Chapter 185
Chapter 185
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 185
Chapter Title: A Fashionable Infiltration
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Although the Commander of the Responsibility Division was present, Loan took command due to the nature of the operation and the unique characteristics of the city of Mediol.
“First, we need to be able to enter Mediol's central district naturally.”
Richa devised the plan.
“There are members operating in Mediol disguised as a guild. They primarily deal in fabrics and clothing, which works out perfectly. Since we'll have to scout around with tailor shops or dressmakers in mind, I think it would be best for us to disguise ourselves as a merchant association from another country interested in fashion, or perhaps a noble family with a keen interest in that field.”
Garcia, whose acting was clumsy and who was prone to old-fashioned remarks, often starting with 'back in my day,' was hardly a fit for the head of a merchant association. And even less so for a family passionate about clothing.
It would be more plausible if the strikingly handsome Loan played the part of a noble son, with Garcia as his escort.
But it didn't end there.
Even after blending seamlessly into the heart of Mediol, their ultimate goal was to enter the Basini estate.
A forceful breach with a small number of people would be difficult.
For one, the Basini residence was famous for its incredibly vast manor.
One had to pass through several sprawling estates to reach Marquis Basini's grand mansion. Unless they were planning an all-out battle, they needed to cover as much ground as possible without taking any damage.
Furthermore, securing evidence was crucial.
Even if it meant sacrificing others, Loan and Sienna had to reach the interior where the black box was located.
There was a high probability that magic would be needed during the process and the subsequent analysis.
For such a brazen yet covert and daring operation, it was unreasonable in many ways for Garcia to take the lead.
“Protecting the two members of the Faith Division is what will determine the success or failure of this mission. Commander, you would normally be entertaining the family heads here, but I'll handle things on this end. I want you to devote all your strength to protecting those two.”
Garcia nodded at his wife's words.
“I know nothing of grand causes or utility. They are your words, so I will simply follow.”
From the way Garcia looked at Richa, Loan realized that the truths his seniors spoke of regarding 'marriage' didn't necessarily apply to everyone.
In any case, all of that had been decided the previous night.
Now, a group of about ten people was racing toward Mediol at full speed, relying solely on movement techniques.
This was to save time.
It was possible because everyone was of Seeker rank or higher. Loan and Sienna were special cases to begin with.
Even so, it was a journey that would take a full day.
Just before entering Mediol, the operation team decided to disguise themselves as a noble family from Grafton, and the local Responsibility Division was to prepare to receive them.
“If everything goes according to plan, there shouldn't be any major issues until we enter the Basini family manor.”
Sienna had said, but Loan, in truth, did not let his guard down.
This was a first for him.
The responsibility of having Commander Garcia and other prestigious seniors under his command weighed heavily on him.
During a short break while traveling.
To relieve some of that pressure, Loan asked Sienna for advice on how to proceed with the operation after entering the manor.
“I overheard some of the seniors from the Responsibility Division earlier. They said we need to be extremely careful during the latter half of our time in the manor. I was surprised to hear it wasn't because of Nostra's elites, but because of a single boss.”
“If Basini really is Nostra's headquarters, and if their boss, Luciano, has remained in the mansion, it could be a problem. His is a name that even the seniors are wary of.”
She didn't mention that this was the very reason Commander Garcia had insisted on coming along as an escort.
She was afraid it would weigh on Loan's mind.
“Is he that strong?”
Luciano.
As an archer, he was said to possess martial prowess comparable to the Master rank.
Such archers were rare to begin with, and Loan had never properly faced even an ordinary one, which made him both curious and puzzled.
What was it that made these valiant seniors so tense?
Sienna said.
“It won't be easy to get within his range.”
“You mean the range of his arrows.”
“It's unbelievably wide. He can cover the entire Basini manor. The size of the Basini residence and its grounds is comparable to the Union, so you have to assume he can shoot an arrow from the Union's east gate all the way to the west gate.”
“Wow...”
“Furthermore, he's known to perform feats with a bow that are imaginable—no, unimaginable.”
“What kind of abilities?”
“He possesses an archery skill that never misses a target once it has been locked on.”
“That sounds like magic. Like psychokinesis imbued with intent.”
“I don't know if combination and application are possible, but it is, in a word, terrifying. The seniors from the Responsibility Division aren't overreacting.”
“The responsibility is heavy.”
Sienna inwardly winced.
She felt she had burdened Loan, who had taken on a great responsibility, with unnecessary words.
Loan, however, simply smiled and reassured Sienna.
“Don't worry. It will all work out.”
In fact, after arriving on the outskirts of Mediol the next morning, Sienna felt a similar sense of hope.
It started the moment they changed into the fine clothes worn by nobles, which they received from the Responsibility Division members disguised as a local guild.
They had brought an astonishing amount of clothing, and Loan quickly finished his ensemble by choosing a well-fitting suit and draping a coat over his shoulders.
And yet.
“Hah...”
Loan was so beautiful that even the talkative Garcia let out a breath and was left speechless.
But his beauty wasn't androgynous. It was closer to the feeling of appreciating a magnificent work of art.
It was just that the word 'handsome' still felt awkward, as traces of boyhood remained.
The other Seekers from the Responsibility Division added a word or two.
“The Vice Commander saw it right. Dressed like that, he looks exactly like the son of a noble family.”
“And one with an air of having considerable knowledge and interest in fashion, at that.”
“The dressmakers in Mediol and any guild in need of a model wouldn't leave Loan alone.”
“That's for sure. Even the Basini family might take the bait.”
“I just hope we don't end up dragging down his class by being associated with him.”
Quite a few expressed such concerns, but Loan solved that problem as well.
His excellent sense of style kicked in.
After receiving Loan's recommendations for the optimal outfits suited to their individual body types, skin tones, looks, and auras, the Responsibility Division's Seekers were completely transformed.
There was no need to even alter their faces, and Garcia was no exception.
Dressed in a navy pinstripe suit with a wine-colored tie, he had transformed into a middle-aged gentleman who looked quite dignified yet refreshingly stylish.
It was practically a disguise.
He lamented to himself that Richa should have seen him like this.
And then there was Sienna.
“My apologies. We couldn't find any men's clothes that fit your build on such short notice.”
“Ah... It's fine. A group composed entirely of men might look strange anyway.”
After reassuring the apologetic senior from the Responsibility Division, she put on the dress Loan had chosen for her.
Wearing a minimalist dress that exposed her shoulders, Sienna was breathtakingly beautiful.
She made the men blush by unnecessarily adding that she would just cut the hem of her skirt if it hindered her movements.
Thus, the early morning fashion show in the deserted wasteland gently and pleasantly soothed the weary bodies and minds of the members.
Loan, feeling much more at ease, asked the seniors who had worked so hard about the next part of the schedule.
They glanced at Commander Garcia and reported to Loan in a formal tone.
“Actually, it's fashion week right now, so various dressmakers are busy with their presentations.”
“I see.”
“The head of the Basini family and their elites have all left for Felsina, but the other non-combat personnel, including the family's clothing managers, have remained in Mediol to look over the presentations. We've prepared a presentation on our side to create an opportunity, so your paths will overlap. You'll run into them naturally.”
“Are you saying we should create an opportunity to enter the Basini family's residence?”
“It won't be easy. Even if they grant permission, if Nostra is truly inside the Basini manor, you'll have to take on a separate risk.”
He understood.
Receiving an invitation from the Basini family was no guarantee that it would solve the problem of Nostra's surveillance and interference.
“Understood. What you've done for us so far seems more than enough.”
Loan's words were not mere pleasantries.
In fact, extensive preparations might not have been necessary.
Simply by dressing them in splendid clothes.
And by forming a procession with a luxurious carriage and horses.
Loan was more than enough to draw the attention of everyone during fashion week.
“What is with that beauty?”
“He's so eye-catching that I can't even focus on the clothes.”
“No, I think he makes the clothes stand out even more. It's beyond beauty. His proportions are cruelly perfect.”
“They say he's from Grafton. Must be a young master from a noble family, making a rare outing. I'm usually up on the gossip, but this is the first I'm hearing of him.”
“No, I think he's with the Jenya Guild. Seems they're planning to distribute clothing.”
Wherever Loan passed, such chatter followed ceaselessly.
While Sienna was used to these kinds of reactions, the members of the Responsibility Division were awkward.
They followed behind Loan like wooden statues, a sight that could be interpreted as either staunch security or models setting a certain concept and mood.
And so, Loan made his entrance into Mediol openly, creating a splendid stir.
Richa's prediction had been spot on.
A brazen yet daring operation.
Loan relayed his thoughts to the team members via Sim-eo.
-I will take control until we reach the manor. Until then, please conserve your strength as much as possible, seniors.
It was a truly reassuring statement from their team leader.
Moreover, it was Sim-eo.
They were all greatly astonished that he, at only fifteen and having just become a Runner, had reached such a level.
This was especially true since most of them, aside from Garcia, couldn't use Sim-eo.
They all thought they had chosen their team leader well and, feeling a slight pang of guilt, glanced at Garcia.
Then came the prepared Jenya Guild fashion presentation.
Seated to one side of the audience, next to the long runway built for the models, Loan drew the attention of many from the moment he sat down.
The fact that the audience was filled predominantly with women was a major factor.
Dona, the Basini family's clothing manager seated next to Loan, was one of them.
In between the show's segments, she would lean toward Loan and strike up a conversation.
After learning that Loan was associated with the Jenya Guild, the main topic of conversation became the new collection.
“These clothes are bland and boring, with no originality, innovation, or provocation. To be honest, those aren't words one would expect from a Jenya collection. I was forced to attend, and I must say, I'm disappointed.”
“Is that so? I thought it was a fine interpretation of practicality, somewhere on the border between tradition and authenticity.”
“An interesting perspective. I saw it merely as complacency. And for good reason—the only enjoyable thing at this presentation is you.”
“Me?”
Loan asked, feigning ignorance, without taking his eyes off a passing model.
Dona chuckled.
“I doubt you're unaware that most people here are looking at you in the brief moments after a model passes by.”
“Ah... that's just a natural human instinct, so I don't give it any meaning.”
“Interesting. You're shameless, but it seems natural on you.”
“Thank you.”
“If you don't mind, would you be willing to try on some of the clothes I have in my collection? I'm suddenly feeling possessive.”
“I'm not so sure. Judging by the outfit you're wearing, ma'am, I'm not particularly tempted. And I'm not sure what I would gain from it either.”
“Ma'am...”
For the proud Dona, his words were both deeply unpleasant and refreshingly novel.
She felt her heart grow strangely impatient.