Chapter 497: The Search for the Culprit

Tauro and his companions ended up staying in the capital of Marquis Haragura’s domain for a few days longer than planned.

In truth, now that the “Blessing Ceremony” was over, their obligation to escort the Saint and her party was over, and they had planned to return to the royal capital. So this delay was quite unexpected.

Apparently, Marquis Haragura was conducting an investigation into the attack that had occurred during the time of the Blessing Ceremony.

Officially, he claimed he wished to extend hospitality to the Saint’s entourage out of gratitude, but in reality, it seemed he suspected the culprit might be an outside guest—namely, the Saint’s group.

However, no matter how thoroughly the Marquis, Alexa, or even the Crown Prince, who led the Saint’s delegation for the Kingdom of Sart, take the initiative in investigating, no evidence can be found.

Marquis Haragura seems to be conducting covert character appraisals using his most trusted subordinates, but Tauro’s party wore necklaces that indicate they are members of the “Black-Golden Wings” and had appraisal-blocking effects, so they couldn’t be easily analyzed. No one even knew that Aeris possessed the Saint Skill.

And the True Saint Maria had already left and returned to the Vandyne Marquisate, making her impossible to investigate.

“This investigation is dragging on longer than expected…”

Tauro muttered this at their gathering in a room prepared for the guests of the Kingdom of Luwan to discuss their future plans.

“It really is. And besides, Haku’s official adoption procedures have been completed, we should be celebrating that now, right?”

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

“Exactly. My family’s probably worried after everything that’s happened, and we should celebrate Haku properly. I want to return to the capital as soon as possible.”

Tauro nodded in agreement with Aeris.

“What’s this, leader? Don’t tell me you’re itching for a new adventure and want to go back to the city of Saishi?”

Ankh teased Tauro, thinking his complaints were driven by a thirst for adventure.

“I’ve already seen the people I wanted to see, and I was able to confirm that everyone is doing well. I can save another visit to Saishi for another time.”

Tauro had briefly reunited with Leo the branch chief and Nei the receptionist.

I wasn’t able to meet Angus the blacksmith, but I knew he was doing well from the quality of the short swords he crafted.

As for Mina the adventurer, she was still working hard as the branch’s ace, so I decided to leave catching up with her for another time.

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

As always, Zion was completely devoted to Tauro.

“I’m fine with anywhere as long as we’re together. But what are we doing after we return to the capital?”

Ragune asked the most important question.

“Yeah, that’s the thing… I’d be happy to go anywhere as long as we’re together, but is there anywhere you’d all like to visit? There are still plenty of parts of the kingdom we haven’t explored—though there are many places we can’t go.”

Tauro was referring to the restricted areas and the like—places you can’t enter without special permission. Naturally, such locations had an adventurous allure.

At that moment, Marquis Donaisson entered the room.

“Tauro-dono. A royal messenger has arrived from the capital. The Crown Prince was informed first, and since you’re staying here, I was asked to deliver the message. You’d best go at once.”

“You came in person to tell me that? I’m sorry for the trouble. Thank you very much.”

Tauro was slightly surprised by the marquis’s personal visit and expressed his gratitude.

“Think nothing of it. It seems the messenger is from His Majesty the King, which likely means this is a matter of great importance. And so… this may be 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 visit us, please come see me. When that time comes, here—take this token.”

Marquis Donaisson said this and handed Tauro a plaque bearing his family crest..

“Thank you, Marquis Donaisson.”

Tauro bowed and, urged on by the marquis, made his way to the Crown Prince’s chambers.

“You are Tauro Graundewald, correct? —This is for you.”

Waiting in the Crown Prince’s room was a dissatisfied looking Crown Prince, and a royal messenger, who seemed entirely unbothered by the prince’s mood.

The messenger then handed a letter directly to Tauro.

It seemed the Crown Prince had tried to demand the letter be opened in his presence, but the messenger refused, which likely caused his sour expression.

“…Excuse me.”

Tauro opened the letter before the prince and quietly read its contents.

I was a little nervous because it was a letter from the king, whom I had never met, but the contents of the letter made me even more nervous and surprised.

“…Is what written in this letter really all true?”

Tauro took a breath and asked the messenger.

“Yes. You and your companions are requested to return to the capital immediately. His Majesty wishes to meet with you personally. He will explain his intentions at that time.”

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

The Crown Prince clearly held a low opinion of Tauro’s group.

After all, they had been recommended by Prince Fleue, the fifth prince. The Crown Prince had only brought them along to make his rival look bad—but they’d ended up accomplishing too much, which irritated him further. And, as the Crown Prince, the idea that his father, the King, would meet them personally was unthinkable to him.

“Your Highness. Are you questioning His Majesty’s judgment?”

The messenger coolly reprimanded the prince.

“N-no, that’s not what I meant…”

The Crown Prince faltered, unable to argue. 

Apparently, this messenger was a close aide to the King, making even the prince tread carefully.

“Then, Tauro-dono, please prepare for departure. A carriage is also prepared to pick you up.”

The messenger gave a gentle smile and asked Tauro to prepare for his journey, then urged him to leave the Crown Prince’s room and return to his own room.

Tauro’s group hurriedly prepared for their journey in response to the sudden request from the messenger.

Of course, as adventurers, their travel gear was always ready, so they were finished in no time and boarded the royal carriage provided by the messenger.

That’s when Alexa, Marquis Haragura’s aide, appeared.

“Who dares to take away my Lord’s guest without permission?”

　Alexa, who was still in the middle of searching for the culprit, stepped in to stop them when she heard that Tauro and the others, who the Crown Prince had whispered to her as likely suspects, were going to be taken away.

“This is a direct order from His Majesty the King. You’re not planning to interfere, are you?”

The messenger replied, reproaching Alexa for her words.

“! …My apologies. If it’s His Majesty’s command, then there’s no other way.”

It seemed Alexa hadn’t been informed of the King’s involvement. He was surprised and backed down.

“Also, please inform Marquis Haragura that detaining the Saint’s entourage beyond the agreed date is not permissible. He should take care moving forward.”

With that, the messenger orders the driver to start the carriage.

And so, Tauro and his companions left Marquis Haragura’s domain behind.