Chapter 54 [Capital Illustratia 1: Royal Capital's King's Office (Part 1)]
In the early morning, the regular occupants of the office—King, Prime Minister, General Rover, and Lord Warren—were present.
"Does this mean the disturbance in Vazari was aimed at reclaiming subjugated demi-human slaves?"
"Yes, the commotion in the lower town was just a minor fire, similar to when Baron was attacked. As for the lord's mansion, it seems to have been nothing but smoke."
"Just smoke?"
"Yes, they were enveloped in dense smoke, making it impossible to breathe, but upon subsequent investigation, there were no traces of burning."
"Can magic or magical tools achieve such a thing?"
"Whether it's magic or magical tools, I don't know, but at least the ones over there seem capable. Militarily, it's a quite useful technique, but I'm not aware of any method that doesn't involve fire."
"An unknown disruptive technique or technology from the enemy..."
Interjecting into the conversation of the three officials, the King spoke.
"We'll discuss the smoke matter later. More importantly, was the attack on Vazari carried out solely by elves and beastmen?"
"As far as confirmed, yes. Apart from that, a fire mage attacked the town, an earth mage assaulted the garrison, and there was another assailant at the lord's mansion. Judging by the time intervals of the attacks, they seem to be different individuals, but it's uncertain whether these are separate factions of demi-humans. However, considering their methods, it is certain that they are part of the same group that attacked Baron."
"Meaning that... the demi-humans joined forces with Baron's group for this slave rescue operation?"
"Yes, the main force in execution seems to be the same as the one that attacked Baron. It's likely that they collaborated with demi-humans for the slave rescue this time."
"Wasn't Count Vazari a fervent supporter of the Yalta Faith?"
"Yes, though I wouldn't call him a believer. He merely used it because it was convenient for subjugating demi-humans."
"I see. So, this entire series of events seems to be the work of anti-Yalta Faith forces."
"Most likely. However..."
"Hmm? What is it? Speak up."
"Embarrassingly... I'm beginning to doubt the theory I previously mentioned about the demon tribe being the mastermind."
"What? Explain yourself."
"From the Morrow's Dungeon incident until now, there's been no confirmation of monster involvement. If demons were behind this, I don't understand why they'd go to such lengths to conceal the monsters."
"Why conceal the involvement of demons?"
"If they were trying to hide the demons' involvement, then emphasizing the existence of the dungeon would be contradictory."
"But the dungeon's involvement is a fact."
"What if it's not a dungeon?"
"What are you saying!?"
The voices of the three overlapped.
The two dungeons being dungeons had been confirmed by the heroes and adventurers who entered them. However, since none of them returned, leaving no reports, there was no solid evidence to prove that the two dungeons were indeed dungeons. Lord Warren had room to doubt the existence of the dungeons.
"The locations believed to be dungeons are reported to be small spaces. If a small squad with advanced assassination techniques were lying in wait..."
"They could kill heroes and adventurers as well... But why such an elaborate deception?"
"Presumably, to make it seem like demons were involved. If that's the case, and it's not demons, then the mastermind is..."
"Human, huh?"
"Lord Warren's new speculation is significant. However, whether the mastermind is a demon or a human, their intention is likely against the Yalta Faith, correct?"
"I believe so. But..."
"Hmm? What is it? Speak up."
"I'm afraid that I'm starting to doubt the demon tribe's involvement and amending my theory. If demons are not involved, then the mastermind might be..."
"Human, or something else?"
"Exactly. However, to be sure, it might be necessary to investigate the identities of the kidnapped slaves."
...
Later on, a list of the kidnapped slaves' identities arrived at the kings' office.
"A noble's orphan from the dismantled neighboring country, huh?"