Tia’s Smooth Life After Regression - Chapter 135

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Tiya’s Smooth Regression Life

Chapter 135

Everyone in the conference room turned their gaze toward the Emperor seated at the head of the table.

The air that had been taut ever since the words “summary execution” were thrown out became unbearably heavy due to the Emperor’s silence.

Though he was well aware that all eyes were on him, the Emperor leisurely examined the report submitted by the investigator, page by page.

If one were to examine the investigation’s contents one by one, there were plenty of grounds for rebuttal.

The blatant neglect of the infection source, which was crucial evidence.

Whether it was truly possible for someone, however skilled in pharmaceuticals, to create an infection source alone without a mage’s assistance.

Furthermore, if he truly was the culprit and his motive was revenge against Duke Vladijef, why had he exposed information about Palantio, which was fundamental to the cure?

If they took sufficient time to investigate thoroughly, they would surely discover contradictions.

However, ‘time’ was the problem.

As they said, a scapegoat was needed to reassure the terrified people. Even if that scapegoat was truly an innocent person falsely accused.

‘However, the Count is far too expensive a scapegoat.’

He was the Emperor’s faithful subject.

It was when he had decided to drag out time like this for the time being.

His eyes, which had been dry and emotionless, completely changed the moment they reached the final page.

[Discovery of bribery and solicitation charges.]

Evidence of violating the minimum conditions for maintaining Count Valoz’s position was fully described on that page.

The Emperor couldn’t help but let out a sorrowful sigh. With a face that seemed to have aged five years from that single sigh, he opened his mouth.

“There will be no summary execution.”

A short, definitive sentence.

Sighs mixed with disappointment could be heard from various seats in the conference room. Count Montes’ brow furrowed very slightly, but he soon bowed his head as if nothing had happened, accepting the Emperor’s command.

However, the Emperor’s words did not end there.

“This incident is a major matter that has shaken the entire Empire. I am not unaware of the people’s anxiety and anger, but judgments made based on anger always bring greater chaos. Therefore, I have no intention of dragging this out any longer either.”

His voice dropped a tone lower.

“Starting from today, prepare for trial within two weeks. Organize the evidence, summon witnesses, and bring all suspicions before the court.”

The expressions of those in the conference room contorted with various different meanings.

The deadline of two weeks was short. That brief time became an opportunity for some and pressure for others.

The Emperor spoke once more with firm finality, as if driving in a nail.

“Until then, the Count’s custody shall remain under Imperial management as it is now.”

It was tantamount to a warning not to make any comments about this matter.

The Emperor concluded the meeting with that.

“The meeting ends here.”

Two weeks remained.

It was time that would become a life-or-death reprieve for some, and the beginning of an irreversible catastrophe for others.

* * *

Morningstar Tower became more bustling as night deepened, only becoming quiet when early morning arrived.

At the time when the lights in the lower floors where apprentice mages stayed went out one by one, and even the sounds of people subsided.

Rodion climbed the stairs leading to the top floor of the tower step by step with his own feet.

Because the world’s attention was focused on Count Valoz, it had become difficult for him to escape surveillance as well. So his direct visit to the Mage Tower was a dangerous choice for him too.

Nevertheless, he had to come here.

Finally reaching the top floor, he knocked on the door visible before him without even catching his breath.

“Come in.”

When he opened the door, under the dim magical light, Argon was already seated and waiting for him.

“Don’t tell me you used the magical elevator?”

“Of course not. Didn’t you personally advise me that it would leave traces of visits? I climbed the stairs directly.”

“Yet somehow you’re not even out of breath.”

Argon clicked his tongue as if displeased for some reason.

Despite the rude treatment of not even offering a glass of water, Rodion sat across from Argon.

Immediately, Argon got straight to the point.

“You must know that mages belonging to the Magic Association were investigated by the Imperial Court.”

“Yes.”

“The Mage Towers couldn’t avoid investigation either. However, as the Imperial Court predicted, they couldn’t find evidence that mages had helped create the Mark of Death.”

“That’s fortunate news, but if that were all, you wouldn’t have sought me out directly.”

“Anyway, these youngsters are only quick with their wits.”

Clicking his tongue, he waved his hand to magically prepare his own glass of water and gulped it down.

His throat seemed parched. Perhaps he needed time to prepare for his next words.

After moistening his throat once, Argon continued with a weary expression.

“I was of the same opinion as the Imperial investigators. No matter how much I investigated, I couldn’t find evidence that the infection source was developed within the Mage Tower. Then, while investigating the patron you asked about, I realized it was all my mistake.”

So the patron was indeed connected to this incident.

Rodion’s eyes sharpened instantly.

“The patron commissioned mages in the Alliance to work on projects related to their respective specialties. On the surface, the commission contents seemed completely unrelated to the epidemic.”

That’s why the Imperial investigators hadn’t noticed either.

What picture was being drawn as each puzzle piece came together.

Only Argon, who saw the big picture through the clue of the patron, realized it.

The fact that research that seemed independent when viewed individually became a disaster when combined.

Argon’s eyes narrowed.

“Even the mages who received the commissions don’t know what they’re involved in. They don’t even know that their research is a piece that constitutes the infection source, and are simply dedicating themselves purely to magic.”

It was a troublesome but simultaneously clever method.

There was no worry of being tracked, and even if this fact were revealed, as long as the patron remained hidden in the shadows, the responsibility would be unclear.

Rodion thought for a moment before asking.

“Then currently, there’s no one who knows as much about the infection source as you do, Argon.”

“Is there any specific information you want?”

Unfortunately, Rodion was currently in such a hopeless state that he didn’t even know what he should be looking for.

“Any related information would be fine. I’m not in a position to be picky.”

At Rodion’s words, Argon rubbed his chin and casually opened his mouth.

“Well. Since it’s a combination of various magics, the structure of the infectious agent is quite incomplete. After just one week of being created, its form will gradually collapse and lose its epidemic effectiveness.”

“Please explain in more detail.”

“I mean that after one week, the infection source will lose its contagiousness.”

Lightning seemed to flash through Rodion’s mind.

Though it sounded like trivial information, what was more important was the rarity of the information.

This information was worth exploiting.

“Thank you. I think this will be helpful.”

Rodion quickly rose from his seat.

Argon’s voice followed behind him.

“One more thing, there was a peculiarity.”

Argon hastily added.

“Among the commissions received from the patron, there was research on spirits.”

“Spirits?”

“Spirit arts and magic are incompatible, so I can’t know exactly what purpose it serves.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

With that, Rodion left Argon’s laboratory.

Before he knew it, the sun was rising outside the window.

Recalling the number of stairs leading downward made him feel dizzy, but nonetheless, Rodion’s face was brighter than when he had come to visit the Mage Tower.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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