“Is that so… Dark magicians and undead… And the Church of Thanatos…”
Hearing Aitri’s story, Meles nodded.
Under normal circumstances, one would likely lose composure, but to Rudell, she seemed extraordinarily calm.
“As you mentioned, I will convey this to the Empire. Excluding anything regarding you all.”
“Thank you, Archbishop.”
“Well then, is there anything else you need?”
With that, Meles looked at Rudell.
That gaze seemed to suggest that she had realized from the start that he was the center of this group.
“Then… if it’s not too much to ask, could I make one request?”
“Go ahead.”
Is this what they call experience?
With that thought, when Rudell spoke, she nodded.
“I would like the Church to formally request an investigation into this incident.”
“Hmm…”
At those words, Meles let out a low groan.
In truth, Rudell’s request was something the Church could hardly afford.
If the Empire found out about this incident and it became known that Rudell and his party had been entrusted with the task, it could destabilize the relationship between the Empire and the Church.
To resolve an incident occurring on Empire land using the Kingdom’s power?
Naturally, the Empire would put political and diplomatic pressure on the Church, and the Church would have to be mindful of the Empire as well.
Effectively, it was the same as passing the buck to the Church if problems arose.
“Eleor.”
“Yes, Archbishop.”
After a moment of deep contemplation, Meles called for Eleor, who bowed her head.
“What do you think?”
“Do you mean my opinion?”
“As a member of the Church, you’ve spent more time with him than any of us. What do you think of him?”
“Well…”
In reality, the time she had known Rudell wasn’t very long.
It was too short to properly evaluate a person.
At Meles’s question, Eleor hesitated and looked at Rudell.
How long had it passed?
“He is a righteous person. He can move for the greater good and sees what others do not.”
“Hmm. Hmm.”
At Eleor’s brief assessment, Leje nodded as if she had just been complimented.
Meanwhile…
Clears throat…!!
Rudell, seemingly embarrassed by the unexpected compliment, averted his gaze and cleared his throat.
At that moment, Meles nodded as if that was sufficient.
“I understand your answer. Now, let us make a decision.”
Afterward, Meles stood up, had someone bring over a piece of paper, and signed it.
“Rudellheit Weinstein and company. By the authority of the Archbishop, I entrust this investigation to you.”
*
“I’m glad it worked out.”
“Right? Honestly, I didn’t think it would.”
This incident had turned out to be an unexpected success for Rudell.
He assumed she would refuse his request since it effectively burdened her with responsibility.
Just a hint of hope—nothing more.
“Thanks to Eleor. I appreciate it.”
“It was nothing special. I just did what I had to.”
In response to Rudell’s words, Eleor nodded with a faint smile.
“So? What are you planning to do now?”
“Um… first, we need to gather information.”
The Church would handle the issues it dealt with in relation to the Empire.
Rudell and his party needed to focus on Kentric.
“The problem is, where do we start…”
“Can’t we just go with the method I mentioned?”
“Of course, that’s something I’m considering…”
Hearing her question, Rudell let out a low groan.
This incident was something that didn’t exist in the original story.
Because of that, he had to keep all possibilities open and think through every option.
“Aitri.”
“Go ahead.”
“Is there only one location where Kentric was sighted?”
“That’s not the case. Until shortly before you arrived, he could be seen at several locations.”
Aitri shook his head at Rudell’s question.
“Do you know where those locations are?”
“Hmm… This isn’t a conversation to have while standing, so let’s sit somewhere.”
With that, Aitri surveyed the surroundings, then headed toward a bustling café.
“Isn’t there too many people? What if someone hears us…”
“Sensitive topics are better discussed in crowded places.”
Responding to Leje, who tilted her head, Aitri took a seat, and the rest of the group followed suit.
The waiter approached them to take their orders, and amidst the cacophony, Aitri pulled out a map of Pensburg from his pocket.
“To show the locations where he was sighted, it’s this place, this place, and this place…”
“That’s quite a few…”
On the map, Aitri marked dozens of locations.
It was far too diligent to just be wandering aimlessly.
“Lastly, after he was seen in this area, we have been unable to find any trace of him.”
“What’s there?”
“That would be a branch of the Gold Rush Company.”
“A branch of the Gold Rush Company, huh…”
At that, a low groan escaped Rudell’s lips.
The Gold Rush Company.
Pursuing greed and exploiting innocent people, profiting through all manners of scamming.
Rudell had no reason to look favorably on them, even aside from Gord’s unfortunate involvement.
“Is it possible that there’s some sort of collaborative relationship with the Gold Rush Company?”
“I can’t say for certain. They’d do anything for money.”
The Gold Rush Company’s highest value was nothing but money.
Whatever method they used, the one who brings in the most profit rises above.
Of course, those who couldn’t do that merely become expendable pawns for them.
Illegal or legal, plunging countless people into ruin…
To them, money was everything.
That being the case, they were also the type to drink from the poisoned chalice of the Church of the Eaters of Death without hesitation.
“Then let’s investigate the Gold Rush Company later. For now, let’s check out the other sighting locations.”
With no solid leads, charging in recklessly wasn’t an option.
They had to gather what clues they could before slowly investigating the Gold Rush Company.
Of course, this was in terms of legality.
*
That night.
As the cold wind flowed between tall buildings, Rudell gazed at the surrounding scenery.
The capital of the Empire, filled with dazzling lights.
Though he was becoming accustomed to life in Prucelium, the overwhelming scale was still something he couldn’t quite adjust to.
“Rudell. Everything’s ready.”
Just then, while observing the sprawling view of Pensburg below, he turned at Leje’s voice from behind.
In his sight were Leje, clad in a black hood, Kurt, and Silphier.
“How are the golems ready? Do you think they can be used?”
At her feet, spherical golems with propellers were making operational noises.
“It’s a bit windy, but… I think it’ll be fine.”
“Great, I’ll count on you for support.”
With her golems, they could thoroughly assess movements inside and outside the building.
Preparing the communication magical tool attached to his ear for any emergencies, Rudell moved forward.
“Wooow…”
Under his feet, he arrived at the edge of the roof where a massive building stood.
A huge structure slightly different from the Empire’s style.
Though it was late at night, like other buildings in the Empire, bright lights flowed from inside.
The identity of that building was none other than the Empire branch of the Gold Rush Company.
At the same time, it was the site Rudell and his party were targeting.
“Just to be clear, we’re not here to battle. We’re only here to find what we need and get out. Understood?”
“Don’t worry! No one will know we were here.”
“Alright.”
Seeing Leje’s confident reply, Rudell pulled down the mask attached to his hood.
As a signal, Kurt and Leje also donned their masks…
“Are you really going?”
“Yes.”
At Aitri’s question, Rudell nodded and moved forward.
It wouldn’t make sense to turn back after coming this far.
“Then, I wish you good luck.”
“Just in case, please prepare our alibis well.”
Rudell said to Aitri, who bowed his head lightly, while raising his magic power.
The shadows that stretched from under his feet engulfed Leje and Kurt…
“Alright. Let’s get started.”
“I’ll activate the reconnaissance golems…!!”
Small golems the size of fists started flying toward the night sky.
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