The Immortal's Alchemical Elixir (4)
The proposal caught me completely off guard.
“……Here, you mean?”
I slammed the mental abacus in my head at lightspeed, tallying up the pros and cons. Guarding the Elixir so it wouldn’t get stolen, or dealing with the bastards who kept pestering me to sell it to them before the auction. Both options were a massive pain in the ass. In that sense, the Hermeion Guild was a solid choice. A trading company of this scale would be difficult for even the lord of Renapolis to mess with.
While my brain ran the calculations, my mouth moved on autopilot.
“If we include the friends I made here, that makes six of us. Is that okay?”
“Ah— hahaha! If they’re companions of my benefactor, I’d welcome even ten times that number!”
Selena let out a bold, hearty laugh. Well, the place was bigger than a university dorm, so six people probably wouldn’t be an issue. I let out a small chuckle and nodded.
“Then I’ll be in your care.”
“Of course! It’s an honor for our family to be able to offer you a room! Where is your inn? I’ll send someone right away!”
“Ah, and please take the letter I wrote as well.”
Otherwise my other wives might get suspicious.
—Jingle jingle.
At my request, Selena rang a small handbell. A maid appeared shortly after, took my letter, and headed for the inn. Selena then received something from the butler and began explaining.
“The auction begins in a few days and will run for five days total. Please consider that you’ll be staying at the estate for about a week.”
She handed me a document with the schedule written on it.
“Looking at the current list of items, the Elixir will likely appear as the climax on the fourth day. There aren’t many items that can compare to an Elixir where multiple gold coins change hands.”
“We can only hope nothing goes wrong until then. I’d feel bad if we caused you any trouble because of us.”
“What a disappointing thing to say! Even if something does happen, it would simply be me repaying the debt I owe you for saving my life, so it’s no problem at all!”
She called it disappointing, but her calculations were pretty thorough. When I burst out laughing, Selena covered her mouth and giggled as if satisfied.
“Then, Dismuke! Please guide Mister Nord and his wife to the annex! Both of you, treat this place as your own home and rest comfortably!”
“Understood. We’ll only be imposing for a few days.”
And so, we were sent to the annex ahead of the rest of the group. The building had multiple rooms, and it seemed we could use them however we wanted—one person per room or whatever. Rich people really do have a different mindset.
“Huuu, fuck. Staying quiet and not saying anything is seriously exhausting.”
Dana, who had followed me into the room, flopped face-first onto the ridiculously huge bed. I grabbed the ass that had risen up like she was in doggy-style position and kneaded it while cackling.
“Thanks. Still, having a beauty like you acting all prim and proper next to me makes people think, ‘Ah! If even a woman like her is behaving like a devoted wife, this bastard must have something going for him!’ Doesn’t it improve my image?”
“……You really are a fucking bastard with a silver tongue. It would’ve sounded a lot better if you hadn’t grabbed my ass.”
“Tsk. Isn’t that all consideration from this husband of yours? I’m holding back because if I got all serious, my wife might have a heart attack.”
“You never shut the hell up for even a second, seriously.”
“If you don’t like me running my mouth, why don’t you act cute instead?”
I pulled the grumbling Dana into my arms and started groping her. After thinking about all sorts of things, I was mentally a bit drained too. While we waited for the others, I figured I’d heal up a little by messing around with my Dana.
I rolled around while hugging her slender body that had almost no fat to grab, and although Dana looked utterly disgusted, she stayed quietly in my arms, breathing softly.
“……So what are you going to do now? Originally you were planning to wait for someone to attack and then beat the shit out of them to get information, right? There probably isn’t anyone stupid or ballsy enough to storm this estate, is there?”
“Once we enter the auction, we’ll be able to see who the opponents are anyway, so there’s no need to take risks right now. Catherine’s being targeted too, so holing up safely isn’t a bad idea.”
The problem was whether the situation surrounding Tirsi would stay the same while we were playing the waiting game. Of course, I already had countermeasures in mind for that too. I continued kneading Dana while organizing various plans in my head.
—Vrrrr.
I had deliberately avoided her erogenous zones so she wouldn’t get in the mood, but the wait must have been too long. By the time the group arrived, Dana was twitching her waist and had completely shut down.
“It’s my first time staying somewhere this luxurious and relaxing. My sister would be so jealous if she knew.”
Catherine, who had arrived with the wives, looked around the annex and let out that impression. I was helping Larilura unpack her luggage when I spoke up.
“You can stay here, but will your sister be okay by herself?”
“If it weren’t for that nasty tracking magic, there’d be no way she’d get caught, right? You said it yourself, didn’t you? The chances that the half-elf who attacked us reported the phantom thief’s identity are low. It should be fine.”
Since I had read their memories, I knew for certain that wasn’t the case, but I decided to just let it slide. There was no need to explain it on purpose.
“Ah, right. I have another investigation I need to ask you for.”
“An investigation? Being here makes us safer, but it also limits how much information we can gather. It might take a little longer……”
“Make this your top priority. It’s not a difficult request.”
“……W-what is it?”
I waved my hand at Catherine, who looked unnecessarily tense, as if to tell her to calm down.
“It seems a young noblewoman from the Armaal family has come to this city. Could you look into where her family home is and where she’s currently staying? That’s all, so it shouldn’t be hard, right?”
At my words, Catherine’s expression brightened.
“Ah, of course! I already have her location figured out! She’s a celebrity, so she was caught in my information network a while ago.”
“……Where?”
I asked immediately because I had a bad feeling. My ominous premonition was spot on.
Catherine answered casually.
“The lord’s estate!”
“……Ha, fuck.”
A curse slipped out the moment I heard the answer.
‘No way…… why the hell would she stay there of all places.’
I pressed my temple and let out a sigh. That young noblewoman had only just escaped being tormented by a crazy black mage, and now she was staying at another crazy bastard’s house. If Primor hadn’t truly been a direct descendant of one of the original senate families, it might not have been a big deal. But knowing that someone I knew had willingly stuck her head into a tiger’s den—how could I not curse?
“……Haa.”
I sighed and crossed my arms. I could understand why it had turned out this way. It was a matter of basic etiquette. When someone as prominent as her visited a territory, it was only proper to show her face to the lord who governed the land. It was the exact opposite reason she had only sent her female knight to the Hermeion estate.
If she had ignored the lord and simply stayed at an inn before leaving? It would be on the same level as Steve Jobs showing up at Samsung headquarters, refusing to meet the executives, and then eating and sleeping in the duty room before leaving. People would call it insane behavior. In the worst case, they might even suspect she was up to something shady.
‘……Whatever. Let’s think positively.’
I had actually been wanting to ask Primor for a favor anyway. If she was staying at Diabolo’s house, it was actually the perfect situation for what I wanted to request. Since it was already too late, there was nothing I could do. I’d just think of it as good timing.
I stared out at the sunset for a moment before speaking to Veronica.
“Miss attendant. I need your cooperation for a bit.”
That night. At a time still a little early for sleep, I climbed onto the back of the newly transformed Veronica and soared into the night sky.
“Sssshaaaa. (Sex.)”
I had transformed into a black mamba. From a distance, I’d be hard to spot buried in Veronica’s fur. Veronica, who had been flapping her wings, chuckled and complained.
“My dear. Do not make those noises in my ear for no reason. You can speak human words, can you not?”
She was complaining even though she couldn’t understand snake language. I smacked Veronica’s back with my tail.
“Focus on flying. If I fall, I’m leaving you behind and going alone?”
“Do not speak such nonsense. If I leave you alone, you always cause some kind of accident. Franc kept begging me to make sure you don’t do anything dangerous.”
“Using facts like a coward to leave me speechless?”
Chattering away, we flew through the night sky and arrived at the lord’s estate. I clicked my tongue at its overwhelming size. The Hermeion Guild leader’s mansion had been big, but this place took it to another level. I felt real estate inflation happening inside me.
Whether it’s Germania or Romania, there’s plenty of land, yet all the buildings are ridiculously huge. Fuck. I’m so jealous I could die. Where does a pathetic owner of a tiny two-story house even find the courage to keep living?
‘……Still, the security level is within expectations.’
The soldiers inside the estate were moving with strict discipline on patrol. It was on a completely different level from the Tustas Company I had infiltrated before. Given the current situation, it seemed the soldiers were pumped up and patrolling properly. Just like the phantom thief twins had said, trying to break through such tight security would be reckless.
‘The soldiers—there are especially many in the right-side annex.’
In that case, that was probably where Tirsi was being held. I glared at the small annex with its modest outer walls that stood out. My decision to be cautious had been correct. The annex was packed with soldiers with no obstacles in the way. Even in an animal-transformed state, infiltrating there last year would have been impossible. They called it “beating the grass and startling the snake,” right? If I got caught infiltrating that place, even if I escaped without being captured, the security would only become stricter.
It was good that I hadn’t acted recklessly.
“Veronica. You remember the location of the guest rooms, right?”
“Of course. Just because I became a bird does not mean my head has become stupid.”
Veronica answered in a joking tone and flapped her wings. The phantom thief twins had apparently obtained a floor plan when they tried to rob this estate before. According to what they found, there were three guest rooms in total. Their locations differed, with one on each floor. We avoided the guards’ eyes and checked the rooms one by one.
‘The soldiers are mainly stationed at the annex and the main building entrance. There’s no one guarding the guest rooms.’
Was the fact that there were almost no watchers around Primor because they truly had no interest in her? Or perhaps even if they stationed soldiers, it would be counterproductive if her escorts noticed. Whether there was a kidnapping plan or not, they probably wouldn’t have done anything too obvious.
—Flap.
It was when we were peeking through the window of the third guest room. Using Odin’s Eye, I discovered familiar faces beyond the window that had no alarm magic cast on it. It was Primor and her escorts. Primor had a faint anger in her furrowed brows as she was scolding a kneeling female knight.
……Lias. Did I not tell you? I have no intention of treating my finger for the time being.
I apologize. I thought there would be no problem if it was presented as a gift from a knight.
I appreciate your heart, but even if you treat only my ring finger, it holds no meaning right now. Above all, returning to the family right now—
At that moment, the female thief raised her hand and cut off Primor, who had been reprimanding her.
My lady, wait a moment. We have an uninvited guest?
——Where?
Judging by how she had been standing with her hands behind her back, the female thief must have been getting scolded too, yet the group immediately entered combat readiness and warily watched us. They were still quick on their feet.
—Click.
Since the window wasn’t locked, Veronica and I boldly entered the room. I slid down from Veronica’s back and spoke.
Pardon the late-night intrusion. You seem quite busy. Should I wait?
At the sight of a snake talking, Primor and her escorts’ eyes widened to the size of fists. The first to realize my identity was the mage.
……That voice, could it be?
That’s right. It is I, Yesugei.
I should have picked a better name. Every time I introduce myself it feels kinda shitty.
A-are you a familiar? Using a familiar to deliver a message spell?
Correct. It is a type of sorcery.
Of course it was actually me transformed, but I had planned to claim that from the start. I had even disguised the flow of mana inside my body so that others would see me as a familiar. Unfortunately, it seemed they didn’t check that far. Primor, who had been scolding her escort, approached with a bright expression.
Oh my! What brings you all the way here?
Hm? That kind of tone is a little disappointing. When we parted, I thought I heard you say you wanted me to visit again. Was that my misunderstanding?
When I spoke mischievously, Primor shook her head in surprise.
How could that be! I simply never imagined I would see you again so soon, and not even at our family’s estate……!
Ah, it was a joke. Do not get excited. I was being naughty. By the way, is it alright to shout like that here? Wouldn’t it be troublesome if someone comes?
That is fine. There is no one around this guest room.
I am still worried. I shall use a spell to contain our voices.
At Hans’s words, the mage activated some kind of magic. It seemed a bit lower level than what Veronica used. Having the same thought, Veronica gave a small smile and began preening the feathers on her wings. It was practically method acting.
More importantly, you came because you have something to say, right? If you came because you felt regretful about our vague farewell last time, I would be moved, though.
The female thief lowered her voice and asked. Primor, who had a rather strong sense of pride befitting a noble, frowned at her attitude, but I spoke faster than she could open her mouth.
You are correct. Though it is shameless, I have come to ask once more for the proposal I let slide last time.
When you say request…… do you mean the deal where we cooperate with your goals in return for the help you gave us?
Mm.
I answered in a low voice to convey the dignity of a great hero. Primor and her escorts smiled brightly.
What fortunate news! I felt so regretful that I couldn’t repay you that I could barely eat!
Keke. You got lucky, Lias. You’ve been sighing nonstop lately.
You too. You said that if we met again you would kneel and apologize, and you repeated it several times—
Uwaaack!! When did I ever!!
They had been quite sharp with each other last time, but now that I looked, they were actually a rather harmonious party. That made sense. The people who had met me had all lost their lord and husband and burned with revenge. Now they must have set down that burden and regained some peace of mind.
Please tell us anything. You are the one who avenged my husband. I will help you with anything I can.
Primor placed her hand on her chest as she spoke. The other escorts all wore deadly serious expressions. I gave a bitter smile and shook my snake head.
It is nothing so grand. You may not remember, but I spoke of a close friend I am indebted to in Romania.
……You mean that hooded person?
Primor seemed to recall the disguised Larilura. I nodded.
That is correct. Before I return to the Central Plains, I wish to help her and then depart. I must cleanly settle all favors and grudges.
At my imitation of a martial artist’s sense of honor, Primor’s expression grew serious.
The rumors about the ruler of Renapolis…… have never been good. My escort mentioned that there are strangely many soldiers around the annex and the security posture is very strict. Could it be related to that?
If you had already noticed, this will go quickly. I suspect that the woman my friend is looking for is in that very place. If possible, could you investigate that annex for me?
All eyes turned to the female thief. She closed her eyes for a moment to think, then spoke.
It will be…… a little difficult. I will try, but giving us a guest room was probably meant to tell us not to go anywhere else. The security is tight too, so the chances of failure if I go alone are high.
Could you not control insects? Even in winter, there should be some energetic ones indoors.
Cockroaches don’t get eradicated just because it’s winter, do they? There are bugs that survive even cold waves! Anyone who grew up poor and knew the feeling of cheap vinyl flooring sticking to their soles also knew about the vitality of bugs. I had learned that at my parents’ house.
The female thief groaned and scratched her head.
There is no passage connecting to the annex. Even if I find some and send them, they will either freeze to death midway or my connection with them will be severed.
……It seems impossible.
Well, it’s not like I can’t do it at all…….
She trailed off while glancing at Primor’s complexion, then spoke.
……While we were looking at the list together because there was something we wanted at this auction, a Scarab brooch made in our homeland is being exhibited on the first day.
A scarab?
I shut my mouth, conscious of the fact that I was about to pretend I knew what it was. As the great warrior Yesugei of the Central Plains, it would be strange for me to have knowledge of Narmer-Nile culture or archaeology. Self-restraint, self-restraint.
It is a symbol of fertility, abundant harvests, and the sun. With that, I could share warmth with the insects I control so they can endure the cold and increase my control over them…… but I do not have the money to buy it.
I will pay for it. If that is all, can you do it?
I can just write it off as an expense. When I answered immediately, the female thief grinned fiercely and twisted the corner of her mouth.
Ha. I can’t say I can’t do it after receiving the item, can I? I’m confident.
……In that case, I will pay the fee.
The one who spoke was Primor. The escorts looked at her in surprise.
My lady, did you not oppose the auction?
If I cannot fulfill my duty, I will not be able to face my husband in heaven. I believe Henry will understand even if his burial in his homeland’s soil is delayed a little.
A shadow fell over the escorts’ faces, but they all nodded as if it was the right thing to say. The holy knight I didn’t know must have been that kind of person.
——Yesugei. I have understood the situation.
Primor placed her left hand, missing its ring finger, on her chest as she spoke.
I, Primor Armaal, swear on the castle my husband gave me. I accept your request.