Chapter 261 – Zadias and Elliot

“May I have a moment?”

Elliot spoke up as the conversation reached a natural pause.

“What is it?”

“I too must go report to Zadias.”

Hmm. After this, Princess Stephania’s shadow clone was supposed to head to the lodging.

Given that the situation had calmed down, it would be natural for Elliot to go report to Zadias as well.

“Will I be asked to remove my mask?”

“No. If anything, I’m told not to remove my mask too often.”

From Zadias’s perspective, he’d probably want to avoid exposing the Caex Gem to public view.

“…Perhaps it would be better to make some slight disguise after all.”

Better safe than sorry, as they say. When I glanced at Rosemary, she nodded.

“Yes. I bought a similar-looking gem from an alchemist’s shop.”

Good. Let’s have him wear a gem. I shape and polish it using Earth Magic and Water Magic to resemble the Caex Gem. While working on it, I go over various details with Elliot, anticipating his conversation with Zadias.

“Regarding Marquis Zilbolt’s companion… Please hint that they headed in the direction of Beriondora. You can present it as hearsay from Marquis Zilbolt – that they said they’d caught some interesting information through Termwills and were going to meet an old acquaintance. That should be appropriate.”

“Understood.”

There’s no need to explain these circumstances in minute detail. Even if Alvelinde’s actions were somewhat unnatural, there’s no reason she would explain the details to Elliot or Marquis Zilbolt.

By dangling information related to that demon group, Zadias himself will read deeper into Alvelinde’s actions. That should also help determine whether Zadias knew Alvelinde’s true identity.

“Sheila. The sticky thread.”

“Mm.”

Using the Arachnear Ring’s sticky thread, I attach the gem to Elliot’s forehead after he removes his mask.

Hmm… Would it pass unless someone examined it closely?

“I’ll have Caduceus accompany you. He’s aware of the situation here, so if you sense danger, retreat. In that case, we’ll come to rescue you from here as well.”

“Understood.”

“Do you have a map of the town?”

“Yes. I have one prepared.”

Marquis Zilbolt brings a map. As expected of someone who commands an intelligence unit, he understands the importance of knowing the terrain. Well prepared.

“The meeting point should be near the Sages’ Academy… Somewhere inconspicuous would be best.”

“In that case, how about here?”

“Yes… I think this will do.”

While looking at the map, we discuss emergency procedures and assign Caduceus to stick with Elliot.

“Then I’ll be going.”

“Brother Elliot, please be careful.”

“It’s fine. I may be just a minor noble, but I should be able to handle some diplomatic maneuvering.”

Elliot smiled back at Ashley, put on his mask, threw on his surcoat, and headed to the courtyard. Mounting the hippogriff Saphir, he took off and flew toward the Sages’ Academy.

“I’ll prepare to move out immediately too,” Claudia said.

“Please do. I’ll also update Termwills on our progress.”

If worst comes to worst, we could lure them in and use teleportation magic to send them all to the labyrinth at once. Still, if we can just take down Zadias alone, that would be preferable. Using teleportation magic would essentially mean kidnapping the crown prince with teleportation magic.

I don’t want to worsen relations between Verdgar and Silvatoria.

Even if we ultimately crush Zadias, the process leading there is crucial. Ideally, we should properly lay the groundwork and reveal it at the right time.

“Sir Benedict.”

As Elliot landed with Saphir before the Sages’ Academy grounds, the gate guard greeted him.

“Good work. Is His Highness Zadias here?”

“Yes! He’s in the tower. Please wait in the guesthouse.”

“Acknowledged.”

The academy was surrounded by high walls. Within the grounds was a well-maintained small forest. Walking paths extended through it, creating a lush park-like atmosphere… a quiet ambiance isolated from the outside world.

…They said the academy’s magicians live here. So this would be Mother’s hometown then.

Various facilities seemed scattered throughout the grounds. The magic research facilities were probably concentrated in that tower area.

Figures of magicians. There were also magic knights clad in black armor. It appeared Zadias and the Black Knights had made this their base.

Elliot wasn’t led to the tower deep within the grounds, but to a room in the guesthouse located fairly close to the gate.

After Elliot waited in the room for a while, the door opened without even a knock. A well-built man with a smile plastered on his lips entered the room… It was Zadias.

“Your Highness Zadias.”

Elliot welcomed this completely improper entrance without protest, using a subordinate’s greeting as if he’d expected it from the start.

For a moment I wondered if he’d detected Elliot’s betrayal and burst in… but that didn’t seem to be the case. He hadn’t brought even one guard.

Zadias appeared to be in his mid to late twenties. Average build… From his physique, he seemed to have some martial arts training.

“Let’s hear your report. What about that woman?”

“Yes. I witnessed her accompanying the Marquis at his domain. However, she herself borrowed a carriage from the Marquis and apparently headed elsewhere. I also confirmed that Marquis Zilbolt and Verdgar’s First Princess, Her Highness Stephania, were traveling together.”

“Oh?”

Zadias raised one eyebrow, his expression turning suspicious.

Here, Elliot would provide information about Princess Stephania’s visit. Once Zadias returned to the royal castle or received communication from there, he would learn about it anyway.

“Her Highness Stephania apparently came to visit His Majesty Eberhart.”

“…So the messenger who came to Verdgar earlier must have informed her of my father’s condition.”

“I returned to Vinesdora while escorting the Marquis and Her Highness Stephania along their journey.”

“…Hmm. We’ll set aside Stephania for now. Tell me more about that woman.”

Zadias seemed more concerned about Alvelinde than Princess Stephania, urging Elliot to continue.

“I thought she would also accompany the Marquis… but she said she had business and was heading west by carriage. According to the Marquis, she said she was going to meet an old acquaintance.”

“West…?”

Zadias twisted his expression in displeasure. He crossed his arms, brought a hand to his chin, and seemed to be thinking.

“…Should I have gathered more detailed information? The escort swordsman seemed quite wary of me.”

“No. I shouldn’t have given you such orders.”

“Forgive my presumption.”

“Fine. That woman and her escort aren’t exactly my subordinates, and our trade has concluded. Since we’re each doing what we should, if she showed herself to you, she’s probably fulfilled her obligation.”

Though clearly displeased, Zadias said this and shrugged his shoulders.

…I see. So Zadias and Alvelinde were somewhat equal partners.

Given that he didn’t provide Elliot with much information and didn’t let him get too involved… we should probably assume he knows Alvelinde’s true identity. If he let Elliot stick his neck out recklessly, it could mean losing a pawn for Zadias.

But… then the content of their trade becomes the question.

What benefit did Zadias receive from Alvelinde, and what did he offer in return?

Bringing Marquis Zilbolt under his control was undoubtedly beneficial for Zadias. But what about his subsequent moves against Verdgar? Trying to secure Mihaela and Cecilia’s town? Searching for Patricia’s magic? Whose interests did each of these serve?

Or perhaps… their interests aligned. But at the very least, as compensation for the curse magic, Zadias must have provided something to Alvelinde.

“Her Highness Stephania apparently went to the royal castle and made arrangements to meet with His Majesty. She said she would take lodging near the Marquis’s secondary residence, and Marquis Zilbolt said he would provide personal security.”

“…Ah. That lodging. Well, I know the location.”

Zadias nodded.

“Benedict. You continue monitoring the Marquis and Stephania. Take a room at the same lodging and report if anything unusual occurs. If asked for a reason, you may say you’re the guard I assigned to the Princess.”

“Yes.”

By making Elliot’s proximity known, he probably intends to prevent anyone hostile to Zadias from approaching. Externally, it would look like he’s trying to score points by being attentive to Princess Stephania. Well… this works conveniently for us.

“Tell Stephania I’ll come greet her later.”

“As you wish.”

Elliot bowed. …So he’s coming to the lodging. I should probably station myself near Ambrum as part of the guard.