𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠
“I received a message from the castle. So far, there seem to be no suspicious components.”
ㅤ
A slightly disappointing air drifted through the room after the report from Roa-sama.
It’s been two days since I handed over the tea. The people who looked into it must have worked hard, but the disappointment was great because I thought we had finally gotten a clue to Dyson.
ㅤ
“If it were so easy to catch Dyson with this, we wouldn’t be struggling so much. It’s still a clue, so we are making progress.”
“That’s right. Compared to the time when we could only run away, you should see how far we’ve come. We’re close to catching Dyson.”
ㅤ
Arthur and Roa-sama’s words revived everyone’s spirits.
I was too hasty, but considering the time when we had to escape underground to avoid being caught by Dyson, things have significantly improved. Dyson probably doesn’t even know where we are yet.
ㅤ
“There’s a chance that the next item may be rigged. It’s tough to tell Alice to meet that merchant, but. . .”
“It was my choice, so please don’t worry about it, Roa-sama and others. It wasn’t as scary as I thought it would be last time because Arthur-sama was with me. I believed that Arthur-sama would protect me.”
“Alice. . . I’m glad you trust me.”
ㅤ
Arthur’s smile, unusual and not his typical princely one, was disarmingly childlike and carried an immense charm.
ㅤ
“Ugh. . .!”
ㅤ
I instinctively covered my face with my hand, but Arthur’s smile broke through anyway.
ㅤ
“I’m so happy to be able to go to Ureshii.”
“Good, that’s the Arthur-sama I know.”
ㅤ
Arthur-sama should indeed be just like this. Now, I get restless if I don’t hear Arthur-sama’s puns at least once a day.
I’ve come to realize that when Arthur-sama doesn’t make puns, it means either the situation is bad or Arthur-sama isn’t feeling well.
ㅤ
Roa-sama coughed exaggeratedly to steer the conversation back.
ㅤ
“The merchant said he’s always there at that time. We have confirmed that he indeed is. I’d like you to make contact tomorrow. Three people will follow.”
“Thank you very much. Leave it to me.”
ㅤ
I’ll take plenty of anti-crime magic tools and be ready to fight back if necessary.
ㅤ
ㅤ
The next day, I went to the same alley at the same time as before, and there was the merchant standing.
. . .Yeah, I’m okay. I’m not shaking today. I’m not afraid. I believe that the people I trust will protect me.
ㅤ
Arthur, who came with me, stepped forward and blocked the merchant from my view.
ㅤ
“The young lady desires the goods.”
“Thank you very much. I’ve brought some of our trading company’s proud selections along with the item I previously handed over.”
“Tea?”
“Yes, indeed. We have herbal tea using carefully selected herbs harvested from the Valka and Ouldra territories. We’ve also prepared several types that are popular with women and beneficial for beauty.”
“I’ll take them.”
ㅤ
Edgardo and Rene stepped forward to receive the goods.
I felt the merchant’s gaze on me and opened my fan with a flourish, stepping forward slightly.
ㅤ
“You’ll be here next time, won’t you?”
“Of course, I will be.”
ㅤ
Without responding to the merchant who bowed respectfully, they turned on their heel and walked away.
Edgardo and Rene seem to follow behind; Arthur must be remaining as rearguard, cautious of the merchant.
Although there was a reluctance to show their back to that scum, now it feels safe.
ㅤ
While unconsciously becoming quicker on your feet, walk slowly with awareness. Thanks to the bodysuit that Chris gave me, I’m truly grateful that I can walk like an Ojou-sama.
ㅤ
Before entering the girls’ dormitory, we meticulously checked the goods for bugs or transmitters before returning to the room.
Roa-sama, who had been sitting restlessly on the sofa, stood up.
ㅤ
“You did well. Was there nothing amiss?”
“No, it seems there are no transmitters.”
“Be careful when opening it. Such things wouldn’t be placed obviously.”
“Let’s check again, all of us together.”
“Alice, I appreciate you going even though it’s tough. Don’t feel sick or anything unusual?”
“I’m fine. It was very reassuring to have the three of you with me, thank you.”
“It’s a knight’s job to protect. It must be satisfying to have been able to protect Alice.”
ㅤ
The beautifully boxed set contained various types of tea and confectionery made from them.
Edgardo and Rolf’s faces were serious enough to turn pale.
ㅤ
“. . .The merchant mentioned earlier. The herbs used are from Rolf and my territory.”
“The herbs and tea are special products of Edgardo and Rolf’s lands. It’s understandable to be worried.”
ㅤ
Roa-sama placed her hands firmly on Edgardo and Rolf’s shoulders.
ㅤ
“It’s good that we knew in advance. Now we can take the initiative.”
“. . .Yes. It’s much better than being told out of the blue that it was used for poisoning. I’ll make them regret involving my territory.”
ㅤ
Rolf, cracking his knuckles, had lost his usual bright smile. With a gaze as sharp as a wolf, Edgardo nodded in agreement.
ㅤ
“We won’t forgive them. Hopefully, the analysis will reveal something. . .”
“Right, since we have so much, may I share some with Marina and Thor? Marina’s laboratory has some equipment left by a professor who was researching something before. Roa-sama, you said before that it can still be analyzed, right?”
“It may be inferior to what we have in the castle but. . . Yes, let’s share some. Thor’s persistence might find something.”
ㅤ
After discreetly handing the goods to Thor, Chris, upon returning, murmured as if filled with emotion.
ㅤ
“If there is a clue to be found, it will probably be by Thor-sama. . .”
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