Volume 1, Part 8, Mayhem in the Royal Capital
Chapter 0116 Royal Capital
-x-X-x-
A village about two kilometers away from Crystal Palace, the Royal Capital of the Kingdom of Knightley.
In the evening, four adventurers visited the church in the village.
The priest who opened the door looked slightly surprised but welcomed the four without saying anything.
Then, he guided one of them and entered the study in the back of the church.
The priest placed his hand on the side of a bookshelf at the end of the study room and chanted something.
Then the bookshelf moved, revealing the wall behind it.
There was a hole in the wall that was large enough for a person to pass through.
After the man entered the hole, the priest placed his hand on the bookshelf again, returned it to its original position, and left the study.
The man in the hole placed his hand on the stone next to him and chanted something.
Then, the lights that extended to the depths of the hole were lit.
It seemed to be a very long passage but it was impossible to gauge how long it was.
The man sighed softly and started walking toward the end of the passage.
After walking for about 30 minutes, the passage, which used to be a straight path, emerged to an opening with three connecting paths.
The man entered the right passageway without hesitation.
After walking for a while, he reached a spiral staircase and climbed.
There was a stone door at the end. The man placed his hand on the stone door and chanted something again.
The stone door opened by itself and the man entered.
And after walking about another fifty meters, there was another stone door.
The man slid his sword halfway out of the scabbard and struck the door three times with the handle.
After a while, behind the door, he heard the sound of tapping three times.
After confirming that, the man tapped seven times this time.
Finally, behind the door, he heard the sound of a key unlocking and what seemed to be a bar taken off, and the door was opened.
"Welcome, Albert."
"My apologies for the wait, Your Highness the Crown Prince."
In the room, he was greeted by a man he called 『Crown Prince』 who was about 30 years old and had a bad complexion.
And the one who entered the room called 『Albert』 … was Rune's B-rank adventurer Abel.
"It's only the two of us here so I would have preferred if you called me brother for the first time in a while."
The person called the Crown Prince slowly sat down on the bed with a bitter smile.
"Okay, brother."
Abel said with a little bashfulness.
Upon hearing that, the Crown Prince nodded happily.
"I asked you to come all the way here without anyone knowing because I have a very important and troublesome problem to tell you."
The Crown Prince said while a little out of breath, perhaps the walk to the hidden door was strenuous.
"His Majesty has renounced his key to 『The Hero's Room』."
"Wha …"
Abel couldn't give a follow-up to the words of the Crown Prince.
『The Hero's Room』
A place that could be called the true treasure room, deep inside the Royal Castle treasure room.
It was created by King Richard, the founder of the Kingdom of Knightley, who was said to manipulate magic of all attributes and had reached the pinnacle of Alchemy, and the room has existed for hundreds of years since then.
Since the time of King Richard, it contained many treasures that were said to upset the balance of the world.
Also, in King Richard's will, he said that what was inside the Hero's Room must not be given out.
The treasure room was said to contain things that should not be out in the world.
And only two people are registered to open the Hero's Room.
"The key has been held by His Majesty the King and the Crown Prince for generations …"
Abel recalled the words he was taught when he was in the Royal Castle.
"Yes, that's right. His Majesty has renounced that key, the right to open the Hero's Room."
After reaching that point, the Crown Prince stood up, poured water into a cup from the jug on his desk, and took a sip.
"Two people hold the 『Key』 so if one party renounces the key or passes away, the other party can assign the key to another person. That's why I accepted His Majesty's renouncement … but I do not know why His Majesty did that. However, I have my suspicions."
"What do you mean?"
Abel asked the Crown Prince.
"His Majesty … hasn't had any drive for about two years now, or rather, he's been in that listless state most of the time. Or you can say he's acting absentmindedly … But then he sometimes becomes coherent. In short, his emotions are unstable."
"That's … is he sick?"
That was Abel's first thought after hearing the Crown Prince's explanation.
"That is a possibility, but there is another possibility."
"Another possibility?"
"Yes. Mental control by poison or magic."
Abel opened his eyes wide in shock.
"Impossible! Just like us, His Majesty should be wearing a 『Tranquility Necklace』 on his skin at all times. That necklace eliminates all poisons and magic that interferes with the mind. Receiving negative influence from poisons and magic while wearing that is …"
"If it's a real 『Tranquility Necklace』"
In contrast to Abel's agitated words and actions, the Crown Prince calmly connected his words.
"Although in theory it is never taken off our skin, leaving aside our circumstances, His Majesty performs ceremonies as the King, and some of which are performed without wearing any clothing and accessories."
"Ah..."
Abel imagined that scene under the Crown Prince's calm direction.
Indeed, the necklace would be removed during those rituals.
If it was replaced during that time …
"No way …"
"It's just a possibility. It's also possible that he's just sick. I have asked the Great Priest of the Central Temple several times to apply
"The Great Priest is an old acquaintance of His Majesty …"
"Yeah. So he drops by between his busy times. He would return to a good condition for a while after
The Crown Prince frowned as he explained.
(If it's poison, there's a person next to His Majesty who is poisoning him…?)
Abel thought so and looked at the Crown Prince.
The Crown Prince nodded slightly.
Of course, what Abel thought was already being considered by the Crown Prince.
"Well, anyway, it seemed that he renounced the key while his consciousness was clear."
The Crown Prince drank another sip of water.
"And that leads to the story of asking Albert to come. Right now, I'm the only one with the key, so I'll register Albert as the second person."
"Me...?"
"Yes. His Majesty has renounced the key by his own will. The registration or renouncement is impossible without a clear consciousness. I don't know how it works, but it is King Richard's alchemy. I believe that it has to be done with a clear intention, and once you give it up, you can never register again. If so, it should be registered to Albert, who is the next in line for succession to the throne after me. And it must be done as soon as possible."
Then the Crown Prince shrugged his shoulders and continued jokingly.
"Because I have such a body, I don't know when and what will happen."
"Brother, please don't say that even if you're joking!"
Abel frowned and spoke a little angrily to the Crown Prince's joke.
"I'm sorry."
The Crown Prince lightly turned aside Abel's anger.
Then he returned to his slightly serious expression and continued.
"And not right now … but maybe you'll have to come home sooner than planned."
"...Is that so."
Abel nodded slightly in response.
That was because he figured that would be the case from the time he was called here.
"You've become a famous adventurer, which was your original goal. When Rune's B-rank adventurer Abel is brought up in a conversation, adventurers all over the Kingdom would acknowledge his strength, right?"
The Crown Prince said so and laughed.
Abel's face turned a little red.
"Since King Richard, the Kingdom has been an adventurer's country. Even in war, the Kingdom's adventurers are a mighty force. If so, I, who will eventually lead the Kingdom's army, must also capture the hearts of adventurers. I will return to the royal family after experiencing life as an adventurer. If I do so, the adventurers of the Kingdom will be an even more powerful force for the Kingdom and its people … I was convinced when Albert said that to me in the past, that my brother is a genius."
"Brother, please stop teasing me …"
The Crown Prince smiled as he recited what Abel, the second prince, said when he was young, and Abel's face was completely red after hearing it.
"I'm not teasing you. I really thought so."
The Crown Prince stared at Abel with gentle eyes and said.
"I would be in charge of politics and Albert would be in charge of the Kingdom's Army … that was the ideal."
"Yes..."
For a while, time passed as neither spoke a word.
Both of them were likely reminiscing about the past.
It was the Crown Prince who broke the silence first.
"Well, anyway, let's go to the Hero's Room and register the key."
"Would that be okay? I currently do not hold any royal position. Perhaps Harold is a better choice than me?"
Harold was the son of the Crown Prince.
"Harold is only twelve years old. He's too young. If Albert returns home, you'll be second in succession to the throne, right? I'm first, Albert is second, and Harold is third. In terms of succession, Albert should register."
"...Okay."
Abel decided to accept it.
However, he had some concerns.
"Brother, I'm okay to register, but brother's physical condition …"
"I'm feeling pretty good today. If Abel lends me a shoulder, I should be able to sneak to the Hero's Room and come back."
Then the crown prince picked up two robes and gave one to Abel.
"It's commonly known as the 『Hermit's Robe』. Made in the Royal Alchemy Workshop, it's strictly forbidden to abuse it. It's made by Wind Magic and Alchemy, and you won't be noticed even if you make a lot of noise."
Then the brothers sneaked out of the room.
After matters were done, Abel entered the underpass through the same hidden door that he came from, walked two kilometers underground, left the Royal Capital of Crystal Palace, and returned to the village church.
When Abel entered the church dining room, the three other members of 『Crimson Sword』 were having dinner.
"Abel, welcome back~"
Wind-Attribute Magician Rin greeted him.
"Oh, I'm back."
"I prepared Abel's share for dinner too."
The Priest Rihya showed Abel to his seat.
Abel sat down and ate silently.
Meanwhile, the other three ate dinner without talking either.
After eating, Abel said.
"Let's go to the Royal Capital tomorrow. Something that I want to investigate came up."
"I see. Will we visit the guild?"
"No, I want to move without showing our faces for a while."
Abel shook his head and replied to Rihya's confirmatory question.
"But in the Royal Capital, the checks for the inns are strict no matter where we stay? What should we do?"
Rin asked.
The Royal Capital was known as a place where checks were very strict when staying at an inn.
If you do not show something that can prove your identity, you will not be able to stay overnight, and the guards will frequently check the guest list.
In the case of Abel and his party, they would usually show their guild cards, but if they showed their guild cards to stay overnight, the inn would verify their identity with the guild on the same day.
In other words, the fact that the B-rank party 『Crimson Sword』 is in the Royal Capital would likely be known to the guild.
"That's okay. I have a plan."
Then Abel grinned.
Seeing that smile, Rin had a bad feeling.
They entered the Royal Capital without any problems, and the four 『Crimson Sword』 reached their destination.
"I knew it ..."
When they reached their destination, Rin crumbled to her knee.
They were at … the 『Kingdom Magic Research Institute』.
Also known as 『Ilarion's House』.
It was a research institute headed by Ilarion Baraja, the chief court wizard of the Kingdom of Knightley, and was a facility with numerous accommodation rooms inside where they could stay overnight.
In the first place, 『researchers』 were people devoted to their research and they find it regrettable to even go home … otherwise, they would never become first-class in their field.
For them, having a laboratory and a sleeping place in the same place was nothing short of heaven.
However, it was also one of the places that made 『Crimson Sword』's Wind-Attribute Magician feel uncomfortable, as it reminded her of how she once helped with Ilarion's research and her own research.
In addition to the research building and experimental building, the research institute was fully equipped with outdoor experimental equipment and indoor experimental equipment and took up a vast site in the Royal Capital.
Meanwhile, the four of them headed to the top floor of the research building … the laboratory of Ilarion Baraja, the origin of the building's alias.
Upon arriving in front of the laboratory, Abel opened the door without knocking and entered.
"Gramps, are you home?"
'It's fine as long as you announce your entrance' … That was the relationship between Abel and Ilarion.
"Is that voice Abel? Take a sit in a chair around there."
For some reason, from the other side of the office desk … there was no one but they could hear a voice from there.
Abel, who was asked to sit in a chair, ignored it and looked toward the desk where he heard the voice.
There was a chair for work … and on the chair was a wooden box with rounded corners about the size of a person's head.
The voice seemed to have come from inside the box.
The moment Abel reached for the box and tried to grab it, the door to the next room opened and an old man appeared.
"I told you to sit in a chair."
At the moment Abel was told, he was shocked and withdrew his outstretched hand.
Of course, the remaining three were sitting quietly in their chairs as they were told from the beginning.
"Sheesh … you're still a child like before …"
The old man, Ilarion Baraja, shook his head and sat at the reception table.
"No, I did grow up …"
"Nobody believes that."
Ilarion then rings the tabletop bell twice.
Then, exactly ten seconds later, there was a knock on the door and a young woman entered.
"You called, chief?"
"Yeah. Visitors. I'm sorry, but could you brew tea … no, coffee for five people?"
"Understood."
The woman bowed and went out.
Abel looked at Ilarion with great interest after he changed his order.
"So the laboratory finally has coffee now …"
"Sula there came from the South. She brews delicious coffee."
Ilarion nodded and answered Abel's question.
After Sula came in again, poured coffee for the five people and left, Ilarion placed a palm-sized box on the desk and pushed what seemed to be a switch.
"This is an alchemy box to prevent eavesdropping. It was finally assigned here as well."
"The development of Alchemy is remarkable … My friend is absorbed in Alchemy but … I wonder if he will be able to make something like this one day."
As Abel was impressed, he said while looking at the alchemy box used to prevent eavesdropping.
"A friend of Albert … maybe you have grown up. Now that I think about it … Arthur mentioned him, a Water-Attribute Magician."
Arthur would be Arthur Verasis, Adviser of the Court Magic Group.
He visited the City of Rune to investigate the Great Tidal Bore and narrowly escaped death in the dungeon with Abel and the others.
"Oh, you know about him too? He's my lifesaver."
"Hmm …. Rin, from your perspective, is that Water-Attribute Magician … wasn't he called Ryo? Is he an excellent Magician?"
"Why ask Rin instead of me …"
Abel complained that Ilarion confirmed with Rin instead of himself.
"Even if I asked you, you don't know what a Magician is. Rin would know much more."
Ilarion asserted and Abel puffed his cheeks in dissatisfaction.
Rihya looked at them from the side smiling.
"Master, Ryo is a monster as far as magic is concerned."
In response to Ilarion's question, Rin declared.
Ilarion's eyebrows twitched slightly.
"Even Rin calls him a monster … So what makes you say that?"
"Ryo manipulates a lot of original magic, though I don't know why he can do that."
Abel nodded many times, listening to Rin's report by her side.
For some reason … he had his arms crossed and was nodding proudly as though they were talking about him.
"Hmm … I heard from Arthur but … it's really interesting. I definitely want to meet with him and talk."
Ilarion's words startled Abel and he stared at him.
"Gramps, it's okay to meet and talk, but keep it at that. Don't make Ryo angry."
"What happens if he gets angry?"
"He could easily freeze a village or town …"
He had never seen it, but Abel somehow said what came to mind … without knowing it was happening in the eastern part of the Kingdom.
"Water Magic that can freeze an entire city … I desperately want to see that."
"You're definitely not taking me seriously."
Ilarion commented while drinking coffee and Abel retorted while looking at him with an exasperated expression.
"No no, there are some people in the world who are like the Explosive Blaze Magician. Didn't he have that rumor surrounding him? Burning down an entire city."
"That's probably the magic
Ilarion opened his eyes wide at Abel's words.
That was the first time Ilarion was greatly surprised since this meeting began.
"Albert, no Abel, why do you know the name of the magic?"
Ilarion asked Abel with flying momentum. The spirit or pressure he was emitting was extraordinary.
As a magic researcher, there was something he hadn't seen yet … he was excited just hearing about it and Abel in front of him even had information about it!
It was not an exaggeration to say that Ilarion devoted all of his life to the quest for magic.
Abel may have felt that he would try to extract that information from him even if he had to dissect Abel.
"Oh, uh, I encountered it in Whitnash. The enraged Explosive Blaze Magician used that magic to drop countless flames from the sky. At that time, his target was focused, but it was probably originally meant to be a wide area magic and if that was the case, it might be possible to turn a city into ashes …"
Abel recalled the Whitnash incident.
"That attack? I heard that the Empire's prince and princess were there, but the Explosive Blaze Magician was there too? Well … I'm surprised Abel is unscathed after facing that in close quarters."
"Oh. It was Ryo who completely intercepted that
"What …"
Abel quietly affirmed, and Ilarion was astonished and speechless.
And then ...,
"Okay, I'm going to the City of Rune now. Farewell."
Ilarion stood up and tried to leave the room.
It was Abel and the others who were flustered.
"Wait, wait, wait. Gramps. In the first place, Ryo isn't in the City of Rune right now."
"What?"
"Before we came here, we split up at Red Post in the East, but Ryo and his companions were heading to the Inbury Duchy from there … Even if their request went smoothly, they would definitely not reach the City of Rune yet."
"What a tragedy …"
Ilarion was in a pose of despair with both knees and hands on the ground.
"I can't understand researchers after all …"
Abel's mutter did not enter Ilarion's ears.
After a while, Ilarion finally stood up.
And he sat in the chair of the reception table as if nothing had happened.
"I didn't ask why Abel and party came here."
"Acting as if nothing happened … and to ask for the reason now …"
After recovering from the shock, Ilarion asked Abel why he visited, and Abel replied with dismay.
"Well, there are a lot of things happening in the royal palace. I want to investigate a few matters secretly. So, let me use this place as an inn in the meantime."
"Hmm … I don't mind you using it as an inn at all. There are many rooms available anyway. But strange happenings at the royal palace … is this about how His Majesty has changed a lot lately?"
"Yeah …Gramps noticed it too?"
Ilarion pointed it out, and Abel confirmed it calmly.
"Well. I sometimes go to the royal palace because I'm the top Magician. But I have not been allowed to talk to His Majesty one-on-one like before."
Ilarion said as he looked a little lonely.
Unlike Abel, the current King, King Stafford IV, was a king who manipulated magic himself and had a deep knowledge of magic, and he often talked with Ilarion about magic since long ago.
Even though he was in a higher position now and no longer had time to discuss all night long, he was still able to converse with him during tea.
But for the last two years, that hadn't happened.
"Hey, Gramps. Who has become the most powerful in the royal capital in the last three years?"
Doubt those who have made a profit. That was basic.
"Hmm … the ones who have gathered power … Knight-Captain Baccara, Grand Chamberlain Sorrel, and the Finance Minister Fuka, those are the names that come to mind immediately."
"I see..."
Abel also knew the three people whose names came up.
They were already in service eight years before when Abel was still in the royal palace.
However, their positions at that time were considerably lower than they were now …
"Well, thank you for the information."
"Don't overexert yourself."
With that said, Ilarion finished the coffee he had remaining.
-x-X-x-
Crystal Palace, the Royal Capital of the Kingdom of Knightley.
Originally, the name of the royal castle was 『Crystal Palace』, but before they knew it, it became the name of the royal capital, and the royal castle was just called 『Palace』.
Befitting its name, the royal castle was a resplendent building with crystals embedded in the windows.
In the Kingdom, the windows of the aristocrats' mansions were fitted with flat glass.
『Palace』 was the royal castle of a great power, so crystals and glass were used abundantly and the inside of the castle was always illuminated by magical lights, causing the envoys from other countries or even the ambassadors stationed there to fall in love with the castle.
The headquarters of the Kingdom's Knights' Order was located in a corner of the royal castle.
Currently, there were a total of 500 knights belonging to the Kingdom's Knights' Order, but only about 200 were stationed in the headquarters while the rest were working at the Knights' station or training ground in the royal capital…
Most of the knights in the Kingdom's Knights' Order were the heads, heirs, second sons, and below of aristocratic families … those who have the blood of the aristocrats.
However, there were differences in their respective positions, such as 『Head』, 『Heir』, and 『Second son and below』 which translated to distinct differentiation in the Order.
Even if they were all 『Nobles』, there were all kinds of differences.
The top brass of the Kingdom's Knights' Order, the Knight-Captain, was Count Weir Baccara Toe.
The head of the Count Weir family.
He was said to possess an imposing body that made it easy to imagine his heroic sword technique from his physique.
Originally the second son of Count Weir, his father and his brother, the heir, died in the 『Great War』 ten years ago.
From there, he used his inherited fortune to bribe people … and finally succeeded in seizing the position of Knight-Captain.
Of course, even though he gained the title of Knight-Captain with a large number of bribes, as a knight, his skill with the sword was in the upper ranks in the Kingdom.
It was rumored that he had declined considerably since he became the Knight-Captain, but today he was training with his sword in a corner of the Knights' headquarters.
"Captain, Count Pere Gynt is here to see you."
"Eh? Did I schedule a meeting?"
An adjutant ran up to Knight-Captain Baccara and announced a guest's visit.
"No, it is not scheduled."
"Hmm. I'll be back soon. Serve him some alcohol."
Then Baccara wiped his sweat before heading to the room.
"Count Pere Gynt, have I kept you waiting?"
When Baccara entered the reception room, he immediately called out.
"No, Knight-Captain, I suddenly came unannounced. Don't worry."
Count Pere Gynt was known in the royal court as a person with no shortage of notoriety.
However, at the same time, he was also known as a person who solved most matters as long as he was paid generously, and such a person was found useful by some people by any society.
Of course, the others detested people like him.
Needless to say, he was also helpful when Baccara climbed to his position.
"And so, today?"
The adjutant brewed Baccara tea and when he left the room, Baccara spoke.
"Um, actually, I have a request for Knight-Captain."
Then Count Pere Gynt placed a bag full of something on the edge of the desk and then spoke.
Most people would be able to understand that it was a bag full of money.
"Actually, Baron Washer's third son is looking for a job. I was asked if he could belong to the Kingdom's Knights' Order."
"Hm."
"How about it, could Knight-Captain pull some strings?"
"The member roster is filled."
When Captain Baccara said so, Count Pere Gynt put another of the same bag on the desk.
"I know it very well. But somehow …"
"Even if you say so."
When Knight-Captain Baccara added on, Count Pere Gynt took out another same bag as before and put it on the desk.
Now there were three bags lined up.
"I can't help it if Count Pere Gynt is the one asking."
Captain Baccara shook his head and said.
"Oh, as expected, Knight-Captain. Thank you."
Then, as overstaying would be pointless, Count Pere Gynt stood up, shook hands with Baccara, and then left the room.
Meanwhile, neither Baccara nor Count Pere Gynt mentioned the bags placed on the desk.
When Baccara confirmed that Count Pere Gynt had left, he took the three bags and threw them into a box in the corner of the next room, which was large enough to fit one person.
About 70% of the box was already packed with similar bags.
Those were bribes that Baccara received.
After climbing up to the Knight-Captain position, Baccara had made a brilliant transition from the bribe-giving side to the bribe-receiving side.
The side that gives the bribe or the side that receives the bribe?
It might be an indicator of status in the current Kingdom of Knightley.
Speaking of the Kingdom's Knights' Order, it was once the most popular goal for boys in the Kingdom.
In fact, in the days of the predecessor Knights, word of the Knightley Kingdom's Knights' Order struck fear in others for their bravery.
However, even though it has only been about ten years since Alexis Heinlein, the Knight-Captain at that time, retired, the core of the Knights was already rotten.
Approximately 100 meters in a straight line from the headquarters of the Kingdom's Knights' Order was the center of the royal castle 『Palace』 and the place where the office of King Stafford IV was located.
In the secondary rooms next to the office, the Grand Chamberlain Sorrel waited.
Grand Chamberlain Sorrel … at the age of 55 this year, his body was getting a little rounder and the hair on his head was getting thinner, but His Majesty the King had a lot of trust in him … or so it was said.
It was the job of the Grand Chamberlain to manage the official duties of His Majesty the King.
If the King is decent, it is unlikely that the Grand Chamberlain's influence would become stronger.
However, even in the history of Earth, often the person who is constantly next to the person who has the greatest power would possess some influence of their own.
And the current Kingdom of Knightley was heading in the wrong direction.
Today once more, there was a pile of bribes in front of Grand Chamberlain Sorrel.
Once Sorrel has his eyes on you, he would hinder all the kinds of documents sent to the King for approval.
He would harass by pulling out documents and not letting the King sign them.
If the documents could be sent for approval without any delay with just a small amount of bride, many people would choose that.
"It wasn't approved because of harassment from the Grand Chamberlain."
No one would want to listen to such an excuse.
However, there was a person that even Grand Chamberlain Sorrel couldn't climb over.
That was Fuka, the Finance Minister who manages the Ministry of Finance.
Managing the Ministry of Finance meant having the right to collect taxes.
Taxes were levied on income, but of course, Sorrel was evading his tax payment.
That was because there was no way he could declare the money he receive from 'Bribes'.
And Finance Minister Fuka knew that.
After finding out, he overlooked it.
From Sorrel's point of view, it was humiliating to be found out and to be at the mercy of the other party.
That being said, he dared not think about anything.
It was frustrating to think about it, but it was a matter unrelated to him if he doesn't think about it … since it was better for him to divide it that way.
As long as he couldn't do everything the way he wanted, he'll throw something away in exchange … Sorrel had experienced the need for it time and again from his life.
In front of Grand Chamberlain Sorrel was Fuka, the Finance Minister who he could not step over.
Behind him was Count Harold Lawrence, Minister of Home Affairs.
"Grand Chamberlain. I have a matter to tell His Majesty as soon as possible. May I have an audience with him now?"
It was a question, but of course, he meant it as an order to forcefully allow an audience.
Sorrel had no choice.
"Your Excellency Finance Minister, Minister of Home Affairs, of course. Please follow me."
Sorrel took the lead and knocked on the door of the King's office.
"Your Majesty, Count Fuka, Finance Minister, and Count Lawrence, Minister of Home Affairs, have said that they have matters that they would like to report as soon as possible."
"Yes. Enter."
In response to the words, Sorrel guided them into the office.
That was all for Sorrel's work.
He must leave immediately.
In particular, Finance Minister Fuka was very strict in that regard.
Still, he could hear their voices from behind.
"Your Majesty, I found that the cost of repairing the collapsed Rho Bridge is higher than expected. To bear the cost, I would like to temporarily use the development budget of 『Vaedra』 to repair the bridge …"
That was all that Sorrel could hear.
(Vaedra? What's that, I've never heard of it …)
Something in the royal castle that he, the Grand Chamberlain who manages the duties of the King, had never heard of.
He was very curious.
However, Sorrel purposely sealed that feeling.
There were many things in the world that were better not known.
Particularly in the aristocratic world.
Especially in a royal castle … many times, knowledge alone would put your life at risk.
Yes, it was better not to know about 『Vaedra』.
"Thanks to you, Minister of Home Affairs, I managed to find a way out. Thank you."
"No, this is also for the Kingdom. Everything depends on the domestic flow of goods and people. Restoration of the Rho Bridge as soon as possible is a top priority. I admire Your Excellency's effort to devise a plan to raise the funds required."
Fuka, the Finance Minister, who left the King's office, and Harold Lawrence, the Minister of Home Affairs, were walking in the royal castle.
"As expected, Sir Harold, who has a discerning eye. No other ministers could understand."
Fuka was frustrated by his negotiations with ministers who were reluctant to cut their budget.
"The quick development of 『Vaedra』 is indeed very important for national defense, but only after the revival of a smooth distribution. I admire how you, the Minister of Home Affairs, with the development of Vaedra under your jurisdiction, understand this priority."
Finance Minister Fuka was being amiable because he was now able to pay for the increased cost of restoring Rho Bridge.
"You speak too highly of me."
Harold Lawrence bowed lightly.
The Minister of Home Affairs Harold Lawrence was still 35 years old, while the Finance Minister Fuka was already over fifty years old.
Although not as much as parents and children, there were some age differences.
The Ministry of Finance has a significant position as it holds the right to assign the budget for each ministry and the right to collect taxes domestically, as a government office.
That showed the difference between the Finance Minister and the Minister of Home Affairs.
Of course, the Ministry of Home Affairs, which was responsible for domestic security and defense, was by no means a small ministry.
In terms of the number of staff members, the Ministry of Home Affairs probably has the largest because it is also responsible for the development of guards and defense weapons.
It was a consensus assessment that Harold Lawrence was extremely capable within the Ministry of Home Affairs to be chosen to lead the ministry in his mid-thirties.
"Oh, Your Excellency Finance Minister, I was looking for you. In the east, there is actually a problem."
"Again!?"
Fuka frowned at the words of his subordinate who seemed to be looking for Finance Minister Fuka.
"Sir Harold, I'm sorry, I have to go first. See you again."
Then, while listening to the report, Fuka sprinted away to his office.
Watching him sideways, Harold Lawrence's lips raised slightly.
Then he walked to his office.
Abel spent a few days gathering all the information.
And the result,
"It's completely corrupted …"
He whispered.
Rihya and Rin, who were talking next to him, stopped talking and turned to Abel.
"Knight-Captain Baccara and Grand Chamberlain Sorrel are both black with corruption. Finance Minister Fuka is still unknown."
(Although they are full of corruption, I do not get the sense that they would commit the crime of treason.)
Abel felt that way.
"It's been about five days since then, right? I'm surprised you managed to gather this kind of information."
Rin was impressed, looking at the papers on the desk.
"They are information from old friends."
"Knights' Order, next to His Majesty … those are certainly places where Abel's old friends would be likely to enter. So that's why there is no one in the Ministry of Finance …"
When Abel revealed the source of the information, Rihya teased him.
"Shut up. People strong in mathematics that would be able to enter the Ministry of Finance … yeah, I can't think of anyone …"
"Somehow, I can imagine Abel and his entourage when they were little …"
Rin folded her hands in front of her chest and nodded many times.
-x-X-x-
A few days after Abel read the report.
"What does this mean!"
A voice was raised at the Royal Alchemy Workshop Design Office near the east gate of the royal capital.
"Chief, as it is written …"
A subordinate answered the angry voice of the man he referred to as the chief.
Of course, he knew that the chief was not rebuking him.
He was angry at unreasonable orders in the documents …
"Temporarily freeze for the payment on development costs for 『Vaedra』…"
"Yes..."
The chief read aloud through clenched teeth and his subordinates nodded with a look of mortification.
"Are they even aware!? That 『Vaedra』 is the trump card we hold in our overwhelmingly inferior position in the battle against the Empire!"
"Chief …"
The chief couldn't endure it and raised his voice again, and his subordinate answered with a face that said there was no way around it.
"In the first place, this development is under the direct control of His Majesty the King!"
"But last year, it was transferred to the direct control of the Minister of Home Affairs …"
His subordinate calmly pointed out the change to the chief who was now muttering angrily.
"I know … I know but …"
The chief whispered while frowning.
And then, he stood up.
"I'm going to the Ministry of Home Affairs!"
Then, Chief Researcher Kenneth Hayward charged out of the design room.
"Your Excellency, Baron Kenneth Hayward, Chief Researcher at the Royal Alchemy Workshop, wishes to see you with an urgent need."
"Let him in."
The Minister of Home Affairs Harold Lawrence asked them to receive the guest.
Upon entering the office, Kenneth immediately spoke.
"Your Excellency, I'm Kenneth, Chief Researcher. Today, I've heard a notice that the development cost of 『Vaedra』 will be temporarily frozen."
"Baron Hayward, of course, I was planning to explain. Well, please take a seat in that chair."
Harold said and moved towards the reception table and sat opposite Kenneth.
"Your Excellency, the development of 『Vaedra』 is the most important means of solving the urgent problems of our defense. To be honest, without『Vaedra』, we cannot compete with the Empire."
"Baron, I think you're right, but you shouldn't say that in a loud voice, especially in the royal castle."
"Ah..."
As expected, Kenneth realized that it was a sentence that the Knights' Order and the Order of the Magic would find antagonistic.
"I understand what Baron Kenneth wants to say, and I think that's true, but there are some people in administration who do not understand that … This freeze will channel the development funds to cover the cost of restoring the Rho Bridge."
"Rho Bridge …"
Kenneth knew that the Rho Bridge had collapsed, disrupting traffic and distribution of goods between the south and east.
He also understood that due to its huge size, the restoration of the bridge would require a large amount of money.
But still …
"Yes, but still, national defense is important. That's why the development of 『Vaedra』 was expedited. I'm sorry, but I do not have enough influence and can only swallow my frustrations this time."
Harold bowed when he said that.
Indeed, if the Minister of Home Affairs, Count Harold Lawrence bows his head, even an upcoming aristocrat like Kenneth would understand the significance of its meaning.
"No, Your Excellency, please raise your head. I was too agitated. I apologize."
"Yes, Baron Kenneth, do you understand now?"
Kenneth also bowed and Harold smiled and took his hands.
"And Your Excellency, can I confirm that the budget for the purchase of the second magic stone was still approved, right?"
"Yes, that Wyvern magic stone. The second one was successfully purchased. But it seems that will be the last one. It's supposed to be sent here from the City of Rune within the month."
Kenneth was delighted to hear Harold's answer.
It was great that they managed to secure the second stone.
That was because the prospect of solving the small output, which could not be solved by all means until now, had been found.
"Okay. Thank you for today. Excuse me for this."
That said, Kenneth left the Minister of Home Affairs office.
Harold Lawrence saw Kenneth off with an indescribable light in his eyes.
"Oh, it's been a long time, isn't it Kenneth!"
Upon leaving the Ministry of Home Affairs, Kenneth was called from behind.
"Hey Zack, it should be Baron Kenneth Hayward to you. Ba-r-on! I am different from the second sons who can't succeed to the aristocratic rank. Make sure to give me my due respect."
"Oops, that's right. Baron Kenneth Hayward, it has been some time."
The man called Zack performed a very forced and polite bow.
"Zack … that's too forced. And you've been saying that joke for the past year … In the first place, I'm a baron because my invention just happened to be recognized and I was given the title, but I'm just an upstart for now."
Kenneth shook his head and approached them.
Zack Cooler and Scotty Cobook.
Both were the second sons of aristocrats and belonged to the Knights of the Kingdom.
In addition, Kenneth had been their drinking companion for several years and was a member of the informal drinking party organization 『Second Son Union』.
"We want to be upstarts too."
"I'm just grateful that I'm getting paid by the Knights."
Knight Scotty sneaked in a murmur for Knight Zack.
"Even so, it's unusual for Kenneth to come to the Ministry of Home Affairs."
"Now that I recall, was the alchemy workshop placed under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Home Affairs now?"
Zack spoke his thoughts aloud and Scotty made a guess why.
"Yes. I had some complaints about my budget …"
Alchemist Kenneth said with a sigh.
"It's hard to be the chief researcher."
Zack placed his hand on Kenneth's shoulder and nodded many times.
And he continued as if he just remembered it.
"By the way, Kenneth, Abel is on his way to the royal capital now. Did you know?"
"Abel?"
"Yeah, the chairman of our 『Second Son Union』."
Zack said and burst into laughter.
"By the way, I'm in the 『Second Son Union』, but I feel like I've never met the 'Chairman'…"
Kenneth cocked his head and traced his memory.
"Oh, that's because Abel is active in the remote City of Rune. You won't see him unless he happens to come to the royal capital like this time."
Scotty answered Kenneth's question.
However, Kenneth's reaction was unexpected for both of them.
"Rune!?"
Alchemist Kenneth's responses were occasionally exaggerated.
"Now that I think about it, Kenneth was from Rune."
Scotty recalled the story he had heard from Kenneth before.
"Okay! Then, let's all four drink tonight! The three of us can invite Abel. Abel and Kenneth probably have things about Rune to talk about. You can't be a part of the 『Second Son Union』 and not meet our chairman once."
Zack decided on a drinking party on his own.
"Eh..."
"Hey now Zack, I don't think Abel is that free."
"If it doesn't work, the three of us can have a drinking party together instead!"
Alchemist Kenneth complained about the arbitrarily decided drinking party, Knight Scotty expressed concern, and Knight Zack even planned for Plan B.
"Just down a drink in one go and you can dispel all your gloom, Kenneth."
Zack said and laughed loudly.
Alchemist Kenneth Hayward arrived at the tavern the 『Second Sons Union』 always used at exactly 19 o'clock, the promised time.
『A drowning man will drown in alcohol』
The name of the tavern was quite distinctive, there were plenty of private rooms, the alcohol was delicious and the food was amazing. Therefore, it was a very popular shop with some people.
Private rooms were important for noble people to drink or for knight-like professions who are said to have to maintain good manners.
Kenneth opened the door to the private room with the fourth table, thanking the familiar proprietress after he raised his four fingers and told her that he was here for the fourth table which she guided him to.
"Hey, he's here."
The first to notice was Zack Cooler.
Scotty Cobook was staring at the menu so his reaction was a little delayed.
"You're both early."
"No, I'm just reached."
Scotty answered by raising his face from the menu.
Almost at the same time as Kenneth took his seat, the door to the private room was knocked.
"Your companion is here."
When the proprietress said so, the door was opened and a man came in.
"We were here just three days ago? Zack, Scotty, it's been three days."
It was Rune's B-rank adventurer Abel who entered.
"Today is the first face-to-face meeting of Abel, the chairman of the Second Son Union, with Baron Kenneth Hayward, who became a member of the Union, grabbed the Baron rank with his abilities, and is known as a genius alchemist in the royal capital."
"A baron with alchemy? That's amazing!"
"Zack, you said too much …"
Zack's strange introduction gave way to Abel's honest impressions and Kenneth's embarrassed counterargument.
"What are you saying, Kenneth? You are the first and only aristocratic member of the Union. There's no need to be shy."
For some reason, Zack replied proudly.
"In other words, the other … 14 people haven't gained aristocratic rank yet."
"Um, that's right. Including Abel."
Abel confirmed and Zack affirmed it. And they laughed out loud.
"Well, let's drink for the time being. First of all, beer."
"Not ale?"
Abel replied to Zack's words, tilting his head.
"Fufufu, Abel. Now, the trend of the royal capital is 『beer first』. After that, we move on to wine, ale, and so on."
Zack explained in a teacher's tone while raising one index finger of his right hand.
"I did not know..."
Abel was reminded of the passage of time.
"The three of you met here three days ago?"
"Oh yeah. Abel had to give us this secret information, so he secretly gave it to us here. Because it was such a dark meeting, even the beginning of 『beer first』 was omitted … it's such a sad story."
The Knight Zack answered Alchemist Kenneth's question in a very deliberate manner.
"What the hell is with that 'The ringleader is all Abel' kind of development …"
Abel looked at Zack with an exasperated look.
"Kenneth should also be careful because Abel will forcefully rob those he dislikes."
Zack acted like he was sneakily warning Kenneth but he said it all with a normal voice.
"Okay. Zack is looking for a fight. Scotty, I'm sorry, just think of it as though Zack never existed. He'll be gone by the end of today."
"That's a shame. Zack, we lost a good person …"
"Hey, you guys don't sound like you're joking, so please stop."
Abel threatened, Scotty played along, and Zack apologized.
Kenneth was laughing hilariously at it all.
"By the way, Abel is an adventurer in the City of Rune."
"Oh, that's right."
"He looks like this, but he's a great B-rank adventurer."
Kenneth asked, Abel responded, and Zack put on airs for some reason.
"Actually, my family also lived in the City of Rune."
"Oh! To find that kind of connection in a place like this … I based myself in Rune … seven years ago."
"Oh, then we just missed each other, because that's about the time I left Rune and came to the royal capital."
Abel and Kenneth found that they wouldn't have seen each other in Rune.
"I called my parents to the royal capital about a year ago."
"You have your parents living in the manor that came with the Baron rank, right?"
"Yes. He was originally a farmer, but my dad's legs were getting worse and it was difficult to work on large farmland, so I asked him to act as the acting manager of the manor instead of me. He's currently living an enjoyable life with the people in our fief."
Kenneth happily answered Scotty's question.
A 『manor』 in the Kingdom of Knightley was simply a village bestowed to a nobleman.
The history varies, from being under the direct control of the royal family to being part of the territory of a crushed aristocratic family, but the land was generally not large.
However, the tax collected from the manor belonged to the aristocrat, the 『Lord of the manor』, so if they do not lead a luxurious life, they can live a comfortable life with the tax from the manor alone.
In the case of Baron Kenneth Hayward, he also earned a lot of income as the chief researcher at the 『Royal Alchemy Workshop』, so he had quite a sizeable income for a new baron.
"That's a big deal."
Abel was impressed by Kenneth's filial piety while eating grilled bird.
"The house I left in Rune was finally sold recently, and I feel that my anxiety about the future has completely disappeared."
Yeah, Abel nodded and didn't stop eating while listening to Kenneth's story.
"Oh, that house. The one with the rustic stone used in the kitchen."
"Yeah. My mother likes cooking, but she said she wanted a large cooking table, and my dad asked a mason he knew to cut it as a special order."
When he heard that, Abel, who had been moving until now, stopped.
"What's wrong, Abel?"
"Wait a minute. Kenneth, does that kitchen have a big, imposing black stone called 'Granite'? And the house has three doors …?"
Abel asked Kenneth, ignoring Zack, who wondered why Abel had stopped suddenly.
"I don't know about that 'Granite', but it is a magnificent black stone. There were certainly three doors to the house. Why do you know that?"
"Oh, oh … well, the person who bought Kenneth's house was probably my friend …"
Abel somewhat had difficulty saying it.
When Kenneth heard that, his eyes opened wide and he was surprised.
"Is that so! Well, please convey my thanks to the person who bought it. I was talking to my parents that I couldn't sell it for more than half a year so I might have to cut the price. He bought it … … and with full immediate payment too."
"Oh, well, because he has money …"
"Somehow Abel looks strange …"
Scotty pointed out when he saw Abel sweating.
"That … the guy who bought Kenneth's house … he remodeled the house a little … no, but it looks the same!"
"Eh?"
"See, Kenneth's house didn't have a bath, right?"
"Yes. The river runs right next to my house, so everyone washes their bodies there. In the winter, we put a barrel in the garden and pour hot water in it …"
Kenneth remembered and answered Abel's question.
"The guy who bought the house couldn't live without a bath. So he turned a part of the house into a big bathroom. Kenneth might have a fondness for the house … but he remodeled it so ..."
"Oh, I see. I don't care. He changed it to make it easier for him to use, I don't think it's a bad thing."
"I see."
Abel was overtly relieved.
"Abel's friend in the City of Rune huh …"
Scotty muttered.
"Yeah, he saved my life, and twice at that."
Abel resumed eating again, constantly moving his hands and mouth, even while speaking.
Very dexterously.
"Adventurer?"
"Yes. A very rare Water-Attribute Magician and adventurer."
"That's rare!"
Zack was surprised and exclaimed.
"Is it that rare?"
Alchemist Kenneth, who was not very familiar with the field, asked Zack while looking at the menu.
"Yeah, it's extremely rare. Water-Attribute Magic isn't suitable for combat. There shouldn't be many in the Royal Magic Corps either. As for adventurers … isn't there zero in the royal capital?"
Zack answered while looking up and remembering various things.
"And he saved your life … Oh, helping in combat isn't the only way to save a life. You need water to survive too."
Scotty speculated that he might have saved him outside of combat.
"Well, that's the thing … he purely saved me in battle. By the way, that guy is addicted to alchemy too."
Kenneth heard Abel's words and raised his face from the menu.
"He bought the house and is addicted to alchemy! Oh, I'll help him as much as I can."
Abel smiled wryly when he saw Kenneth full of excitement.
"If you get the chance, do help him. His name is Ryo. Ryo, an adventurer in the City of Rune, a Water-Attribute Magician."
-x-X-x-
Abel noticed that he was being followed after he left the tavern 『Drowning man drowns in alcohol』 and split up with the three others.
(It doesn't matter that they are tailing me, but … I wonder if those three are okay.)
He was worried about the three people he split up with.
The two said they would send Kenneth back to the alchemy workshop …
(I don't think they would harm a Baron.)
Alchemist Kenneth Hayward was a full-fledged aristocrat with a baron title.
Attacks on aristocrats carried surprisingly heavy punishment.
Given that, he felt it was unlikely that he would be attacked.
As for the other two … they would be able to do something about it.
Abel didn't think about it too seriously.
The three who would be looking for Abel would be, Knight-Captain Baccara, Grand Chamberlain Sorrel, and Finance Minister Fuka.
Were they sent by one of them?
Three people were following him.
(At first, there were five people, so did two follow the other group? The fact that there are three people here means that I am the target.)
Abel deviated from the main street and entered a back alley.
That area had been a place he played around since he was young, and even after nearly a decade, his body remembered the way.
After a few minutes.
In the shadow of the alleyway, Abel, completely unscathed, succeeded in knocking the three of them unconscious by elusive guerrilla warfare utilizing random obstacles in the alley such as a broken door.
By the way, they consisted of two men and one woman.
"Now..."
Abel said to himself, blew a finger whistle, and waited for a while.
After about a minute, a large shadow approached.
"Sorry Warren, please carry these guys with me."
Warren nodded and carried two men on his left and right shoulders.
Abel carried the remaining woman.
After turning the alley twice, they were in front of the 『Kingdom Magic Institute』, also known as the 『Ilarion's House』.
"Let's take them to the underground experiment site and interrogate them."
Abel grinned as he said that.
The man woke up.
It was a large space, and the man was sitting on a chair in the center.
His hands and feet were tied to the chair and he couldn't move at all.
"Damn."
He was tailing him.
But, before he noticed it, the target appeared from behind and he was knocked unconscious with a single blow.
"I wasn't told that he had such skill."
However, it was too late now.
Three people tasked to attack one person and kidnap him.
To be honest, he thought it was an easy task.
The only problem was the means to transport the kidnapped man …
But the reality was different.
"What should I do..."
"If you spit everything out, it will be easier."
An unexpected reply came for the man's mutterings.
The man was shocked to hear the voice.
He didn't perceive any presence around him.
And the voice he heard was not the voice of the young man who he was supposed to attack … but the voice of an old man.
The old man, who seemed to be the owner of the voice, approached and reached a distance that the man could recognize.
"No way … Ilarion …"
The moment the man muttered that, the old man quickly shortened the distance and tapped the man's head with his wand.
"Ow."
"Add –sama to that. Ilarion-sama. Sheesh, young people these days aren't polite at all."
Ilarion got angry and snorted.
A man was stunned again when he saw that.
And the man muttered.
"Why is such an influential person …"
Ilarion Baraha.
Kingdom of Knightley's Leading Court Magician.
When you list 『The mightiest Magicians of the Kingdom』, the first person to be named would be Ilarion Baraha.
However, his face was not so well known because he rarely went out.
That said, the man being interrogated could tell he was Ilarion just by looking at his face.
"Hmm. So you know I am an influential figure. The one you tried to attack was someone who had a close connection with this influential figure. Don't lie to me and it is better you spit out everything you know."
Ilarion was deliberately tapping his palm with a wand.
"Guh … I will not betray my client!"
The man turned away and closed his mouth.
"Hmm … you show that attitude even though you know me, Ilarion … you're looking down on magic huh?"
"Wh-what do you mean?"
"Even though I look like this, I'm still called the Kingdom's number one Magician. The magic that the Kingdom's number one Magician wields … you will experience it while being tied to a chair. So, do you think you can leave here with your limbs intact?"
With Ilarion's threat, the man's face turned deep blue with his teeth clattering.
"Yo-you coward! Untie this rope!"
"Hmm, so if I untie your binds, I can cast magic to my heart's content? Are you sure your body can withstand it?"
Ilarion had an expression of composure.
Using his name to the fullest as a threat. Was that wisdom of age?
"So, why don't you start with your name?"
When Ilarion returned to his office for a break, a girls-only gathering was being held there for some reason.
"Oh, Master, welcome back."
The first to notice Ilarion was Rin.
"Ye-yeah … what are … the three of you doing here?"
There were just three girls there.
Rin, Rihya, and a girl he didn't recognize.
Somehow, it looked like she was one of the assailants who was supposed to be interrogated by Rin and Rihya.
Ilarion thought to himself.
"It's a tea party. Oh, this is Oriana, a C-rank adventurer in the royal capital. It seems that the previous attack was a request from a subordinate of the Finance Minister."
After Rihya said that, Oriana, who was introduced, stood up.
"I-I'm Oriana. I'm honored to meet the famous Ilarion."
She bowed down as much as she could.
"Ye-yeah … Well, take your time."
It took Ilarion's all just to say that.
Those children could easily get the information that he had worked so hard to get …
Moreover, he was going to leave the assailant alone and come here so he left after knocking the assailant unconscious but … for some reason, here, one of the assailants was taken in as an informant with just sweets.
He managed to resist collapsing to his knees with the power of his will but he felt an unspeakable sense of defeat strike him.
Only thirty seconds later.
Abel, who returned from interrogating another assailant, heard their report just like Ilarion and collapsed to his knees.
"Well, we are the C-rank party 『Dawn Star』that belongs to the Adventurer's Guild of the Royal Capital. This request, initially, we accepted as a formal request through the guild. It was to protect a certain individual and to eliminate suspicious persons."
Prompted by Abel, Oriana explained.
"So, tonight, the whereabouts of the suspicious person was found and we were told to abduct him …"
"Then you followed me?"
"Yes..."
Oriana responded while looking down slightly.
"You also tailed the three who split up with me."
"Yes, we just followed them to see who they were."
Abel was relieved to hear that the three others were seemingly unharmed.
"I am truly sorry. I assumed that there was no problem because it was a request and instruction that came from an aide who reports directly to the Finance Minister."
Then Oriana bowed again.
It was a request from the country's central pillar.
It would be unnatural to doubt it.
That difficulty was understood by all three of the 『Crimson Swords』 who had received similar requests many times before.
Perhaps because of that, no one blamed Oriana.
The mastermind behind the attack on Abel was known, but it seemed that Oriana and the others were not informed of the detailed reason for his abduction.
However, it was a fact that Abel's impression of Finance Minister Fuka suddenly turned black.
"This … I'll have to get caught and infiltrate."
Abel murmured.
Rin and Rihya responded to that.
"Yes, yes~, I object~. That would be too dangerous for Abel."
Rin emphasized her opposition to the plan while extending the ending of her sentences for some reason.
"I oppose it too. Abel, don't you remember what happened as a result of the last 『infiltration』?"
"Huh?"
"The last time you infiltrated, you sneaked into a smuggler's ship … and Abel was swept away? If Ryo wasn't there, Abel would be dead!"
Yes, Abel infiltrated a smuggling ship for a request, but the ship departed earlier than planned.
Moreover, the smuggling ship was hit by a storm, attacked by the Kraken, and launched onto the coast of Rondo Forest.
Fortunately, only Abel was still alive, but if Ryo hadn't recovered him immediately, he would have been dragged into the sea again like the other corpses.
Abel understood that Rihya was emotionally opposed because his previous 『infiltration』 ended like that.
However, he couldn't think of any other effective method.
This time it's on land … he felt that he shouldn't say that because it was not comforting at all … Abel looked at Ilarion without any reason.
"Why? Do you want to borrow the wisdom of your grandfather?"
Ilarion answered with confidence.
His manner of speech was annoying, but Abel couldn't think of any other means.
"Gramps, is there any good way?"
"In essence, it would be great if Abel wouldn't go missing and could avoid personal danger, right?"
Then Ilarion stood up and headed for the cupboard.
What he brought from there was a thumb-sized ball and an iron box about the size of two palms and about five centimeters thick.
The surface of the box was embedded with something like a clock with only the hour hand.
"It's a tracking device made by a certain alchemist. You can find the person who has this ball with this box."
With that, Ilarion channeled a little magical power into the ball. The sphere shined for a moment and soon lost its light.
However, at the same time, the clock part of the iron box began to shine, and the hour hand pointed toward the ball.
And the light on the hour hand began to blink at considerable speed.
If Ryo was there, he would have shouted, 'Isn't that a transmitter!?'
"This hour hand indicates the direction and the blinking speed indicates the distance. It uses the Wind Magic
Then Ilarion flicked the ball with his finger.
Then, a sound was heard from the box.
"It's worth mentioning that the sound picked up by this ball is sent towards the box, which makes it easier for those with the box to understand what's going on."
If Ryo saw that, he would have said, 'Isn't that a bugging device!'
Ilarion placed the box on the desk and handed the ball to Abel.
"It's amazing. So alchemy can make something like this …"
Abel muttered.
"Hohoho. It's just that the guy who made it was a genius. Even though the royal capital has a huge population, there are only two alchemist geniuses."
Ilarion laughed and answered Abel's mutter.
"Is one of them called Kenneth?"
"Ho. You knew? Correct, Baron Kenneth Hayward."
Ilarion answered Abel's question with a big nod.
"Hmm … that exact baron was followed by adventurers of the royal capital."
Abel looked at Oriana, a royal capital C-rank adventurer who was attempting to make herself seem smaller in her chair.
"Oh my …. tailing a baron appointed by His Majesty … Wouldn't that be bad if it was known to officials?"
Ilarion said on purpose, but Oriana's face still turned pale.
Even if they were orders from a subordinate of the Finance Minister … making a move on an aristocrat personally appointed by His Majesty the King would surely reach the King's ears.
Who would protect mere adventurers from the brunt of His Majesty the King's wrath?
It was clear that the party would be eliminated.
Ilarion looked at Oriana.
"Hm, if you guys cooperate, I can give you immunity."
"R-really?"
Oriana jumped at Ilarion's proposal.
"Of course. I swear on the name of Ilarion. So, do you agree to cooperate?"
"Yes, of course!"
Oriana nodded over and over again.
Abel stared at the exchange between those two people.
This old man just loves to tease people … Abel's eyes said it all.
Ilarion and Abel went to the underground interrogation room (provisional).
The member of 『Dawn Star』 that Ilarion knocked out was there, but he had already awakened.
"Oh, you're already up? That's fast."
"You bastard, you suddenly knocked me out! Release these restraints now!"
"There's no way we'll untie you just because you tell us to."
Abel ignored such an argument without being concerned.
Then Rihya and Rin came in with Oriana.
"Oriana! Are you okay? Did they do anything terrible to you?"
The restrained man's tone changed to worry for Oriana, unlike when he was arguing with Ilarion.
"Hector, I'm okay."
Then, the last person of the captured 『Dawn Star』 was carried in by Warren.
"Aiseiya …"
Hector, the man who was knocked out by Ilarion, called out his companion's name with difficulty.
『Aiseiya』, who was carried by Warren, had only his head out, but other than that, he was wrapped around with string so he looked like a bagworm at best.
From the beginning, he was restrained on the premise that he would be carried by Warren.
"Now, you guys are from the royal capital's C-rank party 『Dawn Star』. Leader Hector, Oriana, and Aiseiya. I already know that you were hired by a subordinate of the Finance Minister. Oops, let me introduce ourselves. Well, needless to say, I am Ilarion Baraha, the Chief Court Magician of the Kingdom of Knightley."
Then he continued by pointing towards Abel.
"The one you were trying to kidnap is Abel from the B-rank party 『Crimson Sword』 from the City of Rune."
Ilarion revealed Abel's identity.
"B-rank …"
"No wonder …"
"Mugugu …"
One person seemed to be gagged as well as having his body tied up like a bagworm with a string.
"Well, here's the problem you're facing …"
There, he deliberately took a breath and continued.
"The problem is that you are accomplices to the Finance Minister suspected of treason."
His words caused intense reactions.
All three shook as if they had been hit by something and they were about to faint.
『Treason』 was a crime against the royal family, and in the Kingdom, the punishment may even be heavier than 『National Treason』.
It was pretty much either death or life imprisonment.
If they were to be involved in it, the sentence imposed on them would either be the death penalty or life in prison …
"No …"
The leader Hector squeeze out those words with difficulty.
"But it's too pitiful to see you three discarded after being made to cooperate without knowing anything. If you cooperate with us, I will bring it up to His Majesty the King to drop the charges. How about it?"
"Re-really?"
Hector responded. As the party leader, he had the greatest weight of responsibility.
"Of course, I swear on the name of Ilarion Baraha."
Ilarion nodded and answered.
Hector looked at Oriana and Aiseiya. Both of them nodded a little.
"Okay. We will … gratefully accept Ilarion-sama's offer."
Upon hearing that, Ilarion smiled with satisfaction.
"That's right. Let me tell you one more thing. Your group tailed another two people?"
"Yes, we followed them."
Hector answered Ilarion's question.
"One of them was Baron Kenneth Hayward, who was appointed by His Majesty the King himself. He is a full-fledged aristocrat and appointed by His Majesty himself, so it would be serious if something happened to him."
"A-all we wanted to do was confirm their identities! We never intend to do anything to His Majesty's aristocrats!"
Hector desperately shouted.
"Hmm. I just pray that is true. Now, I want you to cooperate with me to help Abel infiltrate."
"Infiltrate?"
Hector tilted his head at Ilarion's request.
"As I said earlier, we need to get proof of the Finance Minister's treason. He is a pillar of the country and we're accusing him of treason, so we'll need a lot of evidence. Your party will capture Abel and bring him to the Finance Minister's subordinate. Basically, that's all you have to do."
"That's all?"
Hector answered as if it was a let-down.
He was threatened so hard.
He was prepared to cooperate with a difficult task, but he was instead presented with the task to capture and take him as originally planned.
"Yes. Will you cooperate?"
"Yes, I understand. I will not go back on my words."
-x-X-x-
"Their body checks are pretty strict. It's impossible to keep weapons on you."
Hector said when he saw the dagger that Abel had concealed when everyone was ready and the final checks were being done.
"That ball too … do you have a better place to hide it so that it is harder to find?"
The so-called 『transmitter』 ball.
It was a thumb-sized sphere.
Abel thought they would think it was a stone or something if he put it in his pocket but … Hector objected.
"Well … Where should I hide it?"
Abel muttered.
"If you sew it in your clothes …"
"I think it's best to keep it in your mouth all the time."
"You might as well swallow it and keep it in your stomach!"
Hector made a common-sense proposal, Rihya made a harsh proposal, and Rin gave a radical opinion.
And after saying that, Rin immediately hid behind Warren.
"Is it really okay for me to leave my life to these guys …"
Abel looked up at the ceiling and lamented.
A hideout for 『Dawn Star』 in the royal capital.
Hector, Oriana, and Aiseiya stuffed a bound Abel in a bag and held it so that he could not be seen from the outside.
"Hector, you guys are very late."
The two who came earlier, Kenji and Tarlow, welcomed Hector and his companions.
"Yeah, a lot of things happened."
Hector replied and sighed really deeply.
"The three that we followed, one went to the Royal Alchemy Workshop and the other two went into the Kingdom's Knights' Order dormitory. We just needed to know where they went, so we came back after that. Is that fine?"
Kenji confirmed with Hector.
"Yeah, that's enough. For the time being, don't touch those three people."
"Huh?"
Kenji tilted his head at Hector's instructions.
"I found out that there was an aristocrat among them, whom His Majesty the King appointed personally, so I wouldn't touch them at all. There was no instruction from above for those three either. We didn't see anything. Is that all right?"
"Ye-yeah."
Kenji nods involuntarily because of Hector's excessive reminders.
"The only instruction from above was to capture this man. They won't say anything as long as we hand him over safely. This man was drinking alone. And I captured him when he was returning home. Okay? We'll go with that."
"Yeah, I understand."
Kenji replied and Tarlow nodded that he understood too.
When Hector put matters like that, they knew from their long relationship that it was a troublesome matter.
And in such cases, they have also experienced that waiting for Hector to resolve it had the highest success rate.
So there was nothing wrong with doing what Hector said.
Abel was taken out of the bag about thirty minutes later.
From the other side of the door to his left, he could hear the laughter of drunk people.
"That is the guardroom for hired adventurers."
Hector whispered while taking Abel out of the bag.
At that moment, the door on the right opened, and a man came out from inside.
"Is that him?"
"Yes, that's right."
Hector answered the man's question.
"I'll take him. You guys can take a rest there. Good work."
Then, the man called another person from behind the door and flanked Abel in front and behind.
And did a body check.
Indeed, as Hector said, it was a pretty detailed check.
"Okay, walk."
Finally, the body check was over and Abel was made to walk forward.
Hector worriedly glanced at him, opened the left door with his companions, and entered the adventurer's guard station.
Abel, sandwiched between two men, walked down the hallway for a while and then exited into a vacant room.
It was about the size of two classrooms in a school?
A chair was placed in the center and three men stood around it.
"Sit down."
And Abel was seated in the chair.
His arm was bound with string, but that was it.
Were the men so confident? Or was it just carelessness …
The moment the leader-like man standing in front tried to open his mouth, a door different from the one that Abel entered opened, and two men brought in a barrel.
Seeing that, all five in the room shouted as if they were uneasy.
"Idiot! Not this room!"
"The innermost room. Take it there!"
The men who brought in the barrel left the room, bowing their heads in apology.
(That apprehension … what was in it?)
Abel felt like he had found something to investigate.
"Now..."
The man, who seemed to be the leader, standing in front of Abel, spoke.
"We want to ask you two things. Who are you working for? And how much have you found out?"
(I want to ask you who are you working for and what are you trying to do.)
Abel rephrased it in his heart.
He had been observing what the men were wearing to see if there was anything that might lead to their status or affiliation, but they weren't really wearing any identifiable article he could see.
"You should speak before you get hurt."
When the leader said that, the man next to him took out the knife to look at it.
Seeing that, Abel spoke.
"Okay, I'll speak."
"Ho. So you can understand your circumstance."
"I don't want to be hurt. My employer is the Knight-Captain."
Of course, he was just straight out lying.
He knew that the guys in front of him were connected to the Finance Minister.
Abel also investigated the Grand Chamberlain Sorrel and the Knight-Captain Baccara.
Both took bribes and were corrupt, but if anything, the Grand Chamberlain's actions were not indicative of treason or rebellion.
To be honest, he didn't know how corrupt the Knight-Captain Baccara was.
For that reason, he wanted them to admit it themselves.
However, the reaction of the leader who heard Abel's admission was intense.
"What..."
After muttering that, he kept silent.
That reaction surprised the people around him, and Abel was also inwardly surprised.
(Huh? What was with that reaction? It's like saying that there is some connection between the Finance Minister and the Knight-Captain … including the barrel earlier, this is too lucky! I knew infiltrating was the best method.)
Abel repeatedly nodded internally, agreeing that his decision was correct.
After a while, the leader looked at Abel after his thoughts were settled and asked more questions.
"So the Knight-Captain is your employer? Then why were you sniffing around?"
"To get proof of the Finance Minister's wrongdoings, for security."
If there was evidence of wrongdoings, he certainly wanted to grasp it.
Naturally, if it was for an enemy, but of course, even an ally now would not always be an ally, so getting hold of something was preferred if possible.
Abel replied with an answer that couldn't be mistaken no matter what.
"I see. So did you find any evidence?"
"Some."
Abel answered the leader's question in the guise of honesty.
"Where is it?"
"I've given it to a trusted companion. I've arranged for them to give it to a Home Affairs investigator if there is no regular contact from me."
Upon hearing his words, the leader did not change his expression, but the entourage showed a surprised expression.
Home Affairs investigators were those who belong to the Ministry of Home Affairs and investigated the wrongdoings of officials.
In some cases, the decree of the King may even give them the authority to crack down on the aristocrats.
"That's pretty interesting. Why are you trying to go to the Home Affairs investigator instead of the Knight-Captain?"
"That's because it is for my self-protection."
Abel answered the leader's question with the air that the path for a snake is to be a snake.
He looked very much the part because he had been an adventurer for a long time.
(This leader has a different disposition compared to the others …. He would be the one if Abel was planning to defeat them and abduct someone. The remaining question would be how to deal with this situation?)
Internally, Abel was thinking about something dangerous.
Realistically, it was not a good idea to be surrounded by five men and have no weapons and hands tied up.
He had to reduce the number of people a little more …
"Hmm. I wonder if you could sell the evidence to us here. Of course, we could also resort to force …"
Then the leader looked at the fellow holding a knife next to him.
"No, I said I don't like to be hurt either. If I could get a little money and escape abroad …"
"Okay. That's a deal. Let's talk about the contents of the evidence."
Abel was in trouble.
Of course, because he didn't have any evidence from the beginning.
"Ah, well, so to speak … Geho, Gehogeho."
Abel suddenly began to cough. And he looked in pain.
"What? Hey, someone bring some water."
When the leader gave instructions, one of the entourage left the room.
Abel continued to cough, eventually falling off his chair and rolling around the floor.
"What the hell? Hey, bring a priest."
One more person left the room.
(I guess it's time.)
Abel grabbed the leg of one of the men, who approached to check on his situation, with his hand from his lying position and pulled him down.
As he pulled the man down, he spun himself up and swung his right foot down on the head of the man on the ground and knocked him unconscious.
Then, he pulled out the knife that was on the man's waist.
Seeing that, one of the last remaining captor rushed at him.
Abel held the knife with both hands still bound with string.
Dodging the charging captor's swung fist, he tilted the knife sideways and stabbed it into the man's armpit.
"Gugyaa."
The stabbed man rolled around the floor, crying out pitifully.
The nerve endings were concentrated on that spot and some would faint from a stab to that point …
Abel, as a swordfighter, knew it from experience.
Finally, Abel was brought into a one-on-one situation with the leader.
"Weren't you planning to get money and flee abroad …"
The leader was slowly retreating. He might have been thinking of running away through the back door.
"Sorry."
Abel rushed towards the man.
He felt from the beginning that the leader wasn't accustomed to fights.
"Geho …"
Sure enough, the man could not avoid Abel as his solar plexus was struck and he collapsed in agony.
Abel kicked the leader's head and knocked him out too.
At last, Abel was able to cut the string that tied his hands with the knife.
Just at that moment, the door where Abel came in opened and people jump in.
They were the three others from 『Crimson Sword』 and Ilarion.
From the 『ball』 sewn on Abel's clothes, they learned that Abel had finally taken action and hurriedly entered the building.
"Oh. Wasn't there a room where adventurers were hanging out near the entrance? Didn't they notice?"
Abel asked in an easygoing manner.
"It's okay because I erased our presence with magic."
"Sheesh! Abel, don't make us worry!"
Ilarion replied with pride while Rihya clung to Abel.
"O-oh. I'm sorry."
Abel apologized meekly.
"So, did you find any evidence? As far as I could hear from the voices, there wasn't anything."
"Yeah. First of all, this guy."
In response to Ilarion's question, Abel pointed at the fainted leader with his chin.
"This guy seems to know a lot so let's take him. Warren, sorry but look for a bag that can fit this guy. And, they made a mistake and a barrel was brought into this room. These guys were pretty anxious when they saw it. I'm curious about that, so I want to find out."
"Hmm. The thing they said to take to the innermost room. Abel and I … along with Rihya can go. Warren and Rin, take care of these guys."
Then Abel, Ilarion, and Rihya went through the back door.
When they exited the door, there was a wide corridor.
The room where Abel was interrogated was at the end of the corridor, and for the time being, they continued down the corridor.
On the way, they knocked out the man who came back with water, the man who brought the priest, and the priest, and the three proceeded to the other end of the corridor.
"Is it here?"
They arrived in front of a double door.
He placed his ear on the door and listened, but there was no sound.
"Let me. Gather the heartbeat and existence of life and bring them to me,
Ilarion cast the
The entire chanting took only about a second.
"Whenever I hear it, you're definitely saying whatever you please, gramps."
Abel commented on his unbelievably quick chant.
"What are you talking about? This is the result of many years of training and diligent study. No one is inside."
In response to Ilarion's words, Abel opened the door and entered.
The interior was about twice as large as the room where Abel was interrogated earlier.
About fifty barrels were lined up in the back.
"Hmm."
Ilarion tapped the barrel to listen.
"I'm sure it's not wine."
"Of course."
Ilarion commented jokingly and Abel retorted exasperatedly.
Looking at some of the barrels, they found something like black sand on the lid, perhaps spilled from the contents.
"Black sand?"
"No way …"
Abel tilted his head in confusion while Ilarion touched the black sand, smelled it, and was at a loss for words.
"Abel … quickly leave."
"O-okay."
Ilarion, who was rarely anxious, recommended to do so with perspiration on his forehead and backed away with a stiff expression. Abel could tell that it was quite dangerous.
The group hurriedly returned to the interrogation room, joined Rin and Warren, who was carrying the leader in the bag, and came to the front of the door leaving the building.
"Wait a minute. I'll let them know."
Ilarion said, opening the door of the room where the adventurers hung out a little bit and chanted.
"Wind, deliver my whisper,
After conveying that, the five left the building.