Chapter 172: Suspicions
TL: Etude
After Queller bid farewell to the captain of the Southern, he stood at the door but did not enter as he saw his fathers carriage slowly approaching.
He stood quietly at the entrance, waiting for his father to get out of the carriage.
The carriage stopped at the entrance, and Marquis Foster disembarked.
Father!
His second son stepped forward to greet him.
Father?
The Marquis seemed preoccupied with something and only responded after his son called him twice.
Oh, Queller! What are you doing standing outside?
Pauls ship has arrived. I invited the ships captain for dinner and just sent him off.
Oh, Count Grayman? Then make sure you take good care of him these next few days; after all, hes our business partner. Ive already had my dinner, so Ill be retiring to my room now.
The Marquiss attitude was peculiar to Queller. Previously, his father had always placed great importance on the partnership with the northwest bay; he even planned to recommend a few merchant representatives to meet.
Seeing his fathers furrowed brow, Queller wondered if something was troubling him.
He suddenly remembered the significant incident that had recently occurred and followed his father to ask, Is there still no clue about that matter with the Grand Duchy of Eton?
The Marquis looked at Queller with a worried face and decided to share his current troubles with his son.
Alas, theres no clue at all! It looks like the agreements that were about to be signed between the two nations are about to fall through.
The so-called matter with the Grand Duchy of Eton referred to the disappearance of the Duchesss sister.
A week earlier, His Highness the Grand Duke of Eton brought his wife and sister-in-law to visit Fort Ness and discussed with the Alliances high-ranking officials. However, as both sides were about to reach a series of political and economic agreements, the Duchesss 11-year-old sister, Baroness Fennie, was abducted while touring the city district of Fort Ness.
According to the accounts of Baroness Fennies attendants, the baroness had taken them strolling along Central Avenue when they reached a jewelry shop. The staff of the shop approached them to tout their merchandise. The guards intended to drive away the staff, but Baroness Fennie suddenly took an interest and decided to have a look inside.
As a result, a large group, including the guards and attendants, swarmed into the store.
This group of attendants and guards was later found unconscious inside the jewelry shop, with several people lying in the storeroom confirmed to be the actual owner and staff of the shop.
A few of the unconscious guards were clutching their drawn weapons, but most guards weapons had not been drawn. The store showed signs of a minor struggle and an unusual odor speculated by alchemists involved in the investigation to be a potent mesmerizing perfume.
But what followed was bizarre; when the unconscious individuals awoke, they appeared to have collectively lost several hours of memory. The store owner and staff could only recall experiences up to opening the store that morning, while the Baronesss attendants and guards only remembered up to the point of entering the shop.
Were they colluding to evade their guilt, or were they in league with the thieves? But all those chosen for personal guards and attendants are without exception loyal and reliable.
Regardless, no one now believed their story; the attendants, guards, staff, and store owner from that time were all locked up in prison, undergoing endless interrogation.
With the incident occurring on Alliance soil, the Alliance naturally couldnt shirk responsibility. The council ordered a nationwide search, and the Grand Duchy of Eton also gathered a large force for investigation, yet there had been no leads for days.
They had become so desperate that they even issued a commission at the adventurers guilds, seeking civil assistance.
As a member of the council, Marquis Foster felt tremendous pressure recently. A number of agreements had been successfully negotiated with the Grand Duchy of Eton, which were now indefinitely put on hold due to the abduction.
In such a situation, its understandable that he had no mind to care about the business cooperation with Grayman.
The next morning, Ladi, leading her mother and Lisa, arrived at the dock area of Fort Ness and quickly found the berth of the Southern after inquiring about the strange ship without oars and with tall, thick masts.
A sailor on duty at the gangway recognized Mr. Derrickat this time, the female advisor had again donned a mans disguise, complete with a small mustache.
Captain Quik immediately descended the ship to greet her.
Mr. Derrick, these two are your family members?
Quik was well prepared for the presence of the female party. Although he was not thrilled to host them, it was a command from the lord, and he could not defy it.
Ladi introduced them. Good day, Captain. This is my mother, Cierra Sertia, and this is our shop assistant, Lisa, who will accompany us to the northwest bay.
Quik executed what he thought was a gentlemanly gesture.
Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Sertia. I am Captain Quik of the Southern.
Cierra Sertia, although middle-aged, was still a great beauty, and possessing a maturity that was lacking in naive young girls, it was no wonder she could give birth to such a handsome son as Mr. Derrick.
But behind the beauty, Quik sensed an ineffable quality in her.
Cierra reciprocated the greeting while responding in Ordo language. Hello, Captain Quik. My child has been under your care. We will have to trouble you for a while longer; its very kind of you.
Quik quickly waved his hand. No trouble at all. Bringing you to the northwest bay is one of the missions of our voyage.
Ladi asked. Captain Quik, how long will the Southern stay in Fort Ness?
Quik pondered.
The return date is not yet certain, but I think at least five days. Those merchant representatives seem determined to thoroughly investigate the southern market. Are you in a hurry to get back?
Ladi was relieved and shook her head. Im not in a hurry. It so happens that I have some matters to attend to, just for a few days.
How about this, Captain Quik? Ill find an inn nearby for my mother and Lisa in the meantime, and when the Southern is ready to depart, I will bring them aboard. I have some personal business to take care of during this time.
Quik readily agreed. Of course, Mr. Derrick.
After all, it was indeed somewhat inconvenient for two women to stay on a ship; it seemed best to wait until departure to have them board.
Thus, the three bid a temporary farewell to Quik and went in search of an inn.
After settling Cierra and Lisa, Ladi apologized somewhat guiltily to her mother. Sorry, mother, I have to leave you for a little while.
Cierra touched her head with understanding. You still care so much about others. Go ahead, Ladi. You have had a deep connection with her; its right for you to help. Even if you cant do much, you should at least go and comfort her. But remember to act within your limits.
I am aware of the boundaries, Ladi replied.
The female advisor then said goodbye to her mother and Lisa and left the inn to head towards the embassy district of Fort Ness.
Join my Discord: https://discord.gg/jUm4wCfDxd
Consider supporting me on kofi! /etudetranslations
Follow current nov𝒆ls on freew(𝒆)bnov𝒆l.(c)om