Chapter 54
Chapter 54
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 54
Chapter Title: Lacking Conversation (2)
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Late at night.
Rorschach visited Federback's bedroom.
It wasn't unusual for her to come to him for reports, but... there was something different about her today.
The usually expressionless and businesslike Rorschach was pouting today, as if she were in a bad mood.
Moreover, her outfit was a frilly dress paired with stylish pointed heels, a necklace, earrings, and even bracelets—a full ensemble.
Her makeup was light and natural, as if carefully applied but not overdone.
At a glance, it was clear the maids had helped her get all dolled up.
'Well, this is something. I thought she had no interest in this sort of thing.'
Back when they first met in the cave, she had seemed more beast than human.
Now, with makeup and proper clothes, she finally looked a bit human(?).
Federback rose from the bed.
Smooth—
Since he was naked before bed, he thought he'd grab something to wear first.
"!"
In that instant, Rorschach averted her eyes.
This was another change from her usual demeanor.
Federback casually draped on a robe.
Then he straddled the chair facing her, crossing his legs.
"What report do you have? I've handled most things in writing already."
"There are things that need face-to-face reports, not paper trails. Matters that can't leave evidence behind."
"Right. So what is it?"
"Before that, are you going to keep a lady standing here?"
"A lady wouldn't barge into a man's room at this hour. Sit wherever."
Federback nodded toward a nearby chair.
However.
Even though the chair in front of Federback was empty, Rorschach deliberately walked past it.
Plop—
She sat on the edge of the bed where Federback had just been lying.
"I saw you strolling with Lady Cardina earlier. You seemed quite affectionate."
"It's good for siblings to get along."
"No blood shared, though."
"...?"
As Federback raised an eyebrow, Rorschach continued.
"I heard from Lady Cardina. You're actually distant relatives, farther than eighth cousins."
"Sister told you that?"
"...There were circumstances. While you were away on expedition, I got close to her."
"What are you getting at?"
"Anyway. With your relation to Lady Cardina, marriage wouldn't be out of the question. Among nobles who prioritize pure bloodlines, it's hardly an issue."
"Marriage between siblings? If you're here to spout nonsense, just leave."
Rorschach's expression brightened a little at Federback's dismissive wave.
"Ahem. Then, my report."
"... ."
Federback thought Rorschach's attitude had shifted oddly while he was away on expedition.
How to put it—she'd seemed mechanical before, but now she had a human touch.
'And coming all dressed up like this.'
Her cheeks were flushed, her ear tips red, her voice trembling now and then, eyes darting away...
'Hmm—has she finally socialized a bit?'
She was a girl born and raised by Abyss prisoners.
Like a child raised by wolves, her lack of social skills had worried him, but it seemed fine now.
Soon, Rorschach's report continued.
"Successive assassinations in the capital. High-ranking nobles murdered one after another. Even some fallen nobles who sought asylum in Meursault territory recently were found dead."
"Confirmed assassinations?"
"Victims had new moon-shaped scars on their chests. Probably the assassin group 'Descendants of the New Moon' rampant in the capital lately."
"...!"
A furrow formed between Federback's brows.
'Descendants of the New Moon. Already on the move?'
Descendants of the New Moon.
A notorious assassin guild from the past.
During the Great Demon War, not all humans united against the Demon King.
Short-sighted beasts bared teeth at each other, and lurking in the shadows were the 'Descendants of the New Moon.'
They took high-profile assassination commissions for hefty fees. Greedy types useless against the Demon King, so the hero party had little contact.
'They were neither boon nor bane to me... but in this life, maybe useful to wield.'
Perhaps even snag the tails of enemies lurking in the distant capital.
Federback nodded.
"Next report?"
"Regarding the orders you gave before leaving on expedition. The Mage Tower."
The Mage Tower mages.
Federback had donated to borrow them.
To overhaul Northern Region distribution networks with their help.
Mass military supply distribution.
Reclaiming Beauvoir Mine District enabled mass mithril weapon production.
He planned to arm forces across the territory.
Lord of War.
The vision was taking shape.
The issue was.
"The Mage Tower says they'll consider positively. But it'll take time. Most mages are buried in research, no availability..."
"So. Failed?"
"I don't bring failure. I have a backup."
Rorschach pulled out a few documents.
About a wandering mage in the 'Frozen Forest' near Baikal City.
"Contracted her for the job. But at the final negotiation, she sent a weird letter..."
"Weird how?"
Federback flipped the papers.
The mage's original letter was enclosed on the back.
<Meeting for two. Must have qualifications.>
Mages are eccentric by nature.
They observe world laws, study, twist, defy them.
Many pursue extreme efficiency and pragmatism.
'...Means only talk to qualified ones.'
As Federback read the letter.
Whoosh—
Suddenly, it burst into flames.
At the same time, light from the fire shot straight out the window in a line.
...Twinkle!
The light pillar pointed like a compass needle.
Rorschach's eyes widened.
"Didn't happen when I touched it!"
"Figures. Qualifications... Seems it reacts only to those with sufficient mana."
Federback looked out the window.
The light trail stretched toward the distant horizon.
Northwest of Meursault Manor, dozens of kilometers away.
Rorschach checked the map urgently, her face hardening.
"...The Nightmare-Devouring Mire."
"Hmm. Forbidden grounds."
The Nightmare-Devouring Mire.
A vast forest not far from the Northern Region.
Everyone born and raised in the north learns about it from childhood.
'Never enter.'
An ominous, impure place birthing countless missing persons. Only the suicide-prone drag themselves there.
That was the Nightmare-Devouring Mire.
Unlike Beauvoir Abandoned Mine District—once bustling, now uninhabitable due to Frost Dragon Adara—this felt different.
Beauvoir turned cursed recently; this had been cursed since the oldest Meursault elders' great-grandparents were infants.
Rorschach muttered at the map.
"Nightmare-Devouring Mire... Heard it devours all who enter. Swallowed countless lords over centuries."
"Meet there, then? This mage."
"Better not go. Ominous place. Find another mage."
Federback shook his head firmly.
"No need for dubious land in human territory. Time to purge it."
"You love purges. What if you get cursed?"
"Curses? Just burn and bulldoze it all."
Federback preferred physical laws over magical ones.
A few days later, Cardina departed for Beauvoir Mine District with a large force.
Knights, soldiers, miners.
Their families packed up too, nearly a thousand souls marching.
Mounted on a white horse, Cardina surveyed around.
And soon.
"!"
Her eyes met someone leaning out from the high keep's window.
Federback.
Her non-blood-related little brother.
Arm on the sill, gazing indifferently this way.
"... ."
Cardina stared silently at him.
Then turned away.
'When I return, everything will be sorted clean. Thoughts, heart, all.'
Cardina admitted it.
Lately, she couldn't treat Federback as before.
And whether it was pride in her grown brother or something else, she wasn't sure.
This worry, longing, urge to fuss over him—was it sisterly?
She'd written academy peers about how normal sisters treat brothers; replies were similar.
Of course, theirs were blood siblings; she and Federback were step—but even dwelling on it felt sinful.
The longer time passed—his expedition dragged—the more she feared knowing her true feelings.
Thus, volunteering for Beauvoir dispatch was partly fleeing.
'Better this way. Cool head in the cold, hone swordsmanship. Beauvoir needs developing anyway.'
Cardina spurred north.
Hoping, upon return, to clearly define her tangled heart.