The Blind Knight's Unveiling
98. Joint Investigation (2)
The knight recommended by Leon Benning still had his face tightly wrapped in a helmet. At the sight of him not even raising his visor, the captain of the royal guard, who had been standing silently beside him, spoke in a low voice, as if threatening the knight. “…How dare you face His Majesty without showing your face? It is most discourteous.”
The knight who stepped forward answered the captain’s words. “My face is hideous, and I dare not reveal it before His Majesty. I will accept whatever punishment is due, so please grant me your understanding.”
The voice that flowed from the gaps in the helmet was that of a gentle woman. It echoed dully, trapped within the steel walls of the helm. The unusually polite manner of speech and the sudden emergence of a woman’s voice caused the captain of the royal guard to show a rare change in expression. Even so, it did not sway the captain’s resolve. Instead, he lowered his voice even further, growling like a beast as he pressed the knight on her transgression. “Even if your face is hideous, failing to show it to His Majesty is an act of disrespect. Well then, will you accept the punishment for your insolence and reveal your face, or will you obediently remove that helmet with your own hands?”
The captain of the royal guard looked ready to draw his sword at any moment. When the king let out a sigh and slightly raised his right hand, the captain suppressed his momentum and stepped back. “Enough, Hugo. I have no desire to argue over trivial matters when a greater problem looms before us. The knight’s appearance and her name are not of great importance at this moment.”
“But, Your Majesty…”
“My knight has committed an act of disrespect. I do not recall ever teaching her to answer in such a manner. I offer my apologies, Your Majesty.”
It was Count Benning who cut in. When the count took a submissive stance, the captain of the royal guard furrowed his brow. The count turned his head and looked at his knight. “Adeline, remove your helmet.”
The knight’s shoulders flinched. The count’s eyes remained sharp and cold as he continued to stare at her. Unable to withstand his gaze any longer, the knight slowly raised her hands and brought them to her helmet. Click.
The helmet came off, and the face of the knight called Adeline was revealed. The knights could not hide their shock. The king raised an eyebrow, and the captain of the royal guard clicked his tongue softly. Her long, straight hair cascaded down to her waist in a deep, dark blue—so dark that only upon close inspection could one glimpse traces of azure, like the deepest night sky just before dawn. Her delicate lips and nose were visible on her small face. It was a face that could not, even in jest, be called hideous. Yet the reason the knights could not conceal their astonishment lay elsewhere.
“…A blind woman.”
A black cloth was wrapped around her eyes beneath her forehead. Seeing the eyes hidden behind the cloth, Maxim realized why he had not noticed the knight’s gaze. She could not see to begin with, so how could a gaze even exist?
“It is unfortunate that she is blind, but how can such a person be included in the investigation of the Magic Tower?” Denis said from beside Maxim.
“Just because she cannot see does not mean her skills as a warrior have diminished. However, how can a blind person be entrusted with the task of ‘investigation’? You should bring another knight instead.”
The count curled his lips. “In exchange for losing her sight, Adeline’s ability to sense mana far surpasses that of others. She will be far more helpful in investigating the Magic Tower than most. Would you like to test her?”
“…No need.”
Prolonging the argument would only harm the king’s side. There was no time to waste debating when they could be using it to weaken Benning’s forces.
“An excellent decision, Sir Denis.”
The count seemed to be waiting for the king’s next words. The king still regarded the knight Adeline and the count with clear displeasure. An opportunity. That single thought circled in the king’s mind.
“The selection of the special investigation team shall proceed as follows. Three of my knights, the count, and the one knight he has recommended, along with two inspectors from the Ministry of Finance. As for the command of the investigation team… Count Benning, you shall take charge.”
The count had volunteered to participate in the investigation in exchange for proposing the Magic Tower inquiry and providing information about its corruption. The king inwardly lamented having to swallow what he knew was poison.
“Yes. I also believe that would be best.”
The king closed his eyes and tapped the armrest of his chair. A would-be usurper sat before him. Each had a sword hidden behind the other’s back, both trying to cut the ropes of the wooden bridge.
“That will be all. You may withdraw, Count. The investigation team’s activities shall begin tomorrow at dawn. Prepare the operational outline and be ready to act. As for any issues regarding this matter…”
The king fixed the count with a sharp gaze. The count maintained his relaxed demeanor and bowed his head. “Yes, I shall take responsibility for it.”
At that moment, Maxim could feel the count’s gaze flying toward him once more. It was so blatant that pretending not to notice would have been excessive. Maxim tried to shake off the ominous premonition creeping up on him.
“Let us go, Adeline.”
The count paid his respects to the king and strode out of the audience chamber with his knight in tow. His presence faded down the central corridor.
==
“Is this not dangerous?”
“The Magic Tower has gone too far this time.”
Leaving Adeline behind, Leon Benning answered the other knight of his household who had followed him. Their footsteps were headed toward the Second Prince’s palace. Adeline paid no attention to the conversation between the count and the knight, merely following behind.
“I provided them with research funds and turned a blind eye to whatever they did, yet they dared to shake the center of the grand plan. That crossed the line.”
The knight asked cautiously, his voice filled with concern. “Then, this investigation…?”
“It is both a warning and a genuine inquiry. I must find out what schemes they are hiding. While I am at it, I should also make it clear who is above and who is below.”
Something troublesome had gotten in the way just as he was about to continue the grand plan. Leon Benning expressed his irritation in a low voice. “If the king’s side notices anything suspicious…”
“I did not bring ‘that’ along as mere decoration.”
Leon Benning’s eyes flicked toward the ‘Puppet’ following behind him—Adeline. “Is this truly all right? Are we not revealing our hand too early…?”
“This operation must succeed. It is on an entirely different level from having someone planted in the east only to get caught by the tail.”
Leon Benning dismissed the knight’s concerns and continued forward. He had intended to move slowly, but it seemed he had already delayed too long. “The time to act has come.”
His steps, quiet yet filled with violent resolve, moved ahead. Ominous clouds of war were swirling around the audience chamber.
==
The moment the office door closed, Denis’s face twisted in fury. “That damned bastard.”
“Denis, I have told you to refrain from vulgar language in His Majesty’s presence.”
The captain of the royal guard’s words were not harsh, as if he understood Denis’s feelings. “My apologies.”
“Pay it no mind. More importantly, there is something we must discuss.”
The king’s face looked far more wrinkled than usual. Heavy shadows hung beneath his deeply furrowed brows, as though the meeting had been exhausting. The king turned his gaze toward the knights. “Do any of you have any thoughts regarding this investigation? Speak freely if you do.”
Maxim stared at the spot where the count had disappeared. He remembered those eyes that had looked down at him three—no, four years ago as he lay on his sickbed. That inorganic, skin-crawling gaze. If it was the count, that meticulous and despicable man…
“I have two points that stand out.”
“Two points?”
When Maxim raised his index and middle fingers and cut to the chase, the king and the knights focused their attention on him. “First, there is a possibility that this investigation will be nothing more than a show. Even if we have the ledgers that could serve as direct evidence, the count, who oversees all operations, can simply conclude that there is no wrongdoing.”
The king slowly nodded. “That is a possibility I had also considered. It may be a scheme to conduct a superficial investigation in advance, before a greater crime is discovered, in order to prevent future interference with the Magic Tower.”
“…However, the timing of the investigation is strange for that. Even if they have been monitoring the Magic Tower’s movements, they have never expressed any particular suspicion before.”
“Then what is the second point?”
When the king asked, Maxim took a deep breath and folded his middle finger. “It is possible that Benning truly intends to keep the Magic Tower in check.”
“…Internal consolidation, then.”
The king immediately reached the conclusion. Maxim nodded. “Even if the Benning family has maintained an alliance with the Magic Tower for a long time, they have not completely brought it under their control. Perhaps an unexpected conflict has arisen between the count and the Magic Tower, and he is using this as an opportunity to send them a warning.”
The king let out a low hum. “Indeed. Or perhaps the count intends to bring the Magic Tower completely under Benning’s heel with this opportunity. That would be far more troublesome.”
Denis asked with a puzzled expression. “But with us here, is that even possible?”
“Yes. Having you attached to this investigation will be a significant obstacle for Benning. Therefore, there is something I wish to ask of you.”
The king’s voice was firmer than ever. “Be careful. Benning’s or the Magic Tower’s hands may reach out to harm you during this investigation. I do not think you will fall easily, but your opponents are mages. There is no telling what variables may arise.”
Charlotte frowned. “…It is also possible that harming us is part of a plan to weaken Your Majesty’s forces.”
The king nodded in agreement. “Therefore, if anything feels even slightly amiss, you are to immediately cease the investigation and return. This is a royal command—do not even think of disobeying it.”
Maxim, Denis, and Charlotte knelt simultaneously. “We will keep it in mind.”
“Uncovering the Magic Tower’s corruption is nothing compared to your lives. Your survival and continued protection of me is the greatest loyalty you can offer.”
Losing my people once was enough. The king muttered this at last and dismissed the knights.
==
After Denis and Charlotte left, the king kept Maxim and the captain of the royal guard behind to deliver a secret order. “The border count’s people will arrive tomorrow. Fortunately, the schedule did not drag on too long.”
The king spoke in a relieved tone, knowing there would be no gap in the protection around the First Prince. “There will be no issues with an immediate return, then.”
“I was surprised that Louis seemed quite interested in the sword. If I had known you had talent as a swordsmanship instructor, I would have appointed you as one sooner. I hear his skills have improved quite a bit as well.”
Maxim shook his head and showed humility. “He is not without aptitude for martial arts. It simply took time for him to develop an interest.”
“That is all thanks to your excellent guidance. If you are willing, I would like you to instruct not only the First Prince but also Michelle and the First Princess in swordsmanship whenever you have time.”
Maxim did not ask why the Second Prince was not mentioned. The king was too weak, and had come too far, to become a father to them again. Maxim quietly accepted the king’s request. “It is an honor. I will gladly take on the task.”
After a moment of thought, the king resumed the conversation. “…Very well. Let us move on to the next topic.”
The king’s eyes turned to the desk cluttered with meeting materials. They were filled with various insignificant stories about the Magic Tower. “Black magic.”
Maxim nodded. The magic used by the mages he had fought on the day the battle against Behemoth ended was clearly close to black magic. “Capturing evidence that they are researching black magic would be the greatest gain we could achieve from this investigation.”
Maxim nodded stiffly. “Yes. Since a person who has learned black magic can serve as sufficient evidence in themselves, if we can identify and capture even one black mage alive, we should be able to achieve what Your Majesty desires.”
Upon hearing Maxim’s answer, the king lowered his eyebrows apologetically. “I am a hypocrite. I ordered my other knights to value their lives, yet I am giving you this secret mission.”
“Granting me permission to search for my lost former comrades is more than enough. Please do not worry. I am an outsider and a mercenary to Your Majesty—nothing more than a piece to be used as you see fit.”
Maxim listened calmly to the king’s words. “Even so, you are still a knight in my order. How could I not feel uneasy?”
“I swear upon my sword—nothing Your Majesty fears will come to pass.”
The king looked into Maxim’s eyes. A vengeful spirit that could not be hidden burned with fighting spirit in those golden irises. “If you find clues about your former comrade, what do you intend to do?”
Maxim’s shoulders flinched. She must have been someone very important. The king blinked with interest at the sight of Maxim, who rarely showed emotion, becoming visibly shaken. Christine. At the thought of that name, a wildfire ignited in Maxim’s heart. His killing intent did not show on the surface; the single sword he had honed within himself suppressed both the killing intent and the flames.
Senior…
Don’t… cry…
That pale hand, the cold sensation that had touched his cheek, those empty, verdant eyes. The radiant golden hair like sunlight drenched in rain. The pain of that day, when rain clouds covered the sky.
“If you permit it, I would like to go rescue her.”
Permission? Even if the king did not permit it, Maxim’s sword would cut down anything that stood in his way and go to rescue his former comrade. At those words, which were practically a declaration, the captain of the royal guard’s expression hardened uncomfortably, while the king’s eyes gleamed with interest. The silence stretched on. Finally, the king gave his answer to Maxim, who was waiting. “I permit it.”
At the king’s reply, Maxim bowed deeply. “I shall repay Your Majesty’s boundless generosity with the loyalty of a steed.”
“You understand well. You must not forget that rescuing your comrade will also require the results of this investigation to support it.”
The king looked down at Maxim, whose eyes were fixed on the floor. Benning was moving, and he had shown his own hand as well. The day blood would rain in the audience chamber was not far off. The palace’s chilling silence felt like the night before a storm.