The Villain Professor's Second Chance

"Report," the Queen commanded, her voice echoing through the hall. The representatives of the knights, the White Church, and the Magic Tower stepped forward, each looking more uneasy than the last. Her voice, though calm, held an undercurrent of barely restrained fury that sent a shiver down their spines.

A knight clad in shining armor, Sir Edmund, stepped forward and bowed deeply. "Your Majesty, we have made progress in the investigation of the attack at the royal banquet. Through an anonymous tip, we have identified a noble who colluded with the demonic forces."

Queen Aurelia's eyes narrowed. "A noble, you say? And this information, you believe it to be credible?"

Sir Edmund nodded, sweat beading on his forehead. "Yes, Your Majesty. We have verified the tip and found substantial evidence linking the noble to the demonic orc."

"Name this traitor," the Queen demanded, her voice cold as ice.

Sir Edmund hesitated before speaking, "Lord Alistair, Your Majesty. He has been seen consorting with suspicious individuals, and documents were found in his residence that implicate him in the attack."

The Queen's expression hardened. "Lord Alistair will be dealt with accordingly. See to it that he is apprehended immediately."

As Sir Edmund stepped back, the tension in the room escalated. The representatives from the White Church and the Magic Tower shifted uncomfortably. The Archbishop of the White Church, a man with a serene yet stern face, stepped forward next. "Your Majesty, our investigation into the cursed one that attacked the palace reveals that the magic used was of a demonic nature.

However, the exact method and origin of the curse remain unknown. Our clerics have been unable to dispel its effects completely."

Aurelia's gaze fixed on him, unyielding. "So, you have confirmed it is demonic magic, but you do not know how it works. What use is this information to me?"

The Archbishop bowed his head. "We are continuing our research, Your Majesty. We have found some clues that suggest the curse might have been enhanced with ancient, forbidden rituals. We are collaborating with the Magic Tower to delve deeper into these findings."

The representative from the Magic Tower, an elderly man with a long, flowing beard and a stern demeanor, stepped forward. "Your Majesty, we have detected residual traces of a rare and powerful form of dark magic. Our initial findings suggest that it involves a blend of necromancy and blood magic, techniques that have not been seen in centuries.

We have dispatched our most skilled enchanters and are preparing to send an expert to further investigate."

The Queen raised an eyebrow. "And who is this expert?"

The elderly mage cleared his throat. "The Chancellor has recommended Professor Draven Arcanum von Drakhan. He is renowned for his expertise in ancient and dark magics, and his recent actions in thwarting similar threats make him the ideal candidate."

Aurelia's expression softened slightly as she recalled Draven's pivotal role in the last incident. "Very well. Professor Draven shall lead the investigation. Ensure that he is given all necessary resources."

The Queen sat back, her gaze still sharp as she scanned the room. "How could a demonic orc infiltrate my palace with such a curse? There must be more to this than just Lord Alistair's betrayal. Explain."

The Archbishop stepped forward again, his tone more urgent. "Your Majesty, the curse used is unlike any we have encountered. Its complexity and the sheer power required suggest a high-level demonic entity. We believe this attack was orchestrated by a larger force, perhaps to destabilize the kingdom."

Queen Aurelia's eyes flashed with anger. "So, you are telling me that my palace is vulnerable to demonic forces and that my own nobles are colluding with them? How do you intend to prevent this from happening again?"

The Archbishop exchanged a nervous glance with the elderly mage, who spoke next. "Your Majesty, we are increasing our defensive wards around the palace and have called for an emergency assembly of our most powerful mages to strengthen our protections. Additionally, we are seeking to understand the origin of this dark magic.

Professor Draven's involvement will be crucial in unraveling these mysteries."

The Queen leaned forward, her fingers gripping the arms of her throne. "This had better yield results. If this curse is not understood and neutralized, the consequences will be dire. I expect frequent updates on your progress."

The representatives nodded, bowing deeply before stepping back. The tension in the room was palpable, the air thick with the Queen's simmering anger and the representatives' unease.

As the representatives exchanged uneasy glances, the Queen's aura grew more intense. Her grip on the arms of the throne tightened, and a faint, shimmering glow began to emanate from her. The air around her seemed to crackle with energy, a tangible manifestation of her immense mana.

"Do you truly grasp the severity of this situation?" she asked, her voice low and dangerous. The chandeliers above flickered as if reacting to her rising power. "An attack within the very heart of our kingdom, within these walls, cannot be tolerated. I will not allow my reign to be undermined by treachery and dark magic."

The elderly mage, despite his years of experience, found himself trembling under the weight of her presence. He swallowed hard, trying to steady his voice. "Your Majesty, we are fully aware of the gravity of the situation. Our efforts are unwavering, and we will leave no stone unturned."

The Queen's gaze shifted to the Archbishop, who remained remarkably composed. "And you, Archbishop? Do you share the same determination?"

The Archbishop met her eyes calmly, his serene demeanor unbroken. "Your Majesty, the White Church stands resolute. We will dedicate all our resources to uncovering the truth and neutralizing this threat."

Aurelia's eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of something unreadable passing through her expression. "Very well. But know this: failure is not an option. Should this curse persist, should another attack occur, the consequences will be dire for all involved."

The representatives felt the weight of her words like a physical force, a reminder of the Queen's unyielding resolve and the power she wielded. The room fell into a tense silence, broken only by the faint hum of mana in the air.

"You may leave," the Queen said curtly, waving a dismissive hand. The representatives hurried out of the hall, their steps quick and their expressions tense. As the doors closed behind the last of them, Aurelia's stern demeanor cracked slightly, a flicker of worry crossing her face. She turned to her prime minister, who had been standing quietly by her side.

"Do you think they will succeed, Marcellus?" she asked, her voice softer, tinged with genuine concern.

The prime minister, a man with graying hair and wise eyes, stepped forward. "They will, Your Majesty. Professor Draven is capable, and the combined efforts of the White Church and the Magic Tower will yield results. We must give them time."

Aurelia sighed, the weight of her crown feeling heavier than ever. "Time is a luxury we may not have. The kingdom is beset by enemies from within and without. We cannot afford another attack like this."

Marcellus nodded solemnly. "Indeed, Your Majesty. But we must also trust in our people and their abilities. They have never failed us before."

The Queen gave a small, tight smile. "Let us hope they do not fail us now."

Suddenly, the doors to the grand hall burst open, and a young messenger, his face flushed and his breath ragged, rushed in. The guards moved to stop him, but the Queen raised a hand.

"Let him speak," she commanded.

The messenger dropped to one knee, his voice trembling with urgency. "Your Majesty, I bring dire news from the north, from the territory of Icevern. They are under attack and request your immediate attention. The northern forces are struggling to hold back the goblins, and they fear they will be overwhelmed without reinforcement."

Queen Aurelia's eyes widened with concern and resolve. "Icevern, you say? Very well. Summon the generals. We must respond swiftly."

The hall buzzed with activity as the Queen's orders were carried out. The prime minister approached her, his expression one of cautious optimism. "Your Majesty, if I may suggest, Professor Draven could be of great assistance in the north. His expertise and leadership could turn the tide. And, he's the fiance of Lady Sophie of the Icevern. I believe he would fly away at once if you instruct him to,"

"He's the fiance of that stiff and rigid girl?" Aurelia nodded, her mind already racing with strategies. "Send word to Draven. Inform him of the situation and request his immediate assistance. We cannot afford to lose Icevern."