Betrayal in Rimen Village
We rode our horses without proper sleep for a full week straight. It was possible only because everyone in our group, including me, was at least a Sword User or higher. Xavier, whose stamina was the weakest, barely held on by chugging the potions we'd brought. His sheer determination was truly impressive.
"This is the end of Volta territory—Rimen Village."
I slowly surveyed the village. First, I had the knights question the villagers. We were looking for any sightings of suspicious wagons or people. But even after combing through the small village thoroughly, not a single helpful scrap of information turned up.
I bit my lip anxiously.
"No other villages around here?"
Agni approached with a heavy expression and spoke up. "This is the only village leading to the monster habitat. A wagon big enough to carry people couldn't have taken any other route..."
That was why Agni hadn't been able to wipe out these monster hunters yet. For some reason, they managed to slip past the knights' eyes and move around freely. Was a mage helping them? I considered it briefly, but it seemed unlikely there'd be some lunatic mage willing to come all the way to this remote northern edge.
So they must be using some kind of trick. But what?
As I pondered, I looked at the knights gathering one by one. Exhaustion was plain on their faces. They'd ridden through the night to get here, so it was no wonder.
"We'll stay here tonight."
"Understood."
It seemed best to let them rest properly for at least one night now that we'd reached a village. The village chief guided us to the largest house. There was no inn in this tiny place, so we'd spend the night at his home.
"It's humble, but please come in, sirs knights."
The elderly village chief bowed repeatedly as he led us in. Living on the outskirts made him especially intimidated by knights. It was amazing this village even survived in the north's harshest land, where monsters could overrun them anytime. No mines nearby, either.
I sat down indifferently and accepted the water the chief offered. My throat was parched anyway. But as I raised the cup to my lips for a big gulp, I froze midway.
"...!"
I couldn't say why. There was no strange smell, no odd sediment at the bottom. Yet the back of my neck prickled with warning.
I quietly lowered the cup from my lips. Then I whispered softly to Ian beside me.
"Ian, don't drink this water."
"...Yes."
Ian nodded faintly and pretended to sip before setting his cup down. The other knights had already drunk the water the chief gave them, so I couldn't warn them. The chief seemed too busy tending to the others to notice.
I tracked his movements with just my eyes.
"We don't have much, but please eat your fill."
"Thank you."
The chief had even prepared food. He rubbed his hands gratefully at Agni's words. I kept my face hidden under my robe. My hair and eye color would give me away instantly. So the chief kept glancing at my unusually small frame among the knights but didn't dare approach.
"Well then, I'll leave you to it."
Once the suspicious chief left, I finally exhaled and removed my robe.
"Lady Abigail, please eat something."
Xavier spoke to me, his face gaunt. I gave him an awkward smile.
"You too, Teacher. Eat up."
What if the food was tampered with? I stabbed a piece of bacon with my fork and sniffed it. Agni, who had already stuffed his mouth full, glared at me with furrowed brows.
He must think I'm some spoiled noble lady fussing over food. Fair enough—anyone seeing me now might think the same.
"...The food's fine."
No prickling sensation this time. Only the water from the chief had felt off. I put the bacon in my mouth and chewed slowly.
There were several senior knights here, including Agni. Was I the only one who sensed something wrong with the chief's water?
I narrowed my eyes and scanned the lively dining room. Unlike other knight orders, the free-spirited 3rd Knight Order was buzzing with excitement at finally eating real food after so long. But Ian and I ate in silence.
"......"
"......"
Xavier was the first to show signs. He'd finished eating and tried to stand, but dizziness forced him back down.
"Teacher? Are you okay?"
"Huh...? Something's... off......"
Then his face slammed onto the table with a thud.
"Teacher!"
No matter how much I shook him, Xavier wouldn't wake. His pulse was steady—he wasn't dead, just knocked out cold.
"Sir Agni!"
"Ngh."
Agni was gritting his teeth, holding on. He was channeling his energy to slow the drug's spread. The other knights were all down.
Tsking my tongue, I told Agni, "Sir Agni, just collapse for now."
"Ugh... Pardon?"
Sweat beaded on his forehead as he scowled at me, eyes heavy with confusion.
"I'll wake you later. Pretend to sleep for now."
That way, we could see how they reacted. Agni stared at me a moment, then let out a long breath. He relaxed and slumped forward, passing out like the others.
I signaled Ian, and we pretended to sleep too. Then came the sound of heavy footsteps.
"Sirs knights...?"
It was the chief. He confirmed we were all out and sighed in relief. Then he carefully shut the door.
He didn't seem planning anything yet.
"Ian."
"Yes."
I called him softly and stood. Donning my hood, I slipped outside quietly.
The chief crept cautiously toward the forest, not far from his house. What was he up to?
I followed silently, suppressing my presence, and watched.
We'd searched the area around here thoroughly, including the forest, but found no trace of the children.
The chief approached the largest tree in the woods and dug around its roots with a shovel-like tool.
"Ugh, knights showing up at such an awkward time..."
Tsking his tongue, he pulled something from the hole.
A magic item?
In that instant, I called out.
"Ian!"
Ian's body shot forward like an arrow. The chief didn't even notice, fumbling to activate the item. But Ian was far faster.
"Gahk!"
Ian struck the chief's neck in one blow, wrenched his arm back, and pinned him down with a foot on his back. He wasn't going anywhere.
I strolled over leisurely, picked up the dropped magic item, and asked, "What is this?"
The chief gaped at us in shock, wriggling futilely without answering.
Sighing irritably, I glanced at him and called Ian again.
"Sigh, Ian."
"Aaaagh!"
Ian's hand mercilessly snapped the chief's arm. His shrill scream echoed through the forest.
I looked down impassively and asked once more, "What is this?"
"Hah, it's... a magic communicator!"
"A magic communicator in a poor village like this."
I smirked mockingly. The chief stared in confusion. He couldn't make sense of this—probably thought Ian and I were just young apprentice knights.
"What was in the water?"
"J-just a sleeping potion! I swear!"
The chief trembled, completely cowed. To think such a weak-willed man was aiding criminals.
I held out the communicator. "Call them."
"Y-yes?"
"Call those bastards."
"B-bastards... you say......"
I curled my lip at his wildly shaking pupils, my conviction growing as I continued. "This village is the handover point for the kids, right? Call the damn hunters quick. Before my patience runs out."
"No, why would you misunderstand like—argh...!"
I stomped on his hand myself. My patience had already hit its limit. I knew monsters were mostly active at night. Who knew what the hunters were doing to the twins by now?
Luckily, he spilled everything before I drew my sword.
"O-okay! I'll do whatever you say, please!"
Tears streamed down the chief's face as he begged. It was absurd. We'd had the culprit right under our noses and missed it. Turns out the whole village was in on it.
Now I understood why this village persisted. The frontier most vulnerable to monster breeding, barren land with no mines or crops, no obvious income. There was a garrison village under Viscount Volta nearby, but they never fled there. Instead, they hunkered down, collaborating with the hunters for coin.
"W-we had no choice. We'd all starve otherwise."
The chief shuddered with excuses. I glared and tsked. How could he lure the hunters acting this scared?
My voice turned harsh. "Who asked for your excuses? Just do it already!"
"Y-yes, yes."
The terrified chief took the communicator from me. The worn-out device looked questionable, but he handled it deftly.
[Crackle... What's up?]
A bored voice came through. The chief cleared his throat and spoke normally.
"Uh, sorry to bother you when you're busy."
[What is it? Something wrong?]
"W-well......"
He hesitated, glancing at me. I shot him a glare. Reluctantly, he muttered, "Knights showed up out of nowhere..."
[Of all days? Damn it.]
The hunter's voice dripped irritation. They were definitely working nearby right now.
"I-I put them to sleep with the potion you gave me last time. Yes."
[Good. Send some kids over to deal with it.]
"Y-yes. Got it."
I snatched the communicator once the call ended and smashed it underfoot. The chief winced painfully.
Ignoring him, I turned to Ian. "Wake the knights right now."
"Yes."
"And bring Teacher Xavier."
"Yes, my lord."
Ian vanished in a flash. Then I spotted something sparkling beside the broken communicator.
"...What's this?"