Chapter 67

Who is the biggest victim of this school trip incident? I accidentally shot at the Golden Ball Line family, and now I have to go to the Golden Ball territory. Originally, the Student Council planned to choose a suitable territory and go there leisurely. Unfortunately, neither of these is the true victim. There is another true victim.

"I heard it's the Boyar Duchy."

"Yes, that's how it turned out."

It's the Three Kingdoms' escort force, praying every day that nothing happens to their charge. Unfortunately, the god of this world is not one who listens to prayers with great enthusiasm. If you put all your effort into praying, you will fail unless you are someone like Tannian.

"I've heard of the Boyar Duchy. It's said to be a place with beautiful seas. It will be a special experience for students who have been living in the inland Academy."

"I agree."

Vilar spoke calmly, but in reality, he was screaming, "Why are we going all the way from an inland Academy to the coastal Boyar?" I understand. If it were an Academy decision, I would have tried to guide the students to go elsewhere. But this is what the Golden Ball wants. There's no stopping it.

"Since this is the first school trip, many people are paying attention. It will be an interesting major event for the Academy in the future."

= This is beyond what I can handle. If I try to interfere, I'll be the one who gets destroyed.

"Quite understandable. A trip that breaks the routine is always enjoyable. However, I am concerned that there will be many trial and error in the first school trip."

= I can understand going on a school trip, but is Boyar really the best choice? Is there no other option?

"Haha, I was also very worried, but the Academy has made truly surprising efforts. It will be a pleasant trip."

= No way. It's definitely Boyar.

The conversation was exchanged with bright smiles, but the inner thoughts were far from pleasant. This is not a conversation leading to the direction I want, but rather a notification of something I don't want to do. I'm sorry, Vilar. Everyone in the Academy is in the position of receiving a notification from the Golden Ball.

"The sea of Boyar is said to be very attractive. There are places with emerald green and sapphire blue. I hope you can enjoy it comfortably, Sir Vilar."

"Just hearing about it makes my heart race. Thank you."

Vilar's expression, which had been dark due to the unexpected disaster, finally brightened a bit. Just now, I confirmed that the Three Kingdoms' escort force, even in the worst-case scenario, can enter the Boyar Duchy, at least Vilar can.

If the school trip location had been a nearby territory as planned, there would be no such worries. The Three Kingdoms' force could wait near the Academy and come out in an emergency, or use the bizarre excuse of passing by the area at the request of a faculty member.

But Boyar, at the southern end? It's not feasible to wait near the Academy, and the excuse won't work. Even if it were a nearby territory, it would be a stretch, let alone Boyar. I imagine he felt relieved that I would help.

'If you guys aren't there, I'm done for.'

During the exhibition held inside the Academy, I also brought in the Three Kingdoms' force to prevent any variables. But this time, it's outside the Academy, and a crowded resort. I can't monitor the club alone.

The problem is that I haven't yet received permission from the Golden Ball for the Three Kingdoms' force to enter. However, the Golden Ball is not someone who listens to people superficially. If I say it's for the protection of foreign dignitaries, they will understand.

The difficulty is that I have to contact the Golden Ball directly to get that permission. I still feel awkward seeing the Golden Ball after the Yorun Viscount incident.

"I hope you can also rest during this trip, Inspector."

"Thank you."

After a moment of silence, Vilar spoke gently. Saying he hopes I can rest means he will try to minimize my involvement during the school trip. Receiving such consideration every time something happens, I want to say something in return.

But unfortunately, from Vilar's position with limited authority, the best he can do is reduce the things I need to worry about. Still, it's better than nothing. At least I won't just eat and leave without a word.

'Just come back quickly.'

In fact, if you really care about me, you don't need to do anything else. Just bring your prince back quickly.

After returning to the accommodation, I fiddled with the communication device for a long time. I know it's better to contact and state my business quickly, but my heart hasn't caught up yet.

'I have a feeling they'll ask me to do something.'

The feeling is there. I have a sense that if I contact them for a request, I'll end up receiving something. The last Yorun incident was resolved through the 3rd Division Chief's tearful grand finale, but the fact that I almost killed the Viscount of the Boyar Line hasn't disappeared. They will probably mention that and subtly give me a quest.

Of course, the Golden Ball is a person who thoroughly practices give and take. Even if they give me a forced quest by mentioning the past, the reward for success is substantial. Still, there are times when it's better to do nothing and receive nothing. This is one of those times.

'I can't just refuse.'

After hesitating, I finally sighed and contacted the Golden Ball. If you annoy a minister, you might become one someday, but if you annoy a duke, you might have to bite your tongue and die. What can I do, I was born in a position below a duke, so I have to conform and live.

- Inspector, I've been waiting for you.

And soon, the face of the Golden Ball appeared. A middle-aged man with neatly trimmed silver hair put down the cigar in his mouth. From the glimpse of documents near his chin, it seems he was working when he received the call.

I was about to bow and greet him according to etiquette, but the Golden Ball spoke first.

- Let's get straight to the point. I know there is an escort force from the Three Kingdoms.

"Yes, that's correct."

- It's fine if they come in. They can all come, just let me know the scale.

"Understood, Your Excellency. Thank you."

- This is something that should be done for the loyalists of the Empire.

The Golden Ball, as usual, laughed nonchalantly, the symbol of a cool deal. They gave me what I wanted before I even opened my mouth.

- Oh, this is a personal favor, though.

And as expected, it was time for the Golden Ball's forced quest. A personal favor from a duke? Who can refuse such a request?

"Please speak. I will listen."

- Hmm.

Rarely, the Golden Ball paused and rested his chin on his hand. They usually twist words to avoid direct statements, but I rarely see them hesitate like this. It's not a good sign.

- Have you heard of the Kraken?

"Yes, I've heard of it—"

Wait, what if—

"—but."

- That's right. Now you have the chance to see it directly.

'Shit.'

Why are you saying that as if it's a good thing?

The Kraken, a giant squid that roams the sea, destroying ships like they're toys. It's not a common sight, and I don't particularly want to see it, nor should I. The chance to see it is a load of crap.

If a fellow department head had said this, I would have immediately cursed them out. Losing my words, the Golden Ball also seemed embarrassed and laughed lightly. Yeah, you still have a conscience.

- There was a Kraken habitat near the recently completed resort.

Or was there not?

- Don't misunderstand. We started building after determining it was safe. The Kraken was in a very deep place, so we only noticed after it was completed.

"I'm concerned about whether the resort is a good choice."

- The habitat has been thoroughly cleared. All adult Krakens have been eliminated.

The problem is that one of the young ones escaped, the Golden Ball added, and I rubbed my chin. From the way the Golden Ball describes it, it seems the young one barely escaped with a tearful story. The safety issue of the resort has been resolved.

- But the young one is unusually cunning. Maybe because it saw its kin being eliminated, it's very cautious. We can barely find it, and it doesn't even come to the surface. We have to cast lightning magic into the sea to make it come up for a moment.

"That's a headache."

Usually, Krakens know they are overwhelmingly larger and stronger than humans, so they boldly appear when ships are around.

Of course, they wouldn't know that the ship was carrying the elite mages of the duchy. As soon as it surfaced, it would have been beaten up and turned into a giant squid stew. Is that an evolution or a devolution? In terms of taste, it might be an evolution.

Anyway, the young one, witnessing its parents' fate in real-time, is probably gritting its teeth and holding out in the sea. How deep it's hiding, I can't tell, but it only surfaces for a moment when zapped with electricity before diving back down.

- So, we need someone to eliminate the Kraken the moment it surfaces.

After the Golden Ball finished speaking, I understood why they paused for a moment.

'When will you find that young one?'

Asking me to do this during the school trip suggests they have a rough idea of where it will appear. They wouldn't tie me up in a hopeless task. The problem is that I can't guarantee how long I'll be tied up on the ship while searching for it.

Frankly, I might spend the entire school trip on the sea and only catch it on the last day. That's not ideal.

- Since I'm asking this of a busy Inspector, I can put in this much effort.

The Golden Ball held up three fingers, meaning they would add 30% more funding to the usual amount given to the Inspection Department.

Hmm.

"For the safety of the citizens and students, it is appropriate to eliminate this creature."

After a brief moment of thought, I nodded firmly.

Of course, the Golden Ball is the one who destroyed the Kraken family's habitat and killed all the adults after the resort was built. But what can I do? If I refuse, I might have to reincarnate as a human. The only good monster is a dead monster.

- As expected, the Inspector's patriotism is exceptional. The Inspector's efforts for the citizens will be remembered by this duke.

"It is an honor, Your Excellency."

Thus, the conversation ended with everyone satisfied.

The idea of a Kraken floating around the sea where students should be playing is intolerable. I will send this evil Kraken to its ancestors.