kscans

Chapter 105 - The Preparations are Complete, but Hearts Waver

All the equipment and tools were assembled at the base. It was quite a spectacular sight.

Armor and shields gleaming with Moonshadow Wolf fur (finished with powdered shelled monster), Night Vision Lenses, ring-type Magic Suppression Cloth with a paralysis effect, High Potions, Potions, Sleep Orbs, antidotes, monster-repelling bells. There were also several types of bombs included.

"I’m not very good with bombs. My master disliked making them," Mireille said with a shrug.

Bombs damage materials and lead to pointless killing. That was why they were rarely sold at the Moonshadow Teahouse. When they were made, it was by special order, and their primary use was for things like destroying fallen rocks blocking a path, rather than monster subjugation. Given their infrequent use, it was no wonder she wasn’t skilled with them.

"It’s complicated to have to go and get things from Julius when we’re this well-equipped," Kyle muttered.

"But the items we receive and his response to you will give us insight into his distance from the king and his true thoughts. It is a crucial role," Darius said with a pensive look, then continued in an encouraging tone.

"In any case, if you encounter any danger, run."

"Understood. I’ll make sure the butler doesn’t stab me," Kyle replied with a small nod.

Once the date of the coup d’état was announced, an air of tension immediately filled the room. For the remaining days, everyone was to either train or conserve their stamina.

Tomorrow. If Kyle returned safely, Mireille would appraise and care for the alchemical items. If the bracelet was stolen and misused, a magic circle would capture the perpetrator alive. If they resisted, they would be subjugated.

Even if no one returned, the coup would be carried out. Furthermore, a mechanism was in place where a chain on Kyle’s ankle would react if he betrayed them.

"Whether it’s there or not, I won’t betray you again," Kyle said with a wry smile.

Afterward, Darius and I discussed Mireille’s future. Darius also believed that asylum was the best option if the coup failed, but the sticking point was whether to send her to the Tree Sea side.

The Mage Order’s system of buying and raising children with mana was apparently still active. Even when questioned about the source, they would only give justifying answers like, "We are buying children from war orphans or those in poverty who wish for it," leaving the reality unclear.

It was the same when Ariel bought Mireille. Ariel, with a map given to her by Adrian, had been wandering around the other side of the Tree Sea, distributing soil that made crops grow easily. At first, both Darius and Adrian thought it was just a manifestation of her desire to help people in need.

But after she bought Mireille, they inquired further and found that the distances she traveled were extraordinary, and she herself couldn’t even remember where she had bought her.

"I was walking, and she was for sale," she had said calmly, which was truly troubling. After that, they had forbidden her from leaving the country on her own.

That was why it was questionable whether the other side of the Tree Sea was safe. But fleeing beyond the Royal Capital was too great a risk.

The conclusion was that escaping to the Tree Sea side was likely the more realistic option.

It was decided that they would have her create disguise tools, such as voice changers and hair dyes, and have her carry them in advance.

"...Will you take me to the tower one more time, too?" I nodded at Darius’s request.

And so, that night. After carrying Mireille there, I returned to the tower with Darius.

Darius gazed at the tower from the outside.

"Ariel isn’t here, but this place hasn’t changed," he said, a single tear tracing a path down his cheek.