Turning Chapter 704 (Patreon)

Chapter 704

'And coincidentally, we are currently pursuing Southern merchants who might be hiding somewhere in the south. A murder involving a servant from the southern countries and Awakeners… It's worth pursuing any potential connection.'

After Myra left, Kishiar, rather than simply waiting for those who had departed for the investigation, chose to briefly return to the Cavalry branch.

"Nathan, I shall return with my assistant. You go ahead to the location I've instructed."

"Understood."

Indeed, the carriage, occupied by just the two of them, was the ideal place for discussing matters not to be shared with others. As soon as Yuder boarded and confirmed that no one was around, he immediately relayed newly recalled information and his own speculations.

"I remembered from the previous game that a member of Baron Conche's household had seized the title of Duke Herne. It seems right to suspect that they're behind the Second Prince's death, and it would be prudent to investigate considering the Southern merchants might be backing Baron Conche's family."

"That makes sense. I did notice an unusual reaction from you when Baron Conche's name came up earlier."

Kishiar rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

"When you told me about First Princess Myra from the previous game, I thought we should investigate those who might covet the succession rights to prevent the same tragedy from repeating."

"Yes, you did say that."

"It's embarrassing that the Second Prince passed away before I could properly finish my investigation. I managed to gather a list and some basic information about the families with legitimate claims to the succession. The Conche family was among them."

It had only been a day since they had that conversation, so when had he found the time to conduct this investigation? Although it wasn't complete, the important part was that Kishiar noticed the Conche family's involvement.

Yuder listened intently, feeling a renewed sense of awe at Kishiar La Orr's efficiency.

"The Conche family doesn't have a significant presence within the Herne household. The current baron is the type to squander money, leaving them with little wealth, and they're only given cursory recognition because of their close blood ties and being a collateral branch."

Kishiar raised one corner of his mouth as if to ask if Yuder understood the implication.

"In other words, if First Princess Myra were to disappear and the succession passed to a collateral branch, the family would have no reason to support them. If they emerged victorious in the previous game, then the Second Prince's recent death might just reveal the 'reason' behind their success. And if that reason is indeed related to the Southern merchants and their surrounding forces..."

"Then keeping an eye on Baron Conche's family now would increase our chances of finding them or their traces."

"Exactly."

"In that case, I'll go and investigate."

Yuder immediately volunteered. He couldn't be complacent, having seen a man capable enough to dodge Kishiar's sword among those Southern merchants.

Given Kishiar's position, needing to safeguard the Cavalry branch and the suspicion surrounding the Second Prince's murder, he couldn't afford to be away for long. Yuder thought it best for him to move discreetly.

He was prepared to persuade Kishiar if necessary, but to his surprise, Kishiar merely glanced at his expression and nodded easily.

"I thought you'd say that. You have my permission."

"Thank you."

"But go with Nathan."

"..."

"That fellow has also seen the pinnacle of swordsmanship, so he won't be a hindrance."

Describing Nathan Zuckerman, a Swordmaster, as merely 'not being a hindrance' seemed insufficient, yet Kishiar did so with casual ease.

And then, Yuder finally guessed where Kishiar had sent Nathan Zuckerman just before their own departure.

'...He had seen through my intentions even before we set out.'

Yuder looked at him, astonished, but Kishiar merely smiled.

"It's still conjecture at this point, but I believe there's a high probability that the Southern merchants are involved in this affair. Considering their previous long preparations to win over the heart of Duke Tain, it's hard to be certain that they wouldn't have tried something with the master of the South, Herne."

"Yes."

"They are indeed dangerous. But that's not the only reason why I'm sending both you and Nathan."

"...Then what other reason might there be?"

Usually, Yuder could guess Kishiar's thoughts and intentions, but this time it was difficult.

As Yuder expressed his doubt, Kishiar's red eyes darkened.

"If we can confirm their schemes this time, we gain additional information – the certainty that they played the same hand in the previous game."

"..."

"You've told me much about the previous game, but there was scarcely any information about them. That means they are almost an unknown enemy to you as well."

Kishiar's voice echoed quietly and deeply within the carriage.

"Unlike in the West where we were confident in shifting situations to our advantage because we hold informational superiority, this time is different. We have little information, and their purpose and intent are still not fully certain, so we can't afford to let our guard down even slightly. In such a situation, it's better to seek safety and find a way to securely protect the First Princess rather than take risks in scouting an unknown and cunning foe."

Yuder too had made considerable efforts with the intelligence unit to dig up information on these Southern merchants since their encounters in the West. However, he hadn't thought as Kishiar did.

'But certainly... he's right.'

Yuder now fully understood why Kishiar had resorted to such a drastic measure as sending Nathan after himself for something as trivial as surveilling Baron Conche's family. It meant he didn't want to leave even a single chance for carelessness.

Yuder had twisted many parts of the future, saving those destined to die and achieving results that were never meant to be. Despite such extensive changes, some events still repeated themselves in different conditions, like the death of the Second Prince of Herne.

If the Southern countries' involvement meant that outcome was inevitable, then it was hard to be certain that the First Princess Myra could entirely escape it. It was a time when swift and reliable verification was needed.

"Here. Take this."

As Kishiar gave directions to Baron Conche's house, he handed Yuder a ring he had worn on his finger. It was a new ring, replaced after some of the magic tools used in the recent fighting arena had lost their power. Yuder noticed the barely discernible magic inscriptions intricately intertwined with the design on the inside of what seemed to be a plain silver ring.

"It's a communication tool that can be used about three times. Nathan has something similar, but having an extra one can't hurt."

As he said this, he casually waved his other hand, revealing a ring on his finger. The ring was different in color but almost identical in design to the other.

"These two form a pair, and if you stroke the inside three times, they will react to each other. Use it when you need to request assistance."

"Understood."

"Just in case, I must say, you absolutely must not get hurt. And... this."

Kishiar then pulled something else out of his pocket. Before Yuder could reflexively take and examine it, Kishiar gently wrapped his fingers around Yuder's, forming his hand into a fist. Yuder felt something crinkling inside his hand, but he couldn't tell what it was.

"Check it after you get off. I'll see you later then."

"Please take care as well, Commander."

The man, having heard Yuder's parting words, smiled beautifully. Moments later, he pulled the carriage reins, signaling Yuder to disembark. The street was nearly deserted.

"Baron Conche's mansion is at the end of this street, with the blue roof and three stories. Nathan should be around there."

After watching the carriage depart for a moment, Yuder unfolded his fist.

Inside was a collection of candies wrapped in paper, similar to those he had seen before.

'...When did he even manage to pick these up?'

He was sure they hadn't been there when they left the capital, and it was a mystery where they had been kept.

Nevertheless, finding them unexpectedly pleasant, Yuder silently unwrapped one of the candies and popped it into his mouth. The sweet taste moistened his tongue.

"Sigh..."

Though it felt a bit different than usual, it was still the proper start of what was to come.