I Was a Sword When I Reincarnated (LN) - Volume 15 - Chapter 2

Chapter 2: Raydoss's Intrusion

The morning after Rhyn revealed shocking facts.

Fran, who had enjoyed my homemade pancakes to her heart's content, was headed towards Weena Rhyn's tent. She had been called for a conversation.

「Good morning.」

「Good morning, Fran. I have something to discuss with you.」

Weena Rhyn greeted her briefly and then got straight to the point. There seemed to be a hint of urgency on her face.

「What's wrong?」

「Do you know that something strange is happening at this lake?」

「Yeah, the apparitions of Modoki.」

「Yes, that's it. Honestly... even I didn't know why it was happening. It didn't happen until last year...」

It seemed that the anomalies had started very recently.

「I want you to investigate the cause of this anomaly.」

「Me?」

「Yes, because you are the strongest among those I can ask for. I will temporarily release you from your guard duties.」

「Master?」

『Fran, you're also concerned about the lake's anomaly, right? You've encountered the Modoki.』

「Yeah.」

『In that case, I think it's fine to accept.』

「Understood.」

Fran is currently employed by Weena Rhyn, so if she's given a new job, she'll have to do it. It might be a bit strange if it's considered an instructor's job, though.

We had no complaints since we were going to investigate the lake's anomaly, which had been on our minds. However, I had one question.

『Don't you think Weena Rhyn would be faster if she handled this herself? She's a great water mage and an effective spirit user for reconnaissance. Moreover, she has a local presence, influence, and money. If it's about investigating the lake, Weena Rhyn is definitely more suitable.』

But apparently, that was impossible. Weena Rhyn shook her head in response to my words.

「For various reasons, I don't want to get any closer to the lake than this.」

「Huh? You're already pretty close.」

「This is the limit. I can't enter the water.」

Was there fear or disgust on Weena Rhyn's face? Was there some significant reason behind this? It certainly seemed that way.

「Why?」

「This is... something I can't talk about. If it leaks to other countries, it will cause trouble.」

「I understand. I won't say anything.」

「However, there's not enough time to explain everything in detail. I'll give you a brief explanation.」

「Yeah.」

「First of all, at the bottom of Vivian Lake, a magical beast is sealed.」

「A magical beast?」

「Yes, indeed. It's a major magical beast with a confirmed threat level of A or higher.」

I had heard a similar story back in Kiarazen. Vivian Lake used to be a smaller lake in ancient times. However, it became its current size when it was connected to the sea due to a natural disaster and then separated from the sea again. Interestingly, that natural disaster was caused by the large magical beast.

While being in the sea, they sensed the presence of a great spirit residing in Vivian Lake and attempted to absorb its power.

To reach the spirit's location, it seems they connected the sea and the lake. If they possessed the power to reshape a country's geography on such a large scale, it undoubtedly had a threat level of A or higher.

「In the end, the lake spirit was consumed by the magical beast, and the magical beast gained incredible power. It seemed like the entire continent would be hit by a great catastrophe.」

Originally, the large magical beast that was capable of sinking a part of the continent into the sea ended up incorporating the great spirit. It wouldn't have been strange for it to be classified as a threat level S. If it were to rampage, it would undoubtedly lead to the destruction of the Jilbard continent.

However, Weena Rhyn's acquaintance succeeded in sealing the magical beast. They detached the magical beast, the source of its power, from the sea and sealed it at the bottom of the newly formed lake. The magical beast had become adapted to the sea and weakened even by staying in fresh water for an extended period. After that acquaintance's death, Weena Rhyn took over the seal and has been guarding it.

Although more details about this acquaintance were not disclosed, they might have been a High Elf. The way they spoke seemed affectionate, and the fact that Weena Rhyn took over the seal after their death indicated a close relationship.

「At the same time as inheriting the seal, I entered into a contract with that magical beast. More precisely, by forming a contract with the guardian spirit of the lake that was incorporated into the magical beast, I ended up contracting with the magical beast itself, you see?」

「Is the guardian spirit still alive?」

「It's not accurate to say that it's alive since it's a spirit, but it hasn't ceased to exist. It has become one with the magical beast and continues to exist.」

Weena Rhyn has been using the contract with that spirit to keep the sealed great magical beast in check.

「Part of the power of that magical beast and spirit has been incorporated into me. That's why, when I enter the lake, their powers resonate, and both of them become active, causing the seal to weaken.」

So Weena Rhyn avoids getting close to the lake. Nevertheless, she tried to investigate the cause of the anomaly by talking to the spirits living in the lake. However, she didn't manage to get the information she needed.

『By the way, what is this Vivian Guardian that's behind the Modoki? It's not just an ordinary magical beast, right? Does it have any relation to the sealed great magical beast?』

「The Vivian Guardian is a protector for the sake of the seal. Well, it was created not by me but by the spirit that exists within the magical beast.」

That's why. The Vivian Guardian doesn't attack people directly but seems to have a nature that attempts to keep anyone who approaches the seal of the magical beast away. It likely has characteristics that prevent suspicious individuals from getting closer to the magical beast's seal.

「What happens if it's attacked? Does it go on a rampage?」

「I don't have all the answers, but I think it's a form of warning. It tries to prevent those who approach the seal from doing so frequently.」

「I see.」

Then, I asked about something that had caught my interest.

『Is the name of that spirit Rhyn?』

「Oh? How do you know that?」

『That's the name it introduced itself as.』

「Yesterday, we met.」

Fran picked up my words. It was right after that. Upon hearing the name Rhyn from our mouths, Weena Rhyn's expression changed dramatically.

On Weena Rhyn's face, one could see suspicion and astonishment. With eyes wide open to their limits, they stared at Fran.

「Is it a lie?」

They wished for it to be a lie. That was the expression on Weena Rhyn's face. However, Fran shook their head.

「It's true.」

「Is it really, really true?」

「Yes.」

Then, with enough force to knock over the chair they were sitting on, Weena Rhyn stood up and shouted, as if in disbelief.

「Absurd! That's impossible!」

「Why?」

「Rhyn...! That child...」

With a feeble gesture, Weena Rhyn placed their hands on the desk and struggled to speak.

「As long as I'm here, as long as Weena Rhyn exists, Rhyn won't appear...!」

『What do you mean?』

「Weena Rhyn?」

「Yes, I'm still Weena Rhyn... What does this mean? Is the lake's anomaly because of this?」

No, our words weren't getting through. Weena Rhyn's face showed confusion and agitation. They scratched their hair vigorously, a sight that was a far cry from their usual composed demeanor. It truly looked like a state of madness.

Of course, if Rhyn was the lake spirit that Weena Rhyn had mentioned, and it had been incorporated into the magical beast, it would be strange for it to appear. They should be sealed together.

「...Fran.」

Weena Rhyn suddenly stopped moving and called Fran's name in a low voice.

「What?」

「Can you expedite the investigation of the lake?」

At this point, we didn't have the courage to ask more questions of Weena Rhyn. Even Fran seemed overwhelmed, and Weena Rhyn's voice and serious expression were imposing.

「...Alright.」

Honestly, we couldn't refuse. Or rather, there was a sense of fear that something might happen if we did.

「There are people from the local guild working on this matter, so try talking to them.」

「Yes.」

「You can use my name too. I'll forgive a little recklessness. I can cover up most things. Please come back with information, no matter what.」

『Hey, hey. That's not exactly reassuring.』

「That's how serious the situation is.」

A situation so dire that it made a High Elf panic? That sounded seriously problematic. We needed to uncover the truth behind this anomaly.

「Please.」

「Yes.」

As we were about to leave the tent, Weena Rhyn's words held us back.

「Hey, did Rhyn say anything about me?」

「Hmm? Not really.」

「I see...」

Was it just my imagination? Weena Rhyn's face seemed to carry a hint of loneliness.

「Weena Rhyn... Are you okay?」

『I wonder. It didn't feel like the right atmosphere to ask, and all we can do is focus on the task at hand.』

「Yes.」

We left the campsite and arrived at the Seftent Adventurer's Guild.

I realized that I had forgotten to mention Rhyn's stall since our arrival here. It seemed I was a bit shaken by Weena Rhyn's imposing presence. Well, I would tell her the next time we met.

「Please go inside.」

The receptionist seemed to remember Fran, allowing us to pass easily. When we mentioned wanting to meet with Granny Jill, she let us through right away.

「Oh, it's Black Lightning Princess. What brings you here?」

「Yes. We're investigating the lake.」

「Why on earth?」

Fran explained the request from Weena Rhyn to investigate, and it seemed that Granny Jill realized that the situation was more serious than they had imagined.

「I see. So, that person is also concerned about the situation?」

「Yes. Do you have any information?」

「We're investigating here too, but the progress has been slow.」

In the first place, the central part of Vivian Lake where the Modoki appear is still protected by the Vivian Guardian. Because of that, it's impossible to investigate the source of the anomaly.

「Aren't there any adventurers investigating the anomaly?」

「Some are. Among the adventurers you know, it's Roblen and Sierra, right? Oh, and there's Juzeka too. She's a woman with a flashy appearance but a subtle presence, but I believe she was interested in the Modoki for some reason.」

I remembered Roblen. He was a Rank B adventurer belonging to a commercial fleet. He had fought Urushi in a mock battle and lost. He was a very easygoing and refined young man. As for Sierra, she was the child who confronted Fran with hostility. For some reason, she directed hostility at Fran, a person she should have met for the first time. Would that boy be willing to talk to Fran? However, I couldn't recall who Juzeka was.

「Who's Juzeka?」

「She's a Rank G adventurer who recently registered. Well, she seems like an interesting woman, so it might be worth talking to her if you see her. She has blue hair and dark skin, a color not commonly seen around here, so you'll recognize her.」

This woman named Juzeka seemed to have some issues. Granny Jill mentioned her name, so she must have some considerable ability. It might be a good idea to talk to her if we come across her.

「Roblen is the only one who has placed a request with us. Sierra and Juzeka seem to be investigating on their own. Well, it's not just Sierra and them.」

The Adventurer's Guild was widely seeking information about the anomaly, and the senior adventurer Roblen was putting in a lot of effort by requesting it specifically. Many adventurers seemed to be trying to solve the mystery of this anomaly and make a name for themselves, either by revealing it or by defeating senior adventurers.

「For now, let me tell you what we know.」

「Please.」

「First, the Modoki often target ships. We still don't know the exact reason for that. Also, unlike their normal forms, they eat people.」

「Eat? Like, munching?」

「Yeah, like munching. Well, it seems they do it to absorb magical power. We've also confirmed instances where they attacked other magical beasts.」

The Vivian Guardian only attacks living creatures when it's provoked, and even then, it doesn't eat them; it only attacks without consuming. So, it became clear that the abnormal behavior of the Modoki, which involves attacking and eating people to absorb magical power, was quite different.

「Why do they attack ships?」

「We don't know that either. We thought about checking the cargo, but there are hardly any ships carrying a single item.」

This meant they knew almost nothing, didn't it? Just as I thought that, there was some slightly better information.

「However, the probability of them being targeted is still overwhelmingly higher for commercial fleets. It could be because there are more ships, but there might be other reasons.」

I see. Well, let's look into that as well. First, we'll go talk to Roblen. Anyway, let's go back to Weena Rhyn and report on Rhyn's stall. They should have calmed down by now.

However, before leaving, I remembered something I wanted to ask Granny Jill.

「Hey, does Scarlet Water have any effects on the surroundings?」

「What do you mean?」

「Yesterday—」

I explained that when we rescued a ship from the Modoki attack, I felt a slight discomfort with water magic, and I wondered if it could be caused by Scarlet Water or the Modoki's bodily fluids. In response, Granny Jill nodded in agreement.

「I see... A young lady like you might be able to sense it. It's probably the effect of the Scarlet Water.」

「Is that so?」

「Didn't you use space-time magic?」

「Yes.」

「Then, it makes sense that you'd be sensitive to it.」

Granny Jill then explained.

「This lake's water contains a very small amount of magical power.」

「Magical power?」

「Yeah, it's something close to space-time magic.」

「I see. But why?」

「Well, that's something even we don't understand. It's been that way for hundreds of years.」

People in this area seemed to just accept it and not question it much.

「It's such a minuscule amount that it's almost impossible to detect normally. You probably didn't notice it either.」

「No.」

Indeed, without knowing about the Scarlet Water, we wouldn't have realized it. It seemed to be a tiny amount of magical power. However, it didn't mean that it had no effect on the surroundings.

It was a local disease in this country. Instead of being caused by pathogens, it was due to continuously ingesting the water from Vivian Lake, which served as the water source since birth.

In fact, in regions that used sources of water other than lakes within the country, the endemic disease did not exist.

The mechanism was simple. By continuously drinking the lake's water, space-time magical power accumulated in the body. As a result, the individual would experience a slight effect similar to being under the effects of Haste magic. In essence, the lake's water served as an extremely weak Haste potion. However, because the effect was genuinely minimal, no one noticed it. Due to this lack of awareness, a person's sensations and bodily reactions continued to differ, resulting in accumulating fatigue and a further intoxicated-like state. That was the true nature of the endemic disease.

Adults rarely experienced symptoms because once they developed the disease, their bodies adapted, and it became a non-issue. In fact, many individuals adapted without ever developing symptoms.

Furthermore, no one had died from the endemic disease, no matter how severe it became. It was more like a severe case of motion sickness.

In addition, it can be cured immediately by taking a specific antidote. Therefore, the people in this country didn't place much importance on this endemic disease. It was something like measles, where you might get it once in a lifetime, but there was no danger of death. Of course, there were cases of people passing away due to complications with other illnesses or accidents caused by poor health, but that was not significantly different from catching a common cold.

「And, that specific antidote also contains space-time magic-type magical power.」

The Crimsonwater Grass, which only grew in the Vivian Lake system, had resistance to the lake's water.

In simple terms, the stem had the effect of deflecting and disrupting space-time magic, which allowed the Crimsonwater Grass to protect itself from the lake's water. Inside the plant, it could accumulate and control the magical power contained in the water absorbed through its roots. It was by extracting these effects from Crimsonwater Grass that the antidote for the endemic disease was created.

When you consumed this medicine, the Haste effect on your body was further enhanced. As a result, the brain immediately recognized the sensory distortion and adjusted to it. The human body was incredible; once it understood the sensation of adjustment, it would no longer become intoxicated.

「For those with an aptitude for space-time magic, even when taking the medicine in a strengthened state, the effect is said to be only about one-hundredth of Haste.」

To Fran, who was accustomed to using Haste regularly, that difference must have felt quite substantial.

However, there were still some questions. From what we heard, the endemic disease wasn't something that could be transmitted. So, was it possible for it to suddenly become widespread this year?

When Fran asked this, Granny Jill listed a few reasons.

「There are various factors. For instance, after wars or certain other events, there might be years with more births, right?」

It seemed that baby booms were also a thing in this world.

「If those children grow up and all develop the endemic disease at once, it would result in more patients than usual.」

In addition, there were times when the number of patients increased several years after accepting immigrants from other countries. Ultimately, if there was a sudden increase in humans without resistance, it could be a trigger.

「It also depends on the climate. In years when it's a little warmer and there's a lot of fog, the amount of water entering the body naturally increases. This leads to an increase in patients. Other factors include the popularity of new crops that require more water, the development of new methods for making alcohol, and even something as simple as the popularity of water-soluble incense.」

Water was something inseparable from human life, so even minor reasons could affect the fluctuation of endemic disease patients.

「So, what's the reason for the increase in patients this year?」

「Well, we'll see... It's often only after it becomes widespread that the reasons become clear, so I don't know. Maybe you could ask Weena Rhyn-sama.」

It seemed like it wasn't under the jurisdiction of the Adventurer's Guild. Indeed, the reasons for the outbreak of the disease were likely the responsibility of the government or research institutions. Since we were planning to return to Weena Rhyn's place later, we could ask her then.

However, when I arrived at the tent, she wasn't there.

「Weena Rhyn is not here.」

『That's right... It's only been about an hour.』

「Where could she have gone?」

「I haven't been told anything.」

Fran asked Zelos Reed, who was restrained inside the tent, about his destination, but it seemed he didn't know.

『He might have gone out for an independent investigation.』

（What should we do?）

『Hmm...』

There was no other choice. Leaving a message with Zelos Reed, I decided to go and talk to Roblen. Even though Zelos Reed was the one on the other side, I had become capable of having a professional conversation with him.

Still, I couldn't help but wonder how they could leave this man alone like this. It appeared that the spirits were closely monitoring him. With his powers greatly suppressed, Zelos Reed could probably be dealt with if necessary.

However, with chains attached to both ankles and a restraint around his neck, he looked nothing but like a slave. Even so, he didn't struggle, and his demeanor was far from the battle-crazed individual we knew.

「Tell Weena Rhyn that Kiarazen is with Rhyn, running a stall.」

「...Understood.」

They exchanged words without any expressions. Fran still seemed to dislike Zelos Reed, but what about him? Did he hate her? Dislike her? I couldn't tell.

As Fran was about to leave the tent, Zelos Reed unexpectedly called out to her.

「Wait.」

「What?」

Fran stopped in her tracks and responded with a stern tone.

「...I have a favor to ask.」

「A favor? You want to ask for a favor...!」

As Zelos Reed uttered those words, Fran tilted her head in confusion. However, her expression quickly turned into one of anger as she muttered. Uncontainable hostility filled the surrounding space.

Nevertheless, Zelos Reed didn't appear afraid. It wasn't that he wasn't scared, but he seemed to have resolved himself. Even if he were to be killed by Fran right here, he had accepted that fact. While he kneeled before her, his eyes gazing at Fran were unusually clear, far from what one would expect from Zelos Reed.

「I have a favor to ask.」

A dull sound of grinding teeth came from Fran's mouth. My hand, extended to my hilt, was shaking unbelievably.

『Fran! Wait! This place—』

（...It's okay.）

Even now, her eyes still burned with anger. However, Fran released my hilt and slowly lowered her fist.

（I understand. I understand, so...）

Did he judge that it was allowed to continue speaking after seeing Fran's reaction? Zelos Reed opened his mouth again.

「...The price is my life.」

「!?」

「Weena Rhyn intends to dissolve the contract between me and Romeo. After that, you can do whatever you want with my life.」

「Do you understand what that means?」

「Yes, if just killing me isn't enough and you want to torture me or anything else, feel free to do so.」

「...?」

「What I want is regarding Romeo. After I'm gone, I want you to entrust Romeo to the Bulbora orphanage.」

「...?」

「If I'm around, Romeo will be miserable. So, please, I beg you.」

It was unthinkable. Even I thought so. Offering his own life as compensation to entrust Romeo?

However, it wasn't a lie. He was saying it seriously. Like all the strength had drained from Fran's arm, the intense hostility that had filled the air dissipated. Now, it was an eerie calmness.

Her hand, which had hung limply, swayed back and forth. It seemed as if she was wavering between whether to let me go or not.

However, after remaining silent for a while, Fran nodded toward Zelos Reed.

「...Understood.」

「Is it for real?」

「Nn. I'll take Romeo to the orphanage in exchange for your life.」

「...Thank you.」

「...Hmph.」

With Zelos Reed still in a kneeling position, Fran turned her back and started walking away with an indescribable expression.

『Fran, you showed great restraint.』

（...He's changed. He's not the same Zelos Reed as before.）

『Is that why you spared him?』

（...I haven't forgiven him. But...）

It seemed challenging for Fran to put her feelings into words. Nevertheless, she had changed enough to consider listening to what Zelos Reed had to say instead of immediately drawing her sword. No, both Fran and Zelos Reed had changed.

While there was still hatred, it appeared that different emotions were also beginning to bud within her.

『You did well.』

「...Nn.」

Back when Fran tried to attack Zelos Reed at the magic academy, I had thought it couldn't be helped.

If I were in Fran's shoes, I would have definitely launched an attack. Even if it involved innocent bystanders, I wouldn't have cared. I might have gone completely berserk.

Thinking that, I had been late to stop her, and I had even questioned whether I had the right to stop her.

Furthermore, I had thought that since I was Fran's sword, I would follow her until the very end, even if it led down a path to destruction. It was foolish. I wasn't a guardian anymore. As Rhyn had said, it was a detached, dispassionate thought process. I was unworthy of being a guardian.

Thinking about my own actions, I remembered my parents. They were by no means saints or perfect adults. When listing their virtues and vices, their vices far outweighed their virtues. When I was little, I had even thought, "Don't you dare say that to me" when they scolded me.

But still, they scolded and raised me. After all, part of a guardian's job was to be a teacher by showing what not to do. I dared to call it a job because guardians had duties. The duty to raise the child under their care healthily and properly.

If I were to take on the role of a guardian, I couldn't forget that.

So, I praised Fran. At least for now, she had managed to suppress her hatred and put away her spear.

『Fran, you did great.』

「Nn.」

However, what concerned me was whether Fran really intended to take Zelos Reed's life. When I asked her about it, she looked troubled and lowered her head.

「...I don't know.」

『I see.』

It seemed that in the heat of the moment, she had made a promise.

「...But.」

『But?』

「I still can't forgive Zelos Reed.」

『I see.』

「Nn.」

Not yet, maybe someday—just being able to think that way is enough for now.

After the tense encounter with Zelos Reed:

We arrived at the town of Kiarazen. We had heard that Roblen was here.

Kiarazen was close to other countries, and the legend of the Lakeside Maiden was still told here. It could be considered an essential location for investigating the unusual events occurring in the lake. Besides, I wanted to visit Rhyn's food stall again.

However, her stall was no longer in the same place as before. I searched the town, thinking she might have moved it, but I couldn't find it anywhere. Fran had already tried more than twenty different food stalls by the time we reached the outskirts of town. If we couldn't find it after such an extensive search, it was likely that Rhyn wasn't running her stall anymore.

We tried asking some students we encountered on the way, but there were no sightings. The students were on a field trip, but they were encouraged to explore the town to broaden their horizons. Many students were wandering around the town of Seftent. Carona and her group were also enjoying some food.

『Could that woman who was with Karna be the Juzeka that Jill Granny mentioned?』

（? Karna? Where was she?）

『Eh? You didn't notice? She was in the park we passed by earlier. Karna and a woman with blue hair and dark skin were talking about something. I thought you deliberately ignored them so as not to disturb them...』

It seemed Fran hadn't noticed Karna and the others. She had been too engrossed in the food stalls. But still, did Karna and Juzeka know each other? Or was it just a chance encounter?

Well, I suppose it's too late now. If we run into them again, we'll make sure to strike up a conversation.

Afterward, we went to the merchants' association in this town to inquire about Rhyn. However, they told us there was no one by that name here.

Their response didn't seem to be a lie or a careless answer. After all, I had mentioned Weena Rhyn's name and even showed my adventurer card. Furthermore, I was accompanying Fran using Split Entity Creation as part of an experiment to see if this skill would help maintain my human-like mentality during conversations with people.

We were dealing with a prominent name and a high-ranking adventurer. The person in charge of managing the town's stalls was visibly pale and trembling. I almost felt sorry for him as I watched him repeatedly check his records.

The head of the merchant association took over the inquiry when he saw this, but the result remained the same.

However, there was one lead.

「There's a local urban legend in this town.」

「An urban legend?」

「It's a story that's far from certain, highly uncertain, you see...」

For some time now, there had been whispers among merchants about a phantom food stall that couldn't be encountered under normal circumstances. No one knew when, where, or in what form it would appear. But there were stories of travelers stumbling upon a mysterious stall and being served unbelievably delicious food.

「The stall's vendor is said to be a strange girl who conceals her eyes with black cloth.」

「Nn. That's it.」

「I can't believe it's true... But if that's the case, we don't have any more information. There have been those who tried to find her before, but in the end, they couldn't.」

「I see...」

「As for her true identity, there are countless speculations. Some say she's the Lakeside Maiden in disguise, observing human affairs. Others claim she's a demon taking on a human form.」

Rhyn definitely possesses status-alteration abilities. She might also have perception-inhibiting capabilities. As a spirit, she's invisible to regular humans, but that alone wouldn't explain why her food stall couldn't be found. She likely can extend her perception-inhibiting effects to others as well. It seemed unlikely that regular merchants could locate her.

『Well, there's no helping it if we can't find her. Let's head to Roblen's.』

「What do you think? Anything different?」

『Hmm? Oh, this body?』

Fran tilted her head and looked at my split form. However, it felt somewhat awkward to me.

『Um, I don't know... Is it not good?』

In the first place, my main form is a sword, and my split form is being controlled simultaneously. I hadn't fully returned to a human body. Besides, my split form had weaker senses, and it didn't feel like a human body at all. It was more like an avatar in a full-dive VR game. It actually made me feel more aware of being a sword.

Also, Fran seemed to dislike it a bit. To Fran, I'm a sword, and that's only natural. It seemed that seeing my split form after a long time was unsettling.

『Well, it's a bit different from the direction I'm aiming for. I don't think I'll use this skill frequently.』

「Oh...」

While saying that, Fran seemed somewhat pleased. It appeared that she didn't particularly like the split form.

In the future, I might use it occasionally, but I wouldn't keep the split form active all the time.

I dissipated my split form and prompted Fran.

『Alright, let's head to the harbor.』

「Okay.」

According to the information, Roblen was at the harbor until about an hour ago.

He was quite a famous figure around here, so when we asked the merchants, we quickly learned his whereabouts.

As we headed to the designated location, we unexpectedly encountered someone.

「Huh... um...」

『It's Sierra.』

Standing there was the boy exuding an aura of hostility, Sierra. He was holding a sinister-looking black blade in an unusual grip and had its tip immersed in the lake for some reason. What was he doing?

「...I guess.」

「...I wonder?」

He was muttering something under his breath in a hushed tone, but I couldn't make out the words clearly. It seemed like he was talking to someone, but there was no one around. Perhaps he had a habit of muttering to himself?

As we approached even closer, Sierra suddenly turned towards us.

「...」

「...」

Sierra and Fran stared at each other in silence. Fran remained her usual reserved and expressionless self.

Eventually, Sierra averted his gaze and stood up, intending to pass by Fran without saying a word.

At that moment, Urushi, who had been beside Fran, suddenly grew to a massive size and inserted himself between Fran and Sierra.

「Grrr...」

Urushi let out a menacing growl at full throttle. In response to this unexpected reaction, Sierra stopped in his tracks, clearly surprised. However, Urushi's gaze wasn't directed at Sierra but at the sword hanging at his waist.

Is it a magic sword significant enough for Urushi to be wary of it? Or is this reaction due to the fact that the person emitting hostility possesses a powerful magic sword? While pondering these questions, I appraised Sierra and his sword.

『It doesn't seem to be anything special...』

Sierra's status hadn't changed from what I had seen before. He was undeniably strong for his age, but his abilities were at most on the level of a Rank D adventurer. However, when I appraised the sword, I understood why Urushi was on high alert.

『Is the inscription missing?』

When someone of a higher rank than the one being appraised attempts an appraisal, it merely doesn't display anything. It doesn't show "unknown." The "unknown" status was only applied to those tainted by malevolence or evil spirits. I see, Urushi has the skill of malevolence detection. He must have sensed a slight malevolence emanating from the sword, something even I or Fran couldn't detect.

『Urushi, calm down a bit.』

「Grr...」

Urushi returned to his large dog-sized form and toned down his menacing demeanor. However, he remained in a stance ready to pounce at any moment. Sierra also seemed to understand that, as he stood on guard with a cautious expression.

「Where did you get that sword?」

「Is there a need to tell you?」

This might have been the first time I heard his voice. It was higher-pitched than I had expected.

「I can sense malevolence from it.」

「So what?」

「Never mind.」

From his reaction, it appeared that Sierra understood that his sword harbored malevolence. Honestly, I was unsure how to proceed.

Just because someone possessed a weapon with malevolence didn't necessarily mean they were evil. Malevolence, in my case, was a given. In fact, it might be even worse. After all, I had a fragment of an evil god sealed within me. Did that make Fran, who wielded me, evil? No. She merely had a sword with a few quirks.

Sierra was likely in a similar situation. The boy furrowed his brow in irritation, then continued walking without further conversation. It was quite impressive that he could remain composed in the face of Urushi's intimidation. In terms of sheer power, he should be easily overpowered, yet he displayed remarkable courage.

As he continued to move past Urushi, there was a moment of passing by Fran. Sierra halted and spoke.

「...Weena Rhyn might kill Romeo.」

「What? What do you mean?」

「But if that woman decided, it means it's necessary. Don't do anything unnecessary when the time comes.」

「Wait! Explain!」

「...Ask Weena Rhyn.」

Sierra said just that and attempted to walk away, but Fran wouldn't allow it. She circled around him and glared at him. They locked eyes for a moment, and then Sierra sighed in exasperation.

「Fine... In the Magnolia bloodline, the power of the 'Sacrament of the Evil God' is hidden. But if that power is used, Romeo will die.」

「Sacrament of the Evil God?」

「Consuming evil, absorbing it, and transforming it into one's own power—a vile blessing granted by the Evil God to control the evil bestowed by the Evil God. That is the Sacrament of the Evil God of Magnolia. The blessings of the Evil God passed down to each household are the source of the power of the three Gordicia families.」

Speaking of the Gordicia Triad, they were a lineage akin to priests who sealed the Evil God, right? Magnolia, Camellia, and Wisteria, if I remember correctly? According to Weena Rhyn's story, they used to exist on the Gordicia Continent in ancient times but were already extinct. So, they were granted power by the Evil God? Does that mean they worshiped the Evil God? Yet, they sealed the Evil God?

「Granted by the Evil God?」

「You should investigate that yourself. What's important right now is this lake. The magical beasts sealed here have absorbed the power of the Evil God's fragments. To suppress that power, we need to use Romeo as a sacrifice and perform the sealing with the power of the Sacrament of the Evil God. It's the best way.」

Hold on, is the lake's magical beast mixed with the power of the Evil God too?

「Why do you know all this?」

Indeed, Sierra seemed to know too much about Romeo. I couldn't believe he could learn all this through ordinary investigation. However, Sierra wasn't about to provide any answers.

「It's none of your business. Just don't interfere with me or Weena Rhyn. That's all.」

With a cold expression, Sierra conveyed this message, prompting Fran to respond defiantly.

「I won't let Romeo die!」

「...? Aren't you Zelos Reed's enemy?」

「Nn. Zelos Reed is an enemy. But Romeo isn't.」

「Tch.」

After hearing Fran's words, Sierra clicked his tongue with an annoyed expression. Just how much does Sierra know? I didn't quite understand why Sierra knew about Romeo, Zelos Reed, and Fran's relationship. Who is he, really? As I pondered these questions, Fran threw a question at Sierra's retreating back amidst the bustling town.

「Are you... Romeo's big brother?」

「No.」

Sierra replied without even turning around, disappearing into the crowd of the town.

『Romeo's brother? Why did you think that?』

「Well, he seemed to know a lot.」

『I see. Well, that might explain why he knows about the power of Magnolia's blood and such.』

「In addition...」

『In addition?』

「He looked like Romeo.」

『I see.』

Indeed, their hair color and some features were similar, but were they that alike?

「Nn. Their eyes were identical.」

『Eyes?』

「The way he looked at me, it was the same.」

Ah, now that you mention it, there might be a resemblance. The eyes Romeo directed at Fran and the eyes Sierra directed at Fran. The sharp, hostile gaze in their eyes was strikingly similar in atmosphere.

Why did Fran tell her that? What was her goal? In any case, it's clear that he's not just an ordinary adventurer.

After bidding farewell to Sierra, we finally managed to make contact with Roblen. We had been distracted by Sierra earlier, but he was in the same harbor.

「It would be nice if you could behave a bit more quietly in town.」

Roblen had undoubtedly witnessed the incident with Sierra earlier and expressed his disapproval.

Was it about Urushi, in particular? The sudden appearance of such a large wolf, emitting an intimidating aura while growling ferociously, could have caused quite a stir, especially if there had been people at the harbor. It might have even prompted adventurers and guards to intervene.

『Fran, Urushi, apologize. It's true that we were in the wrong.』

「I'm sorry.」

「Woof.」

「As long as you understand. Just be more careful next time, okay?」

Huh? That's it? I thought there might be more scolding. He doesn't seem like a high-ranking adventurer after all.

「Hey, about that sword Sierra had. What was it?」

「Are you curious?」

「He dipped it into the lake.」

「Eh? Did he do that?」

「Nn.」

「Well, Sierra had it from when he became an adventurer. It was about six or seven years ago.」

What? Six or seven years ago means Sierra was still a child, right?

「In this country, children like that can become adventurers?」

「Well, they can register. Until they're over twelve years old, they can only reach Rank G, so they can only do menial tasks.」

I see. Children who want to become adventurers must have no proper background. If you turn them away, they might turn to crime or end up dying on the streets. So, giving them work is probably a better option for the kids.

Especially around the lake, it seemed like merchant fleets were taking care of young adventurers, so there might be work available.

「That sword... around here, it's known as a cursed magic sword. Adventurers who tried to forcibly take that sword were met with a series of misfortunes.」

「...Did they die?」

「No, no. At most, they suffered serious injuries. Initially, there were suspicions that Sierra might have been involved, but he had alibis for everything. However, it's hard to believe he had nothing to do with it. That's why it's considered cursed.」

「I see.」

Could it be related to the malevolence? Fran didn't seem affected by any curse, and curse effects could be resisted with status ailment resistance, so she should be fine.

In the end, Roblen didn't have any further information about the sword. Well, if it's a cursed sword, it might have some detection or perception abilities. That's probably why he was investigating the lake anomaly.

「I knew Sierra was investigating the Modoki, but... do you think he's onto something? I'll ask him when we meet again.」

「Tell me too when that happens.」

「Oh? Could it be that Fran is also investigating the anomaly?」

「Nn.」

「What were you doing in a place like this, then? But can you really leave Seftent?」

Fran had apparently already acquired information about her becoming a magic academy instructor. In that case, the conversation could proceed quickly.

We explained why we were looking for Roblen and inquired if he had any information. Of course, we made sure to mention Weena Rhyn's name prominently; it was the quickest way to get information.

In response, Roblen nodded in agreement.

「I see. So Weena Rhyn-sama has taken action.」

「Nn.」

「As a matter of fact, I was planning to visit the company now to get some documents.」

「Documents?」

「Oh, if you're willing, how about we do it together? I'd really appreciate your help.」

『That way, we can obtain information more quickly, and it's better for us to assist.』

「Understood.」

「Great, thank you. Shall we go then?」

Seeing Fran return to the company again, it seemed like he had come to complain about the lack of information. The same person who had turned pale earlier was now very polite once he understood that.

「I don't really understand, but I appreciate your help. I didn't expect to be shown documents this easily.」

Information about cargo, among other things, could sometimes breach the company's confidentiality. Despite Roblen being a Rank B adventurer, getting access so readily was rare.

However, this time, we were guided to the document room immediately after our request. It seemed like Roblen was surprised by that.

「Normally, you'd make a request for what kind of documents you want to see, and they'd bring them to you.」

Moreover, it was common to forbid taking the documents out, and even making copies would often be refused.

If someone looking at the documents could learn everything about the company's internal affairs and procurement status, that's why they would never disclose all the information to adventurers.

「When we came earlier, we mentioned Weena Rhyn's name.」

「Ah, that can certainly be intimidating. Going against that person means you can't survive in this country.」

『Terrifying! I knew they held power, but that much!』

While we were discussing this, we arrived at the document room. Several documents were already laid out on the desk. Tea was prepared along with a pot, and there were even tea snacks.

They were treating us like royalty. It seemed that Weena Rhyn was that feared. It was likely her subordinates, thinking Fran was one, were trying to provide as much convenience as possible.

「What are you investigating?」

「The cargo of the ships that were attacked by Modoki.」

Roblen had been visiting various town's trading companies and investigating the cargo of the ships attacked by Modoki.

He had also talked to ship captains in some cases.

「I want to clarify whether people were attacked for their mana or if specific cargo was targeted. Fran-san, could you check these documents?」

「...Understood.」

Fran made a displeased face for a moment. However, at this point, she couldn't refuse.

『Fran, do your best.』

「...Nn.」

And so, the two of them read through the documents and listed the cargo from the ships. It was a painstaking task, but Fran managed to complete it. She almost dozed off a few times during the two hours, but whenever I prompted her, she quickly snapped back and resumed her work. She did great.

By comparing the information they gathered with the cargo lists from other trading companies that Roblen had already investigated, they came to a conclusion.

「Did you find anything?」

「Yeah. In all the ships that were attacked, there was only one type of cargo.」

「What was it?」

「Crimson Elixir or its raw material, Crimson Herb.」

Indeed, all the ships had been loaded with Crimson Elixir or Crimson Herb. Other than that, there were food supplies, but Modoki attacking for bread or wheat didn't seem likely.

「Though the possibility of them targeting human mana isn't completely ruled out...」

「There are also magical beasts. It's strange for them to attack people.」

「Yeah, you're right.」

If you want to absorb mana, there should be more manageable prey. Magical beasts like Lake Murders should have more mana than humans. And with Modoki, their strength wouldn't be an issue.

「...Should we visit a workshop?」

「A workshop?」

「A workshop that manufactures Crimson Elixir.」

「Where is it?」

「On a commercial fleet.」

However, even if we decided to head to the commercial fleet, it wouldn't be straightforward. They weren't currently docked, so we needed to go to Seftent first and then take a fast boat from there.

（Master, Weena Rhyn has returned.）

『I see. Let's go over there.』

（Hmm.）

From the makeshift camp of the magic academy established next to Seftent, I could sense Weena Rhyn's presence.

We decided to provide an interim report of our investigation. Roblen would go report to the Adventurer's Guild, and we would return to the camp.

Inside one of the tents, Weena Rhyn was seated on a chair, concentrating on something. Romeo and Zelos Reed were in the adjacent tent.

『What are you doing? I can sense an unusual flow of mana.』

「Spirits are here...」

It seemed she had been communicating with spirits. Fran was about to turn around, thinking she shouldn't disturb her, but Weena Rhyn, who had just opened her eyes, spoke up.

「It's alright, Fran.」

「Are you sure?」

「Yes. I haven't done anything major. Just gathering information from the surrounding spirits.」

I had heard that even for skilled spirit mages, communicating with spirits could be quite challenging, but it seemed like it was no big deal for Weena Rhyn.

「Did you receive any messages? Is Rhyn in Kiarazen?」

「I'm sorry. I couldn't find her.」

『I tried going there again. I heard rumors about a peculiar girl running a stall, but I couldn't find Rhyn.』

Afterward, we reported to Weena Rhyn about our conversations with Rhyn so far and how we had encountered her. Perhaps due to the time that had passed, just hearing Rhyn's name didn't send her into a frenzy anymore, and it allowed us to calmly discuss the situation.

We started by talking about when we first encountered Rhyn at Kiarazen's stall. We described how we initially thought of her as a blind girl and how she eventually became visible to us.

「...A stall in town?」

「Yes. It was delicious. But why was the spirit Rhyn doing something like that?」

「I'd like to know that as well.」

「Don't you think Weena Rhyn might know?」

「I don't know either...」

Weena Rhyn's face revealed deep torment. She seemed clueless about the reasons behind Rhyn's actions.

「Truly, what is she thinking...? And, could she act independently at all? Maybe we'll have to make contact. Well, it's fine. Please continue.」

「Alright.」

At Weena Rhyn's urging, we went on to describe our next encounter with Rhyn. We talked about her sudden appearance and the advice she had given us.

「Does Rhyn truly possess the ability to see the future?」

「Yes, there's no mistake about it. Furthermore, spirits won't lie unless they are under orders from a contract. In her case, she's a bit unique... but I don't believe she's lying.」

『And if my mind were to be compatible with the sword, would Fran really...?』

「That's how it would be.」

『Hey, what do you think I should do?』

It's someone who's been alive for thousands of years. Perhaps I could get some advice from them.

Honestly, I hadn't expected much, but Weena Rhyn began to contemplate, placing her hand on her chin.

「Hmm... that's quite a difficult question. First, you don't want Master to go mad. But to avoid going mad, you have to become compatible with the sword.」

『Yeah.』

「However, if you become compatible with the sword, you might lose something akin to human emotions. Moreover, something tragic might befall Fran.」

『True.』

「In other words, you have to remain sane while becoming compatible with the sword and also retain your human emotions.」

『Do you think that's possible?』

Weena Rhyn pondered my question.

「...Yes, I think it's possible. I've encountered Intelligence Weapons a few times in the past. Most of them were mad. However, there were different types of madness.」

「Different types?」

Could there really be different ways of going mad?

「One type exhibits erratic behavior and severe mood swings. You might say this type fits the typical image of someone going mad. What they have in common is that they resent their sword's body and have grown tired of living as a sword. Their human ego couldn't accept their sword body.」

Fanatics were like that. You never knew what they might do next.

「Next is the type that doesn't seem to think much and lacks a sense of emotion. Imagine if we took away all emotions and hearts from a human and installed only a function for responding. Could it turn out like that?」

It sounded like a mechanical type.

「Of course, for artificially created beings, that's not unusual. Golems with conversation functions, for example. But when a being originally human is sealed or their mind is transferred, I think it can be considered madness.」

Announcer-san was originally created as such, which was why they weren't considered mad. It was simply the way they were. However, if I were to become like Announcer-san, I would undoubtedly be considered mad.

『The former is when the human consciousness is too strong. They can't become compatible with the sword and go mad. And the latter is when the adaptation to the sword has progressed too far, I think.』

「I believe that's the case.」

I was in danger of becoming the latter. And I hadn't even realized it myself.

It was terrifying. I suddenly felt a chill, realizing that my condition was more perilous than I had thought.

If I could, I'd like to extract information on how to deal with this from Weena Rhyn.

「In that case, the only non-mad Intelligence Weapon I've encountered becomes significant. Looking back, it was probably because it maintained a balance between the spirits of the sword and the person.」

「Why didn't that sword go mad?」

「...That's not a definite reason. Still, if there was something different about her compared to other swords, maybe it was her bond with her user?」

According to Weena Rhyn, the mad swords had passed through the hands of various users and were treated as powerful and rare swords. However, the exceptional sword in question had been used by the same user since its creation, forming a bond akin to that of partners.

「It's both a sword and a person. She took pride in being that way and accepted it. I think that's what supported her spirit. Well, it's just a conjecture.」

『I see...』

A bond with the user, huh? But what exactly should I do? Should I communicate more with Fran? However, before I could ponder further, Fran, with a relieved expression, smiled.

「In that case, Master will be fine.」

『Huh?』

「Because we make the perfect team.」

『Fran...』

Fran wasn't just offering comfort or hopeful speculation; she genuinely seemed to believe it. She was smiling as if this issue was already resolved.

Seeing that expression, I realized that the sense of impatience that had unknowingly been controlling me had disappeared. With Fran by my side, I felt perfectly fine. There was no more doubt, and I felt completely at ease.

「If you're constantly afraid of going mad, it might become the catalyst that upsets your mental balance. I think being as optimistic as Fran would be better. There's no perfect solution, and maybe it's more important to stay self-aware, don't you think?」

『I see...』

「Yeah!」

「When you both understand your own issues and start trying to overcome them, that's when the future can change significantly. That so-called tragedy that Rhyn mentioned might already have been averted.」

Rhyn had referred to it as a "future that would likely occur if nothing changed." Certainly, when we understood the problem, the future might have changed.

『But whether we've avoided the tragedy or not, I don't know. And I don't even know when it might happen in the first place.』

Regardless of whether I go mad or not, what exactly is this "tragedy" they're talking about? It didn't seem to be limited to me becoming a sword and Fran being sad. According to Rhyn's words, it sounded like it might happen soon.

However, the time perception of long-lived beings like elves and spirits often differed from ours. What we considered ten or twenty years might be just a day or two for Rhyn. So, the timeline for this tragedy was uncertain.

『Hey, where is that Intelligence Weapon that isn't mad?』

I didn't know if we would make it in time for the tragedy Rhyn had foreseen, but meeting them might provide some hints.

「Well, if you can find out the cause of the anomaly in this lake, I'll tell you. How about that?」

Neither Fran nor I thought it was being stingy. The information was valuable in itself. Moreover, it had nothing to do with the current anomaly. There was no obligation for Weena Rhyn to share it without any compensation.

「We'll definitely find out the cause of the anomaly!」

『Yeah!』

Up until now, Fran had been genuinely committed to the investigation. However, she hadn't been particularly pressed for time. It was more like she was doing her best within the limits because of Weena Rhyn, who was her employer. But now, this incident had become something we were actively involved in. Fran's motivation was visibly different.

「I'm counting on you.」

「Yeah!」

With that, we were once again asked by Weena Rhyn to investigate the cause. But instead of heading to the meeting point with Roblen, we walked within the camp. It was to greet Carona and the others. Due to Weena Rhyn's request, Fran had to step down from her role as an instructor for Carona's group. Moreover, at that time, overwhelmed by Weena Rhyn's presence, we had gone on the investigation without even exchanging greetings.

Fran seemed to be concerned about not being able to say anything to Carona and the others. They weren't the kind of girls who would blame her, but we still wanted to say hello.

Heading straight for the tent reserved for the students, we found Carona's group inside, as well as the adventurer Charles and another familiar instructor. It seemed that he had taken Fran's place as Carona's group's guardian. Apparently, they were just about to head out on a mission. However, when they spotted Fran, they greeted her with smiles.

「Fran! You're back?」

「Yeah. Because of the job Weena Rhyn asked me to do, I couldn't greet Carona and the others.」

「I see. So you came all the way here to say hello? Thank you. But I heard it's an investigation into the lake anomaly, so it can't be helped.」

It seemed she understood the gravity of Weena Rhyn's direct request. Carona and the others, being born in this country, also had an interest in the lake anomaly. They bombarded Fran with questions.

Fran informed Carona's group that there was a very high likelihood that Modoki was after the Crimsonwater Elixir, advising them to check if there was any Crimsonwater Grass around when approaching the water's edge.

Oh, and of course, she had obtained Weena Rhyn's permission. She had told Carona and the others not to spread the information since it was still under investigation. She conveyed it was an order from Weena Rhyn, so they wouldn't spread it around.

While it was highly likely to be true, it was still unconfirmed information. Weena Rhyn was concerned that if this information spread strangely, it might lead to unrest among the people, or witch hunts against those related to Crimsonwater Grass might occur.

Without any evidence, it couldn't be ruled out that actions akin to witch hunts might not take place.

In that sense, it seemed crucial at this stage not to let rumors spread.

First, we needed to confirm whether Modoki was really targeting the Crimsonwater Elixir. Well, Weena Rhyn was going to investigate that aspect, so we planned to go to the commercial fleet with Roblen as originally intended.

Carona's group looked anxious. If the cure for the endemic disease was being targeted by magical beasts, it was not a matter that could be ignored by the citizens.

In the midst of this, Karna seemed to have a slightly different reaction. Rather than anxiety, surprise appeared to be the dominant emotion on her face.

「Karna?」

「Ah, no...」

Fran seemed to be curious as well and called out to Karna.

「What's wrong?」

「Fran-san, may I have a moment?」

With a determined expression, Karna took Fran's hand and moved a little away from the others.

「Well, I actually have some information to share.」

「Regarding the lake anomaly?」

「I can't confirm if it's related yet, but... I obtained this information through connections with my family, and I'd prefer to tell Fran-san only.」

After saying that, Carona nodded understandingly and distanced herself. The other members of the group followed her lead.

Information from noble families or merchant companies could potentially contain various important details. Being a noble herself, Carona probably understood that it was better for them not to hear about it.

「So?」

「The information is about the Crimsonwater Elixir.」

Karna began speaking in a hushed tone. She seemed to be careful with her choice of words, possibly because there were things she couldn't reveal about her family's situation. In particular, it appeared that she wanted to keep the method of information transmission a secret. Well, it was only natural for a merchant's daughter, right?

Karna had been researching Crimsonwater Grass and medicines made from it since she arrived in this country. She gathered information about its price, ingredients, and effects while traveling.

「Why?」

「I thought it could be used as a trade commodity.」

In this country, Crimsonwater Grass was only recognized as a raw material for the cure of the endemic disease. However, it was also a material for magical medicine. Depending on research, it seemed to have various potential uses.

Karna had considered procuring Crimsonwater Grass and selling it abroad. Quite the merchant's daughter move.

However, it seemed quite challenging. Despite the rarity of life-threatening cases, an illness was still an illness. Crimsonwater Grass, the raw material for the cure, was virtually not exported abroad due to its unique cultivation requirements. It wasn't prohibited, but many citizens had a tendency to be reluctant to export large quantities abroad.

Merchants were no exception. Considering that they might need the cure in times of emergency, they seemed hesitant to export Crimsonwater Grass. If their work caused a shortage of medicine, it would be difficult to live in this country.

「Nevertheless, I thought there might be some way, so I looked into various options... Then, I began to feel something strange one day.」

「What was it?」

「While large-scale exports might be impossible, purchasing small quantities isn't difficult. So, I started buying Crimsonwater Grass from various places and sending it to my family.」

She intentionally changed the purchase locations to examine regional differences in growth. Well, she had to do that; otherwise, she couldn't gather the necessary amount for research.

However, one day, Karna noticed a discrepancy in prices.

Normally, the areas near the lake, where a lot could be collected, were cheaper, while the farther you got from there, the higher the prices. But currently, it seemed that this market trend had been disrupted. Crimsonwater Grass was most expensive around the lake, and it was being sold at the usual price near the Magic Academy. Furthermore, the reason for the price hike seemed to be an increase in patients in the eastern region.

「An increase in endemic disease patients isn't occurring, right?」

「...Really?」

「Yes, I used my family's connections to investigate the number of endemic disease patients within the Belioth Kingdom. It seems to be the same as usual.」

But there is an actual shortage of Crimsonwater Elixir, right?

「So, what happened to the Crimsonwater Elixir that is supposed to be available within the country?」

「Do you know about that too?」

「The distribution of the new type of Crimsonwater Elixir is unique. A certain company that successfully developed it has a near-monopoly on it. Moreover, that company has ties to the Raydoss Kingdom.」

What?! So, is the Raydoss Kingdom involved in this recent anomaly?

「I still don't know exactly what's happening. However, around the same time as the lake anomaly, a new cure was developed, and Raydoss Kingdom's involvement is suspected in its distribution... Furthermore, there are signs that someone is manipulating the information. Without thorough investigation, we wouldn't realize that the increase in endemic disease patients might be a hoax.」

Is that company unrelated to the anomaly, or is there some conspiracy involved? Things are getting suspicious all of a sudden.

While having this confidential conversation with Karna, I took the opportunity to ask about something that had been on my mind: Juzeka, the person we had spoken about in the park. However, Karna replied softly, "I can't say." Perhaps Juzeka was her source of information? If that were the case, it would make sense for her not to reveal anything.

Fran, who had taken a liking to Karna, seemed to have stopped pursuing questions about Juzeka.

「Thank you for sharing all this with me.」

「Actually, my parents told me to return home. But leaving my friends behind and running away on my own...」

From a parent's perspective, they would surely be worried. However, Karna must have grown quite fond of her life at the academy. Perhaps she wanted Fran to help put a stop to the conspiracy.

「Got it.」

「Yes.」

Fran nodded firmly while looking into Karna's eyes, clearly understanding the importance of the information she had shared. We then said our goodbyes to everyone and left the camp. We quickly returned to Seftent.

Upon reuniting with Roblen, Fran shared the information from Karna, keeping the source vague.

「That company has ties to the Raydoss Kingdom? I can't believe it...」

Roblen was also quite surprised. The Messer Company, which sold the Crimsonwater Elixir, had been an established and reputable company for a long time.

「We need to dig deeper into this.」

「Yes. But Roblen, didn't you notice? The disease isn't actually spreading.」

That was indeed our biggest concern. While it should have been something that anyone could figure out with a bit of investigation, it seemed that there was no one in the country who had noticed.

「Why not?」

「Because there are no people in trouble.」

While it was said that there was a shortage of Crimsonwater Elixir, it wasn't completely unavailable. A certain number of bottles were circulating within the country. Despite that, it was believed to be insufficient for everyone...

「Indeed, if the endemic disease weren't actually spreading, the medicine would have reached all the actual patients by now. In other words, there is no one making a fuss about not receiving the medicine.」

「Yeah.」

「Furthermore, while the price of Crimsonwater Grass has gone up, the price of the medicine remains the same as usual.」

In addition, it is the Messer Company that is overseeing the distribution of the new type of medicine. If the source of the rumors is the Messer Company itself, then no one is pointing out the irregularities in logistics.

In the end, even though they are whispering that the "new type Crimsonwater Elixir is in short supply," there are no actual victims. It seems that adventurers who have been collecting more Crimsonwater Grass than usual might be struggling a bit.

「But why spread such rumors?」

「Well, who knows? If they were spreading a rumor that the disease was spreading and jacking up the price of the Crimsonwater Elixir, I'd understand... But they're not doing that. So, maybe the Crimsonwater Elixir itself is the target.」

「What do you mean?」

「They might be disguising it as if it's being sold within the country and taking it somewhere else. For example, to the Raydoss Kingdom. I don't know the purpose, though.」

So, it's highly likely that the goal is to obtain the Crimsonwater Elixir.

「How do we investigate?」

「Well, the best option would be to question people related to the company.」

That's true. If possible, I'd like to hear from someone in a leadership position.

「Where is the company based?」

「Their main base is within the commercial fleet.」

It seemed that both the workshop and the company's headquarters were located within the commercial fleet.

「Is there a secret plan or something?」

「If we mention Weena Rhyn's name, it should work.」

Both Fran and I already understood the incredible influence Weena Rhyn had in this country.

By invoking Weena Rhyn's name, I couldn't imagine anyone who would dare to oppose us. It's like having the Yellow Emperor's seal, and on top of that, we have received his grateful yet fearsome endorsement that he can even handle certain matters discreetly.

I don't intend to abuse it, but in times like these, we have to use our power.

「Hahaha, that's right. You're acting on behalf of that person's request, after all. So, let's go with that plan.」

「Yeah.」

We had originally planned to head to the commercial fleet by boat, but we decided to have Urushi run instead. It was much faster that way, provided we didn't get lost. Despite being a lake, it was the size of a small country. Losing our way could easily lead to a mishap. In fact, there were ships that couldn't return due to some trouble every year.

However, this time the commercial fleet was relatively close to the shore, and with Roblen, who was familiar with navigation – or should I say, lake guidance? – getting lost wasn't a concern.

「Haha! It's fast! Amazing!」

「Woof woof!」

Roblen was excited while riding on Urushi's back as they soared through the air. Apparently, the experience of flying through the sky was more exhilarating than he had expected. Urushi was also in a good mood, being praised like that.

Although Roblen had lost to Urushi in their mock battle, he didn't seem to hold a grudge. He appeared to be understanding, even respectful, of Urushi. Urushi, on the other hand, recognized Roblen's skills and didn't mind carrying him on his back. Surprisingly, they had a good relationship.

We departed from Seftent and raced over the lake for three hours.

By the time we began debating whether to return to town, we had located the commercial fleet.

「Could you land on the ship just behind that one in the center?」

「Understood, Urushi.」

「Woof!」

It was difficult to discern from above, but that ship was owned by the Adventurer's Guild. The adventurers on the deck were surprised when they saw Urushi descending from the sky. Some of them even readied their weapons, but they calmed down as soon as they noticed Roblen riding on Urushi's back. It was a good thing we landed here; if it had been another ship, it might have caused quite a commotion.

Roblen disbanded the group of adventurers and immediately set our plan in motion.

「So, let's head straight for the Messer Company.」

「Yeah.」

The commercial fleet appeared to have ships randomly arranged, but in reality, there was a detailed arrangement for each ship. Consequently, someone knowledgeable would know what was where on each ship.

「Which ship is it?」

「That one, with the red flag.」

It looked closer than it actually was; we had to take quite a detour to get there. Well, it was unavoidable since we had to move from one ship to another. Sometimes we crossed makeshift bridges connecting the ships or used small boats to transfer between them.

「Why not just ride Urushi and get there quickly?」

「No, it would cause a commotion. The guildmaster was scary enough about what happened earlier.」

Well, there was no helping it. The commercial fleet was like a town, so having Urushi flying over it was akin to having him run through the streets.

Following Roblen's guidance, we eventually reached the Messer Company's ship, which, while small, was rather luxurious. It had ornate railings and potted plants on the deck. This ship seemed to serve as something like the lobby for an ordinary company. It was all owned by the Messer Company.

At first, I thought this was commonplace, but it turned out that small companies had difficulty owning an entire ship, so they rented a portion of a large ship to use as their office. It was more like a tenancy system.

Thinking about it that way, I understood the affluence of the Messer Company, which owned an entire ship in the commercial fleet. I thought it would be difficult to visit such a company and have them listen to us, but surprisingly, we were able to meet with the executives without much trouble.

「We heard that the top adventurer in this lake had come to visit us.」

We weren't kept waiting, thanks to Roblen. When I thought about it, there was no way a company of this size wouldn't know about the influential adventurer Roblen.

「Could you please introduce the young lady with you?」

「She's Fran. She's an adventurer, you know? She's been helping us with various things.」

「Yeah. I'm Fran.」

「I see. I'm Gregory from the Messer Company. Nice to meet you.」

I wonder if Gregory has realized that Fran is the Black Lightning Princess? He's being polite, treating her as a high-level adventurer's companion. It's a good approach, not looking down on her and handling the situation professionally. However, due to the suspicion of ties with Raydoss, it feels like he's concealing something behind that polite demeanor.

「So, what brings you here today? If you need anything, our company will do its utmost to provide it for you.」

「Well, I appreciate your kind offer, but I didn't come here today for a transaction.」

「Oh?」

The conversation began with smiles, but it wouldn't be long before the other party's face clouded over.

「In fact, I'm working on a request from the guild. I was hoping for your cooperation in an investigation.」

「An investigation?」

「Regarding the unusual occurrences in the lake.」

As soon as Roblen uttered those words, Gregory twitched for a brief moment. However, it was truly a split-second reaction. His expression remained unchanged, and he didn't speak.

But for us, who had strong suspicions from the start, even that slight reaction was a significant hint. It seemed that Roblen and Fran had grown more confident in their belief that Gregory knew something.

「I see. So, why have you come to our company? I don't think we can assist in an investigation regarding the lake.」

「Then, would you mind showing us the Messer Company's ledgers and storage warehouse?」

「What did you say?」

Ledgers can easily be fabricated. However, the purpose was to gauge the opponent's reaction. Even so, that wasn't a problem. If they were to provide fake ledgers, it might serve as a foothold to prove their wrongdoing. No matter how well-forged they were, there was no such thing as a perfect forgery.

「So, could we see all the ledgers containing records of the transactions of Vermilion Elixir within the Messer Company and inspect the storage warehouse where Vermilion Elixir is stored?」

With the conviction that the Messer Company was involved in shady dealings, Roblen was quite assertive.

「What are you talking about? It's impossible, isn't it? It's confidential information of our company.」

「We're requesting you to bend on this matter.」

「Could it be that you're casting suspicion on our company? That we're somehow involved in the recent anomalies?」

「Well, who knows? We'd like to investigate that, so we're asking for your cooperation.」

「Ridiculous. Your story is absurd. Our company has no involvement whatsoever.」

Gregory stood up with a stern expression. It seemed to be a sign that he had no intention of discussing this any further.

「Please leave. It's disappointing, Roblen-dono. I thought you were a more courteous adventurer. We won't do business with you again.」

Gregory turned his back and began walking towards the exit of the room.

However, we couldn't let him go here. After all, he had been lying multiple times. It wasn't just about claiming that they couldn't assist in the lake investigation, but also their assertion that they were unrelated to the anomalies. They were as black as it got.

『Fran, he definitely knows a lot.』

「Yeah. Wait, there's more.」

「It's not here.」

「We don't have it over there, but we have it here.」

Gregory's expression twisted further in anger at Fran's words. However, before he could raise his voice in anger, Roblen spoke up.

「That's right. She's working on a different request from a different place. We're conducting this investigation together.」

「A different place?」

「Fran-san has been entrusted with full authority by Weena Rhyn-sama and is currently conducting an investigation into the recent anomalies.」

「Weena Rhyn? This child?」

「Haha. Indeed, she may appear young, but her abilities are exceptional. She holds the title of Rank B adventurer with a well-known alias and also serves as a special instructor at the Academy of Magic.」

「What...? An alias? Could it be the Black Lightning Princess...?」

「Yes. Fran is a Rank B adventurer. Nice to meet you.」

「I will vouch for her identity.」

When Roblen made this statement, Gregory's movements came to a halt. It seemed that he was grappling with some inner conflict. That was only natural. From Gregory's perspective, he likely wanted to chase them away with an angry demeanor.

However, mentioning Weena Rhyn's name changed the conversation. Frankly speaking, Weena Rhyn held far more influence in this country than even royalty. It was inconceivable that any company would refuse the orders of someone claiming to be Weena Rhyn's representative.

Moreover, if he were to continue resisting and refuse to provide access to their ledgers and warehouses, it would imply that they had something to hide. Roblen had already gathered some information and was suspicious of the Messer Company. If they were to reject Fran's request, backed by Weena Rhyn's name, it would only solidify those suspicions.

While Fran and Roblen were already certain, Gregory might still believe that he could handle the situation. As long as Roblen vouched for her, there was no doubt that Fran was Weena Rhyn's representative. He could still choose to deny it...

Gregory remained frozen for about ten seconds but eventually nodded with a bitter expression.

「Very well. However, it will take some time to prepare all the ledgers. First, allow me to guide you to the warehouse.」

Gregory called for someone and instructed them to lead the way. He personally left to prepare the ledgers. I used shapeshifting to attach a thin thread I had created from a decorative string onto Gregory. He wouldn't notice it, given his level of skill. Well, unless he turned around without reason and it happened to catch his eye. In that case, it couldn't be helped.

However, he wasn't discovered. Gregory was seen commanding his subordinates through the thread, and I had a perfect view of it. No matter how thin the thread was, it was still a part of my body.

「Hey! Move up the schedule! Hurry with preparations for our withdrawal to the homeland!」

「Is something wrong?」

「Those adventurers have noticed us!」

「Th-that's... Adventurers noticing our plans...」

「Fools! Do you really believe in that propaganda that they're a bunch of incompetent nobodies who can't do anything? I told you to treat them as an equal to the Red Knights!」

「I'm terribly sorry.」

「Well, it doesn't matter. Anyway, leave the withdrawal preparations to me. Report to the guildmaster.」

「Understood. What about the adventurers?」

「I've ordered them to be taken to Warehouse No. 3. The rest is up to that eerie Lich. He'll probably be delighted to kill them.」

「I-is that safe?」

「He claims that his Black Liches surpass the Red Knights. It should be fine.」

I had suspected that they wouldn't guide us through the warehouse properly, but it seemed like there was something waiting for us ahead. Undead? So, that means they're referring to the undead? Furthermore, withdrawal to their homeland, it confirmed that these people were indeed from another country, the Raydoss Kingdom.

（Master, what do you think?）

『Enemies are waiting in the warehouse. Don't slack off on your preparations.』

（Alright.）

While being guided by the company's personnel, we continued to make our preparations. Fran activated skills to strengthen her body in preparation for combat, and I prepared several spells just before activation. It seemed that they understood the threatening atmosphere. Roblen pulled a grimace. However, by now, he should understand that enemies were lying in wait ahead. Roblen secretly began to gather mana within him. Good, good.

The guide, being entirely incapable of combat, seemed to be unable to comprehend what we were doing as he led us. However, it didn't mean he felt nothing.

Occasionally, he would glance back at us, his head cocked in confusion, repeating the action without understanding.

『Urushi.』

（Yes?）

『Keep an eye on Gregory. He might try to escape.』

（Yes!）

After a few more minutes of walking, we were led to a damp and dimly lit section of the ship, near the bottom. The guide came to a stop in front of an ordinary-looking door in one corner.

「H-here it is.」

「Hmm.」

I couldn't sense any undead magic or presence from beyond the door.

However, there was a faint magical energy emanating from the door and walls. It seemed that they had set up wards on the walls. Well, might as well check. I transformed the decorative string into steel thread once again and carefully infiltrated the room through the gap in the door. Roblen and the others would probably have noticed that Fran possessed the thread manipulation skill. The guide looked surprised.

「Before we enter, I need to investigate a bit. Since you're going to show us the inside anyway, it shouldn't be a problem, right?」

「W-well...」

The male guide seemed unsure of what to do, but Roblen quietly moved behind him. He probably intended to stop us if we tried to interfere.

Once the thread was inside the room, I could indeed sense the presence of undead. However, it was extremely faint. Were they not very powerful undead? I lightly searched for their location, and the source of undead magic emanated from a coffin placed in the center of the room. I had seen a similar item before in Alessa. When I appraised it, it turned out to be the same item. It was a magical item that allowed undead to sleep while suppressing their presence.

The fact that their presence leaked even with the concealment magical item meant that there might be a powerful high-level undead hiding. However, wasn't this overkill? A coffin-shaped magical item in an undead sleeping area... Even if they intended to hide, it was overly assertive. Their suspiciousness was off the charts.

『Well, whatever. Let's quietly initiate a preemptive attack for now.』

I used my steel thread, manipulated with my skill, to spread it around the area near the coffin. Then, I activated the mana drain skill multiple times. Since undead operated using mana, they would weaken when their mana was drained, and if they ran out of mana, they would disappear.

『Alright, alright! Don't go offing yourself before your grand entrance!』

I could feel the surrounding magical energy rapidly diminishing. This would likely affect not only the coffin but also the undead. So, what should we do? The undead still remained unseen.

While the undead were probably aware of the impending crisis, making a move here would expose their presence to Fran and the others. The undead seemed hesitant to act in this situation, where they still believed they could ambush us. Moreover, they couldn't even be sure if the attacks were coming from Fran and her group.

After about ten seconds had passed, there was finally movement from the coffin. The lid forcefully sprang open from the inside, and then a desiccated corpse raised its upper body. I had expected a high-level opponent to appear, but what I saw exceeded my expectations.

『That's a Wight King!』

Indeed, it was a Threat Level B magical beast, a Wight King. There was no mistake. I had fought against one on the Magical Wolf Plains. However, its intimidating presence and magical power were inferior to the Wight King I had encountered before, Iceman. Even within the same species, their strength could vary based on their level and abilities during their lifetime.

Their appearances were quite similar, and their robes seemed nearly identical. But, didn't it seem strange? Even if they were the same species of magical beast, it was unlikely that they would have the exact same equipment. Or maybe not. There might be a connection to the Raydoss Kingdom here, considering the suspicion of their ties. The Iceman I had fought on the Magical Wolf Plains also belonged to the Raydoss Kingdom's Black Skeleton Brigade. In other words, they might be colleagues from the same unit.

『Fran, there's a possibility it's an opponent at the level of Iceman. Don't let your guard down.』

（Okay, got it!）

While I was conveying information to Fran, the Wight King looked around in confusion.

「W-what's this... thread...?」

It seemed like it still couldn't grasp the situation, but it soon understood that the threads surrounding it were absorbing its magical power. It started gathering magic power, intending to blow everything away at once. Let's not allow that.

『Hey!』

「Nuoooh! Th-this is purification...!」

I wrapped the threads around the Wight King while activating purification magic. Since my skill level was still low, I couldn't defeat an opponent at the level of a Wight King, but I should have weakened it considerably.

Outside the door, the cries of the Wight King could be heard, and it even sounded like it was in pain. The guide was just standing there, looking lost, unsure of what to do.

『I'm counting on you! Fran!』

「Nn!」

「Wait, what are you doing!」

Ignoring the guide's protests, Fran kicked down the door and attacked the undead without a word.

「Why, how dare... Guaaah!」

Planning to ambush but being ambushed instead, the Wight King was completely unprepared. Despite trying to put up a barrier, its activation was hindered by mana drain and purification magic.

「Gaaah!」

Bound by threads and unable to twist its body, it had no choice but to receive Fran's attacks defenselessly. Without a chance to use its typical necromancy, the Wight King was split in two, coffin and all, by Fran.

『Good job, Fran.』

「Nn...」

Even though Fran had just quickly defeated the formidable opponent, the Wight King, without causing any damage to her surroundings, her expression remained unchanged.

『What's wrong?』

（There wasn't a magic stone again.）

『Oh, right, I forgot about that.』

This Wight King, like Iceman, whom we defeated on the Magical Wolf Plains, didn't have a magic stone inside it. Could it be that Wight Kings are a species that doesn't possess magic stones?

Well, for now, it was essential to explain the situation to the dumbfounded Roblen.

「Fran-san...?」

「Nn?」

Roblen was left dumbfounded by the sudden battle that had taken place before him. Well, it wasn't so much a battle as a one-sided extermination.

『Fran, you should explain.』

「There were undead inside, so I defeated them.」

「Undead?」

「Nn. And there's no Vermilion Water Elixir here either.」

Upon hearing Fran's words, Roblen peered into the warehouse. He must have confirmed that there was no elixir inside, in addition to the remnants of the split undead and coffin. He then glanced at the still trembling guide.

「What's going on here?」

「Did you know there were undead inside?」

Roblen and Fran both asked the guide questions simultaneously, causing him to tremble in fear.

「No, I didn't! I swear, I didn't know!」

『Lies.』

「Did you also know there was no Vermilion Water Elixir here?」

「I didn't know!」

『Lies.』

This guide probably knew a certain amount of information.

「Roblen, this guy knows quite a bit.」

「Oh, really?」

Upon hearing Fran's words, the guide flinched, realizing that his lies had been exposed.

「We might get some answers if we give him a little more persuasion.」

「I see, I see.」

「Y-You can't be...!」

Afterward, when Fran swung her sword at him, the man immediately spilled out information.

He was a native of this country, but his deceased father had been from the Raydoss Kingdom. Apparently, that country had been sending spies on long-term assignments to various places. This man's father was one of them. However, since he wasn't a born and raised citizen of the Raydoss Kingdom, his loyalty seemed to be low. He honestly answered our questions.

「What does the Raydoss Kingdom intend to do in this lake?」

「I don't know! It's true! But there's this alchemist in the service of the Eastern Expedition Duke who's been giving instructions to the guildmasters!」

「The Eastern Expedition Duke?」

「Don't you know?」

「Roblen, do you know?」

「I've heard the name before, but I don't know much about Raydoss. We hardly get any information about Raydoss Kingdom, so all I know is that he's one of the Four Dukes in the Raydoss Kingdom.」

With no diplomatic relations and no adventurers coming and going, Roblen, despite being from Raydoss, didn't seem to be well-informed about the internal affairs of the Raydoss Kingdom. When we forced the guide to explain further, it turned out that the current situation in the Raydoss Kingdom was quite chaotic. First, the king had died in an accident and was currently absent. Moreover, the decision on who would become the new king among the deceased former king's children had not been made.

The eldest son had died along with the king, leaving a vacuum in the line of succession. Several factions were each endorsing their own candidates, resulting in a quagmire. The most senior child was only thirteen years old, and there was no candidate strong enough to be called the frontrunner. This was exacerbating the problem, leading to a prolonged crisis.

Rumors suggest that the situation might be settling down soon, but it's not confirmed information.

Supporting the Raydoss Kingdom in this state of turmoil are the Four Great Duke Houses, which hold positions and territories second only to the king. Long ago, the Raydoss Kingdom was nothing more than one of the small states scattered to the north. However, at one point, a warlord with exceptional military talent ascended to the throne and, under his rule, the kingdom rapidly expanded by conquering the neighboring nations.

The four legions, led by the Eastern Expedition General, Western Expedition General, Southern Expedition General, and Northern Expedition General, who served as the warlord's trusted subordinates, aggressively invaded the surrounding countries, allowing the Raydoss Kingdom to expand rapidly.

After the end of the great war, each of these generals married into the royal families of the nations they had conquered and were appointed as dukes. However, there seems to be some hierarchy among these dukes. The most influential is the Northern Expedition Duke House, followed by the Western Expedition, with the Eastern and Southern considered almost equal in status. The difference lies in their past achievements.

The Northern Expedition General skillfully manipulated a small force and successfully completed the full conquest of the northern part of the Jilbard Continent. Due to this, the current Northern Expedition Duke House is highly respected by the people and nobility.

The Western Expedition General, while failing to obtain the legendary sword Diabolos of the Phyllius Kingdom, has almost complete control over the western region. Furthermore, their prosperity is enhanced by activities such as slave trading, and it's said that the Western Expedition Duke House boasts a presence that rivals the Northern Expedition Duke House.

On the other hand, the Eastern and Southern duke houses had weakened. While they hadn't declined to the point of ruin, they held less than half the power of the North and West. This, too, was a result of past battles.

The Eastern Expedition Duke House faced Weena Rhyn to the east, while the Southern Expedition Duke House had the Kranzel Kingdom to the south, both of which halted the advances of the two duke houses. As a result, these two houses had slightly smaller territories and less influence compared to the North and West. Dissatisfied with this situation, both the Southern and Eastern duke houses continued to wage war even after being appointed as dukes. However, they kept losing, and the growing war expenses began to burden their economies in a vicious cycle.

Recently, they had stopped launching direct attacks and had instead been working on various conspiracies behind the scenes. It seemed that the Eastern Expedition Duke House was behind this incident.

「But, as a small fry like me, I don't know the details! I just overheard Mr. Gregory mentioning it!」

The guide didn't know much, but he did provide some information. He mentioned that the Messer Trading Company was a front for the Raydoss Kingdom and that its leader was the Eastern Expedition Duke. Additionally, currently, an alchemist dispatched by the dukes was giving instructions within the company.

「Who is this alchemist?」

「I-I don't know... I don't even know their name! But, right now, they're going in and out of the Vermilion Water Elixir workshop...」

After extracting some information, we knocked out the guide, tied up his limbs, and left him on the ground.

「What's the plan from here?」

「What are you going to do?」

「I'll capture the executives. Urushi is keeping an eye on them, so it'll be quick.」

「Alright, can I leave that to you then? I'll report to the guild and head straight to the workshop.」

「Understood.」

Certainly, splitting up increases the chances of preventing their escape. Roblen, carrying the guide, is heading towards the Adventurer's Guild.

If the Raydoss Kingdom is involved, it's not just a personal matter.

『We're here to capture Gregory.』

「Understood.」

Relying on Urushi's distant presence, we move further into the ship.

If we encounter members of the trading company along the way, we decided to gently put them to sleep whenever possible. We don't know if everyone on board is from the Raydoss Kingdom or if some are local employees.

If we were certain they were enemies, we could simply break their legs and leave them to roll on the floor.

『Fran, take that corner.』

「Got it.」

We arrived at a corner on the upper level of the ship. The upper level appeared to be the office, while the lower level seemed to be the warehouse.

『Urushi, is there anyone in this room?』

（Yes.）

It seems there's no mistake.

『Fran, we need to capture everyone in this room.』

（Okay.）

『Urushi, keep an eye out for anyone trying to escape from the ship. Don't let anyone get away, even if it gets rough.』

（Growl!）

With that, we bid farewell to Urushi and entered the room before us.

The people inside the room finally seemed to notice the intruders with the sound of the door being slashed open by Fran. Gregory, who was rummaging through a desk, turned to face us. Then, an expression of astonishment crossed his face.

「W-Why...」

「Why aren't you killed by the undead and still here?」

「!」

They must have realized that their scheme had been exposed with those words.

「Jag! Bead! Kill them!」

In addition to Gregory, there were other men in the room who appeared to be adventurers.

They didn't seem to react to Fran outside the room, but they weren't very strong. Well, their combat abilities as warriors were normal, but it seemed that their non-combat skills, like perception, were lacking.

「Haah!」

「Nuoooh!」

However, their training was clearly rigorous. They attacked Fran without uttering a word, probably having been drilled to follow orders regardless of the opponent's identity, age, or status. Their coordination wasn't bad either. If the opponent were around Rank E adventurers, it might have worked.

Unfortunately for them, the ones they were facing were top-tier warriors who could battle on equal footing with Rank A opponents.

The dual strikes from the swords they unleashed sliced through the air emptily.

Fran's fists, swung like flickering jabs, punched through both of their jaws in rapid succession, instantly robbing them of consciousness. Even though they were jabs, they were powered by Fran's strength, so the bones in their jaws would be shattered at the very least.

「Why...did you...instantly...take down two knights?」

「The undead I defeated wouldn't have given me any trouble against these guys.」

For some reason, Gregory was in awe, and Fran tilted her head as she replied. In response, Gregory's eyes, which had already widened, widened even further. Human eyes can become that big, huh?

「Defeated...? You defeated it?」

「Yes.」

「No way!」

「It's true.」

「That was a monster that could have wiped out even a small country! Its base form was a non-combatant, but it shouldn't have been possible for ordinary adventurers to even hurt it! And yet...」

「I defeated it.」

「Fool!」

It seems Gregory thought he could just ignore the undead and walk past without a fight. Well, if he knew how strong the Wight King was, it's understandable. Even after witnessing the scene where two men were instantly killed in front of him, it didn't seem like Fran was stronger than the Wight King. However, he understood that he was dealing with an opponent he couldn't defeat, one way or another. There was anger and panic in Gregory's eyes.

「Young lady... right now, we can still resolve this peacefully—」

He probably thought he could threaten Fran to get through this situation. However, Fran interrupted Gregory's words.

「We know that you're connected to the Raydoss Kingdom.」

「H-Haha... What are you talking about? Where did you get such misinformation?」

Trying to escape with excuses at this point wouldn't do any good. There's no point in having a back-and-forth conversation here.

Fran crouched down slightly and delivered a light body blow to Gregory's abdomen, cutting off Gregory's words. Fran's fist sank so deep into Gregory's corpulent belly that it was completely buried.

「Ughhh!」

Gregory fell to the ground, retching various substances. He seemed to be in unbearable pain, to the extent that he didn't even realize he was sticking his face into his own vomit.

Even after he finished retching, he continued to dry heave while clutching his stomach. Nevertheless, after about ten seconds, he seemed to have improved somewhat, and he looked up at us with a pitiful expression. It seemed he had fully grasped his situation. As he received a purification spell, he made moaning sounds of humiliation.

「You'll tell us everything.」

「...Okay.」

Gregory, not being a combatant, didn't have a high resistance to pain. He had been prepared for the prospect of undergoing interrogation through violence, but actually being subjected to pain seemed to have broken his resolve. Few people would show such a despairing expression as they received healing.

「Uaaah... I'll talk... I'll talk... Please, let me talk.」

Ten minutes later, he was begging through tears.

Upon hearing his story, it turned out that Gregory was a noble of the Raydoss Kingdom, specifically, a viscount.

However, he had been masquerading as a merchant and infiltrated the Belioth Kingdom over twenty years ago, so he hadn't led the life of a noble since then. Still, it was impressive that he hadn't lost his loyalty to the Raydoss Kingdom. However, it wasn't so much that he had high loyalty; rather, it seemed like he had a strong fear of being killed if he betrayed them.

In fact, some of his fellow spies who had tried to betray their homeland had been killed. There might even be spies watching the spies. Additionally, the spies of the Raydoss Kingdom were somewhat unique. Instead of conducting covert operations against the enemy country all the time, they often operated normally during peacetime to make it easier to move during times of crisis.

The knight Salute, who had infiltrated the Phyllius Kingdom, had also worked normally during peacetime to build trust. Gregory was the same; except for sending information to the Raydoss Kingdom every few years, he had actually been conducting business as a genuine merchant. Thanks to that, he had gained trust in this land, allowing him to smoothly progress with the conspiracy involving the Crimson Elixir.

Gregory and the others are under the command of the Eastern Expedition Duke and are assisting the plans of his alchemist subordinate.

「Who is this alchemist?」

「A man named Zelyse, who seems like a child.」

Fran widened her eyes. She hadn't expected to hear his name here.

「Zelyse!? Is he in this country?」

Alchemist Zelyse, a psycho handsome alchemist who operates in various places. We've had our share of encounters with him in Bulbora as well. Well, we did disrupt his plans here too, so you could say we're even.

But still, he was in the Raydoss Kingdom. Was he originally affiliated with the Raydoss Kingdom? No, he had mentioned being raised in the Kranzel Kingdom...

「Is Zelyse affiliated with the Raydoss Kingdom?」

「W-Well, more accurately, he's under the Eastern Expedition Duke.」

「He's wanted in other countries.」

「Well, his criminal record in enemy countries has no relevance here. Besides, in Raydoss Kingdom, where there's no Adventurer's Guild, the bounties set by the guilds are meaningless.」

In other words, even if they were criminals from other countries, if they were capable, they would be accepted. Moreover, there was even the possibility that they actively accepted individuals who were wanted in other countries using the logic of "the enemy of my enemy is my friend."

『Could it be that the undead we encountered earlier were under Zelyse's control?』

When Fran asked about it, it turned out that they had nothing to do with Zelyse. Those undead were borrowed from the Black Ossuary Corps, a faction under the South Expedition Duke. So, they were affiliated with the Black Ossuary Corps after all! They were a group of intelligent undead, but were they created by the South Expedition Duke?

「Did the Raydoss Kingdom create them?」

「I-I'm not sure about the details! But Zelyse seemed to have developed a secret technique for creating intelligent undead within the Black Ossuary Corps! And that Wight King... he could still engage in somewhat normal conversations. Though his mentality had changed quite a bit... According to him, they forcibly transform humans into undead!」

They taught necromancy to slaves and then forcibly transformed them into undead. By doing so, they could create high-level undead capable of using necromancy—basically, it seemed like they were creating Wight Kings. However, it was unclear what class of undead they would become, depending on the compatibility with the subject. It was a bit of a gamble.

After turning them into undead, high-level necromancers would dominate them and make them pledge loyalty to the Raydoss Kingdom.

The advantage of turning humans into undead was the strong intellect and conversational ability they retained. Normally, undead would go insane and it would be difficult to make them carry out complex strategic actions. However, by giving them human-like thought processes, they would transform into incredibly powerful soldiers.

But once they became undead, their bodies and minds would gradually deteriorate over time, so they had to sleep in coffins during peacetime. Those coffins also had powerful concealment effects, allowing them to be transported to the heart of enemy territory without being detected. When you thought about it, they were truly frightening entities.

In reality, Lady Blue had an undead from the Black Ossuary Corps named Charredman lurking within her. If that guy had started his sabotage, there would have been significant damage. Even this Wight King, if he had started causing havoc, the commercial fleet might have been devastated. In reality, Weena Rhyn seemed to have been considered a countermeasure when he appeared. Well, we took him out easily, so I doubt Weena Rhyn would have been able to handle such a threat.

There were still many questions, but for now, the Crimson Elixir was more important.

「What is your purpose? What do you plan to do with the Crimson Elixir?」

「W-We haven't been informed of Zelyse-sama's ultimate goal! Just produce a large quantity of Crimson Elixir!」

「Where are you sending this Crimson Elixir?」

「N-Nowhere...」

Huh? What does that mean? Aren't they producing the Crimson Elixir to use it for something?

However, according to Gregory, the produced Crimson Elixir remained in the warehouse on this ship in large quantities. Except for a small circulation within the country, all of it remained here.

They would transport it somewhere eventually, right? But it had been like this for over a year now.

（Why? Isn't obtaining the Crimson Elixir the goal?）

『Well, I don't know... Besides, we don't know the connection between these guys being Raydoss Kingdom citizens and the Lake Anomaly, I muttered.』

I had thought that the Messer Trading Company had done something to cause the anomaly. I even considered the possibility that they were somehow misusing the Crimson Elixir, causing this anomaly.

But was that really the case?

「Do you know that there's an anomaly in the lake?」

「Y-Yes.」

「Did you cause it?」

「T-There's no way we could have done something so grandiose! We would never do anything like that!」

『Seriously? This guy's actually saying it, I whispered to myself.』

Maybe Gregory wasn't informed about it? Or maybe they really had nothing to do with it?

『Fran, it looks like we might need to forcefully extract information from Zelyse, I said to Fran.』

Fran asked Gregory for Zelyse's whereabouts.

「Th-The workshop! He's in the Crimson Elixir workshop!」

（Is that where Roblen is heading?）

『Yeah, that's likely, I replied.』

Could they escape if we left them like this? I didn't mean to underestimate Roblen, but I didn't think he could handle Zelyse. If we showed suspicion toward the workshop, Zelyse would immediately flee. However, we couldn't just leave this ship alone. We hadn't captured everyone, and the top executives of the company were not all in custody.

As I was pondering, I heard Urushi's distant howl. Simultaneously, I sensed multiple presences heading toward this ship.

『It seems like adventurers are coming, I said.』

Urushi's voice didn't carry any tension; they didn't appear to be enemies.

When I went out to the deck, adventurers were approaching in small boats. I recognized some faces among them. They were Dagor and other Rank C adventurers with whom we had a mock battle before.

「Black Lightning Princess-dono! It's been a while! You seem well!」

「Nn. Dagor, too.」

「Hahaha. That's one of my few merits. Now, I came to assist in subduing this ship as per Roblen-dono's request. What is the current situation?」

Dagor, the leader of the adventurers, asked while Gregory, who had been tied up and was now lying next to him, explained everything. He explained that this company was a front for the Raydoss Kingdom.

「I heard Roblen-dono's explanation, but was it really true...」

「Can we leave the rest to you?」

「You may leave it to us. And what about you, Black Lightning Princess-dono?」

「I'm heading to the workshop.」

「I see.」

「For now, apprehend everyone on this ship.」

「Understood.」

Now, we could head to the workshop. However, since we didn't know the exact location, we needed a guide. It would be easy if we could see it from here. As I was thinking about that—

BOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

Suddenly, a deafening noise echoed.

「Ugh!」

「Arf!」

『Whoa!』

Fran and Urushi instinctively flinched. I was also surprised and let out an unintentional cry.

I looked in the direction where the noise came from and quickly understood the cause. A massive pillar of fire was rising into the sky from a small ship that was part of the commercial fleet. Something had exploded. Was it an accident? An incident? Were they attacked by magical beasts? The image of that ship, with flames still soaring, was reminiscent of news footage of a tanker fire. Well, the scale was smaller here.

Still, with that much fire, there was a risk of it spreading to the surrounding ships, and there would be no way to perform a rescue.

『What kind of ship is that? I asked.』

Ships within the commercial fleet had various roles and owners. They could be residential ships, fishing ships, offices, workshops, guild headquarters, and more. To outsiders like us, it was impossible to tell just by looking.

「Dagor, which ship is that one?」

「Th-That's the workshop ship that Black Lightning Princess-dono was heading to!」