Chapter 7: The Enemy

IN THE END I HAD TO HAND OVER YOMEIMON TO His Majesty, which meant I needed, yet again, to build more accommodations for myself. Now that I thought about it, most of the nobles here outranked me, which meant there was a decent risk I’d have to give up whatever lodgings I made next. I would have to be more discreet.

I started thinking about a design that wouldn’t stand out too much. Specifically, something underground. If I was careful about how and where I built the entrance, nobody would even notice it was there.

I created a set of descending stairs. “If I’m going that far, I should make it nice and big like those underground cities you see near stations in Japan,” I mused aloud. “I’ll make the passage a straight line so that it’s easy to see. Or, wait, should it be more like a labyrinth so any intruders get lost?”

Khamsin, Till, and Arte exchanged glances. Khamsin said, “As Lord Van’s protector, a place that’s easy to guard would certainly be helpful, but…”

“Um, a labyrinth would be difficult for me to navigate,” said Till.

“What if you made it a simple labyrinth?” asked Arte. “For example, by going right at every turn, you can safely reach your destination. That way none of us will get lost.”

“Oooh, that’s a good idea. Nicely done, Arte.” I smiled at her, and she bashfully returned my gaze. Then I got back to work, drawing a simple blueprint on the ground.

As soon as you descended the stairs, you would encounter a forked passageway going three different directions. I would have two more paths branch off from each of those. “I heard somewhere that people often choose left when given the choice, so I’ll design the labyrinth so you have to turn right at each opportunity to arrive at our accommodations. Personally, I’d love to have it so that if you chose the wrong path, you’d get sent to the same room no matter what…”

I thought long and hard about the design, drawing multiple paths on the ground. The others began to think along with me. This time, Till raised her hand to speak. “What if you make it so that if an intruder chooses the wrong path, they get sent in circles? That might make them give up altogether.”

What a charming idea! I smiled and nodded. “Right, right. In that case, let’s have an alert system that will make a noise every time someone passes through one of the branches. That way if things are looking bad, I can just build a door that won’t open, giving us ample time to prepare.”

“How will it make a sound?” Till asked, just as Khamsin said, “You mean with string and boards?”

For some reason, Khamsin seemed to be thinking of the sort of security you’d find in old estates belonging to samurai families. Honestly, I wanted to ask him how he even knew about something like that. Did that sort of thing exist in this world?

“Let’s go with Khamsin’s idea. We can attach strings to the bottom of the boards and have them pass behind the wall and into our rooms all the way in the back. I’ve never designed anything like that before, but it’d be worth experimenting with for the future, too.”

Khamsin nodded, beaming. Till and Arte looked confused, but they agreed nonetheless. Making new things is so much fun!

I let my creative juices flow, thinking up all sorts of traps for detecting intruders. Eventually, night was upon us, and I heard the thin metal plates I’d set up on the ceiling collide. Someone had already activated our early detection system.

“Wh-what an incredible sound…” Arte whispered, rubbing her eyes. She must have been half asleep. I watched, smiling, as she walked over to me. Then I sat on the sofa, stretching my back out.

“Yeah. I modeled them after cymbals, so they ended up louder than I expected.”

“Symbols?” she asked, tilting her head.

“A type of musical instrument that makes loud sounds.” It was the simplest explanation I could think of. Arte nodded seriously.

When I stood up from the sofa, Khamsin made his way over from the entrance. I knew how intense he could be, so I was unsurprised that he was clad in his usual light armor and had his weapon at the ready. “Intruders,” he said.

“Looks like it.” I smirked.

Till stood up from the opposing sofa and looked at me. She was smiling too. “Shall I prepare some tea?”

“That would be lovely. Hot black tea, please!”

“As you wish.” Till bowed and left.

Why were we so relaxed about the situation, you ask? It was because the whole facility had a top-notch security system in place.

When you descended the stairs, you were met with a series of branching paths. The right choices would lead you to our lodgings deep within the labyrinth. These rooms were spacious enough to accommodate ten people comfortably, and they even had dining rooms and toilets for multiple people, plus private rooms for Arte, Dee, and myself. The entrance to this series of rooms had been equipped with a tough door latch, and since we were underground, intruders couldn’t bring in any heavyweight objects that could be used to break down the door.

The only way to break through would be with magic, but even that wasn’t easy. The door to our accommodations was more than ten centimeters thick. I’d made it from wood blocks, so it wasn’t all that heavy, but it was tough as hell.

The detection system rang out a couple more times, but there was no sign of anyone getting anywhere near our rooms. Personally, I wanted to see how far we could push the system, but the intruders were a bit lacking in the infiltration skills department.

“Would this be the third person?” Arte asked.

“It’s difficult to tell how many people are breaking in at any given time. Heck, we might’ve had more than ten visitors by now.”

I sipped Till’s delicious tea while we all chatted. Yeah, this is really good. I’d love some cupcakes or something to go with it.

From the entrance of the room, Lowe said, “Lord Van, it appears that the enemy has arrived at the front door.”

“Oh, finally?”

Khamsin’s expression tightened. “I will go take a look,” he said, going back in the direction he’d arrived from.

“I wonder if they’ll be able to get in.” I smiled and looked at Arte.

Arte was finally fully awake. She nodded and started moving her pair of dolls.

 

The sounds of someone or someones trying to destroy the door continued to echo throughout our lodgings. It seemed they had managed to bring some kind of heavy object down with them to try to break down the door. Good luck to them—the door was made from thick wood blocks, and the steel plating was incredibly tough. Not only that, but the longer they spent trying to break in, the more time we had to prepare for them.

The whole system was much more effective as a defensive installation than I thought it would be. I would have to examine its potential further in the future.

“Let’s have the machine bow squad surround the entrance, then place Arte’s dolls right in front of the door to form a sort of wall,” I said quietly. “That way, we’ll be able to take out the enemy without risking any casualties.”

Dee, who was on standby with his sword, nodded firmly and issued further commands to Arb and Lowe. Come at me, I thought.

No matter how long we waited, though, it didn’t look like the door would be coming down anytime soon. How much longer were they going to take? I looked around and realized that everyone else appeared to be thinking the same thing. We all exchanged curious glances.

In the end, after ten minutes of waiting, the door remained unmoved. In fact, the invaders vanished entirely. They must’ve given up.

“Well, I guess we should be happy this didn’t blow up into something bigger,” I said with a pained grin.

Dee let out a deep sigh and shook his head. “More importantly, I am concerned about their drive. They lacked the conviction to keep trying!”

“Do we want them to have that conviction…?” Exasperated, I looked over at the door. “You might be disappointed, but it’s better in the long run if we nobles don’t feud with one another. I certainly have no intention of starting a grudge match.”

Dee sighed yet again and tilted his chin down. “I understand where you’re coming from, Lord Van, but that line of thinking is naive. It is in times like these that, as a member of the nobility, you must stay resolute and keep the other nobles in check,” he explained in a huff. “That means showing your strength and not taking mercy on those who bare their teeth at you.”

I waved a hand and smiled at him. Loudly, I said, “Ha ha, it’s fine. These guys are small fry. I’ll be okay just ignoring them. Let’s leave them be.”

This time, everyone, not just Dee, cast surprised looks at me. Dee said, “You have such a big heart. Or perhaps this is the kind of composure possessed by those whose strength cannot be rivaled? You truly are something else, Lord Van.”

The rest of the Chivalric Order nodded in agreement. Guys, come on. Don’t flatter me like that. All I’m really good for is hosting barbecues and putting meat on the table.

With that silly thought running through my head, I turned to face everyone.

“Well, since our intruders have given up, I think it’s time we all get some sleep.”

 

I woke up rather naturally in the morning, baited by the scent of something delicious. “Mm, good morning,” I said, prompting Till to turn around from the breakfast she was preparing.

She offered me a big smile. “Good morning!”

I tilted my head. “You seem to be in an awfully good mood.”

She giggled and nodded.

“I have not slept well as of late. The lodgings you made for us were more than sufficient, but the threat of monsters or enemy soldiers kept me awake and worried at times…” She looked apologetic for a moment, then lit up with another big, beautiful smile. “But I slept wonderfully here! It’s lovely to be able to sleep without fear. Now then, since we managed to avoid this whole thing blowing up, how about we have breakfast and head home?”

Till’s carefree smile healed my soul. “Wonderful!”

I summoned Arte and Khamsin to come in and have breakfast. Given the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning if we used fire in a closed space, the Chivalric Order had to settle for rations. Fortunately, the ingredients consisted of great dried meat and bread, so nobody complained.

After a quick breakfast, we went outside. Arb, Lowe, and Dee stood at the vanguard position with the machine bow squad in the rear as support. I found it tremendously saddening that I was less afraid of monsters than of the nobles who were supposed to be my allies. Monsters were simple: they came right at you. Nobles, on the other hand, plotted in secret behind closed doors. All their plans seemed to involve poisoning minds and pitting their pawns against each other.

Last night, they’d tried to force their way into my bedroom in a pretty bold fashion. I could probably find the culprits easily enough if I tried…but if I did that, I would make an enemy of daddy dearest. For real this time. On a personal level, I felt it was too soon for that.

With that in mind, I ascended to the surface.

“L-Lord Van,” Arb said, prompting me to look up.

I was briefly blinded by the sunlight, so I narrowed my eyes and cast a glance at our surroundings. Which was when I spotted Panamera grinning at me, her arms folded.

“Viscount Panamera, what exactly is going on?” I looked around at my immediate surroundings again.

“Last night, your lodgings were attacked. Is this correct?”

I sighed, hoping to avoid trouble. “Well, someone came to my door and knocked on it pretty forcefully. They never actually came in, so I wouldn’t necessarily say we were attacked…”

Panamera blinked at me, then burst into laughter. “The attack was so feeble you registered it as a casual nighttime visit? I swear, you are dauntless! I wish all nobles were like you!”

I got the distinct sense she had misunderstood me, but before I could say anything, she turned around. A hundred or so shifty-looking men sat on the ground there, surrounded by Panamera’s people. For some reason, they were all glaring at me.

I’m innocent!

Panamera’s joyful smile didn’t waver as she locked the captives in her sights. In a loud voice, she said, “You heard the boy. Baron Van does not even recognize you as assassins. I’m sure this is a serious blow to your self-esteem. Nobody will ever think you competent enough to hire you again. This is your chance to turn over a new leaf. Vow to cooperate with me! The first step in that process is to tell me here and now: which Chivalric Order hid you so that you could infiltrate our ranks?”

The men exchanged glances, but nobody spoke up.

Panamera nodded firmly, then unfolded her arms. “That is the correct attitude for assassins to take. I am growing quite fond of you all!” Her tone was cheerful, even as she drew her sword.

Bathed in the early morning sun, the silver blade reflected a fierce light. All eyes were locked on her weapon.

“It is an assassin’s pride to successfully complete a mission and conceal its details. That pride dictates that none of you name your employer, no matter what. As a show of respect for your loyalty, I will negotiate with each of you, one on one.” Panamera gently swung her sword, grinning widely. “Fear not. As I said, I am fond of you. I will take my time to discuss the matter with each of you in turn.”

Thus began Panamera’s one-hundred-person interrogation party.

 

We could only watch in silence as Panamera interrogated the would-be assassins.

“You. Yes, you,” she said with a smile. “You have five seconds to answer each question. I would appreciate quick replies.”

The man in question tucked his chin inward, still sitting on the ground.

Panamera ignored the look on his face.

“First question. What is your name?”

“…Pacer.”

Panamera nodded, apparently pleased to hear the man answer within three seconds. “A great name. I appreciate your cooperation, Pacer. Second question.

With which Chivalric Order are you and these men affiliated?”

“I cannot say,” Pacer answered, sounding calm. “If I do, we will be killed.”

Panamera nodded. “On to my next question.” She pierced Pacer’s right hand with her sword.

He grunted but otherwise bore the pain in silence. Panamera watched, smiling kindly.

“There is something I find rather curious, Pacer. People often stay silent for fear of being murdered, but in situations like this, they will be killed for their silence anyway. What do you make of that dilemma?”

“If I am to die one way or the other, then I will take the details of my mission to my grave,” Pacer answered, cold sweat rolling down his face.

“Hmm, I respect that. Well, I still have more questions for you, so do try to endure the pain. I’ll be cutting your right hand off next. Please try to stay conscious,” she said gleefully.

Then she resumed her questioning.

 

In the end, Pacer did not give up any important information. Dee, Arb, and Lowe were still calmly watching the situation unfold, but having seen Arte and Till go pale, I sent them back to our lodgings.

The expressions on the faces of the Seatoh Chivalric Order were complex, to say the least. None of them looked particularly well, but they were all doing their best to remain calm and observe. Well, they’d certainly accumulated some real combat experience by now. I shouldn’t be surprised that they were made of stern stuff.

Khamsin and I, meanwhile, were both surprisingly calm as we watched the interrogation.

“Ah, he died of blood loss.” Panamera smirked. “I’ll be sure to stop the bleeding when I question the next one.”

She turned to the second man. The assassins on the ground all looked pale, and a few were crying from fear. I suspected Panamera would have gotten the answers she sought if she interrogated those individuals first, but instead, she opted for a man who was glaring at her.

“First question. Are you ready?”

As Panamera spoke, about twenty men approached from behind us.

“Viscount Panamera, wait.”

She raised her head, wiped the blood off her sword, and turned her gaze toward two men who walked side by side: one stout and clad in white armor, and the other shorter, beefier, and dressed in black. Both men wore extravagant capes, marking them as nobles. Each had knights marching behind him, all wearing similarly colored armor—their respective Chivalric Orders.

The shorter man in black armor glared at Panamera. “Please refrain from doing anything that could lower the morale of the other Chivalric Orders.

Especially in the middle of such an important battle.”

Panamera smiled and cocked her head. “My, if it isn’t Viscount Tron. How strange! I always heard that, much like myself, you never show mercy to those who oppose you. Have you suddenly learned the concept of benevolence?”

Tron clicked his tongue, furrowing his brow further. “That is not the point. What I am saying is that by conducting such a harsh interrogation behind the scenes of an important battle—a battle in which even His Majesty is participating!—you run the risk of lowering overall morale. You should cease these activities before His Majesty notices.”

As he spoke, both the black-armored knights and the soldiers of the other Chivalric Order visibly tensed. Despite his short stature, this Tron had an imposing presence.

But Panamera ignored his anger, laughing scornfully. “Viscount Tron. Are you trying to sweep this attack on Baron Van’s life under the rug? Imagine if you were the one who was attacked in the middle of the night. Would you waste any time in seeking out the culprits?”

Tron shrugged and shook his head. “It seems to me that, though you are a capable warrior, you fail to understand how the nobility does things. I am saying that this is not the right place for your interrogation. Fear not—I intend to ask Baron Nouveau here to interrogate these assassins. He can drop back to the rear and continue the process in a tent, away from prying eyes.”

The plump man nodded but did not speak. Tron and Nouveau. I finally have faces to put to the names.

Panamera hummed. “In that case, could I not interrogate them in Baron Van’s underground lodgings? It won’t take me more than half a day, and nobody will be able to hear anything from the outside.”

She wore a defiant grin on her face. Tron and Nouveau’s gazes sharpened, but they could think of no way to protest.

Just then, the knights behind Tron and Nouveau split off to either side, clearing a path. Panamera, Tron, and Nouveau noticed. When they turned around, they saw His Majesty approaching with his royal guard.

“What is this?” he asked in a low, annoyed voice.

Both Tron and Nouveau dropped to one knee. Tron stared at the ground, looking particularly shaken. “Y-Your Majesty!”

The king glanced down at Tron’s head, then turned his attention to me. “Oh, if it isn’t Baron Van! I slept wonderfully thanks to that astonishing gate of yours.

In fact, I would love to have you build something similar in the capital.”

“It pleases me to hear that, Your Majesty. I imagine you will be using it for a while, so if anything comes up, please do not hesitate to let me know.” I bowed slightly, feeling like a merchant offering a warranty on his product.

Soon thereafter, His Majesty noticed the bloody corpse on the ground near

Panamera. “What happened here?” He looked at Panamera sharply. “Explain.”

She sheathed her sword. “Last night, Baron Van’s lodgings were attacked. He seemed to register the intruders as unwelcome visitors, so he paid them no mind, but this marks the second nighttime attack against Baron Van during this march. As his ally, I cannot allow this to go unpunished, so I have captured his attackers.”

His Majesty’s gaze sharpened even further. “He came under attack twice? I see. In other words, these are the actions of someone who knows that Baron Van is one of our trump cards. Only one of the orders marching with us could so accurately pinpoint Baron Van’s whereabouts…” He harrumphed. “I did not expect anyone among us to provide aid to Yelenetta.”

Despite his clear anger, His Majesty presented his theory calmly. I saw him clock the fact that Tron and Nouveau had begun to tremble in fear.

He turned to address Panamera. “And so you, Viscount Tron, and Baron

Nouveau have been conducting an interrogation?”

Panamera shook her head. “No. Viscount Tron and Baron Nouveau took issue with my approach. I was told to back down and allow Baron Nouveau to take over somewhere else, out of sight.”

“I beg your pardon?” His Majesty frowned. “Regardless of your tactics, you are Baron Van’s singular sworn ally. You have every right to conduct the interrogation yourself. What issue could anyone possibly take with that?”

This smooth transition into discussing the two noblemen made the whole conversation feel perfectly scripted. I was beginning to suspect that His Majesty and Panamera had discussed it ahead of time.

I looked over at Panamera, who shot me a meaningful smile.

I knew it! I love how reliable she is, but man, she is terrifying!