I moved to a secluded spot, thinking this would be a good place to avoid detection.
"Black General, Robin," I muttered to myself, as if speaking in a trance.
I glanced around, but there was no response. Still, I was certain he was nearby.
"Come out. I know you're here," I said, my voice firm.
After a while, there was still no reaction. Anyone watching might think I was crazy, but I knew Robin was there.
"Do I need to use detection magic? I don't want to waste time."
Just then, a dark smoke emerged from behind me.
Why does he always appear from behind?
I turned my head to face Robin, who stood expressionless.
"From now on, come out quickly when I call. I've called you three times already."
"What's the matter?" he asked.
"The lord told me to ask for your help."
"Yes, that's correct."
The emperor's tasks still had three remaining, and the Black General was a valuable option.
I planned to thoroughly utilize this exceptional asset.
"Since the lord gave the order, I now have the right to summon you."
"Please proceed," Robin replied.
"Can't you change your attitude a bit? You're too stiff."
"I'll try."
Robin is a difficult person to read, as he doesn't reveal his thoughts easily. We haven't had many interactions, and thinking back, our encounters have been more like bad omens. Since the prison break, we've never met under good circumstances.
"Do you already know about the emperor's tasks?"
"Of course."
"They're not bandits; they're citizens driven by corruption. I have evidence and witnesses, so go to the palace and clear their names. I don't trust anyone else."
"It's not possible."
"What do you mean? You were ordered to help me."
I looked at him incredulously, and Robin continued, "I was told to provide indirect assistance without undermining the Seventh Lord's sense of accomplishment."
"That's the reason?"
"Yes."
"It's ridiculous. I'm the one who defeated Merlin and secured the evidence. What's the problem with reporting to the palace? Is that considered direct help?"
"In my judgment, yes."
"Don't be mistaken. I can go to the palace myself; I just want to save time."
Robin paused for a moment.
If he won't even report to the palace for me, why is he sticking around?
It's infuriating, and I think Robin dislikes me. Otherwise, it wouldn't make sense.
"I will prepare the shortest route to the palace for you."
"Don't you understand what I'm saying? Or are you just being obstinate?"
"I'm following the lord's orders. Each task has a deadline of one week. Whether it's defeating the bandits or clearing their names, it's your task to complete within that time. I can only provide indirect assistance."
"Hmmph!"
It feels right, yet annoying. Robin remained standing with an expressionless face, like a person who wouldn't bleed even if poked.
"Indirect assistance," I thought. Depending on interpretation, both my words and Robin's could be correct. But if I think about it carefully, Robin's words seem more accurate.
"Fine."
I begrudgingly accepted, though I didn't want to. The tasks do require adhering to deadlines.
"Alright, you win."
"How long will it take via the shortest route?"
"If we use the transportation gate, it will take three days. And with Lord Bahal's white horse, it will be even faster."
"What can the Black General do for me?"
"As you know, the gate needs time to recharge after use. We will control the gate so it doesn't interfere with your travel."
Hmm, that's not bad. They're offering to ensure the gate is available for me.
If I can use the gates in major cities without issues, reaching the palace is no problem.
"Alright, keep your promise."
"It's a simple task for us."
"What if you can't keep it?"
"That won't happen."
This kid thinks he's so smart.
Looking at his annoying face, I suddenly had a good idea. It wouldn't be bad to create a connection with Robin this time. After all, the Black General is a formidable organization.
"I'm not doubting the Black General's abilities; I'm just asking about a hypothetical situation."
"If we fail to keep our promise, we will grant you what you desire."
"You're that confident?"
"Mistakes are not tolerated in the Black General."
He's overflowing with confidence. What does he think I want?
I have five days left for the task. At least two days are spare.
I smiled lightly in agreement.
---------
Then, the only place where we can settle this is the Vidente Army.
From Vidente to Madoran.
If there's any disruption in using that gate, Robin has to listen to what I want.
After all, there was no rule against using strategies from the start.
As the Black Knight Commander, he wouldn't go back on his word.
But the problem is how to deceive the Black Knights.
When I returned, it was late at night, and the crowds that had filled the city hall were gone.
Only Maldivi, Nunes, and the mayor, who was tightly bound with rope, remained on the scene.
"Where have you been?"
"To the restroom."
"What kind of restroom takes two hours? Constipation?"
"I guess so."
I passed by Nunes and approached Onded.
He's a Black Knight.
Now that his identity is exposed and his mission is over, there's nothing he can do until he receives another mission from the Black Knights.
"Onded, come with me."
"Yes...?"
"You haven't received any additional missions yet, have you? You don't have anything to do anyway."
"Well, that's true, but..."
"Why don't you leave the Black Knights and become one of mine?"
Onded was taken aback.
I could understand why he was surprised. Typically, people have a negative impression of Black Knights, thinking them to be shady and untrustworthy.
Think about it—someone like the mayor, who trusted his right-hand man, got betrayed.
It's natural to feel uneasy about being around someone like that.
"Why would you choose someone like me...?"
"Because I need you."
"I was a Black Knight, which means...?"
"I don't have any prejudices. I highly respect your endurance for completing missions flawlessly over time. Plus, thanks to you, we secured evidence."
"Ah...!"
"Don't look at me like that. I'm offering this because I need you. Feel free to decline if you're not interested."
Was he moved?
Onded knelt down, his eyes welling up.
"How could I possibly decline...? Thank you for extending a hand to someone who lived in the shadows."
"A man shouldn't have weak knees. Stand up."
I helped Onded up by the arm.
Though he's an ordinary person who can't use mana, he's definitely someone who can help me.
I patted his shoulder warmly and said, "The Black Knights' latent magic will be lifted once you return to your family. My mentor is quite extraordinary."
"Thank you, really... I'm grateful."
"Until then, keep quiet. Don't die unnecessarily."
"Yes..."
Maldivi, who had been listening to our conversation, suddenly chimed in.
He seemed eager to speak up from earlier.
"Zed, sir... I don't know how to express my gratitude... Thanks to you, we've taken care of the mayor and the local military at once. I'm sure we won't have to take up arms again."
"That's how it should be. We need to reorganize the city until the next mayor arrives."
"We're all infinitely grateful. We'd like to offer you a small gesture of appreciation. Do you have time?"
"I'm starving anyway, so it's perfect timing."
Maldivi's eyes sparkled as if he hadn't expected me to agree so readily.
"Ha ha! Really?! I'll get everything ready right away!"
His smile never left his face as he led us, his footsteps light and quick.
The next morning, we finished our preparations early and set off.
I moved with my companions to the gate in Vidente.
Many city dwellers were already there, carrying bundles in both hands.
"Zed, sir, has arrived!"
Someone shouted, and it seemed like they had been waiting for me, as they all rushed over.
I had asked them to keep it quiet the night before, but...
"Zed, sir! We didn't have much to offer, so we brought some food."
"This is a nutritional supplement for horses, and this is a specialty of Vidente. You can sell it in other cities for a good price."
"Please accept it. It's a gift from us."
An awkward moment began.
-------
Despite experiencing this many times, I still can't get used to it.
I forced a smile on the pearl-like surface, while Nunes was like a fish in water, thoroughly enjoying the situation.
"You don't have to be so formal. As an investigator, it's only natural that you did what you had to do. Haha."
"It's nothing much, but please accept it. You're practically our savior."
"Hahahaha! I'm so embarrassed. But since you insist, I'll gratefully accept. Hahahaha!"
He was over the moon.
At first, he pretended to decline, citing his duty as an investigator, but soon he was beaming with a wide smile, accepting gifts. He even got off his horse to shake hands with each person, like a politician during election season.
"I guess this suits him."
Watching Nunes enjoy himself more than usual, I couldn't help but chuckle. It seemed that being acknowledged by people was his greatest joy.
I waited on the gate until Nunes finished his speech.
"We'll treat you properly next time you visit Lemong. Please come back again!"
"Hahahaha! Of course, I will! Hahahaha!"
How long do I have to wait?
Just as I was getting bored, Oned glanced at me discreetly.
"I understand the hardships of Lemong well. If the master responds, it would be a great honor."
"Enough. I'm fed up with this."
"Haha... I hear you're humble."
Humble? No, I just hate how cheesy this is.
As I called out, Nunes gestured for me to wait a bit longer. I felt like slapping him.
"Is this why he became an investigator?"
"It's because you've done something so remarkable. Just be a little considerate."
"It's not remarkable; it's just what's right. Fighting injustice is what's natural."
"Haha... I'm honored to serve you, Master."
"Suddenly?"
"Yes, I just had that thought."
What is he talking about?
Feeling a warning sign of cheesiness, I quickly grabbed Nunes by the back of his neck and dragged him away.
Even as he was being pulled, he continued waving his hand.
"See you all again! Take care!"
"Be careful on your way! We'll always support you!"
I signaled the gatekeeper immediately.
The magic circle beneath my feet began to glow white, and the people of Lemong bowed in unison.
—Whoosh!
I watched them, feeling a bit dizzy, and closed my eyes. When I opened them again, I was in a completely different place.
I saw grand buildings and bustling crowds. This was Vidante, the metropolis in the north.
"Alright, let's start the operation."
And it was also where I would engage in a struggle with the leader of the Black Guard.
Additional Information:
The palace is located in the center of the empire. The shortest route from Rheim to the palace involves going through the northern metropolis of "Vidante" and then to the city of "Madolan," which leads to the palace. From Madolan to the palace, one must travel by horse.