As they strolled through the city, Licia and Fiona both kept a watchful eye on their surroundings, certain that their guards were lurking somewhere in the shadows.
Sera suddenly looked as if a bolt of lightning had struck her. "It’s definitely excavation," she said, turning to the other two.
This was based on a conversation Sera had overheard from Elku the previous night. Since the Norman Company had purchased magic tools specifically designed for ground-leveling and earthwork, it was only logical they intended to use them.
"They might be, but for what purpose?" Licia asked.
"Well... I assume it’s because there’s something valuable waiting to be dug up."
It was a statement of the obvious, and Licia could only offer a dry, "I suppose that's true."
"...Lady Fiona, what are your thoughts?"
"Perhaps 'mining' would be a more precise term than simply 'digging,'" Fiona suggested, pressing an index finger against her lustrous lips.
The casual, unselfconscious gesture only served to emphasize her breathtaking beauty. However, no passersby stopped to gape. Since it wouldn't have been surprising for a commotion to break out if the three of them were recognized, they were all clad in non-descript travelers' robes. They looked less like noble scions and more like a trio of young adventurers.
"I’ve heard that Gargazia was once famous for its hot springs. The water has long since dried up, but people used to flock here from all over," Fiona continued.
"And the land belonging to that specific family was part of that area, wasn't it?" Licia asked.
"Yes. Which is why the landowning family was once incredibly wealthy."
"...Ah, is that why they only sold a small portion of the mountain?" Licia murmured.
Sera snapped her fingers. "That’s it! I heard the landowner was extremely reluctant to sell. Maybe they believed the hot springs would bubble up again one day!"
"So their obsession with buying up those magic tools was driven by that hope?"
"Exactly! It all fits, doesn't it? They’re conducting geological surveys, so maybe they found evidence that the water is returning!"
However, Fiona looked apologetic as she spoke. "If this were just a bribe to get the Norman Company to start a joint venture, it wouldn't be particularly strange. If they wanted an exclusive monopoly, it would make sense to pay the landowner handsomely to secure their cooperation. But..."
Fiona paused, her expression clouding. "But if that's the case, the Norman Company’s projected profit is far too low."
She explained that she didn't believe they could even break even given the cost of the magic tools they had ordered. Considering the massive sums of money already moving in what looked like bribes, the potential revenue from hot spring water alone was far too meager for the Norman Company to gain any real advantage.
"M-Maybe they expect the springs to be incredibly lucrative in the long run...!" Sera offered.
"If there was enough water to justify that, I think we’d see it overflowing in other areas as well. Otherwise, considering the springs have failed in the past, it seems like a reckless business gamble, don't you think?"
Both Sera and Licia realized she was right.
If the goal wasn't water, then why order those specific tools? And why move such large sums of money through such convoluted channels?
The city was bustling with the ceremony at the Magic Ship Dock, and as they wove through the crowds, Licia thought in silence.
(They must have a reason for being this aggressive. And usually, that reason is profit.)
But as Fiona pointed out, the math didn't add up. Something was missing.
"You adventurers over there! Come, take a look! It's festival season!" a stall owner called out.
The three girls approached the stall, their brows furrowed in thought. They scanned the items packed into wooden boxes—cheap mana stones, fruits, simple garments. It appeared to be a general sundries shop.
Licia and Fiona’s eyes both snagged on the mana stones. They stared at the stones, which looked like little more than unpolished ore at first glance, and fell into a deep silence.
"——Lady Fiona."
"——Lady Licia."
A few seconds later, they spoke each other's names in unison and shared a knowing nod.
"I believe we are thinking of the same thing," Licia said.
"Hehe. Yes, I suspect so as well."
The stall owner was busy with another customer and missed their exchange entirely.
"Wait, you two! What did you figure out?" Sera pouted, her frustration plain. Licia reached out and patted the head of the Archduke's daughter.
"Regarding the excavation Lady Fiona mentioned... I think she was exactly right."
"Yes," Fiona added. "It seems that was the key all along."
Sera, who usually would have snapped, 'Don't treat me like a child!' at the head-pat, was too overcome by curiosity to complain.
"Sera, as you know, when the state buys land for highway maintenance, they conduct a survey of the property’s condition, right?" Licia asked.
"I assume so... but what about it?"
"They might have found something interesting during that survey. Something the Norman Company would be desperate to get their hands on."
"Something other than hot spring water?"
"Yes. And something far more valuable than the water that dried up years ago."
"Licia and I want to confirm a few more things, but I think we’ve found our answer," Fiona said.
"Almost certainly. There's a library here in Gargazia; let's head there first," Licia suggested.
Fiona nodded, and Sera, whispering a quiet "Maybe..." as she began to catch on, followed suit.
In the library, the three girls found a map of the surrounding region and spread it out across a large desk. The map provided a comparison between the landscape hundreds of years ago and the present day.
"This is where we are," Fiona said, her fingertip tracing the old terrain. "This blue line represents the underground water vein that fed the hot springs before they ran dry. As you can see, the springs were once concentrated in the mountains right next to the newly established highway."
(I wonder just how much that family made back then,) Licia wondered.
The scale was impressive. One couldn't underestimate the value of hot springs; historical records showed that people had once traveled from across the continent to visit Gargazia for its waters. It was no wonder the family wanted to reclaim that glory.
"But as we’ve discussed, the water isn't the point this time. Well... it would be a lie to say it has nothing to do with it," Fiona said.
"To expand on your thought, Lady Fiona, it's about the byproduct of that water, isn't it?"
"Exactly. Which means what they found during the survey was likely——"
Fiona spread another book open on the desk. Its title was An Introduction to Magicology. Coincidentally, it was a textbook that Licia, Sera, and Ren had all used while studying for their exams. Magicology was a broad field, covering not just spells but all phenomena related to mana.
"I believe it is this," Fiona said, pointing to a page near the beginning.
It described a certain mineral—a type of precious metal that formed when high-temperature subterranean water and atmospheric mana came into contact with specific types of rock.
"As you can see, it’s a precious metal, and it commands a very high price."
Licia and Sera both knew the market value of such minerals. As daughters of high nobility, the pieces of the puzzle finally clicked into place.
"The geological survey must have revealed that a vein was sleeping deep underground," Licia said. "Sera, if we can prove the Norman Company was involved in that survey, we’ll have all the confirmation we need."
"That makes sense. The landowning family must have been thrilled to find it," Sera added.
The family had likely searched for underground resources in the past—their obsession with their lost wealth made that clear. However, such surveys were prohibitively expensive, so they probably couldn't afford to do it often. Furthermore, this metal was likely buried very deep.
For a large-scale state project, the magic tools used for geological surveys were far more powerful than civilian models, and they had the manpower to conduct a thorough search. It was easy to see how this resource had finally been discovered after all these years.
"So the corruption wasn't just about illegal money laundering," Fiona sighed.
"When you said it wasn't just about the money, Lady Ignat, what did you mean?" Sera asked.
"The act of mining itself. While adjusting the terrain for general construction is perfectly legal, what they’re doing here is a flagrant violation of Imperial Law."
Sera still looked a bit lost, but Licia nodded firmly.
"The impact on the land is completely different from normal construction. Since the resources are likely buried deep in the mountains owned by that family, digging them up without state permission is a serious crime."
Any activity that could significantly alter the terrain was treated as a matter of national security. Because of the potential impact on the surrounding environment, one could not mine underground resources without explicit permission from Imperial authorities and a formal public survey. There had been many cases in the past where mining was strictly prohibited to protect the stability of the region.
"I remember that now. It was in the Imperial Law texts," Sera said, finally catching up. Though it took her a moment longer than the others, she had studied hard as the daughter of a Heroic Archduke.
"Licia, didn't Clausel have a site where they could mine underground resources?"
"Yes, it's near the town."
"So that's different from this case. In Clausel, when they mine, appropriate taxes are paid every time the materials hit the market, right?"
If it went through the Guild, the Guild handled it. If the Lord’s house sold it directly, the Clausel Family handled it. While the specifics were complex, the end result was that taxes were always paid to Leomel.
Licia gave a wry smile as she finished her thought. "By paying money in secret, the Norman Company and the landowning family are likely planning to smuggle the ore abroad. That way, they keep all the profit without paying a copper in taxes."
It wasn't just a guess; it was the only logical conclusion.
"They might have thought they could deceive my father, Ulysses Ignat," Fiona said. "But since he oversees almost all maritime transport, it was only a matter of time before they were caught. And yet..."
Yet, that didn't stop people from trying. Criminals often operated under the delusion that they were the exception—the ones who would never be caught.
(Now, the only question is where that initial capital came from,) Licia thought, crossing her arms.
The Norman Company was a mid-sized firm. The amount of money moving was simply too large for them to have generated on their own. Even if they were gambling the entire company’s future, it felt like an impossible sum.
"I need you two to help me with one more thing," Licia said, drawing their attention.
The party guests were a vision of opulence. Gentlemen wore suits of impeccable tailoring, and the ladies were adorned in a kaleidoscope of gowns, turning the Viscount Gargazia's Manor into a sea of color. The Great Hall, a point of immense pride for the Viscount, was larger than almost anything seen in the Imperial Capital.
Hundreds of guests were engaged in lively conversation. Licia knew many were merely wearing masks of political civility, but she pushed that thought aside.
Watching her friend, who stood out more than any other lady in the room, Sera found herself mesmerized.
"...Licia, are you actually human?"
"Goodness, do you have a fever?" Licia asked, her voice tinged with concern. She leaned in close to Sera, almost pressing their foreheads together.
Midway through, Licia remembered where they were and realized the gesture was inappropriate for a formal party. Instead, she reached out and touched Sera’s cheek. Sera was momentarily distracted by how incredibly smooth and pale Licia’s skin was.
"You don't seem to have a fever. Why the sudden strange question?"
"No reason... just thinking out loud. Don't worry about it."
"If you say so. I'll leave it at that."
Licia brushed a strand of hair back and smiled. She was the very image of breathtaking beauty and grace.
"You’ve become so much more adult since last spring," Sera noted.
"The same could be said for you, Sera. It's been over a year, so of course we've changed."
"That's not exactly what I meant... but never mind. At any rate, you're going to be flooded with dance invitations tonight, Licia."
(——If I dance, I want it to be with someone I actually like.)
Fortunately, despite her lower rank, Licia was the Saint. No one would dare take offense if she turned them down. Given her age, everyone understood her desire to avoid romantic rumors.
As they watched the festivities, they returned to the topic of the day: the mysterious source of the Norman Company's capital.
"Licia, did you find anything else after we finished at the library?"
"You mean after we researched the Viscount Gargazia Family?"
Licia had asked them to look for any connection between the Viscount’s main house and the corruption. She had suspected that perhaps the Viscount himself was the silent partner, using the Norman Company as a front to forge documents and hide his involvement.
But they had found nothing of the sort. Viscount Gargazia appeared entirely clean.
However, they had found a very interesting piece of information.
"Sera, there you are."
Just as Licia was about to explain, Sera’s father appeared. Archduke Elku apologized for interrupting and led his daughter away to handle social obligations. As a member of an Archduke Family, Sera was expected to be busy with greetings.
Left alone, Licia felt the weight of many eyes upon her. It was a wonder no one had approached her yet, but there were several reasons for the hesitation. Sera’s presence had been a shield; as a member of a high-ranking family with influence across all factions, people were wary of interrupting. Others were simply too intimidated by Licia’s beauty to speak, or were busy checking their rivals to see who would make the first move.
Licia welcomed the solitude. it gave her time to think.
(Father and the others have almost certainly reached their conclusion by now.)
The realization that Licia, Fiona, and Sera had reached together—and the truth that Licia had glimpsed just beyond it. Given how Ulysses had phrased his challenge, it had to be this.
"Tonight, I would like to take this opportunity to unveil my company’s latest product! The hall will dim, but we have provided lights for the tables and floor, so please do not be alarmed!"
The Great Hall plunged into darkness, save for the low lights at the guests' feet. It was dark enough that you couldn't see the face of someone standing a few feet away. This announcement had been teased since before the party began; several companies affiliated with the city's new project were set to demonstrate their wares.
Licia looked toward the back of the hall. Several magic tools, all modeled after musical instruments, were bathed in spotlights. As a merchant operated them, a beautiful melody began to fill the room.
"Would you care to dance to the melody of our firm?"
A portion of the hall was transformed into a dance floor. Nobles began to move toward the center with their partners. In high society, dancing was as much a part of diplomacy as conversation, and the guests welcomed the change in pace.
Licia watched them with a twinge of envy.
"...I wish I could have danced with Ren."
"Is that so?"
A voice spoke from beside her, so clear it felt like a trick of the ears.
"Yes. Just think about it—we’ve never actually attended a party like this together, have we?"
"I believe I was present for your birthday party, Lady Licia."
"Honestly! Not that, I mean a proper formal event like—"
Licia froze. The voice was far too real to be an illusion. She turned her head sharply to the right.
Even in the dim light, she could clearly see his face. He was standing barely two paces away.
"——Are you real?"
Licia reached out and touched his hand. His skin was warm.
"H-H-How are you here, Ren?!"
"I'm sorry. Circumstances forced my hand."
Ren gave her his usual smile. It hadn't even been a week since they had last seen each other, yet it felt as if an age had passed. The time spent away from him had felt that long to her.
(——Wait, that means he heard what I just said!)
Her face heated up as she realized he had heard her wish to dance with him. Ren had answered with "Is that so?" after all.
She desperately tried to regain her composure. "B-By the way, what are these 'circumstances'?"
"..."
"Wait, is it about the corruption?"
"——So you knew about that as well, Lady Licia."
Realizing there was no longer any need for secrecy, Ren continued. "As I’m sure you’ve heard from Lord Ulysses, there are illegal transactions happening between the landowner and the Norman Company. I’m here tonight to bring the matter to a close."
"Bring it to a close... here? At the party?"
Given that Ren was acting alongside Prince Radius, Licia immediately guessed their intent.
"Not in the Great Hall, obviously. The final confrontation will take place in the Old Archives... though that was supposed to be a secret."
"It’s fine; it was obvious anyway. You're working with the Third Prince, after all."
"I suppose I am."
Ren explained that he was about to join the dancers. Many members of the Viscount Gargazia Family were on the floor, and he needed to get close.
"I see... just as I thought."
"Ah, you figured it out too, Lady Licia?"
Licia gave a charming smile. "I had my suspicions. But Ren, what are you going to do once you're on the dance floor?"
"I’ve been ordered to watch a certain individual's behavior from a close distance."
"...By the Third Prince?"
"Yes. Radius and I have determined that we can secure the suspect and send them to prison as early as tonight. We need a bit more time for the final preparations, so I’m keeping an eye on them in the meantime."
It seemed the target was currently enjoying the music. Licia didn't press for details; Ren was following the Prince's orders, and she didn't want to interfere.
Instead, she said, "Would you like to see if our conclusions match?"
"I would. Please, tell me what you've found."
"I will. ——But only if we dance together while I tell you."
Licia reached out her hand, her intentions clear. Even in the darkness, Ren could see her face and every detail of her deep red gown. The Saint, who had turned away every other suitor, was now inviting him with a racing heart.
"A-Are we really going to dance, Lady Licia?"
"Is that a problem? How else were you planning to blend in with the dancers, Ren? Don't tell me you were planning to ask someone else..."
"Of course not! I was originally supposed to arrive much earlier; this wasn't the plan. I'm only joining the dance out of necessity... um..."
"Do you hate the idea of dancing with me?"
"...What if someone sees us?"
"It’s fine. It’s too dark for anyone to see our faces clearly, and even if they did, you're a knight’s son from our house. There's nothing scandalous about it. Besides, if you're with me, you can get much closer to your target without looking suspicious, right?"
"That is... a fair point."
Before he could argue further, she pulled him toward the floor. "Come now. We don't have time to dawdle."
Ren took her hand with a hesitant, "Then, if I may."
With a look of pure satisfaction, Licia led him toward the music. As another magic tool was unveiled and the guests focused on the demonstration, Ren and Licia slipped quietly into the crowd of dancers.
"Now, let's see if we're on the same page," Licia said, her steps light and graceful.
Ren, on the other hand, was far less composed. Although he had been taught the basics of dancing by an attendant, he had never actually done it in a setting like this.
"Actually, Marquis Ignat gave us a challenge," Licia began, explaining the task Ulysses had set for the three girls.
"That sounds like Lord Ulysses. He likely wanted to test you," Ren said.
"We figured that out eventually. But we wanted to prove we could do it, so we've been working on it all day."
She moved on to the source of the funds.
"After we discovered the underground resources, I looked into the family history. I found out there was a man who had been disinherited from the Viscount Gargazia Family."
"You found that? You’ve been busy."
"Hehe, I have," Licia smiled proudly. "He was disinherited for poor conduct and general negligence. I thought there was a chance he was the one conspiring with the Norman Company—perhaps out of a grudge over his lost status."
"I see."
"He apparently had some savings, so I wondered if he was trying to buy his way back into power."
Licia had initially suspected that this disgraced relative was the one providing the Norman Company with the capital that exceeded their own means. To summarize: the Norman Company, the landowner, and a disgraced former noble.
That was her first theory.
"But a disinherited man wouldn't have nearly enough money. And if he tried to raise it, it would be too easy to trace."
"True."
"So, it had to be someone else. Someone with significant assets and a reason to take a massive risk. An ambitious person."
Licia had dug deeper. With Fiona and Sera’s help, she had found the missing link. Following the trail of the disinherited man led her to a specific branch family.
The branch family was known for being highly competent, and the disinherited man had actually been sent to live with them for a few years in a failed attempt to reform his character.
"We looked into that branch family. The current head is an ambitious man with plenty of wealth. He’s been aggressively expanding his influence, almost as if he’s trying to usurp the main house’s authority. On top of that, the Norman Company once approached him for a loan in the past—meaning they owed him a favor."
Licia looked up at Ren, waiting for his confirmation. Her eyes were so earnest that Ren felt as if he might be drawn into them. He gave a small, knowing smile.
"——As I expected, Lady Licia. You’ve seen right through it."
Just as Ren began to speak, the music reached a crescendo. To be heard over the volume, Ren leaned in close. Licia’s cheeks flushed as his breath brushed her ear.
"Leave the rest to us. Please don't do anything dangerous, okay?"
"But what about you, Ren?"
"Don't worry about me. I'll finish this quickly."
Even after he finished speaking, Licia’s face remained warm. She let out a soft sigh and gave him a tender look.
"Since we're here... will you stay with me for just a little longer?"
"It would be my pleasure."
When the target moved and the dance finally came to an end, Licia felt a pang of regret as she finally had to let go of his hand.
Fiona had not joined the dancing. Instead, she had remained by her father's side. After Ulysses had finished his greetings with countless nobles, Fiona slipped away to spend a quiet moment outside as the hall dimmed.
She was resting in a secluded corner of the manor's garden, with Edgar standing guard nearby. Her father had returned to the Great Hall ahead of her. Viscount Gargazia was famously protective of his garden and usually kept it closed to guests, but he had personally invited Fiona and Ulysses to enjoy it earlier that evening.
But just as Fiona was about to head back inside...
"I-Impossible! How did that information leak?!"
"I don't know... I suspect someone from the Main House must have caught wind of it..."
"That’s absurd! Not unless they have a master strategist on their side... but Marquis Ignat and the others are still——"
She heard voices—men whispering urgently.
As the speakers drew closer, Fiona stood up from her seat. She sensed a strange tension in the air and moved to rendezvous with Edgar, but suddenly—
"This way."
A hand reached out from the shadows. Fiona spun around to see Ren.
"R-Ren?!"
"Yes, it's me. I'm sorry, but come with me for a second...!"
Ren took her hand and pulled her into the shadows of a nearby hedge. Fiona’s heart, already racing from his sudden appearance, felt as if it might burst. She struggled to keep her voice down as she whispered.
"W-What’s going on? Why are you here?"
She realized that the men she had overheard had now reached the spot where she had been sitting just moments before.
"I’m investigating something, and I needed to hear what they were saying," Ren explained.
"...Ah, is it about the corruption?"
"Exactly. I'm here for the investigation."
"You really surprised me... I assume the Third Prince is here as well?"
"You're sharp as ever. You figured that out too?"
Ren and Radius were close friends. To Fiona, seeing how well they got along—even though she had known Ren longer—made her feel a tiny prick of jealousy. They seemed to be on the same wavelength.
"Find out the source no matter what!" one of the men hissed.
"Yes, sir! I'll investigate immediately!"
Ren and Fiona held their breath behind the hedge. They were so close that they could hear each other breathing.
Fiona started to say, "Um——," but Ren put a finger to his lips, offering her a rare, playful wink. Fiona found herself mesmerized by the expression.
"Go to the Old Archives immediately and finish this!"
"Understood!"
The men’s conversation ended, and they hurried away.
Ren and Fiona stepped out from behind the hedge. Fiona was still buzzing from Ren’s sudden arrival, but she didn't ask what he was planning next. She knew it was a foolish question; he was clearly handling things.
"The reason Edgar wasn't by my side was because you came for me, wasn't it, Ren?"
"I’m sorry. I asked Mr. Edgar to contact Lord Ulysses just a moment ago. I might not be enough to protect you on my own, Lady Fiona, but I was in a hurry."
"N-No! You're more than enough...! I was actually... happy...!"
Her voice trailed off at the end, her embarrassment getting the better of her. Ren looked puzzled. "What was that?"
"...Nothing. I was just talking to myself."
Edgar returned a few moments later. Ren entrusted Fiona to his care and disappeared back into the shadows to reunite with Radius.
The Viscount Gargazia Manor was an immense estate, and like the Clausel Manor, it featured an Old Wing. Beneath the cover of the party’s noise, several men were making their way there. They forced the lock and stepped into the dusty silence of the Old Archives.
The building was fan-shaped, with rows of bookshelves on the ground floor and a balcony on the second floor where the most precious volumes were kept. The men ignored the lower shelves and headed straight for the stairs.
"You're late."
A boy wrapped in a robe was waiting for them, seated in a wooden chair near their target shelf.
"Who are you? Why did you summon me here?" demanded the man who had been speaking in the garden.
The boy didn't answer directly. Instead, he said, "This wasn't originally a matter I intended to handle personally, but since I was in the neighborhood... I did a little digging, and your little scheme became quite clear."
"What are you talking about?"
"Don't you understand? You thought you were being clever, but to us, your tracks were obvious. I'm here to tell you that your corruption has been discovered. You'll be in a prison cell before dawn."
The men bristled, radiating hostility. The leader stepped forward.
"Corruption? Don't talk nonsense. Who do you think you are, making such baseless accusations against me?"
"You're the head of a branch family of House Gargazia, are you not? I believe your line was pushed aside generations ago after an ancestor lost a succession struggle."
"——We did not lose! My ancestor stepped down!"
"I see. Then why resort to this? Why use the Norman Company—a failing business—as your pawn to funnel money and bribe landowners into illegal mining?"
"...How do you know that?"
"Just answer the question. Perhaps then I'll tell you who I am."
The leader’s subordinates were all skilled swordsmen, some of whom possessed powerful skills. They were more than enough of a force to handle one boy. The leader raised a hand, ready to give the order to kill.
"——Hmph. Fine," the man said, his voice echoing through the silent library.
"I don't know where you got your information, but I'll tell you this," he continued, emboldened by the desire to unmask the boy. "The main house has been in decline for years. But my house is different! We are the ones doing the real work! We are the competent ones!"
"I know. My investigation showed that the branch family handles almost all the heavy lifting."
"Hah! At least you're well-informed." The man looked pleased. "That is why! If we gain more power, it will be for the good of this territory... no, for the good of Leomel!"
"And to achieve that, you would even frame a disgraced relative?"
"——Who the hell are you? Just what do you know?"
"Everything. You planned to smuggle the resources out of the country and then pin the whole thing on him as soon as the mine was tapped out. At the rate you were planning to dig, you could have stripped the mountain bare in a few years."
"...So what? Once my family has enough power, no one will dare complain. And did you know? That man has been secretly plotting to expand his own influence to strike back at the current Viscount. He’s the perfect scapegoat."
"I’m aware. It would have been easy to blame him. ——But tell me, do you really believe that illegal gain is the only way to achieve your 'great cause'?"
"I do."
"I see. Between the plot to usurp the main house and the illegal trade, I see nothing but naked ambition and a thirst for power. Ambition isn't a sin, but your methods are sloppy. What exactly do you hope to find at the end of this trail of corruption?"
"Don't be ridiculous. What's wrong with wanting more?" The man finally dropped his facade. "I’ve been called 'branch family' my entire life. What's wrong with wanting to tear down the main house and take what’s mine? If I’m the more capable leader, why should I suffer the existence of that pathetic main house?"
It was pure greed, fueled by a lifetime of resentment. Radius could understand the frustration of being more competent than one's superiors, but directing that anger toward treason was unforgivable.
"Even after paying off the landowners, the profit from those resources would be astronomical. With that wealth, my influence would be absolute."
In other words, he believed he couldn't win without cheating. Radius, as a member of the Imperial Family, understood the power of wealth all too well.
"I’ve heard enough. But your plan is already over. Knights have already moved against the Norman Company and the landowners. Your ambition ends tonight."
"Knights? Don't lie to me." The leader glared at the boy. "You think you can just summon us here alone and talk your way out of this? You're a dead man."
"I summoned you here because I didn't want to cause a scene at the party. Leaking the 'rumor' that your deal had been compromised was simply a way to lure you into a controlled environment."
"Guh——Capture him! But don't kill him yet! I want to know who he’s working for!"
The subordinates lunged forward. Their heavy boots thudded against the old wooden floor as they drew their weapons and closed in on the boy in the chair.
But the boy didn't move.
"I’m counting on you, battle comrade," he murmured.
As he spoke, a swordsman blurred into existence between the two parties.
"Yeah. I'll take it from here."
It was a boy holding a sword that shimmered with a dull, steel light.
The men who were blocked by that sword had various reactions. Some suddenly lost all strength and collapsed to the floor; others dropped their weapons as an intense numbness raced up their arms.
One of the men, a mage, unleashed a blast of wind. "Tear him apart!"
The wind was sharp enough to slice through skin, but it never reached its target. Ren raised his Iron Magic Sword and severed the spell with ease. With 'Star Agate' active, magic of that level was little more than a breeze.
"Impossible! My magic—!"
"Watch out! He’s a Strong Sword User!"
"Are you kidding me? A Master Swordsman Class? No one said we’d be fighting a monster like this!"
Ren ignored their panic, moving with the speed of the wind. He slipped inside the guard of an opponent and shattered their weapon. The leader of the branch family watched in horror as his elite guards were neutralized in seconds.
"A Strong Sword User of this caliber... how...?"
He collapsed to his knees, his mind reeling.
"You were out of luck," Radius said, rising from his chair. "The moment Ulysses, Lezard, and I caught wind of this, your plan was dead."
The man gasped as he heard the names. He looked even more devastated when Radius cast aside his robe, revealing his true identity. At that point, there was no need for the Prince to say another word.
The following afternoon, Ren was aboard a Magic Ship heading home.
Radius had already returned to the Imperial Capital. The final fallout of the incident had been left to Viscount Gargazia to handle. Given that the culprit was a member of his own family, it would have been harsh to hold the Viscount fully responsible for not seeing the treason right under his nose.
The Viscount had offered his life in atonement, but Radius had settled the matter by saying, "Save that resolve and use it for the sake of Leomel."
Both Elku Riohalde and Ulysses Ignat had agreed that this was the most pragmatic resolution.
As for the disinherited man, he hadn't actually taken any action yet. He had merely been harboring a grudge. However, he wasn't left entirely off the hook; Viscount Gargazia had been given a stern 'warning' to handle him. The Viscount would undoubtedly move quickly; having been shown mercy by the Third Prince, he would now work himself to the bone to prove his loyalty.
With that, the incident reached its conclusion.
The return Magic Ship was carrying both the Clausel and Ignat families.
"I didn't expect you and the Third Prince to show up like that, Ren," Lezard said.
"I’m sorry. Radius made a sudden proposal, and I thought if it would solve the problem quickly, we should go for it."
"Good grief... I'm not angry, but that certainly sounds like something the two of you would do."
Lezard and Ulysses had already deduced the true culprits. Their own investigations into the family history and financial records had pointed them toward the branch family.
"Well, let's leave the business talk there for today."
Lezard left to join Ulysses for a final briefing. Ren headed to the guest quarters to visit Licia and Fiona. The two noble daughters welcomed him inside.
"It really is difficult to solve a mystery under a time limit," Licia sighed.
"Yes. It was a valuable experience, but it also showed me how much I still have to learn," Fiona added.
Ren offered them a supportive smile. "Please, don't be so hard on yourselves."
But their expressions remained a bit flat.
"What is it?" he asked.
"...Well, it’s just that you figured everything out so much faster than we did, Ren," Licia said.
"Yes! It feels like you were ten steps ahead of us the whole time...!" Fiona agreed.
Ren gave a sheepish, deliberate cough to hide his embarrassment. "Well, that's one way to look at it. But since we're here, why don't I brew some tea? Let’s all take a break."
He was clearly trying to change the subject, but the two girls couldn't find it in themselves to be annoyed. In fact, they found the gesture rather charming.
They decided to indulge in his kindness. They spent the rest of the journey to Erendil sharing stories of what they had discovered while they were apart.
As they looked at Ren, who seemed to have grown even more reliable in such a short time, they both couldn't help but smile.