Chapter 63: The Stealthy Ones
The fourth member of the Maiger party to appear finally was a slender man in his thirties named Jonas.
He was a Level 19 "Ninja."
So, there's a job like that, huh? A ninja, I guess. Well, better than an "assassin" or something. Speaking of ninjas, they're probably an advanced class, and considering the skills of concealment and revelation, it's understandable they surpass Larouque.
Due to her doll-like size, the magic's power was weak, and the flames that hit Jonas's face were at a level of "terrible burns all over the face." In modern medicine, I think only a surgeon like Black Jack could heal something like this, but it's truly a magic of another world. It was healed to the extent that no traces remained using the "Great Healing" spell.
After treating each injured person, the tense atmosphere finally began to ease, and Carrena started revealing the truth.
"'By each other's parties in this situation,' you said, and we understood the meaning. It wasn't just you who had concealed an extra force; we also had one," Carrena stated.
With those words, Maiger finally seemed to grasp some understanding.
"That doll. To think it could use magic... But why did you notice our hidden troops?"
"That's something Shiro should explain."
It's quite a burden for someone with social anxiety, Your Highness.
"Well, the first strange thing I noticed was probably before entering the labyrinth... Did those two disappear for a moment over there?"
Noian and Delacius twitched.
"At that time, I didn't realize it, but looking back, I wondered if they teleported 'someone' who couldn't be seen from our sight."
Larouque chuckled knowingly. Maiger clicked his tongue at Noian and the others. Jonas seemed genuinely surprised. He probably thought his presence couldn't be detected.
"We traveled from the town on horseback and Triuma, so I thought that maybe one person couldn't follow us without being noticed. But you know, I became convinced when we crossed the lake on the way back. You're at fault here, Lord Maiger."
I continue addressing the still-unaware man.
"Why didn't you declare war on Princess when you were pursuing her so persistently, right after sealing the Worm? Why did you send her across the lake on a boat? Everything connected then. The fourth person with advanced hiding skills couldn't have stayed unnoticed if they were on the small boat, so they must have stayed on this side of the lake... That's why you returned to a place where you could use your hidden card and then initiated the battle."
Carrena spoke to Maiger again.
"You didn't mention that there were three inspection officers. Therefore, we don't intend to call this mock battle unfair. Our party composition, being seven members, is quite unconventional as well. ...However, we believe you can now understand our strength."
Maiger reluctantly nodded.
"Let's acknowledge it. I honestly thought we could win even with 6 against 3, but your abilities, including your clever tactics, are beyond what mere levels can determine. I, too, will uphold my promise with the pride of a noble. But..."
"But?"
As Carrena questioned Maiger, who winced in discomfort, he continued.
"The Ministry of Internal Affairs has already been working on the destruction of the Orbania family and the division of its territories as a predetermined course of action. At the Kingdom Council nine days after the Epoch Festival, new appointments and rewards will be announced, and it's already in the final stages of adjustment. However, just before the deadline, we received a report from you, Your Ladyship, confirming the subjugation. That's why we were hastily dispatched."
***
The news was heavy, and on the journey back to Scutari, Carrena remained silent.
However, making up for that silence, or so it seemed, Larouque bombarded the stealthy Jonas with questions.
It seemed that Larouque, not sensing him at all and failing to employ his own stealth, was motivated by that and genuinely wanted to know various things.
While Jonas was a man of few words and often couldn't disclose things due to his mission, he did mention that he used to be a scout and taught a few skills. Since Larouque was above Level 10 and seriously contemplating changing jobs to become a ninja, it appeared that he was genuinely interested.
Personality-wise, Jonas didn't seem as unpleasant as Maiger. He wasn't a noble, originally coming from a poor commoner background, which might explain his approachability. Or perhaps it was because Larouque had been acting as an adorable girl and pretending to be cute, who knows...
I've done everything I can up until this point. From here on, it's likely that Mangiani will skillfully present agricultural policies and financial projections...
I don't really care what happens to the Earl's family, but I don't want my comrades who fought with me or Lady Leda to suffer, and I hope this town doesn't suffer too much either.
According to the stories I heard later, it seems the Magi were satisfied with Manjani's policy proposal and spent the afternoon inspecting the territory. In the evening, they left a message saying, "We'll leave the horses here for now and should be back by tomorrow," and then disappeared in an instant using teleportation magic.
***
The following morning, Greon, Spino, and I, who had returned from the watchtower, were led by Knight Igri as we traveled along the highway. Behind each of our pack animals were the anti-undead weapons we borrowed from Gen-san, all piled up together.
The return of these items was "Mission 1."
"It would make more sense for Zagoo-dono, who served as the envoy last time, to go, but because he ran away from his duty, it fell to me," Igri grumbled discontentedly.
From my perspective, it doesn't seem like such a big deal. However, Greon and Spino seemed curious as it was their first time visiting Badebade.
Just before the bridge, the on-duty mage was engaged in a distant conversation again. Unlike last time, they didn't demand a direct explanation, instead they promptly guided us to the mansion.
The one who received us was the beautiful secretary, Ms. Mei.
Igri respectfully expressed his thanks, returned the silver sword, shield, and Beth's silver leotard, and handed over a basket filled with fruits and flowers from Suctari as a token of appreciation.
Well, at Gen-san's mansion, such items wouldn't be particularly appreciated, but Mei accepted them gracefully. Suctari's flower cultivation seemed to be somewhat famous.
And then, she brought up, "Would you be interested in observing the training of our household troops?"
As minor noble soldiers, it's only natural for us to be curious about the training of soldiers stronger than ourselves. Both Igri and Greon were eager.
"We would like to participate, not just observe..."
They both suggested.
While the three of them were led to the second training ground, I was quietly told, "Gen Lord has a separate room..." and we decided to meet up later.
Gen-san once again begged me to bring out Lina, as usual, and after agreeing to keep her out of action today, I summoned a life-sized Lina and had her sit next to me like a secretary.
Lina remained unresponsive like a borrowed cat, but repeatedly transmitted through telepathy, "Don't let him touch me, promise...!"
Perhaps sensing that atmosphere, Gen-san refrained from any particularly strange behavior today and instead asked detailed questions about the labyrinth subjugation and the subsequent royal capital's envoys.
"Gen-san, did you know about the inspector?"
"Yeah, accurate information is the basis of business. I heard that an inspector stopped by the Duke of Doulas's and then vanished shortly after. So, you guys returning the equipment means you've confirmed the subjugation, right? The Kingdom Assembly is also approaching."
As expected, he was well-informed.
I shared how the inspector had been influenced by Baron Brel and refused to acknowledge our subjugation, even leading to mock battles.
Gen-san interrupted my story.
"Wait a second, what did Brel say? Something about big-boobed girl?"
"Well, um, 'Undoubtedly, Gen-san had his private army conquer the labyrinth by sacrificing the chastity of Princess Karina in order to have her as his concubine,' or something like that..."
"That little bald bastard!!"
He suddenly exploded.
"What does he take me for, insulting my aesthetics! I won't let him get away with this! Samia!"
Gen-san shouted loudly, calling one of the secretaries.
Immediately, a petite and attractive girl with a Wonderland-like outfit appeared from the side room and knelt down.
"You called, Master?"
"Yes, quickly send instructions to the royal capital's branch. Mumble mumble mumble..."
"Understood, Master."
She hurriedly left, and although she looked like she was from a different world, she's likely over twenty years old.
However, at that moment, it felt as if something significant had occurred in the world. It's kind of frightening.
"Feel free to visit anytime, and if you come across anything interesting, be sure to tell me. Aside from money and beautiful girls, I have a taste for rare stories," Gen-san said as we parted ways, slipping a large gold coin into my hand as an information fee. Is this what they call a large gold coin? I'm not quite sure of its value, but now that I'm a free man, it will surely come in handy.
After reuniting with Igri and the others, who seemed quite full after their training that was evidently on a completely different level, we departed from Badebade.
Our mission for the day was another one: a trip to Doulas.