CHAPTER 114
"Anyone can find that information if they take the time to look for it. It's not classified; it's recorded in the annals."
It seemed odd for the Crown Prince to avoid the temple so much that it was noticeable.
We began to suspect that the Crown Prince might know something about the magic circle.
"Do you think he knows how the magic circle in the temple came to be?"
"Who knows? If the former emperor told his estranged son about his research and it reached the Crown Prince, then he might know."
So, the chances of him knowing seem slim.
After all, the relationship between the former emperor and the current emperor wasn't good.
Of course, there's still a possibility that Philip knows, but...
"The three who participated in the research all died before the former emperor passed away. Maybe he wanted to bury the secret with him."
Lewis leaned towards the idea that Philip might not know about the former emperor's affairs.
"But it does seem like he knows something about the magic circle, given how he suddenly stopped visiting the temple."
I muttered and then asked Lewis,
"If he only knows that it resembles a demon summoning circle, shouldn't it be revealed officially? Why keep it a secret?"
Isn't that quite suspicious?
"Right. With the Crown Prince's personality, he'd want to outdo the Magic Tower by announcing it first."
Lewis thought for a moment, agreeing that I had a point, and then spoke.
"Maybe they have other plans."
"Unless he truly has no time to visit the temple."
What kind of plans?
"Could it be demon summoning?"
"..."
"Oh, that's ridiculous, right?"
Maybe I was being too imaginative.
As I was about to laugh it off, Lewis responded, albeit belatedly.
"Maybe it is possible."
Huh?!
"You think that's realistic?"
I was just saying it casually!
I don't mean to defend Philip, but he wouldn't be that crazy, would he?
"The former emperor tried to summon demons to live forever. Why would the Crown Prince do that?"
"He might want something from the demons."
"But he already has everything. What more could he want?"
Philip wouldn't be that reckless.
"Well, even if he wants to summon demons, it doesn't mean he can."
Lewis shrugged, not insisting on his thoughts.
He then placed his hand on the crystal ball as if to turn it off.
"The temple is now a foregone conclusion."
"Do you only observe the temple?"
I've run into Philip several times in the city. Shouldn't we check other places too?
"I've mainly watched the temple lately. I used to observe randomly."
To show what he meant, the scenes in the crystal ball changed alternately. From the temple, it shifted to the bustling streets where I went shopping with friends, and then to the streets near the palace.
"Since it's not a recording, it's hard to catch the Crown Prince. He used to visit the temple frequently, making it easier to spot him."
Lewis explained, continuing to change the scenes.
"Ah!"
"What?"
Lewis stopped switching the scenes at my exclamation.
"Go back a bit to the place you showed earlier."
"Here?"
"Yes."
The crystal ball stopped at one of the randomly shown scenes.
It was a street where I had seen Philip before.
A residential area for commoners where I discovered another side of Philip!
"Those two in the hoods, aren't they the Crown Prince and Count Madden?"
Lewis scrutinized the crystal ball at my words.
The scene, initially showing the street from afar, zoomed in.
Wait, it can zoom in too?
"Looks like it."
Lewis said, watching the crystal ball.
"How did you know? You have sharp eyes."
"I recognized the Crown Prince. Handsome people stand out even with hoods on."
"What?"
Lewis narrowed his eyes.
Oops, sorry...
"Of course, they're not as handsome as you, Marquis."
I quickly added, and Lewis's expression softened considerably.
Goodness, jealous of Philip? Really?
"You know I don't like the Crown Prince."
I muttered as if grumbling, and Lewis responded.
"It doesn't matter if others say it, but when you say someone's handsome, I don't like it."
"...Because you're jealous?"
"Yes."
Isn't he admitting too easily?
Well, that's Lewis for you.
I quickly accepted and turned my gaze back to the crystal ball.
Philip and Madden were still visible.
Another hooded figure behind them seemed to be a bodyguard.
"Why did they go there? Even taking the Count along."
It could be for something nefarious. Considering Philip's previous mischief on 40th Street.
"I need to go now."
Lewis stood up.
"Oh, I'll go with you!"
As soon as I grabbed his hand, the scene changed. Lewis had cast a teleportation spell immediately.
"I've cast an invisibility spell. Others can't see us."
Oh, it's that spell from last time?
"It's around here."
Lewis muttered, looking around.
Soon, Philip and Madden appeared from around a corner.
They were walking toward us, speaking in hushed tones.
"Is one goat really enough?"
"Yes, a large quantity of goats is unnecessary."
A goat? What goat? Did they come here to get one?
But why would Philip need to fetch a goat himself?
He could just order one in the palace.
Considering they came out with hoods on, there must be something suspicious going on.
Lewis stared intently, frowning slightly.
We couldn't speak to each other since we were within earshot. They'd hear us.
Philip headed to a farm.
They purchased a goat and led it somewhere.
Madden was the one handling the goat.
Even though he was the head of the court magicians, he was still Philip's subordinate.
Madden's tightly pressed lips indicated he was struggling with the goat, which wasn't cooperating.
As we continued to follow, they turned into a narrow alley.
They seemed to plan on using magic away from prying eyes.
Madden drew his staff from his robe and their figures vanished.
"Madden buying a goat doesn't bode well."
"What does it mean?"
"Goats are associated with demons."
Lewis took out his crystal ball.
As Lewis gazed at it, street scenes reappeared. Finally, one showed their location.
An old house standing alone in a desolate field.
Philip and Madden were seen entering it.
"Let's go."
Lewis grabbed my hand again.
We arrived in front of a very old, decrepit house.
My jaw dropped.
"From the outside, it looks like it could be haunted."
Just like the crystal ball showed, there were no other houses around. Aside from one hooded person guarding the entrance.
"Follow me."
Lewis whispered, leading me around.
Since the door was closed, it seemed he didn't plan to go inside.
Opposite the entrance was a small window.
Lewis seemed intent on eavesdropping through it.
The guard was stationed at the entrance, so there was no chance of encountering him.
Not that it mattered since we were invisible.
Standing by Lewis, I peered inside the window and saw them.
Madden still held the goat's leash.
Seeing the goat, dubbed a demon's animal, suggested the magicians knew something.
Why did they bring the goat into the abandoned house?
As I wondered, Philip asked Madden,
"Is it really possible now?"
"I can't guarantee it."
What are they talking about? Please give me the context!
Philip clarified my internal query.
"You said goat blood is needed to summon a demon, right?"
What? Demon summoning...?
Lewis and I looked at each other simultaneously.
Did they really find out about the demon-summoning magic circle?
Finding its existence is one thing, but why summon a demon?
Madden, looking uncertain, responded.
"The temple's circle and the one in the records differ, so we might need several attempts."
He then reached into his robe.
Madden pulled out a dagger.
As the blade was drawn from its sheath, it gleamed sharply.
What was he planning to do with that? Wait, I already knew.
They needed goat blood.
Oh no. I looked away, and Lewis put his arm around my shoulder.
'Eh?'
That was another issue.
I froze at Lewis's gesture.
I usually wouldn't react this way, but now that I realized my feelings, even small actions made me react.
I rolled my eyes towards Lewis, and he whispered in my ear.
"Don't watch this. Go back."
"What?"
I quickly regained my senses.
"Leave right after we arrived?"
"I'll explain everything later. Just go first."
"I feel bad for the goat... but I want to know what happens!"
I whispered back to Lewis. We couldn't speak loudly since they'd hear us.
Lewis glanced inside the house and then back at me.
"I don't want you seeing something so cruel."
But you already showed me everything!
"I was with your familiar when it fought assassins!"
So don't treat me like I'm too delicate for this.
Despite my brave declaration, Lewis only smiled.
Was he looking at me like a parent admiring a child?
"It's different now. Go back to the manor safely."
As soon as he finished speaking, my vision turned white.
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