Chapter 595 - Chapter Eleven: To the Duchy of Naonent ④
Stars are twinkling in the night sky. The moon is close to a new moon. In almost total darkness, we move across the roof. The lead is Hermit-sama. Since it's slanted, we proceed as if crawling on all fours so as not to slip and fall off. Reaching a place with a skylight, we hid behind the protruding window frame and lay on our backs just like that.
After Harold-sama and Hermit-sama left the room, before long, a rope came down outside the north window of Henry-sama and the others' room. It's a large room, so there are two windows, and it's the one on the west side. The east window is wide open, and the old couple, along with the loud prince sitting in a chair, are looking at the northern sky and predicting the weather for the next week in very loud voices. A lantern is placed by the window, and I stuck a Firefly to the ceiling to make it glow. Since I narrowed the range and output, it's not exactly dazzling, but it must be very bright when seen from outside. We open the dark window as if to deceive with that light. This one is pitch black. Normally, it would be strange for the brightness of windows in the same room to be so different, but it's fine as long as we can deceive them until we escape. Occasionally, the loud prince raises his voice. If the watchers get distracted by that and look, they won't be able to see the darkness for a while.
The rope has a loop at the end, so I put my head through, passed the rope under my armpits, and had them pull me up just like that.
Both of us successfully climbed onto the roof and were able to reach a place where we could spend time comfortably. It's above the decorative window in the attic. I don't know well, but it's apparently a blind spot for the watchers. The old couple and the loud prince below also seem to have stopped talking about the weather. Since a voice said "Let's sleep soon" and the sound of closing the window was heard, I canceled the Firefly.
(What are we going to do now?)
Since I've cast Thought Communication, we can converse without making a sound. Since we're wearing Black-Purple and have cloth for rat extermination wrapped around our faces, it'll be hard to find us. By the way, Sianya's Black-Purple is Eleanor-sama's.
(The guy watching will move after confirming everyone has fallen asleep. After that, they will likely attack with numbers.)
He points to 'there' and 'there' at the street corners. Honestly, I can't see, but there are apparently people in the darkness.
(There were beggars, weren't there? It's those guys.)
There certainly were. For these three days, Sianya and I handed out bread every morning and evening. According to what Harold-sama says, the town's beggars should be regarded as scouts or their subcontractors almost without exception. No one finds it suspicious even if they are always in the same place, or even if they occasionally move, or even if they suddenly disappear. If they were real beggars, they would accept any request from anyone without even asking the name, so it's apparently difficult to grasp the employer.
But still. Even if it's an attack, there are actually guards dispatched by the Duke of Naonent. Two in front of the inn entrance, two on the first floor, and two on the second floor. These six knights are serving as guards for the Primordia Princess Miana. The six knights were in front of the entrance during the day as if to flaunt their presence to the surroundings. It's obvious that other people are also placed because it's the border. Even though they know knights are guarding, an attack is not something that can be done easily.
(That's where they are. Moreover, they specialize in kidnapping.)
They seem to be mercenaries. They are apparently extremely dangerous people who make a living by attacking and kidnapping VIPs with numbers and getting ransom.
(There are cases where they plan and do it themselves, and cases where they are hired by someone. They are extremely dangerous. They don't stand out on the White Island, but it's a common story on the mainland.)
According to the Henry Party's guess, the target is me, and the purpose is likely kidnapping. Come to think of it, Theresia-sama was almost kidnapped. It's known that that was not done by being hired, but by plotting to get a reward and a good position within the West Liber army planned for after the capture.
(So, the mastermind is unknown.)
(Hmm. We don't even know if there is one.)
As a result of searching every night since arrival, it seems they only found out that I'm apparently being targeted. There were only two nights, practically. It would be impossible.
(If the two of you, the former hero and the current hero, couldn't find out, it can't be helped.)
It's Sianya. She knew that Hermit-sama's true identity was Hughes-sama.
My surprise was apparently conveyed, as she gave a quiet smile.
(I heard from Mary. That a current hero would surely be attached as a guard. I couldn't think of anyone other than Hughes-sama. But please rest assured. I won't tell anyone about this. I'll keep it a secret even from my father.)
Hughes-sama, with Hermit-sama's face, put his index finger to his lips and smiled. He doesn't seem angry that Mary blabbed. Next time there's an opportunity like this, his name, face, and voice might change.
(If the two of you couldn't find out, it's our turn. Jeanne, let's borrow the strength of the two strongest scouts.)
(Right. That's good.)
The strongest scouts are decided. For me, it's Fiona, and for Sianya, it's the Wetlands Priestess. Basically, Fiona only participates in expeditions related to the Demon Lord. Usually, she's undergoing training under the Queen at the border. This time, Eleanor-sama specially made an arrangement with the Queen. According to the Queen, if the opponent is a monster or spirit including the Demon Race other than the Demon Lord, expedition is not allowed, but in the case of humans, it's fine depending on the opponent. This time, there was a possibility that heathen exclusionists would appear. In other words, the opponent is human. I don't know why the Demon Race is no good and humans are okay.
To call them out, I have to speak, so I covered my mouth with both hands and spoke to the crystal at my collar. Fiona came out smoothly. When I put my index finger to my lips, she merged with me just like that. The Wetlands Priestess did the same. However, both of them only put out their hands, and the Wetlands Priestess is touching me, and Fiona is touching Sianya. In this way, the four of us can communicate our intentions. Harold-sama is left out, but let's have him endure it.
That Harold-sama has a dubious face. Ah, he can't see them.
(What was that gesture just now?)
(I called out my ghost companions. Can't you see them?)
The Wetlands Priestess is peeking out from Miana's chest and looking at Harold-sama. Since there was no reaction, she leaned out and thrust her face right in front of him.
(Ghosts, you say?)
(Yes. They are right in front of you.)
Hmph. It can't be helped. I decided to put the gold ring I'm wearing on my finger onto the Wetlands Priestess. It's the ring Mary gave me that makes ghosts clearly visible. Of course, it's Fiona's. Since this ring is a magic tool, she takes the ring off when entering the crystal. Therefore, when participating in an expedition, I am wearing it. I have Fiona put it on when she comes out.
(Please don't be surprised.)
Since the Wetlands Priestess also knows about the ring, she offered her right hand. To me, who can see them normally, there's no change at all, but Harold-sama should also be able to see her.
(!)
Perhaps because she appeared right in front of him, he leaned back sharply. His eyes are wide and round.
(Hehe, nice to meet you.)
(N-nice to meet you. I am Harold, come from Regnentes.)
After all, she's a Priestess. When he timidly took the offered hand, he kissed the ring. The Wetlands Priestess considered it so he could properly touch her. It would have been fine even if she let him miss once.
Next is Fiona's turn. I had the Wetlands Priestess merge with Sianya and put the ring on Fiona.
(You knew about Fiona, didn't you?)
(It's the first time I've seen her. Why would I know her?)
Ah, I have to explain from the beginning.
It's like this and that, I explain.
(Fiona also participated in the Demon Lord subjugation unit. She properly received a medal too.)
(Was she clinging to you like now back then too?)
(No, usually she possesses a stone or something. Now it's this crystal. Henry-sama and Eleanor-sama seem to have known her since they were active. Now, for certain reasons, she's acting as my guardian spirit. Didn't you hear from those two, Harold-sama?)
(I've never heard of having a ghost acquaintance. No, I did hear about the Wetlands Priestess. I believe she was Sianya-sama's guardian spirit.)
(Oh? So you know about me. I'm happy.)
(I ask for your favor again.)
(Yes, nice to meet you.)
Fiona, of course, is an acquaintance of Hermit-sama, but Harold-sama didn't even know that Fiona participated in the Demon Lord subjugation unit. The old couple must have kept quiet. Ah, Price-sama too.
(The ill-naturedness of those people...)
He's grumbling, but well, isn't it fine? Fiona basically only participates in things related to the Demon Lord. This time, she specially participated at Eleanor-sama's call. That's how much she thought it was dangerous. Of course, the Henry Party knows this, and Sianya, Harris-sama, and Hermit-sama also know. The same goes for the Wetlands Priestess. In other words, Harold-sama is the only one left out this time too.
(The ill-naturedness of those people, I say...)
Well, they say to deceive your enemies, start with your allies, and he'll just have to be treated to a drink later.
(Did something happen?)
The Wetlands Priestess is happy for some reason.
I explain this and that.
(Hmm. Kidnapping, huh. How nasty.)
(Indeed, I am thinking it would be good to dodge while watching the situation.)
Harold-sama becomes a person who speaks in a gentlemanly tone to priestesses... especially women... other than his companions.
(So, we just need to scout, right?)
(May I ask that of you?)
(Sure.)
With this, it was settled.
After a simple meeting, Fiona and the Wetlands Priestess set out. Since the town itself is narrower than Nakanohara, it should be fine. However, since they mustn't get lost, I made it a condition that they don't leave the town.
As the two disappeared, Hermit-sama also disappeared.
The place the two ghosts headed for was the place of the beggars who are watching. Harold-sama, for his part, wants to confirm the mastermind first. It's about time Harris-sama turns off the lights in our room. Once they're off, there will be some movement.
As expected, the beggars moved. Harold-sama, who can see well at night, told us. Apparently, it was the beggar watching the back door who moved. He boldly approached the back door, and after piling up three heavy-looking barrels that were placed nearby in front of the door so it wouldn't open from the inside, he went somewhere. The one at the entrance is just staying there.
Sianya and I, since we couldn't see the beggars themselves, were just lying on the roof on the back door side and looking at the starry sky without doing anything.
(Are they going to the mastermind's place?)
(No, that's probably not it. If it was in their own country, it would be one thing, but this time, Sertogne and Naonent are likely not involved as a country. In such cases, it'll be the local boss's management, so he should be contacting them.)
(A local boss means a person of this town, right? Would they cooperate in something like kidnapping by mercenaries?)
(Yeah, they'll do anything as long as you give them money. Anyway, the beggars aren't told the employer or the purpose. They are simply asked to watch Jeanne.)
I see. Even if the watcher is caught, it won't be traced back.
(Then, does the boss know?)
This time Sianya asked.
(Probably. Because just watching doesn't make money. For example, if a mercenary group from another country is to snatch Jeanne, there will be many jobs that make money, such as someone to guide them across the border, a place to use as a base, providing food, or guiding them to the inn.)
More than 'many,' they're all crimes.
(There are such people in any country. Ah, Sertoria is a bit different.)
(How is Sertoria different compared to other countries?)
(Because in that country, the current King and the King's brother have complete control over the underworld. The bosses are all the King's underlings. They seem to turn a blind eye even if they're involved in some street crimes, and they let the bosses manage large civil engineering works to let them make money. But in exchange, they make them thoroughly hostile to the illegal groups of other countries. You could call them the underworld's vigilante group.)
Sertoria is apparently a country where scouts from other countries find it difficult to operate. It's exactly because they are non-standard. Well, since it's a country made by hunters... that is, scouts... the King himself must be Sertoria's boss.
Sertoria's internal affairs aside, it seems certain that we've been targeted by suspicious people. For now, the policy seems to be to meet and fight them at the inn-fortress, but wouldn't it be better to flee somewhere?
Looking at Sianya, she is thinking quietly. Being the cautious Sianya, she must have the same thought as me.
(Harold-sama, since just staying here is also 'that,' shall we move once the three return?)
For example, a church. Surely they wouldn't attack a church.
(What are you saying? For them, it's a heathen church. They won't have any hesitation. In fact, an Archbishop of a certain town on the mainland was once kidnapped by mercenaries of the same religion. The church was squeezed for a huge amount of ransom.)
(Wh-aren't they apostates?)
What a thing, I'm impressed I didn't raise my voice.
(Yeah, they were excommunicated because they are apostates.)
(Naturally.)
(But the person himself is fine with it. Apparently, he became even less likely to listen and became uncontrollable.)
When they're that thorough, there's nothing to be done. It's no longer a story on the level of lack of faith. It's a mistake to even treat them as ordinary people.
(What are Sianya-sama's thoughts?)
(Let's just strike from our side.)
"Huh?"
Oh no. I accidentally raised my voice.
My mouth and head were pressed down by Harold-sama, and I lowered my body. Or rather, I was made to.
For a while, we held our breath and watched the situation, but since the beggar at the back door was gone, it was fine.
(S-sorry.)
(Well, it's fine. I almost raised my voice too.)
That's only natural. What on earth did Sianya start saying?
(Sianya-sama, imitating the Henry Party is not commendable.)
Exactly.
(It is not a joke. It is a statement based on considering the combat power of both sides.)
Combat power, you say, but it's two ghosts, the Henry Party, and then priests. We don't know how many people are on the other side.
(There are two ghosts, three former heroes, and one current hero. In terms of combat power, first, there are three warriors with silver weapons. Even Edward is not inferior to Roberts-sama. Then, there are three scouts with silver weapons, two ultra-high-level mages, and two high-level mages. And the two ghosts are added to that.)
According to Sianya, since Eleanor-sama is here, the enemy's attribute magic can be completely suppressed. On the other hand, in addition to the ghosts' techniques, Wilson-san uses attribute magic on par with mid-level. If I use a Light wall on par with mid-level, even arrows won't pass.
Hmm, I exchanged glances with Harold-sama.
(The opponents are mercenaries with iron equipment who cannot use magic. Whether there are a hundred or two hundred, we will surely win. If we stay here and a commotion occurs, depending on the case, it might become a trigger for war. The enemy will be lurking in a place with no people. Let's strike first and attack under the cover of the dark night.)
(Understood!)
The moment Harold-sama bowed his head as if struck by the Princess's majesty, the active offensive was decided.