Chapter 401

Lacey’s proposed strategy could be summed up in one word: diversion.

I would escort Lacey and handle public matters to draw the Holy Kingdom’s attention, while her subordinates would sneak around to find clues without the enemies noticing.

It was a decent plan, overall.

Except for the most crucial part—how to actually find the clues—which was left blank.

“We’ll have to use every possible method. Propaganda, rumors, infiltration, tailing, and if we get solid evidence, kidnapping and interrogation too.”

“You just said we can’t do interrogations earlier.”

“That was about not targeting a Cardinal-level figure outright. These things should be done step by step, starting from the bottom, not the top.”

Lacey replied with a calm tone, as if stating the obvious.

Though her expression made it unclear whether she meant following proper procedures or just trampling over the suspects.

She probably meant procedures, right?

—

After explaining the attitude and strategy to adopt there, Lacey went on about her forces and the composition of the envoy.

“The Special Operations Unit currently has 54 members. Fifteen were recruited from the Empire, and 39 remain within the Holy Kingdom.”

A Paladin Order tasked with exterminating special species.

Just from the brutal and ominous name, it was clear that this organization’s original purpose was to eliminate non-human species harmful to humanity.

Though now, it seemed to function more like Lacey’s private army.

Currently, it was a small unit of about 50, but each member was said to be on par with Imperial Knights and skilled spies.

A special operations unit armed with fanatical faith.

Since I declined the position of commander, the current commander of the Special Operations Unit was Bels Rugna.

He didn’t seem like the type to agree with the extermination of other species, but after his time as a Paladin, he concluded that there were no humane species among non-humans—only beasts.

“In her heart, there are only two types of non-humans. Dogs and wolves. Livestock tamed by humans and wild beasts that must be eradicated. Is there anyone more fitting to lead the Special Operations Unit than her?”

“…So, I’m a dog, huh?”

My voice had grown a bit sharper.

If she considered tamed non-humans as dogs, then she must have seen me as a wagging hunting dog all this time.

Though my actions weren’t much different, being treated like a dog still stung.

“Surely not. Calm your anger, Sir Median. Sir Bels has never seen you that way. In fact, she deeply respects you.”

“Respect? Hmm… really?”

Lacey tried to ease my irritation, but it didn’t have much effect.

“Trust me. While Imperial law still classifies Ka`har as a non-human species, we see it differently. It’s long been proven that Ka`har are just as much a part of humanity, albeit with slightly different appearances.”

“Proven? How exactly did you prove that?”

Lacey’s face turned slightly red, as if the topic was awkward.

After setting down her teacup and clearing her throat a couple of times, she explained the definitive evidence that Ka`har belonged to the human species.

“We confirmed whether blood exchange was possible. Unlike half-elves or beastmen hybrids, who lack reproductive capabilities, hybrids between us and Ka`har have normal reproductive abilities. Whether marrying a Ka`har or a Westerner, they can continue the lineage. That is undeniable proof that Ka`har are part of humanity.”

Hmm.

Well, that’s logical.

Hybrids between different species, like mules, often can’t produce offspring.

Since Westerner-Ka`har hybrids can produce offspring, it’s correct to consider them the same species.

As Lacey explained, her gaze drifted toward my lower abdomen, making my face heat up.

At least it completely cooled down my rising irritation.

—

Anyway, the task of uncovering the Holy Kingdom’s corruption would be left to the Special Operations Unit members, while I would focus on public events and assassination prevention for the time being.

“How should we organize the personnel? Personally, I think taking a few experts would be best.”

My knights were all native to the Empire and skilled swordsmen, so even if we went to the Holy Kingdom, they wouldn’t be able to handle infiltration or investigation. It would just increase the number of assassination targets.

I couldn’t take Ferne and Ja-han, and bringing Ophelia would likely end with me on a cross, so I’d take the rest.

That would be Nigel, Milia, and Damien, right?

I especially wanted to bring Damien.

From Damien’s perspective, getting closer to the Church Order wouldn’t hurt.

If we’re lucky, maybe he could get holy armor before even drawing the holy sword.

And I’d have to bring Rana too.

Since it’s expected to be a long stay, I can’t leave her alone, and it’s her homeland after all.

When I shared my personnel choices, Lacey nodded in agreement, though she suggested adding one more.

“Bring Leonor…? Won’t that cause unnecessary friction?”

“Exactly. To cause friction. It’s already widely known that Leonor has drawn a clear line with witches and is now your escort knight. If anyone still questions her lineage… it’s worth investigating whether it’s due to fanatical faith or some ulterior motive.”

So, she’s bait.

I’d have to ask Leonor’s opinion, but it was indeed an effective idea.

That would leave Ja-han, Ferne, and Ophelia at the mansion. It’ll be quite quiet.

Ja-han would be sweating through training to get stronger, Ferne would be drinking, and Ophelia would be feeding on Claire.

—

Lacey herself planned to take only Bels.

She considered moving with the Special Operations Unit remaining in the Empire, but that would expose them as her close aides, so she decided against it.

It seemed Lacey had decided to keep the Special Operations Unit as a hidden, secret organization.

A dagger hidden in her sleeve, so to speak.

Though when dealing with non-humans, it would be more like a butcher’s knife.

—

After finishing the conversation with Lacey, I went to the mansion to inform everyone about the trip to the Holy Kingdom.

“The Holy Kingdom… I never thought I’d have a reason to go there. What kind of country is it? Damien, aren’t you curious?”

“Well, since it’s a nation of priests, I imagine it’s quiet and solemn. Everyone probably wears only white or black clothes, something like that.”

Milia and Damien reacted like a couple going on a honeymoon.

Well, more accurately, Milia reacted that way, and Damien just went along with her energy.

I explained that powerful enemies and assassins might appear, but their reaction made it seem like they lacked a sense of crisis.

“I’ll stay here. If the people of the Holy Kingdom see me, they’ll probably prepare a cross for me.”

Ferne sat by the window, holding a bottle of alcohol in her left hand, muttering in a bored tone.

…That bottle says 96% alcohol, right?

At that point, isn’t it just pure alcohol?

Lately, she’s been complaining about not being able to get drunk, so now she’s decided to drink straight alcohol.

“Be careful on your journey, Princess Ha-shal-leur. I’ll be here honing myself in the meantime.”

“It’s been a while since I’ve been back to the Holy Kingdom! I wonder how the priests are doing?”

Ja-han, as expected, was disappointed but resigned to not being able to go, while Rana was especially happy, as it had been almost a year since she last visited her homeland.

It’s not exactly a happy reason for going, but… home is home.

Ophelia, of course, made it clear she wouldn’t go. I never planned to take her anyway.

The Holy Kingdom isn’t very welcoming to magicians, and if they found out she dabbled in forbidden magic, a pyre would be waiting for her.

“Ah. And, before you go, come talk to me for a bit. There’s something important I need to discuss.”

“Is it something you can’t talk about here?”

What have you done now, Ophelia?

At this point, I wouldn’t be surprised by anything.

“It’s not about my research, but something related to you. It’s not that I can’t talk about it here, but… an employer’s personal information should be protected, right?”

Something related to me…?

I couldn’t even begin to guess what it was about.

“Hmm… alright. Then, let’s meet in the basement later.”

“I’ll be waiting.”

Ophelia went down to the basement with a faint smile, puffing on a long magic cigarette.

After explaining the necessary preparations for the trip to the Holy Kingdom to Damien, Milia, and Rana, I headed to the basement.