Chapter 3
[Travelling]
On the morning of August 2nd, Tatsuya arrived at Hambantota International Airport in southern Sri Lanka. His flight was by no means an ordinary airliner or a military aircraft, but his own private jet.
More precisely, a magic-aided hydrogen-fueled hypersonic aircraft with a top speed of Mach 7. Despite its civilian status, it was equipped with an air-to-air laser weapon and a radar capable of being used as a high-energy radio weapon. Not to mention, its pilot was a former fighter pilot of the NDF Air Force.
Although its airframe performance would be put to shame by any fighter, with the help of the inertia control provided by the Artificial Relic Magistore onboard, the flight was far more pleasant. Passengers would presumably feel even less strain compared to a subsonic airliner. By taking advantage of this performance, the flight from Japan to Sri Lanka took a mere two hours.
Accompanying him were Miyuki, Lina, and Hanabishi Hyougo; Fumiya and Ayako both expressed an interest in coming along, but important obligations of the Kuroba family forced them to reluctantly decline.
There was some debate as to whether or not to take Hyougo with them. In terms of individual fighting capacity, Hyougo could be a liability in an emergency. That said, Hyougo had established a network of contacts during his training with a private military company.
Since the destination this time was Central Asia, Tatsuya and Lina's USNA connections may not be of much use. And there was also the question of how far they could rely on Chandrasekhar.
In the event of an emergency, Takachiho remained a viable escape route. But that was intended to be a last resort.
There may come a time when they might find themselves in trouble outside of direct combat and Hyougo's mercenary network might come in handy. With this in mind, Tatsuya ultimately chose Hyougo to be part of his retinue.
A staff member of the Magian Society picked them up at the airport. Introducing himself, he stated that he was one of Chandrasekhar's disciples and had joined the Society out of a lack of researcher positions available at his university.
The SUV in his command drove the four of them to Galle, a city near the southern tip of Sri Lanka, where the headquarters of the Magian Society is situated.
Once it delivered its passengers, the private jet flew back to Japan. In response to this, the staff member expressed surprise out of worry for how they would make their way back to Japan. When explained that the plane was a supersonic aircraft that could make the trip in only two hours each way, he seemed both satisfied and surprised.
The signing ceremony was scheduled to take place the day after their arrival. Tatsuya's retinue was escorted to a hotel in Galle. The hotel's exterior reminded them of a classic palace. The rooms were furnished with the modern amenities, in contrast to the retro design motif of the interior and the furnishings.
Of the three adjoining rooms arranged, two were single and one double. The double room was meant for Tatsuya and Miyuki, as they were already treated as a married couple.
Whereas there was embarrassment on Miyuki's part, Tatsuya had already agreed to the room assignment arranged by Chandrasekhar beforehand.
On their way back to their room after dinner, Tatsuya's group spotted Lena midst her check-in process.
Accompanying her were a man and a woman. A black male in his thirties and a caucasian female in her early twenties. Although actual ages do not always correspond to appearances, Lena says as one who remains looking around 16 or 17 years old. It is quite possible, if not as extreme as hers, that her attendants are older than they appear.
Tatsuya would know for a fact if he used [Elemental Sight]. But he did not see the need to go that far. Other things were more of his concern than age.
(That's some fairly high-level Mageist… She could easily be a member of the Stars like that)
He only saw her at the check-in table from a distance, but he didn't need to "see" her with his [Elemental Sight] to know that she was a powerful Mageist.
Lina was of the same opinion.
"…She's probably military, too. Maybe she's a new member of Stars."
Lina commented on Lena's companion while sipping a cocktail from room service in Tatsuya's room. Her "too" was in line with her previous guess that the black male was also of ex-military or mercenary origin.
"Does she share any sort of common traits with the Stars?"
"I only caught a glimpse of her. I can't tell you that much."
Tatsuya's question was met with a defensive retort from Lina against any blame on her part.
"I just felt that she had the same vibe as some of my teammates back then." So, she concluded.
◇ ◇ ◇
The signing ceremony between the Magian Society and FEHR proceeded without incident.
At the dinner table following the event, one of Lena's delegates, who introduced herself as "Evelyn Taylor," asked whether she could make a visit to Samarkand, a key region on the route of the Silk Road.
"Are you interested in the history of the Silk Road?" asked Chandrasekhar, in perhaps back-channeling, to which Evelyn proceeded to draw on her vast knowledge of the Silk Road.
Perhaps overwhelmed by the vigor in display, Chandrasekhar felt pressured into promising Evelyn, "I can arrange a sightseeing tour for you."
◇ ◇ ◇
Chandrasekhar was also accommodated at the same hotel on the day of the signing ceremony.
The next day, Tatsuya and company along with Lena's group were invited to Chandrasekhar's estate in Hyderabad.
The next day, Tatsuya and company along with Lena's group were invited to
Chandrasekhar's mansion in Hyderabad. It was a vast estate, larger than the Yotsuba's main house, befitting of the term "mansion."
"Pleased to meet you, I am Arya Krishna Shastri."
Arya, an undisclosed Strategic-Class Magician, awaited them at the mansion. Tatsuya had already made her acquaintance at the Magian Society's inauguration ceremony held on the Indian Ocean. At the time, Arya attended as Chandrasekhar's escort.
This greeting was addressed to Miyuki and Lena. In doing so, Arya was notably conscious of Lena, with a greater amount of her attention focused on her, even from the sideline.
Arya's higher interest in Lena, over someone like Miyuki, was due to one of the stipulations in the partnership agreement between the Society and FEHR, namely personnel exchange. Arya was told that she would be sent to Vancouver, where FEHR's headquarters were located. Though, that wouldn't happen on this occasion.
Following their meeting with Arya, they all enjoyed a late lunch at leisure. After the meal, they were escorted to the salon, where tea was served. Except for Tatsuya, who was taken individually by Chandrasekhar to her study.
Although described as a study, the room itself was a spacious room with a full-size reception set. Calling it a private parlor would be more appropriate.
"Now, if I may ask you a question."
Asked Chandrasekhar to Tatsuya, after they had settled themselves across from said set and the servant exited the room after serving the tea, in a tone that seemed to be a direct resumption of their previous conversation.
Tatsuya did not inquire on the subject.
It was his promise to explain in person his purpose for his visit to the IPU.
"We have unearthed some artifacts at USNA that we believe may be a map to Shambhala."
"Shambhala? That Shambhala?"
Chandrasekhar's tone of voice in echoing back the question sounded, to say the least, as if she was half doubting Tatsuya's sanity.
"Yes. That said, I'm not personally a particularly believer of legends of underground kingdoms."
The legend of Shambhala is often mixed with the fictional tale of the "Underground Kingdom of Agartha".
"I'm of the opinion that the map indicates the location of the ruins of Shambhala."
"And you think it is in this country?"
At the mention of ruins, Chandrasekhar brought a serious face to the conversation.
"It is our belief that the ruins lie near Bukhara, Uzbekistan."
"…Are you sure you want to confide that much to me? Doesn't Mister want the inheritance of Shambala to himself?"
"I don’t intend on stealing from your country's archaeological sites. At the same time, I'm reluctant to publicize the existence of Shambhala's ruins."
"Why so?"
"Because of the possibility that there are extremely dangerous artifacts buried in the ruins of Shambhala."
"Extremely dangerous… I believe any magical artifact can be dangerous depending on how it is handled."
"In my opinion, these are far more dangerous than artifacts that have been excavated in the past."
"Far more, you say?"
"In our estimation, the risks are comparable to or even greater than of Strategic-Class Magic."
"That much…?"
Chandrasekhar directed him with a "I find that hard to believe" look. But she soon composed herself and fixed Tatsuya back with a serious look.
"…In fact, if even half of what the legend says about Shambhala is true, then it is possible that it may contain a magical artifact capable of bringing about a power comparable to Strategic-Class Magic. So, Mister, how do you propose to address such a dangerous legacy?"
"If a pacific application is possible, I'll make the attempt. If not, I'll study it and develop countermeasures."
No hesitation, that was his answer.
"Has not the idea of leaving it buried been on your mind?"
"If we leave it hidden, it will eventually be discovered by someone else. Now that we have a clue, I can't turn a blind eye to it."
"I see… I understand your point."
Tatsuya's statement wasn’t entirely untrue, but it wasn’t entirely sincere either. It was more of an after-the-fact reasoning.
But it was compelling enough to convince Chandrasekhar.
"I’ll see to it that the Mister is free to explore the ruins on my end. I apologize, but I must ask you to stay here until I settle these arrangements."
"I understand. If it turns out to be impossible, I will respectfully return to my country." Tatsuya's tone and expression were as auspicious as his words.
"I won't make you wait for long."
Chandrasekhar, however, assured him an early return, radiating a strong sense of caution.
It was clear that she did not take Tatsuya's statement about returning home at face value.
◇ ◇ ◇
Upon conclusion of his conversation with Chandrasekhar, Tatsuya was taken to the guest room. In terms of guest rooms alone, the mansion had as many as a small hotel.
Different from the situation in the Sri Lankan hotel, the assigned rooms were for one person each. Nevertheless, the room Tatsuya was shown had two separate sections inside, one with a living room, and the other with the bedroom plus a shower booth. The living room area measured about 13 square meters, and the bedroom about half that size.
Just after Tatsuya settled down in the guest room, there was a knock at the door. Hardly a matter of a sixth-sense or a careful ear for footsteps, but rather the notification from the servant who had shown him to the room.
Entering were Miyuki and Hyougo.
"Lina said that she wanted to explore around by herself a little bit." Answered Miyuki before Tatsuya could pose the question.
"I see. I was hoping to fill everyone in together if possible."
"I will make sure to pass the word to Rina-Ojou-sama."
Hyougo promptly reacted to Tatsuya's musing, as if it was directed to himself. Notably in his words, since Lina's naturalization as "Toudou Rina", Hyougo has taken the liberty of addressing her as "Rina-ojou-sama".
Tatsuya accepted Hyougo's offer with a "please" and turned his attention back to Miyuki.
"I've secured Doctor's cooperation…"
He then immediately explained the results of the meeting.
"So, will we be able to search for the ruins of Shambhala without divulging our purpose to the IPU government?"
"She indicated that she could think of a way to do so."
"I was expecting she would be willing to help us, since she has assumed the role of Society representative, but it is still a bit surprising. To think that Doctor has such influence within the IPU to allow foreigners to operate freely around."
"Yes, it appears so, since Doctor has a particularly close, special relationship with General Lars Singh, who effectively heads the IPU's federal military."
Said Hyougo, as he set the glass down in front of Miyuki, as he had assigned himself the role of preparing the drinks. The beverage in question was a mild alcoholic cocktail. Mixed in the provided kitchenette in the room.
"Special…"
Miyuki quietly murmured, appearing slightly embarrassed.
Setting the same drink down in front of Tatsuya, Hyougo turns to Miyuki with a smile.
"General Singh and Dr. Chandrasekhar are related. Although a rather distant kinship from our sense of the word. The doctor receives close patronage from the general, almost as if they were direct relatives. If I'm permitted to make a rather gross simplification, I would say their relationship is akin to an uncle and niece."
"Oh, in that sense, I see…"
Miyuki's expression relaxed in relief. Blush lingered on her cheeks, however.
It wasn’t difficult to speculate on her misunderstanding, but neither Tatsuya nor Hyougo had the poor character to mention it.
"You seem to know quite a bit about it, Hyougo-san."
"I learned it from a mercenary from this country during my employment with 'Unseen Arms' in the UK."
Unseen Arms is a private military company (PMSC) with a large contingent of magician combatants. Right up until his service as Tatsuya's butler, Hyougo had been a member of this PMSC as a way of acquiring military skills and networking with military personnel.
"An ex-colleague of mine from that time is currently stationed in Kazakhstan. They have a debt to me, and I believe they could be of service to you, Tatsuya-sama."
"That's good. If we run into unforeseen circumstances, then we may count on their help."
Tatsuya did not reject Hyougo's appeal outright. A large part of that may have been pure lip service, but Hyougo bowed contentedly to Tatsuya nevertheless.
◇ ◇ ◇
Moments after Miyuki and Hyougo went to meet Tatsuya, a figure approached his room.
The figure in question was probably simply walking down the corridor.
However, the guest rooms assigned to Tatsuya's and Lena's parties were in separate buildings. It was a bit of a stretch to pretend nonchalance.
"Miss Taylor?"
Evelyn, the suspicious figure, was called out from behind.
"──!"
Evelyn turned around in a panic.
There she finds a beautiful blonde woman, hair gleaming brightly even under the dim lightening.
The name of the woman who approached her was Lina.
"May I help you? Do you have any business with us here?"
"Eh, no no… You see… Miss Shields, right?"
Evelyn was shaken, perhaps understandably so.
She tried to keep herself from trembling in panic, but hardly managed to.
"Yes. Shall I do another self-introduction?"
"N-no, there's…"
"Pleasure, Angelina Shields."
Evelyn was about to say, "no need," but Lina interrupted, introducing herself anyway.
"Since I'm probably younger, please feel free to call me Lina."
"─Eh, ah, right, Lina."
Evelyn's expression stiffened on hearing the nickname "Lina".
"Oh, so you knew? Or should I say, I finally realized it?"
Lina, who was so far under the guise of a refined lady, scowled.
"Miss Taylor. You're with Stars, right?"
Lina adderted Evelyn's identity in a decisive tone of voice.
"So, you're really 'Angie Sirius'…"
There were only a handful of Stars members who knew the Lina behind the disguise of [Angie Sirius], namely the stellar class members at HQ and a select few like [Sylvia Mercury], who knowing her identity was a part of the mission.
"So you knew it."
Lina smiled triumphantly.
Evelyn's mutterings confirmed Lina's assumptions.
"How… did you know? Could it be, from the Commander-in-Chief…?"
It's no secret among the Stars that Canopus, the Commander-in-Chief, had a tight friendship with the former Sirius. Evelyn learned from stories of the senior officers of the squadron. Evelyn's suspicion was, in light of this information, that Canopus had leaked information about her to Lina.
"I didn't hear a thing about you from Ben." But Lina dismissed the allegation straight up.
It didn't sound like a lie.
"I just got a feeling that you were a member of the Stars squad, that's all."
"A feeling… I don't think I get it."
"Me neither. Maybe it's because of the training and we all develop some sort of trait, who knows."
"……"
She didn't want to agree. And yet, she felt as if she could understand.
Faced with such a conflict, Evelyn was unsure how to respond in return.
"So, what is your aim here? Did you come to spy on Tatsuya? Though I can't imagine Ben would give such an order."
Seeing her counterpart's muteness, Lina pressed for an answer.
"That's wrong. I never received such an order."
Feeling backed into a corner, Evelyn can't help but answer truthfully.
"Then why are you here?"
"─Ngh"
"If you're not here to spy, you came to find out if I'll interfere with your mission?" Posed with the correct answer, Evelyn struggled for words.
"…I'm not sure if I am the best person to tell you this… but I don't think you're cut out for undercover missions."
"I'm just not used to it!"
Having involuntarily raised her voice, Evelyn hurried to cover her mouth with her hands.
"─I have a proposal for you. Why don't we talk in my room? You wouldn't want Tatsuya and the others to hear, would you?"
Lina offered, while staring at Evelyn with a look of sympathy. Despite also thinking "Maybe it's too late for that."
"…Alright."
Grudgingly, both in tone and countenance, Evelyn accepted Lina's suggestion.
◇ ◇ ◇
After dinner, Lina and her entourage soon retreated to their rooms leaving the salon to the discretion of Tatsuya and company.
"Did you find out anything, Lina?"
"Nope. The most I got was that she is Evelyn Taylor, an Stars trainee who has yet to receive her official codename. When I got to the reason why she came to the IPU she clammed up. She wouldn't even tell me if Samarkand was really her destination." Lina shrugged her shoulders and struck a pose of "I'm out of ideas".
"It's at least true that she's planning to go to Samarkand?"
"Who knows, I didn't get any confirmation for that."
Though both arms were brought down, Lina's expression remained in the "I'm out of ideas" stance.
"If my impression counts, I think that, for now, her plans are to go to Samarkand."
"Samarkand, at this time…"
Miyuki's eyes widened in astonishment at Tatsuya's muttering.
"Tatsuya-sama, don't tell me she's too?"
"Hey, Miyuki, that'd be…"
Lina also widened her eyes a beat behind Miyuki.
"The map stone tablet is still in the USNA. It wouldn't be much of a stretch to think that someone else would be able to decipher it."
Tatsuya answered both of their questions together.
"But, Tatsuya-sama, they don't have the 'Compass'." "They may have other data that we don't have, instead." Tatsuya tempered Miyuki's guarded optimism.
"In the pictures Minoru took at FAIR's headquarters, there were fifteen pieces. There was another 'stone tablet map' that FEHR took from FAIR."
"Tatsuya, what are we going to do!?"
While Miyuki brooded gloomily, Lina impatiently asked Tatsuya about the next course of action.
"We'll proceed as planned for the time being. This Evelyn Taylor said she's going to Samarkand first, right? It's quite far from our destination and we still haven't confirmed that her mission is also the unearthing of Shambhala."
"Tatsuya-sama, wouldn't it be appropriate to tell the doctor about this?"
Miyuki's line came purely out of concern over Chandrasekhar possibly being deceived by Evelyn.
"Indeed, that's one way to handle it…"
Tatsuya's expression, however, was far from good-natured as Miyuki as he considered her suggestion.
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