Chapter 428 – Reunion with Isabella

“So that’s why we’re thinking of going with an undercover escort approach,” I explained our future plans and countermeasures to Oscar, Vanessa, and the butler Clark after they returned to the guesthouse with Mildred following the Magical Inquisition. All three of them nodded quietly.

All three had cooperated willingly, and the inquisitor had conveyed that they were innocent.

“Thank you for your cooperation.”

“I plan to head to the hideout the attackers were using in Termwills as soon as I get more information… But you two should probably return first. The Duke might worry if it gets too late. I’ll visit the villa afterward, so please take my Familiar with you.”

I assigned Caduceus, who had taken the form of a cat, to accompany them.

“Take care of them, Caduceus.”

Caduceus nodded in response.

“And… please take these Magic Tools. The Amulet of Evil Repulsion repels Magic Potions and Curses. This Bracelet is Clear Blood. And this is a healing Magic Tool. Please keep the Necklace on you at all times.”

“Then we’ll borrow them.”

I handed the Magic Tools that Grace and the others had brought to the three of them. They had also brought the Amulet of Evil Repulsion for the Duke to wear, as a way of informing him about my protection.

“I’ll escort these two myself. I need to explain things directly to the Duke and Grand Duke,” said Prince Josiah. I see. By having Prince Josiah explain in person, he intends to confirm the Duke and Grand Duke’s intentions and ensure the reconciliation process isn’t interrupted.

Well… given that the reason might be related to the succession dispute, whether they reconcile or not won’t significantly impact the future situation…

“Then, Mildred. Form a unit to escort Josiah.”

“Yes, sir!”

Mildred saluted and left the room to organize the unit.

“Um, about my uncle…”

“Yes?”

Vanessa seemed hesitant about whether she should speak, despite having brought it up.

About Leslie Driscoll. That was something I had planned to ask about once we reached the villa.

Perhaps she felt reluctant to speak ill of family, but she must have some reason for bringing it up. When Oscar nodded encouragingly, Vanessa timidly began.

“My uncle has always been a quiet person. He’s gentle when spoken to, and his relationship with my father wasn’t bad. But a few years ago, when my uncle visited the duchy after returning from a sea voyage… there was something that bothered me slightly.”

“What would that be…?”

“When I was passing through the hallway of our family home, I saw my uncle talking with my father and brother in the courtyard. They were all laughing and seemed to be enjoying the conversation, but…”

Just as the Duke and Oscar turned to leave the courtyard, Leslie’s expression—which had been smiling until that moment—completely changed, Vanessa said.

“…It was a cold, stern face. I wondered if maybe my uncle actually hated my father… I don’t know what happened between my father and uncle. When I talk to him, my uncle acts the same as always… So I started thinking that maybe he’s not naturally quiet and gentle, but rather… he just never shows his true feelings to anyone.”

Saying this, Vanessa closed her eyes and shook her head.

“…I’m hearing about this for the first time too. I remember that conversation… but I don’t think we said anything that would anger my uncle… It was just trivial things like being happy to see him after so long, or listening to stories from his travels.”

Oscar frowned.

…Indeed, even among family, conflicts can sometimes arise from minor emotional tangles.

So if nothing came of it, it might have been just that. Vanessa probably hadn’t told anyone until today… but after actually being attacked and becoming aware of the possibility of a succession dispute, she couldn’t help but dwell on Leslie’s attitude at that time.

If there was nothing problematic about their conversation then, it could only mean he was hiding something.

“…I see. That’s helpful information.”

Of course, that alone doesn’t prove Leslie is the mastermind. We don’t have any definitive evidence yet. Well, what should we do…?

…The mastermind was giving instructions to the perpetrators. They probably thought nothing would connect back to them, given how they moved… but if we use unexpected methods, they won’t be able to counter it.

“…Ah, there’s something I’d like everyone to prepare.”

“What would that be?”

When I told Grace and the others what we needed, they blinked in surprise.

The necessary materials should be easy to obtain at the Market. After that, I’ll just need to borrow a few things from Rosemary’s belongings.

While we were coordinating the handover, we received word from Sheila. Hmm… It seems they’ve found the hideout too.

“Theodore. Over here.”

When I headed toward the main street in the western district, Sheila and Lavigne—who was guarding her—were there. Recognizing me, Sheila lightly raised her right hand to indicate her location.

“Ah, sorry to keep you waiting.”

“Mhm. I’ll guide you.”

Sheila nodded and began walking through the back alleys with Lavigne.

It appeared the group had been using an inn in the western district.

From the perspective of avoiding official attention, that was the right choice, but from the Thieves Guild’s viewpoint, the western district is like their backyard. The fact that their hiding place was discovered relatively quickly is probably due to that.

“So this is it…”

We proceeded through the maze-like streets and arrived in front of the inn. There seemed to be people stationed around the inn… But since Sheila wasn’t concerned, they must be Thieves Guild personnel.

Indeed… if my memory serves me right, I’ve seen some of them before.

When our eyes met, they gave me a discreet nod from their positions. I believe… they were the ones who acted as Thieves Guild members with Isabella, the Guild executive.

Well, since they’re being considerate, I’ll just return the nod without drawing attention.

“When I went to talk to the information broker, they told me to take any requests from me directly to Isabella.”

“So that’s why it was so fast.”

“Mhm.”

Sheila’s requests apparently get VIP treatment with top priority.

We opened the inn door and entered inside. It was exactly the kind of inn adventurers would prefer—the first floor was a tavern and the second floor had rooms.

And… there was a familiar face at the counter. Isabella dressed in black attire. Not her madam outfit from the brothel, but her work clothes when acting as a Thieves Guild executive.

“Good afternoon, Ambassador. It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”

Isabella had been smoking her pipe, but when she saw me, she broke into a broad grin.

Since this wasn’t a public area and wasn’t visible to outsiders, it seemed fine to speak normally. Looking around, the customers in the tavern also appeared to be Thieves Guild members.

“It’s good to see you. How is Dorothy-san doing?”

“Yes. That girl is doing well too. We had some trouble, but thanks to you, things around us have completely settled down. We’re back to the old ways, and everything’s running smoothly, yes indeed.”

“Things around us”… that must be a metaphor for the Thieves Guild’s recent situation.

With the faction led by Randolph—who assassinated the previous Guild Master—having collapsed, the Thieves Guild’s policies have returned to normal, and order has been restored to Termwills’ underworld.

“That’s good to hear.”

When I responded, Isabella deepened her smile and nodded.

“So, you see. I thought I’d change things up a bit and came to a nearby tavern to relax like this… but when I was talking with the innkeeper, he mentioned that some outsiders who caused trouble in the western district earlier today had been staying at this inn. Naturally, we were discussing how serious this was when you showed up, Ambassador.”

“…I see.”

She wants to make it clear the Thieves Guild isn’t involved—that this is purely coincidental. As if following Isabella’s lead, the innkeeper nodded.

“If the authorities heard about this, they’d obviously come to investigate the room those people were using, right? As an establishment, we’d be in trouble if a bunch of heavy-handed officials came and ransacked the place… But if the Ambassador himself is handling the investigation, then we’d be more than welcome.”

The bearded innkeeper grinned.

…Well, well. I couldn’t help but smile wryly myself.

Well… it’s true. Tracking down the inn and convincing the owner to let us investigate the room used by his customers would require considerable persuasion and explanation, since he’s running a business. But Isabella had arranged everything perfectly for us.

Aside from how transparently staged it was, the logic of the situation was undeniable. The innkeeper’s words were probably genuine, and Isabella was doing him a favor while carrying out her Thieves Guild duties.

“That’s right. I also came here after hearing rumors they were staying at this inn. I’d be grateful if you’d allow us to investigate.”

“Of course. When situations like this arise, cooperating willingly with the authorities is what proper businesspeople do.”

And so that’s how things unfolded. It’s good that matters are proceeding smoothly, yes.