Chapter 138: The Branch Chief, Once More
Through Ryu’s carefully laid scheme, the Kingdom of Garcia suffered catastrophic losses in the span of a single night.
The airship that had been steadily constructed under Hero Saionji’s direction was utterly destroyed—its underground factory collapsing along with it. Many invaluable researchers and craftsmen were swallowed by the devastation. In the end, where the slums had once stood, a massive crater gaped open like a wound torn into the earth itself.
Black lightning had rained down upon the royal castle as well, throwing the aristocracy—including the royal family—into complete panic.
The following day, King Garcia received the reports in a state of barely concealed fury.
“Your Majesty. According to the surviving knights, the primary cause of the underground collapse appears to be the Thunder Emperor. In his attempt to eliminate the intruder, he rampaged out of control and destroyed the entire underground complex—airship included…”
“And the lightning that struck the castle? Was that merely collateral damage?”
“Yes… most likely.”
“Damn it! File a formal protest with the Adventurers’ Guild! All responsibility lies with them!”
“At once, Your Majesty.”
At that moment—
“Your Majesty, you summoned me?”
“Ah! Saionji-sama, I have been waiting for you. Tell me—what must we do first?”
“First, we must recover the flight stone that serves as the airship’s core. So long as that remains in our possession, we can rebuild as many times as necessary. However… should it be lost, the airship project must be abandoned entirely.”
“…V-Very well! Immediately begin excavation of the site and retrieve the flight stone! Hurry!”
“Yes, sire.”
Knights were dispatched at once.
“Now then, regarding the progress of the Demonkin investigation…”
◇◇◇
Several days after the incident—
At the Imperial Intelligence Branch within the capital of Garcia.
“Everyone looks terribly busy.”
“The kingdom’s in complete disarray right now. Gathering intelligence, manipulating matters within their government—this is the best opportunity we’ll ever get. For the Empire’s sake, we must have them give it their all.”
While waiting for the branch chief to arrive, Ryu and the others sat in the same seats as before.
“Oh, that reminds me. I have a souvenir for you, Esther.”
“Oh? Sweets?”
“Unfortunately, not this time…”
Ryu reached into his coat and withdrew a familiar bag.
“…It’s the Thunder Emperor’s item bag. From what I saw at a glance, it contains a considerable fortune—S-Rank adventurer wealth, including rare monster materials. I’m giving it to you outright.”
Esther peered inside.
“Hohooo~! Splendid beyond words! …But are you certain?”
“Of course. Use it as you please.”
“As expected of my husband! So generous!”
“Gya.”
(Ryu-sama… what about my souvenir…?)
“For you, Homura, I’ll grant unlimited access to kingdom cuisine for the remainder of our stay.”
“Gya!”
(Yaaay! Thank you very much!)
Since their plan had concluded ahead of schedule, they had decided to spend the remaining time before the academy term enjoying the kingdom.
No matter how incompetent the current royal family might be, the culture the Kingdom of Garcia had cultivated over thousands of years was undeniably rich and fascinating. Geographically, it lay on the opposite end of the continent from the Empire; this might well be their final chance for an extended visit. It would be foolish not to make the most of it.
“So, after the capital, where to next?”
“A large port town would be lovely. I crave seafood.”
“Seafood isn’t sweet, you know.”
“I am well aware! Do not insult me, you fool!”
“Alright then. The kingdom’s port town it is.”
“Tch… Tonight, I’ll reduce you to nothing…”
Incidentally, since Homura slept soundly through the nights, Ryu and Esther were free to do as they pleased.
…Not that one need elaborate.
As a side note, Esther had recently taken a keen interest in brewing special nighttime potions—for their personal use.
◇◇◇
After roughly five minutes of discussing their itinerary, the branch chief finally appeared.
“My deepest apologies for the wait!”
“Don’t worry about it. It’s obvious how busy the branch is.”
“Your understanding is appreciated…”
Behind him stood a strikingly beautiful woman.
“It has been a few days, Ryu Arden.”
“Still in the kingdom, Zekkai?”
“Yes. My mission is complete. The rest will be handled by the intelligence officers.”
Zekkai shifted her gaze.
“Esther-sama. The other day, you and your husband—and your medicine—saved my life. Allow me to express my gratitude.”
She bowed deeply.
“Think nothing of it. Your safety is thanks enough.”
“I owe the Arden couple greatly. Should you ever find yourselves in dire straits, call upon me. I will come at once.”
“So you heard from the branch chief about our engagement?”
“Yes. Though it has yet to be announced publicly, I learned of it in advance—from my boyfriend.”
““Hm…? Boyfriend…?””
“…Ah.”
Zekkai’s mouth fell open slightly. The branch chief looked away, his cheeks flushed crimson.
(I see. So the branch chief’s long pursuit finally bore fruit.)
(How adorable. What a delightful reaction!)
“Branch Chief. Congratulations.”
“My sentiments as well.”
“Thank you…!”
“So, will you two be maintaining a long-distance relationship for now?”
“No. My subordinates have matured sufficiently. I intend to return to the Empire soon.”
“And take a position among the higher ranks?”
“Yes… if they will have me.”
“Couples ought to remain together whenever possible—like us. Zekkai, do not let work consume you entirely. Make time for him.”
“I shall heed your advice.”
“Especially at night… that time is most important…”
“Hahaha! Indeed!” Zekkai laughed heartily, while the branch chief’s face turned an even deeper shade of red.
“You really just dropped a lewd joke in front of them… as expected of Esther.”
“I will not let you finish that sentence!!!”
“We should strive to become as close as Ryu-sama and Esther-sama, shouldn’t we?”
“Yes… let us do our best.”
At that moment, Zekkai noticed something. She glanced back and forth between the cheerful Ryu and Esther.
(With that size difference… surely they don’t…?)
◇◇◇
After final confirmations, Ryu and the others were formally informed that their mission had concluded successfully.
Just as they thought they were free to depart—
“One final matter. Have either of you heard of the race known as the Demonkin?”
“Of course. The Demon King’s subordinates from the Hero’s legend.”
“I have heard of them as well, though I have never seen one.”
“The Demonkin reside upon a distant continent known as the Demon Continent, far removed from this one. Their combat abilities far surpass those of other races, and their vitality is said to be abnormal.”
“Abnormal how?”
“Rumor claims they do not die even when decapitated.”
“Seriously…?”
“According to our agent embedded within the kingdom’s military, a special unit is currently investigating Demonkin activity.”
“In other words, Demonkin may have infiltrated Garcia.”
“Yes… most likely. Therefore, please exercise caution as you travel.”
“Understood. Thank you for the valuable information.”
Zekkai snorted softly.
“Though I doubt you would fall to mere Demonkin, Ryu Arden.”
“Indeed. I have no intention of losing to the likes of them.”
…And so, after bidding farewell to the branch chief and Zekkai, Ryu and his companions departed from the capital.