Leaked Information
From the evidence related to human trafficking that the guards brought back from Count Mercelc's mansion, a list of buyers of the children and girls was compiled. The list included many high-ranking individuals within the Kingdom: presidents of trading companies, noble clerics serving in the Royal Castle, high-ranking civil servants under them, local nobles with territories, and deputies managing towns. These individuals were all arrested by the security corps, the Royal Guard, and the Royal Castle Knights.
The simultaneous arrests of these prominent figures caused an uproar in the Kingdom, with numerous rumors spreading among the commoners. However, we lost a crucial lead on the Spider in this incident. While it was good that we managed to dismantle the black market and the human trafficking network in the Capital, Sister Emilia and I were confined to our rooms for a week by Brother Roland as punishment.
A week later, Brother Adel returned from the Sea of Primitive Trees with Kreiss and his team. This time, Liam and Rune escorted them and helped carry the supplies. Receiving a report from the guards, I went to the castle courtyard to greet Brother Adel and his group. Their armor and equipment were battered, suggesting that discovering the new miasma swamp had been quite a struggle.
Liam and Rune left the castle after receiving their payment from Brother Adel, saying they would spend some time enjoying the Capital. Caught by Brother Adel, I listened to his account of how they discovered the new miasma swamp in the Sea of Primitive Trees, complete with gestures and an enthusiastic expression.
The next day, he entered my room with a mischievous grin.
"I just heard from Brother Roland that you and Sister Emilia did something interesting while I was away. Tell me all about it."
"It's all over now, so there's no need," I replied.
Brother Adel approached me swiftly, placing his fists on either side of my head and pressing painfully.
"Ouch! Ouch! Stop, it hurts!"
"Spill it! If you tell me, I'll let you go!"
Unable to bear the pain, I confessed everything about the Spider to Brother Adel. His eyes sparkled with excitement as he clenched his fist.
"An elusive organization called Spider? That sounds incredibly intriguing. Since you and Sister Emilia are under the watch of Brother Roland and Prime Minister Sylberg, stay put. I'll use the Royal Castle Knights to track down that organization."
"Wait!"
Ignoring my attempt to stop him, Brother Adel dashed out of the room. That musclehead intends to mobilize the Royal Castle Knights. But considering there's no danger of conflict with other countries this time, and it's an internal matter, it might be fine...
With that thought, I decided to leave Brother Adel to his own devices.
About a week later, I was summoned to the throne room. Upon entering, I found Brother Roland and Prime Minister Sylberg seated. I took a seat across from Brother Roland, tilting my head in curiosity.
"What is it?"
"You know that our Royal Castle secretly employs spies in other countries, right?"
"Yes. Other countries also have many spies hidden within our Kingdom."
In this world, information about other countries is extremely important. Which country has developed what weapons, which country has invented what tools—such details can shift the balance of power. It is common for nations to gather intelligence and devise strategies accordingly, so every country employs spies secretly.
Satisfied with my understanding, Prime Minister Sylberg spoke.
"We received an urgent report from our spies in the Elfast Magic Kingdom. A magician from their research institute has escaped and crossed the border into our Kingdom."
A magician is an advanced practitioner of magic who can analyze and design magic circles. The Elfast Magic Kingdom places great emphasis on training magicians, and those who become magicians are assigned to their magic research institute. This institute is a secretive organization that tightly controls information about magic circles to prevent leaks to other countries. Therefore, a magician from the research institute would not easily venture outside.
The fact that such a magician has fled the Magic Kingdom and entered our Kingdom presents a rare opportunity. If we can protect and befriend this magician, we might be able to develop magic circles within our Kingdom. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance. But there are some doubts.
"Why are you consulting me?"
"If we use the Capital's security corps, the Magic Kingdom will learn that we are searching for the magician. The same goes for mobilizing the Castle Guards and the Royal Castle Knights. The Magic Kingdom won't remain silent in that case."
"I understand we can't take overt actions, but why not ask Brother Adel to handle it?"
"Adel is currently causing a stir with the Royal Castle Knights, claiming he's going to uncover information on the Spider. Do you really think he can quietly search for the magician?"
Knowing my muscle-brained and simple-minded Brother Adel, he would undoubtedly cause a commotion.
Brother Roland shook his head and continued.
"When you were pursuing information about the 'Spider' organization, I heard there were people in the city who cooperated with you. I want you to find the magician's whereabouts with those people."
I see Brother Roland's intention. Mr. Kernel is well-informed and might have some leads on the magician.
The thought of meeting Mr. Kernel and Orlan makes me happy.
What do you think about this chapter?
