Episode 155: The Final Purification
Purification Bureau.
“Hmm.”
Yohan nodded as he reviewed the report. It was a document cross-checking the information investigated by the Purification Bureau’s officers and the data sent from the Fervache territory.
Now, only the northern region remained to be purified, and the cleanup of the demonic lairs within the empire would be complete. Only the final touches were left. His role as Director would soon come to an end, and the day he would return to his territory was approaching.
‘This confirms that the information sent from Fervache was based on recent investigations.’
There were no discrepancies between the reports completed just yesterday by the officers and the information provided by the Fervache knights.
“Were there any additional reports that came in?”
Yohan asked while scanning through the documents.
“No. The reports we have now contain all the investigations on the northern demonic lairs. However, there is one unusual matter.”
Elena, who nodded slightly, pointed to a report beneath the stack and continued.
“This is the report from the officers who ventured into the heart of the demonic lairs.”
“Let me see it.”
Yohan moved the report Elena indicated to the top and began reading. His eyes skimmed through the contents.
“This is…”
His gaze narrowed. There was something odd about the northern region.
“There is a snow-covered mountain teeming with demonic beasts, yet no rift has been detected there.”
Mages specializing in detection magic could pinpoint the location of rifts in demonic lairs. That was how all the previous lairs had been discovered. However, the demonic lair in this snowy mountain curiously showed no signs of a rift.
“…This is problematic. We can’t even seek help from the Mage Tower anymore.”
Yohan furrowed his brows in concern.
“Indeed. The Mage Tower lost its Tower Master and has entered a period of internal restructuring. We shouldn’t expect their assistance until a new Tower Master is appointed and stability is restored.”
With the death of Rein Adriche, the Mage Tower was in crisis. The loss of their Tower Master, who accounted for more than half of their strength, had thrown them into turmoil.
It wasn’t just chaos—their research and operations had practically ground to a halt. Without anyone to review reports and oversee research, there wasn’t much that could be done.
Of course, individual research might still be progressing, but in any case…
“I might have to go and check this one personally.”
“Yes, that seems necessary. This investigation is likely to take longer than expected.”
“They really aren’t making this final mission easy for me.”
Tap. Tap.
Yohan lightly drummed his fingers on the desk. Fatigue was already creeping up on him. This purification task might take longer than anticipated. They had to locate a hidden rift that even the investigation team couldn’t find.
“Elena, tell the officers to prepare thoroughly for the cold. We’ll have to stay in the snowy mountains for a few days.”
Yohan set the report aside on the corner of his desk. He would go over it again later.
“I’ll procure a large number of thermal magic tools.”
“Ah, right. Good thinking. Please take care of that.”
“Yes, I’ll handle it immediately.”
Elena gracefully exited the office.
Click.
As the door closed behind her, Rudbeckia, who had been organizing documents nearby, slowly touched her cheek.
“This investigation seems like it’s going to be quite complicated.”
“It looks that way. The rift is hidden.”
It was an extremely unusual case.
They had never failed to detect a rift before.
“There’s no way to prepare in advance, is there?”
“No. In the end, we’ll have to go in and confirm it with our own eyes.”
Investigations were supposed to help prevent unexpected incidents, but this time, they would have to deal with the issue in real-time. There simply wasn’t enough information available.
“Was there nothing about this in the information from the Fervache Duchy?”
“Unfortunately, no.”
Yohan shook his head regretfully.
“The Fervache knights didn’t have precise information either. Their focus was on containing the demonic beast surges, not investigating the rift itself.”
Even though the data from Fervache was valuable, there were limitations to their investigation.
It made sense—their main concern was not pinpointing the exact location of the rift but merely identifying where the demonic beasts were emerging from. Thus, their intel on the snowy mountain was incomplete.
“Hm, this is a real headache.”
Rudbeckia pouted as the situation grew more complicated. Yohan chuckled softly.
“Well, let’s think about that later. It’s time to wrap up for the day. I’ll inform Elena.”
Rudbeckia blinked and tilted her head.
“Are you staying longer, Director?”
“I still have a few things to review.”
There were reports to double-check and operational plans to finalize. It wouldn’t take more than an hour, but still.
“Ehh… I was hoping we could leave together today.”
Rudbeckia’s shoulders slumped.
She must have had something planned.
“That’s unfortunate. But today isn’t a day I can reschedule. Let’s make plans for another time.”
“Plans?”
She looked puzzled, and Yohan smiled lightly.
“Once a week, I set aside time to be with Rudella, so she doesn’t have to wait alone.”
“Oh…”
Rudbeckia fell silent.
Rudella, who was pregnant, must be eagerly waiting for Yohan.
She was also a competitor of Rudbeckia, but she had no desire to keep a pregnant woman in check. It was a crucial time for her, and ultimately, she was carrying Yohan’s child.
“I’ll leave work first, then. You have to make time for me next time, okay?”
“Alright, get home safely.”
Rudbeckia smiled lightly as she gathered her belongings.
Meanwhile, Yohan checked his pocket watch for the time and hurried to finish his remaining work.
***
Once a week, Yohan set aside time.
From the evening of Jupiter’s Day to the morning of Saturnus’ Day.
In simpler terms, from Thursday evening to Saturday morning.
He always sought Francia’s understanding and spent that time exclusively with Rudella.
Thus, as soon as he finished work, Yohan headed to the annex where Rudella resided. After thoroughly washing himself and even using cleansing magic, he changed into comfortable clothes.
“The Lady Rudella is waiting in the bedroom on the second floor.” the annex steward informed him.
The servants of the Lahart estate still referred to Rudella as “Lady.” Since she and Yohan were not officially married, it was only natural.
“I’ll go right away.”
Yohan ascended the stairs and opened the door to the bedroom where Rudella awaited him.
She was sitting by the window, taking in the aroma of rosehip tea while gazing out at the garden.
“…”
Yohan stared blankly at her. The soft moonlight gently wrapped around her long hair.
“You’re here, Yohan.”
Rudella set her teacup down and smiled warmly.
At that moment, Yohan felt a peculiar, tingling sensation in his chest. No matter how many times he saw her, she was always beautiful and lovable. Even in simple attire, she exuded elegance.
“Were you waiting for me?”
“I’ve been counting the moments until you arrived.”
Rudella playfully teased him, her tone light.
Yohan chuckled and took a seat beside her.
“How have you been feeling?”
“I’ve been doing quite well lately.”
She gently caressed his hand as she spoke. A warmth, slightly more noticeable than before, seeped into his fingertips.
“Thanks to the physician’s care, I haven’t missed any meals, and my condition has improved. I can’t say there’s no discomfort, but it’s to be expected.”
Rudella had now entered the middle stage of her pregnancy—four months in. The most critical period had passed, but caution was still necessary.
“And how is life in the annex?”
“It’s wonderful, of course. A space dedicated entirely to me.”
The servants and attendants of the annex moved solely for Rudella’s comfort. Because of this, she found life here much more comfortable than in the main estate.
“It seems moving here was the right choice.”
“I’d say so. There’s a lot to be mindful of these days.”
Rudella chuckled softly and leaned her head against Yohan’s shoulder, intertwining their fingers.
“How was work today?”
“Well, it was the same as always.”
Yohan gently stroked her slender fingers. They were smooth and soft to the touch.
“Though this particular task might take longer than expected.”
“You mean the purification of the northern demonic lair?”
“Yeah. They said they haven’t found the rift yet.”
“Hm, that means the mission won’t end until they do.”
Rudella pouted slightly. She always looked forward to these weekly visits, and if the mission dragged on, there was a chance he wouldn’t be able to come.
Seeing her disappointment, Yohan chuckled.
“Don’t worry too much. I’ll finish it quickly and come back.”
“Really?”
“Of course. I can’t keep you waiting, can I?”
He then leaned in and lightly kissed the pale skin of her neck.
Rudella still smelled sweet. She didn’t even use scented oils, yet her natural fragrance was captivating.
“Mm… That tickles.”
“Sorry, I couldn’t help myself with your neck exposed like that.”
“Hehe, it’s fine.”
Rudella smiled softly and kissed his cheek.
“I belong to you, Yohan. You can do whatever you want, anytime.”
“If you say that, I might not be able to hold back.”
“Is there any need to hold back?”
“Hah.”
Yohan let out a dry laugh. The way she had become more forward over time was both amusing and endearing.
“But you shouldn’t overdo it right now.”
“Well, I did ask the physician, and he said it’s fine.”
“…You actually asked about that?”
“I always do. You’re quite insatiable, after all.”
“That sounds kind of weird when you say it like that.”
“But it’s the truth, isn’t it? Hehe.”
Rudella covered her mouth and giggled.
She wasn’t wrong. Whenever they were together, the mood naturally escalated, leading to intimacy. He had no defense against that.
“So, are you going to rest tonight?”
“I was planning to… but since you provoked me, I guess that’s not happening.”
Yohan chuckled and pulled her into his embrace, his hands naturally tracing her curves. Her body felt even softer now, and he couldn’t help but notice that her breasts had grown fuller since her pregnancy.
He wasn’t the type to have a particular attraction toward pregnant women, but Rudella was just so beautiful and adorable right now that he found it impossible to resist.
Rudella let out a light laugh.
“Tonight is going to be a long one.”
She quietly accepted Yohan’s hands as they began to undress her, allowing his gentle touch to explore her body.
It wouldn’t be long before he had to leave for the northern demon lair for purification.