Chapter 369 - Coincidence or Consequence?
I slid the magic-sealing bracelet onto my wrist, and just like that, my magic was temporarily disabled.
No worries, though. It’s one of those easily removable types, and I’m perfectly fine with being unable to use magic for a bit. This level of restriction isn’t a big deal, especially since the mana leaking from my body keeps my coat’s defenses and the engraving magic functional. Even with significant limitations, my combat prowess remains fairly high. If you factor in my natural fighting skills, I’m still a formidable threat.
The count’s guards must have heard of the Thorn Witch’s reputation. After all, the bounty the Empire has placed on my head isn’t for show. They’re on high alert, even without me showing off my strength. I’m under constant watch, not just by the three knights but also by Miss Ruth’s attendants.
Really, being watched so closely just makes me want to tease them a bit.
"Evilbanshee-sensei, please stop fooling around," Miss Ruth said.
"I haven’t done anything yet," I replied. Miss Ruth Cleados is quite perceptive. Her disapproving gaze held me back from any mischief I might have considered. I had just wanted to lighten the tense atmosphere.
"Father, it’s Ruth. I’ve brought Evilbanshee-sensei," she announced.
"Come in," her father’s voice called out.
The door opened to reveal a spacious reception room filled with several men. On the couch in the middle of the room sat a very large man. He was enormous, the kind of size you don’t see every day. Given his demeanor and attire, he had to be the count. He looked nothing like his daughter, Ruth.
That said, what’s with this awful stench?
“Phew.”
The unexpected odor slipped out as an honest reaction.
It seemed my candid remark was taken as a faux pas, and the count’s attendants were visibly irritated.
The tension in the room spiked, but I pretended not to notice and tried to play it off.
"Pleasure to meet you, Count Cleados. What’s with this terrible smell, though?"
Pretending didn’t work. It really did stink.
"We had an unexpected visitor a little while ago. We’re cleaning it up now," the count explained.
At the count’s signal, his men began the cleanup. So that’s the story. It seems there was someone on the other side of the sofa who had been tortured and drugged. The stench of blood and various other substances was the cause of the smell.
I wish they had cleaned up before letting us in. I’m not about to back down from something like this, but I get the feeling they’re underestimating me.
Or maybe they wanted to see how I’d react, judging by how notorious I am. If I showed any sign of unease, they might have seen me as an easy target.
Still, it’s a shame Miss Ruth had to be subjected to such a situation and that smell.
"You were cautious, but you’ve been leaking information to the enemy, haven’t you?"
"Vermin can hide anywhere," the count replied.
Listening to him, it seems they had just repelled an attack shortly before I arrived. The person sprawled out on the floor was the traitor who had tipped off the attackers. The count had just been interrogating and dealing with the traitor. His daily routine is quite intense, it seems.
But regardless, it’s a serious matter to have traitors in your midst.
"Should we change locations?"
"I have other commitments, so time is tight," the count replied.
The worst-case scenario would be if they tried to make it look like I assassinated the count during this private meeting. If anything happened, I’d be the obvious suspect.
The location and the aftermath of the attack suggest they might try something like that. It’s wise to change locations as soon as possible.
"From my perspective, it’s fine to meet here now or reschedule another time. I’m busy too, but your safety comes first," I said.
What’s with this place, anyway? It doesn’t feel like a regular hotel room. It’s more like a hidden retreat for the count. There’s even a large safe, which you don’t usually see in a hotel.
"No need to worry. Let’s get to the matter at hand. Please, have a seat."
His concern was more for my safety than his own, but I appreciated it. I needed the information on Badoo Lot, so I complied.
"Very well, then. I’ll get straight to the point. I want to know about Badoo Lot’s hideout and who’s pulling the strings behind them."
"I’ve heard from my daughter. I don’t know about the hideout, but there are some suspicious nobles I can recommend you speak to. They might have the information you need."
The count was direct, showing no irritation at my lack of formalities. Unlike other nobles who act high and mighty, he was likable. It’s rare to find a powerful noble from a major nation who isn’t entrenched in their authority.
"Impressive, Count. You have a good idea of who to target. Can I approach them openly?"
"If you want to avoid complications, it’s best to keep it quiet. Doing so will make it easier to get further cooperation from the Intelligence Department later. I’ll prepare a list for you; just wait a moment."
One of his attendants, who looked like a secretary, began unlocking the safe. The lock was complex and would take some time to open.
I sipped the tea served to me, nodding absentmindedly as the count recounted the recent attack, while I organized my thoughts.
Initially, we suspected Badoo Lot was being manipulated by the Young Master. Further investigation, however, suggested otherwise. The chaos in Berliza was likely orchestrated to weaken the Young Master and, by extension, the Anastasia Union.
Given the assassination attempt on the current Leader’s sister, it was unlikely the Young Master, who has a crush on her, would be behind Badoo Lot. His personality also doesn’t align with such intricate plots.
According to the Berliza Intelligence Department, the Young Master’s entourage includes agents from the Medek-Legisamo Empire. Foreign powers with hostile intentions have infiltrated the area, and it seems the enemy forces are working in coordination.
The enemy isn’t just external. The chaos in Berliza benefits not only foreign nations and the Empire but also Berliza’s nobles involved in power struggles and the redistribution of resources. Our Kikyo Society, which might benefit from new opportunities, has been marked as an enemy. I’m also favored by the prince, which has earned me the envy and hatred of some noble daughters.
The grand conspiracy is complicated by personal interests, and the relationships within the enemy ranks are intricate. Surrounded by enemies both inside and out, the main Berliza house and our Kikyo Society find ourselves allies against a common foe, forging a connection with the nation’s powerful figures and the Intelligence Department.
As someone setting up an office in Berliza, the situation offers a rewarding opportunity despite the complications. If things go well, I could become a hero. If not, I might be blamed and barred from entering Berliza again.
Leaders will cut ties with anyone who hinders their interests, and we need to navigate this situation to mutual benefit, just as we did in the Kingdom of Brenark.
"—Ouch!"
A sudden scream pulled me out of my thoughts.
Looking over, I saw the man who had been opening the safe collapse to the floor.
"What’s going on?"
"I’m terribly sorry. There must have been a malfunction," he stammered, clearly poisoned by a trap inside the safe.
The unexpected error filled the room with a mix of bewilderment and frustration.
"Heal him. But there shouldn’t be such malfunctions."
"Let me check. It’s old, but it’s never malfunctioned before. Please, let me verify."
The man was taken to a back room, and another man started working on the safe.
"What? Oh no! My eyes, my eyes are burning!"
Another man screamed, and white smoke started pouring out of the safe.
"What’s happening! Sir, guests, this is dangerous. Let’s move to another room."
The unknown toxins spread through the room, but the purification engraving on my coat protected me. The count, showing no signs of panic, likely had protective magic items. However, we couldn’t linger in a room filled with toxic mist. Following the butler’s advice, we moved to another room.
In the chaotic, windowless room, the count and I faced each other again. The oppressive atmosphere was likely intentional, designed for secrecy and defense against attacks.
The guards were on high alert, having been jolted by the recent attack. Even the officials and guards inside the room were on guard, ready to defend the count if necessary.
While I appreciated their vigilance, I wished they wouldn’t look at me with such suspicion. Nevertheless, they were indeed loyal and capable.
"I apologize for the embarrassing display. It’s a shame to be the host of such mishaps."
Nobles rarely admit mistakes or apologize, but he had no choice after such a series of blunders.
It was amusing, and I was immune to the toxins, but most people would be furious if an accident like that happened in their presence.
"A malfunctioning safe is one thing, but one that poses a lethal risk? That’s practically impossible."
"I agree, but it has happened."
"If it’s not a cheap, third-rate item, and it clearly isn’t, then this can’t be written off as a simple accident, can it?"
"... Could this be the rumored curse of Badoo Lot?"
A realization dawned on him.
"Probably. And I arrived right after an attack. Coincidence? Not a chance. This isn’t just a series of mishaps."
This played into my hands. Now Count Cleados would see Badoo Lot as a personal threat, not just a national one.
"If we don’t eliminate them, these incidents will keep happening?"
"Poison mist is one thing, but the real danger is the unpredictable nature of their attacks. Once they’ve failed, they’ll try again, and it could be catastrophic."
"... I was already prepared to cooperate, but I want this resolved quickly."
"The list of suspects is in the safe. If you give it to me, I’ll start tonight."
The count sent an attendant to the other room, likely equipped with protective magic items to deal with any lingering toxins.
However, it seemed the safe was still problematic.
"The door won’t open. Is it also malfunctioning?"
"It’s likely the magic lock isn’t accepting the authentication. We’ll call a mage for repairs."
The count, usually composed, began to show signs of frustration with the repeated issues.
As he mentioned, he had other commitments and couldn’t afford to linger.
"Count, if you have nothing else to discuss, I’ll take the list and leave. Feel free to prioritize your next appointment. I could just destroy the safe if you prefer."
"Sir, we need to leave soon."
"I see. The safe is broken; if you can destroy it, by all means."
"Actually, Count, I think we should stay. Uninvited guests are on the way."
"What?"
"There are suspicious individuals heading this way."
The guards had yet to notice, but I knew from Heidi, who was keeping watch around the hotel.
"Sir, you should evacuate immediately. Guests, please, quickly."
"It might be better to stay put. There are about fifteen attackers, a bit much for an assassination. A few of them are skilled, but an escape attempt would be futile. It’s safer to fortify this house."
I took a final sip of tea.
Perfect, a challenging opponent. I’d welcome their attack!
And since the information I need is coming to me, I have no reason to let them slip away.
"... We can’t afford to damage the House Cleados reputation by fleeing in panic. I will follow your example."
"Sir, we are outnumbered by fifteen."
"Quiet. We’d be at a disadvantage if ambushed during a retreat. Stand your ground and reduce their numbers."
That’s the right call. And with me here, no one will get past.
Heidi and the others, watching from the periphery, remain in position. They know it’s better to let me handle this. Helping in a pinch will make me valuable to the count.
Ha, Count Cleados, I’ll save your life. You owe me one.
A few minutes later, a blaring alarm sounded, a loud noise to divert attention from the real threat. The hotel’s security would be drawn to the alarm, giving the attackers an opening.
The count’s guards are skilled, but the attackers are numerous and strong. It will be a close fight, and I’ll likely have to step in.
"They’re arriving. This is getting interesting."
My casual remark is honest. I can’t help but feel a thrill at the prospect of a worthy opponent. It’s been too long since I’ve faced such a challenge.
I’ll show these visitors what it’s like to face the boss of one of the Three Great Families and a woman wanted by the Empire.