Later that same day, inside the Imperial Palace war chamber, a map of the southern territories was spread across a large stone table.
The Emperor stood at the head of the table while several advisors and knights waited quietly.
Two figures stood across from him.
June Astral and Lucas de Hein.
The Emperor's voice was serious.
"There have been reports from the southern region."
June crossed her arms slightly.
"What kind of reports?"
One of the advisors spoke nervously.
"Villages disappearing… strange rituals… people claiming they saw dark symbols in the forests."
Lucas's silver eyes narrowed slightly.
"…Black magic."
The advisor nodded quickly.
"Yes, Master Lucas."
June leaned over the map.
"And the villain behind this?"
The Emperor answered.
"An unknown mage."
Lucas studied the map carefully.
The magical energy marks drawn across the southern lands were clear signs of forbidden magic.
"This magic is not ordinary," Lucas said calmly.
"It requires powerful rituals."
June straightened and looked at him.
"So someone dangerous is hiding in my territory."
Her brown eyes sharpened slightly.
Lucas nodded.
"Yes."
The Emperor looked at both of them.
"That is why I'm sending the two of you."
Several nobles looked nervous hearing that.
The Master of the Magical Tower and the Princess of the Southern Pearls working together could either be a great success…
Or complete chaos.
June smiled slightly.
"A joint mission."
She looked toward Lucas.
"Looks like we'll be traveling together, Tower Master."
Lucas met her gaze calmly.
"That appears to be the case."
June placed a finger lightly on the map where the dark magic had been reported.
Her voice became softer.
"If someone is using black magic in my land…"
Her eyes became colder.
"…then I'll deal with them personally."
Lucas watched her expression carefully.
Yes.
The sweet princess from the market was gone.
Now standing there was the ruler of the Southern Pearls.
And soon…
The two of them would travel into a place filled with dark magic and a dangerous villain.