Chapter 46: I Tried Going to the Dark Guild.
《Serios’s Side》
While I was organizing documents in my Office, Arnaud knocked quietly on the door and entered. His expression, while maintaining its usual composure, carried a somewhat grave air.
“Lord Serios, we just received an update on Claris von Everett-sama’s situation.”
I stopped what I was doing and looked at Arnaud. For me, who had been worried about Claris’s safety, his report was long-awaited.
“What’s happening?”
“She has not faced Judgment from the Dukedom. However, it appears she is currently in Seclusion within the mansion. The Dukedom has completely sealed off information regarding the reason, and we have been unable to grasp the details.”
“Seclusion… huh.”
That one word echoed in my mind.
Even if she hasn’t faced Judgment, the fact that she’s in Seclusion clearly means Claris is in an inconvenient situation.
It was troublesome that I couldn’t discern the Dukedom’s intentions for confining her.
“What about the Dukedom’s movements? Any noticeable activity?”
“Currently, no particularly noticeable actions have been observed. However, to obtain further information, we’ll likely have to rely on someone who can make contact within the Dukedom or an external information network.”
“I see…”
Receiving Arnaud’s report, I fell into thought.
I owe Claris for helping me at the academy. If she’s suffering, I can’t just leave her be. However, confronting the immense power of a Dukedom head-on isn’t a wise move.
“Alright, I guess we have no choice but to ask the Dark Guild to investigate.”
“Just as you thought. The Dark Guild possesses a considerable information network even within the kingdom. I believe it’s the most suitable option for obtaining information that cannot be acquired through legitimate means.”
“Understood. Ask Kanon to accompany me. Make the preparations.”
“Understood.”
After Arnaud bowed and left the room, I stood up and gazed out the window.
Claris, I swear I’ll find out what kind of situation you’re in. With that resolve in my heart, I left the room.
♢
“Go to the Dark Guild?”
Kanon raised an eyebrow slightly as she listened to my proposal. Her Knight’s intuition must have immediately sensed it was a dangerous matter.
“Yes. Right now, it’s difficult to obtain information about the Dukedom through legitimate means. Since the Dukedom has completely cut off information, we have no choice but to rely on underhanded methods. We can’t act unless we know exactly why Claris ended up in this situation.”
“Understood. I’ll accompany you as a bodyguard. Besides, I know a few people who have connections at the guild.”
As expected of a former mercenary. I’m glad I asked Kanon.
“That’s reassuring. We’ll head out as soon as preparations are complete.”
Kanon gave a faint smile and immediately began to prepare.
As night deepened and the entire city was enveloped in silence, we headed towards the back alley where the Dark Guild was located. Kanon, dressed in inconspicuous clothing rather than her Knights Order uniform, led the way.
“The tavern at the end of this alley is the entrance. On the surface, it’s an ordinary tavern, but in the back, information is traded.”
“As expected, Kanon.”
We proceeded down the deserted alley and pushed open a wooden door. Inside, a few customers were drinking under dim lighting.
When we entered, gazes turned towards us for a moment, but they quickly returned to their own conversations.
Kanon approached a middle-aged man behind the counter. He seemed to be serving as the guild’s gatekeeper, and he gave a small nod as soon as he saw Kanon.
“Lord Serios, he says he’ll guide us.”
“Good work.”
Led by the gatekeeper, we passed through a secret door at the back of the tavern. Beyond it, an even dimmer room spread out, where suspicious individuals were conducting business.
“Now then, what kind of information are you looking for?”
Two people appeared, a man and a woman. The one who spoke was a woman wearing a black hood. Her voice exuded a clear confidence.
“I want to know about Claris von Everett’s situation. I want you to investigate detailed information, including the Dukedom’s movements.”
At my words, she gave a slight smile.
“Information on the Dukedom… you’re aiming for quite a big target, aren’t you? The reward will be higher for that, you know?”
“I’ll pay whatever gold is necessary. As long as the reliability of the information is guaranteed, I don’t mind.”
She stared intently into my eyes, then nodded as if convinced.
“Very well. I’ll bring the results within a few days. I’ll give you the details later. Is the client Serios von Aegrid?”
“…I don’t think it’s fair that only you know my name, though?”
We glared at each other for a moment.
“Alright. I’m Emma. This is my younger brother, Kyl.”
“Kyl?”
“Hm? What’s wrong?”
I felt like I’d heard an unpleasant name. It was because it was the same name as one of Liese’s capture targets.
“…Is your brother also taking on this job?”
“Actually, he’ll be the main one doing the investigation. My role is to assess the information he brings back.”
“I see. Kyl, you said. I’m counting on you.”
“…”
“Sorry about that. He’s not very mentally strong and doesn’t talk to people he’s just met.”
“I see.”
Though I harbored a sliver of unease, I finished the negotiations and left the Dark Guild.
I headed home, gazing up at the night sky.
“Was that alright?”
“Yeah. I have some concerns, but I felt they were skilled.”
“I see.”
At Kanon’s words, I gave a faint smile.
“Having you here was a great help, Kanon. Thank you.”
“I didn’t do much, though.”
I made a move for Claris’s sake, but I ended up with an additional worry.
“Kyl… should I try to keep him away from Liese? No, I can’t stop that. Liese is always the one who decides.”
As long as this world is an otome game, I’m inevitably reminded that the world revolves around Liese.