“This code switches out one letter per symbol so it’s easy. And thank goodness that it uses the Kingdom’s alphabet. If it used the empire’s or if we needed to translate it first then it would’ve been almost impossible. This is… first, if you figure out just one letter then you can just fill out the rest. Anybody could do it if they tried.”
“No no, you just make it sound easy. Wouldn’t it be impossible without knowing tens of thousands of words?”
“But this is an order written in code. The instructions wouldn’t be hidden behind a metaphor and the chance of them using difficult words is very small. The messages are probably written clearly so that even children can understand it. That’s why their scale is so large.”
Lakyus inwardly broke out in cold sweats.
Although her friend called it simple, that was absolutely not the case.
If it’s her then it’s possible… really, her ability is ridiculous.
Every time they met, every time they spoke, she was surprised. Lakyus didn’t know anyone who better fit the term ‘genius.’
In contrast to Lakyus who was trembling on the inside, Renner lightly held out the paper in her hand.
“I’m finished. It wasn’t orders though.”
Various locations outside the Kingdom were listed on the paper. Seven were within the Kingdom’s lands.
“Could these be where they store the drugs? Important bases maybe?”
“Such important information wouldn’t be written down and just left in a production facility. Isn’t this bait?”
“A bait? You mean it’s a trap?”
“Mmm… No, I don’t think so. Even though Eight Fingers is one organization, isn’t it more like the eight groups that make it up are cooperating with one another?”
Lakyus nodded her head.
“Then this is probably about the other seven groups. The organization that’s in charge of drugs leaked this information on purpose so they could spin it into an advantage.”
“So they prepared information on all the organizations besides their own… I knew that they weren’t close, but to think that it was this bad…”
As an adventurer, the thought of betraying one’s allies filled her with aversion.
“As I thought, it’ll be bad if we don’t move quickly.”
To her friend who was nodding her head, Lakyus repeated her question.
“Then what should we do about the brothel? It’s a very vile place so supposedly you can experience anything there.”
Even when she said so herself, Lakyus felt her insides boil in anger.
Damn it. Trash that only thinks about their lust can all die!
Remembering the information she received about the brothel, separate from the daughter of a noble, her adventurer side that endured all kinds of hardships raged inside of her. There was no need to ponder what ‘anything’ implied. No doubt that countless people— regardless of gender— were murdered there for entertainment.
In the past when the slave trade still existed, brothels like that had been plentiful in the underworld, but thanks to the active role of her friend in front of her, the slave trade was outlawed and those days were long gone. This was probably the last such brothel remaining in the capital, perhaps in the Kingdom.
That was why removing it wasn’t so simple. No doubt that they would be met with strong opposition. It was the last depraved paradise for those with fetishes so vulgar, they could never tell other people about them.
“Say, Renner. Since we can’t rely on the government to investigate, how about we break in there by force and raze it? There’s no problem as long as we find evidence, no? If the slave trade is running the brothel, destroying it will be huge. And depending on the evidence we find, we could deal a big blow to the nobles who are involved.”
“You might be right, Lakyus. But if we do that, it’ll hurt your family’s, the Alvein name. That’s why it’s difficult. It’ll be the same if we used the Blue Rose members… though with that said, it’s impossible for Climb to take care of it by himself.”
“I apologize for my lack of ability.”
As he bowed his head, Renner stretched out her hand and grabbed Climb’s hand with a gentle smile.
“I’m sorry, Climb. That’s not what I meant. It’s the last underworld brothel in the Kingdom. It’s impossible for anyone to do it alone. Listen Climb, whom I trust the most. I know how hard you work for me, but don’t do anything reckless. This is an order and not a request, understand? If anything were to happen to you…”
Watching from the side, even to Lakyus, who was the same gender, there was something in the eyes of the beauty welling with tears that moved the heart. Then what about Climb?
Although he desperately tried to keep his face still, the bright red cheeks said everything that needed to be said.
If a bard were to give it a title, it would be The Princess and the Knight. In the face of such an emotional scene, Lakyus felt a tiny sliver of terror. Although it was impossible, if Renner’s actions were all calculated, just how much of a master schemer was—.
Just what am I thinking about my good friend? It’s obvious she doesn’t have such a bad personality by looking at everything she’s done so far. She’s worked to help others. If I can’t believe in someone who’s earned the nickname of Golden, just who can I trust?
As if she was trying to rid herself of these terrible thoughts, Lakyus shook her head and spoke.
“Now that I remember, Tina and her friends managed to uncover the names of a number of nobles involved with Cocodoll— the leader of the slave trade. But we don’t know whether or not the information is accurate so acting on it would be jumping to conclusions.”
As Lakyus went through the names one by one, both Renner and Climb reacted to one name in particular.
“That noble’s daughter is working as my maid.”
“What? I doubt that he planted her as a spy to watch you but… I guess there’s no guarantee that she’s just working as a maid for the experience either.”
“Right. I should be more careful with how I handle information. You keep it in mind as well, Climb.”
“Then shall we discuss how to deal with the locations from the cipher? And Renner, do you think I could borrow Climb? I want him to tell Gagaran and the others to be ready to move immediately.”
Part 2
Climb walked down the Kingdom’s main street. With nothing noticeable about his outer appearance, Climb completely blended into the crowd.
Needless to say, he was not wearing his eye-catching full plate armor. Using a special alchemy item would allow him to change the color of the armor, but he didn’t feel the need to go so far just to have it on with him.
That was why his gear was light; a chain mail beneath his clothes and a longsword at his waist to set him apart from the average citizen.
His current equipment was similar to those of patrolmen and mercenaries, the kind one could find anywhere. It was somewhat enough for others to keep a respectable distance, but not so heavily armed that the crowd would part before him.
A person who was heavily armed would no doubt be an adventurer. They armed themselves to be noticeable rather than out of necessity. Adventurers who wore gear that made them stand out were not uncommon. It served as a form of advertisement for their services. There were those among them who went for an especially novel appearance so that they would leave a strong impression and spread rumors to sell their name. It was the trademark of an adventurer.
But the people that Climb was on his way to meet had no need for such antics. The members of Blue Rose spread rumors simply by walking down the street.