Chapter 221 – Marquis Zilbolt

“Welcome home.”

“We’re relieved to see you safe and sound.”

As the dragon palanquin was lowered in front of the house, Cecilia and Mihaela came out to greet me.

“I’m back. Anything unusual while I was away?”

“Everything’s been peaceful. Everyone worked diligently while you were gone.”

Cecilia smiled happily.

Good. That’s what matters most. We divided up the luggage in the dragon palanquin among ourselves and quickly carried it into the house.

“…Well. I’m sorry to say I’ll need to go out again soon, but I have to visit the Royal Castle for a bit. I also need to return the dragon palanquin.”

“Understood.”

I also need to make my report. I boarded the dragon palanquin and gave Lindwurm an order, who then commanded the other wyverns, and the palanquin began gaining altitude.

The Royal Castle is quickly reached by dragon palanquin. After having the palanquin lowered in front of the stables, I disembarked at the Royal Castle.

Immediately, stablehands gathered and busily began the work of removing equipment from the wyverns and storing away the dragon palanquin. The wyverns, once freed from their gear, were each led by reins back into the Dragon Stable.

As for the temperamental Lindwurm… well, it seems only certain experienced handlers can manage him.

“Welcome back, Ambassador.”

“Ah, Matthew-san.”

Matthew, one of those experienced stablehands, greeted me with a friendly smile.

“How were the wyverns performing?”

“They were quite obedient. Lindwurm seems to be maintaining good control, so I didn’t have much to do.”

“I never thought this one would become so diligent.”

Matthew laughed cheerfully while stroking Lindwurm’s shoulder. Lindwurm seemed to understand he was being talked about and turned his head away. Matthew and I exchanged wry smiles.

“Lindwurm, I have business at the King’s Tower. If you want to come to my house later, feel free.”

At my words, Lindwurm turned his head toward me and vocalized as if in response.

“We’ll handle feeding them here.”

“Thank you, I appreciate it.”

After that exchange, I headed toward the King’s Tower.

This time I’d already communicated my approximate return time in advance, so I probably wouldn’t have to wait long.

As usual, I was shown to the salon to wait, and I noticed some play equipment made by Labyrinth Trading Company artisans placed in one corner.

Hmm… Quite sturdy construction. Since it’s for the Royal Castle, the artisans must have put considerable effort into it.

So this is where they placed the items delivered to the King’s Tower. I heard they were also placing them at the Knight’s Tower, barracks, Guesthouse, and other locations.

“Theodore. You’ve returned.”

While examining the quality of the play equipment, King Melvin arrived in the salon.

“I’ve just returned.”

“Hmm.”

King Melvin nodded and sat at the table. I sat across from him and we proceeded as usual.

“This was your first return home in quite some time, yet here I am being rather ungracious.”

“Not at all. I prefer to think of it as putting out a fire before it could spread.”

When I answered like that, King Melvin gave a wry smile.

“I’ve received the report. Based on that, we’ve also obtained corroboration from those individuals. Marquis Zilbolt’s name has come up again.”

“The connection to the previous incident remains somewhat unclear.”

“Hmm… About that previous incident…”

King Melvin’s expression darkened slightly.

“We were unable to deliver the personal letter to King Eberhart.”

King Eberhart. The king of Silvatoria. According to King Melvin, the king himself is said to rule with good governance.

“Is that… because something unfortunate happened?”

“No, not because of any particular trouble. It seems King Eberhart is bedridden with illness. The envoy simply couldn’t get an audience.”

That’s… Indeed, matters concerning Marquis Zilbolt’s operations and the relationship between Beriondora and the demon aren’t something that can be shown to just anyone. Especially since we don’t know what would happen if the Crown Prince found out.

“Given the nature of the matter, entrusting the personal letter to someone else seems problematic too. Silvatoria’s internal situation is somewhat opaque.”

“Hmm. Actually, I prepared two versions of the personal letter for the envoy. I instructed the envoy that if an audience with King Eberhart couldn’t be arranged, he should deliver the letter with the harmless content. Information that we’ve captured Marquis Zilbolt’s agents could leak before reaching the king, so we must be cautious.”

Conversely… if there are those who would steal and read the personal letter, this would make them think the Kingdom of Verdugal has no information about Marquis Zilbolt, luring them into complacency.

“The bedridden excuse is suspicious too. Could it be a result of the Crown Prince’s blindness?”

“That’s also a possibility we’re considering. Our outreach to Silvatoria will be temporarily suspended. I plan to notify the domestic lords that foreign spies might be operating within their territories engaging in privateering, and urge them to be vigilant.”

“I see…”

It’s a symptomatic treatment, but an effective move. No lord would be happy to see their territory plundered, and even without incidents, attitudes toward bandits would become stricter.

Since it’s specifically about unspecified “foreign spies,” there won’t be any official deterioration of relations with specific countries.

“There’s another problem that’s emerged. The man himself, Marquis Zilbolt, has proposed visiting Termwills to broaden his perspectives.”

“Is that… to make contact with the operatives he sent into Verdugal territory?”

“That’s highly likely.”

…I see. King Melvin’s moves are defensive strategies. If there’s an opportunity to make contact with Marquis Zilbolt, I’d like some… offensive moves.

“…Could I meet with the agents Marquis Zilbolt sent?”

“Hmm. Do you have something in mind?”

“To some extent, yes. I’d like you to hear my thoughts.”

I headed toward the Royal Castle’s underground prison. Naturally, I couldn’t go with King Melvin himself, so Knight Order Commander Mildred accompanied me as escort.

“…You.”

In the cell was Elmer, the Silvatorian Magic Swordsman who had led the operational team. The moment he saw my face from the cell’s bed, he made an indescribably subtle expression.

As prisoners, they’re apparently being treated relatively humanely. After all, we can extract information through Magic Potions and Magical Inquisition. Since they can’t use magic, there’s no need to cause them pain. They seem to be receiving medical treatment too.

I had the cell opened and entered alone to face him.

“I came to ask you a few things.”

“…I have nothing to say, and if it’s what we know, you’ve probably already extracted it. Or is it still not enough?”

“Does the name Donovan or Lionel ring any bells?”

I cut straight to the point without preamble, but Elmer’s expression didn’t change. Those two are also imprisoned… well.

“There’s still important information I haven’t asked about. Both you and Donovan. Why… do you follow someone like Marquis Zilbolt? The Marquis is fully prepared to discard you from the start if you fail, isn’t he?”

At my question after a pause, Elmer made a bitter face.

If it’s because of loyalty to Silvatoria… well, since they’re keeping their relationship secret, they probably can’t talk about it…

Trying to vandalize Mother’s house, attempting to kidnap Father and torture Kathryn to force a confession… I certainly dislike their methods… but despite using such methods, with that many people, not a single one resorted to betrayal or self-preservation.

That inconsistency bothers me. That’s precisely why there’s something I need to confirm here.

In this environment where I’ve handed them over to King Melvin and Magical Inquisition can be used, I don’t have to worry about being deceived.

If these guys have unavoidable circumstances, I’ll arrange some convenience for them. If not, that’s fine too. In that case, as I told King Melvin, I’ll just extract information from them, then borrow Ambrum’s form without reservation and make contact with Marquis Zilbolt to extract information.

“Is there some kind of restraint?”

When I asked, Elmer turned away. A reaction suggesting he wouldn’t answer anything. Well then, I’ll proceed with the conversation as I please.

“For example—are your family members being held hostage?”

The moment I said that, Elmer’s eyes widened and he scrutinized my expression. This—reaction.

“If betrayal is discovered, your family members will be killed? Or that they were executed as kidnappers… Would spreading that kind of information be more beneficial for you guys?”

“You…”

“I have no intention of approving your methods. Even if you had such circumstances, you tried to do the same to us, so frankly, I don’t like it. But… since there’s Magical Inquisition, if you speak honestly, I can trust your words and actions.”

When I said that, Elmer seemed to struggle internally for quite a long time, but eventually opened his mouth.

“That’s… not it. It’s not us who have hostages taken… it’s the Marquis.”

At those words, Mildred and I unintentionally exchanged glances. Mildred, seeming to grasp the situation, had an unpleasant expression mixed on her face. Marquis Zilbolt being held hostage. By whom, exactly?

A foolish question. Probably by Silvatoria’s Crown Prince. Meaning the Marquis is taking on all the dirty work on behalf of the Crown Prince.

“Indeed… Considering what we tried to do… I’m fully aware this is a self-serving request. But… could you please help the Marquis? If a magician of your caliber would help him… perhaps…”

Saying this, Elmer deeply bowed his head and prostrated himself.