When Romuona was trying to get rid of the demonic thoughts in her mind, somewhere in the King's Castle, the man who gave her the same surname and was related to her by blood was worrying about other things.
Romuona's former family, the only master of the family, Mullenin, was worrying about various things that happened recently.
He was not in his own manor, but in an office room in the Empire's Archives.
When the Double Eagle Empire was at its peak, the size of the Archives was comparable to a large library, and the documents inside were piled up like a mountain. But now, it was just a dilapidated building. Not to mention the documents, there were not even many clerks.
The tight finances did not have so much money to continue maintaining the Archives' former glory. Although the nobles still seemed to be living a luxurious life, it was just a facade.
No matter how rotten the wood was, it could still light up a dazzling ray of light, that was all.
Mullenin did not like to manage the affairs at home. Although he was the head of the family, he did not like those stupid fellows who often visited him. Even his clansmen were the same in his eyes.
Working in that kind of environment was not something that could make him feel relaxed.
So he preferred the Archives. In the Archives, he had his own private space. This private space was naturally not used for such ridiculous and absurd things like trysts. It was a place where he thought and then made decisions.
Now, he was sitting behind a simple office desk with his back leaning against the chair. He was facing the visitor with a relaxed posture.
He seemed to be relaxed, but his real mood was only known by himself.
Opposite him was a person wearing a black robe and a hood. Listening to the voice, there was no doubt that it was a man. "The vision has completely disappeared. Although there are some people outside who said that this is a sign of the end of the world, it is obvious that this did not cause any damage."
"If there is a problem, I am afraid that you and I will not be here talking."
Mullenin said, "You know that what I want to hear is not these things that I have heard many times."
The black robe hesitated for a moment, and Mullenin did not continue to ask. He was waiting for the other party to take the initiative to speak.
At times like this, he was always very patient and would not allow himself to be too impatient. Otherwise, he would only leave the other party with the impression that he was irritable … or let the other party see his weak and vulnerable side.
"Lord Mullenin, I've told you enough. Some of my men have been killed underground."
Black Robe continued, "They should have died before the blue light enveloped the sky of the Sovereign King Castle, this cannot be a coincidence.
Someone came to the place we've occupied for many years, killed my men, and took that thing away. "
"Yes, I know that too."
Mullenin said, "And you don't even know who the other party is, and two powerful mages died just like that."
"The people I left there are definitely not rookies, and they won't be careless."
Black Robe's tone became a little high-spirited. "Although there are young and impetuous types, there are also mature and prudent people who can maintain the situation … It shouldn't have ended like this."
"But it has already happened."
Mullenin continued, "And the people you placed high hopes on are also dead … They died without any dignity to speak of."
Mullenin heard that the people who died there, even their clothes were stripped, leaving nothing behind on their bodies. Their heads were cut off, and their hearts were crushed … They died as if they were brutally murdered by bandits.
But those were two mages who were familiar with battle, and bandits would not appear in such a place underground.
"I know that you lost two of your good men, and because of this, you're heartbroken." Mullenin continued, "But you should know that I have something even more heartbroken."
"Yes, Lord."
The hooded Black Robe seemed to lower his head slightly, "The thing that we've been looking for, is no longer there."
"A few years ago, when you came to me, you told me that it was a divine weapon that could change the current situation."
Mullenin said, "So I gave you resources, and also gave you mages who were chased away by the Church of Light like wild dogs a safe place.
I've never mistreated you, and I only hope that you can give me something in return. "
"I'm very sorry, Lord." Black Robe said in a low voice, "That thing, probably no longer exists."
"It's not in anyone's hands?"
"I'm afraid it has dissipated into the sky. The blue starry sky that we saw that night is the best proof."
Black Robe explained to Mullenin, "All the magic has dissipated among the stars. Only those who seize the opportunity can obtain a little bit of what's left, and hold it tightly in their hands."
Mullenin was silent for a while, then asked Black Robe, "So what did you get?"
At this point, Mullenin added, "I'm not interested in snatching food like a wild dog. I'm just curious, how would you mages react to something that disappeared like a bubble?"
Mullenin did not seem to doubt Black Robe's words, but he raised another question.
"Tell me, in the hearts of you mages, what might be the only way to become a god has disappeared. What do you think?"
Black Robe clasped his hands together and placed them near his stomach. "This is something that doesn't feel real, Lord.
Myths and legends are too far away from us, at least a thousand years ago. "
Mullenin nodded, then closed his eyes. "You may leave."
Black Robe bowed to Mullenin, then left.
Mullenin stayed alone in the room. After a long time, he opened his eyes.
A new guest had arrived before him. It was his friend, his companion, and also another great noble.
"You won't hear any good news here, Notalas," Mullenin said to the newcomer.
Notalas sat opposite Mullenin, took off his hat, and his face was full of fatigue. "Is there no good news that can make His Majesty a little happier?"
"Is His Majesty sad because Princess Sophia wants to leave?"
"That's not a funny joke. You know that His Majesty likes this niece of his very much. Her departure will only make him happy."
Notalas said, "This is something that His Majesty has discussed with his brothers, to let Princess Sophia leave for the time being.
If the unification of the two religions is not handled well, I'm afraid there will be riots in the city again … "
Mullenin interrupted Notalas's words. "We all know that these are trivial matters … I'm afraid those two stubborn old men know this in their hearts as well.
Something even more frightening might happen in the near future. "
Notalas did not continue speaking, and looked at Mullenin with a complicated expression. "Perhaps there's still a chance …"
Mullenin shook his head. "There won't be any more.
Even if I have to discard my blood relatives like chess pieces, I hope that you will realize that no one will come to help us anymore. "