Consultation
"It's been years since we last met... I'm glad to see you're doing well."
"You too, Senior. I had the opportunity to review your achievements in magic herbal medicine earlier, and they were truly remarkable."
"I hear you've been making quite the name for yourself as well. Word has reached me that you've taken down an illegal underground arena and even saved the commercial city of Ganos."
"That was just a coincidence. I was merely lucky."
We exchange pleasantries while keeping our guard up.
Of course, neither of us truly means what we’re saying.
He's probing me for information, just as I am him.
It's been years since we last saw each other, but... I can tell that Walton Mertzalo has certainly grown.
—But only in terms of his cunning.
I still need to investigate whether he’s actually the one developing these new magic herbal medicines.
… Let's see if I can bait him a little.
"By the way, have you seen Claire recently?"
"... Why do you ask?"
A slight pause.
I should press further.
"I ran into her at the academy the other day after years apart, but she seems to be avoiding me lately... If I’ve said or done anything to offend her, I’d like to apologize to her in person."
"No need to worry. It’s probably just the awkwardness of reuniting after so long. I'll let her know you were concerned."
"Thank you."
He deliberately wraps up the conversation before I can press him further.
Could it be that seeing me again has sparked a change in Claire?
A change that would be inconvenient for Walton.
Until now, she’s likely been under his control, but something has shifted—perhaps she's beginning to stray from his influence.
So he came to gauge the situation. That explanation makes the most sense.
"Well then, we'll be taking our leave."
With that, Walton departs.
He approached us with no real purpose, engaged in a fruitless conversation, and then left…
That makes it even more likely that he was just here to observe.
And I still have no information on Claire’s current situation.
"Young master Lake... that guy is *so* suspicious."
Connie watched Walton's retreating back with squinted eyes.
"Do you have any proof?"
"It's a woman's intuition!"
"... I see."
She says it with such a smug look on her face.
So, in other words, it’s just a hunch.
"Please be careful, Master Lake. Connie’s intuition is often quite accurate."
"R-Really?"
"Yes. Just the other day, she correctly guessed what the tea snacks would be without me saying a word."
"Ehehe~"
That... feels like a different kind of intuition.
But well, they both seem to be enjoying themselves, so whatever.
And besides, I agree that he’s suspicious.
Looks like I’ll need to ask for help from *that* person.
"Lucina, the Student Council President Tricia is back now, correct?"
"Yes. She attended classes today."
"Then… let’s go see her."
I had hoped we could handle this ourselves, but since we’ve built a connection with one of the Three Great Houses, we might as well make use of it.
The President was concerned about Claire as well, so I doubt she’ll turn us away.
◇◇◇
After class.
We head to the Student Council room and immediately fill Tricia in on everything that’s happened.
"This all transpired while I was away at my family’s estate… That explains why we couldn’t enter the archives."
"Even with the president’s bru—magnificent strength, it wouldn't open?"
"Did you just try to say *brute force*?"
"Of course not. Perish the thought."
That was close. I almost let my real thoughts slip.
"The locking magic on the door had been significantly reinforced."
"Who could have done such a thing…?"
"I spoke with the librarians, but they dodged my questions and wouldn’t give me a clear answer. However, their reactions gave me a pretty good idea."
"... Her brother, Walton."
"Indeed. That worthless, rotten bastard must have arranged it. To keep Claire from contacting anyone."
The way Tricia says it so bluntly is almost refreshing.
And I completely agree.
Also, the idea that he would cut off her connections aligns with my own suspicions.
"Considering the relationship between siblings, that’s the most plausible explanation."
"I think so too. Do you have any suggestions on how we should handle this?"
"… This is a difficult situation."
For once, Tricia looked uncertain.
The Mertzalo family is a household with deep ties to the Three Great Houses.
If their relationship were to sour, it could jeopardize her own standing within her family.
The same goes for the Gallard Company.
If we offend the Mertzalo family, our business dealings will suffer, and the financial losses could be catastrophic.
—But even so, I refuse to back down that easily.
Dragging that arrogant Walton down from his pedestal and having Claire take over as the next head would be the best outcome for everyone.
For now, we decide to head back to the library and try once more to persuade Claire.
What do you think about this chapter?
