Chapter 198 – Coastal City Acrien
The Esperanza Marquisate's main estate.
Its master, the Marquis of Esperanza, sat before his desk with eyes closed in silence. Though the matter of the undead incident and the diocesan massacre had been somewhat settled, new events that could not be overlooked once more appeared before his eyes — the First Prince's laboratory, the Elves.
Unethical experiments using Elves and Mages with peculiar traits. What, exactly, was the King of Estiria's purpose?
The Marquis of Esperanza faintly guessed.
'Could it be, he intends to revive memories of the past.'
During the war with the Republic of Beldirn, one chancellor and a group of mages had appeared.
They struck a secret bargain with the King of Estiria, and thus, after being continuously pushed back, succeeded in overturning the tides of war entirely, achieving a feat that overwhelmed the Republic.
But the price was far too great.
The chancellor, in secret, conducted experiments that were nothing short of massacres, using prisoners of the Republic and citizens of the Kingdom alike. And he used those results in the war.
Aside from the leadership of the Republic of Riviant, which had broken away from the Kingdom — this fact was known only to a select few, including the Marquis himself.
'By the time I realized it, it was already too late.'
Had he known even a little earlier, what would have happened?
He surely would have risen in rebellion together with the Duke of Riviant of that time.
Whether they would have succeeded or failed was uncertain, but… at least he would not have lived with such regret.
Still, one thing could be guaranteed.
If the King of Estiria intended to spill blood again, this time would not be like the past. That was the will of the Marquis of Esperanza, and the conviction of 'her', the one to whom he had pledged loyalty.
Thud.
The Marquis sank back in his chair.
At that moment, someone knocked on the door.
A servant appeared holding a letter.
The sender was Edmon.
Without hesitation, he broke the seal and checked the contents. As he read down the lines, the Marquis furrowed his brows.
There was a test subject held in Leonil's laboratory.
Time was urgent, and the help of an Elf was needed. He would set out first with Asher. Therefore, he requested that a covert transport wagon and reinforcements be sent to Acrien… such was the summary.
'Edmon…!'
There was a chance they might come into contact with a court mage.
In the worst case, even with Leonil himself. To stand against them with merely an Elf and two mages was reckless beyond measure.
But the water was already spilled.
The Marquis steadied his heart and immediately called outward.
"Summon Melzard, commander of the Knights of Red Conviction."
***
Leonil's laboratory.
Finding it had to be done entirely beneath the surface.
Especially with the presence of the Elf, Karans.
Thus, Verden's party had no choice but to cross the eastern border without authorization.
It was a high crime punishable by execution or imprisonment, yet at this point such concerns were irrelevant.
Verden and Edmon.
The two conversed as they flew at high speed.
"Since I've sent word, His Excellency will surely handle the border matter perfectly. Therefore, all we need do is search the laboratory, rescue any Elves or humans used in experiments, and then wait at Acrien. However, there remains one unsettled matter."
"And what is that?"
"Your payment."
This affair could be considered an extension of the commission issued by the Marquis.
Naturally, Verden, who had been employed by the Marquis, deserved compensation. Yet no discussion of it had been held.
'I forgot, because of Linus.'
Oesu was one of the three purposes for Verden's coming to the Kingdom.
Compared to that, the Marquisate's commission was secondary, of far lesser priority. For him, Linus's survival was of far greater concern than any payment.
"It would be better to discuss the payment once the matter is resolved."
"Hmm, so payment is not your true aim… Asher, may I ask, why you agreed so readily to take part in this matter?"
Verden had not yet revealed his true purpose.
He had merely spoken of the memory he had seen from the Elf, stressing the urgency of time. It was not something he especially sought to conceal.
From the start, Linus's existence was something that had to be revealed to the Marquisate.
"I have personal business with the one-armed craftsman. And also…"
"And also?"
"I abhor human experimentation."
This was Verden's sincere truth.
Hearing that voice, Edmon widened his eyes slightly, then gave a small nod.
"I understand. I won't press for more detail. It is entirely thanks to your effort that we were able to pursue this far. And now we must continue a forced march, so it would be best to end the conversation here…"
Edmon's gaze turned downward.
"The Guardian Elf is indeed unlike other Elves. Even without exerting full power, to keep pace with our speed…"
Rustle, rustle-rustle.
Karans, together with Foret… no, with Blue, dashed atop the trees like a fish in water.
Verden, whose senses had been sharpened, could follow their movements, but it was too swift for Edmon to catch precisely.
"The mana within its body seems to wrap around the muscles beneath the skin."
"Ha ha, for humans, strengthening the body with mana is impossible without the aid of enhancement magic. Yet his basic physical capability itself rivals that of a hardened warrior… Truly, Elves are a mysterious race."
Edmon could not hide his admiration.
Even after being struck with Karans's sharp words, he showed no sign of irritation. Whether it was because he was familiar with Elves, or simply his disposition, none could say.
What was certain was that Edmon was unlike the arrogant, self-indulgent mages of authority. More akin to an adventurer like Geltone.
"We can afford to increase our pace."
"Yes, I see it that way as well. Then allow me to take the lead."
Edmon further activated his mana circuits.
The sound of the air being pierced pressed against their ears. Verden matched Edmon's speed without difficulty, while Karans and Blue followed behind.
***
Verden's party was anything but ordinary.
Edmon was a Magician of the upper fifth tier, Karans was a Guardian Elf protecting the Administrator, and Blue was none other than an abnormal species.
And Verden himself was a Mage beyond common sense.
They could endure days of forced march without trouble.
Thus, rest time was minimized, and all focus was placed on reaching Acrien.
A harsh journey.
And a single day of rest.
That was their policy.
"At last, we've arrived. Whew, it's truly been a long time since I moved with such extremity. Age makes one weary."
Edmon tapped his lower back lightly.
Before the party now lay the coastal city, Acrien. Summer sunlight, shattered through the clouds, illuminated the city.
Familiar with the city, Edmon took the role of guide.
Verden and Karans pulled their robes low to hide their appearances, while Blue was tightly hidden within Karans's arms. Edmon discreetly slipped money to the guards conducting inspection.
"Ahem. Please, pass through, elder."
"My thanks."
Pretending to check identities, the guards let the party inside.
Acrien was a city of tourism.
Since nobles at times visited for secret rendezvous, bribery had become a commonplace custom. The guard's lips twitched as he clutched the thick notes.
Karans cast him a look of scorn.
"To take wealth, and allow unknown persons through… Humans indeed."
"And yet, is it not thanks to that, that you entered with ease? I understand, but let it pass."
"Hmph."
"For now, let us follow the plan and get some food. Considering who our opponents may be, moving on without rest would be dangerous in many ways."
"Yes, let's do so."
Verden agreed without complaint.
Though his mana was plentiful, it was true that he was physically fatigued. Karans clung close, following right behind Verden.
They entered a top-class inn that also served as a restaurant.
Renting the topmost room, they lightly stretched their bodies, and before long, a luxurious meal was set in the room.
Karans's eyes fixed on the seafood.
"What is that, human mage?"
"Hmm? Ah, that's lobster. Quite an expensive seafood. Whether it tastes as good as its price, well, that's another matter."
"And that?"
"Fried fish. If you pick the bones out properly and fry it, the taste is excellent."
"And that? And that?"
"That's corn cheese, and steamed seafood."
Karans knew of the sea by knowledge, but had never actually seen it.
Naturally, the same went for seafood. Fish from rivers and lakes were common, but seeing dishes like these was the first time in his life.
Continuing his questions, Karans suddenly stiffened.
"That is… what on earth is that?"
"That's sashimi. Freshly caught fish, prepared and served raw. Judging by the nerves still twitching, it must have been very freshly caught."
What? Cut alive?
"Ugh, truly humans are barbaric."
"Well, it can be seen that way. But I think it would be best if you wipe your drool before you say more."
"Eh."
Karans swallowed hard.
"Brother, I am hungry, may I eat?"
Verden turned his head slightly.
Edmon let out a hearty laugh and waved his hand.
"Go ahead."
"Thank you, brother."
Karans swiftly sat down.
Gripping the fork, he began to taste the dishes one by one. Whether it suited his taste, the corners of his mouth showed no sign of falling.
"Ho ho, I never thought an Elf would have such an appetite. Let's eat as well."
Verden and Edmon also began their meal.
As expected for the price, the quality of the food was fairly satisfying. Once he had eaten enough, Edmon rinsed his mouth with a fruit drink.
"Whew, now I feel alive. Falling asleep like this would be bliss… but before that, Asher, there's something I need to discuss with you. About Leonil."
Leonil was the pinnacle of the court mages.
Not only was his power immense, but his authority within the Kingdom was absolute. He was, in every sense, the wall guarding the King.
And so, one question arose.
"Leonil's presence is something the entire royal family watches. The First Prince, the Second Prince, the Third Prince, and even ducal houses, all heirs to the throne. If Leonil were to support any one of them, it would grant an immense advantage. That is why our Marquisate also has had its eyes on him."
Yet.
"I have never heard of Leonil being away for such long periods. Not when he abducted Karans from the Great Forest, nor when he conducted those unknown experiments."
Edmon stroked his chin.
"How was that possible? I thought deeply on it myself. Yet no matter how much I turned it over, only one answer came to mind."
"Spatial teleportation."
Magic capable of moving in an instant from the Western Continent to the Eastern.
Verden had succeeded in creating a spatial magic circle by secretly gathering stolen materials for years at the magic tower. Thus, his understanding of teleportation was exceptionally detailed.
"Exactly. If it's spatial teleportation, then all his movements make sense. Yet publicly, I've never heard that Leonil has an affinity for spatial attributes. Which means he must be using a magic circle, or some sort of magical item, or an artifact."
Edmon's gaze shifted to Verden.
"Asher, you know as well. At the arrival point of teleportation, the surge of mana wavelengths runs rampant. In other words, if Leonil were to arrive, we would notice it beforehand. If that happens, our plan is canceled immediately."
If their cover was blown, he was ready to kill Leonil.
That was his resolve, but he had no intention of facing him by choice.
The opponent was a Magician of the sixth tier.
Objectively speaking, even if Verden, Edmon, Karans, and Blue joined forces, their odds of victory were slim.
"So when that time comes, you must follow my command. Understood?"
"Yes."
"And you?"
Karans, who had speared a slice of sashimi with his fork, flinched.
Normally, he would have said something like, "Why should I follow a human's orders?" But Edmon's gaze brimmed with solemnity.
"…Very well, human mage."
Flash.
Blue also flickered in agreement.