"...So, that's why you've come to me."
Bosk sat in his office, leaning back against the sofa as he spoke, his gaze fixed on Rei as if to confirm what he had just heard.
Rei nodded in response to Bosk’s question. He glanced toward Ecethesus and Nakt, who were both bowing deeply, before finally opening his mouth.
"Yeah. The Silva family rules Exil, right? So, regardless of whether you decide to lend them a hand or not, I figured I should at least let you hear the story."
"Good grief... as if I weren't busy enough with this anomaly species business. You know that as well as anyone, don't you?"
Bosk scratched his head aggressively, his words coming out in a frustrated sigh.
With evening only a few hours away, the four of them—Rei, Elena, Ecethesus, and Nakt—were gathered in Bosk’s office within the House Silva residence.
Naturally, as the rulers of Exil who now also held House Rebisole under their influence, House Silva had a mountain of work to process. And as Bosk had mentioned, the investigation into the anomaly species was still very much ongoing.
It was an undeniable fact that they had no resources to spare for other matters.
Even so, Bosk had agreed to meet with Rei because the boy had encountered anomaly species numerous times and had provided many anomaly species corpses and vital information.
Of course, the presence of someone like Elena Kerebel was also a significant factor in his decision.
However, having expected to meet regarding the anomalies, only to find it was a request to help locate a kidnapped member of an acquaintance’s party, it was perhaps only natural for Bosk to vent a few complaints.
"...So, Rei, Elena. Now that I’ve heard the story, what exactly do you expect me to do?"
Even as he asked, Bosk was already mentally calculating how he might squeeze out the manpower to search for the kidnapped Tibia.
Rei’s response, however, was a simple shrug of his shoulders.
"I don't expect you to do anything. I only promised these guys that I’d introduce them to you. Beyond that, my involvement ends here. From this point on, you all can discuss it and decide the rest."
Bosk’s eyes widened for a moment at Rei’s bluntness, but his gaze quickly shifted to the two figures still bowing before him—Ecethesus and Nakt.
"You two are Ecethesus and Nakt, right? And the one taken was Tibia... which means your party is Sound Blade. It’s hard to believe a group of your caliber was caught off guard so easily. ...Well, fine. Do you have any idea who might have a reason to attack you?"
"None at all," Nakt replied. "However, we cannot rule out the possibility of a grudge from a past request, or perhaps someone who wants to eliminate us as competition."
Bosk tapped his desk lightly with his finger, falling silent for a few seconds before speaking again.
"Actually, it’s been overshadowed by the anomaly species incident, but for a while now, people in Exil—specifically adventurers—have been going missing."
At Bosk’s words, the expressions of Ecethesus and Nakt visibly tensed, and their gazes snapped toward him.
Meeting their stares head-on, Bosk continued.
"Of course, it’s not unusual for adventurers to vanish in Exil. Most die in the dungeon, and there are those who return alive only to leave the city in despair after realizing they lack the strength to survive here."
"But when entering the dungeon, dungeon cards are checked," Nakt interjected reflexively. "And even when leaving Exil, guild cards are verified. Isn't the movement of people strictly monitored?"
Bosk nodded, confirming that Nakt was right.
However, a bitter expression clouded his face.
"It’s as you say, but every world has its back channels. This city is no different... or rather, because Exil is a labyrinth city, people are constantly sneaking in and out through the shadows. The same applies to the dungeon."
Though he kept his own counsel, Bosk maintained his own deep-seated connections within the underworld.
In a place like Exil where so many people gathered, it was impossible to prevent such organizations from forming. His philosophy was that if they were going to exist anyway, they should at least align with his interests.
It wasn't just House Silva; House Rebisole and House Marstchel each had their own ties to such groups.
"Anyway, I’ve had those organizations investigated, but there's no sign of anyone being moved out through them. That makes it certain that some other factor is at play. Personally, I suspected some illegal slave trader was behind it."
"Then... what about Tibia!?"
Hearing the word "slave," Ecethesus cried out, his face turning pale.
But Bosk shook his head at the outburst.
"Calm down. I can't say for certain, but the slave trader theory is slim."
"Is that... true?"
"Yeah."
Bosk nodded without hesitation to Ecethesus’s hopeful confirmation.
Nakt, seemingly puzzled by the certainty, spoke up.
"May I ask why you believe that?"
"It’s simple. Even for slaves, healthy bodies sell for a premium. It’s a harsh thing to say to someone whose comrade was just taken, but a one-armed slave is going to go unsold unless there's some extremely eccentric buyer out there."
Ecethesus started to interject at the cold logic, but he bit back his words, realizing that Bosk was actually trying to reassure them in his own rough way.
"Then... for what reason do you think Tibia was targeted?"
"That’s the part I don't quite get. If someone wanted slaves, it would be far less dangerous to target ordinary citizens than to go after adventurers who know how to fight. That suggests there’s some specific reason behind it, but..."
Bosk shook his head with an air of displeasure.
Between the anomaly species incident and this attack, he found it intolerable that someone was acting as they pleased within the city he ruled. But even as he considered how to deal with it, the adventurers currently serving House Silva were already stretched to their limits with the anomalies.
When his thoughts reached that point, his gaze stopped on the two men before him.
They’re desperate to find their comrade, so they’ll investigate the attack with everything they’ve got. If they have the backing of House Silva, then perhaps...
He weighed the risks and returns in his mind, reaching a decision in a matter of seconds.
"Ecethesus, Nakt. I know the name Sound Blade; you're known as capable adventurers. ...So, how about this? If House Silva provides the backing, why don't you two investigate this matter yourselves? Unfortunately, we have almost no resources to spare for anything other than the anomaly species right now."
"Is that true!? House Silva will act as our patron? Hey, Nakt! If we have that..."
For Ecethesus, it was an unexpected offer. He looked up with a smile, as if he had found a ray of hope.
"That’s right. Of course, if I’m going to use you like this, I intend for you to become subordinates of House Silva once the attack incident is resolved."
"...I see. It is a very generous offer, but... are you sure you can trust us, when we've only just met?"
To Nakt’s cautious inquiry, Bosk replied with a smirk.
"Rei and Elena are the ones who brought you here. If you turn out to be spies or something of the sort, the responsibility falls on them. In that case, I would naturally be able to collect ample compensation from the two of them. ...Does that satisfy you?"
He spoke with a grin, but in truth, Bosk didn't believe for a moment that they would betray him.
Based on the reputation he’d heard from his "younger brothers" among the adventurers and what he had seen with his own eyes, they didn't seem like the type to betray anyone. Even Nakt, a thief, clearly showed concern for his comrades in his every word.
Therefore, deciding there was no problem with those two, Bosk turned his gaze toward the remaining pair.
"So, what about you two? Personally, I’d appreciate it if you could lend me your strength. As I said, I’m fundamentally short on hands."
To his invitation, Rei shook his head.
"Sorry, but my job is to explore the dungeon. I only helped these two because I happened to run into them while I was down there."
Elena also spoke up, aligning herself with Rei.
"I am of the same opinion. My apologies, but I must prioritize the exploration of the dungeon."
For Bosk, their refusal was within his expectations. Though he looked disappointed, he didn't press the matter.
Instead, it was Ecethesus and Nakt who were shocked. Nakt didn't let it show, but Ecethesus’s eyes widened as he looked between Rei and Elena.
He hadn't expected them to turn down an invitation from the head of House Silva so casually.
If he had known Elena’s true identity, perhaps he would have understood.
"If you're short on people, why not ask Byune for help?" Rei suggested. "You should have some connection with her since she's from House Flaut, right? If you do that, you might even be able to pull Vihera—the one you fought in the pub—into the fold as well."
"It's no use. That little brat only cares about protecting her own estate. I've tried inviting her a few times before. She might not look it, but she's stubborn to the core. And... ah, no. It’s nothing."
He cut himself off, shaking his head as if he’d realized something.
Rei sensed a moment of intrigue, but he decided that someone of Bosk’s position being involved in some sort of conspiracy wasn't out of the ordinary, so he let it go.
"Anyway, it’s a shame, but Elena and I are going to focus on the dungeon. However, if we find any more anomaly species or the people creating them down there, we’ll do our best to bring them back—whether as captives or corpses."
"Yeah, that alone would be a huge help. For some reason, you two encounter those anomaly species more than anyone else."
Rei gave a small shrug at Bosk’s words. Then, he turned his gaze toward Ecethesus and Nakt.
"Well, we’ll be heading off now. I hope you find Tibia."
"Yeah. Thank you for introducing us to Lord Bosk. ...Thank you."
Ecethesus bowed deeply, and Nakt followed suit.
"I'm happy to have gained some capable allies," Bosk added. "If you have others like them, feel free to bring them by anytime; I’ll take them in."
With those final words from Bosk, Rei and Elena left the room and were seen off from the House Silva residence by the head butler, Sanctions.
"That was quite the unexpected turn of events," Rei muttered as he stepped out of a carriage near the guild’s main street.
"Indeed. But for those two, it was likely the best possible outcome. Under the protection of House Silva, the attackers shouldn't be able to target them anymore."
Elena nodded in agreement.
The sun was already beginning to paint the sky in the hues of twilight. An air of liberation hung over the streets as workers finished their day, many already seeking the cooling relief of alcohol to combat the lingering heat.
In Rei’s line of sight, people were already drinking ale and eating grilled skewers from stalls. Looking at the peaceful scene, it was hard to believe that the anomaly species incident, House Rebisole’s rampage, or the kidnappings were happening in the shadows.
As Elena watched the scene alongside Rei, the figure of Pri Masterche—with her almost pathological obsession with gems—crossed her mind without any context.
However, she quickly shook her head to dismiss the thought.
Given her temperament, she might be obsessed with gems, but she would have no reason to attack adventurers. By the same token, the mysterious faction creating the anomaly species shouldn't have any reason to target adventurers or ordinary citizens either. ...Does that mean a third faction has appeared?
With that premonition, Elena walked with Rei along the bustling main street.
She felt an unpleasant foreboding that stood in sharp contrast to the lively noise surrounding them.