Chapter 46

Chapter 46

The snowflakes that had been fluttering down became heavy snow as we approached the capital.

The world, once filled with barren branches and dirt, was now painted in a sea of white, and in proportion to this, the cutting wind howled like a madman.

We crossed the snowy fields, passed through several villages, traversed the Foggy Plains, and finally arrived at the small town of Barhen at the southern entrance. After checking to ensure the nobles were not up to any mischief, we soon departed and eventually reached the capital without much delay.

“Fortunately, we arrived before the snowfall grew worse.”

“Finally, it feels like winter.”

Had it not been for the horse provided by Lara, we might have found ourselves in quite a predicament. If we’d attempted to walk back, we likely would’ve been caught in a snowstorm and delayed. Thankfully, we managed to return to Palamtiar much faster than our initial descent, nearly tripling our speed.

I wanted to see Iris’s face by heading straight to the Imperial Palace, but…

First, I had to go to the Baron Chamell’s manor.

This impromptu, unannounced visit proved quite interesting.

“I apologize, but my master went to his villa yesterday and is expected to return in three days.”

An old butler stood before me, drenched in sweat and bowing his head. His complexion had turned pale the moment I revealed my identity, and while he fidgeted nervously, there appeared to be no lie in his words.

“Hmm, didn’t expect that.”

“I’ll summon him from the Imperial Palace.”

“Ah…”

I shook my head at Cruel’s suggestion.

It was my fault for visiting without prior notice. There was no point in specifically ordering him to come or go—I wasn’t here to pressure Baron Chamell.

“I’ll send a quick message…”

I stopped the butler just as he was about to rush off. After receiving the location and a rough map of the villa, I promptly took my leave.

According to the butler, the Baron Chamell’s villa was located in a nearby village not too far from the capital. With a horse, it would take about half a day to reach.

Half a day’s journey wasn’t long compared to the extended trips we’ve already taken.

“Fortunately, the snowfall has lessened. If we hurry, we should arrive soon.”

“Ah, this is Puel Village. I’ve been here before. Let me lead the way.”

We crossed the ankle-deep snow and headed toward Puel Village where Baron Chamell’s villa was located.

Thankfully, we met no bandits or highwaymen on the way. We arrived before the sun fully set and entered the snow-covered village.

The unfamiliar strangers—especially mounted figures in robes—initially drew attention, but that interest quickly faded.

As we approached the manor suspected to be Baron Chamell’s villa, we noticed the trailing gazes disappearing.

The hill in the quiet village was eerily silent.

The snow-covered manor on the hilltop exuded a serene winter atmosphere. At the iron gate of the estate, an armored knight brushed off the accumulated snow and waited for us.

“Halt.”

As we approached, the knight stepped forward.

His hand rested naturally on his sword, and his body was canted slightly. Though he didn’t emit any hostility, his stance was ready to wield the sword at a moment’s notice.

“I have clearly warned that we will not allow any approach. If you proceed further, I shall be forced to punish you by severing your arm.”

After dismounting and moving closer, the warning rang out. The knight tightened his grip on his sword. The sharp eyes under the helmet carefully scanned our appearance.

‘Should I just beat him and pass through…?’

Just as I was considering how much to hit him, Cruel stepped forward.

“Stand down, knight of Baron Chamell.”

“…Bold. Who dares to give orders?”

“I am Cruel, the captain of the Saber Squad under the Royal Knights.”

Cruel revealed the scabbard at his waist and immediately pointed at me.

“This is Lord Macbilian, the Royal Guard knight of Her Majesty the Empress. A knight of the Empire should observe proper etiquette.”

“Huh…”

The knight of Baron Chamell looked suspicious but upon showing him the insignia on the collar, he struck his chest plate and paid his respects.

“To His Grace Lord Macbilian!”

The knight then spoke cautiously.

“My apologies, Your Grace. If this was an appointment, I shall inform them inside. Please wait a moment…”

“There’s no need. I haven’t come with an appointment.”

“Then…”

“The knight is already suffering enough in this snow. Do not trouble yourself.”

After leaving the befuddled knight behind, I entered the estate.

The manor was quiet.

Even though it was only a villa, nobles’ estates usually have numerous servants bustling around. However, in this place, no signs of human activity could be felt other than the knight at the entrance.

‘And it’s unusual for a single knight to be guarding the premises.’

The manor on the hill, with the snow accumulation and the night falling, almost felt like a haunted house. Naturally, no servants welcomed us.

Since it was getting late, I brushed off the snow appropriately and entered the house.

The moment I entered, I could sense a discreet presence.

“…Human-Beast?”

A youth hiding behind a pillar, observing me.

Above the youth’s white hair were lively cat ears that were moving actively. Additionally, there was a swishing white tail.

‘A cat… could it be a White Feline Clan member?’

As I locked eyes with the feral-looking youth who was glaring at me with his fur bristled, an urgent sound of footsteps and a young woman’s voice echoed through the estate.

“Siern, what’s the sudden rush? You burst out as if you’d encountered a wild beast…”

The woman with black hair smiled gently at the youth of the Human-Beast race hiding behind the pillar. Then, as she turned her gaze to descend the stairs, she noticed me standing at the entrance and froze.

“…”

“…”

Her green eyes wide with shock darted between me and the young Human-Beast.

As if trying to assess the situation, her eyes roamed, and eventually, she hardened her expression and spoke.

“Your Grace…what brings you here?”

I had met her before, for Baron Chamell was a central noble who resided within the inner walls.

Her face, which had recognized me, turned pale white.

“Excuse me, Baron Chamell. I came to visit the estate but learned you are absent. Though you’re supposed to return in three days, I have some important matters to discuss and thus came personally.”

“Yeah… is that so. If only I had been informed beforehand.”

“I’ve come hastily from the south. Regardless, it’s great to see you again. And…”

I greeted the Human-Beast youth who moved behind Chamell.

“Siern, right? Think of me…well, as a high-ranking human, shall we say?”

As I glanced at Chamell who had protectively wrapped his trembling arm around the boy, I consciously raised the corners of my mouth to appear as harmless as possible.

*

After a long conversation with Chamell,

Cruel and I spent a night in the manor before leaving early the next morning to return to the capital.

The initially tense Baron Chamell greeted us the next day with a relaxed expression, seeing us off at the iron gates.

“Then, I leave everything in your capable hands, Your Grace.”

“Though I can’t promise how long it will take… I will certainly repay your trust.”

“Farewell, Lord.”

“Indeed. Siern, keep studying hard and look after the Baron well.”

Cooking cold soup is as easy as boiling water when you know how to do it.

Love is indeed an extraordinary force. Sometimes, it drives people to the point of throwing everything away and sacrificing everything for it.

And her one wish:

To happily spend the rest of her life with the Human-Beast youth named Siern, receiving everyone’s blessings while holding a warm wedding.

Even in Altain’s current state, this would seem an impossible request.

But this is something I can resolve. If it takes time, I intend to absorb the Beastkin Union and expand the Empire’s size, incorporating them into our society.

If we achieve a world where Beastkin can coexist with humans, issues faced by Ferantel or Baron Chamell will be easy to resolve.

It’s not entirely impossible.

Right now, the Sylvester Empire itself is a multi-species state with various races living together.

Baron Chamell’s initial suspicions vanished when the subject of cooperating with Ferantel arose.

That led to a rapid chain of revelations.

As expected, Baron Chamell, who was affiliated with the Eastern Faction, possessed vital information I needed.

As we passed through the main gate of the capital’s outer wall, Cruel casually glanced through the piece of paper in his hand.

“The Karam Trading Company and the Robic Trading Company. Both registered activity areas are in the west. The companies themselves are located in the capital. The main commodities they deal with have low commercial value and little interest, such as ancient relics. Moreover, neither of them is affiliated with any guilds; they are independent traders.”

“They’re probably disguising most of their information since these places aren’t legitimate.”

Cruel, who nodded his head, reviewed another piece of paper and spoke.

“The Syv Mercenary Squad. Their main activity area is also the west.”

“Their routes primarily intersect with villages, towns, and the two trading companies.”

“Yes. And although they have been clever in hiding it, most of their requests were fabricated reports of errands within the city, submitted to the Central Mercenary Guild as a cover-up—this is…it, isn’t it?”

After pausing briefly to consider, Cruel confirmed with certainty.

“Karam and Robic are likely involved in the slave trade. Syv is probably a group of hunters.”

“Based on limited information, you’ve got a good grasp?”

“I grew up in the lower levels, you know.”

Merchants or mercenaries that engage in covert activities are limited in the manner they operate.

For merchants, that might involve prohibited trade items like drugs or illegal slaves that have not been processed through official channels.

For mercenaries, it’s usually involved in capturing such slaves, assassination contracts, or annihilation missions carried out in Ruben and other such underhanded jobs.

Although these people who base their livelihoods on illegal activities try to camouflage and hide their information, if you dig deep enough, you will find their flaws.

However, what we have right now is only suspicion, and as of yet, no solid evidence exists.

‘But all I need is suspicion.’

Evidence can be obtained on the field.

This isn’t a world where modern intelligence crimes flourish. It is not a world where things function rationally or legally.

Might is right.

If your title is a thug and your justification is solid, you’re invincible.

I possess all three of these prerequisites.

And the reason I obtained information about slave traders and hunters from Baron Chamell…

‘I am almost ready, Norman.’

It’s both to cleanse internal corruption within the Empire and to deal with the Bradden family, which has sent me gifts three times.

Norman Bradden.

An important figure responsible for the Eastern Faction, one of the core forces in the east, and a family entangled in a less-than-amicable relationship with me.

From the preliminary selection duel to the battle at the Foggy Plains, they were exceedingly thorough. If I were an ordinary person, this would have already ended my life.

“Captain Cruel, start operations on the Syv Mercenary Squad in two days with the Saber Squad. I’ll inform Deputy Commander Milene.”

“Should we handle everything?”

“If they resist, kill them, but send a few survivors to the East Plaza for execution.”

The final preparations to pin Bradden down, trembling at the sight of me still breathing.

“Tomorrow, I plan to visit the northern district. I won’t need any escort, so rest as much as you can.”

The missing piece that links things together directly.

To secure that, I need to meet someone for the last time. It’ll be less of a meeting and more about persuasion again.

“Then, I will entrust the guards to Knight Commander Luniya.”

“Understood. Since everyone will be moving in two days, I’ll focus on conserving energy.”

“…Alright.”

It’s a somewhat unsatisfactory response.

I understand his eagerness to work, but work-life balance is essential; he’ll burn out otherwise.

Maybe, in the future, we should have a deep discussion about the philosophy of life at the Training Grounds. As someone with experience, I can’t stand by and let a subordinate become addicted to work.

“Take rest when you can.”

“I understand.”

With Cruel’s lackluster attitude, we finally concluded our long journey and returned to the Imperial Palace.

And, the next day.

Through the snow-covered Inner District, I alone ventured to the northern sector.