Chapter 19
Chapter 19
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 19
Chapter Title: The Perfect Cut
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"No seizures during the drug treatment."
"Any chance of re-infestation?"
"None at this stage, they say. The attending physician was astonished. A perfect excision, he called it. He even asked if it had been sliced with precision machinery."
Meckel glanced at the bustling medical team before speaking.
"And the corpse?"
"It departed ten minutes ago. The Holy City side is sending an escort, so there shouldn't be any issues."
"What did you think? That cross-section looked like it was done in one clean stroke."
"We were all talking about it while retrieving it. It was the first intact Magical Beast corpse we'd ever seen. Estimated to be a single vertical slash from top to bottom, with the heart precisely centered."
"A Depth 3 Magical Beast in one strike..."
How many people in the Empire could pull that off? The first ones that came to mind were Schola's top instructors. They could do it.
Or perhaps the battle-hardened generals from the military. Masters of combat who had zero interest in politics could handle a Rank 3 on their own. Failing that, the swordsmen of the First-Class Nobles.
"The one who was at the scene. Any guess on their affiliation?"
His subordinate asked. Meckel shook his head.
"The Political Officer said this: 'I could tell you their identity, but the price would be your head.'"
"A dangerous individual. Could be another 'Ladder Political Officer.' We've never met them in person, after all."
"I doubt it. No reason to station two Political Officers in the same district. Besides, Bank sir's demeanor when dealing with them..."
It was the attitude of one addressing a superior, Meckel swallowed the rest. Ladder Political Officers answered directly to the Emperor.
Which meant they bowed to no one but him. Even the Empire's First-Class Nobles got no deference from them.
They'd observe protocol in formal settings, of course, but respect? Not a chance. For such a Political Officer to speak with reverence...
"No point chasing knowledge we're not meant to have. Plenty of other work to do anyway."
Meckel dropped the speculation. It was pointless worrying with no gain. If the boss said not to know, then stay ignorant. Even if you learned, play dumb.
His subordinate nodded. Occupational hazard: knowledge could be poison. The man knew it well enough.
"But I'm worried. We dumped the job on that person. Might get reprimanded later—my neck's already prickling."
The subordinate seemed concerned about Lander, left behind with Ariel. Meckel skimmed the report his man had handed him and replied.
"Don't worry about that. It was at the Political Officer's orders."
"Bank sir's?"
"If anything unexpected happens, dump it on Lander and bail—that's what he said. We followed orders, so if there's fallout, our superiors will handle it."
Bank had added: That person can walk away from headaches without repercussions. Unlike us, they're utterly free.
"Then no need to fret."
"Good. Handle the cleanup. I've got to visit the injured man's family. Explain the situation when the Political Officer arrives."
"Understood."
He was on good terms with Ferren's family. Fake identity or not, years of acquaintance bred affection.
What faces they'd make hearing of the husband's accident. Just thinking about it made his mouth water.
And Ans would insist on seeing her husband right away. His job was to stall her artfully.
"Feels off."
He returned his subordinate's salute and stepped out of the building.
* * *
"Miss!"
Willett appeared on horseback from the village side. Ariel glanced around and asked.
"Didn't see that guy?"
"Who do you mean?"
"Lander! He headed toward the village."
"No one like that on the way here. More importantly, miss, you can't wander around without an escort like this."
She let Willett's scolding go in one ear and out the other as she thought. Gone again, in that brief moment?
She'd been flustered enough when he didn't stop despite her calls, like wind she couldn't halt. Now he was just... vanished.
Never had the authority of a First-Class Noble felt so insignificant. She'd never invoked it, but everyone automatically bowed before the name 'Tian.'
Raised on such deference, Lander—who ignored her calls, slipped away, and vanished—was an alien creature in her experience.
"Willett."
"Yes, miss."
"Even a free citizen—couldn't I detain them forcibly under a First-Class Noble's authority?"
"Yes. Did that person offend you?"
"No, nothing like that. Just confirming my options. I panicked not knowing what to do with someone who wouldn't stop when I called. Thought about issuing an arrest on the spot, but that's a noble's shame. Disrespecting a free citizen isn't proper conduct."
"So they ignored your summons."
"Yeah. Wouldn't stop despite my calls. It was... awkward."
A helplessness she'd never felt. She'd even yelled crudely: Stop right there!
But Lander had glanced back with a faint smile and kept going. Stunned by the novel embarrassment, she'd grabbed the reins too late to catch up.
His speed—leaping across the ground—was unbelievable even watching it. Faster than when he'd bounded over rooftops in the village.
Lander melted into the twilight forest path and was gone.
"Couldn't handle him with words or force. What on earth is he?"
"Miss."
"He fought alongside Father. Claims he was a lowly soldier, but that's nonsense. Receiving Father's carving now seems suspicious too. Father was embarrassed by his 'amateur' work, never showed it to others.
Like an endearing flaw. Gifting that to a mere grunt? No. He must've been close enough to share his creations. That's certain."
Willett approached. Faint wrinkles creased his eyes. Whenever Willett had that look, he said the same thing.
"Miss, let's head back for now."
Predictable. She relented. Second only to Father, she trusted him.
"Willett."
"Yes?"
"Could you outrun a horse at full gallop?"
"Depends on the horse."
"This Anel I'm riding?"
"Anel's an exceptional mount. Even the military treated it like prime breeding stock. Age aside, I couldn't beat a prime Anel. Matching speed's my limit."
Pleased by the praise, Anel snorted lightly. She stroked its neck and gazed toward the village path.
"He moved faster than Anel could chase. Like Schola's top instructors."
"If he's bothering you, I'll track him down."
"Even if found, can't hold him."
"He came at your invitation. If he turned away suddenly, there must be reason. Maybe you pressed him too hard?"
"Possibly. Last talk, he listened calmly and answered."
"Plenty don't bend to authority. Only way with them is sincerity. If you truly want that audience, don't pry into his identity—invite formally like before."
She urged her horse faster and looked at Willett. As always, she was grateful he was there.
To her, Willett was a towering tree. Visible from anywhere.
Lose your way briefly, head toward the tree, and you'd always find the right path. A signpost stripping hesitation and complacency.
Someday she'd leave the tree Father planted and forge ahead, but that day felt distant.
"Speaking of 'that person'—you rate him highly, Willett?"
"Your words elevated him unwittingly. Sounds extraordinary from the description. If it bothers you, I'll retract."
Ariel shook her head lightly.
"No. I should change how I refer to him too. Probably hiding status for unavoidable reasons. As you say, no more prying. I want to hear specific things from him. More about Father. Through him, I can glimpse the path forward—for myself, for Tian's future."
"He's probably still in the village. I'll search quickly."
"I'll look too."
She snapped the reins sharply and said.
* * *
"Thanks to you, I saved my drinking buddy's life. Much obliged."
Bank said. Lander eyed the recumbent Guchi. His color had improved. Bedridden for a while, but he'd recover to full activity.
Ferren's side still drew a crowd. An elderly doctor of solid skill oversaw the treatment.
"Our healers say it's the first perfect severance they've seen. Your skills haven't rusted."
"It's my only trick."
Lander ascended the stairs with Bank. Past guards at the iron door, up more stairs. Opening the wooden barrier brought a waft of heavy perfume.
"You're back?"
Marie, in a sky-blue dress, smiled as she bit her lip.
"Ariel just entered the village. She's desperately searching for you, Lander sir."
"You had eyes everywhere when I entered the village too. Political Officer, you've got this place wired."
"Who can predict people? It's my talent."
Marie openly chided Bank. He scratched his head and just grinned.
"Shall I tell her you've already left?"
"No need. I'll meet her separately—don't worry."
Marie smiled quietly and exited. Through the open door, genteel drinkers were visible.
Amusing to think imperial agents bustled in this high-class saloon's basement.
"The patrons outside—all ours?"
Bank waved dismissively.
"Our budget's not that flush. You know Blue Lion policy: 'Figure it out.' Marie's a godsend there. Salon profits keep us fed."
"Waste of talent under a Political Officer."
"That's why I treasure her."
Bank offered a seat. As Lander sat, he said.
"Heard the story. You need a proof badge."
"Never realized proving identity was this convoluted."
"As clan head, your title handled everything. I'll issue one in my name. Full guarantee—use freely. Even guild-backed loans, the Emperor will cover."
"Just needs to verify status. Dead man's news reaching the Emperor repeatedly isn't ideal."
Lander stood. Patient checks done; time to go.
"Leaving?"
"Yes. Staying at a nearby inn—contact me when the badge's ready. I'll pick it up."
"Got it."
"While asking, any chance of a sword? Had to ditch mine."
"Doubt we have Lander-caliber here, but I'll find the best. Worst case, my ceremonial blade from the Emperor. No worries."
"Oiled well is enough. No gems— not my style."
Lander bowed his head in thanks and left the room.