Before they could proceed with their hypotheses, soldiers arrived with their findings.

  "What have you discovered?" Rolf asked urgently.

  "We've found several dead soldiers," one soldier reported.

  "And the cause of death?" Rolf pressed.

  The soldiers exchanged uneasy glances before one finally spoke. "The victims didn't die from a simple altercation. Two bodies had their throats crushed, showing clear signs of being squeezed."

  Another soldier added, "One body had severe trauma to the cervical vertebrae from behind. There were no external injuries or signs of weapon use."

  "And there's more," the last soldier interjected.

  "Go on," Rolf urged.

  "The presumed otherworldly being had a burned face and… their trousers were missing a belt," the soldier continued, trembling.

  Rolf's frustration grew. "What does that imply?"

  "The missing belt means their trousers would have fallen off, making it difficult to believe they could have fought effectively," the soldier explained.

  Celia and Rolf exchanged worried glances.

  "Celia, we need to act fast," Rolf said.

  Without a word, Celia rushed out, leaving Rolf to direct the remaining soldiers.

  Rolf followed Celia closely, determined to confirm their worst fears.

  The two, bolstered by magical enhancements, reached the medical room in seconds.

  "It looks like the fire was put out as reported," Rolf observed, noting the drenched surroundings.

  Orlando, a young mage, approached them. "Celia, Rolf, what's happening?"

  "Orlando, what's the status of the fire?" Celia asked urgently.

  "The fire was contained before it could spread further," Orlando replied, "but—"

  "What is it? Spit it out!" Celia pressed.

  "Three bodies were recovered, but one is missing. The injured person we sent to the medical room there's no sign of his body," Orlando said, hesitating.

  Celia's heart sank. "How did you know someone was missing?"

  "One of the doctors had stepped out, and two soldiers brought the injured person in. After the fire was controlled, three bodies were found, but the bed was empty," Orlando explained.

  Celia, her mind racing, took charge. "Orlando, gather the mage squad immediately. Rolf, assemble the guards. I'll get permission from His Majesty to deploy troops. We'll meet in the courtyard."

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  "Understood!" Orlando responded, shifting into action.

  "But… what's happening?" Orlando asked, confusion evident.

  "Don't worry about it. Just follow Celia's orders," Rolf said, trying to reassure him.

  Celia's urgency cut through the confusion. "Orlando, we don't have time to lose. He could escape at any moment!"

  Orlando, now fully alert, prepared for action. "What's the troop strength?"

  "Deploy all available forces. The situation is highly dangerous. Use magic if necessary," Celia instructed.

  Orlando quickly began his spell, teleporting to the mage squad's quarters.

  "That's impressive," Celia remarked, noting Orlando's skillful spell casting.

  "Of course," Orlando replied with confidence. "It's expected of a top tier mage."

  Celia then focused on Rolf. "Rolf, I'll teleport you to the guard's quarters. Assemble the troops immediately."

  "Got it. I'll wait for your update," Rolf said, ready to follow her lead.

  "Here we go. 'Great deity Meneos, guide this person to their destination! Teleport,'" Celia chanted as Rolf vanished.

  Celia then prepared for her own teleportation, determined to track down the elusive culprit.

  "'O supreme god of light, Meneos, grant me the power of teleportation. Teleport,'" she invoked, ready to continue the pursuit.

...

  A halberd was thrust threateningly towards Celia's chest.

  "Who dares intrude?! How dare you use teleportation magic within the palace grounds!" a voice, laced with hostility, challenged her.

  "This is a matter of utmost urgency! I demand an immediate audience with His Majesty!" Celia asserted, disregarding the guard's challenge.

  The guards, realizing the intruder was the Deputy Court Mage, quickly lowered their halberds.

  "Lady Celia, is it truly you? We apologize, but why have you used teleportation? You are aware of the regulations, aren't you?" the guard asked, his suspicion clear.

  The use of teleportation magic could potentially allow someone to breach even the Emperor's private quarters, a serious violation with severe consequences. It was natural for the guards to question her. However, Celia remained unfazed.

  "Be silent! This is an emergency. Time is of the essence! If you don't let me through, I'll force my way in!"

  "Please wait, Lady Celia! I'll inform the Emperor immediately!"

  One of the guards, clearly intimidated by Celia's commanding presence, hurried to notify the Emperor. In less than a minute, the door in front of Celia opened silently.

  "What is the meaning of this, Celia Walkland? Such disregard is unacceptable!" The stern voice of Durnest, the Iron Blooded Chancellor, resonated as Celia knelt before the Emperor.

  ("Great, the Chancellor is here...")

  Celia mentally clicked her tongue in frustration. This development was far from ideal for her urgent situation. Chancellor Durnest, a loyal supporter of the Emperor, was known for his strict adherence to laws, his demeanor as unyielding as iron. However, a voice rose in Celia's defense it was the Emperor himself, seated on his throne.

  "Enough, Durnest. Celia has come with an urgent matter. Surely, something significant must have occurred?"

  "But, Your Majesty..."

  Durnest insisted on maintaining the importance of following proper protocol.

  "Enough!"

  The Emperor's gaze was sharp, his authority evident even to the Chancellor. The current Emperor, Lionel Eisenheit, was no mere figurehead. At 58, he was a formidable presence, having forged his nation through conquest and military campaigns.

  "My apologies, Your Majesty," Durnest said, bowing in deference.

  "Very well. Celia, what is the purpose of your visit?"

  "Yes, Your Majesty. I humbly request permission to mobilize troops."

  The Emperor and Chancellor were momentarily stunned by Celia's unexpected request.

  "What are you implying?! How dare you, a mere Deputy Court Mage, interfere in military affairs! What does Lord Gaius have to say about this?!" Durnest's reaction was one of disbelief and anger. Celia had no authority to make such demands.

  Yet, contrary to Durnest's outrage, the Emperor's response was calm.

  "Very well."

  "What?! Your Majesty, what are you saying?"

  "I said it is acceptable, Durnest."

  In stark contrast to Durnest's dismay, the Emperor remained composed.

  "But Celia, I must inquire. Why do you, a Court Mage, need troops? Is Lord Gaius aware of this?"