kscans

Chapter 111 - Twisted Mercy and the Approaching Sortie

"I don’t get it." Leonhard held his head in his hands as he looked at the alchemical tools given to him by Julius.

The bag had a magic-inhibiting spell on it, but other than preventing scrying, there were no other tricks. The contents were Potions, a monster-repelling brooch, and a binding rope. At a glance, it was all just normal monster-hunting gear.

"What is he trying to do...?" It felt like he was being shown pity, and it infuriated him.

"Hmm... a guilty conscience, perhaps," Darius said from beside him, his hand on his chin.

"Guilt for which crime? He’s got too many to count."

"Well, it’s just simple self-satisfaction. Have Mireille appraise them, and we’ll use whatever we can," Darius said with a wry smile.

Of course, he didn’t say it out loud. Things like Julius’s past involvement with the Queen. If Leonhard knew, it would only deepen his wounds.

(He’s twisted, that one...) It was no wonder Leonhard was angry.

Darius suddenly recalled Ariel’s diary. Come to think of it, the Queen’s shadow was not present there. Perhaps the King had simply been deceived by Rainer and forced to build the Magic Furnace.

(So, the Queen wasn’t involved in that?)

His thoughts were not settled, but he was relieved that Kyle had returned safely. Incidentally, the chain on his ankle was just a normal chain. There was no way he would have had Ariel make it, and she had gradually come to refuse such dangerous requests.

The chain Mireille had used for the interrogation was originally for monsters. But she had insisted, "I don’t want to kill it completely," and installed a safety device, which made it unsellable and left it gathering dust in the tower. A safety device that, for a monster, made it all the more cruel.

She had reached a point where she couldn’t even kill monsters needlessly... A gentle living weapon. My treasured Ariel.

"Oh, Leonhard," Darius called out.

"I spoke with Adrian yesterday. If Ariel requires treatment, she will be placed under his protection. Once she’s well, I want you and Adrian to support her."

"...I understand."

"After I carry Ariel out, I will join my father at the Royal Castle. I have no intention of returning. I also promised to break up with Ariel. So I need you to continue the suppression of the Magic Furnace. Once we have the King and Julius’s movements under control, I will summon everyone back to the Royal Capital."

His face was set with resolve. The shadow of yesterday had faded, and he was looking straight ahead.

What worried Leonhard was the hearts of Mireille and her master, who would be left behind. But if Adrian was willing to lend a hand, it was reassuring.

And now, the night after tomorrow. The sortie was imminent. Leonhard could clearly feel the tension rising deep in his chest.