The enemy of the Boltique family, huh

While mulling it over, I muttered to myself.

Is their target me, as the rumors say? Or could it be Dida?

Dida seems like a more likely possibility. If they were going against you, even if they won, it would be very difficult to go from there.

True. But if the rumors are correct, I alsono, I see

Yes. It seems like it was someone who learned about this incident and wanted to take advantage of it. Milady, you have also consolidated surveillance of Van out of concern.

In response to what Dean said, I smiled in exasperation. I spoke up again.

I cant figure out what the second in power of the Boltique family is thinking. Perhaps hes working with enemy organizations. But the fact that hes been using the Boltique name is undeniable. Its quite possible that the missing goods are in their territory. But whether or not they will side by me is a mystery. If theyre investigating too, however, then

It means that at least they dont want to become public enemies with the Armenia family. If possible, they want to return the missing items and then deal with the whole thing in private.

If only they could deal with it that quickly.

Perhaps even internally, they dont know where each family members loyalty lies?

Ah. In that case, the search itself has sunk into chaos. Or perhaps theyre negotiating

Yep. At a time like this, the second in power cant slip up.

Dean, help me grab a map.

To soothe my own nervousness, I inhaled deeply.

If thats the case, even if I dont command the guards to show up, Dawson will still move out, and Dida will be in danger. Even though he has acted the way he has, hes still a knight. Plus, hes a knight with quite the sense of moralityAs for the others, theyll probably also consider the possibility of interfering in other territories and fail to actively participate. Whatever hell think of, hell be able to act on.

The duty of a knight is no more than to protect royalty and the capital.

Even if they do have more power than that, most knights are of noble birth and have many connections. When they choose to interfere in the activities of other lands, their actions will be doubted because of how it relates to their familys interests. Thats why they dont often interfere.

More importantly, this is land belonging to the military.

But Dawson would probably jump right into the mix without a second thought.

If he hadnt grown at all since he chased me out of the academythen he would still be a courageous, tactless man.

Heres the mapplease take a look.

I glanced over the map that Dean gave me. As I looked, I compared it to what I had in mind, and organized the information I knew.

Dean. Do you know where the Boltique family is based?

Why do you ask?

I just wanted tois that off-limits?

I hadnt even finished my sentence when his expression turned serious and stiff. He shrugged.

Not really, I shouldnt say that. After this investigation perhaps well know. Merchants have wide circles. Ill say this: I think you know the first in power. At times like these if youre the first in power you cant lose control.

Just now

I say that, but most of it is just guesswork.

As he said that, he laughed awkwardly.

Yep, I somewhat know them. I say that, but of course Im unaffiliated with all of this, so I dont know the main members of the organization.

You really are full of surprises.

I mumbled this as I turned toward him.

Do you find me hard to trust?

He asked, looking at me.

Not just his words, even his eyes seemed to be asking me what I was thinking.

Its all quite amazing. I wasnt thinking that at all. Perhaps Ive lost my right to be substitute leader.

I smiled bitterly.

To meet my gaze better, he squatted down slightly to look at me as I sat there.

The distance between us became even smaller.

My heart began to beat faster.

Ah, damn it. Dont be so undignified! I scolded myself.

You havent lost those rights at all.

Is that so?

Yes. Please, use me any way you need. If its you, anything is okay. I swear that for you, Id be willing to give up everything. Am I useful to you?

You are. You are.

His words carried a bit of humor, and I laughed.

Well then, Dean. Lend me your strength.

Ill do what you say, milady. What do you want from me?

I want to meet with the first in power of the Boltique family. If we leave now, is it possible?

If were heading toward where theyre based, then yes.

Take me there then, Dean. We need to go quicklyand help Dida.

No matter what?

Yes. As we speak now, danger might be closing in on Dida. Dawson might be moving out as wellis there any reason to hesitate?

There was all that, and the fact that we could potentially close in on one of our goals: making contact with the Boltique family.

I understand. But milady

Whats the matter?

Consider changing into something you can move around more easily in.