Natsuki Subaru's Journey to Strategically Capture Reinhild

R7. Aftermath in the Royal Capital

"Because the battle two days ago happened at night, and since the royal capital doesn't have much nightlife, most ordinary people had already gone home and were resting during that time.

Also, the location was in the slums, an area rarely entered by outsiders — this greatly reduced the difficulty of handling the aftermath..."

The man respectfully reported the situation to Reinhild and Roswaal.

In fact, Reinhild had already instructed the head of her Family business to begin cleanup efforts when she went to pick up the specially-made dragon carriage under her Family's name.

Of course, the smooth progress of the cleanup was due to two factors: First, most of the original slum inhabitants had fled due to the intimidating presence Reinhild emitted when moving toward the filth warehouse that afternoon.

Second, the severely wounded "Bowel Hunter" Elsa had killed quite a few people — both those who wanted her and those who had seen her — further reducing the number of witnesses.

"No wonder it's the famous Reinhild Fan Club. My subordinates started confirming your cleanup operations yesterday, and even the most sharp-tongued among them gave their approval. Still, it's not enough."

"Yes, Lord Marcos' insight is truly astounding."

"Although I'd love to say our report is watertight, it's still too risky when facing her. I'm fine, but as for you…"

"I really am terribly sorry. I have no confidence at all."

Reinhild gave a bitter smile in response to Roswaal's questioning.

"Then let me teach you a little trick to get you through smoothly… There. Now I'll go meet the Knight Commander."

Not long after, Roswaal came out and gave Reinhild a thumbs-up.

At this point, only the final step remained before the cleanup was complete.

Reinhild slowly took deep breaths.

She knew this would be the most difficult part.

Even though they had coordinated their statements in advance and Roswaal had shared his secret method, she still had no confidence that she could fool the captain of the Royal Guard Knights — Marcos Gildark.

He was a burly man with a stern face, light green hair, and blue eyes.

He was widely acknowledged as the second strongest person in the Dragon Kingdom — the "Knight of Stone."

As the leader of the Royal Knight Order, Marcos had brought nearly three years of peace to the kingdom.

"Regarding Lady Emilia's involvement in the recent disturbance."

"Assessment and recommendations on the Bowel Hunter's capabilities."

"Discovery of the final royal candidate — Lady Felt."

At the time, Marcos was staring solemnly at the reports on his desk.

Even with his exceptional analytical skills and insight, he couldn't find any flaws.

Still, something felt off — many of the details were far too vague.

For example: the part about taking Felix to the Astrea estate to treat the wounded was extremely vague.

While it was completely plausible that someone like Reinhild would drag Felix out in the middle of the night to treat people, Marcos couldn't make sense of what caused the injuries in the first place.

Another suspicious part: Roswaal allegedly discovered someone who might be a royal candidate by accident, then took her to the Astrea family for Reinhild to confirm, saying it was "on the way," so he didn't take her directly to the Knight Order.

There was no specific location listed for where Felt was found, and no explanation of why Roswaal suddenly believed she was a royal candidate — especially since he already supported someone.

Why seek out another?

Then there was the reason for the Bowel Hunter's escape — supposedly, a bystander was injured.

But the report had no detailed description of that person or their injuries.

Marcos had a strong hunch that the events from two days ago were all connected.

If that were true, then they were looking at a major incident involving two potential candidates for the throne.

There was a knock on the door. A cold glint flashed through Marcos's eyes as the red-haired girl walked in.

Roswaal, that sly fox, had given nothing away during their earlier conversation.

This was his final chance.

"I've read your report. Thank you for your work. Now, I'd like you to take a look at this."

Marcos handed Reinhild the top report.

"A report about Lady Emilia using ice magic on the main road. Why are you showing this to me?"

"According to the Knight Order's activity logs, you were likely near that location around that time. So I'd like to ask if you saw Lady Emilia's specific condition."

"I'm terribly sorry. I had some matters to attend to at the time, so I didn't notice the commotion on the main road."

"You weren't resting properly again, were you!? I've told you to trust your colleagues more…"

[w( ﾟД ﾟ)w](Reinhild Thoughts)

"I'm sorry, but I believe that protecting someone's life is far more important than a few minutes of rest. And helping others is a good way to rest, too."

Seeing the girl's sincere smile, Marcos sighed.

"So, the matter you mentioned in your report — you began tracking someone you suspected to be the Bowel Hunter?"

"Yes."

"You followed her for five full hours?"

"She kept wandering in crowded areas."

"And didn't contact anyone else?"

"She seemed very strong, so I was afraid others might get hurt."

"Fine then. If someone can survive a slash from you, most people probably wouldn't be of any help. I'll accept your recommendation. From now on, anyone who spots the Bowel Hunter will notify you directly."

"Thank you very much."

"But why did you let her get away? Was it really because of the injured bystander? Was there someone important at the scene?"

[Ｏ(≧口≦)Ｏ]

"What happened to that bystander? What about the injured people at your mansion? Did you know the filth warehouse's owner went there?"

[( ﹁ ﹁ )]

"Reinhild, is there anything you'd like to tell me?"

[(._.)]

Marcos looked at Reinhild's expressionless face and began to doubt himself.

Had his guesses been wrong? Did Reinhild truly let her escape just because a passerby was injured?

If the injured person was a wanted criminal or something, knowing her personality, she might've healed him and then just blasted him later.

"Forget it. Go and hand over your current responsibilities.

In a few days, you'll officially be Lady Felt's personal knight.

Also, prepare her documentation for the upcoming summoning by the Council of Wise Men."

"Yes."