episode_0040

“Hmm~ How does a guy I’ve never seen before know about our hideout?”

A girl who looked like she was in her mid-teens boldly walked out from the door where the shop owner had entered.

Dark brown skin with yellow eyes.

A short stature like a child, with a face adorned with red tattoos.

*

“I came to trade good information… based on a recommendation.”

“A recommendation?”

She casually sat next to me as she spoke.

“It seems like you’re quite trusted by that person, brother. Recommending someone without caution could cost you dearly.”

“….”

I know.

The Empire’s largest intelligence gathering force, ‘Night Raven.’

Leading numerous skilled individuals as its covert operatives, dealing in vast amounts of information.

If someone were to inadvertently cross paths with this life-preserving force known for cutting off loose ends and ensuring secrecy…

That someone would disappear from this world without a trace.

“So, shall we find out what this valuable information is? Whether it’s something that can protect your interests and the recommender’s integrity.”

“But first, my throat is a bit dry. Let’s place an order.”

“…Huh?”

Never relinquish control.

They are a faction strictly focused on profit.

Underestimating them could lead to unfair deals that don’t bode well.

“Waiter.”

“Yes.”

“Please bring me a glass of Queen’s Tears.”

“Thank you as always.”

I casually ordered from the waiter standing at the counter.

In business dealings, it’s crucial not to reveal any signs of intimidation, regardless of the situation.

“…Brother, you’re quite entertaining, aren’t you?”

The girl sitting beside me tapped the table with her fingers, looking intrigued.

Having declared that she would nonchalantly consume my time in a life-threatening situation, there were two possibilities.

Either she’s just a crazy lunatic.

Or she’s someone worth befriending, possessing genuinely valuable information.

Regardless, her actions piqued her interest.

“Here is your Queen’s Tears, as requested.”

“Thank you.”

I raised the wine glass containing the exquisite cocktail.

The Queen’s Tears, reflecting the light, shimmered like a transparent blue sea.

…I’d only seen it in games before; I never expected to actually taste it.

-Clank.

The tangy, fiery Queen’s Tears scorched my throat as I swallowed it down.

In an instant, my body warmed up.

“Cough-!”

“….”

Seeing me like that, she called the waiter over.

“Waiter.”

“Yes.”

“I’ll have a Betrayer’s Demise as well.”

“Thank you as always.”

After receiving her drink, she said to me, “You really drink so elegantly… now I feel like having one too.”

Perhaps she wanted to match my rhythm.

Finally, she seemed ready to have a proper conversation.

The waiter handed her a crimson cocktail resembling fresh blood.

“Here is your Betrayer’s Demise.”

“Thank you.”

As soon as she received the glass, she took a small sip.

“…I was trying not to drink today because of my diet, but you’ve ruined it all, brother.”

“Why not resume your diet tomorrow? The atmosphere here is perfect for enjoying drinks like this.”

I glanced behind subtly.

Peasants and commoners were mingling, singing traditional hometown songs, creating a lively atmosphere.

Recalling memories from a past life made it feel like I had stepped into a cozy Russian tavern.

It was emotionally healing. I hadn’t had a moment like this in a while, and given how busy I’d been, I wanted to enjoy it a little.

“…Creating sacrificial breeding grounds out of people, the Third Prince truly seems like a madman.”

In that setting, I casually brought up the main topic.

She flinched at my words.

For about a second.

Though she tried to appear calm and relaxed again, it was already too late.

I noticed her confusion.

Continuing, I spoke to her.

“Joining forces with the Black Magic Sect, what does the Third Prince Gerar truly desire?”

“…Perhaps he wishes to surpass even the First Princess. As a prince burdened by feelings of inferiority.”

“Hmph, is that so indeed.”

“…?”

She cautiously glanced at me from the corner of her eye.

“Could it be that the Third Prince’s goal isn’t merely about surpassing the First Princess and securing the right to the throne?”

“He aims to become Emperor. Wouldn’t he have a goal as clear and lofty as that? It’s probably his most likely objective… Do you think there could be something else?”

“Not something else, but I believe there is something definite.”

“…And what might that be?”

“….”

I took another sip of the Queen’s tears in silence.

She gazed at my lips, not even mentioning the fate of a traitor.

Finally, I wiped my face.

But I shouldn’t drag this out for too long. If I hesitate further, it might breed disfavor.

I had to win her favor.

To live safely in this world, one needs allies. Even if it means aligning with the Night Raven, a powerful information network.

“The Third Prince may desire something even greater than becoming Emperor.”

“Something greater than Emperor…?”

“Yes. For instance, evolution.”

“…?”

I’ve given her enough hints.

After pondering quietly for a few seconds, her eyes widened in realization.

“…!”

As if she had just figured it out, she stared at me intently.

“Is this… accurate information?”

“If you don’t want to believe it, you don’t have to.”

“…Is there any proof?”

“Try investigating what the Black Magic Sect desires. That should reveal the truth.”

“….”

“But what I want to share isn’t that.”

“What do you mean?”

Everything I’ve mentioned so far has been a small token of goodwill.

I smiled warmly beneath my black robe and finished the remaining tears of the Queen.

“…Haha. You’ve already finished it.”

“I’ll buy another glass. Waiter!”

Her demeanor shifted slightly towards friendliness.

…She was almost won over.

The waiter who overheard her call approached us.

“Did you call for me?”

“Bring us the two most expensive drinks here.”

“Thank you again today.”

Suddenly, she pulled her chair closer and sat down next to me.

“Oppa. Is there anything you’d like to eat? I’ll treat you.”

“Unfortunately, I had dinner before coming here, so I’m not particularly hungry. But more importantly, are you willing to exchange information now?”

“What information do you seek?”

“…It’s about the Black Magic Sect kidnapping the Fourth Princess five days ago.”

It was a significant piece of information involving the princes and half-magical factions, something the Night Raven’s intelligence network would surely be aware of.

To prepare for such situations in the future, the Night Raven’s assistance was necessary.

The information I could provide was limited.

Only major events within the inevitable storyline could be shared; trivial matters or those unrelated to the game’s story were beyond my knowledge.

Therefore, bit by bit… very carefully, I had to use these tidbits for trading.

“You want to know where they were taken? …It’s not a light piece of information, and it carries a significant risk for us as well. Are you prepared to offer corresponding information in return?”

“…Yes.”

I nodded.

She looked at me suspiciously.

Revealing the location of the kidnapping would mean siding with the Black Magic Sect.

It was only natural for her to doubt whether the Night Raven, which had maintained neutrality, would engage in such risky behavior.

…I had already thought about the information I would provide.

The Night Raven had to align with the Black Magic Sect for the sake of my safety and that of those around me.

Therefore, I wanted to offer precise information.

I needed to establish a solid relationship with her to connect with the Night Raven.

The waiter soon arrived with two glasses of high-end cocktails.

At that moment,

I looked at her with a serious gaze and said,

“Demon King.”

“Hmm?”

“…Within the next five years, the Demon King will rise again.”

***

“At this hour, calling someone using Stitch, have you discovered something?”

“….”

The fireflies flickered in the darkness.

The blue meadow swayed in the morning breeze.

There was a strange atmosphere.

Upon arriving at the academy, I immediately called for the escort knight Emil.

A peculiar silence passed between us sitting on the bench.

Emil, who had been watching me closely, fell silent as well and then broke the silence.

“Have you been drinking?”

“…Yes. Just a little, I needed it so I only had a tiny bit.”

“A student drinking, quite the rogue, aren’t you?”

“….”

Rogue… he said.

It was a sound I hadn’t heard in a while.

Due to the effects of the alcohol, a laughter that I wouldn’t normally make spilled out at Emil’s joke.

But this wasn’t the time for that.

There was a reason I had summoned her in the early dawn without even taking off my black robe.

I had to say it before I got too drunk to distinguish.

I forced myself to sober up and spoke clearly to her.

“I have found where the princess has been kidnapped.”

Upon hearing my words, Emil reacted as if shocked.

“Is that true?!”

“Yes. But it’s a very dangerous place.”

“It doesn’t matter! Quickly, where is it…!”

“It’s a place called Han Hongdeungga at the edge of the empire. It seems they’ve established a base not too far from there.”

“….!”

Emil stood up.

And with an immediate sense of urgency, she said to me.

“If it’s at the edge of the Liana Empire, is it Dorudem?!”

“That’s correct.”

“Right now…!”

“Just a moment.”

I gestured to stop Emil with my hand.

“Let’s go together.”