Count Mercelc’s Suicide
Leaving the kidnapped children and girls at Count Mercelc's mansion was not an option, so I asked Orlan to contact Lyshiria at the castle.
While waiting in the basement, we heard a commotion on the first floor, and then Lyshiria and Orlan descended the stairs.
"What on earth is going on here?"
"Didn't Orlan tell you anything?"
"That quiet girl? She only said 'Ian,' 'children,' 'girls,' and 'black market.' How was I supposed to understand from that?"
I had asked Orlan to call Lyshiria, but perhaps relying on her to relay the message was too much. Still, the fact that Lyshiria and the guards came based on those few words meant it worked out in the end.
I explained to the bewildered Lyshiria that Count Mercelc was behind the human trafficking and that there were still children and girls trapped in the mansion's basement.
The mansion had already been secured by the guards, and everyone inside had been captured.
The evidence related to human trafficking from the second floor was taken away by the guards, and the children and girls in the basement were safely rescued.
Of course, Count Mercelc, who had fainted on the bed, was tied up naked and taken to the dungeon in the castle.
After everything was settled, Lyshiria came over to stand beside me and Sister Emilia, looking around.
"The girl who came to fetch me is nowhere to be seen. I'd like to ask her some questions."
"Orlan is my collaborator, so there's no need to worry."
"No, that's precisely why I want to know about her relationship with you, Ian."
Huh, that's what she's concerned about?
Orlan had vanished without a trace. Perhaps she realized that staying in the mansion would attract Lyshiria's attention.
Lyshiria looked at Sister Emilia and me, put one hand on her hip, and sighed deeply.
"I've already mobilized the guards, and Count Mercelc has been captured, so I must report this to Prime Minister Sylberg. Your Highnesses, be prepared to be questioned when we return to the castle."
"Please go easy on us."
Sister Emilia and I exchanged a weary smile.
We knew this would happen when we called Lyshiria and the guards.
Honestly, I didn't want Prime Minister Sylberg or brother Roland to find out, but there was no other way to rescue the children and girls in the basement.
Sister Emilia and I left the mansion with Lyshiria and the guards and returned to the castle.
The next morning, Prime Minister Sylberg, upon hearing Lyshiria's report, was furious and gave us a long lecture.
That evening, I was summoned by Brother Roland to the throne room, where he, Prime Minister Sylberg, and Sister Emilia were waiting.
"I heard the details from Prime Minister Sylberg. You shouldn't do dangerous things like that."
"I'm sorry for worrying you, Brother Roland."
I bowed my head, and Brother Roland gently patted it. The relaxed atmosphere was interrupted by Prime Minister Sylberg's stern cough.
"Count Mercelc committed suicide in the dungeon. It seems he ingested a lethal poison hidden in his molar."
Prime Minister Sylberg's expression was bitter. I was at a loss for words, my mind going blank.
It never occurred to me that he would have poison hidden in his tooth. This was a grave oversight.
Sister Emilia, with a serious expression, questioned Prime Minister Sylberg.
"What did the interrogation reveal?"
"Lyshiria personally interrogated the Count. When she asked if he was a member of the Spider, he confessed to being a low-ranking member. However, he claimed that those attending the human trafficking events were merely customers and not connected to the Spider."
"Then, there's no one in the mansion involved with the Spider?"
"Currently, Lyshiria and the guards are interrogating the captives. We will have the results soon. But it's unlikely anyone is connected to the Spider."
Prime Minister Sylberg clenched his fists in frustration.
If Count Mercelc's confession was true, then no one in the mansion was linked to that organization.
Despite the cooperation of Mr. Kernel and Orlan, we couldn't obtain any information about the Spider. This is so frustrating.
"Don't be disheartened. Thanks to you and Emilia, we've eradicated those involved in the black market and human trafficking in the Capital. However, I want you to stop taking such dangerous actions. You two are Royalty, and you must act accordingly."
Brother Roland spoke gently, looking at Sister Emilia and me.
The Spider is not something the Royal family should get involved with. Ideally, it should be left to the country's military.
But knowing the danger of the organization, I can't just sit idly by.
I will find a way to uncover the Spider's secrets someday.
What do you think about this chapter?
