Kays Translations

Chapter 345: Capturing the Adventurers

“Damn it!”

　Hagen exchanged a glance with Gray Vultures’ warrior and swordsman, then all three lunged toward Zion.

　Even in a hall filled with witnesses, they decided that silencing Zion was preferable to allowing the testimony to continue.

“[Range Defense]!”

　Ragune activated the Mirror Turtle Rectangular Shield. A translucent defensive wall appeared in front of Zion and stopped the three blades.

“What!?”

　While Hagen and his companions recoiled, Tauro drew his short sword and Ankh produced a knife in each hand. They closed the distance almost instantly.

　Ankh cut the dominant arms of the warrior and swordsman, forcing both men to drop their weapons. Tauro’s blade flashed once and severed Hagen’s right hand at the wrist.

“Gyaaah!”

　The attackers collapsed while clutching their injured arms. Hagen rolled across the floor in agony.

“Branch Manager,” Tauro said, “drawing a weapon inside the guild is prohibited, but defending another person from an attempted murder is permitted, correct?”

　The branch manager had already restrained Gray Vultures’ female mage.

“Correct. Every adventurer in this lobby witnessed them attack first. Gray Vultures may have intimidated these people in the past, but they’ll cooperate now.”

　He looked around the hall. Several adventurers shifted uncomfortably and avoided his gaze, but none contradicted him.

“My hand! What did you do to my hand!?” Hagen screamed while trying to stop the bleeding.

　Tauro threw him a potion. The wound closed sufficiently to prevent him from bleeding to death.

“I still need you alive to testify.”

“Hmph! Do you think I’ll talk?”

　Sweat poured down Hagen’s face, but he remained defiant.

“Cooperation would be better for you. Otherwise, I’ll ask everyone except you for testimony, and you can endure that pain until the day of your execution.”

　Tauro deliberately showed him another potion that could have relieved the pain, then returned it to [Magic Storage].

“Do you know who I am? I’m protected by the ruler of this city. You think you can do this and walk away?”

　Ankh stepped forward and kicked Hagen’s injured arm.

“Gyaaah!”

　The wound opened and began bleeding again.

“My mistake,” Ankh said, his red eyes cold. “You looked as though you were reaching for a weapon. Only after I kicked you did I remember that your sword hand is no longer attached.”

　Nobody in the lobby attempted to blame him.

“Hagen, consider that the end of your opportunity for leniency,” Tauro said before using another potion to stop the bleeding.

“The mayor may have allowed you to behave as though his word were the law, but he himself answers to someone. I’ll report this directly to Count Graunewald.”

“Hah! How would an adventurer brat meet the count? And whose word do you think he’d believe: yours, or that of Baronet Huot Colon, whose family has governed Caxart for generations? You can’t judge me without judging the mayor. We’re tied together.”

　Despite the pain twisting his face, Hagen grinned as though he had won.

“That isn’t a problem. We already possess evidence of Baronet Colon’s embezzlement. The only remaining difficulty is presenting it to the count, and I have connections of my own.”

　Tauro chose not to reveal that he was Count Graunewald’s adopted son. Even with that status, he was still a child, and exposing it prematurely could complicate the investigation.

“This began as a guild matter involving Gray Vultures,” the branch manager said. “Accusing Caxart’s mayor of embezzlement lies outside the guild’s authority. Even I’d have difficulty bringing such a charge directly to the lord. Are you certain you can do it?”

“Yes.”

　Tauro smiled while Ragune and Ankh bound Hagen and the other members of Gray Vultures.

　The following day, whether through coincidence or careful arrangement, Count Graunewald arrived in Caxart with a force of territorial soldiers.

“Count Graunewald! It’s been some time since the New Year’s greetings,” Baronet Huot Colon said, wiping away sweat despite the cool weather.

“It has indeed. Forgive the sudden visit. I’ve just returned from the Royal Capital and heard that the monster damage around the salt lake had become severe. I brought soldiers to assist you.”

　Count Graunewald smiled and placed a reassuring hand on Huot’s shoulder. Meeting Tauro was another reason for the visit, but he didn’t mention it.

“Your concern honors me. The adventurers have recently brought the outbreak under control, so there was no need for you to come personally. I’m still young and inherited this office suddenly, however, so I apologize for causing you concern.”

　Believing that his scheme remained undiscovered, Huot quickly regained his composure.

“Don’t be so formal. Your father served my house faithfully. His death came far too early, just as my own father’s did. Taking over without preparation can’t have been easy. Come to me whenever you require assistance.”

　As the two spoke before the mayor’s residence, an accounting official rushed forward.

“My lord! Huot Colon has been pocketing taxes owed to you and caused the monster outbreak to conceal the missing revenue!”

　Huot’s soldiers seized the man before he could continue.

“This official was dismissed for embezzlement,” Huot explained dramatically. “His behavior had become increasingly unstable, but I never imagined he’d make such an accusation in front of you.”

“Please wait!”

　Another group entered the grounds: Tauro, Ragune, Ankh, and Zion.

“Who are these people?” Huot shouted. “Seize them immediately! I’ll interrogate them after the count departs!”

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