Chapter 146: Great Knight Remrona – Part 2
As expected, Remrona was inside the room.
“—Mmh? Oh? The Eribol killer! I heard you were sent to the prison, but you are prison breaking?” (Remrona)
Remrona looks surprised when I enter the room.
Swiftly standing up from her chair, she places her hands on the longsword and dagger at her hips and drew the longsword.
“That’s right, but first let’s tal—whoa!” (Shuuya)
Remrona thrust her longsword at me, but both her feet are grasped by Helme who had moved below her.
—Remrona, who had her feet immobilized, pitches forward with a lot of momentum and falls over.
She hit her head against the small table in front of her.
“—Guah.” (Remrona)
It looks like she hasn’t fainted, but it sure seems painful.
Remrona looks up at me while shaking her head.
Different from her questioning expression, her eyes were full of bloodlust.
First I have to get her to listen to me.
“…Remrona-san, you understand your current situation, right?” (Shuuya)
“Nyaa?”
As I smile, I spin my words while staying as polite as possible.
However, Rollo hit Remrona’s face with her tail, obviously teasing her.
“…Kuuh, a murderer and a fugitive! If I call Sirjes, someone like you…” (Remrona)
Sirjes?
After Remrona wards off Rollo’s tail that’s coiled around her face, she places a hand on the table and checks the ice hands seizing her feet.
I added an explanation for her, who was frantically trying to recover.
“Please wait, Remrona-san. Please understand that I don’t want to attack you right now. I’d just like you to listen to me.” (Shuuya)
Remrona slowly stands after having been calmed a bit by my words.
“…Hmph, how about removing those ice hands from my feet first then?” (Remrona)
There’s still bloodlust dwelling in her eyes, but let’s trust in her here.
“Helme, remove your hands.” (Shuuya)
“…”
The frozen hands growing out of her liquid form vanish at once.
Remrona looked somewhat surprised at having her feet released so readily.
Still, she took up a combat stance.
“Did you understand me?” (Shuuya)
“Yeah…” (Remrona)
Remrona nods faintly and lowers her longsword.
Now then, before talking about the account book, I have to check whether Remrona is connected to Saril.
Her previous exchanged with Saril might have been a little act, after all.
“…Before we talk about the main topic, I want to confirm something.” (Shuuya)
“What is it?” (Remrona)
Remrona looks at me dubiously.
Well, I do get her.
It’s the words of a man who has broken out of jail and who restrained her feet by manipulating a mysterious pool of water.
“What relation do you have with Great Knight Saril?” (Shuuya)
“You saw it, didn’t you? Great Knight Saril Dalarl is the 8th ranked Great Knight. He’s my superior. We are both viscounts, but for someone who belongs to the 【Nine White Great KnightsWhite Nine】, hierarchy is absolute.” (Remrona)
Rank is everything, huh?
But it seems that she doesn’t know about his fraud.
“…What would you do if I told you that Great Knight Saril was involved in various illegal matters?” (Shuuya)
“—Are you mocking me, Shuuya Kagari?” (Remrona)
With a nimble motion, she lifts her lowered longsword.
She points her sword at me.
Seeing her stance, where she holds the longsword with her right hand and touches the haft of her dagger with her left, I felt traces of a style I have seen somewhere before.
A strong will is emitted from her eyes.
It’s just my intuition, but I think that she’s not involved in the fraud of Saril.
I think it’s fine to show her the proof, so let’s do that.
“…No, not at all. I don’t have the slightest intention to do that. Then, wait a little moment—open.” (Shuuya)
I activate the item box.
Remrona twitches her longsword forward a bit after seeing me move my arm, but appearing to comprehend my action, she didn’t come attacking me.
While smiling, I retrieve the account book from my item box and open it on the table.
“First lower your sword and have a look at this, please.” (Shuuya)
Remrona moves her eyes back and forth as if comparing me and the account book.
…After a short moment, she nods and sheathes her longsword in its scabbard. She takes a seat on the sofa to get a better look at the account book on the table.
“…T-This is the Macbayn family’s…real crest?” (Remrona)
In an instant, she recognizes the account book as being genuine.
Even while being amazed, Remrona turns over the pages of the account book.
Her hands tremble with each turned page.
At the same time, rage oozes out of her narrow eyes.
“Fuck. Even though we are at war; for the corruption to have spread this far…” (Remrona)
Remrona expresses her anger.
With that timing, she picks up the account book she was reading.
Now then, from here on out it’s the main topic.
“Remrona-san, what will you do if I told you that I’m entrusting this to you?” (Shuuya)
She was angry but closes her eyes to suppress her wrathful feelings. Once she slowly opens them again, she had regained her composure.
“—What do you want?” (Remrona)
“First, my freedom.” (Shuuya)
“…Got it. Is what I want to say, but I’m curious about the route you used to invade Eribol’s mansion. My dragon, Sirjes, felt something in the sky that night.” (Remrona)
That time, huh?
If I remember correctly, I heard the roar of a dragon from the neighboring mansion when we invaded Eribol’s mansion.
“I can’t tell you the full details, but it’s just as you say.” (Shuuya)
“…Hoh, so what about Eribol’s daughter?” (Remrona)
Guess I will be honest about that, too.
“…If I told you that I killed her?” (Shuuya)
“Nothing. I will overlook it if you hand over the account book.” (Remrona)
Oh wow, how unexpected.
I thought she would arrest me after saying “unforgivable,” like a policewoman.
In that case, I suppose I will talk a bit about Saril.
“After you were ordered to leave by Great Knight Saril, he told me the same thing. But it was strange that he didn’t ask even once about his fiancée.” (Shuuya)
“…I suppose that’s the reason he turned me down. In that case, she might have been a fake fiancée just for form’s sake. For a noble at that level to be involved in this. Even excluding what’s written in the account book, his dark connections with Eribol might have run deep.” (Remrona)
Going by her thought process it seems that she has already predicted her fellow noble’s black connections to some extent.
By now I think that it’s fine to hand the account book over to her, but there’s still something I’d like to know.
I will try asking about her skill they had talked about before.
“…I’m curious about the <Magic Residue Vision> skill you mentioned, Remrona-san. Were you able to connect me with Eribol’s mansion by using that skill?” (Shuuya)
“That’s right. I used that skill. Speaking of details, there’s also the aspect that all information was present. It’s an excellent spy for me…” (Remrona)
Remrona averts her face a bit while saying so.
It looks like she doesn’t want to talk much about her own abilities.
However, I will still ask her.
“…Putting spying aside, what kind of ability is it?” (Shuuya)
She looks into my eyes that are brimming with curiosity.
After a small sigh, she lowers the special, mana-filled, white cloth covering the lower part of her face, exposing her beautiful, crimson lips.
“…First, look at this.” (Remrona)
She lifts her red forelocks, showing her forehead.
A crest with a white, faint hyakumanako mark 2 surrounded by fine, spiderweb-like lines was engraved on her forehead.
The white — close to transparent — lines spread until right above her ears.
It seems unrelated to the special cloth that concealed her mouth.
I guess it’s a third, white eye on her forehead.
Since she had semi-long, red hair, I didn’t notice it at all.
Once I check it with Magic Observation, the eye squirms as if being alive and the mana dwelling within is mysteriously increasing and abating.
“…If I use my skill, this forehead changes even further.” (Remrona)
“Hee, it doesn’t look like you are a human.” (Shuuya)
“Indeed. I’m a half-ghost. The skill’s range is very small, but there are cases where mana remains as branches at a level that is far beyond the understanding of an ordinary person. By looking at those branches, I can watch a part of what happened in the past in black and white.” (Remrona)
“That’s amazing!” (Shuuya)
I raise my voice in excitement.
It’s inevitable for Remrona to widen her eyes in surprise.
“…Thank you. Even if it’s a lie, that reaction makes me happy. With this, I can chase the faint traces of mana within a range and watch a part of the events that happened there for a limited time, but it’s an ability that allows me to watch through a monochrome view. By the way, it’s different from the skill <Devour Traces> used by the monsters of the spirit world. This white eye is an Extra Skill called <Ralsuun’s Eyes of Fate>.” (Remrona)
<Devour Traces>?
That’s the first I’ve heard of that. It appears to be a skill that monsters in the spirit world have.
In addition, the Extra Skill <Ralsuun’s Eyes of Fate>, huh?
The faint traces of mana left behind in things and space?
Is it some kind of ESP-like psychometric ability?
To begin with, mana leaves behind traces?
I wonder, are mana particles, which are smaller than elementary particle-like quarks, since they are faint, remaining in the air without being annihilated by anti-particles as it happens in the quantum field theory?
If you do a scientific experiment making use of the laws of Dirac and Heisenberg, it might be possible to see mana and magic source as numerical values.
Though that’s only a story if quantum fluctuations also exist in this world.
However, if she has such an ability, it appears to be easy to catch criminals.
“…You observed past crime scenes with that skill, right?” (Shuuya)
“Correct. That black cat over there killed Eribol. I could even see the moment when you quarreled with Eribol’s daughter. Since his daughter held a cursed dagger, the situation was weird, no?” (Remrona)
Whoa, that’s amazing shit.
Or rather, I guess she didn’t see me sucking her soul out.
Great. Otherwise she would never regard me as human.
Mmh? Wait…is she deliberately not saying anything since she’s guessing that I’m hiding the fact that I’m a vampire?
She has watched the whole scene with her skill, after all. It’s possible that she’s being discreet about it.
“…I see. That’s why you could identify me.” (Shuuya)
Well, assuming that to be the case, I will show no gaps in my words.
“Yeah, given that the strain on me is large, it’s really limited though, I guess? I’d like you to keep this a secret. To the bitter end, this is something I talked about for the account book over there and because I trust you.” (Remrona)
The pupils of her narrow eyes glance at the account book.
“Yes, I understand.” (Shuuya)
“Well then, that’s enough, right? Can you hand that account book over to me?” (Remrona)
Remrona leaned forward as if telling me to quickly pass the account book, that I picked up, over to her.
“There’s still something. How are you going to fabricate my innocence after I gave you this account book?” (Shuuya)
“You’ll just have to trust me for now…” (Remrona)
Remrona lets out a small sigh.
However, I mention yet another worry of mine.
“I’m negotiating with you exactly because I think that I can believe you. But, your superior, Saril, is targeting this very account book. I think he will investigate how I was able to escape from the prison. Seeing as you are related to this, I believe that he will also turn his suspicion at you, Remrona-san…” (Shuuya)
Remrona laughs a bit at my words.
The thin line of her chin is adorable.
“Haha, it’s unnecessary to worry about that. I have the honor to be attached to His Highness Second Prince Fals, who governs this Pelneet. If His Highness directly sees the various evidences of fraud stated in this account book, they should be swiftly dealt with, even if the other party is the 8th ranked Great Knight. Besides, I won’t only hand it over to His Highness. I’m also attached to the nearby 7th ranked Great Knight.” (Remrona)
Is Remrona attending other Great Knights, too?
That’s okay?
The prince’s name isn’t mentioned in the account book. I think he’s fine in regards to the fraud.
However, what if the prince is unreliable?
“…Eribol hasn’t been in contact with His Highness?” (Shuuya)
Once I asked that doubtfully, Remrona’s expression completely changed and she drew the dagger at her hip without getting up.
She turns the naked blade my way.
“—Shuuya Kagari, don’t get too carried away. Certainly, His Highness also has his insincere aspects, but there’s absolutely no way for him to be in contact with such a vulgar dark guild!” (Remrona)
“—Shaaa.”
Rollo, who had stayed silent until now, reacted to Remrona’s loud voice.
She released a threatening voice with her fur standing on end.
“—Master.”
“—She’s cheeky for turning her sword against you several times, Your Excellency. It’s time for me to pierce her butt, isn’t it?” (Helme)
Next, Viine and Helme react as well.
Helme returns to her humanoid shape in an instant, announcing that coldly while releasing an ice pebble against Remrona’s dagger.
“—Guuh!” (Remrona)
Once the ice pebble clashes with the dagger, ice encroaches up her dagger wielding arm in an instant.
Moreover, Viine drew Blacksnake and pressed its point against Remrona’s neck.
“Helme, Viine, it’s fine. Remrona-san only tried to display the authority of royalty.” (Shuuya)
“Yes, Master!” (Viine)
“Okay.” (Helme)
In response to my words, Viine sheathed Blacksnake in a unique motion.
Since the poison magic characters of Blacksnake release a green light, she likely doesn’t want to be cut.
Helme also liquefies.
While making a splash, her liquid spread on the floor, returning to the previous pool of water.
At the same time, Remrona’s frozen arm melts.
“Remrona-san, excuse me for my subordinates acting as they please… But, it’s probably better for you to stop threatening me. After all, it would be unpleasant…for my negotiation partner to become headless.” (Shuuya)
“…Okay, understood.” (Remrona)
Remrona agrees with my remark.
I can see a tinge of fear in her eyes.
Did we make things a bit awkward? Given that the situation would worsen if I hurt her feelings, I give a little apology and bear mind to talk as polite as possible.
“…I had no intention to insult His Highness. But, as written in this account book, the connections between Eribol and the influential people in this city ran deep. Therefore, I wanted to know in advance whether there’s a connection to the prince for caution’s sake… I don’t know anything about His Highness. As you can see, I have the position of a rude adventurer. Since I have apologized for my rudeness, I’d like to ask you for your forgiveness on this occasion.” (Shuuya)
I bow my head while sitting.
“No, drawing a weapon while negotiating was impolite as well. Excuse me.” (Remrona)
Once I politely apologized, Remrona responded by bowing her head as well.
Just considering her high loyalty towards the prince, she seems to have a good disposition.
“No, no. Well then, I want to hand over this account book, but…” (Shuuya)
“What is it? Is there still something?” (Remrona)
Remrona reveals a reluctant expression.
“Yes. Remrona-san, you are going to meet with His Highness after receiving this account book, right?” (Shuuya)
“That’s correct, but, don’t tell me, you want to meet His Highness as well?” (Remrona)
As expected, was I too blunt about it?
“Yes.” (Shuuya)
“…What will you do after meeting Fals-sama?” (Remrona)
She stares at me, trying to infer my real intentions.
Honestly, I just want to see the prince, to see royalty, though.
It’s also possible that he will become a nice financial supporter, a sponsor.
If it’s just me and Rollo, there’s no need for a supporter, but I made Viine, Rebecca, and Eva into my friends and subordinate.
For the sake of making sure to not foist too much on them, I think I should use the chance to make connections if it presents itself.
“…Please don’t be so cautious. I just want to form a connection with royalty. If I get in contact with His Highness, I should be able to pretend that I joined his faction in the eyes of others. Once that happens, it will become difficult for enemies to meddle with me unnecessarily — a deterrence. Well, if I phrase it so that it’s easy to understand, it means that I’d like to be supported by joining His Highness.” (Shuuya)
But, there are also worries.
Remrona-san’s superior seems to be the second prince himself. There might be a factional strife with his family: his younger brother, the third prince; the first prince, the elder brother; or his younger or elder sisters.
Well, there’s no point in overthinking either.
“…Hmm, it’s rude, but just as I’ve heard, you are a frank man.” (Remrona)
Just as she heard?
Remrona laughs a bit. Her slit eyes are beautiful.
Her face is small as well. A beautiful knight with freckles and scarlet hair is really nice.
“Yes, indeed. There is another reason for the frankness. After all, I’m in front of a beautiful woman like you, Remrona-san.” (Shuuya)
Getting on with her style, I got carried away.
“Wh-…Humph, So, can I have you pass me the account book?” (Remrona)
Is she not used to having her womanly appearance praised? While averting her face slightly to the side in order to hide her embarrassment, she asks for the account book.
Her cheeks are dyed red.
Without gazing at her cheeks, I speak up while looking into her two reddish-brown eyes.
“Yes, I think I will give it to you. But, is it possible for me to be present when you are reporting to His Highness?” (Shuuya)
“…Understood. If you definitely won’t take any hostile actions when we do so, I will promise you that.” (Remrona)
Oh, it worked. The negotiations succeeded.
“Yes. Please. Then—” (Shuuya)
I hand the account book over.
“Alright. We are going to head to the mansion where His Highness lives. It’s fine for you to follow me, right?” (Remrona)
“Yes.” (Shuuya)
Remrona stores the account book in a cloth bag at her waist, stood up, and fixed her appearance.
That cloth bag seems to be an item box.
Even with the account book put inside, the bag’s small size doesn’t change.
I stand up from my chair.
“Helme, come back.” (Shuuya)
“…”
Once I instruct her, Helme came back into my left eye while drawing a parabola.
Rollo also gets on my shoulder.
Remrona watched in amazement at the moving water settling into my left eye, but she pulls herself together with a sigh and walks towards the door in front.
“Let’s go—” (Remrona)
While saying that, Remrona placed her hand on the doorknob and opens it.
“Roger, please take the lead.” (Shuuya)
Viine and I look at each other and nod.
Remrona heads out of the room first.
There are soldiers walking through the corridor, but they don’t notice us.
We follow her with a delay.
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