Kays Translations

Chapter 11: Scheming

　Generally, forests with monsters are off-limits. The only exceptions to this rule are adventurers belonging to the Adventurers’ Guild.

　They enter places inhabited by monsters at the request of the Adventurers’ Guild, without regard for the dangers involved.

　Monsters are different from wild animals in that when they die, part of their bodies turn into magic stones. This magic stone has always been in demand because it functions like a battery to power magic tools.

　Many adventurers went into the demon territory, partly because it was a stable source of income for them.

　The only time anyone other than adventurers enters the demon territory is when a noble whose domain contains a place inhabited by monsters carries out a “monster subjugation” to stop their numbers growing too large.

　In other words, for me to enter the demon territory, I must either become an adventurer, take part in a monster subjugation, or slip in secretly without being found out.

“Lord Julius, this is the area where we carried out the monster subjugation the other day.”

　This was the knight order’s administrative office. The room held Lionel, the Knight Commander, along with the captains and vice-captains of the various units. The medic’s face was among them too, of course.

　Lionel’s choice had been to “slip in secretly.” And to improve our safety, he seemed to have settled on heading for the place where the monsters had already been subjugated. That certainly would make it safer.

　But is this really all right? I think we’d be in serious trouble if it came out. Though I’m the one who asked for it.

“His Lordship and the others will be departing for the social season in the royal capital shortly.”

　Lionel lowered his voice. This is a wicked scheme, plain and simple. Guardian of the frontier though he may be, Margrave Heine is a noble like any other. During the social season he has to go to the royal capital, gather a certain amount of information and deepen his connections.

　And Grandmother, a high-ranking magic pharmacist, attends that social season too. With Grandfather alongside her, naturally. Which is why the Heine household is left all but empty for the duration.

　This year my two older brothers should be heading to the royal capital as well. That leaves only me and my sister in the mansion. All the more convenient a period.

“I see. And you mean to use that opening to get into the forest where the monsters live? But won’t you be escorting Father and the others to the royal capital, Lionel?”

“Normally that would be so, but this time only you and Lady Rosalia will be in the house. It was settled that I should remain behind, to guard against any eventuality.”

　I see. Lionel must have talked Father round rather neatly on that point.

　Not that he’s wrong. There could well be someone waiting to make a move while the house stands empty. The more people you can rely on, the better.

“Very well. Then while Father and the others are in the capital, we shall go to the monster forest and gather materials for magic potions. But what do we do if the servants find out?”

“There we do as we always do — I’ll tell them you’re heading into town on an inspection.”

“I see. Lionel, you’re quite the villain yourself.”

“Not nearly so much as you, Lord Julius.”

　Every man in that room wore a wicked grin. A once-in-a-lifetime chance that won’t come round again. This opportunity must not be missed.

　We set about finalising the plan without delay.

　The monster forest came into view up ahead.

　It had been several days since Father and the others set out for the royal capital. The day to put the plan into action had finally arrived. My sister Rosalia had insisted over and over that she was coming along, but taking her was out of the question. After all, Rosalia thinks I’m going into town. What I’m actually going to is the monster forest.

“Lord Juliuuus, my tummy’s starting to hurt…”

“What’s this, Christopher, are you frightened?”

　Gyre was needling Christopher, who had been trembling for some time now.

　Christopher really hadn’t wanted to come, I suppose. But the three of us are counted as a set. If even one is missing, there’s a risk of arousing suspicion. I’d like him to write it off as bad luck and make his peace with it.

　Besides, look how many escorts we have. There shouldn’t be any worst-case scenario. And I’ve brought basic recovery potions and antidote with me. Injuries and poison alike can be treated on the spot.

“Christopher, if you’d rather not, you can wait here in the carriage, you know? Having come this far, nobody’s going to look at you suspiciously.”

“N-No, don’t say that — of course I’m coming with you.”

　Christopher’s loyalty runs deep, it seems. And this ought to build his confidence, too. Being a little faint-hearted is the one blemish on the jewel with him. He has the ability, for all that.

“Is that so. Then let’s be off.”

“Ha ha ha! You seem quite unafraid, Lord Julius.”

“Well, yes. I have my magic, after all.”

　Ha ha ha, Lionel laughed again. I wasn’t joking, though. My main class in the game was “Mage.” It isn’t as though I only ever played crafting classes. There were times I had to go into dangerous zones to obtain rare materials. So I can hold my own in a fight well enough.

　An armed group some thirty strong headed into the monster forest. They formed a ring around us at the centre, shielding us. The scouts had already gone on ahead, maintaining a state of full alert at all times.

“Mind your footing. Try not to tread on the plants. There’s no telling where valuable materials might be lying.”

　A group that looked thoroughly suspicious at a glance pressed on into the depths of the forest.

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