We secured a place to stay, so next was gathering information.
However, this was enemy territory.
If we moved too boldly, we might be discovered immediately, so we had to act carefully.
So, as per the usual approach, we decided to gather information at the dining hall and tavern on the first floor.
Had anyone seen any suspicious people lately?
Had there been any strange incidents?
Had anything unusual happened somewhere?
We tried asking around, including information brokers, but…
“No results, it seems…”
Sofia returned to the table looking somewhat tired and took a sip of the drink she had ordered in advance.
“Sorry, I couldn’t find anything noteworthy either…”
“Kuh… the genius beautiful girl detective, Magical Miracle Lucky Happy Smile Licorice-chan, failing to get any results?!”
Licorice said that in frustration, but since she was munching on a donut, she didn’t really look that upset.
“Amu, hamu.”
“Offu!”
Aisha and Snow were completely absorbed in their food.
Cute.
“If this is the enemy’s headquarters, you’d expect at least some information to leak…”
“There’s nothing. They’re probably enforcing strict information control. According to Cliff, they’ve even infiltrated the Adventurers’ Guild…”
“If that’s the case, it’s possible their influence extends to other organizations as well. At worst… even the royal family…”
They wouldn’t make careless moves.
They thoroughly concealed their information, never showing themselves in public, remaining hidden.
By doing so, the Alliance of Dawn had likely built an extremely strong defense.
Even if you wanted to attack, if you couldn’t see the enemy, there was nothing you could do.
They seemed to understand that very well.
“This is troubling… If their existence is hidden this thoroughly, gathering information will be extremely difficult. Not impossible, but it would take a considerable amount of time.”
“We probably don’t have the luxury of taking it slow.”
Along the way, we had been delayed by the Alliance of Dawn.
That meant they didn’t want us to reach the royal capital.
It was hard to believe they weren’t plotting something.
“I want to get some information somehow, but… hmm.”
“…About that information, want me to help you out?”
“Huh?”
Suddenly, a familiar third voice interrupted.
When we quickly turned around—
“Yo.”
““Lena!?””
One of the executives of the Alliance of Dawn.
And the very same Lena we had fought a deadly battle with not long ago, was standing there.
“To think you would come here yourself…!”
“Ah—wait, wait! I’m not going to do anything!?”
Seeing Sofia about to draw her sword, Lena hurriedly spoke up.
Looking closely, she wasn’t even carrying a sword.
“…Sofia, calm down.”
“But!”
“There’s a high chance Lena is planning something… but she’s unarmed. I don’t know how serious she is, but it seems like she wants to talk.”
“…Very well.”
Sofia sat back down.
“However, try anything strange, and I’ll cut off all your hair.”
“Scary!? Not my arms or neck, but my hair—that’s way scarier!?”
Lena looked genuinely frightened, trembling as she sat down in an empty seat.
“So… why did you suddenly show up?”
“I was nearby, so I came to say hi, hehe.”
“I see. So you wish to be shaved bald.”
“No, no, no!? I’m sorry!?”
Apparently, being shaved bald was something she really wanted to avoid, as Lena teared up and bowed her head.
Well, that’s only natural for a girl.
“Ah… well, how should I put it? After the way we parted, it felt kind of awkward… I wasn’t sure how to start the conversation.”
“So you tried acting playful?”
“Exactly! As expected of Fate, you understand me so well♪”
“If you lay a hand on Fate, I’ll cut you down.”
“A little bit should be fine, right?”
It seemed she wouldn’t budge on that point, as Lena pouted.
“So… why did you show yourself to us?”
“That’s because…”
Lena put on a serious expression, looked straight at us, and said—
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