Chapter 26
Chapter 26
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 26
Chapter Title: Murder Case
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Kyle grabbed the collars of the two men frantically kissing on the floor and hoisted them up. One in each hand.
"From now on, if you have any complaints about me, feel free to come at me anytime. But if you're not confident you can win, just follow orders. Take care of these guys yourselves. If you're really worried, drag them to a doctor."
Tossed aside like trash, the two men left the Vanguard Swordsmen staring up at Kyle with daunted eyes. Any hint of rebellion in their gazes had long vanished.
"This is the captain's office. It's a bit messy, but if you wait a moment, I'll clean it up right away."
The office assigned to me was thick with dust from long disuse.
"No need. Go handle your business. Make sure to keep the men in line."
"Of course. Now that you've put them in their place, captain, those idiots won't dare act up."
"Out."
"Yes, sir!"
Only after sending away the soldier who'd escorted me could I finally sink into the office chair for a rest.
Though caked in dust, it was tidy overall for a captain's quarters, and the wall boasted a large glass window to boot. Still, cleaning comes first. I'll catch pneumonia at this rate.
Creak—
As I swept dust away with a broom, I pulled open a drawer to clean the desk and noticed it grinding awkwardly, like the mechanism wasn't meshing right.
Even for a quasi-noble's office, couldn't they stock proper furniture? Military supply corruption must be universal.
"Good work!"
"Yeah, you too."
That evening, with nothing pressing, I killed time in the office until quitting hour before heading out. The swordsmen snapped to attention, saluting me farewell in unison.
The atmosphere was still a touch awkward, but the senior soldiers and veterans looked relieved. Manageable bunch.
Unit's shaping up. Now it's just sword training while drawing salary. Honestly, isn't this peak isekai success? One goal down—made it to noble.
"Wonder where that kid's holed up, living it up."
Regretted not finding Ren, but tracking people in this world ain't easy. No CCTV or phones. Even the count's knights knew nothing, so definitely not in the city...
Clack! Clack!
The night city was dead quiet outside the main boulevards. Nothing but the night watchman's clappers echoing. Alleys especially—no lantern light reaches them, making them the most dangerous spots. Worse still at midnight.
"Tch... Every damn time, the stench hits different."
Like any medieval city, hygiene was a foreign concept to these isekai folk. They'd dump filth right on the streets without a second thought. The main roads stayed somewhat clean thanks to the Lady's oversight, turning the alleys into a literal hellscape.
Piles of muck spewed a stench straight out of infernal pits. And deeper in lurked beggars and thugs galore. Some clueless fool wanders in? Stripped to his skivvies in ten steps flat. If he makes it out at all.
But shortest cut to the tavern. I picked my way through the sludge, stepping carefully.
"......"
The pitch-black alley was silent. No moonlight pierced the gloom—just pure darkness. My hunter-sharpened eyes dodged the filth as a faint metallic tang of blood wafted from deeper in.
Hunting had made me a pro at sniffing out blood. I narrowed my eyes. Amid the heavy reek of waste came stale sweat... and thick, viscous blood. To get that scent, it'd take at least a gallon spilled.
Gut screaming trouble, I hurried deeper. The blood stench thickened, revealing a silhouette slumped against the wall.
Short hair, burly build. But he leaned there, head bowed. Homeless bum? Nah, too stocky. I shoved his shoulder; he toppled sideways easily.
"...Dead."
Up close, no breathing. Long gone—body cold and rigid with rigor mortis.
"This?"
Examining the stiff corpse closer revealed entry wounds. The chilled back bore three deep gashes.
"So you just walked past it?"
"Obvious, ain't it? Pure hassle."
"Figured you loved hogging the dirty work, bro."
"Quit yapping..."
I handed the body off to nearby patrolling guards. They first eyed me like they needed to question me, but saluted sharp once they clocked me as Vanguard Swordsman captain and let me go.
Over drinks and chatter, the corpse nagged at me—the three back slashes. Felt too much like the serial killings Cutter mentioned. Time to ask.
"Y'know, that serial killer thing you brought up a while back..."
"That psycho?"
"Call it what you want. Any updates since?"
"Nah... Oh! That werewolf bit. Folks say someone spotted it during that slum murder."
"Real werewolf?"
"Too dark to see clear, but silver gleam under moonlight? Gotta be."
Interest deflated. Eyewitness couldn't even see straight in the dark. Besides, city security's Sir Willum's headache, not mine.
But next day, post-training en route to barracks, Sir Willum blocked my path. Face like thunder.
"Sir Lucas."
"Sir Willum? What's the matter...?"
"Got a moment? Need a word."
"Haha, I'll make time. When it's you speaking, sir."
Flattery landed; his scowl eased a bit.
"I know a nice spot. This way."
He led to a secluded garden nook. Prime real estate? Grinning like it was paradise, he said,
"How's this? Best garden view in the city. Most roses hereabouts. I tea up here sometimes. Wasn't prepped today on short notice, but I'll invite you proper next time."
"So, what's on your mind..."
I prompted. He cleared his throat, then spoke.
"Heard you found a body in the city alley yesterday."
"Ah... yeah. Word got around quick?"
Then, bombshell from his lips.
"That corpse was one of our guards. Hit my ears fast. And you were there yesterday?"
"Happened across it passing through. Issue?"
Something off in his tone. Sounded like he was fingering me for the crime.
"Why that alley, that late?"
Crystal clear now. He suspected me—me, killer of his man. Utterly insolent. Accusing a noble of murder.
"Sir Willum!"
No backing down here. "Tolerate thrice and murder's forgiven"? Nah, tolerate thrice and you're a chump.
"Wh-what...?"
"You suspecting me, sir?"
Straight shot made him cough again.
"Ahem! C-can't be helped? A noble like you there at that hour—explain yourself."
"Cutting through to the tavern. Problem? You know I was a mercenary. Frankly, this offends."
Sir Willum—no, just Willum now—bowed his head.
"If not you, my apologies. You were the only lead..."
Apologizing already? I ain't done.
"You suspecting me screams grudge over the Lady's appointment. Pressuring me over it."
Dropping her name bleached his face white.
"N-no...! How'd you twist it like that? I just..."
"~Yeah, I get it. Merc-turned-noble from nowhere? Must sting. Fair to gripe at her call."
"Wait! Misunderstanding!"
He lunged for my hand—slipped it free.
"Misunderstanding cleared, so I'm off?"
"...Sorry. Truly. Dishonorable of me... Please, keep from the Lady..."
Everyone at the estate knew our morning sword lessons. Willum included. Hooked him good. But no tattling planned.
Better play gracious, rack up a favor. Casually collect later when needed.
"I'll let it slide. Wasn't your intent anyway. Right?"
His grim mug split into a grin.
"Exactly! Truth, I admired you... Ahem... War hero's honor shines through!"
Chat warmed up—perfect to probe the serial killings. Barely cared before, but this deep? Might as well hear it out.
"So, those serial murders. What's the story?"
"Nothing special. Without my man, just daily slum stiffs."
"Spill anyway. Maybe I can help?"
"Mm... Fine then..."
Sir Willum began his tale.