Chapter 497: The Search for the Culprit

Tauro and his companions ended up remaining in the Halagoura Marquisate’s capital for several days longer than planned.

Their obligation to escort Matilda and her delegation had ended with the Blessing Ceremony, so they had originally intended to return to the Royal Capital immediately afterward.

The delay was unexpected.

Marquis Halagoura was investigating what he publicly described as an attack that had occurred during the Blessing Ceremony.

Officially, he claimed that he merely wished to continue entertaining the Saint’s entourage as honored guests.

In reality, he appeared to suspect that the culprit had been one of the outsiders – most likely someone connected to Matilda’s delegation.

Yet no matter how thoroughly Marquis Halagoura, Alexa, and even the Crown Prince investigated, they found no evidence.

The marquis also seemed to be having trusted subordinates perform covert [Character Appraisal] checks.

Black-Gold Wings, however, wore pendants with appraisal-obstruction effects, so the members couldn’t be examined easily.

No one on Halagoura’s side even knew that Aeris had acquired [Saint].

Maria had already returned to the Van Dyne Marquisate, placing the true culprit far beyond their investigation.

“This investigation is taking longer than I expected…”

Tauro muttered as Black-Gold Wings gathered in a room provided to the Kingdom of Luwan delegation and discussed what to do next.

“It really is. Besides, Haku’s formal adoption procedures are finished now. We should be back celebrating with him, shouldn’t we?”

Aeris answered with a wry smile, understanding Tauro’s frustration.

“Exactly. My family must be worried after everything that’s happened, and I want to celebrate Haku properly. I’d like to return to the Royal Capital as soon as possible.”

Tauro nodded.

“What’s this, Leader? Don’t tell me you’re already itching for another adventure and want to head back to Saisi.”

Ankh teased him.

“I’ve already seen the people I most wanted to see, and I confirmed that everyone seems to be doing well. We can save a proper visit to Saisi for another time.”

Tauro had briefly reunited with Branch Chief Leo and the receptionist Nei.

He had been unable to meet Angus, but the quality of the shortswords the blacksmith continued producing proved that the dwarf was doing well.

As for Mina, she was still active as the Saisi branch’s ace solo adventurer, so Tauro decided he could catch up with her another time.

“Wherever you want to go, Tauro-sama, I’ll follow.”

As always, Zion’s answer was immediate.

“I’m fine going anywhere as long as we’re together. But what are we going to do after we return to the Royal Capital?”

Ragune asked the most practical question.

“That’s what I’m wondering. I’d be happy going anywhere if we’re all together, but is there somewhere any of you want to visit? There are still plenty of places in the kingdom we haven’t explored, including quite a few that ordinary people aren’t allowed to enter.”

Tauro was thinking of restricted regions that required special permission.

Naturally, the very fact that they were difficult to enter made them particularly appealing to an adventurer.

At that moment, Marquis Donaissun entered the room.

“Tauro-dono, a royal messenger has arrived from the Royal Capital. The Crown Prince was informed first, and because you’re staying here, I was asked to tell you to go to him immediately.”

“You came here personally just to tell me? I’m sorry for the trouble. Thank you.”

Tauro was slightly surprised that the marquis himself had come and thanked him.

“Think nothing of it. The messenger appears to have come directly from His Majesty the King, so the matter is probably important. And with that… this may be our farewell. The Kingdom of Luwan owes you and your companions an immeasurable debt. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. If you ever come to Luwan, please visit me. When you do, show them this.”

Marquis Donaissun handed Tauro a plaque bearing his family crest.

“Thank you, Marquis Donaissun.”

Tauro bowed, then followed the marquis’s urging and headed for the Crown Prince’s chambers.

“You’re Tauro Graunewald, correct? This is for you.”

Waiting inside were a visibly displeased Crown Prince and a royal messenger who appeared completely unaffected by the prince’s mood.

The messenger handed the letter directly to Tauro.

Apparently, the Crown Prince had demanded that it be opened in his presence, but the messenger had refused, which likely explained his sour expression.

“Excuse me.”

Tauro opened the letter in front of the prince and quietly read it.

A letter from the king, whom Tauro had never personally met, was intimidating enough on its own.

The contents made him even more nervous.

“…Is everything written here really true?”

Tauro took a breath and asked the messenger.

“Yes. His Majesty requests that you and your companions return to the Royal Capital immediately. He wishes to meet with you personally and will explain his intentions then.”

“The King wants to meet with that child?! Ridiculous…”

The Crown Prince made no effort to hide his low opinion of Tauro and the others.

They had originally joined the tour on Prince Fleue’s recommendation.

The Crown Prince had apparently expected their presence to reflect badly on the Fifth Prince, yet Black-Gold Wings had accomplished far more than he wanted.

Now the fact that his own father wished to meet Tauro personally only irritated him further.

“Your Highness, are you questioning His Majesty’s judgment?”

The messenger rebuked him calmly.

“N-No. That’s not what I meant…”

The Crown Prince faltered.

The messenger was apparently one of the king’s close aides, which made even the Crown Prince cautious around him.

“Tauro-dono, please prepare to depart. A royal carriage has already been arranged for you.”

The messenger smiled gently, then sent Tauro back to prepare.

Black-Gold Wings hurriedly gathered their belongings.

As adventurers, they kept their travel gear ready at all times, so it took almost no time before they were boarding the carriage provided by the king’s messenger.

Then Alexa appeared.

“Who dares remove my lord’s guests without permission?”

Still investigating the destruction, Alexa had apparently heard that Tauro and his companions – whom the Crown Prince had privately suggested were suspicious – were about to leave, and he came to stop them.

“This is a direct order from His Majesty the King. You aren’t suggesting that you intend to interfere, are you?”

The messenger’s reply was cold.

“…My apologies. If this is His Majesty’s command, then naturally I can’t object.”

Alexa had clearly not known about the king’s involvement. Surprised, he immediately backed down.

“Also, inform Marquis Halagoura that detaining members of the Saint’s entourage beyond the agreed date is unacceptable. He would be wise to remember that.”

With that, the messenger ordered the driver to depart.

And so Tauro and his companions finally left the Halagoura Marquisate behind.