Chapter 47: Towards the Source of the Fog
In the end, I still used the ESP Medal to confirm whether Leiha (her full name is too hard to call, so I’m shortening it) is acting or not.
When they learned of the existence of an item that can “read someone else’s mind,” Sedam and Claura did not look pleased at all. In contrast, Leiha gave her assent delightedly.
“Very well, I will now begin. Umm, first question: was it anki who brainwashed you and your nakama?” (Gio)
“The one who reduced me to that state was human…… I think. However, that power…… the existence that bound and manipulated my heart for all those years certainly did carry the aura of anki. The favor of saving me from it is a debt that I will never be able to fully repay, even with the rest of my life.” (Leiha)
«To willingly entrust myself to the strength of another…… what a disgrace this is. But it is also the only path of salvation open to me. I am currently in front of an overwhelming power that far overshadows even that demon…… Ahh, I want to be ruled by my lord’s power! I want to be bound, I want to be held down……» {Leiha}
“I, I see…… But still, to speak of swearing allegiance so abruptly…… Are you actually just acting like this to get us to let down our guards so that you can get away?” (Gio)
“Far from it! Swearing allegiance to my Oluri is only natural, as I am your Shi. If you still doubt me, I can tear out my very heart and show you that it is nothing but the red of truth!” (Leiha)
«Ahhh, Oluri is doubting me…… How frightening it is that my pillar, the one I’m to cling to, does not believe me…… Instead of that, I would much rather end this miserable life in front of my lord’s eyes!» {Leiha}
“Is, is that so…… Alright, I understand now.” (Gio)
(T/N: Hmm, so, what -dere is it when the girl would rather die than go without your love and attention?)
The frightful thing is that she meant everything she said about allegiance and swearing—every single word was her heartfelt intent.
Within that single word ‘allegiance’ whirls so many different emotions that I don’t want to touch……
Of course, I don’t like it when strong hostility is directed at me like Heldol did, but strong goodwill (?) is…… well, it’s heavy. All I did was use a single spell, but it had the unintended consequence of irrevocably changing another person’s life forever. That’s frightening.
“So, how is it? That onee-san is serious, isn’t she?” (Sedam)
So asks Sedam, who is standing next to Claura, who in turn is looking back and forth between Leiha and me with a complicated face. Whichever way I look at it, he’s just enjoying himself now, isn’t he.
Even though I am like this, I too am a man. Despite being mature and all that, it’s not like I don’t have any lust at all.
Now that I know her true thoughts, I can’t flatly reject her anymore. Before even that, there’s no way I would feel bad when a beautiful lady who’s basically a mass of eros yearns (?) for me so deeply.
But it’s just, you know……
“...... Though I am still withholding my acceptance of her offer, but it seems so, yes.” (Gio)
“You believe me now?! Thank you so very much!” (Leiha)
“...... That’s well and all. By the way, are you not going to ask her for information about the person who was controlling her? The crucial mastermind?” (Claura)
“Mu. That’s right. Even if your memory is a bit hazy, tell us any little thing that you remember.” (Gio)
“Indeed I will.” (Leiha)
“Guess I don’t need this anymore……” (Gio)
More like, I don’t want to use this item for quite a while. As I put the bothersome ESP Medal into my sling bag, Claura speaks up.
“I’m just saying, but if you ever use that thing against me, I will cut every one of our ties as friends, you hear?!” (Claura)
So declares Claura with both hands on her waist and her face slightly tinged with red. Now this reaction is what’s normal for a real-life human.
A normal reaction, huh. For the present me, it is something that I am most grateful for.
“......” (Gio)
“Wha-, what is it? I bet you’re thinking that a woman who would listen to anything you say like that dark elf over there is more preferable, aren’t you?!” (Claura)
“Not really…… Thank you, Claura. Always keep scolding me like in the future too.” (Gio)
“HAH?!” (Claura)
♥♦♣♠
Like that, with a few chaotic moments here and there, we finally managed to hear all the information that Leiha had to provide.
The person in Lelis who ordered her to assassinate me was a nobleman with black hair, whose crest was a pattern with a sword and a sail.
Hearing that, Sedam strikes his hands together with a ‘pon.’
(T/N: The Japanese gesture indicating that a lightbulb had gone off in their head.)
Among the people of interest that had come up from the adventurers’ investigations so far, there is indeed someone who fits this description.
His name is Baron Neib Koval.
He is a powerbroker who holds a seat in the Council, and has been a thorn in the Merchant faction’s side for the longest time.
There are mountains of dangerous rumors about his mansion, such as frequent cases of people in the vicinity going missing, suspicious people coming and going, and the maids seeing rituals extolling anki being conducted.
Of course, the adventurers had done enough substantiating investigation to prove that these rumors are actually all quite close to the truth. On top of all that, we now have testimony from the assassin’s own mouth.
“This is definitive. Baron Koval must be a Demonist.” (Sedam)
“Shall we march straight to the Baron’s mansion?” (Claura)
“I shall come along!” (Leiha)
“No wait, what are you guys saying. It’s a bad idea for a single person to decide by themselves to arrest someone else.” (Gio)
♥♦♣♠
First of all, we request the currently active adventurers and city guards to keep tabs on Baron Koval’s location and to obstruct any escape attempts, and to monitor the area around his mansion.
After that, I head towards the Council Hall together with Sedam, Claura, and Leiha.
Though I feel slightly bad about the short notice, I demand for Council Chairman Braus and the Garrison Commander.
In front Council Chairman and the Garrison Commander, both of whom had hurriedly made their way over, I report that there is a high possibility that Baron Koval is a Demonist and is the mastermind behind my and the Council Chairman’s attempted assassination.
Despite being the Chairman’s political opponent, both of them were astonished to hear that a noble had committed the crime of worshipping anki, which is considered an especially taboo act in this world.
“I’m shocked. But well, it appears that there is no room for doubt here.” (Braus)
“There is the testimony of that dark elf, as well as the circumstantial evidence gathered by the adventurers. Let us immediately move to arrest Baron Koval on grounds of assassination and pagan worship.” (Garrison Commander)
“Fumu…… Margils-dono, is that fine with you?” (Braus)
Normally, it would be strange for the Council Chairman to seek confirmation from me on this kind of matter.
Despite that, the fact that he read and sympathized with my intentions proves that he really is a sharp person after all.
“Of course, I think it only natural to arrest him. However, there is a high chance that he has some strange power derived from the anki. Furthermore, I also wish to prove my friendly attitude towards the city…… With these in mind, I wish to request for permission for me to cooperate with this arrest.” (Gio)
“Hah? ……Council Chairman? Is that really fine?” (Garrison Commander)
“What a welcome offer it is. Though I would normally shy away from imposing such a burden on you, but please do lend us your strength. Garrison Commander, for anything related to the arrest of Baron Koval from now on, please cooperate with Margils-dono.” (Braus)
“...... Yes, sir.” (Garrison Commander)
Sedam, Claura, and Leiha are all looking upon our exchange with puzzlement.
From the point of view of these adventurers and one assassin, there is undeniable proof, and we have the needed power on hand, so purposely going to trouble of attaining the city’s permission just seems like a waste of time.
However, if I am thought of as someone who would make light of the law whenever it suits me, I will eventually lose the people’s trust. The Council Chairman also fully understands that I am trying to take a stance of respecting the city’s law, and thus is playing along.
“By the way, Wizard-dono, about that dark elf over there……” (Braus)
“Ahh, I’d almost forgotten. I will hand her over to the city guard. Please give her a proper public trial.” (Gio)
“ “......” ”
As someone who had committed (or attempted to, at least) assassination and kidnapping in this town, at least both of her hands are now tied. Having adamantly requested for me to tie her up instead of Sedam, she seemed strangely happy at the time (which I refuse to notice).
Seeing how, aside from walking, Leiha is now always kneeling beside me, the Garrison Commander reservedly comments on it.
“But, it seems to me that she’s acting like she’s, um, Wizard-dono’s servant.” (Garrison Commander)
“This and that are separate. Unfortunately, she has committed crimes in this city. As such, it is only natural for her to be judged based on the laws of this city.” (Gio)
After displaying her loyalty to me so vocally, to be abruptly thrown to the authorities does make her seem quite pitiful.
If I pretend to not know anything and simply begin bringing her around as a servant, I don’t think anyone (except for Claura) would say anything.
However, there needs to be closure somewhere for the things that she has done. Although she was brainwashed, there might have been people who have indeed died by her hand. No world is indulgent enough for my singular decision to forgive her to suffice as all closure. At least, it’s not supposed to.
“ In that case, we will conduct the trial at the end of the month—which would be 10 days later—so in the meantime the city guard will assume custody over her.” (Garrison Commander)
“For the trial, she will need a defense attorney and a guarantor…… Will Margils-dono be her guarantor?” (Braus)
“...... Ahh, naturally.” (Gio)
Guarantor? I don’t know much about this world’s trial proceedings, but it’s great that they actually go to such lengths. Or rather, I almost even want to be her attorney too.
It would be great if she could get off with something like only a few years of confinement or a bit of forced labor.
“...... I hope it will be noted that she was under the control of some sort of evil magic of a Demonist. The various crimes that she had committed were not by her own will, and she is currently deeply remorseful and is saying that she wishes to make amends. With due consideration of all this, I wish to lend my strength towards helping her attain a more lenient sentence.” (Gio)
Mu. Did I lay it on a bit too thick? If it is perceived that I am pressuring the sentencing, it might work to her disadvantage……
“Indeed, we are fully aware. Please leave it to us.” (Braus)
“All guards will be notified to help her pass the days until the sentencing comfortably.” (Garrison Commander)
…… At that moment, I did think that the atmosphere was slightly strange, but……
It was even to the point where I can’t believe I didn’t already realize it from how Sedam had kept quiet the entire time (more like, he was outright smirking).
♥♦♣♠
Baron Koval’s whereabouts was determined a mere few hours later.
His location was, to no one’s surprise, his own mansion.
Several adventurers particularly skilled at covert operations had cooperated with members of the Thief Guild in investigating the inside of the mansion, and found the Baron and his subordinates heading towards an underground room.
Due to the possibility of that underground room being an escape route, a thick encircling net composed of adventurers, thieves, and guards was set up both underground as well as overground.
His mansion is situated in the city’s high class housing district, which is on a higher elevation, and is surrounded by high walls.
On his tightly closed gate is a sword-and-sail crest, just like what Leiha had mentioned.
Though there was no human presence on the other side of the gate, this side is packed with adventurers and guards and onlookers. There’s no way those on the inside haven’t already noticed us.
The fact that there’s no response whatsoever must either mean that they’ve given up, or that they’ve really escaped through a secret escape route…… or that they’ve prepared some fantastical evil cult-like measure to flip the situation around.
Most likely, it’s the last one.
♥♦♣♠
“Wizard-dono! All prepares for the storming in have been completed!”
There are 7 fully armed guards lined up in front of me.
The Garrison Commander had previously told me that he’d selected out some guards to accompany me (officially though, I’m the one accompanying them). As hoped, each and every one of them look quite strong. Well, they’re still inferior in comparison to the Carbanera Knight Order, but let’s leave that aside.
These 7 people should be equivalent to one adventurer party…… is what I’m thinking as I look towards Sedam.
“Ahh, it might be better if we don’t go this time.” (Sedam)
“Nn? How so?” (Gio)
To be honest, I doubt there’s another adventurer more reliable than Sedam.
“We already know you full well. However, that’s not the case for these other guys……” (Sedam)
I see.
So he’s implying that I should take advantage of this situation to build more connections.
“We might not be as smart as Sedam, but our arms are still quite strong, you know?” (Adventurer)
“Ahh, so I see. I will be relying on you then.” (Gio)
The one who said so while drawing his party over is a warrior who had served as our escort so far.
I have self-awareness that I do tend to act quite arbitrarily at times, but Sedam also has his own thoughts. At times, it might even be different from what I’d intended.
I lightly nod towards Sedam as an expression of my thanks. In response, he smiles slightly by lifting a corner of his mouth.
“...... The onlookers…… I meant, the esteemed observers are currently watching, understand? It means that you need to say something gallant before the storm in.” (Claura)
“Ue……” (Gio)
That’s right. I must receive the advice from my respected nakama with sincerity.
Regardless of how reluctant I feel, at times.
Chapter 47: Towards the Source of the Fog
In the end, I still used the ESP Medal to confirm whether Leiha (her full name is too hard to call, so I’m shortening it) is acting or not.
When they learned of the existence of an item that can “read someone else’s mind,” Sedam and Claura did not look pleased at all. In contrast, Leiha gave her assent delightedly.
“Very well, I will now begin. Umm, first question: was it anki who brainwashed you and your nakama?” (Gio)
“The one who reduced me to that state was human…… I think. However, that power…… the existence that bound and manipulated my heart for all those years certainly did carry the aura of anki. The favor of saving me from it is a debt that I will never be able to fully repay, even with the rest of my life.” (Leiha)
«To willingly entrust myself to the strength of another…… what a disgrace this is. But it is also the only path of salvation open to me. I am currently in front of an overwhelming power that far overshadows even that demon…… Ahh, I want to be ruled by my lord’s power! I want to be bound, I want to be held down……» {Leiha}
“I, I see…… But still, to speak of swearing allegiance so abruptly…… Are you actually just acting like this to get us to let down our guards so that you can get away?” (Gio)
“Far from it! Swearing allegiance to my Oluri is only natural, as I am your Shi. If you still doubt me, I can tear out my very heart and show you that it is nothing but the red of truth!” (Leiha)
«Ahhh, Oluri is doubting me…… How frightening it is that my pillar, the one I’m to cling to, does not believe me…… Instead of that, I would much rather end this miserable life in front of my lord’s eyes!» {Leiha}
“Is, is that so…… Alright, I understand now.” (Gio)
(T/N: Hmm, so, what -dere is it when the girl would rather die than go without your love and attention?)
The frightful thing is that she meant everything she said about allegiance and swearing—every single word was her heartfelt intent.
Within that single word ‘allegiance’ whirls so many different emotions that I don’t want to touch……
Of course, I don’t like it when strong hostility is directed at me like Heldol did, but strong goodwill (?) is…… well, it’s heavy. All I did was use a single spell, but it had the unintended consequence of irrevocably changing another person’s life forever. That’s frightening.
“So, how is it? That onee-san is serious, isn’t she?” (Sedam)
So asks Sedam, who is standing next to Claura, who in turn is looking back and forth between Leiha and me with a complicated face. Whichever way I look at it, he’s just enjoying himself now, isn’t he.
Even though I am like this, I too am a man. Despite being mature and all that, it’s not like I don’t have any lust at all.
Now that I know her true thoughts, I can’t flatly reject her anymore. Before even that, there’s no way I would feel bad when a beautiful lady who’s basically a mass of eros yearns (?) for me so deeply.
But it’s just, you know……
“...... Though I am still withholding my acceptance of her offer, but it seems so, yes.” (Gio)
“You believe me now?! Thank you so very much!” (Leiha)
“...... That’s well and all. By the way, are you not going to ask her for information about the person who was controlling her? The crucial mastermind?” (Claura)
“Mu. That’s right. Even if your memory is a bit hazy, tell us any little thing that you remember.” (Gio)
“Indeed I will.” (Leiha)
“Guess I don’t need this anymore……” (Gio)
More like, I don’t want to use this item for quite a while. As I put the bothersome ESP Medal into my sling bag, Claura speaks up.
“I’m just saying, but if you ever use that thing against me, I will cut every one of our ties as friends, you hear?!” (Claura)
So declares Claura with both hands on her waist and her face slightly tinged with red. Now this reaction is what’s normal for a real-life human.
A normal reaction, huh. For the present me, it is something that I am most grateful for.
“......” (Gio)
“Wha-, what is it? I bet you’re thinking that a woman who would listen to anything you say like that dark elf over there is more preferable, aren’t you?!” (Claura)
“Not really…… Thank you, Claura. Always keep scolding me like in the future too.” (Gio)
“HAH?!” (Claura)
♥♦♣♠
Like that, with a few chaotic moments here and there, we finally managed to hear all the information that Leiha had to provide.
The person in Lelis who ordered her to assassinate me was a nobleman with black hair, whose crest was a pattern with a sword and a sail.
Hearing that, Sedam strikes his hands together with a ‘pon.’
(T/N: The Japanese gesture indicating that a lightbulb had gone off in their head.)
Among the people of interest that had come up from the adventurers’ investigations so far, there is indeed someone who fits this description.
His name is Baron Neib Koval.
He is a powerbroker who holds a seat in the Council, and has been a thorn in the Merchant faction’s side for the longest time.
There are mountains of dangerous rumors about his mansion, such as frequent cases of people in the vicinity going missing, suspicious people coming and going, and the maids seeing rituals extolling anki being conducted.
Of course, the adventurers had done enough substantiating investigation to prove that these rumors are actually all quite close to the truth. On top of all that, we now have testimony from the assassin’s own mouth.
“This is definitive. Baron Koval must be a Demonist.” (Sedam)
“Shall we march straight to the Baron’s mansion?” (Claura)
“I shall come along!” (Leiha)
“No wait, what are you guys saying. It’s a bad idea for a single person to decide by themselves to arrest someone else.” (Gio)
♥♦♣♠
First of all, we request the currently active adventurers and city guards to keep tabs on Baron Koval’s location and to obstruct any escape attempts, and to monitor the area around his mansion.
After that, I head towards the Council Hall together with Sedam, Claura, and Leiha.
Though I feel slightly bad about the short notice, I demand for Council Chairman Braus and the Garrison Commander.
In front Council Chairman and the Garrison Commander, both of whom had hurriedly made their way over, I report that there is a high possibility that Baron Koval is a Demonist and is the mastermind behind my and the Council Chairman’s attempted assassination.
Despite being the Chairman’s political opponent, both of them were astonished to hear that a noble had committed the crime of worshipping anki, which is considered an especially taboo act in this world.
“I’m shocked. But well, it appears that there is no room for doubt here.” (Braus)
“There is the testimony of that dark elf, as well as the circumstantial evidence gathered by the adventurers. Let us immediately move to arrest Baron Koval on grounds of assassination and pagan worship.” (Garrison Commander)
“Fumu…… Margils-dono, is that fine with you?” (Braus)
Normally, it would be strange for the Council Chairman to seek confirmation from me on this kind of matter.
Despite that, the fact that he read and sympathized with my intentions proves that he really is a sharp person after all.
“Of course, I think it only natural to arrest him. However, there is a high chance that he has some strange power derived from the anki. Furthermore, I also wish to prove my friendly attitude towards the city…… With these in mind, I wish to request for permission for me to cooperate with this arrest.” (Gio)
“Hah? ……Council Chairman? Is that really fine?” (Garrison Commander)
“What a welcome offer it is. Though I would normally shy away from imposing such a burden on you, but please do lend us your strength. Garrison Commander, for anything related to the arrest of Baron Koval from now on, please cooperate with Margils-dono.” (Braus)
“...... Yes, sir.” (Garrison Commander)
Sedam, Claura, and Leiha are all looking upon our exchange with puzzlement.
From the point of view of these adventurers and one assassin, there is undeniable proof, and we have the needed power on hand, so purposely going to trouble of attaining the city’s permission just seems like a waste of time.
However, if I am thought of as someone who would make light of the law whenever it suits me, I will eventually lose the people’s trust. The Council Chairman also fully understands that I am trying to take a stance of respecting the city’s law, and thus is playing along.
“By the way, Wizard-dono, about that dark elf over there……” (Braus)
“Ahh, I’d almost forgotten. I will hand her over to the city guard. Please give her a proper public trial.” (Gio)
“ “......” ”
As someone who had committed (or attempted to, at least) assassination and kidnapping in this town, at least both of her hands are now tied. Having adamantly requested for me to tie her up instead of Sedam, she seemed strangely happy at the time (which I refuse to notice).
Seeing how, aside from walking, Leiha is now always kneeling beside me, the Garrison Commander reservedly comments on it.
“But, it seems to me that she’s acting like she’s, um, Wizard-dono’s servant.” (Garrison Commander)
“This and that are separate. Unfortunately, she has committed crimes in this city. As such, it is only natural for her to be judged based on the laws of this city.” (Gio)
After displaying her loyalty to me so vocally, to be abruptly thrown to the authorities does make her seem quite pitiful.
If I pretend to not know anything and simply begin bringing her around as a servant, I don’t think anyone (except for Claura) would say anything.
However, there needs to be closure somewhere for the things that she has done. Although she was brainwashed, there might have been people who have indeed died by her hand. No world is indulgent enough for my singular decision to forgive her to suffice as all closure. At least, it’s not supposed to.
“ In that case, we will conduct the trial at the end of the month—which would be 10 days later—so in the meantime the city guard will assume custody over her.” (Garrison Commander)
“For the trial, she will need a defense attorney and a guarantor…… Will Margils-dono be her guarantor?” (Braus)
“...... Ahh, naturally.” (Gio)
Guarantor? I don’t know much about this world’s trial proceedings, but it’s great that they actually go to such lengths. Or rather, I almost even want to be her attorney too.
It would be great if she could get off with something like only a few years of confinement or a bit of forced labor.
“...... I hope it will be noted that she was under the control of some sort of evil magic of a Demonist. The various crimes that she had committed were not by her own will, and she is currently deeply remorseful and is saying that she wishes to make amends. With due consideration of all this, I wish to lend my strength towards helping her attain a more lenient sentence.” (Gio)
Mu. Did I lay it on a bit too thick? If it is perceived that I am pressuring the sentencing, it might work to her disadvantage……
“Indeed, we are fully aware. Please leave it to us.” (Braus)
“All guards will be notified to help her pass the days until the sentencing comfortably.” (Garrison Commander)
…… At that moment, I did think that the atmosphere was slightly strange, but……
It was even to the point where I can’t believe I didn’t already realize it from how Sedam had kept quiet the entire time (more like, he was outright smirking).
♥♦♣♠
Baron Koval’s whereabouts was determined a mere few hours later.
His location was, to no one’s surprise, his own mansion.
Several adventurers particularly skilled at covert operations had cooperated with members of the Thief Guild in investigating the inside of the mansion, and found the Baron and his subordinates heading towards an underground room.
Due to the possibility of that underground room being an escape route, a thick encircling net composed of adventurers, thieves, and guards was set up both underground as well as overground.
His mansion is situated in the city’s high class housing district, which is on a higher elevation, and is surrounded by high walls.
On his tightly closed gate is a sword-and-sail crest, just like what Leiha had mentioned.
Though there was no human presence on the other side of the gate, this side is packed with adventurers and guards and onlookers. There’s no way those on the inside haven’t already noticed us.
The fact that there’s no response whatsoever must either mean that they’ve given up, or that they’ve really escaped through a secret escape route…… or that they’ve prepared some fantastical evil cult-like measure to flip the situation around.
Most likely, it’s the last one.
♥♦♣♠
“Wizard-dono! All prepares for the storming in have been completed!”
There are 7 fully armed guards lined up in front of me.
The Garrison Commander had previously told me that he’d selected out some guards to accompany me (officially though, I’m the one accompanying them). As hoped, each and every one of them look quite strong. Well, they’re still inferior in comparison to the Carbanera Knight Order, but let’s leave that aside.
These 7 people should be equivalent to one adventurer party…… is what I’m thinking as I look towards Sedam.
“Ahh, it might be better if we don’t go this time.” (Sedam)
“Nn? How so?” (Gio)
To be honest, I doubt there’s another adventurer more reliable than Sedam.
“We already know you full well. However, that’s not the case for these other guys……” (Sedam)
I see.
So he’s implying that I should take advantage of this situation to build more connections.
“We might not be as smart as Sedam, but our arms are still quite strong, you know?” (Adventurer)
“Ahh, so I see. I will be relying on you then.” (Gio)
The one who said so while drawing his party over is a warrior who had served as our escort so far.
I have self-awareness that I do tend to act quite arbitrarily at times, but Sedam also has his own thoughts. At times, it might even be different from what I’d intended.
I lightly nod towards Sedam as an expression of my thanks. In response, he smiles slightly by lifting a corner of his mouth.
“...... The onlookers…… I meant, the esteemed observers are currently watching, understand? It means that you need to say something gallant before the storm in.” (Claura)
“Ue……” (Gio)
That’s right. I must receive the advice from my respected nakama with sincerity.
Regardless of how reluctant I feel, at times.
