Chapter 92

At the easternmost edge, there lies the beloved Helan territory... However, that person could not be found. Not on the journey, nor in the Helan territory, the destination of the trip, was there any sign of her. Where could Eliza have gone?

Helan territory was a place of peace, where time flowed slowly as if the unrest in the capital was a matter of the outside world. The natural hot springs seemed to be good for the skin as always.

When I returned to the mansion, there stood Mr. Rozon with an apologetic look on his face. He, who was known as a capable man and a symbol of competence in assisting my father's work, was making such a face...

"Welcome back, Kururi-sama."

"Thank you. Is something the matter?"

"...Yes. The lord has fallen ill and is bedridden. If possible, please show him a healthy appearance."

"My father!?"

I hurried to the bedroom.

He was a person with a fragile spirit, but perhaps he had been troubled by the recent events. I'm sorry.

"Father, Kururi is back."

I gently called out to my father, who was lying in bed.

How much hardship must he have endured, despite being so healthy and robust before... He had become thin... and for some reason, quite handsome. Honestly, he used to have a rather disappointing appearance, but now he looked good after losing weight...

"Oh, Kururi. You really have returned. I was so worried when I heard you had been captured."

"I'm sorry for the trouble. But as you can see, I've returned in good health, so please don't worry. From now on, please focus on your health and rest."

"I see. You are indeed my son. Actually, during your captivity, a secret envoy from the Datarne family arrived. They said they would use their power to rescue you from prison if we gave up Helan territory. I..."

So their evil hands had reached here too. Unforgivable. To give my father such a difficult choice and cause him such distress...

"I chose Helan territory."

You chose Helan territory!! You must have agonized over it! And then you chose me!

"Well, I did agonize, but Helan territory is important land passed down from our ancestors. And Kururi, you appointed the capable Mr. Rozon, so I wasn't worried. If I follow his advice, things usually work out well..."

Damn! There are often facts that are better left unheard.

"I'm sorry, Kururi-sama. However, I believed that you could handle things on your own, and that protecting Helan territory would be the best choice for you as well."

When you say such serious things, you really do seem like a capable man, but is it true? You didn't abandon me, right?

"Never mind. I'm sorry for causing you so much worry."

"No, this is the result of eating spoiled prime meat and getting food poisoning the other day. The Datarne family has nothing to do with it. If I follow Mr. Rozon's advice, everything will be fine, and I'm not worried at all..."

Can I punch him? He's my father and a sick man with food poisoning, but can I punch him? He was eating prime meat. Where did he get it from?

"Ha, I'm thoroughly disappointed. Just stay thin and handsome. Mr. Rozon, follow me. While I'm in Helan territory, you don't need to assist my father."

"Hai, as you wish."

"Hey! Kururi! Without Mr. Rozon, I don't know what to do! I'm serious! Is it okay! Next lord!"

Leaving the handsome man in the bed behind, I moved to a different location.

I had an important conversation with Mr. Rozon.

"Mr. Rozon, do you know Eliza?"

"Yes, Eliza Doville, your classmate."

"Exactly. She has disappeared. It's been a few weeks, and we have no idea where she is. According to some clues, it's suspected that she is in Helan territory. No matter the cost, I want you to find her."

"Understood. I will also check the neighboring territories."

"Thank you. And about the Datarne family's demand to give up this territory, which came up in the conversation with my father, can you tell me more?"

It seems Mr. Rozon had already started investigating this matter, and he had detailed information.

"If we give up Helan territory, this land will return to the direct control of the royal family of Kudan. However, governing such a distant land from the capital has its limits, so it's likely that a new lord will be appointed. The Datarne family probably had confidence that they could take that position."

"...To be honest, is this remote territory really that valuable? Yes, the economy has been good recently, but wouldn't the capital be more convenient if they were just seeking wealth?"

"You are correct, but it seems they have a long-term vision. I have some interesting information obtained through my underground intelligence network."

Underground intelligence network... I'll leave that for now, but I hope you can explain it to me in detail someday.

"Here it is."

Mr. Rozon took out a piece of paper. It was a thick parchment with detailed designs of something that looked like a vehicle.

Could this be...

"I don't have all the details, but it seems to be a magic train. It uses magical power to move a large box-like object."

"A train... I see, so they want to build a railway connecting Helan territory and the capital, spanning the country..."

"It seems you understand, Kururi-sama. Is this territory necessary for their plan?"

"Yes, they need this land at the edge to control the transportation. If this is built, the country's development will be remarkable."

There are always remarkable people in every era. Even if they are on the enemy's side, their ideas are so impressive that I can admire them honestly.

"Is this a good thing, then?"

"Yes, if the leader is excellent, it will have good results. However, if a greedy person is in charge, it will lead to tragic consequences. The effort to complete it and the disputes over rights after completion... If not properly guided, this country will be afflicted with an incurable disease."

"Fortunately, we obtained the plan early. The designer is also known. How about we crush the Datarne family and you take charge? You can bring about the right results."

You just casually said something scary. Crush the Datarne family or something...

"The biggest problem is the labor. Given the lack of resources, there's no other way but to force people to work. That would mean living on someone else's misfortune, which I don't want to do."

"Then, is it still a difficult plan at this stage?"

"It will undoubtedly create significant distortions. I'm glad we found out early. I can't hand over this Helan territory. That's for sure."

"Understood. If Kururi-sama is willing, I will support you with all my might. I will immediately gather people to search for Eliza-sama."

"Thank you."

I carefully stored the magic train design. I think it should not be leaked to the outside easily.

In the afternoon, I welcomed Raser, who arrived in Helan territory through a different route. He also couldn't find Eliza. Was Eliza really aiming for Helan territory? Such doubts crossed my mind.

The next morning, a large crowd gathered in front of the mansion, gathered by Mr. Rozon. What an impressive network...

"The future lady of Helan has been missing for a few weeks. We need to find her quickly to ensure her safety. We have prepared a likeness, so please distribute it in various places. I expect results from this group!"

With Mr. Rozon's energetic command, the large group started moving.

The future lady of Helan... As expected of a capable man! And the quality of the likeness is high! The eyes are so beautiful and accurate. ...I'll keep one for myself.

"To do so much in one night, I'm always helped by Mr. Rozon."

"No, I am receiving a substantial reward for it."

"Is that so? I think you could earn more in the capital."

"Working for Kururi-sama is fulfilling."

"...Thank you."

You're saying embarrassing things. But I'm glad.

However, despite Mr. Rozon's efforts, Eliza's whereabouts are still unknown. Days are passing by. Where could Eliza have gone?

---

This is the Datarne family mansion.

This building, one of the most luxurious in the capital, had many rooms. Most were grandly designed to show off to guests, but there were a few rooms even the servants didn't know about. One of these rooms was accessible only to those who carried the Datarne name...

Passing through a dimly lit corridor, they approached the room where the people they sought were waiting—

"Once again, it's time for you to work for us."

Brau Datarne and his son Freigen Datarne entered the secret room and immediately conveyed their request to the residents. There were four people. It was clear at first glance that they were not ordinary humans. They possessed such formidable courage.

The man with an eye patch over one eye, standing at the center of the room, answered on behalf of the group.

"Last time, it was to silence the guard we bribed. What's next? We've been busy lately."

"Yes, it's an important time. We've paid for it, haven't we?"

"...That's true."

"The next job is a bit far. In the eastern Helan territory. Eliminate the lord and his son. Is it possible?"

"Is it possible, you say?"

The man with the eye patch smiled. It was a terribly twisted smile.

Even Brau and Freigen, their employers, felt a slight fear.

"Give me their names. The names of the targets."

"Thral Helan. His son, Kururi Helan."

"Understood."

Here, Freigen said something unnecessary. At least, he had never said such things before.

"Kururi Helan. Make sure to make it especially brutal for him. Go all out!"

"...I don't like being told how to do my job."

It was a very low, dim voice. Whether it was anger or something else, it was impossible to tell what emotion was in it. But Freigen, who was supposed to be the employer, felt a definite fear.

"But, it's rare for you to set conditions. Alright, I'll put extra effort into Kururi Helan. But I'll need additional payment."

As soon as he finished speaking, the four disappeared. It happened so quickly that the Datarne father and son felt as if they had seen a mirage.

However, they were confident that these four would complete the job this time. All that was left was to wait for the usual report of completion.