Chapter 61

"Well, then I'll take my leave."

Seeing that the matter was settled, Ibroi stood up from his seat.

Do we not need any detailed arrangements? Or is that something Lucy will handle? I haven't received any information yet.

"Is there no need to see me off...? Until next time, Ibroi."

"Haha, Lucy, you're still the same as always. See you later. Beryl, I'll leave it to you."

"Ah, yes..."

While listening to the seasoned exchange between Lucy and Ibroi, I received the words directed at me.

Even if I'm entrusted with this, I don't know what to do specifically. It's not like I'm supposed to barge into the church alone and cause a ruckus, right?

"Oh, Mr. Ibroi, are you leaving?"

"Yes, Harui. I'm sorry."

On the other side of the door, Harui, who must have noticed Ibroi preparing to leave, called out.

Lucy might not have moved because Harui, the servant, was outside the room. Still, I thought she should at least see him off to the entrance, but since our conversation wasn't entirely over, I understood.

"...So, what should I do?"

"Hmm. I'll explain now."

Shifting my attention from the door back to the room, Lucy stood up and took a thin book from the bookshelf. Flipping through it, it seemed to be a map showing the geography of Balthrain.

"Levios is usually at the church in the North District. You need to stake out here."

"Hmm... but I'm not very familiar with the geography..."

Lucy continued her explanation, pointing at the map.

The North District, where the Reberis Palace is located. Since I came to Balthrain, I've been to the Central and West Districts, but not the North District, as I had no reason to go there.

Just looking at the map, I didn't have enough familiarity with the area to pinpoint the location.

"You can take a shared carriage to the North District, or you can walk from my house. Either way is fine, considering the time..."

"I'm afraid of getting lost, so I'll use the carriage."

The shared carriages in the capital, Balthrain, operate until relatively late.

Most people who work in the city live in the East District and go to the Central, West, or South Districts, so it makes sense that the shared carriages are busy until late at night.

In my case, I'm staying at an inn in the Central District, and I usually go to the Central District's Knight Headquarters. Even though I live in a big city, the range of places I visit is extremely limited.

While Balthrain is a familiar city, it's been a long time since I last went to the North District.

"The Sphen church is right near the carriage stop. You should be able to see it as soon as you get off."

"That would be great."

If I can't find the place and end up lost after accepting the mission, that would be a problem. According to Lucy, it's in a prominent location, so I can only hope I'll recognize it.

"It would be nice if you could send someone to accompany me."

"I would if I could."

Lucy sighed and explained the difficulty.

If neither the Mage Corps nor the Knights can move, it looks like I'll have to go alone.

"Considering Levios and the Twilight Contract, there are probably many things he doesn't want to be exposed. If he has to move all of that, he likely won't act alone."

"Hmm..."

It doesn't seem like he's conducting miracle research on his own.

There are suspicions of illegal human trafficking and experiments. It's impractical for him to do everything alone without anyone noticing. He probably has accomplices or a group with similar ideologies.

I should have asked Ibroi about this while he was here. Even if it comes to a fight, I need to know the scale of the opposition.

Depending on the quality and number of the opponents, I might have to consider a retreat.

I'll try if it seems possible, but I won't risk my life. I accepted the mission, but I'm not willing to die for it.

"There's a possibility of a fight..."

"If he plans to flee at night and resorts to force, it's possible. But with your abilities, it shouldn't be a problem."

"Is that so..."

I don't think it will be that easy.

However, a fight. If it's just a group of thieves like before, it wouldn't be a problem even if there were many of them. But if they have the skills of the Knights, it's a different story. Given the unknown strength and numbers of the opposition, it might be a bit challenging.

"What if I let him get away?"

"Hopefully, it won't come to that... but it might lead to a prolonged standoff between the Reberis Kingdom and Sphenyard Vania."

For the Reberis Kingdom, it would be unacceptable if a Sphen church bishop was involved in criminal activities.

For Sphenyard Vania, it would be unfair to be accused based on a thief's words without solid evidence.

Most likely, it would come to this.

I don't know the internal affairs of the neighboring country, but it's unlikely they would accept a complaint from another country without solid evidence.

That's why they want to capture him here. However, the available forces are extremely limited.

"Anyway, you just need to stake out. If he cooperates and comes in for questioning, there won't be a problem."

"I hope so..."

Lucy said this in a bright tone, but both she and Ibroi probably think it's unlikely. I hope it doesn't come to that, but there are many bad people in the world.

"...This is just my speculation, but resurrection magic doesn't exist."

"...? I've heard that."

Lucy took a breath and continued.

"But Levios continues this research. Disposing of bodies takes time and manpower. Where did the victims disappear to?"

"..."

Stop it, that's a creepy story.

To try to resurrect the dead, you need bodies. That's why Twilight sends people who won't be missed to Levios.

Whether those people are alive or dead now, I don't know. It will be revealed when his crimes are exposed, but the truth is still unknown.

"I have a bad feeling. That's why I want to capture him for sure."

"Understood. I'll do my best."

Bad feelings usually come true, even if there's no concrete evidence.

If time passes without me and Levios meeting, that would be best. But once we meet, a conflict is almost inevitable.

Unconsciously, my hand reached for the scabbard at my waist. I hope I don't have to use this on a human. I don't want to cut people.

"Well, I'll move out now."

"Be careful."

Looking out the window, it was already getting dark. If Levios moves, it will be tonight.

If I'm late and miss the scene, it would be pointless. I don't want to do this, but since I accepted the mission from Ibroi, I can't sabotage it.

"...I'm sorry."

While moving from the reception room to the entrance, Lucy apologized softly.

"I understand that the Mage Corps can't move. Well, you could say I drew the short straw."

If I hadn't met Lucy, this task might have been shared with someone else and resolved quietly.

No, if I hadn't met Mui, this situation wouldn't have progressed this far.

Furthermore, if Alisia hadn't recommended me as a special instructor, I would still be teaching children in Bidan Village.

It's a truly bizarre and heavy connection for a middle-aged man.

"Ibroi also said there would be appropriate compensation. I'm counting on you."

"Haha, I'll wait without expecting too much."

With that, I left Lucy's house.

Well, I should move out now.

She said it's not too far to walk, but I don't know the exact route, and the visibility is poor. I'll use the carriage.

"......Ah, crap."

Where is the nearest carriage stop from here?

I forgot to ask this crucial information and hurriedly returned to Lucy's house.