Chapter 88

On that day, we set off for the forest.

Our destination was the Argent family's residence.

Although we had no concrete evidence that Mr. Argent was involved in this matter, we concluded that it wouldn't hurt to at least hear him out.

...More than anything, we couldn't think of any other leads.

We knew that if we left things as they were, the Redgard territory would be in serious trouble. However, we couldn't do much about it on our own, given that the royal family and the Argent family were involved... or rather, we needed to grasp the situation as accurately as possible. Yes. If the spirit veins hadn't been blocked by the Argent family but had suddenly dried up, we would need to solve the problem together...

So, I, Fay, and our secretary, Chloa, along with our guard, Laocles, a total of four of us, visited the Argent family again.

Mr. Argent seemed surprised by our visit. Well, to be honest, we hadn't expected to come here either.

"...So, what brings you here today?"

Mr. Argent couldn't exactly be friendly or cheerful. He seemed to be suspicious of our sudden visit, and more than anything, he looked like he was dealing with someone who wouldn't benefit him.

"Let me get straight to the point. You've done something that's not in our favor, haven't you?"

...When Fay bluntly said this, Mr. Argent's face clearly showed his displeasure.

"What are you talking about? Are you saying that I've been harassing you or something? Do I look like someone who would do such a petty thing? Besides..."

"Yes. I don't think the prestigious Argent family would do something as low as harassment. However, because you are a top-tier family, I believe you could have blocked the spirit veins connected to us."

When Fay bluntly said this, Mr. Argent fell silent.

"...I also think the royal family is involved. The purpose is a large-scale magic ritual using the spirit veins' magic. What do you think?"

When Fay calmly asked this, Mr. Argent narrowed his eyes slightly and started thinking.

He seemed to be considering how to respond. Whether to deny it or to be straightforward, perhaps.

In front of the silent Mr. Argent, I... decided to prod a little to make it easier for him to talk.

"Mr. Argent, you didn't do this out of any grudge against us, did you?"

When I said this, Mr. Argent suddenly looked surprised, very troubled, and flustered... Yes, it was a look of unexpectedness.

"But, there must have been some reason for you to block the spirit veins, right?"

When I asked this, Mr. Argent sighed deeply.

"...Yes. I have no intention of harassing you. I have no grudge against you. I don't consider myself petty enough to harass you just because you declined an invitation."

And finally, he started talking.

"But, I have no obligation to consider your well-being just because I declined the royal family's offer."

"Let me clarify before you misunderstand. This is not out of malice. I have no intention of causing you harm. However, the royal family has determined that the damage to the Redgard territory is not a significant issue. And I cannot protect a territory with which I have no connection."

...In essence, this was a confession from Mr. Argent. In fact, Mr. Argent looked as if he had decided to be straightforward, leaning back in his chair with his arms crossed.

"Do you understand? You have no connection to me. This is the path you chose. Whether you are seen as foolish, I will respect your decision, but you must bear the consequences."

Mr. Argent said this in a high-handed manner...

"Ah, well, that's true."

Fay scratched her cheek when she saw this.

"Well, I understand. If the royal family is leading this, there's nothing the Argent family can do. I'm sorry for the trouble we've caused by coming here."

Then, she stood up. I also stood up.

...Seeing this, Mr. Argent was flustered again.

"...Is that it? I thought you would demand that we stop the magic ritual."

Well, I guess that's what I would have thought too... but both Fay and I, without sitting down again, answered.

"Haha, we can't be that presumptuous. We know our place. Just knowing the cause is enough."

"We're sorry for the intrusion."

"Wait!"

As we were about to leave, Mr. Argent called out to us. Yes, I think this person isn't really a bad person...

"Then what will you do? Will you just wait for the spirit veins to dry up?"

"Well... we'll do something. We'll do something. And we won't rely on you for it. That's all. ...Or, would you do something if we asked?"

When Fay glared slightly, Mr. Argent flinched a bit.

But after a cough, Mr. Argent sat back in his chair and said,

"...Let me ask you one thing. Where did you get this information? If you tell me, I might be a bit more flexible."

"Understand that performing a large-scale magic ritual using spirit veins cannot be disclosed to outsiders."

"Yes, I understand."

Fay answered without changing her expression, as if to say, "I know everything."

"We had strict security measures in place for handling information. If it leaked, we need to plug that hole. And that information is valuable."

On the other hand, Mr. Argent seemed a bit anxious. He probably didn't think the information had leaked from the fairies. He might be thinking that there's a spy among their allies or that the information was stolen from somewhere.

Moreover, since the royal family is involved, it's not just the Argent family's problem. Mr. Argent probably doesn't want the royal family to suffer.

"Let's make a deal. If you tell me where the information leak is, I can be somewhat flexible with the Redgard family in the future. When the spirit veins dry up, crops won't grow. If you run out of food, I can supply it to you at a discount from my territory. Or..."

"No, I'm sorry. We don't have information that would satisfy Mr. Argent. This time, half of it was just a guess."

When Fay interrupted Mr. Argent, he glared at her and said,

"Hmm. Half a guess, you say. ...Then what about the other half?"

Under Mr. Argent's gaze, Fay smiled.

"Yes. After consulting with the lord of the Redgard territory. Depending on the consultation, we might come back here for a 'deal.' But if we can handle it ourselves, we'll do that. We don't want to trouble you."

So, we decided to stay overnight in the Argent territory and then return.

Mr. Argent might think we have a weakness over him. ...Hmm, but this is just Mr. Argent's assumption. For us, we just listened to the fairies... Is this okay?

"Alright. With this, we can at least deal with the Argent family on somewhat equal terms!"

However, Fay was happy for now. ...Fay seemed calm, but she was quite nervous. After leaving the Argent family and walking a bit to the outskirts of the town to mount the red dragon, her hands and feet started trembling, and it took some time to mount the red dragon.

...Yes. I'm glad Fay is a human-like person.

"Well, now we need to create as many favorable conditions as possible... and try to bluff as much as we can... Chloa, can you help?"

"Yes, of course. Fay is my employer's employer."

When Fay asked Chloa, who was on the alicorn, Chloa smiled and answered.

"This is the time to show the skills of a spy. The Argent family will soon try to find out where the information leaked from. When that happens, the truth will come out. By investigating this, we can naturally find more of their weaknesses."

"...That sounds fun."

"Yes. I like living in the forest, but I probably also like the work of a spy. ...Especially when it helps people I like."

"I see. That makes sense."

Chloa and Laocles, who were riding the alicorn, smiled at each other. They looked happy. It felt like a conversation between professionals.

"Then, I'll consult with my father and brother. I'll also talk to Chloa a bit... Hey, Togo. Are you staying?"

"Because I left the Celeste siblings in the forest..."

"Ah... Then, I'll invite the fire fairies and the two of them to our place. Yes. I feel more at ease with you guys nearby..."

Fay said this, still looking a bit tense.

...Yes, it makes sense. It's a crisis for his territory. It's unreasonable to expect him to be calm.

"Ah, damn! Seeing Togo's calm face really helps me relax!"

"What's that...?"

Although he said something that didn't make sense, ...well, it's fine. If seeing me helps you relax, feel free to look as much as you want. It's an honor to be of service.

After that, we stayed at Fay's house.

...The consultation was held with Fay, his brother, his father, and Chloa. In such times, Chloa is very reliable. She has been active among the nobility for a long time, and we will probably need her help this time too.

"...This is a serious situation."

"Yes, it is."

I was in the Redgard family's courtyard with Laocles.

In the courtyard, Rian and Ange were playing. There were many flowers, so they probably didn't get bored. It seemed that some fairies had also come with Ange, and they were enjoying the colorful flowers. It was peaceful, at least here.

"In such times, Chloa is useful, but I'm not much help."

In the middle of this, Laocles sighed. ...He also thinks about such things.

"At least if I were knowledgeable about magic, I might have thought of a different solution."

Then, Laocles looked down with a troubled expression.

"...Can it be solved with magic?"

"I don't know if it can be solved, but spirit veins are flows of magic. If I were knowledgeable about magic, I would understand a lot."

I see. That's how it is.

...In that case, I'm also "not much help." I still don't fully understand the magic of this world.

"Then, let me do some research."

After thinking for a while, I finally stood up.

Just staying in the courtyard made me uneasy. I didn't like the idea of being relaxed while Fay and the others were worried.

"What are you going to research?"

"Well, I was told I can look at the Redgard family's library. I thought I'd look there to learn more about spirit veins."

The Redgard family's library was filled with tall bookshelves on all the walls. The room wasn't very large, giving a slightly oppressive but cozy feeling. I like small spaces.

"Togo-niichan, here you go."

"Thank you, Ange. ...Ah, and the fairies and Luan too."

When I was buried in the gap between the bookshelves, reading a book, Ange and the fairies came and brought me a few books. They all seemed to be about spirit veins. Ange brought the books, Luan fetched the ones from high shelves, and the fairies chose the books. ...Division of labor is wonderful.

"...Did you find anything?"

"Um... I'm getting a bit more familiar with spirit veins."

When Rian peeked at my book, I pointed to where I was reading.

The book I was reading was chosen by