Chapter 101

“There isn’t much you’ll actually need to do in this investigation.”

Early in the morning, the knights had gathered before Count Benning. Dennis and Charlotte were scrutinizing the documents laid out on the table, checking repeatedly for any errors. Yet, if the Count was indeed serious about investigating the Tower, the incriminating details in the documents were devoid of any inaccuracies.

With his usual detached gaze, León Benning gave his instructions.

“The bulk of the work will involve those handling paperwork. Your tasks, while visiting the Tower over the next few days, will be to locate the documents the inspectors need and handle any interference that might arise. That sums it up.”

Dennis raised his hand with a question.

“…Isn’t the number of personnel a bit insufficient for covering the entire Tower?”

There were only four of them—Dennis, Charlotte, Maxime, and Adeline. Even if they were capable knights, it would be challenging to thoroughly search the Tower with so few people.

“This is an inspection, not a full-blown raid. If we find solid evidence, we can deploy more personnel later.”

Benning continued with his instructions.

“There are two main areas to investigate: the Tower’s financial records and their recent research projects.”

Benning extended his fingers as he spoke.

“We’ll split into two teams. You made a fair point, Dennis, so instead of moving together, it’ll be more efficient to divide and search separately.”

He gestured towards Dennis and Charlotte.

“You two will handle the financial records. I hear you’ve frequently worked together on assignments.”

Charlotte frowned, as though displeased at either being chosen by Benning or being paired with Dennis.

“…That’s correct.”

“You’ll work with one of the inspectors. As for the research records…”

Benning’s gaze fell on Maxime, who couldn’t shake the feeling that he’d fallen into a trap.

“Arsène, is it? You’ll work with Adeline. Is that acceptable, Adeline?”

Maxime glanced at the knight moving to his side, her eyes obscured by the black cloth. He couldn’t tell what expression or feelings lay behind it.

“Yes, I can do that.”

Though he found it uncomfortable, Maxime had no choice but to respond with agreement.

“…Understood.”

With the resignation of someone swallowing poison, Maxime replied. If someone had to work alongside the Count’s unpredictable subordinate, it might as well be him.

Maxime discreetly observed Adeline at his side. She turned her head towards the direction of Benning’s voice, seemingly nodding at times as though she could see.

“Now, with the investigation teams assigned, the rest is up to you. I won’t interfere with how you conduct your tasks, so show me your capabilities on the ground.”

With that, the Count left the room with the inspectors, leaving an uneasy silence in his wake. The knights exchanged uncertain glances while Adeline, seemingly oblivious to the tension, tilted her head, listening for the others.

Adeline tried to look at the others with her sightless gaze. Maxime observed her, while Charlotte cast a worried look at Maxime, and Dennis watched them all with a troubled expression. It seemed as though no one was willing to break the silence, ready to sit there through the night if necessary.

“…So, we should probably decide on our approach.”

It was Dennis who finally spoke up, his boldness proving useful at times like these. He glanced over at Charlotte, who was casting an uneasy glance at Maxime and Adeline.

“Charlotte, you remember the inspector’s instructions, right?”

Charlotte reluctantly tore her gaze away from them and nodded.@@novelbin@@

“There weren’t many instructions. Just retrieve the financial records if possible and cross-check them with our records for discrepancies. They also mentioned that it’s best to carry out inspections unannounced, so we should keep our inspection badges secure.”

Dennis gave a brief sigh, waving a summary of the ledgers as he spoke.

“We’ll need to coordinate with those looking into the research records and summarize any findings that stand out. We should start this afternoon—the more time, the better.”

Then he turned to Maxime and Adeline.

“Arsène, what’s your plan?”

Maxime hesitated, looking around as though searching for an answer. He wasn’t one for small talk, especially not with someone he might have to draw his sword against.

As he continued to hesitate, Dennis returned to his usual tone, teasing Maxime gently.

“You don’t strike me as that shy. Are you nervous, Arsène?”

Though Maxime knew it was just a jab to get him talking, he felt a vein pulse at his temple.

“…I don’t think we’ll charge straight into the Tower. We should observe the mages for a couple of days first.”

“Why?”

Relieved to shift into a proper discussion, Maxime explained.

“If you start the financial investigation, they’ll likely try to destroy or hide any ‘unacceptable’ research documents we might be looking for.”

He nodded towards Adeline.

“It’s unlikely we’ll work as smoothly as you two, so we might not be able to retrieve the research records as quickly if we go in together.”

As if in agreement, Adeline nodded along with Maxime’s words.

“…Hiding things from the mages won’t be easy, especially with someone dressed so conspicuously. It could get dangerous.”

“If we’re caught, we’ll present our inspector badges. But I don’t plan on getting caught until we’ve uncovered what they’re trying to hide.”

Dennis shook his head in disbelief.

“Arsène, step out with me for a moment. Charlotte, wait here?”

Before Charlotte could even respond, Dennis led Maxime out into the hallway.

“What is it?”

Dennis cast a wary glance around, as if checking for eavesdroppers, before lowering his voice and giving a warning.

“We’re still considering the possibility that this entire investigation is a trap set by the Count.”

“Would he go to such lengths just to take us out?”

“We always have to consider the possibilities, Arsène. You’ve noticed how strong that Adeline is, haven’t you? I don’t know where Benning found such a monster.”

Dennis glanced back towards the door.

“Besides, your area is the research records. That’s where the mages will likely be the most defensive. They might go to any lengths to protect their work.”

Dennis’s expression showed his deep misgivings.

“We can’t back out now, so stay alert. As His Majesty said, if anything feels off, drop everything and get out.”

“I’ll be careful.”

With that, Dennis sighed, ending their conversation. Returning to the room, Maxime noticed Charlotte’s expression relaxing as the tension in the air lessened.

“Charlotte and I will grab lunch and start planning. What about you two?”

“Go on ahead. We’ll join you afterward.”

Maxime waved them off as Charlotte and Dennis left. He and Adeline were the only ones remaining in the now-empty room.

“….”

“….”

A suffocating silence fell over them. Maxime kept his body tensed, ready to move at any moment, though he detected no threat from his companion. He debated whether to initiate a conversation or proceed independently.

“Are you not planning to move?”

Her voice, icy and sudden, heightened Maxime’s wariness. It slipped from her lips as smoothly as frost.

“Why so startled? I’m blind, not deaf or mute.”

Caught off guard, Maxime replied, struggling to hide his surprise.

“…I wasn’t expecting you to speak so suddenly.”

“I didn’t think I needed to say anything earlier. You seemed to be having a strategy meeting with your colleagues, so it wasn’t my place to interrupt.”

Adeline turned her head precisely towards him, moving as if she could see.

“So, are you planning to draw your sword?”

“Draw my…?”

“I could tell you’ve been on edge since the others left, as though you’re ready to reach for your sword at any moment.”

Maxime chuckled incredulously. She had noticed his tension, a feat not even the sighted could accomplish easily. It was clear Adeline had an acute sense of her surroundings.

“…You’re sure you can’t see?”

“As the Count mentioned, my blindness has heightened my ability to sense mana. It’s not difficult to discern someone’s intent.”

She tilted her head, asking as if to test him.

Maxime relaxed, realizing she would be ready even if he attempted an attack. He shook his head, replying with a hint of defensiveness.

“I had no intention of drawing my sword. Unless you were planning on striking first.”

Adeline tilted her head the other way, her dark blue hair swaying softly.

“Why would I attack you?”

Maxime frowned, wondering if her question was sincere or merely mocking. Her voice betrayed no hint of emotion.

“We aren’t exactly on friendly terms here, are we?”

Maxime had relaxed his stance, but his tone remained sharp. Adeline replied in an almost mechanical manner.

“True. However, we wouldn’t be foolish enough to turn our swords on each other with a common enemy at hand.”

You’re the one I should be wary of. Maxime sighed, unable to bring himself to say it aloud.

“You’re rather calm. Shouldn’t you be as cautious of me as I am of you?”

Adeline shrugged.

“It was the Count’s order. I’m to work with you.”

As though that was all there was to it, her answer was decisive. Maxime found her response unsettling. Silence stretched on, and he realized that if he let it continue, they’d waste time on a pointless standoff rather than starting the investigation. He stood, determined not to lose the initiative. Adeline’s head turned as if following his movement.

“What is it?” her head gesture seemed to ask. Maxime exhaled and replied.

“Aren’t you going to eat?”

Adeline tilted her head again, as if he had just asked the strangest question. For a moment, Maxime felt he could almost see an expression beneath the cloth covering her eyes.

He glanced at her, still seated, with a look of faint pity.

“Let’s eat and discuss our plan. Does the Count not let you eat lunch?”

In response to Maxime’s gruff remark, Adeline rose from her seat. Though smaller than him, she was still a tall knight. She tilted her head up at him, an absent gaze meeting his in the empty space.

“…You should watch your mouth.”

Adeline’s tone, carrying a faint hint of emotion, was almost a warning. Maxime sighed softly. How long would he have to keep company with the enemy? The road ahead felt obscured in darkness.