Chapter 52

Rox and the two guards who had been waiting outside to prevent the story from spreading were there, and for some reason, Shenli and Dean were standing nearby.

"Hmm, is it over... I hope they're still alive."

Rox muttered something quietly, but I couldn't hear it, so I ignored it.

I confirmed that everyone was looking at me and then asked Rox.

"Why are Shenli and Dean here?"

"They were waiting for us."

When Rox answered, Shenli took a step forward and spoke.

"We heard that Dean's friend hasn't been back since yesterday, and Professor Aoi was waiting for Senior Rox to return. We thought maybe we could find some clues..."

Next to Shenli, Dean stood with a worried frown.

I nodded at the two of them.

"We have found some clues. Now, we need to go and confirm them directly."

When I answered, they both nodded in relief. Then, Rox spoke with a troubled look.

"Are you going to have the Neviss family guide you? The investigation and questioning by the knights...?"

"Can't you somehow cover it up?"

"Cover it up? No, that's not possible..."

At my words, Rox's eyes widened. Indeed, from the perspective of the knights and the guards, it couldn't be overlooked, but we can't afford to have an immediate arrest.

"We don't have time. There's a possibility that one of our students is with another organization. We need to go to each organization's base and negotiate directly. For that, we need the Neviss family's cooperation."

"…At least, after the knights have questioned them..."

"If they're an organization that controls the back alleys of the city, they gather information faster than anyone else. News of the Neviss family being attacked will likely spread immediately. We need to get to them before they consider the possibility that the Neviss family has turned on them."

As I explained my plan straight-faced, Rox blushed and looked away.

"…I, I understand. I'll put a restriction on the information."

I took his word and nodded in return.

Now that I know the only concern is safe, there's nothing left to do but act.

I called Shenli and Dean and returned to the laboratory.

---

Karila Neviss was quick to act. When I told her we wanted to contact other organizations, she immediately set her subordinates in motion.

Karila herself was walking with me through the back alleys of the city, but were her subordinates aware of this move?

"…Where are you taking us? If you're planning to run or set a trap for us..."

Rox, who was following behind, warned her with a suspicious look. Karila frowned and glanced at me.

"Shut up, Prince. We're not going to rebel now. If we show our usefulness, we might avoid execution."

"…You're a bold one. To say that to us..."

Rox was taken aback, but Karila laughed and shrugged.

After a while, one of Karila's subordinates appeared silently and reported something to her.

Leaning in close, the subordinate whispered something and then stepped back.

"…Garonne of the White Ash wants to meet us. They're a large faction with their base in the Kingdom of Caravan. If we go, there will be at least fifty of them."

"…Wants to meet us? What does that mean?"

When Rox asked, Karila smiled sarcastically.

"There's a huge profit to be made, but the knights might get involved. They want a cut, so they're asking for our help... That's what I told them. It's not a lie, right?"

"Sounds like the truth to me."

"It's a matter of interpretation."

Rox frowned, and Karila shrugged.

"Where is the meeting place?"

When I asked, Karila pointed down the alley.

"I don't know the details, but Garonne's subordinates are waiting in this territory. Sorry, but the Prince and the knight can't come in."

"…Then, I'll take off my armor."

"Even with a hood, you'll be recognized. They'll check your face before guiding you. Just wait here, Prince."

Karila firmly rejected Rox, who showed his frustration on his face. He couldn't argue back and just glared silently.

I patted Rox's back and walked towards Karila.

"It's fine. I'll handle the negotiations. Don't worry."

"…I'm more worried that Professor Aoi might go too far..."

"I'll be careful."

When I answered, Rox's expression turned sour.

At that moment, Shenli and Dean, who had been quietly following, spoke up.

"…We can help, Professor Aoi. Our faces aren't known."

"…Me too?"

Shenli, with a determined look, and Dean, with a desperate look. Their magical skills had improved, but they weren't suited for such a violent scene.

"Shenli and Dean, please watch the entrances and exits of the building with Rox. If a fight breaks out, it's fine, but if they scatter and run, they might escape. If there's a back door, please watch that as well."

When I told them, Shenli looked down in frustration, recognizing her own limitations, while Dean looked relieved.

Smiling at them, I walked with Karila down the alley.

After walking for a while, two men appeared from the shadows.

"…Are you Karila Neviss of the Neviss family? Who's the girl next to you?"

One of them asked, and Karila pointed at me with a smug smile.

"This is the bait for the profit. We'll talk to Garonne. Guide us."

When Karila spoke assertively, the men frowned but reluctantly nodded.

"…Follow us."

They started walking, and Karila gestured for me to follow, laughing, and we walked together.

We turned down several streets and entered the narrowest alley yet. Instead of cobblestones, the path was covered with gravel. We walked to the end of the alley, making crunching sounds with our footsteps.

In front of us was just a dark stone wall.

"…This is a dead end."

Karila said angrily, and the two men turned around.

"Before meeting the boss, we need to check for safety. First, we'll take your weapons. Then, we'll check for any followers."

Karila pulled out two curved swords from his back and dropped them on the ground, looking annoyed.

"Ridiculous. I'm here. If you want to keep your subordinates in line, just surround me with a few of you. Have your brains turned to ash?"

While cursing and pointing at the swords, the men approached, clicking their tongues.

"…The Neviss family is recognized even with a small number. We don't underestimate you. Especially you, Karila. I've heard your combat skills are top-notch."

"…You, the small girl. Hand over your weapons."

When I was told this, I showed my palms.

"I don't have any weapons. No swords or staffs."

While saying this, I spun around on the spot.

"…It seems to be true."

"Alright, I'll let you meet him."

Just as the man said this, the sound of stones rubbing against each other came from behind.

When I turned around, there were five large men, two of whom looked like beastmen.

"Over here."

One of the five men said, roughly kicking the gravel at his feet.

A small iron plate cover appeared.

"The boss is waiting underground."

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