Chapter 106 - New Friends?
As Flannel, the captain of the knights, led me into the mansion, the first thing I heard was the voices of multiple children. Next, I saw them running around energetically. They seemed to be playing a game of tag, darting away from something in delight. It was a spacious mansion, allowing even adults to run around. It was a peaceful scene, indeed.
As a guest, it seemed Flannel would continue to serve as my guide, leading me to the parlor. I recalled Josephine mentioning that the Countess loved children. I hadn’t expected the mansion to feel like a daycare, but here we were.
Once we entered the unoccupied parlor, I noticed familiar clothes and equipment laid out. "You won’t be comfortable in those dirty prisoner’s clothes for long. I’ll go speak with Lady Oversta. Please change into these. A maid will be here shortly to serve you tea, so feel free to wait and enjoy it," Flannel said.
If that’s the case, I might as well change. The middle-aged female prisoner must have arranged this for me. After bidding farewell to Flannel as he left the room, I quickly shed my blood-stained, tattered prisoner’s clothes and slipped into the comfortable attire crafted by Torietta-san. I didn’t forget to cleanse myself with a purification spell.
There was no need to don the heavy cloak for an indoor meeting. After styling my hair with a magical hairpin, I felt strangely invigorated. This had become one of my favorite looks. Yes, perfect.
While checking my equipment, a maid knocked and entered, serving me tea. It was a rare moment of elegance, enjoying the aroma of the tea.
After a while, I was summoned. It seemed the Countess wanted to greet me over breakfast. My stomach was growling, so it was perfect timing. I decided to join them.
The grand dining hall was bustling with children already seated, eagerly awaiting their meal. "Wait, I have to eat here too?" I thought to myself.
At the far table, Flannel was already seated, with plates prepared for the Countess and me.
"…What’s going on here?" I asked.
"What do you mean?" Flannel replied, feigning innocence.
Despite his nonchalant expression, I took my seat. Soon, the person I was waiting for appeared.
The Countess of Oversta was a well-known figure in the Royal Capital, a powerful figure who could even match the Duke of Gerdodus. Before seeing her photo, I had imagined her as a seasoned and cunning old woman or a middle-aged lady. But the real Countess looked much younger and was incredibly beautiful. She appeared to be a woman of great beauty and intelligence, befitting her role as the lady of a prestigious noble house. In person, she was even more refined and beautiful than in her pictures.
When she reached our table, she playfully winked and began her breakfast greeting. "Good morning, everyone. We have a guest today, so please behave yourselves. Let’s enjoy our breakfast."
With no religious prayers, she finished her brief greeting, and the children eagerly started eating, their excitement palpable.
A prison with a kindergarten? And the principal is a countess? What a joke.
Steam rose from the soup served on my plate, releasing a savory aroma that made my mouth water. A basket overflowed with small, aromatic bread rolls, and colorful pickles adorned the table, tempting my appetite. There were also heaps of sautéed beans and boiled eggs, providing a good source of protein. It was a surprisingly rich breakfast, considering the scarcity in the Royal Capital. While it might be simple compared to a typical noble’s meal, it was quite luxurious given the circumstances. The Countess must be concerned about the children’s nutrition.
"Please, let’s dig in. Feel free to eat as much as you like," the Countess said with a bright smile, starting with the soup and savoring it with a look of pure happiness, sending affectionate glances to the children.
I had to admit, my expectations were wrong. Nobles often have many faces, and it’s pointless to dwell on it. Besides, I was starving after a morning of intense exercise.
The Countess ate slowly, Flannel devoured the mountain of bread, and I quietly but quickly finished my meal. The children, having finished eating, began to leave the dining hall, likely to play outside.
After a while, only a few children were left, but even they eventually left. The Countess and Flannel waited patiently, sipping their tea, while I couldn’t resist the delicious oranges.
"...Sorry to keep you waiting. Um, Lady?"
After eating a few oranges, I cleared my throat and prompted her.
"Fufu, you can call me Rosmerta. We might become friends, so there’s no need to be so formal, Yukarinowe."
She’s a slippery one. I wonder how serious she is.
"Alright, Rosmerta. I know what I need to discuss. I apologize for being abrupt, but could you give me your answer?"
"You’re impatient. We’ve just met."
Her mischievous smile and graceful demeanor were infuriatingly charming. This must be a skill honed through years of social interactions.
There’s no point in rushing now. If she wants to chat, I can indulge her a bit. Being stuck in this place, she must have the same conversation partners every day.
I shrugged and asked for a refill of tea. "Still, there are a lot of children. What’s this place?"
I was genuinely curious about what she was doing in this hidden part of a prison.
"As you know, this is my hideout. It’s the safest place in the Royal Capital. Safety is invaluable for the children. Yukarinowe, you must have had a tough time getting here, right?"
Josephine had mentioned that the Countess loved children so much that she ran an orphanage. Indeed, this place provided a safe haven from kidnappers and unjust violence, with ample food and, I’m sure, education.
Breaking into a prison to rescue children would be a daunting task for even a small organization, let alone a few thugs. It was a clever idea.
"I suppose. But it was more trouble than I thought."
It really was a hassle. I gave a slight glare, but Rosmerta seemed unperturbed.
"Well, you see, I have many enemies, and Flannel and the others worry a lot. They become overly cautious."
Apparently, the Duke of Gerdodus had requested a meeting with the Kikyo Society, which had left the House of Oversta puzzled. They knew about the Kikyo Society but had no prior dealings with them. Moreover, the House of Oversta and the House of Gerdodus were effectively enemies. While Rosmerta and the Duke had a personal rivalry, the next head of the House of Gerdodus viewed the House of Oversta as a mortal enemy. No doubt, the Countess had done something to provoke them, but that was just speculation.
Given the suspicious introduction from an enemy, they thoroughly investigated the Kikyo Society and me. It took a lot of time, and I had to endure unnecessary hardships.
I had done my own research on the House of Oversta and the Countess, but I hadn’t delved into the details of the knight order’s strength. Actually fighting them provided valuable insights. They were competent and reliable warriors, unlike common thugs.
The main issue was whether I could trust the Countess. My gut told me she was trustworthy, though it was just a feeling.
We continued with small talk, discussing the Royal Capital and Exembra, before moving on to the main topic.
"Yukarinowe, what is your goal? I’d like to hear it from you."
They must have already investigated and made assumptions, but they wanted to verify the truth. I had nothing to hide, and I appreciated her straightforwardness.
"Our goal is to bring peace to this Royal Capital, the hometown of our friend. We also want to take down the scum who underestimated the Kikyo Society. That’s it."
If the Royal Capital was peaceful, Zenobia’s problems would be resolved, and we could help find Caroline. Additionally, we would warn the ones who teamed up with Gerdodus and crush those who refused to listen.
"What about the House of Gerdodus? They are your enemies, right?"
"They were. After making peace, we won’t pick fights with the Kikyo Society, but we won’t ally with them either."
Rosmerta looked at me intently.
"I’ve had you thoroughly investigated, from the founding and expansion of the Kikyo Society to the background of your military and financial power. Your personal achievements are impressive, given the short time you’ve been in Exembra, a city dominated by the Five Great Families."
The Kikyo Society might have been overlooked initially because it was run by women, but it was more likely that their rapid rise was due to their strength and strategic acumen.
Rosmerta had clearly done her homework, which took time.
Rosmerta signaled to Flannel and changed the tone of her voice.
"Let’s make a deal, Yukarinowe. If you ally with me, your goals can be achieved."
"That was my intention from the start. What’s in it for you?"
It was important to confirm her motives.
"My goal is the same: peace in the Royal Capital."
Naturally, the House of Oversta would lead the effort. Eliminating external threats, restoring order, and rebuilding the city would be a long process, but it had to start with removing the enemies. If successful, the House of Oversta would become the dominant force in the Royal Capital. The Kikyo Society would assist in eliminating the external threats.
"What are the terms?"
"You will provide the Kikyo Society’s military strength to the House of Oversta. The specific targets are the underground operatives from Retnark and the Snake Head Society. In return, we will provide you with information on your enemies and promise the House of Oversta’s commitment to the Royal Capital’s peace."
The terms were fair. The Royal Capital needed to be pacified under the House of Oversta’s leadership. A united front under a dominant force was necessary to restore order. The Kikyo Society would support the House of Oversta from the shadows.
"Fine. But the Snake Head Society? They are indeed a problem in the Royal Capital."
We had suspected the Snake Head Society’s involvement, but it was worse than we thought. According to Rosmerta’s intel, they were behind the Retnark underground’s activities, from human trafficking to drug proliferation. They were the root of all evil, and we were already their enemies. The House of Oversta would take the lead in confronting them, not the Kikyo Society.
Our goals with the Kikyo Society and the House of Oversta were perfectly aligned for now.
The next step was to discuss the specifics, but first, I needed to return to the Kikyo Society and inform everyone.
"Oh, by the way, Yukarinowe. To celebrate our newfound friendship, I’d like to introduce you to one of my friends."
"A friend? I don’t mind, but who is it?"
Rosmerta laughed and left the dining hall, gesturing for me to follow. Apparently, I was now considered a friend, though I wasn’t sure when that happened.
I just hoped this friend wasn’t a hassle.