CH 29

Interrogation

“Then, thank you for your hard work today!”

Mize says in a cheerful voice, while bowing her head.

After completing the commission to explore the Labyrinth, we were able to safely return to the guild.

On the way back, we had some trouble hiding the bandits’ corpses so that Mize and the others wouldn’t be able to see them, but somehow, they didn’t find out about it.

“I’d love to have dinner together first before splitting off like last time, but…there’s school tomorrow.”

Gran muttered.

After defeating the Sharp Rabbits, we were able to have a simple celebration at a tavern adjacent to the Guild, but today we decided to restrain ourselves, since there was school tomorrow.

“Mize, did you have fun?”

“Yes, I had a lot of fun!”

I ask Mize, who is next to me, and she replies in high spirits.

“I wondered what would happen when we were caught between the Chimera and the Hobgoblin, but exploring the Labyrinth isn’t so bad. Let’s go again sometime.”

Elysia agrees with Mize and seems to already be thinking up plans for the next time.

After that, we each made our ways home.

Oz is staying at an inn in the Royal Capital, so she parted from us as soon as we left the Guild. She was not heading back to the inn but following Mize instead.

A bit further along the castle town, we parted from the girls.

Gran and I went back to the boys’ dormitory, before returning to our respective rooms.

Without having any time to relax in my room, I leave the dormitory.

Entering a back alley, I clad myself in a black cloak and let magic power flow through my [Communication Paper].

“Oz.”

“Yup. I noticed.”

As expected of someone who had experienced actual combat as a soldier, she had the ability to sense the presence of the enemy.

The Royal Capital is often filled with the hustle and bustle of crowds of people, but even so, it is surprisingly easy to sense those who harbour hostile or fighting intent. The way they move their bodies and the way they look around is completely different from normal people.

“Give me your position.”

“Let’s see. The main street in front of the girls’ dormitory–”

After hearing the enemy’s position from Oz, I immediately head out to deal with it.

Because Oz’s means of attack are conspicuous, I am basically in charge of acting within the city. Leaving it to Oz will be our last resort.

With bated breath, I go around behind the enemy and strangle them, rendering them unconscious.

The enemy abruptly collapsed.

“As expected, there is no one superior to 28 when it comes to fighting within the city.”

“Rather than the terrain, it’s because of the conditions. In your case, Oz, it’s difficult for you to fight without getting others involved.”

Accepting Oz’s praise half-heartedly, I keep watch of our surroundings.

“There’s only 1 enemy, huh?”

Previously, there would always be at least 2 enemies hiding within the city.

It may be an issue with the timing. While it is convenient, I still feel somewhat let down.

“Hey, hey, 28, how many have you defeated so far?”

“I stopped counting when I reached 10. Probably around 30.”

“Aren’t they already on the brink of destruction?”

I can neither confirm nor deny that. I think to myself, as it’s merely a conjecture at this point.

According to Chris’ information, the enemy is a group of bandits who are after the ransom. The information itself is suspicious, but if it’s true, then the ransom money from kidnapping Mize will have to be split among the members of the enemy’s organization. The more members there are, the less would be allotted to each, so the risk-reward ratio would be inadequate. Around 30 members should be appropriate.

“You didn’t kill that man?”

Oz says, while pointing at the enemy by my feet.

“…I’ve been giving it some thought.”

I haven’t killed the man I strangled earlier.

In response to Oz’s wondering, I asked a question.

“Oz, how much information have you received from the Bureau about this mission?”

“Hmm, well, the only thing I can think of is that the target of the escort is Mize. As for the enemy, I’ve heard that they’re just an ordinary group of bandits who are after the ransom.”

–As I thought.

I didn’t want it to be true, but my premonition seems to have hit its mark.

“Open that man’s mouth.”

Oz tilts her head at my instructions but complies.

She turns the fallen man face-up and pried his mouth open with her fingers.

There was a small pouch hidden behind his molars.

“Is this…poison to commit suicide? A countermeasure for interrogation? …that’s pretty thorough of them. We’ll have trouble removing it.”

“Yeah. But the fact that they have countermeasures means that they have something they don’t want us to hear.”

I had already known for some time that the assailants had prepared poison to commit suicide behind their molars.

But there is a reason why I haven’t touched upon it until now.

“It’s quite fortunate that Oz came at this timing. Thanks to you, there are more actions I can take.”

“…What do you plan to do?”

“I’ll interrogate him.”