Chapter 73 (1/2)

Chapter 73

“Apologies for the late hour. We are members of the Filsand Knight Order. Our protection target, the daughter of the Duke of Filsand, Elizabel-sama has gone missing. We request permission to inspect your room.”

From the other side of the door comes words beyond anything we had expected.

Reflexively, we exchange looks, but there is only bewilderment on everyone’s faces.

“Something like th-......”

As Claura was about to spit out a sharp, n.o.ble-like rebuke like her usual self, I raise a hand to silence her.

Then I pose a question in a serious tone, directed at everyone in the room.

“I’m asking this just in case, but…… Is anyone here in possession of the knowledge of the Duke’s daughter’s current whereabouts?”

“ “......” ”

Naturally, they all shake their heads in unison. And neither do I have a clue.

Incidentally, Ted and the three newcomer soldiers were a.s.signed rooms on a different floor, so they are not here.

“We are willing to cooperate with your search. However, a thorough explanation of the situation will be provided, yes?”

“Of course.”

Based on my reply, everyone inside the room understands that I intend to let these people in. Without any delay, they each lay hands on their weapons and equipment. That is a good reaction.

After receiving the Wizardry Staff that Leiha offers towards me, I nod at her.

“We will open the door now. Pay utmost care that you do not visit any disrespect towards Margils-sama.”

“Excuse us.”

While replying in a voice almost cold enough to be freeze when touched, Leiha opens the door, at which several knights wearing light armor enters the room.

“...... She’s not here.”

“Not here either.”

“We apologize for the bother.”

After the knights check out the bedroom and other rooms in the rear (I am apparently being treated as a VIP, so I was a.s.signed an entire suite), a veteran knight gives us an explanation.

“We are the Stars and s.h.i.+eld Knight Order, belonging to Filsand. I am Adahd, a True Knight. We have been unable to confirm Elizabel-sama’s whereabouts as of 1 hour ago. There has been no contact from the two knights that had been on escort duty…… which is why we are searching around like this.”

“...... Fumuu.”

There isn’t much more information than what they had already revealed with their first statement, but perhaps they themselves have yet to fully grasp the details of their current situation.

“With how large this Senpu Village is, is it not too hasty to be worried after going only a few hours without contact?”

So asks Claura with both hands on her waist, looking decidedly irked.

I think she has a point, though. It feels like I’m cooperating with a police investigation, but considering my standing, perhaps I should raise a word or two in complaint.

“That is…… no, Hime-sama is an important person for Filsand. It would not be strange for her life to be targeted at any given moment. Even though we have been given strict orders from the Duke of Filsand to not allow her out of our sight for even a split second……”

The True Knight Adahd must be very worried about Elizabel

-jou indeed. I see his face growing pale as his voice lowers into a mutter.

Still, to think that she would be targeted now. I needed to talk with her tomorrow about the trade route to Filsand, so the timing is truly the absolute worst.

On second thought, regardless of that, a young girl’s life is in danger. Though I barely know her and have yet to exchange even a proper word, I believe I should offer my aid here.

“Adahd-dono. If it is alright with you, we are also willing to help look for Elizabel-dono. Would that be fine with you?”

“Wh-......?!”

Caught off guard, Adahd opens his eyes wide. Is there a need to be that surprised?

“Um, that’s…… we have already caused you enough trouble. The safety of Hime-sama is our own duty, so……”

“Fumuu?”

What? Why is he refusing?

Which reminds me, the only knights that I know are in the Carbanera Knight Order, but even I am aware that they are a bit…… unique. Are most other knights in Sedia inflexible like this?

“However, isn’t your current top priority to confirm Elizabel-jou’s safety? I have a few spells in mind that would be useful for the search, but……”

“That is, umm…… Pardon me for saying this, but I don’t see how helping us would benefit you in any way……”

“I actually have a proposal that I wish to bring to her tomorrow, you see. It’s problematic for me if she is gone.”