No wonder all employees has aura of their own. They are indeed no ordinary employee.

What is asked of them is simply... loyalty. It’s similar to a slave contract but it’s not a lifetime contract so once the contract duration is over the employees are free.

He sighs. If only his superiors are the same. If they too cared for their workers the division wouldn’t be such a mess. But, this might be a blessing in disguise, he was able to meet such person like the one in front of him because of his messy workplace. Truly a blessing in disguise, he’s thankful for his superiors just once.

He stopped reading the documents. “May I ask for these? I’d like to have a copy for further investigation.” It’s all formality, really. What is there for him to investigate.

“Sure,” there it is again. He knows the owner of this business is a weird one. He talks formally then casually. It was refreshing. Could he be a commoner? He wonders. “Although those papers are all enchanted. They cannot be rewritten, forged or copied.” He felt a sudden chill, “you do know what I mean, right, Sir Arnold?”

Ha...ha... He laughed internally. When he thought the owner is just an odd one, he also thought he is ordinary and is being protected by the powerful people behind him, he could kiss that thought goodbye.

The owner of Faceless Auction House is anything but ordinary and helpless. The pressure of his magic energy tells him so! His partner Marlie started sweating, so is he.

He cleared his throat. “I understand. More than anyone else.”

Whoever offended this person can just start praying to all gods they know.

“Lastly, is it true that you use dark magic?” He asked. Again, for formality.

To accuse the owner to this extent, just how much this person hates the owner?

Being accused of using dark magic, he can already be considered user even though he’s not. Even if it’s not proven that he does, rumors circulating about him being one is enough to ruin is reputation.

“Oh, about that?”

He chuckles. “I know, it’s foolish how you’re being accu-”

“Well, yeah, we do.”

“of dark... what?”

Then he heard him right?

“Pardon?”

The owner head tilted, “uh yeah. We use dark magic here.”

The room fell silence, all of a sudden the knight inside got their weapons pointed at the masked people inside.

To be continued...