Chapter 241

#241 Episode: The Tin Knight and the Proposal from the South

“What… makes you think you can just crawl in here?”

Dorothea’s pale face reflected sheer disbelief like ripples in water.

The South Witch Glinda was the imperial court magician.

If the North Witch Mombi had a significant impact on the Magical Kingdom two centuries ago, Glinda was a figure of immense stature in the Empire for the last several decades.

She was the one who blurred the lines between wizards and sorcerers within the Empire and significantly boosted its magical prowess, so her influence was undeniable.

While she might not be growling at the borders like the Duke Lenart, she was certainly a primary target on the Magical Kingdom’s watchlist.

For such a figure’s direct apprentice to visit the heart of the already highly sensitive Magical Kingdom alone was a blatant act that could make one question their sanity.

But Alingd remained as composed as ever.

Seeing his unchanging expression made me wonder if his facial muscles had completely frozen.

“If we’re talking about single-handedly entering the Empire, I believe Gale Elilraz, the North Witch’s apprentice, has done the same, so why wouldn’t I be able to do it?”

“Do you really think the situations back then and now are the same? More importantly, how did you even get in? Did the Tower crew let you in?”

“No, I sneaked in because I figured it would take too long otherwise. You’d have a real mess on your hands if you reported me.”

“Ha… So did the side that successfully infiltrated show competence, or did the side that failed show incompetence?”

“It was the former. To catch me, the Master of the Tower would have to personally patrol, after all. So, will you report me? Or will you hear me out?”

Seeing Alingd’s shameless demeanor urging her on, Dorothea fell into a moment of contemplation.

Deep down, she wanted to call in the guards and throw him out immediately, but there was also genuine curiosity about what he had to say.

She glanced at the Tin Knight beside her.

“What do you think?”

[The ‘Tin Knight’ seems to think he’s quite weakened and doubts Alingd has come to fight!]

“What?”

[The ‘Tin Knight’ assesses that although he appears fine on the outside, his internal condition is far from good!]

Dorothea cast a suspicious glance at Alingd.

The emotionless girl with snowy white hair confidently returned her gaze, as if to say, “Is there a problem?”

Dorothea fell into thought for a moment.

“…Alright, come in for now. On the condition that you follow my directions, I’ll listen to what you have to say.”

***

A little later.

Dorothea, having summoned Adelheid and Sophia, spoke to Alingd, who stood at the center of a magical circle drawn in blood.

“Okay, if you have something to say, do it there. If you try to escape before you’re finished, we’ll go straight into combat, so keep that in mind.”

“…That’s one way to address someone fresh.”

Alingd stretched out his arm and began tapping the air with his fingertips.

In a space that should have been empty, a glass-like blood-red wall materialized, trapping Alingd.

The fierce demeanor he displayed while smashing Rotbart had vanished, and Adelheid, now back to her usual bumbling self, was sweating bullets.

“M-Ma’am, is this… alright? I mean, it might cause diplomatic issues.”

“Given how the North Witch met her end right before my eyes, anyone who lets their guard down deserves to be called a fool. And as for diplomacy, I couldn’t care less. If I were worried about that, I wouldn’t have stirred up trouble with the Tower in the first place.”

[The ‘Tin Knight’ seems to be in a mildly despondent state, having accidentally tarnished his reputation and asks for understanding!]

“Is that really your place to say? Huh? Do you even have the right to speak?”

Dorothea poked the Tin Knight in the side with her staff.

Of course, the Tin Knight did not even pretend to