Vol. 1 - Ch. 223 - Road Trip (5)

"We intercepted a suspicious carriage heading south from Mingua toward Eclair. The carriage, drawn by two horses, one of which had black fur, is owned by a mercenary group of unknown nationality, which likely has no connection to the incident."

The reports from nearby regions non-stop streamed into the task-force headquarter at Eclair's military garrison. 

Among which, the one particular about the foreign's mercenary group caught General Airu, her eyebrow shooting up as she removed her gaze from the map, unfurled on the huge table, to the messenger.

"Mercenary, huh... Did you thoroughly check their carriage? Or, what was their purpose to visit Yuglia, and where were they at the time of the incident?"

"Yes, sir! We searched the carriage thoroughly, but found no suspicious items! The purpose of their visit was to join the Hellraucast's subjugation operation, based on the request for assistance from the Explorer's Association, sent to various nations. However, this request was later canceled, as the scale of the disaster turned out to be smaller than anticipated. We did find a payment receipt stamped with the kingdom's seal, but we are currently verifying it as a precaution. As for their whereabouts during the incident, they were staying in Mingua, and several people, including the innkeeper, have affirmed their testimony!"

"I see. You have secured their location, then? Just to be safe, I’ll have the knights conduct a direct interview with them."

"Certainly! We’ve requested they stay in Eclair for a few days, and they’ve agreed. Now, about the merchant group that was staying in Ado just before the incident—"

As the flood of incoming information was being sifted through, Airu continued issuing orders one after another. But next, a sudden arrival of the military's messenger interrupted them. 

"I have a report! Sir Allen Rovenne has arrived! He is requesting permission for his school friend, Sir Vizkus Levancool, to enter the garrison. How should we proceed?"

Airu glanced briefly at Tim.

"He’s the grandson of the late Baron Levancool, and a renowned rider who even served as the royal stable master. I’ve already reviewed his profile. Grant him entry as an important witness."

"Understood! I will escort them."

A few minutes later, Allen and Vizkus appeared at the headquarters.

"It’s been a while, Allen Rovenne. ............What in the world is with that mask?"

"Ah, Tim-san, what are you doing here? Also, we appreciate your work during Outdoor Classes Orientation. Um, this mask? I call this ‘nihility.’ Pretty cool, right?"

Allen replied while shifting the mask up from his face.

"…Well, never mind. I was transferred to the 7th Legion this spring. I just happened to be on an inspection tour of the garrison when the incident occurred. I’m still settling in, so the actual command here is being handled by the garrison general Airu."

Allen nodded, taking note of the situation.

"I was quite stunned when I heard the scale at which the incident is being handled, so it was your words huh. Thank you very much Tim-san, Airu-san. I really couldn't have done well alone."

A polite bow came from Allen to show his appreciation for their help.

"I-I am Valcus, the governor of this city. It's an honor to meet you, Sir Allen Rovenne!"

"Ah, yes, nice to meet you, Viscount Valcus. I am Allen Rovenne. I am inexperienced in such things, so I would be relying on your support."

Viscount Capione was scrutinising Allen's humble behaviour as Viscount Valcus introduced himself with a hurried tone, and took this chance to wedge himself between, putting his greeting.

"I am the head of the Capione family who has been governing the neighbourhood for a long time. Now that I am meeting you in person, your presence is indeed something to behold. Haha, I couldn't have for the love of my life see how a bygone countryside gave birth to a supernova like you, but the missing piece was the glimpse to the whole truth. True, the lineage of the Dosperior family is certainly a leading one in this kingdom. It's my honor to meet you."

Those words however erased that smile from Allen's face, who simply shook hands slowly.

"Yes, it's also my pleasure to meet you, Viscount Capione. But may I add... the lineage really doesn't matter. I was born of *bygone countryside*, this is unchangeable, so I am not even as good as speck of dust against your presence."

The straight gaze of Allen had filled Viscount Capione with the urge to click his tongue, but he barely suppressed that. 

A stuffy air dominated the room for a short while.

"...Oh, me and my words. I meant to say, I was just surprised to hear about your noble lineage, I really wasn't meaning anything else."

Allen reverted with an understanding nod, easing his expression.

"Of course, I know you didn't mean that, Viscount. And speaking of, I am honestly grateful that you've put such a solid defense, and a wide net to capture the thieves. And also to Sheriff Zair I had met back in Ado, it also helps that he took an urgent measure to request support. No words are enough to express my gratitude."

Viscount Capione let out a low-key harrump, and did his best to appear like it was his pleasure. 

"There wouldn't be any bigger travesty than to ignore thieves inside the region as the noble. It's but an obvious thing to do."

The words brought a smile yet again on Allen's face. 

"God knows how I resonate with those feelings. After all, I, too, have sworn to decimate anyone who ever so dares to step on my way."

Viscount Capione's back prespired in cold sweat, noticing that there were apparently more than eyes than to what the young man, with seemingly silly nature, appears to.

◆◆◆

The following day, Tim was in the forest near Mingua. 

He had come here after receiving reports that there had been some shrill, unfamiliar sounds—akin to a mana chain cutting the tree—but more heavy in the area last night.

"You didn't have to take the trouble to arrive here, Chief Commander Tim. You can leave it to us."

Deputy commander Kurushina had been accompanying him, and appeared troubled at Tim's action, messaging his temple. Tim reverted with a wry expression. 

"As much of a leader I am now, I lack any knowledge about this region. The best person to undertake this task is of course Airu, who has been leading this place for far longer than me. But that may be so, the knight order didn't need the type of leader who sinks his teeth on the table without an ounce of effort to know the place just because he's new here. It's my duty to command the subordinates, and there's no skipping it."

As his aide, Kurushina could accept the matter if his leader had decided so. But, in some way, it was no surprise with how much knight order emphasizes hands-on approach, which is almost like a custom. Tim, too, was standing up to those traditions only. 

On Earth, there might be times when the physical stamina required for front-line duty fades with experience, forcing one to step back from active duty. However, in this world, the presence of magic allowed one to persist through the situation. 

As they entered the forest, Tim slowed his pace. He heightened the accuracy of his detection magic, ensuring he wouldn’t miss even the smallest oddity, and his eyes darted around in all directions.

The fresh tracks of a carriage ran along a small path, leading toward a makeshift campsite where the explorer had reported hearing strange sounds the previous day.

The path in the forest split into several smaller trails, with charcoal kilns and timber drying areas scattered along the way.

However, all these paths eventually led to dead ends, meaning that to exit the forest with a carriage, one would have to pass through the same entrance Tim had just come through.

"…Where are we headed, Sir Tim?"

Tim, who had been staring at the grass growing along a small path leading to a charcoal kiln, suddenly veered off toward a beast trail heading south. Without a word, he plunged deeper into the forest, his nose twitching slightly.

He continued on, walking off the beaten path for two or three hundred meters before stopping.

Once again, he twitched his nose and carefully surveyed the surroundings, then stepped to the side and began digging into the soil. After a moment, he uncovered a freshly dead crocodile, about 150 centimeters in length.

"…This is the carcass of a railgator which could be found around Lake Eclair. They're very dangerous monsters if the explorers aren't careful, and would only take a blink for their swarm to besiege them. Even an expert explorer would find themselves on a dead end if they are caught in that situation. But, beyond that—Railgator's hide is durable and has excellent flexibility, making them a much sought item for defense items. Any explorer would surely bring them back in."

Aide Kureshina followed after the trail of Tim, and offered his explanation.

"The traces of carefully erased footprints suggest this wasn’t the work of an explorer. I have also engaged in their hunting in my earlier days when there was a mass outbreak of them. ...And this one died from a thrust to the nape of the neck from behind with a longsword. Moreover, the strike is extremely clean. This is the handyman of an expert."

"If this is the work of the culprit... wait, have they ditched the carriage, and are trying to traverse through the forest by carrying those mana vehicles? They must be some optimistic group to think they can escape using that method."

Tim stroked his chin in contemplation.

"I heard the new model of mana vehicle is what, two-wheeler? With a tire on front and back. They also only weigh around 90kg. It's not impossible to carry him along."

"O-only two wheels? How do you even drive that thing... but indeed, if that's the weight, and the culprit boasted output and preservation of Body Strengthening Magic akin to knights, it's not far cry to adopt that method."

Just as the two Aide and Deputy Commander contemplated, a person—his military uniform suggesting his affiliation to be Marquis Dragoon Army—approached holding a piece of wood.

"I had been looking for you, Sir Tim, Sir Kurushina! We have spotted a concerning thing at the firewood pile near the explorer's camp! Please take a look at this!"

It appeared to have been hacked off from the cargo area with an axe or similar tool. The cut section showed no signs of drying or weathering, suggesting it was quite recent.

Tim and Krushina exchanged a glance and nodded.

"…Send a messenger to Airu, telling her to surround and block off the forest. We're dealing with an expert group. Kurushina and I will track down the one who killed the railgator."

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