NOVEL WEB Chapter 110 - Side Story: Eugene
Side Story: Eugene
“Now then, let’s go over our objective, before starting the mission.”
I started the strategy meeting as we were traveling with Schlie and Kei. That being said, we’d only discuss things that wouldn’t be a problem even if someone overheard. Those two were used to going on investigations, so they knew the drill, and I was relieved that I didn’t have to worry.
“Confirming the goods they’re handling, right?”
“And if possible, their source? Documents, concrete evidence would be ideal, but as expected of them, they’ve been operating flawlessly up until now. We probably won’t be able to find anything.”
The goods Schlie was talking about were, of course, “people.” They claimed to be a talent dispatch agency, but I couldn’t imagine them being able to dispatch people who perfectly matched the situation so readily. It wasn’t like they could post job listings on the internet and get applications from all over the world, like back in Japan. Well, maybe they could, with magic? If they had branches everywhere, it would be possible, but I hadn’t heard anything like that. And many of the reports said that the dispatched personnel, while properly dressed, were malnourished, so it was all very suspicious.
Slavery, I wouldn’t complain that much if it was done properly, by an organization that had applied for it, that was officially recognized by the nation. I’m not comfortable with it because of my own values, but debt slaves would be freed after working for a set period of time, and criminal slaves, while not mistreated, would be given hard labor, legitimate, but harsh. That’s how this world works. Even if we crushed it with emotional arguments, we’d just end up with more people on the streets, turning to crime.
That was the point. Slaves from officially recognized slave traders were on contract, for a limited time. And while some wanted to continue working at the same place even after their contract expired, not all of them did. That’s why it was strange that Nemo, a large talent dispatch agency, could find capable individuals and “purchase” them so readily. And it was official that they also dealt in slaves. They claimed to be buying them from officially recognized slave traders, but I was suspicious.
“Half of them are legitimate clients, who actually want them to introduce them to jobs. Those are the troublesome ones. They’re the perfect cover. And if we crush the organization, many would suffer, those who rely on them. That’s why we can’t act openly. Seriously, the nation should be taking care of these refugees.”
“Don, please be careful about what you say.”
Oops, I let that slip. Unlike Japan, in this world complaining about the your country can be a crime. Well, it doesn’t really apply to me. I’d earned some favors by saving the world, so I can get away with a flippant remark. Besides…
“You’re blocking the sound with wind magic, right?”
“Yes, but why waste magic power?”
“Hmm, with your magic recovery rate, Schlie Letziano, it shouldn’t be a problem.”
“You’re right, it’s just an excuse. It’s just that the Don’s always letting things slip. This is a necessary intervention, to make you be more careful.”
Schlie’s acting like a nagging wife. It was so nostalgic, how frightened he was, trembling when I rescued him. At first, he’d resisted, but once he swore his loyalty, he was like an obedient puppy, doing whatever I said. How did it come to this?
“What?”
“…Nothing.”
His intuition was sharp too. Well, I could rely on him. Hahaha.
“Ahem. Well then, once we reach our destination, it’s investigation time until the moment arrives. Kei, you infiltrate, Schlie, you stay outside. Gather as much information as possible. …Give it your all.”
Just gathering information wouldn’t be enough. If it was that easy to obtain, someone would have already exposed Nemo’s illegal activities. It was dangerous, but this was actually the first time we were seriously investigating them. What they’d be able to hide, if they gave it their all, would be the plans in their heads. And if they’d actually been illegally buying and selling people, the traces would never disappear. Even if they disposed of any documents, the memories of those involved, the magic they’d used, would remain.
“Give it our all? Hmm, I’m getting excited, after so long.”
“Oh? Then I shall do my utmost.”
Oh, oh, what reliable responses. I couldn’t help but to reminisce about when I’d first rescued them. They’d grown so much. Kei especially, even though they don’t look it, had worked incredibly hard. I’d reward them for that hard work by trusting them completely. They’d probably bring back concrete information, maybe even evidence. And my job for now would be analyzing the magic involved.
It would be better if Gil was here, we could analyze the magic used in more detail, but the three of us should still be able to extract quite a bit of information. …Gil really is a convenient guy. I was realizing this once again. As expected of the shadow of Ortus, our number two. It was precisely because he was here that Meg’s safety was guaranteed.
Speaking of Meg, she was a strange child. The soul and body probably hadn’t completely merged yet. The strength of the light in her eyes was unnatural for a child of her age. I could just dismiss it as a High Elf trait, but I felt like there was more to it.
Her potential power was immense, but aside from that, she was just an ordinary child. Maybe it was her personality, how her emotions were easy to read, but she’d been incredibly flustered when Schlie and I had returned. I wasn’t sure what had surprised her, but maybe something had touched on her memories, or rather, the soul’s memories. She was still shrouded in mystery. It would probably be difficult to uncover the truth. Maybe we’d know if we asked her, but she was obviously in an unstable state, and the situation was still dangerous. I’d ask her when things calmed down.
『I’m just doing what I can.』
—So, Dad, just worry about me and take care of me!—
“…No way…”
“Is something the matter, Don?”
“No, it’s nothing.”
I had to stop daydreaming. I needed to focus on reality, or it would be dangerous, even for someone like me.
“We investigate, analyze the magic, and then, when the time comes… we strike.”
We didn’t have much time. I was implying that they should finish investigating before then, and it seemed like those two understood. How reliable.
When the time comes. And that time would be when our guild is attacked. If they give us a reason, then we can retaliate. It would probably be a far-fetched reason, considering the time difference and all, but I’m sure Nemo would come up with some ridiculous excuse, so we’d be even.
“Well then, let’s get moving so we can spend as much time as possible on the investigation.”
“So you do want to hurry? I was getting worried, with how relaxed you were.”
“It’s fine to take it easy every once in a while. I’ve been working nonstop, you know?”
As I said this, I activated a spell, materializing a four-seater car. This would make traveling a lot easier. It was the same car I’d used to commute back in Japan. I prefer something familiar, not some luxury car!
“How about taking a long vacation after this is over?”
“I like that. Agreed.”
“Hmm, even though I’ve seen it many times, it’s still a strange contraption. And how much magic power does it consume?”
We chatted as we got into the car. I was in the driver’s seat, and they were in the back.
“Ah, Schlie, I’m going to use magic power to drive, so conceal us.”
I could handle both spells myself, but since Schlie was here, I’d ask him to make it easier. He sighed lightly. Why?
“I cast it the moment we got in. Something like this would cause a commotion, you know, if people saw it.”
“Don’t call my beloved car, Kakeru-kun ‘something like this.’ ”
“Yeah, yeah. Let’s go, whenever you’re ready.”
He’s a bit cold, isn’t he? Haa, I miss having someone who can keep up with my jokes. Well, it’s pointless to dwell on it. Well then, let’s enjoy the drive to Nemo.