"That child is stronger than me," Linden admitted after a short while.
He is stronger, huh? It did not surprise Zushi to hear those words. She already figured that there was something strange about the man. It was her first time meeting somebody with so much mana, and yet he could control it very well. If she did not have her special characteristic magic, she would surely not be able to tell.
"There are many rumors regarding Miss Lilian, but there are not that many on sir Lucas."
Zushi wondered how many people knew about how dangerous that man is. If they think Miss Lilian is scary, what about the man beside her? She already figured out that man people underestimated him.
From the little information, she has learned sir Lucas was able to enter the palace after saving miss Lilian. But before then, he was already an employer of the Ageha family. People regard him as a young talented genius, but many do not think highly of him because of his unknown origin.
In the end, status will play a crucial role in this place. Those with lower status will remain at the bottom of the food chain. Zushi clenched her fist; she had to do something about that mindset.
Linden nodded. "That is because he seldom used to show himself in public before. The Ageha family head has a bad habit of sending him on too many life-threatening missions, too, so he is not around as much."
"I understand using him as an asset, but even then, isn't it too risky?"
"The Ageha family head is a cruel man; he doesn't care for his subordinates. He will toss away and use people easily."
"Does the same go for his children?"
Linden nodded. "I did not tell you much about the ageha family other than the basics. But let me update you know. The current Ageha family head is a ruthless man. A monster clad in human skin. He has countless wives and children, but he tosses them away the moment they become useless."
"Toss them away?"
"Each month, there is a tournament in the Ageha family household."
Zushi already got a bad feeling when Linden mentioned the tyrant man, but now. "A tournament?" She repeated.
"Each month, it is a survival battle. He tosses them into the dangerous forest so they can fend for themselves. If they cross paths with another person, they can either choose to kill them or work together. But after living in the forest for even a day, their survival instincts kick in, and they will go for the kill option."
"I suppose they get a limited amount of supplies?"
"Exactly. But the children do not know that. They presume they have enough to last until they reach the end. In fact, one can make the supplies last till the end, but in the forest, numerous traps deliberately consume the other person's mana."
"So it is a trap?"
"Yes."
"The children have to go through this every month?"
What kind of father makes their children go through this every single month? That man must not be human.
"There are rumors, however, this year that since Miss Lilian worked out the trick last year, that she will not participate."
Zushi blinked. "So when you mentioned the supplies lasting till the end.."
"Yes, Miss Lilian learned to do this and rationed well."
Indeed that person is amazing. If it were her, she would not be able to survive under such harsh conditions.
"If he is as bad as you say, I don't think he will let his daughter not participate without a trick."
Linden nodded. "There are rumors that sir Lucas will take her place this year. Please note that those people designed the forest for members of the Ageha family. Sir Lucas is not a member of their family, so just staying there for a single second will deplete his mana quickly."
"Then does that mean--"
"He is most likely taking advantage of this situation to harm him."
Zushi's gaze darkened when she heard those words. "Is there anything I can do?"
"If you are present in the event, perhaps you can interfere with the forest magic."
"Then write a letter for me quickly, I will join."
Linden sighed. "You must be joking. If you attend alone, it is like walking into a lion's den."
"Who says I am going alone? I am not that stupid."
"Then--"
Zushi winked. "You're naturally coming along with me, Mr imperial magician."
Even she is not stupid to walk into the enemy lair like that. The Ageha family are dangerous people. If their head behaves that way, it is only normal for the other household members to follow that example.
Linden sighed but nodded. "I do think it is safer that way. This event will take place before young Miss Natalia's birthday."
Young miss nata- Zushi recalled the young girl from before. Is her father holding her birthday banquet after this gruesome event? How many of her siblings can even attend? What a cruel person. Now the petty methods of her so-called relatives seemed so insignificant.
She has only been here for a short amount of time, yet she has already learned this much. The Ageha family is far too dangerous. The reason why they summoned her to become the Empress, other than for her ability and need a puppet. It is most likely due to the Ageha family.
"Then we still have some time to prepare." Zushi paused. "The next time I meet with Miss Lillian, could you come with me?"
"Are you planning on meeting her so soon?" Linden asked, concerned. "Pardon me for saying so, but I think it is too dangerous. While she did not intend to kill you, her actions still caused you harm. It is a good thing that I arrived at the right time. I managed to stop the maids from spreading what had happened to you."
So it seems like the maids and Linden discovered her before the guards did. That is a good thing; she did not want to blow this issue up.
"But even if they caught her in the act, nobody would have stayed on your side."
Zushi nodded. "I think so too." How many others went through the same experience as her? As they lay there powerless, watching their so-called people watch and not do anything to help.
"Fortunately, not a lot of damage happened, but we cannot be too sure for the future. As the imperial mage, I have a lot of work to do, but I will find a way to deal with my duties and remain by you."
"That is reassuring, then-" Zushi's sentence fell short when she felt a strange pounding sensation in her heart. She coughed violently, and in the next second, she saw the color of blood in her hands.
Huh, what is this?