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Chapter 42
“What happened?”
At noon, on the day they were to return north, Belkein asked as he looked at Arteon, who had gathered at the meeting spot.
“There was an attack two days ago.”
Arteon reported in detail the events that had occurred two nights prior.
The audacity of attempting to assassinate someone who had been honored at the ceremony in which even the Emperor participated was a very serious matter.
Moreover, this incident might be connected to the matter Belkein had been looking into.
“Follow me.”
Given the seriousness of the situation, Belkein got into his carriage.
“Don’t worry—basic sound-blocking magic is in place. Speak freely. Have you identified the attackers?”
“Yes. It was a group called Nocturne.”
“…Nocturne?”
Belkein’s eyes flickered for a moment. It was a name he had also heard before.
Arteon nodded.
“They’re a group connected to Moldrek. I didn’t know they were an assassination organization… It seems their mission is to eliminate anyone who interferes with their plans.”
“…I see.”
Belkein had his suspicions, but he hadn’t expected such rapid movement, even within the capital.
But that wasn’t the only problem.
Meeting with Count Valenluke afterward was also a significant event.
However, that matter required extreme caution unless dealing with someone truly trustworthy.
But…
‘…Belkein.’
If there was anyone Arteon could honestly confide in about his current purpose in life, it would be him.
‘He’s the only one.’
Belkein had devoted his entire life to the Northern Front.
Though he ultimately died at the hands of opposition forces, the passion he poured into the north was unmatched.
After making his decision, Arteon spoke.
“There was something a bit strange, though.”
“Speak.”
“The day after the attack, someone sent by Count Adrian Valenluke came to see me.”
“Adrian Valenluke?”
“Yes. I followed the person sent by the Count to his residence.”
“…Explain in more detail.”
Arteon nodded and described what had happened at the estate.
They had tried to use the Karseia Knights Academy as bait to persuade him to their side.
Of course, given Arteon’s potential, it was plausible they would attempt this.
“However, this is just my personal opinion… there was something odd.”
“What is it?”
“When I refused repeatedly, the Count suddenly said something like, ‘He has considerable skill, so I intended to recruit him.’ It was as if he already knew the level of my abilities.”
It could have been mere paranoia.
But the moment the name Nocturne came up, the situation changed dramatically.
They were now in a position where suspicion of everything—and everyone—was necessary.
Belkein nodded.
“Anything else to report?”
“No other notable matters.”
“Understood. Let’s return, then.”
“Yes.”
Arteon got off Belkein’s carriage and returned to where the others were.
“What were you two talking about?”
“I reported the incident in more detail.”
“He’s a meticulous one, after all.”
Isaac nodded and pointed toward the carriage.
Once the three got into the carriage, it moved, leaving the capital behind.
Isaac then asked Arteon,
“Arteon, you gained the chance to change your posting after the commendation ceremony… Are you thinking of going elsewhere?”
Tertian also looked at Arteon.
Despite his youth, he had made unbelievable achievements in the north, becoming a hero of the region.
Given the battles ahead, they would need competent soldiers like Arteon.
But who in their right mind would stay in the north?
A place where one had to await death daily.
Yet Arteon answered without hesitation.
“I haven’t decided on a posting, but I have no intention of leaving the north.”
“Why?”
“I don’t know. I’ve never considered anywhere else.”
Arteon stared out the carriage window, deep in thought.
Right now, there was only one thing:
To find the bastards who drove them to death and repay them in kind.
Isn’t that the sole reason for enduring such a fierce struggle?
After several days of travel, Arteon arrived in Almers and stretched as he got out of the carriage.
“Ugh… traveling nonstop isn’t easy.”
“Still, at least you took a carriage. Riding a horse would’ve been even tougher.”
Arteon nodded at Isaac’s words.
Belkein then approached the three and said,
“We’ll spend the day here and depart tomorrow morning. There are no special restrictions, but avoid causing trouble.”
“Understood.”
“Yes, Commander.”
“Yes.”
After responding, Arteon looked at Isaac.
“I’ll go buy some snacks for the troops.”
“You’re a thoughtful squad leader. Though I wonder if your position will change again when we return?”
“…I’ve never heard of a first-year soldier being promoted this quickly.”
Tertian spoke candidly.
Following the commendation ceremony, Arteon’s rank had become that of a senior officer.
He could easily serve as a platoon leader or deputy without issue.
Tertian asked Arteon,
“You’ve received three consecutive double promotions, right?”
“…You really are a monster.”
“It wasn’t easy. One misstep and I could’ve died.”
Arteon said calmly.
Which made him feel even more monstrous.
“Then I’ll be off.”
Ignoring the two who watched him strangely, Arteon swiftly moved toward the bustling market.
If he waited too long, the shops would all close.
“Thank you!”
With dried fruits and jerky in hand—treats the squad would enjoy—Arteon glanced around.
The two following him had no reason to trail him here, but caution was necessary just in case.
Seeing that the streets were empty, he quietly headed down an alley.
He had originally planned to set aside time after returning to the unit, but…
‘Passing through Almers is lucky…’
He had to meet Rishivn regarding Count Valenluke.
Not much time had passed since then, so nothing had drastically changed…
‘Since it was a thieves’ guild from the start, information gathering should be fine.’
Arteon navigated the alleyways skillfully and entered a tavern.
“Hahaha, so I’m telling you!”
“…Huh, so I’m saying.”
Inside, the tavern was bustling with patrons as usual.
Arteon approached a man at the bar.
Most of those behind the counter were the ones running the place.
“Looking for a particular drink?”
For a thieves’ guild-operated tavern, the place had a surprisingly refined appearance.
Arteon said,
“Tell Rishivn that Arteon is here. He’ll understand immediately.”
“…You are Arteon?”
“You know me?”
The man looked surprised, and Arteon asked.
He nodded.
“I’ve heard from Rishivn. Follow me this way.”
As if he had been expecting him, the man led Arteon through a door connecting to the back.
Walking down a corridor, they passed several doors. After opening a few more, the man stopped.
“And who might this be?”
Rishivn greeted him warmly.
Nothing seemed changed, but the dark circles under her eyes were prominent…
‘She must have had a lot to take care of lately…’
She looked fatigued, yet still greeted him brightly.
“Sorry for coming without notice. Something unexpected came up.”
“It’s fine. You’re always welcome, Arteon. Please, have a seat.”
Rishivn served a warm cup of tea.
The aroma was pleasant.
“High-quality black tea.”
“You know a bit about tea?”
“A little.”
Arteon inhaled the scent, sipped slowly, and swallowed.
“Good.”
“I’m glad you like it. So… what brings you here?”
Arteon set down his cup.
“Do you know anything about the assassin group called Nocturne?”
“…?”
Rishivn’s gaze darkened.
Then, in a serious tone, she asked,
“How do you know that name? It’s very secretive.”
“You know of them?”
“Yes. We classified the information as top-tier just before our conflict started.”
Arteon nodded.
If there was information about them…
“Could Count Adrian Valenluke be connected to Nocturne?”
“…Unexpected names keep popping up, so I’m a bit surprised.”
Rishivn stood up.
Arteon watched as she spoke.
“Let’s move to a different room. This one isn’t properly soundproofed.”
“…Agreed.”
Arteon’s expression hardened.
This might be a bigger mess than he anticipated.
Once inside the inner room, Rishivn locked the door and infused magic into a nearby device.
Vrrrrrr!
The small device, embedded with a mana stone, bathed the room in blue light.
Rishivn sat down and said,
“You can speak freely now. This is a pretty reliable device.”
She resumed her serious expression.
“Nocturne is a strange organization; we don’t know when it was founded or who leads it. One thing is certain: no one targeted by Nocturne has survived, and they’ve grown significantly by handling the dirty work of high-ranking nobles.”
“Are they connected to Count Valenluke?”
“To be honest, we don’t know. We’re investigating links related to him.”
Rishivn rummaged through a drawer and handed Arteon a paper.
“This summarizes information related to Nocturne. You’ll also find information on people connected to them.”
Arteon quickly scanned the document.
Several individuals were linked to Nocturne.
“…Moldrek.”
“He’s the military officer you killed. As for Count Valenluke’s connection to Nocturne, we can’t be sure… Do you see the name Pollenkron next to Moldrek?”
“…Yes.”
“He’s a trader operating mainly in the northwest and west. Through the deceased Moldrek, he embezzled military supplies for profit.”
“Embezzled military supplies? If there’s proof, the entire trade company would collapse immediately.”
“We’re investigating that part… though nothing is confirmed yet. But it’s certain that nobles are covering for him. And currently, we suspect…”
“…One of them is Count Valenluke?”
Rishivn nodded cautiously.
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“…Hoo.”
Arteon’s expression twisted.
How far does this rot go?
He stood.
“Keep investigating. And if possible, find out more about Count Valenluke.”
“Understood.”
Arteon’s thoughts grew more tangled.
If they had the ability to intervene even with the military…
‘Being here… could be dangerous.’
On the way back, Arteon’s mind became increasingly chaotic.
