Chapter 107 – The Assassin’s End – A Fleeting Encounter

Even after she fell, I showed no mercy. This woman has likely mastered assassination-type techniques to a considerable degree. As long as she is still breathing, it would be dangerous to lower my guard.

However, in terms of obtaining information about Seazack, she is a valuable source. It would be a waste to kill her here.

To ensure she could not escape, I stomped down on her leg for good measure and broke the bone.

“Splendid work, Ruudo.”

After confirming the outcome, Lizua and Arloston approached.

“Syndis! Aralicia!”

Arloston immediately rushed to the carriage and flung the door open. Checking the pulses of the two lying inside, relief spread across his face.

“Thank goodness… ahh, truly, thank goodness…!”

I see… even Arloston has a wife and child… Well, when you think about it, that’s only natural.

Noble marriages are, in principle, political arrangements… but judging from his reaction, Arloston genuinely loves his wife and daughter. …Just as I do.

“Ruudo!”

At that moment, Karan-san and the others rejoined us. After grasping the situation, Karan-san and the rest first inspected the antidote that had been lying on the ground.

It seems the antidote is genuine. The toxin itself is apparently a rather well-known compound, and Karan-san and Shamia were familiar with how to administer the antidote.

The two of them began treating the fallen knights.

“They likely won’t be able to move properly for about a week…but if they continue eating nutritious food, they should recover within ten days.”

“I see… Thank you. I don’t know how to properly express my gratitude…”

At that, Arloston turned to face me once more.

“My apologies for the late introduction. My name is Arloston Londonic. You are a benefactor of the Londonic House. I would very much like to know your name. I believe you were called Ruudo…?”

“…I am merely Ruudo.”

The moment Arloston gave his name, Karan-san and the others widened their eyes slightly.

Since I had already recognized him as Arloston, I was able to speak more calmly than before.

“Ruudo, I insist that you stay at my residence tonight. You have saved my wife, my daughter, and my knights. Please, allow me to repay you.”

Now then…what should I do? If I accept his hospitality, it would be a rare opportunity to gather information about the central nobility. But in the end, that is something I cannot do.

Even I was able to recognize Arloston at a single glance. If I were to show my true face, there is a strong possibility that Arloston would immediately realize that Ruudo’s true identity is Vilgard.

Besides, for now, taking that woman back with us takes priority. As for Arloston… yes, I suppose I won’t count this incident as a favor owed between brothers.

“There is no need for thanks. It is enough that I was able to be of service to Arloston-sama, the Knight Commander.”

“But…”

“Fu… ahahahahahahahaha!”

At that moment, an eerie laugh echoed from behind us. When I turned around, the woman—having regained consciousness—was grinning through a swollen, blood-covered face.

“Hahahahaha, haha, ahahahahaha! I see, I see… So you were using the same engraved technique as Seazack, were you…! I was completely fooled into thinking it was real armor…!”

“………………”

Shamia mentioned it before. When Seazack activates his engraved technique, his entire body becomes clad in white armor. And in that state, he possesses enough power to singlehandedly crush a family of ruffians.

I see… precisely because she has witnessed Seazack’s ability firsthand, she immediately discerned the true nature of my engraved technique as well.

“To think there are two men in this world with the exact same ability…!”

“The same as Seazack…?”

At the woman’s words, Arloston sank into deeper thought. …I can’t afford to linger here.

“Arloston-sama. If you truly wish to offer thanks, then allow us to take custody of that woman.”

“No, that is…”

From Arloston’s perspective, that woman is both a criminal and a potential source of intelligence on Seazack.

In other words, he recognizes the same value in her as I do. Given his position as Knight Commander, he cannot simply overlook that.

However, this is something I cannot yield. Why do you think I fought while holding back from killing her?

“My apologies, Ruudo-dono. That is a request I cannot accept.”

“Then we will take her by force. Or… would you care to try stopping us with arms?”

“Mu…”

By now, he has surely grasped not only my strength but also Lizua’s capabilities. Girei, who arrived later, carries both bow and sword. Arloston must understand that we are no ordinary fighters.

“Girei, take that woman…”

“Don’t you dare look down on me, you bastards—aaaaaah! Ahh, how detestable…! Hmph… well, whatever. Now that I’ve failed my mission, there’s no path left for me to live anyway. ………… ”

“—Stop!”

Before I knew it, the woman had a steel needle in her hand. She must have hidden it somewhere.

And without hesitation, she thrust it into her own throat.

“Ka… haa…”

This woman…! So she trained for『moments like this』as well…! She’s no mere operative…!

Seazack… does he truly have such exceptional personnel at his disposal that he can expend people like her without hesitation…!?

“Ruudo…”

“………………”

No… what’s done is done. But Seazack… to be able to carry out operations of this scale within the imperial capital…

‘Ignoring the west and striking at the imperial capital… it may be us who get caught off guard…’

I had clearly underestimated Seazack’s level of threat. If there are others of her caliber operating within the Northern Empire…

At that moment, I spotted several lights in the distance. It was a sight I had seen many times before. A cavalry unit was heading this way.

Most likely the knights who had followed after Arloston.

“Arloston-dono, we shall take our leave here.”

“Ruudo-dono… but…”

We swiftly mounted our horses and turned them northward.

“Ruudo-dono! Will we… meet again?”

“………… Most likely. Let’s go!”

“Yes!”

And so, as though fleeing from the approaching knights, we rode across the now pitch-dark plains.