Bear School Astartes

”The situation is roughly like this. In other words, Lady Merigold is most likely already...”

Veltrest stepped forward, speaking with a sorrowful expression. It was hard to tell that half an hour ago he was still telling Vizimir a lewd story.

Vernon Roche frowned as Lincoln spoke with utter disrespect, wanting to step in to reprimand him from his king’s side, but before he could move, Veltrest subtly tugged at the hem of his cotton armor.

Vernon Roche was not a blockhead, a foolishly loyal person who only understood the concept of ’duty’.

On the contrary, if he believed that his actions could bring tangible benefits and interests to the King, he could even join others in complaining about Veltrest while drinking, just to build rapport.

So Veltrest merely tugged slightly with two fingers at the hem of his cotton armor, and Vernon Roche naturally stopped.

Of course, Veltrest himself had his own grievances, but who is a king if not one who knows endurance?

When Steza hadn’t been killed by the Demon Hunter yet, facing public defiance in the court, Veltrest still greeted warmly the next day, didn’t he?

Just that, when it came time to settle accounts, he was even more ruthless.

And now, facing a personal guard who could single-handedly determine the outcome of a large-scale battle and slaughter an entire mixed Niflgaard division alone...

Honestly, if scolding would help build relationships, the kings of those scattered northern countries would probably wish this personal guard captain would point at their noses and curse them.

After all, those small countries’ total military forces combined might not even contend with a mixed Niflgaard division.

After Veltrest announced the investigation results as Chief, Lincoln’s group’s expressions and the atmosphere seemed to relax.

The Lady had only been teleported away, and in all likelihood to a safe house on their side, so there shouldn’t be any danger.

As for Veltrest’s memorial and eulogy for Triss Merigold, this group of people did not care.

Including Triss, a total of fourteen Warlocks from the north died in this battle at Mushroom Mountain.

To commemorate these fourteen who gave up luxurious lives to fight the southern invaders and then sacrificed themselves, a solemn black monument was erected on Mushroom Mountain, and this once unremarkable small hill was given a new name.

Mage Mountain, or the Mountain of Fourteen.

In any case, this battle finally came to a close after a brutal encirclement.

Kings and their officers would take over war management and prepare for the upcoming north-south negotiations.

And the surviving Warlocks, most of them suddenly collapsed, crying loudly, then drained their remaining Magic Power, instantly opening a portal to return to their towers, laboratories, or villas.

They didn’t want to stay on this bloody battlefield another second.

”This is the Dean of Airetusa Academy, if you want to find the knight you are loyal to, just follow her. Sir Lann has deep ties with the Academy and resides there basically.”

Just as Margaret was preparing to teleport away with Yennefer, a gentle and magnetic male voice accompanied by the clatter of hooves and armor approached from behind.

Turning around to look, Viggo Fortez with a feigned enthusiastic expression of wanting to help everyone approached with an unusual sixty-man cavalry unit.

Without Margaret’s consent, he introduced her to Lincoln.

Margaret’s expression thus was not pleasant.

”I am a former Dean, and Yennefer needs immediate treatment, you know that, Viggo Fortez! If this personal guard follows me back to the Academy, it will be too slow.”

If it were through the portal, returning to the Academy would just take a few seconds.

But if she needed to take a cavalry unit back, she would have to coordinate with local authorities along the way.

Such things could only be handled by someone like her with status and authority, meaning she had to physically escort the cavalry back to the Academy.

Yennefer indeed required treatment, but Margaret was more anxious about mobilizing the Academy’s power to locate where Lann had been teleported.

”Be rational, Dean Tishaya. Compared to the Demon Hunter who is probably in no danger, don’t you think bringing this loyal and fearless knight back to their master’s territory is more important?”

Viggo Fortez’s smile never wavered, but when he pronounced ’Dean Tishaya,’ he stressed it as if by accident.

He gazed directly at that self-righteous and ascetic face. Margaret had no illusions anymore.

He’s seen through me.

Even though there’s no word of his expertise in Illusion Techniques, undoubtedly, he has penetrated it.

”As for Miss Yennefer...”

Viggo Fortez gallantly took the blind Female Warlock over.

”Don’t mind my current state, but once I recover slightly, a few transportations will be quite easy. I will get her to the Academy for treatment promptly... consider it as you owing me a favor, Dean.”

Though his words seemed like: he would deliver Yennefer to the Academy, causing ’Tishaya’ to owe him a favor.

But both knew, the truth was: he will pretend he didn’t notice the Illusion Technique, and Margaret will owe him for it.

For the Academy’s stance, Margaret had no choice but to concede.

”I thought you’d get involved in the subsequent north-south negotiations, after all, it’s a great opportunity to expand your influence.”

Though Margaret conceded this favor, she couldn’t resist mocking Viggo Fortez.

”Of course I will, isn’t that why we fought? For peace and stable conditions, for people to live safe and sound.”

The Warlock said with grandiose words, yet his appearance and demeanor always made those unfamiliar with him think he was sincere.

”But after this battle, I realized that one should have broader horizons. I will indeed focus on the north-south negotiations, but meanwhile, I’ve decided to visit Airetusa.”

”After all, you see, I am self-taught. Before, relying on my minimal talent didn’t feel lacking, but after fighting alongside you, I feel that I should pursue a systematic study of magic. You wouldn’t refuse me, would you?”

’Minimal talent’... to say that for entering Airetusa, Viggo Fortez, you truly have the audacity.

Margaret’s mouth twitched, then she left with the compliant Lincoln without looking back.

She knew very well that at this critical juncture, the intent of an already seated Great Mage at the Wizard Association claiming to study again at Airetusa certainly wasn’t about ’studying’ itself.

It’s understandable, as who in the world is not intrigued by that mythical hero-like Demon Hunter?