accomplice (1)
late night.
I got out of my class and headed to the archives. As expected, the security of the archives was poor. It was a level that anyone with some talent could unlock.
The problem is the triple sealing magic that is individually applied to each annals.
————!
The seal could only be released by accurately injecting a total of three times a ‘specific mana value’ that fell to 13 decimal places. If there is even the slightest error, a warning message will be sent to the imperial family, the entire building will be shut down, and members of the royal guard will rush in.
In other words, not a single error was tolerated. Even the most brilliant wizards could not unlock the triple security.
However, it was a piece of cake for Leonard, who had a talent beyond common sense, and for me, who had the unique characteristic [Magical Insight].
Because the ‘specific mana value’ was clearly visible.
Geeying—-
An annals containing records for the past five years.
I unsealed it. Right away, I read the contents starting with the ‘Provocation of the Immortal Knights’ that happened today. The time when I slowly turned the pages.
jerk- jerk-
Signs were heard in the distance. At the same time, someone manifested an object. The owner of magic was none other than Tomahawk.
Why are you here at this late hour…?
widely-
I closed the annals. I stood still and waited for him to pass.
The corridor here is a one-piece structure.
With the Tomahawks already underground, it was too late to escape elsewhere. However, he couldn’t hide himself with 「Expedium」.
It was because of the magic detection device installed in the Annals storage room.
If you manifest magic with a strong mana wavelength like 「Expedium」, it will be caught by the device’s sensor. When that happens, the security device is activated as well.
In a word, it is a situation that can not be removed or beat.
So I have no choice but to pray that he will head elsewhere.
“What are you doing there, Regilos?”
But contrary to the wind, a tomahawk entered the archives.
“How can you do this? How good the crew were to you, and how much Leonard cared for you. How dare you betray the Imperial Guard?”
“·······”
“Are you not going to answer?”
“·······”
“Because this bastard wants to see you!”
He grabbed my collar tightly. He took off the hood that was covering his face.
“Gosh! Oh my gosh! Leonard-sama!!?”
And then he slumped down.
I looked down at the tomahawk as I straightened my clothes.
“It’s been a while, Temporary Guard Captain.”
“Le, why is Leonard-sama coming out of there? That must be Regilos’ robe… what about the academy?”
Tomahawk asked with a confused look. It was quite bewildering. I lowered my stance to close the distance with him.
“Then why did you come here, Temporary Guard Captain? Even at this late hour.”
“I-I’m that…”
An answer that does not come easily.
Considering his personality, the reason was simple.
Tomahawk is a character with trustworthy character traits such as “Hot Blooded Man”, “Loyalty”, “Loyalty”, and “Responsibility”.
If I dare to guess, he must have come to the Annals to find the source of the ‘Imperial Family Protector’, the culprit of this incident. It was for similar reasons to me.
“That’s why…”
“I think I know even if you don’t say anything.”
I laughed lightly.
“Then let’s do this.”
Tomahawk does not hesitate to do dirty work for the Imperial Guard.
He was never someone who would betray the Imperial Guard. He was one of the few people who could be trusted even in the current situation. Sometimes I even needed help.
The Annals I need to check are the Immortal Knights and the Imperial Family Guard.
With the hearing just around the corner, it was impossible to single-handedly master the nearly 100-year history of the two institutions. It was a task that even I, who was good at speed reading, could not accomplish.
Just as I was thinking about how to solve this difficult problem, a Tomahawk suddenly appeared.
This is this… I thought it was an uninvited guest, but it turned out to be a reinforcement.
I dropped the Annals I was holding onto the tomahawk.
“Take it.”
“Yes? Uh, uh, uh!”
As if Tomahawk was handed a hot potato, he couldn’t hold the Annals properly. After bouncing in the air several times, I finally caught it in my arms.
“Why did you do this to me…?”
“You received it, so we are accomplices.”
“Yes!?”
Tomahawk asked in surprise.
I said as I unsealed the next record.
“What are you doing, don’t read it right away.”
······
Time passed quickly and it was morning.
The two of us read through the night, but we managed to get to 10 years worth of total. said Tomahawk, his eyes widened.
“Eat breakfast and finish reading, Mr. Leonard.”
“I am okay. Temporary Guardian Captain, please come and eat alone.”
“I am fine too. Now that I think about it again, I don’t think the rice will go over.”
A rather sullen Tomahawk. I’m sorry that I was paying attention to you.
I closed the annals I was reading.
“no. Rice must be eaten. During the day, the crew may enter the basement, so let’s gather again in the evening.”
“Is that so? Well, that would be nice, right?”
Tomahawk’s face brightened again. After taking the lead in organizing the annals, we headed to the restaurant dedicated to the Imperial Guard.
He asked as they walked through the garden where the leaves had faded.
“By the way, where is Regilos?”
“Probably at my mansion.”
Suddenly, I had a thought.
Regilos cosplay extended one more day. In other words, he had to do his work at the same time… The risk was too great for that. There was a possibility that the identity of the crew could be discovered. Also, he couldn’t wear a hood while on duty, and he had to receive the Annals from Karios.
I said carefully.
“Could you take the duty off? I think I need one more day.”
“of course. Except for duty, without duty, I will help you be free today.”
Tomahawk patted me on the chest and boasted.
It was only after arriving at the restaurant that I could understand his deep meaning.
“hey. Are you okay today?”
“I heard from James. You said you slept all day last night?”
“It’s not depression…? Let’s go for a walk later.”
The motives of Regilos approaching warmly.
“Yumma, who wants to wear a hood indoors?”
“It’s unfortunate what happened yesterday, but I still have to keep what I want to protect.”
The seniors who treat Regilos severely according to my ‘request’.
Tomahawk blocked all those dangers.
“These crazy bastards! It’s not that you dare say that in front of anyone… Regilos is in a bad state, so don’t touch him for the rest of the day. It is an order.”
““Oh, I see!””
Thanks to you, I finished my meal safely. No one approached me until I came out into the garden.
Just when I was sitting on the bench leisurely, Karios’ voice came out of the micro crystal ball.
-Leonard. Leonard.
I took out a microscopic crystal ball from my bosom.
“Say it.”
-I got what you asked for. I’m going to the academy because it’s a weekday, but is it the office?
“No, this is…”
It’s the Imperial Guard’s garden… I can’t say it straight away.
I thought about it for a while and said.
“I’ll text you an address, so come over there.”
– I understand. I’m leaving now, so send it right away.
Eventually, the audio connection was cut off.
He immediately sent the address of a nearby vacant lot to Karios. Then, I contacted Regilos. Fortunately, he responded right away.
“Regilos.”
– Yes. that’s the way to go arrive soon
“·······”
Why does this guy only listen well at times like this?
I said urgently.
“No, don’t come back. Get out of here.”
– What? Why all of a sudden?
“Don’t come because something like that happened.”
– Oh, I understand. you can’t go
Regilos asked curiously.
– But is it really okay if I don’t go? Didn’t you hear?
“then. Don’t worry here, I’m resting until the day after tomorrow.”
– Thank you, it’s a bit touching.
“instead.”
Give and Take.
All favors in the world are not free.
“Take one lecture tomorrow. It won’t be difficult because it’s an assistant professor role.”
I raised my eyebrows.
＊＊＊
Capital Archinia.
Headquarters of the Immortal Knights adjacent to the Imperial Guard.
Boom————!
Temporary Knight Commander Rectacio hit the desk hard. He muttered softly with a flushed face.
“Such a disease…”
Karios, who visited the headquarters a while ago.
He scolded Rectacio in front of the entire crew. He got down on his knees, threw things, and made three chant for his mistakes. It brought shame to the veteran knights with 20 years of service.
Rectacio’s fists trembled at the first insult he felt.
“A bastard who doesn’t even have blood on his head dares to…”
Yesterday’s provocation was a thoroughly calculated action.
It was a ploy that the former Knight Commander Terios had meticulously designed over ten years ago. It was a strategy that only Rectacio and a handful of members knew about.
A kid who doesn’t even know what’s going on like that, a guy who stands there only with his family name without any effort, spits out abusive words because he’s blinded by that one friend.
This was an obvious mistake. It was nothing but the tricks of the ignorant. Of course, even so, there was no way to get revenge on Karios.
Karios was the actual master of the Immortal Knights.
“after······”
Rectacio let out a deep sigh. He calmed down his raging emotions.
······It’s not long.
If the hearing proceeds, the reputation of the Imperial Guard will be completely ruined, and the conflict between affiliates will intensify. As a result, the blackening of the lesser classes will be promoted, and the empire’s dependence on the Immortal Knights will increase even more. It was clear that he would receive strong support from the imperial family.
There was a bit of a hiccup in the plan, but so far no problems. The glory days will soon come.
At that time, the credit will be recognized.
To Sir Therios, who died in his duty, and to the ignorant Carios.
“·······”
Rectacio smiled lightly as he looked at Terios’ picture hanging in the Knight Commander’s office. Then he went downstairs to headquarters.
The lowest level of the headquarters is covered with deep darkness.
Two knights were standing there, where even the air was chilly. The two opened the door silently as Rectacio approached.
Kiki profit
The place where Gilbert was imprisoned until a few months ago.
But now a young man named Verbein is in custody. A black magician who had the Imperial Family Guard, and a man who could be said to be the core of the ruse.
The guy who ‘scheduled’ to commit suicide after the hearing.
Crunchy- clumsily-
Verbain sat on the floor covered with straw and gobbled up the meat like a beast. Since he was brainwashed since childhood, he has no consciousness or thoughts.
She was like a doll who did what she was told to do and who died when she was told to.
Rectacio made arsenic while looking at Verbine.
“Eat a lot. I’ll get back to you soon.”
Just looking at him made me feel better. It is like looking at gold and silver treasures stored in a warehouse.
Crunchy- clumsily-
After watching for a while, I came out of the dungeon. I told the guards guarding the entrance.
“Now there is only one day left until the hearing. Stay vigilant and keep it. Make sure to check your password when changing shifts.”
“I understand, Commander of the Knights!”
Leaving behind the loud greeting, Rectacio went up to the knight commander’s office again. He smiled and contemplated his next plan.
＊＊＊
A night when the sun goes down and the moon rises.
I arrived at the annals archive. When the promised time came, the tomahawk also appeared. He must have slept soundly during the day, and he looked more energetic than yesterday.
Tomahawk said.
“Let’s start soon, Leonard-sama.”
“All right.”
I immediately unlocked the annals archive. I gave Tomahawk the Annals of 15 years ago.
“Here it is. If you have any doubts, please tell me right away.”
“yes. Trust me.”
Tomahawk opened the Annals with a spleen face. Then he frowned and read the contents.
I also took out the ‘Annals of the Immortal Knights Mission’ from my pocket. I read it calmly, turning the pages.
Squeak- Squeak-
An underground space where only the sound of flipping books can be heard.
The light of the objet that softly illuminates the annals.
The mysterious atmosphere strengthened his concentration.
The text of the Annals, written with magic, was vividly entered into my brain. It was an immersive feeling as if it were unfolding right in front of my eyes.
[‘Provoke Regilos as much as possible. The key is to make them lose their temper and attack us first,’ said Rectacio. In response, Sirio, Magnum, Duke, Selikes, and Bation nodded. Of the dogs, Duke was the only one who had doubts. I wondered why I had to do this, but at the command of the knight commander…]
In the first chapter of the Annals, yesterday’s provocation was recorded. Not only actions and situations, but also the insides of each individual were described in detail.
Slowly-
Pages turn smoothly.
The next chapter was a conversation between Rectacio and the new vice-captain, Kelos.
[‘Congratulations on becoming the temporary knight commander.’ Kelos lowered his head and said. In response, Rectacio smiled heartily and placed his hand on his shoulder. ‘Congratulations on your promotion to vice-captain. If you work hard like me, you will be able to reach the position of knight commander one day.’ Hearing those words, Kelos pretended to be happy, but inside he cursed him, calling him an idiot…]
It was not very nutritious.
The next chapter was similar. Since all events and missions were recorded, there were many imaginary numbers.
Squeak- Squeak-
Fast-paced pages. Speed reading that gradually accelerates.
In the meantime, I discovered something interesting.
It was a scene where Terrios and Rectacio were talking in the dungeon a month ago.
[ Terrios said while looking at the detained Verbain in the basement. ‘It’s about time to use that child.’ Rectacio replied to this. ‘That’s right. This is the moment when the plan that the Knight Commander has been designing for a long time will finally come to light.’ Terrios took out the imperial family shield from his bosom. ‘Give this to that child. And in about a month, I’ll make them roam around the city.’·······]
It was a story about a ‘black magician with an imperial family shield’ that was not described in the original work.
His name is Berbine.
I knew it was Terios’ own play, but I didn’t know it was designed so meticulously. That’s enough to use the word ‘a long time ago’.
I read the next chapter.
[ Terrios looked at Verbine with emotionless eyes. ‘Don’t spare food for that child. He’s going to die soon anyway.’ Rectacio was startled. ‘yes? Are you sick?’ Therios said. ‘After the hearing, I plan to kill him by faking suicide.’ A ferocious smile crept across Terios’ face. ‘The Imperial Guard will not be able to respond appropriately to this situation. I will only move in earnest after the hearing is over. At that time, he would kill Verbine. The dead do not speak, so no explanation will be heard, and the arrow of suspicion will be directed at the murder by the Imperial Guard.’ ‘okay. He is also the captain of the knights.’ Saying that, Rectacio thought. Certainly not a normal human…]
It was consistent with the original.
After the hearing, the warlock commits suicide. I knew there too. It was also criticized by readers as an empty death.
But that was a murder disguised as suicide?
“·······”
I put one hand on my forehead.
As Terios said, if Verbine dies, the map will completely tilt towards the Immortal Knights. The self-investigation of the imperial palace is over, and only the imperial guards will be unfairly misunderstood.
The source of the imperial family protection plaque has not been found yet.
If Berwein commits suicide here, there is no turning back for me either. I had to prevent his death somehow.
There is only one way…
To get Berwein out of prison.
widely-!
I roughly covered the sillok. The sudden noise startled Tomahawk.
“Oh, I’m surprised. What’s wrong, Leonard?”
He asked while putting the annals in his bosom.
“Where is the altar room?”
“The altar room? It’s on the 4th floor of the main building, but why are you suddenly like that…?”
“Please guide me first.”
I pointed to the entrance to the archives. Tomahawk, who tilted his head as if wondering, headed towards the altar room. I passed through a dark hallway and stood in front of a deserted door.
Tomahawk said.
“I consider it. Do you want to go in?”
“·······”
Nodding silently, Tomahawk fumbled with his pants.
“Wait. The magic security card is somewhere around here…”
“No need.”
Geeying—-
He poured magic into the doorknob. Then the door, which had been firmly locked, opened gently as if it had always been there. Seeing this, Tomahawk murmured blankly.
“Oh, you shouldn’t do that…”
He scratched the back of his head shyly and turned on the light in the altar room.
Tak- Tak-
The interior brightened in an instant.
In the middle of the altar room, there was a large industrial desk, and on the other hand, accessories used for robes were neatly arranged. I walked towards it. I looked carefully at the accessories.
“·······”
Talent Trait “Aesthetic Sense” purchased several months ago.
It was mainly used to classify objects, but its true value is displayed when creating something. Arts – Show off their skills in painting, music, design, furniture making, etc.
In other words, the Immortal Knights Robe was easily made.
At most, the shoulder straps and the skull pattern on the chest were all.
I said while choosing accessories.
“Listen carefully. After a while, the temporary guardian captain and I will invade the Immortal Knights.”
Then Tomahawk asked with a puzzled face.
“······Yes? Where are you going to see me ?”