Chapter 205. Return (2)
Verden's nerves were particularly sensitive.
Just as he had once declared that he could trust others but never truly rely on them. Memories, deeply carved into his mind, had made him that way.
Added to that, were the senses enhanced by the Ring of Rune.
Thanks to it, Verden's vigilance had deepened all the more.
Even if one had not awakened magic power, he could still roughly gauge the danger the opponent possessed.
Of course, it was never completely accurate.
And it was only within a subjective standard at best. After that incident, not a single opponent he had met had strayed far beyond Verden's predictions.
That went the same for the Magus, Edmon.
'Melzard.'
Verden's gaze sharpened in an instant.
Contained momentum, regulated breathing.
His voice and attitude were similar to that of a knight.
The faint weight shifted onto his toes prepared for unforeseen variables.
And if there was a sword hidden beneath that robe, the dining table where Verden sat would be sliced apart in the blink of an eye.
Such was the kind of man he appeared to be.
'A knight on par with Edmon.'
Surely one of the pillars supporting the Marquisate.
Verden sipped at his fruit drink.
Edmon, who had risen from his seat, introduced Melzard.
"Hmm, this fellow is the captain of Esperanza Marquisate's greatest knight order, the Red Cross, Sir Melzard. He's a man even the captain of the Royal Guard bows a head to, one whom His Excellency trusts as much as myself. He's still quite young as well."
"No matter how you praise me, it doesn't change the fact that my vacation has been stolen."
"Haha, I only spoke the truth, nothing more."
Edmon shrugged his shoulders.
At that shameless attitude, Melzard let out a faint sigh. Whether Magus or not, he could hardly lash out at an old man smiling and speaking warmly.
"To think that Lord Edmon would move so unilaterally. Perhaps in the old days, but for the past twenty years you've been quiet, have you not?"
"Well, isn't that inevitable? Everything concerning the Marquisate has been done under His Excellency's orders, so there's been little need for me to exert personal initiative. But, have you heard about this matter?"
"I don't know the details, but I have grasped the necessary information."
Melzard turned his head.
Meeting the navy-colored eyes, Linus flinched and shuddered. Slowly, he set down the lobster he had been holding in his hand back onto the plate.
"...I did not expect you to achieve results within just a few days."
"Haha, had that not been the case, I wouldn't be sitting here at ease, would I?"
"There is no problem, then?"
"The pursuit has been entirely cut off. The one we barely managed to rescue would leave behind no traces. So, no need to glare suspiciously like that. We're still in the middle of a meal."
"Understood."
Melzard withdrew his gaze.
Not that suspicion and concern had been entirely dismissed. After all, if there truly existed something that could deceive Edmon's eyes, then Melzard too would find it difficult to perceive.
To openly remain wary was meaningless.
Melzard folded his arms.
Beneath the robe, an unusual armament revealed itself.
"They said we might end up facing Leonil, so I made thorough preparations, but it seems I won't need to step in. That is fortunate indeed, or perhaps..."
"We almost did cross paths. But, in the end, it was dealt with by three court mages alone."
"Three, you say?"
"They were in the middle of destroying everything related to Leonil's experiments. All of them were mages above the fifth tier. Two I did not know, but one among them was the fourth seat, Brick Medwor."
Brick Medwor.
A familiar name. When he had once visited the royal castle, that court mage had certainly been among those guarding the royal family.
"Not on the same level as Leonil, but still a significant figure. And yet..."
Melzard studied Edmon's condition.
"You seem to be in better shape than expected. Even if you are not a Magus, to face mages who had reached the higher levels of the fifth tier and come away without a scratch. Did you suddenly reach the sixth tier, perhaps?"
"Hahaha! If only. But as you well know, I have already reached the limit tier. With my talent, I can never hope to surpass it. Still, that does not mean I must move alone, does it?"
In the letter Edmon had sent, it was written:
That he would head to Acrien with not only himself, but also an elf and a mage.
As for the elf, never having seen one before, Melzard would not be able to tell even if he did. But the mage's name had recently become common within the Marquisate.
'Asher.'
Blue eyes met.
Verden and Melzard.
Both inclined their heads lightly at the same time, exchanging greetings. Simple, but unmistakable.
'So the rumors are not exaggerated, then.'
The depth could not be measured.
That was Melzard's first impression of Verden.
And as for the elf...
"Brother, the food is nearly gone. I shall share mine with you."
"Eat it yourself."
"...! Thank you, brother."
Karans focused wholly on the food.
At first he had been wary, but now that he was sure they were no enemies, his interest in outsiders had long since vanished.
Thus Melzard finished his observations.
Having also heard briefly of what had happened, there was no longer any reason to remain in Acrien.
"Arrangements for illegal entry have already been made. After crossing the border, we will join a prepared caravan in the nearby forest to conceal our tracks, then pass through the city under the name of Count Feltor, and in Rines use the Marquisate's name, to move to His Excellency's residence."
"Haha, in that case even the court mages will surely fail to pursue. After all, how can they chase after clues that do not exist? You've done well with the preparations. When is departure?"
"Tonight, if necessary."
"Night, hm... yes, better to slip across the border before they catch wind of it."
"Then I will prepare at once."
Rest could be taken along the way.
Though a pity for the inn's fees, there was no other choice. Having filled his stomach and heard enough, Verden rose from his seat.
"Ah! Elf, my lobster!"
"Hmm? Is something wrong?"
"I only set it down for a moment, how could you snatch it away right in front of me?! And I saw you do it too!"
"To set it down means you've abandoned ownership, does it not? Ha, humans truly are endlessly greedy. Learn from the brother who so generously shares his food."
"No, it's not about generosity..."
Karans and Linus locked horns over the food.
Even after eating so much, it seemed their hunger was yet unsated. Edmon chuckled softly, scratching his chin.
"There's no need to skip a meal out of urgency, better to finish dining. I'll order more food, so sit down as well. You haven't eaten yet, have you?"
"Well, that is true... very well."
Edmon and Melzard settled back into their seats.
Suddenly, Verden was the only one standing.
"Ah, Asher, could you press the call bell beside you?"
"...Yes."
The call bell was on the wall.
Verden pressed it, then sat back down.
The second meal began.
***
Night had fallen.
Verden's party followed Melzard, leaving Acrien behind. Their path was not the usual highway, but across the mountain ranges, toward the border.
After several days of travel, they arrived at their first destination.
'Still quiet, so Leonil must not have reached the laboratory yet.'
Well, they had escaped right into the Cave Without Light.
Whether demi-humans or abnormal species, just grasping the terrain to escape would take time. Natural, if anything.
Thus, they successfully slipped into the Kingdom.
They then boarded a prepared wagon, erasing their traces at several points along the way.
Their journey went smoothly without a single troublesome encounter, and as a result, after leaving Rines, Verden's party finally reached their destination.
'So this is the main estate of the Marquisate of Esperanza.'
A castle and gardens built upon vast lands.
Guarded directly by the Red Conviction Knights, it was heavily fortified. Compared to the castle of the First Prince, it was lacking in function, but in sheer military might, it stood above.
Edmon spoke.
"I will take this young man and report to His Excellency first. Meanwhile, you should rest in the chambers with the spirits. When the time comes, someone will be sent for you."
"Human mage, you dare to confine an elf?"
"Karans."
"...Understood, brother."
Though displeased, Karans soon relented.
The man who had saved his life, and even avenged his kin, not to mention the only one here whom he could trust — Verden's words were as law.
Edmon whispered.
"See to it he does not cause a disturbance."
"Understood, though I have one request."
"A request?"
"Later, allow me to speak privately with Linus."
"Hmm, now that you mention it, you did seem to have some business with him. Very well. I'll tell His Excellency, and if there is no problem, I will arrange it as you wish."
"Thank you."
Verden bowed his head slightly.
Taking Karans and the two spirits with him, he walked the corridors under the knights' guidance and watchful eyes. After a brief glance at them, Edmon headed to the conference chamber with Linus.
"Hmm, it has been a while since I've met a noble rather than a court mage. I admit I'm a little nervous."
"Haha, a touch of tension is good for body and mind. But remember this, under no circumstances should you utter a lie."
"Do not worry. I will tell it exactly as I experienced. I am a man who repays grudges tenfold, and favors in full."
Linus spoke with confidence.
Edmon smiled softly, and pulled at the door handle. Entering carefully, they found the Marquis seated alone at the head of the table.
Edmon gave his respects, Linus following behind.
"We have returned from our mission, Your Excellency."
"Well done, Edmon. There is much to discuss, but... that is not the issue now. Sit."
"Yes."
The two took their seats.
Edmon near the Marquis, and Linus directly across. The distinct crimson eyes of the House of Esperanza glimmered faintly.
"Oesu, Linus Voltimoog, that is you?"
"Yes, Your Excellency."
"There is much I wish to ask you. Why was your father-in-law, missing these past seven years, discovered in Leonil's laboratory? And, what exactly was being done there... everything."
The Marquis drew a scale from beneath the table.
At the center, a carved figure of a woman. Two pans hanging from either side, perfectly balanced.
The heirloom of the Marquisate, the Scale of Truth.
Before it, no falsehood could exist.
"I seek the truth."
At the Marquis's words, the scale reacted.
A kind of trigger phrase.
The statue's eyes, embedded in the scale, flashed white as they fixed upon Linus.
***
Linus understood instantly.
That scale was an artifact in all but name. Judging from the situation, it no doubt discerned falsehood.
'I must not misspeak.'
Steeling himself, Linus took a deep breath.
When ready, he spoke in a low voice.
"Seven years ago, I visited Roafra, the underworld."
His purpose was the rumor that a rare metal would appear at that year's auction.
Intrigued, Linus had fortunately obtained an invitation with ease, and entered the auction house of Roafra. There, through competitive bidding, he succeeded in acquiring the metal.
And only hours later, he was abducted.
So sudden, he hadn't even been able to resist. When he came to, he was in Leonil's laboratory.
The Marquis's brow twitched.
'Abduction in Roafra, and considering the royal connection, it must have been Vintert.'
Vintert was deeply involved in the experiments.
The Marquis etched that detail into his mind, then asked,
"What did you make in that laboratory?"
"I was tasked with crafting various magic items, including mana concentrators. At one point I refused... but after nearly ten days of nothing but water, I had no choice. I had a reason to live."
"No need to excuse yourself. I want only the facts. What did they do with them?"
"Well..."
Using the mana circuits of elves and humans, they refined magic power.
Dozens of corpses piled up that way, screams never ceasing. And there were many other atrocities within the cells.
The Marquis narrowed his eyes as he listened.
"And Leonil's goal?"
"That... I do not know."
"What?"
"Truly. Even the court mages in the laboratory did not know. Only Leonil himself. He always conducted the experiments alone."
The statue on the scale remained still.
Meaning, it was no lie.
"Ah, but I did once see a blue crystal, pulsing with a heartbeat. Just once, fleetingly... but I believe that was the key."
"A blue crystal..."
It matched what Edmon had reported, from the elf's memory.
A blue crystal that beat like a heart — an utterly unheard-of item.
The Marquis fell into thought.
'Blue crystal... heartbeat... heart... blue... heart... heart...'
"Huh...?"
Wait.
'Heart, you say?'
"N-no... it can't be...!"
The Marquis shot up from his seat.
His face drenched in cold sweat.
His eyes, more than ever before, were clouded with sheer bewilderment.