Kelebor Fortress (3)
North of Kelebor Fortress, a short distance from the main keep, stood a massive tower.
In ordinary times it served as a warehouse. Now it had been pressed into service as temporary quarters for the investigator.
And at this moment the area around the tower was under the strictest possible guard.
Nearly a full company of soldiers patrolled its perimeter around the clock, and every defensive emplacement nearby stood ready for immediate use.
"How do I look? Nothing out of place?"
"No, My Lady. I don't see a single thing to criticize."
Under the watchful eyes of countless soldiers, Milia approached the tower, smoothing her clothes as she walked. Beside her, Schwarz circled carefully, checking every detail of her attire in case she had missed something.
"Ugh… this is so uncomfortable. This is exactly why I hate uniforms."
Unused to the formal dress she so rarely wore, Milia's face was a picture of open displeasure.
"It can't be helped. We're meeting the investigator, after all."
Even if the Valentine family ruled this territory, the man they were about to receive had been dispatched directly by the kingdom. One did not appear before a royal envoy looking anything less than immaculate.
As they hurried forward, figures waiting before the tower came into view.
On one side stood Milia's father, Bernus Valentine—lord of the Valentine Countship. Opposite him, a man who could only be the investigator was deep in conversation.
He was a little shorter than Bernus. Short brown hair, emerald-green eyes ringed by heavy dark circles, skin so pale it seemed he never saw the sun, and a thin, almost frail frame. Combined with the large spectacles perched on his nose, the overall impression was of a man thoroughly exhausted.
"You're late, Milia."
"My apologies, Father."
Milia dipped her head lightly in answer to Bernus's reprimanding tone. With a guest present, the usual undercurrent of paternal warmth was gone; only stern formality remained around him.
"It is an honor to meet you, Count. It has been some time."
"Lady Amelia of Rosenberg. I was informed of your arrival. Please make yourself comfortable during your stay…"
Bernus inclined his head with careful courtesy toward the young woman who had greeted him. Though his own rank was that of Count, his reputation and influence were such that no one short of a Duke himself would dare address him casually.
"Your kindness is appreciated. However, I am here as the investigator's escort and cannot afford such leisure. I hope you will understand."
Knowing full well the weight of Bernus's standing, Amelia returned the bow with equal formality.
"Of course. Should you require anything at all, do not hesitate to ask."
With that, Bernus turned his gaze to Milia and Schwarz.
"Milia. Greet our guest. This is Heinz Edward, head of House Edward and Vice President of the Royal Alchemy Society. He is also an old friend of mine."
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Count Edward. I am Milia Valentine, heir of House Valentine."
"A pleasure, Miss Milia. I've heard a great deal about you. And you must be young Schwarz, yes?"
"Yes, Count Edward."
His frame was alarmingly thin, his voice weak and unsteady. He looked as though he belonged in a sickbed rather than standing upright.
"Is that man… actually all right…?"
"Ahaha…"
Milia could not help murmuring the worried question under her breath. Schwarz, unable to answer openly, offered only an awkward laugh in reply.
"Still, you strike me as far calmer than I expected."
"Than you expected…?"
"Philip Edward. Do you remember him?"
"Ah…"
At Heinz's words Milia tilted her head; Bernus supplied the explanation. Only then did both Milia and Schwarz place the name.
Philip Edward—the alchemy student who had faced Schwarz in the round of sixteen at the martial tournament. The memory of that enormous iron golem charging forward, belching steam, still burned vivid in Schwarz's mind.
"Th-that is… well…"
"No need to worry. A martial tournament is that sort of place."
Watching Schwarz trail off in a cold sweat, Heinz gave a soft, amused chuckle. Of course, saying one need not worry and actually not worrying were two very different things.
"Alchemy is like that by nature. Endless trial and error, always reaching toward completion—that is the essence of scholarship, and the proper attitude of any alchemist."
"If you put it that way…"
Schwarz exhaled a quiet sigh of relief and bowed his head. He had feared the old match might sour the atmosphere, yet it seemed they had slipped past the awkwardness unscathed…
Or so he thought.
"If it truly bothers you, why not let me research you instead?"
"…Pardon?"
Schwarz stared at him, certain he must have misheard. Heinz only smiled faintly, eyes glittering.
"…"
The moment those eyes met his, a chill raced down Schwarz's spine. If a single look could judge a man, the verdict written in Heinz's gaze was unmistakable.
Madman.
Pure, undiluted curiosity—untainted by malice, yet utterly unhinged—shone in those green eyes.
"If I study your blood, I might uncover the secret of that strength… No! Please, you simply must let me research you!!"
"Wha—? N-no, that is…!?"
Heinz's ragged shout sent Schwarz stumbling backward on pure instinct. Danger. Get away. Every primal warning in his body screamed at once.
"At the very least let me draw a little blood! Hmm? Just a tiny bit!!"
"Eeeek!?"
An empty syringe had somehow appeared in Heinz's hand. Where in the world had that come from!? Schwarz yelped in pure horror.
"D-do something!!"
"Haa…"
At Milia's panicked cry, Bernus released a short sigh and rested a hand on his sword scabbard.
The next instant—
Thwack!!
"Gyaah!?"
Bernus closed the distance in a single clean motion and brought the scabbard down squarely on Heinz's crown. The blow was economical and precise. Heinz crumpled with a shriek, clutching his head.
"Oh my…"
Amelia murmured in open admiration.
"What do you think you're doing!!"
"Making a spectacle of yourself in front of my friend's daughter. Have you no shame?"
Bernus calmly re-fastened the scabbard at his hip while Heinz glared up at him with wounded eyes.
"You're always so heartless. What if you damage my brain? Will you take responsibility?"
"I was told a moderate shock keeps the mind sharp."
Heinz clicked his tongue at Bernus's dry reply, then tucked the empty syringe back into the satchel at his waist. With a brief sigh he turned and whispered near Schwarz's ear.
"Young Schwarz… just checking one last time. Truly impossible?"
"Eh? W-well, that is…"
"Do you want to be thrown out?"
Bernus, reading the situation at a glance, rested his hand on the scabbard once more.
"Tch. How stingy."
Heinz scrambled backward at once. Only then did Schwarz dare to breathe again.
"I'm sorry, young Schwarz. Ever since I was young, the moment I lay eyes on an interesting research subject I tend to lose half my reason…"
"Ah… yes. It's quite all right."
As if the frenzy had never happened, Heinz returned to his earlier frail demeanor and bowed. Schwarz waved a hand, though a distinctly ominous phrase still echoed in his mind.
The fevered air cooled once more.
"So then. Where is this unidentified monster of yours? My hands are itching to start the dissection."
"Don't rush me. We're going to see it now."
"…"
Mad scientist. No other words fit Heinz Edward half so well. Schwarz resolved then and there never to get involved with the man if he could possibly help it—and quietly edged behind Milia. For once she seemed to understand perfectly; she simply nodded without a word.
"It's inside. Everyone who needs to be here has arrived, so let us go in."
"Dissection~♬ Specimens~♪ Brand-new research~♪"
Bernus started toward the tower. Heinz followed, humming those blood-chilling lyrics under his breath. Milia, Schwarz, and Amelia fell into step behind them and entered the tower together.