Interlude 2: Ronarl
I am Ronarl, a male member of the Rabbitfolk and an executive in the Information Guild “Hinomaru.” Following a directive from Mesaria, the Guild Master, I am tasked with monitoring a certain individual. It seems they are plotting to undermine the Grandmaster, which is an utterly reckless endeavor.
“Still, this is some wickedly impressive performance…”
In my hands is a flat, black Magic Tool. It displays the target working in the office of their mansion. Of course, I’m not hiding inside the mansion; rather, I’m leisurely leaning against the wall that surrounds the estate, observing the Magic Tool.
From what I’ve heard, a small Golem created by the Grandmaster is keeping an eye on the target. The footage is being transmitted from that very Golem.
“Thanks to that, my job is easier… but I shouldn’t overthink it.”
It seems this tool was crafted by the Grandmaster, though I haven’t heard the details. There’s also another Magic Tool called a “smartphone,” which boasts terrifying capabilities. Personally, I could believe it was a national treasure given its performance, yet it’s apparently distributed even to members just below us executives.
What does it mean to capture and record scenery? And it can even record sound? Can you believe that?
“Sigh…”
The fact that my honed stealth skills are being overshadowed by a tool brings a sense of emptiness. Though I hold an executive position, it’s merely a continuation of a previous rank I inherited. After failing a mission to tail the Grandmaster, the Guild was reorganized, leaving everything in disarray. I could be cast aside at any moment.
“Oops, I need to focus on my work.”
The target in the footage has started to move, so I use my smartphone to record the Magic Tool’s visuals. The Golem chasing the target does so automatically without needing any commands, which is convenient. Of course, I can also instruct it to focus on something else if needed.
The target stands up from the chair in the office and heads toward a shelf behind them. After moving a few books aside, they pull on a subtle protrusion in the wall, revealing a doorknob.
“Hahaha, I bet you didn’t think your hidden room would be discovered this easily.”
I chuckle dryly as I capture the footage on my smartphone, observing the target’s movements. It seems they are storing documents in a Hidden Vault. Wasn’t that the paperwork related to the false charges against someone? I wonder if the Grandmaster’s documents are among them.
“Hmm?”
At that moment, I caught a glimpse of the document the target placed inside the vault.
“…No way.”
I recognized a familiar name. Although I’ve only recently arrived in the Royal Capital, I’ve managed to make acquaintances among Adventurers while running around gathering information.
“Heh heh heh, I can only express my condolences for being falsely accused, but thanks to that person, I now know where the target is hiding their fraudulent documents.”
I can’t outright say thank you for being set up, but perhaps I’ll treat them to a meal later.
“Now, let’s see…”
Once I send the recorded video to the Guild Master’s computer, my mission will be complete. I can technically send messages from this smartphone, but I’m still getting used to it, and it takes time. It’s much faster to convey things verbally in person.
“Alright. Now, let’s go find that person and grab a bite to eat.”
Feeling good about successfully completing my mission, I distance myself from the target’s mansion.