Chapter 288: The Mansion of Purpose
“Um, if I remember correctly, it’s a bar called Milky Way, right?”
“Yeah. It’s supposed to be near the North Gate.”
Since we entered through the South Gate, we need to head all the way to the opposite side. As we make our way north along the Main Street, I spot the inn where we stayed before just before reaching the central plaza. Since it’s uncertain whether we’ll be staying here beyond tomorrow, we decide to pass it by. After crossing the central plaza, we turn onto a side street heading east.
“This should be it.”
It seems that bars aren’t open at this hour in the morning, as a closed sign hangs at the entrance. Since we’ve already made contact, I assume the door is likely unlocked… I place my hand on the door, and it slowly creaks open.
“It’s open.”
The interior appears somewhat cramped, featuring a few tables and a small counter. As we step inside, I notice a man standing rigidly in front of the counter.
“W-welcome!”
The man greets us, his voice trembling with nervousness.
“Um, I believe Mesaria-san has already informed you about us…”
“Y-yes!”
Mentioning Mesaria-san seems to have heightened the man’s anxiety even more. What on earth is going on here? I exchange glances with Rio and the others, but none of us have any idea what’s happening.
“Please, this way.”
Despite his nervousness, the man guides us deeper into the bar. His hands and feet seem to move in unison, and I wonder if I should comment on it.
“Ha! What an amusing way to walk… But I’ve never seen a reaction like this before.”
Ivan chuckles, and I can’t help but agree; this is indeed a unique response. Usually, people underestimate us based on appearances, so this is refreshing.
“I just hope we can have a proper conversation.”
Rio’s concern is valid. I really hope he can manage to speak without stumbling over his words.
“Well, we have no choice but to go for it.”
We follow the man as he leads us further into the establishment. After passing through a door behind the counter, we find ourselves in a hallway, where the man waits in front of another door. Noticing us approach, he enters the room, and we follow suit.
“I-I have brought the Grandmaster!”
Inside what appears to be a conference room, a long table is set up, and once again, a man stands at attention on the other side. I instinctively glance back at the man who guided us, and he flinches, breaking into a cold sweat. I almost ask what a Grandmaster is, but I swallow the question. I can somewhat imagine what it entails, so I decide to keep quiet…
“Welcome. I’ve heard about you from Mesaria-dono.”
The young man before us is impeccably dressed in a fitted suit, exuding a sense of cleanliness. With dark blue hair and eyes, he is quite the handsome figure. Although he seems nervous, I feel relieved to see someone who can engage in a proper conversation.
“I am Jector, in charge of the Comets branch. Please, have a seat.”
“Oh, thank you. I’m Shuu.”
As we introduce ourselves one by one and take our seats, the conversation finally begins.
“The woman’s name is Riflesia. The last sighting of her was at a mansion located to the northwest of the city.”
He looks considerably older than in the photo we provided, but he assures us it is indeed her. However, it seems that a person resembling Kaede-san has not been found in the vicinity.
“That said, we haven’t made contact with any associates, and our investigation has only covered the surrounding area, so it’s entirely possible she’s simply holed up inside the mansion.”
“I see. Thank you.”
We gather information about the mansion’s exterior and a map of the surrounding area, and then we delve into the details about the woman.
“It seems she hasn’t had much interaction with the surrounding community. She likely arrived in this city about five years ago, so she doesn’t appear to have lived here for long.”
It seems she usually leaves her shopping to her servants, and since those servants have green hair, they are definitely not Kaede-san.
“Hmm. In the end, it looks like we won’t know anything until we go there ourselves.”
“I apologize. To put it bluntly, that’s the conclusion we’ve reached.”
“Oh, no, I’m not blaming you. I didn’t expect to learn this much in such a short time, so I’m very grateful for your help.”
As I convey this to the man, who shrinks back apologetically, his expression softens a bit. I can’t shake the feeling that we must seem quite intimidating to him.
“Thank you very much.”
“Then let’s head out right away.”
With Rio’s words, we all stand up, tightening our resolve.
“I will guide you to the location.”
“Please do.”
Leaving the man who had been standing at attention at the entrance behind, we step outside together. It seems that Jector, the one who provided the explanation, will be our guide, rather than the first man we met.
Crossing over the Main Street to the west, we continue along the city wall. Since the Commercial City Comets is hexagonal in shape, we turn southwest, and after a while, we enter an area lined with medium-sized mansions.
“Is our target a noble?”
“I’m sorry, but I haven’t confirmed that yet.”
When I ask Jector, he shakes his head.
“This area is home to relatively wealthy individuals, but since this is a commercial city, there are also merchants with decent incomes living here.”
“I see.”
“Since it’s not strictly a Noble District, it would have been easier for an outsider to settle here five years ago… and here we are.”
As Jector points out the mansion, I see a building adjacent to the city wall that appears to be poorly maintained.