The Frugal Mage

Chapter 198 198: Acccusations

Julia had a lot of things on her mind because of the attack that happened targeting her family… She couldn't help but feel that it wasn't just a simple robbery. Although many of her relatives didn't believe her, she just knew that something was wrong.

Nonetheless, as soon as she heard that Rayven had returned, she stiffened for a bit and calmed herself. Rayven was a bit too clingy to her, but right now, she really needed the help of the Holy Family. She had to act properly in front of him even if he got a bit too physical.

When Rayven entered, she offered a polite smile, though it carried a stiffness that matched the distance between them.

Rayven didn't miss that.

"Ahem… Welcome back, Rayven," she said softly.

Rayven nodded, still cautious about how to act around her. "Julia."

Their tones felt just like an act of formality. Though they were engaged by arrangement, they had barely spoken in the past.

Four or five meetings at most, and none of them were memories Rayven could recall, because they weren't his memories at all.

Julia tried to bridge the silence. "It's been… some time. I wasn't sure when you would return."

Rayven hesitated as he just observed Julia for some time, since he felt that she was pleasing to the eye…

Indeed, there was no doubt that she was beautiful.

'Rayven's so lucky…' He mused.

In the meantime, Julia noticed that something was off immediately. Rayven wouldn't normally act like this. 'I heard he almost died… I guess that would change anyone.'

Still, the change was too big. Rayven's gaze, posture, and even his manner of speech were completely different.

"You're… different. You don't seem like yourself."

Rayven exhaled and decided not to hide it.

"Julia… I've lost my memories. I don't remember our past together. I don't even remember the times we met. If possible… could we start over? Or at least, could you tell me about our relationship?"

Julia's eyes widened. "Are you serious?"

Rayven nodded. If he wasn't mistaken, Stein should've mentioned this already.

Her lips parted slightly as she realized that it was indeed a serious matter. Still, she could only accept it.

"Even our promise together? Did you forget about it?"

Rayven nodded again, his expression was calm but honest.

Julia sighed…

For a moment, she looked away, as if gathering her thoughts. "Perhaps… this might be for the best."

Rayven frowned faintly.

'Why would she say that?'

But Julia didn't elaborate. She simply shook her head as she carefully considered what to do…

However, Rayven couldn't contain his curiosity…

"Julia… I heard about the attack on your family's estate. Bandits, mercenaries… whoever they were. Do you know who they were? Or why did they target you?"

Julia's expression hardened. "I don't know their identities. They were skilled, organized… not ordinary bandits. My father was injured, and we barely escaped. But I believe it wasn't random."

Rayven leaned forward slightly. "Why?"

Julia's eyes focused as she felt that Rayven had indeed come here for that reason. Even if he forgot his memories, the fact that they were engaged didn't change.

Perhaps, this Rayven could be trusted...

"It's because of what I found in my father's ledger. There was mention of a shipment… something connected to a Dungeon. I don't know the details yet, but I'm certain the attack was tied to it. There were markings there noting that the shipment was made for a high-ranking official or a noble."

Rayven nodded.

'A Dungeon shipment… and Shrubs mentioned a cult worshipping the Dungeons. The Count was also doing something fishy in the 17th Dungeon… Could this be connected?'

Julia lowered her voice. "I've kept the ledger hidden. If they attacked once, they may try again. Whoever they are… they want whatever my father was dealing with."

Rayven nodded slowly… "Then show me the ledger."

'If this is connected to the Count's crimes… or something larger… I need to know.' Rayven thought...

Julia studied him for a moment, then gave a faint nod. "Very well. I'll trust you with it."

***

About half an hour later, as Julia and Rayven decoded the ledger, a commotion stirred outside the Holt estate.

Shouts echoed through the courtyard, and it was loud enough to reach the hall where she and Rayven stood.

"Hey! I know you already returned!"

The shout filled with anger and desperation.

"Rayven! Pay me back! That caravan you failed to protect… My family's life savings were there! We were supposed to be rich once the trade was made! But all members of the caravan died except for you?! You must have taken all the profit! Come out here!"

Julia frowned as she turned her head in the direction of the voice. "What's happening?"

Rayven's expression darkened. He recognized the accusation immediately.

'The caravan… the one where Rayven died. The one where I transmigrated into his body. No one was supposed to survive that massacre.'

The shouting continued, drawing the attention of servants and guards, and the man was quickly suppressed… or at least, that was what they should do. However, after learning the person's identity, they hesitated.

Apparently, outside the gates was a young man with fine clothes but worn from stress. His face was flushed with rage, as he recalled Rayven's face…

He was Fabian, the son of a jeweler's family, one that had invested everything into that doomed caravan.

"Rayven Holt!" the young master bellowed. "My family lost everything because of you! Our products, our savings, our future are all gone! And yet you lived? How convenient! You must have stolen what was left!"

The guards hesitated, glancing at each other… None dared silence him, for his family name carried weight among the city's craftsmen.

Julia turned to Rayven… "What are you going to do? Do you know him?"

Rayven shook his head slowly. "Probably? But I don't remember him… Still, I know what he's talking about."

He couldn't help but helplessly smile after learning the situation. After all, he could understand the young man's concern. However, this was still the Holy Family's estate, and they had also lost not just products but also the lives of their retainers.

'This guy… Does he think that he owns this place?' Rayven frowned.