Episode 156: Rudbeckia’s Resolve
Before Purifying the Northern Demonic Lair
Early in the morning, just as the sun began to rise, Rudbeckia was getting ready for work, lost in deep thought.
‘The purification mission is almost over.’
Once the purification of the Northern demonic lair was complete, the role of the Purification Bureaurs would come to an end. What would happen afterward was still uncertain, but the Lahart Knights would likely take over their responsibilities.
Most of the officers would probably transfer to the Lahart Knights as well.
The same would apply to the aides—both Elena and Rudbeckia would become part of Lahart. But that wasn’t what she truly wanted.
She didn’t just want to be part of Lahart.
She wanted to be his person, to walk alongside him.
For that, she needed to properly express her feelings…
‘I don’t know when to do it.’
She had missed the perfect timing to confess. They were close enough that she could do it at any time, but a moment like this called for a romantic atmosphere.
The problem was, she didn’t know how to create that kind of atmosphere.
Even though she had married Yohan in her previous life, their relationship had never involved romance. She was just as inexperienced in this as anyone else.
‘But I don’t have much time left…’
Unconsciously, Rudbeckia bit her nail. The anxiety gnawed at her.
She had to have a child before Francia Fervache did.
Although Francia and she were allies, Francia had grown closer to Yohan. That meant they were now rivals.
‘What day is it today?’
Lunar Day.
The start of the week.
And unless something unexpected happened, Yohan’s schedule would be free.
“Today is my chance.”
Clenching her fists with determination, Rudbeckia resolved herself.
It was unfortunate that she had to wear her uniform on such an important day, but at least her choice of undergarments was flawless.
***
The Usual Purification Bureau
“For the Continent, loyalty!”
Every time Yohan walked through the corridors, the officers he passed would salute with determined expressions. While the atmosphere was usually more relaxed, his presence instantly put them on high alert.
“Good to see you, Lutera, First-Class Knight.”
“You remember my name…! It’s an honor!”
“It’s not that hard, really. Keep up the good work.”
“Loyalty!!”
The overwhelmed officer saluted even more fiercely, his posture perfectly aligned. Though this kind of strict discipline was sometimes exhausting, Yohan had grown used to it.
As he made his rounds, inspecting each department’s preparations for departure, his aide, Rudbeckia, accompanied him. Elena was busy with other tasks, leaving just the two of them.
And yet…
“…”
A peculiar scent wafted from Rudbeckia.
To be precise, it was an alluring fragrance that clouded his thoughts. He knew she wore perfume, but today, it was especially noticeable.
Her makeup was also different—subtle yet undeniably seductive.
Her lips were a luscious shade of red, her eyes half-lidded in an enticing manner, her porcelain skin flawless.
Was she trying to change her image?
Whatever it was, it was… bothering him.
It wasn’t that he found her change unpleasant, nor was the fragrance overwhelming.
It was just…
‘It’s distracting.’
Yohan was a man.
Her scent and playful glances stirred something in him. Her usual allure had deepened into something even more captivating. The more he tried to ignore it, the more his mind fixated on it.
The proof was in the subtle glances she drew from the officers and officials they passed.
It was impossible to concentrate on work. The slight curl of her lips, the gentle curve of her eyes—just looking at her awakened something primal within him.
“Haa…”
Yohan let out a deep breath, closing his eyes for a moment.
Shaking his head slightly, he pinched the bridge of his nose and finally spoke.
“Aide Rudbeckia, are you attending a banquet after work today?”
“Huh? A banquet?”
“You seem a bit different today.”
“Ah.”
Rudbeckia smiled softly and took a step closer. Her scent brushed against Yohan’s nose. Without thinking, he took a deep breath. It was a subtly different fragrance than usual.
Today, it felt deeper, more intense.
“Have I perhaps captivated you?”
“…”
When Yohan turned his head without responding, Rudbeckia chuckled.
“Hehe, I guess I have. It makes sense. Today is a special day, after all.”
It wasn’t that he was inexperienced with women. He had dealt with many noble ladies before. But they had always left a bad taste in his mouth, their greed evident in every interaction.
However, Rudbeckia was different. Her feelings weren’t tainted by greed. She genuinely liked him. And Yohan… felt the same way.
It was as if the defenses he had built over the years had crumbled.
“I’d appreciate it if you didn’t tease me.”
“I’m sorry. It’s just obvious that you’re conscious of me.”
Rudbeckia chuckled playfully, a mischievous glint in her eyes. She could feel Yohan’s gaze flickering toward her again and again. She didn’t dislike it. In fact, to be honest, she liked it.
“Let’s focus on work.”
“Yes, sir~.”
Yohan and Rudbeckia made their rounds through various departments.
The Purification Bureau had more divisions than one might expect—from reconnaissance teams specializing in investigations to researchers and administrators with deep knowledge of demonic lairs.
Their first stop was the strategy department, which focused on devising plans for subjugating demonic lairs.
“Ah, Director. Are you inspecting the departments?”
“Indeed. How are the preparations going?”
“We’re in the final stages, securing magical tools and artifacts.”
Magical tools and artifacts were essential for raiding demonic lairs. One could never predict what might happen inside.
Moreover, their destination was in the frigid North. They might have to camp in the snowy mountains for several days, making thorough preparation crucial.
Not that they were ever careless with preparations, but this time, the risks were particularly high.
“Do we have enough thermal magic tools?”
“We’re securing them, but we’re still a bit short.”
“Because the Mage Tower isn’t functioning properly, I assume?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
The majority of magical tools available on the market were produced by the Mage Tower. It was natural, given that most experts in such knowledge resided there.
Of course, independent mages crafted artifacts as well. Some nobles even ran such businesses. However, in terms of supply volume and quality, the Mage Tower was unmatched.
Yohan asked, “How many are we short?”
“About forty.”
“That means only the elite squad and the second division will be fully equipped.”
“Yes, sir.”
The elite squad consisted of twenty members.
The regular divisions had nine members each.
On top of that, the reconnaissance officers and sensory specialists also needed supplies. Clearly, they were significantly short.
“This is problematic.”
Yohan furrowed his brows and rubbed his chin. He hadn’t expected to feel the consequences of killing the Mage Tower’s leader so soon. But he had no regrets. That man had needed to die.
“Even if they can use thermal magic, it’ll still be an issue.”
“Indeed. This mission will already be draining.”
Traveling through freezing mountains while constantly expending mana to stay warm was a dangerous burden. They needed to conserve their energy in case of unexpected encounters.
“Understood. Secure as many as you can. If necessary, we’ll reduce the number of troops heading into the mountains. A smaller unit might be better anyway.”
The department head immediately understood Yohan’s reasoning and nodded.
“We should establish a forward base first and only ascend after the preliminary survey.”
“Exactly. Once we locate the demonic lair’s rift, we’ll handle it swiftly.”
“Understood. I’ll adjust the plan accordingly.”
“I’m counting on you.”
With that, the inspection of the strategy department was complete.
Yohan gave a brief farewell and stepped out of the office.
“The preparations are progressing smoothly, but there are still some troublesome details.”
Rudbeckia pouted her lips, and Yohan shrugged as he answered.
“It’s because the Mage Tower is in ruins.”
From the moment the Tower Master died, this outcome had been inevitable. The Mage Tower played a significant role in this world, after all.
“Well, there won’t be any major issues. No need to worry.”
“Mm, because you’re here, Director?”
“…You could say that.”
Yohan responded awkwardly. He had deliberately avoided saying it, but she pointed it out anyway.
“Let’s just focus on work for now.”
“Yees~.”
The two continued visiting different departments, checking on the progress of their preparations. Aside from the shortage of magical artifacts in the strategy department, things were going smoothly.
However, one issue remained.
“That snowy mountain hasn’t been properly surveyed. Or rather, it would be more accurate to say that it couldn’t be.”
The head of the investigation department continued.
“The cold intensifies drastically just a little ways up, and the number of demonic beasts increases abnormally. It’s as if the entire mountain is protecting something.”
“Hmm.”
Yohan furrowed his brows and stroked his chin. That “something” was most likely a Demonic rift. But for the entire mountain to be affected? This was the first he’d heard of such a thing.
Then again, little was truly known about demonic rifts, so no phenomenon would be too strange to encounter.
“I’ll have to see it for myself to understand.”
“Yes. We’ve reached our limit when it comes to entry.”
“Alright, I get it.”
With that, Yohan nodded and left the investigation department.
That concluded the department inspections.
As he walked down the hallway with Rudbeckia, he checked his pocket watch. The time was 3 PM. Still a bit early to clock out, but—
“That’s all for today.”
“Yes. Now we just have to wait for everything to be ready.”
She was right. There was nothing more for them to do at the upper level. The rest was up to their subordinates.
“Are you heading home, Director?”
“I was thinking about it.”
Yohan smiled slightly. He’d feel a little guilty for leaving early while others were still working, but they would probably be relieved. Most people found it uncomfortable to be around their boss for too long.
It was better to clear out early and let them work in peace.
“Hmm, then am I off work too?”
“That would be the case. You don’t have any tasks left, after all, Aide Rudbeckia.”
“Hehe.”
Rudbeckia grinned and stepped ahead of him. She then turned to face him, tilting her head slightly. Her golden hair rustled as it cascaded down her shoulder.
“In that case, please spare me some time today.”
“Time?”
Yohan tilted his head in curiosity.
“Yes. I’m asking you to go on a date with me.”
“A date, huh…”
Now that he thought about it, he had no scheduled plans for Monday. Francia was in the final stages of her service, making various preparations.
Rudella was waiting, but he had heard that lately, she spent this time painting as a hobby. It was best not to disturb her. She had finally found something new to enjoy.
Of course, Rudella would likely be happy if he visited unannounced.
“Alright, let’s do it.”
“Yay!”
At Yohan’s agreement, Rudbeckia beamed, clasping her fists together near her chest. The way she smiled so brightly, almost foolishly happy, was rather adorable.
“I’ll go get ready right away!”
“Already? Do you have reservations somewhere?”
“Nope! No reservations, but I do have a place in mind.”
“Is it far?”
“Not at all. And the place we’re going to is—”
Rudbeckia looked at Yohan and slowly smiled. The corners of her lips curled up slightly. In her green eyes, anticipation and mischief swirled together.
“We’re going to my house.”