Chapter 83

Hikaru made arrangements to be introduced to Katie's younger sister and left the laboratory with Ravia.

Katie's family is said to be a prominent household in Kotobi.

Kotobi, known for its expertise in precious metal processing and gemstone exports, boasts several mining cities.

The owners of these mines have a say in Kotobi, and Katie's family owns two of them.

"Then, it's either Kiriharu, Ludansha, or Yuraba students."

As Hikaru was thinking about what to do,

"I have someone in mind at Yuraba."

Ravia said.

"Someone in mind...?"

"I usually spend time in the library, where I befriended a student from Yuraba. They mentioned that their family has sent several relatives to the United Government."

"That's... a perfect candidate."

While nodding, Hikaru was somewhat taken aback that Ravia had never mentioned this acquaintance before.

(I didn't tell her about Instructor Mirei either... When did she make such a friend? ...No, no, no. This is possessiveness... How ugly, me.)

"Hikaru? What's wrong?"

"No, nothing."

"I was thinking of introducing you to this person someday, but I never had the chance. Sorry."

"That's not something to apologize for."

"But you looked sad."

"...I didn't."

"Really?"

"I didn't. Yeah."

"It's okay. You're the most important to me."

"That's not what I'm worried about."

"And the person is a girl, by the way."

Some part of him was definitely relieved to hear that.

Ravia smiled.

Feeling as if his heart had been seen through, Hikaru said to hide his embarrassment.

"Can I ask this person for help? And, is it okay to involve you, Ravia?"

"Of course. I said I would always follow you unless you reject me, right? What about you, Hikaru? Do you have any leads for Kiriharu and Ludansha?"

"Um... I might have one for Kiriharu. Can I be away for a few days?"

"Where are you going?" Ravia asked with a puzzled look.

* * *

The two of them were walking down a long corridor.

To be precise, there were two of them plus seven others, but the seven who were just watching them closely did not engage in any conversation.

"I'm exhausted. I didn't think deciding how to respond to Ponsonia would be this complicated..."

Makedo Miralca Kiriharu, the Queen of the Forestia Union, said with a sigh.

Zoephira Van Hortens, the Chief Minister walking beside her, smiled.

"Let me make some tea for the tired Majesty."

"Oh, that would be great. ——You all can leave here. Today's governance is over."

Turning around, the seven "National Advisors" smiled silently, bowed, and left.

"Isn't that strange? They seem too compliant."

"Maybe they've sent another spy."

"Didn't the black-robed one get rid of them?"

"I'm having someone I trust investigate. They say it's fine for now, but..."

"Ah, is there no place of rest?"

Sighing, Makedo said.

"I heard Kotobi has a 'Soundproofing' magic device. Should we get one?"

"I don't want to owe Kotobi. I'll ask if it can be done in Kiriharu..."

The two entered the Queen's office.

As Zoephira skillfully made tea and Makedo sat down with a sigh,

"Hey."

"Ah!?!"

A voice came from the room, which was supposed to be empty, and Makedo let out a strange sound.

"Y-You...!"

"It's been a while. Can I have some tea too? My throat is a bit dry."

"...I won't say you should announce your visit, but if you're going to be this rude, I have my own thoughts."

Zoephira glared at the black-hooded boy—Hikaru.

But the boy seemed unfazed. His expression was hidden behind the usual sun god mask.

"By the way, do you two have a fetish for exposure? There were more spies watching this room."

"Wh-What...?"

"There were six. I tied them up and threw them behind the building. You might want to retrieve them later."

"Six!?"

"Yes. They were quite cleverly hidden. Some were under the floor and in hollowed-out pillars."

"......"

"......"

Zoephira and Makedo exchanged stunned glances.

"How did you find them so cleverly hidden?"

If he had "Life Detection" or "Magic Detection," he could find anyone no matter where they were hiding, but of course, the boy wouldn't say that.

"You don't have to feel indebted for the six I caught. It was just a whim. But... I have one small request."

"Don't be so dramatic... What do you want?"

For now, this boy wasn't hostile.

At this point, the boy was on the side of Gafurasti. Though he couldn't be trusted, he wasn't an enemy either.

With a headache, Makedo prompted the boy to speak.

"I want you to introduce me to a student at the National Academic Research Institute."

"...A student? Not a researcher?"

"If you're the Queen of Kiriharu, you can easily arrange a meeting with a student, right?"

"Surely you don't intend to harm the student—"

"Of course not. Why would I go through all this trouble to harm a student when I can sneak in unnoticed? I just want an introduction. I won't tell you the purpose."

"I won't introduce you unless you tell me the purpose."

"Will you fully cooperate if I tell you the purpose?"

"..."

"Your Majesty."

Zoephira reprimanded Makedo, who was about to speak.

"If it's just an introduction to a student, I can do it. Using your name would draw too much attention. You're already being watched from all sides."

"I won't let the Chief Minister do it."

"Why not?"

"I need a student from Kiriharu. Someone from a family with influence in Kiriharu. If you, Chief Minister Zoephira, have such a connection, that's fine too."

"...What are you planning—"

"Alright, Zoephira, that's enough. I'll write a letter of introduction. In return, I want information."

"Information?"

"Information about the academy. I heard that the principal of Tsuubara Academy, Lumania, is getting close."

"......"

"You must share the information you have. And if anything happens to the student— I won't forgive you."

"...Alright. I look forward to the information."

The boy took the letter and, as always, left the room boldly—disappearing.

As he said, six spies were tied up and left behind the building.

"What do you think, Zoephira?"

"Would he sneak into the Queen's office alone just to get an introduction to a student and catch spies? It seems unlikely... We should investigate."

"Agreed."

Makedo and Zoephira were discussing seriously.

But it was simply that Hikaru had no other connections in Kiriharu and decided to use the quickest and easiest one.

Next time, it will be a student from Ludansha.