Chapter 25: Things Begin to Move

With our new companions in tow, we returned to investigate the rocky outcrop once more.

There were no visible traces to go on, so from this point forward, we had to rely on Clarice-san. As the rest of us watched on absentmindedly, she examined the area with a serious expression. Then, after a deep sigh, she finally spoke.

“There are traces of powerful magic being used here.”

“Powerful magic?”

I wonder what kind of magic she means. If someone of her caliber calls it powerful, then it must be something extraordinary. Honestly, the only person I can think of who might be capable of that is Master.

“I can't say for certain, but judging by the lingering traces of mana, it's likely teleportation-type...”

Teleportation magic—that should be something only those with rare skill-type abilities can use. It's powerful and uncommon, and even Master would probably need to draw the skill through gacha to use it.

Naturally, most of those who possess such skills are employed by governments or major organizations. It’s not the kind of thing you’d expect to just randomly encounter.

If someone really did use that kind of magic here, then this could be a much bigger deal than we thought. Whether it's a national matter or tied to some shady organization... it’s hard to say.

“M-My Lady... Your husband is very strong, so...”

“I know.”

Sure, I’m worried about Master too. But there’s something even more troubling. If this wasn’t a freak accident or some kind of random incident, but a planned move to isolate us—then we’re in serious trouble.

With the members we have here, we wouldn't be able to handle a large-scale attack.

Clarice-san is undoubtedly a top-tier talent, and even though Collins-san is ranked in the upper-mid tier, he's capable enough to work alongside her.

As for Kasai-san... I've never seen him fight, but at the very least, I’m sure he’s strong enough to protect himself.

That said, none of them have the kind of monstrous power that Master does. And if we’re dealing with a group that includes someone capable of teleportation magic, then it's entirely possible they also have people on par with Collins-san and the others.

If we get attacked by people like that, even our strongest would be too busy just trying to survive. We’d almost certainly be captured.

“It’s not impossible to trace the magical residue... but it will take time.”

It’s impressive that she can do it at all, but I can’t help feeling that spending too much time here is dangerous. Is staying put really the smart move?

“If someone capable of using that level of magic was behind this, and it was intentional... then staying here might be risky.”

“...That may be true, but we don’t have any other leads.”

Ugh... this is a tough call...

“Don’t worry—we’ll protect you.”

“Yeah.”

Kasai-san and Collins-san, who had somehow become fast friends, spoke up. Maybe I was being too timid... That’s right. Cowering out of fear while Master is in danger makes me no better than a worthless mutt.

As a pet, I’d like to show that I can be at least a little helpful.

“Understood. Please—find a lead on Master’s whereabouts.”

“Yeah, just leave it to me.”

---

How much time had passed, I couldn’t say. The attack we had feared hadn't come—at least, not yet—and Clarice-san’s investigation was progressing smoothly. We hadn't uncovered a lot, but even one or two important findings made a big difference.

“I’ve narrowed down a few possible teleportation destinations. Looks like the caster wasn’t an especially high-level skill user after all.”

She said it like it was no big deal as she spread out a map of Dena, but narrowing things down to that extent is no easy feat.

No wonder she’s already approaching high-level status at her age. If only her personality matched her ability... No, no—she’s helping us. I should really stop badmouthing her.

“The next step would be to investigate the suspicious spots among these...”

The places she pointed out on the marked map were all noble estates.

…It seems Master has gotten himself wrapped up in something terribly troublesome—no, I’ve gotten him wrapped up in it. I really shouldn’t have held onto emotions that were far beyond my place.

This time, people I care about have been dragged into the mess. When Master comes back, I’ll have to apologize properly.

“The suspicious location is here… Viscount Berma’s villa. He’s famous for being a collector of rare races, and rumor has it that his villa has a secret prison built just for that.”

“You know quite a lot.”

She didn’t seem to do any investigating just now, so perhaps she already knew about this beforehand. Could she actually be from a noble family? She certainly does have a bit of that highborn air about her.

“I’ve got my own circumstances… well, never mind that. This guy’s said to use not just legal means to build his collection, but also illegal ones. Like stealing other nobles’ slaves, for instance.”

“You don’t think… we’re his targets, do you?”

“Probably not.”

I quickly refuted Yuria’s concern. If that were the case, they would have kidnapped us directly while the others went off to check the rocks. If someone has the power to forcefully teleport someone as strong as Master, then snatching us while we’re alone would be child’s play.

“If that were the goal, they would’ve gone after us when we were separated.”

“True. If they had teleportation magic, that would’ve been the faster move.”

“...I see.”

No one expects there to be a mage capable of tracking magical traces, after all. So it’s more likely that we were caught up in a completely unrelated incident.

“So then, what do we do?”

“I’d like to say, ‘Let’s go save him!’... but if we barge in recklessly and end up taken hostage instead, it’ll all be for nothing.”

“Exactly.”

Clarice-san nodded in approval at my response.

Master is the type who usually handles things on his own, one way or another. The classic scenario would be the heroine—Yuria, in this case—rushing in to save him, only to get caught herself and end up in more danger.

Doing nothing at all would be the worst move. The safe middle ground would be to stay alert and wait for Master to handle it. But… in the slim chance that he can’t get out on his own, waiting could turn into a bad idea.

“First, we should look into this Viscount Belt or whatever his name was. Once we confirm Master’s location, we’ll provide support if necessary.”

“...It’s Berma, Viscount Berma.”

---

We relocated our base and gathered at the inn for a strategy meeting.

With the strangely detailed information Clarice-san provided, we learned that Viscount Berma might be employing a teleportation mage who’s been wanted for a string of thefts over the past few months.

And recently, a number of thugs have been loitering around his villa. Even the seabirds have been unusually restless lately. …Let’s ignore that last one for now, but overall it’s pretty clear something shady is going on. Very easy to understand.

“Suspicious.”

“Definitely suspicious.”

“Highly suspicious.”

At this point, that’s the only impression any of us had. It's on par with when Master says, “Don’t worry, I won’t do anything—let’s just take a bath together.” The same level of suspicious.

Speaking of suspicious, there’s one more thing.

“By the way, Clarice-san, is there any connection between you being here and that wanted teleportation mage being employed by Viscount Berma?”

I had been wondering why she knew so much about this whole situation. The timing is just too perfect, and she’s being unusually cooperative.

“…That’s a secret.”

“Understood.”

She brushed it off, but it seems our interests align. Now I understand why she’s so informed and why she so easily narrowed down the suspect. If helping us benefits her too, then I’ll gladly keep relying on her until this matter is resolved.

“Well, I doubt just any nobody could lay a finger on Kisaragi-kun, but if he is being held, then he might need help getting out.”

Master isn’t completely invincible. He might be safe, sure—but that doesn’t necessarily mean he can escape on his own.

I was the one who brought it up, but now I’m wondering—what kind of situation are we even in...? Is it that we can’t afford to act recklessly because we’re dealing with a noble?

“It’s just, when the other party is a noble, it becomes awfully difficult to make a move.”

Even so, saying we want to help doesn’t mean we have any good ideas. We simply don’t have enough information to work with. Before we can even consider a plan, we need to confirm Master’s location. But even trying to probe for information is hard when the enemy is who they are.

“What about sneaking into the villa…?”

Kasai-san, who had been resting, timidly raised his hand. But that idea’s off the table.

“We’re having trouble because we can’t do that.”

“We’re having trouble because we can’t do that.”

If we get caught doing something like that, things will get messy. There’s a good chance we’d all be rounded up in the fallout.

This isn’t Japan. Law enforcement here doesn’t treat everyone equally. If a noble throws enough money around, even white can be painted black. And if we get caught while trespassing—that’s already pitch-black illegal—we’re staring down a very bleak future.

“So we just have to gather information slowly and steadily?”

Now it’s Collins-san speaking, seated on the sofa with his hands steepled under his chin.

“If we take too long, they’ll get suspicious.”

As we went back and forth like that, a sudden loud knock pounded on the inn’s door. Instantly, tension flashed across Collins-san’s face. As Kasai-san started to casually respond, Collins quickly clamped a hand over his mouth and exchanged a sharp glance with Clarice-san.

They really have become quite the team. Good for them, nanodesu.

Receiving the signal, Clarice-san rose without making a sound and quietly peeked out the window. Yuria and I stood ready, prepared to move at any moment.

“Yes?”

Collins-san, after briefing Kasai-san, slung a weapon over his back and cautiously approached the door, calling out in reply.

“This is the Dena City Guard. Open up.”

A man’s voice—gruff and forceful. Why would the city guard show up at this hour?

“There’s a group outside too. This isn’t just some routine check.”

Could it be? Did they really pick up on our presence and already make a move?

“What’s the matter? Why would the city guard be here so late at night?”

While Collins-san stalled for time, we made preparations to escape. Yuria and Kasai-san grabbed our bags, while I slipped a few of the self-defense magic items I’d been given under my clothes, just in case things went south.

“The man renting this room, one Shuya Kisaragi, broke into Viscount Berma’s estate, destroyed property, and fled the scene. Now open this door.”

...What did he just say?

---

◇◆ADVENTURE RESULT◆◇

【EXP】

NO BATTLE
◆【Sora Lv.50】
◆【Yuria Lv.15】
◇―
◇―
＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝
Sora Lv.47 [509]
Yuria Lv.15 [157]

【RECORD】

[MAX COMBO] >> 33
[MAX BATTLE] >> 33

【PARTY】

[Sora] [Lv50] HP 38/50 MP 220/420 [Stable]
[Yuria] [Lv15] HP 1040/1040 MP 60/60 [Stable]
[Clarice] [Lv40] HP 230/230 MP 732/732 [Stable]
[Collins] [Lv42] HP 640/640 MP 40/40 [Stable]
[Makoto] [Lv20] HP 450/450 MP 102/102 [Stable]
＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

【Comment】

“What is going on with Master’s side right now!?”

“Dear…”