“Lucy, calm yourself.” The elf glared at me, but that faded slowly before she ultimately looked away.

“No matter what else he did, he saved my life; I owe him that.”

So this is a lot more complicated than just her being angered on behalf of Elienor. It also means I need to play things very, very carefully.

“I am sorry, Lucy. Please restrain her.” She was smart enough not to put up a fight against my knights as they moved to tie her securely.

Now, what to do? Sasha would suggest we kill her now, not happening… At least not yet. Rupert’s questioning and investigations would have used truth magic, so we should have known about this relationship.

“Sasha, when we return to the palace, please obtain a transcript of Lucy’s interrogation. I would like to know how this was missed.” At my order, she nodded once but did not break eye contact with our new prisoner, “Lucy, would you tell me what happened?”

I really would like to know how it is that a hell king saved the life of a dark elf, and didn’t just kill you for fun.

Just when I thought that she would decline to speak, she slowly began to explain how the Count had purportedly saved her life, “…It was just after I turned thirty and left home… after I was kicked out. I did not have anything other than my limited magic and a few levels of sword fighting.”

That checks out with the appraisal Rupert’s people conducted. At the moment, she has [Sword Fighting III] and a few levels each in Wind, Earth, and Water Magic talents. Considering she doesn’t have a class, that’s pretty respectable. But she left home at thirty? For an elf that’s like, ten? And they threw her out for being albino if what she told me a few years ago was true.

“Of course, an elf, and especially one with a unique appearance such as mine would draw attention.” As she talked, she began to pick up steam, speaking more and more easily. Though there remained a slightly dispassionate detached tone to her words, “It didn’t take long before some men grabbed me off the road.”

“And Count Francois rescued you from them?”

She shook her head, “No, no… those men sold me off to a band of illegal slavers passing through the Trade League. They were a nasty bunch.” Her face turned dark for a moment, and I feared what she might say next, “Though they did not violate me; they had something against elves in general from what I was able to gather. Keeping me around and miserable was merely their way to vent anger. A way to escape from whatever demons haunted them.”

Right, the Trade League. The elves’ own country is on the far north of the continent, so if she was grabbed just after being exiled it would have taken some time for her to make it to Drakas. With his cover being that of a count, Five wouldn’t have been able to leave the kingdom and travel that far.

“And those men, did they bring you into Drakas?”

Lucy nodded bitterly, “Yes. I spent around a year with them in all. Then they left me chained to a tree in the middle of winter. Crossing the border with a clearly imprisoned elf would not have worked out well for them. Their solution to that problem was to thank me for being so entertaining, and then chain me up to die.”

I’m really glad Claire isn’t hearing any of this.

Lucy had fallen silent, so I prompted her to continue, “How long were you trapped like that?”

“…A day. I was very nearly dead when another human found me. I would later learn that it was Count Francois. I owe him my life, so I can never forgive what you did to him.” Some of the fire returned to her eyes and she fixed me with another glare, but did not otherwise move.

Count Francois just happened to be passing through the border forest, found a half dead elfling tied to a tree, and rescued her? No, I don’t believe that for a second. I don’t have any proof other than my gut, but I’d wager he had her collected and delivered to him. As for what he would want with an albino elf child, I have no idea, but there’s definitely something more to this. Before that though…

“Another question, Lucy. Why did’t you try and kill me? The general contract prevents that now, but you could have when you first saw me. If you owe the count your life, then should you have tried to avenge him even at the cost of that life?”

It was a foregone conclusion that had she tried anything, she would have been taken down in an instant by my knights. But that should have been a price she was willing to pay, if my understanding was correct, and I was curious what had stayed her hand.

“…Because my actions may have caused more harm to Lady Elienor. Whether or not I liked it, your grace was her best and only chance at escaping the fate of her father.”

“I see.”

So the life debt extends to Five’s kin.

“Then, was that why you signed the general contract? Because you thought it would incline me to be merciful…?”

She did not answer yes or no, but the silence was enough to confirm my suspicions.

“May I ask another question, Lucy?” Beside her, I saw Sasha’s eye twitch.

I need to be careful as well, that I don’t alienate Sasha when trying to win the loyalty of others. But this situation would be best served by kindness over orders.

“What’s stopping you?”

“Nothing. But if I demanded an answer, then there are people who would ensure that I got one. I… I don’t really want to go that route.”

“…Go ahead.”

With Lucy’s permission, I proceeded to make what was in all honesty a completely pointless inquiry, “Do you not owe me a life debt the same way you owe Five one?”

“No. You are only sparing me from the results of your own actions.”

Well, that much was obvious, I just thought it was worth a shot.

“…Well, I appreciate you being honest. But I do not really have many options left now; you understand, right?”

“…” Lucy mumbled something that I could not quite catch.

“Sorry?”

She spoke again, louder this time. She was determined this time, “…Whatever you do to me, don’t hurt Lady Elienor any more than you have.”

Of course not. That’s the last thing I want to do.

“Good, then this is what is going to happen.” I fixed Sasha with a look to gauge her reaction, “When we arrive, Sasha, contact Ferdinand. He will come and collect Lucy personally. She will not be disposed of or harmed in any way.”

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Sasha’s eyes narrowed at that, but she didn’t retort since it was me speaking, “Tell him to repeat the same interviews and checks performed previously; I want to know how such a glaring oversight occurred. Following that, she will be placed under strict arrest and confined to a room in my chambers where you will offload simple duties that pose no risks.”

Once Sasha had briefly bowed her head in acknowledgment, I added one more line for good measure, “This is far from the most efficient course of action. I know that. Ferdinand could quite easily get the information and then remove any potential threat,”

Ah, Lucy flinched there. So she does fear death still, or maybe it’s the implication of torture that caused that reaction… I might want to put her on suicide watch or something just to be sure.

“However, this is what I have decided. This is how I want to do things. Do any of the three of you present have any issues with that? Speak freely.”

The two knights did not say anything, merely shaking their heads in turn. Sasha took a deep breath before speaking, “On the contrary, I believe this is for the best; to cast aside a possible source of information would be foolish. If I could offer a suggestion, could you agree to have Miss Elienor and Miss Frieda reevaluated as well?”

I really don’t want to do that, but she’s right. Elienor is safe, but there’s no knowing with Frieda… And if I have Frieda reevaluated but not Elienor it would set a bad example and show me playing favorites. Damnit, fine.

“Agreed, but there. Will. Be. No. Torture.” Perhaps it was giving my allies too little credit, but I really did not trust Ferdinand to follow my will unless my intentions were precisely stated. He just seemed the type that would take the easiest path to accomplish a task; even Rupert could occasionally opt for the more complicated one if the benefits were good enough.

Lucy simply accepted her new predicament silently, there was little else for her to say as her own thoughts were already known. Not long after, a thump sounded from the front of the carriage; the driver, signaling that we had arrived. Speaking first to Sasha, “Please contact Ferdinand.”

Then, I addressed the guards, “The two of you will wait here and make sure Lucy does not attempt anything.”

It was somewhat fortunate that Lucy had spoken up when she did, as it gave me an excuse to ditch my protectors. Though their service was welcome, something was telling me that it would be best to leave them behind. Besides, even if I still looked like myself I was clearly too old to be me, and if worse came to worst I could always defend myself for a few minutes while the knights stormed the place.

To my surprise, both of them assented to the orders without any argument. There was no, “But my lady, our duty is to protect you!” shenanigans. They simply performed a small salute and then turned their attention to Lucy, who retreated somewhat under the pressure of their stare.

…Is that really ok? I mean, I ordered it but still. They’d be held responsible if my order led to my death or simply being hurt… Well, in any case, sorry about that Lucy!

Having mentally apologized to the distressed elf, I exited the carriage. Knowing what I planned to do today, Sasha had dressed me accordingly. To any onlooker, it should appear that a young noble lady was trying very hard to appear as a wealthy commoner. This was much the same type of disguise as the last time I snuck out to the adventurers guild, and there was no point in fixing what wasn’t broken.

Though I wish I could pass as an actual commoner, it just wouldn’t work out. I’ve spent too long as a noble. If there was some time to practice, I might be able to get to a point where I can pass it off as being from out of town… I honestly should look into it. As the spymaster, it could be a useful ability, though it’s doubtful I have any time right now.

Departing from where we left the carriage, I ducked out onto the main street and headed for the adventurers guild. There were a few curious looks but nobody stared for too long, and before I knew it the door to the guild was in front of me.

Right, here I go.

Pushing the door open, I stepped inside. The room was empty and as shabby as ever, the only other occupant being a lone employee.

Good, it’s lucky that there aren’t that many people in today. I’m not sure if I could handle a bunch of curious stares… and knowing the type of people that hang out here a few of them would probably have ill thoughts given that I don’t look like a kid anymore.

The thought made me shiver, but it was easy enough to ignore and suppress. The receptionist adopted a business smile at my approach, “And what can I do for you today?”

“Excuse me, is the guildmaster in? I have a meeting scheduled regarding this letter.” As I spoke, I passed the woman the letter I had received from Aaron.

Receiving the letter, she moved to open it when a voice called out, “Leave it, Miriam. I’ll see her upstairs.”

He sounds young for a guildmaster.

I turned to face the source of the voice. Instead of an aging weathered man, there stood Aaron himself.

Ok, red flag. What is he doing here personally? The last time I saw you was two years ago and even then only briefly.

Immediately feeding mana into my eyes, I beheld Aaron’s mana. It was odd. Instead of flowing throughout his body, it sort of hung in place. Unlike the thick sludge of a demon, it was more like glass. As if his mana were a still water surface. At the same time, it was colorless.

“Oh? Do you like what you see? I wouldn’t advise looking too close though.”

Yea, major red flag. Every time somebody recognizes me using the Divine Element, a disaster happens.

“Look, don’t just stand there looking at me like some kind of monster, that really hurts ya’know? Come upstairs, I swear by Adroni I won’t hurt you.”

That oath wasn’t exactly the most reassuring, but it wasn’t like I’d get any answers just standing around in the lobby, “…You had better explain yourself.”

I curtsied briefly towards the receptionist and then followed Aaron up the stairs towards the offices. It was certainly a risky play on my part, but Aaron’s oath was intriguing. The fact that Aaron knew both me and Adroni held a connection to each other was worth something, especially given that the God of being a Dick wasn’t common knowledge.

Once we were behind the closed door of Aaron’s office, he turned around and looked me over, “Well, I am rather surprised. I was not expecting you to go that far before responding to my letter. Still, you got here in the end; good job!”

“…I do not recall ever being tasked with coming to see you.”

Aaron shrugged, “No, the congratulations were for how much effort you put in on your own. Now then, what brings you to see me on this fine day?”

So it will be like that, will it?

"I take it you are already familiar with all the events that transpired since you sent me this," I indicated the letter I’d received just before returning hom to Ris, "I want to utilize the adventurers in the kingdom as information gatherers."

Aaron nodded, "Indeed, congratulations on the wedding by the way. As for your goals… to what end? The adventurers are outcasts, social pariahs. Hardly the best spies."

Yea, thanks. As I thought, you do know a lot. How exactly though?

I shook my head, "No, they will be perfect. I do not want them to infiltrate anywhere or specifically gather information. Simply writing up reports of what they notice in the course of their usual activities would suffice. Although, if some groups did wish to become full-time agents, I would not be opposed to it."

"And what about Team Red Iron, hmm…? Are they still in your employ…? I haven't seen them recently after all." His voice was flat, making it blindingly obvious he knew what happened.

"Those were… extenuating circumstances. Had I been in control of the situation, I likely would not have allowed it; but, at the time, Ferdinand was the one making those decisions."

"You 'likely' wouldn’t have had them silenced?" Rather than being judgemental, Aaron seemed to merely be attempting to determine my reasoning.

That did not mean it was an easy question to answer, "...At the time, I probably would not have been able to give that order. Now? If I believe it necessary; there is too much at stake."

He fell silent for some moments, then grew extremely serious and abruptly changed the subject, "Tell me, Miss Drakas, how many factions are there?"

He's not talking about the nobles, no way in hell. He's talking about the upcoming war.

Knowing that, the question became harder to answer. Common sense said two factions; the twelve gods and the nine hell kings, each led by one of the god siblings. I knew there were three, with the third being Adroni's. Though, as far as I knew, I was the only member.

"...Four. The demons, the gods, Adroni, and whatever faction you are."

He smiled and nodded, "An Excellent answer. Very well, I will have the adventurers help you as part of a mutual alliance between the Rulebreaker and myself; I am the thirteenth and fallen god. Aaron, Progenitor of Monsters. My kin are legion."