Chapter 64 –
Infiltration (4)
“The fact that this bird can speak… it must be a summoned creature.”
An attendant approached, dragging a large cage that clattered as it touched the floor. Startled, Leri darted behind Lowell, who also frowned in discomfort.
“This is a storage cage for summoned beasts. In case reverse-summoning proves difficult, they can be kept here temporarily. Were you not informed of the prohibition against bringing them inside?”
“No, we were not told anything of the sort.”
“That’s strange… magical creatures and artifacts are automatically detected by our wards over there. Regardless, animals are not permitted within the premises. I must ask you to leave the bird in our care for now.”
Everything proceeded as smoothly as flowing water. Lowell recalled the words of the chamberlain:
—Since your investigation must remain secret, you will be treated as honored guests inside.
That had been a warning—resistance would only cause trouble. Though reverse-summoning would not be difficult for him, he had never once attempted it since Leri’s creation, and the thought left him uneasy.
“M-Maaasteeer… D-Do I really have to be locked up… all alone…?”
Leri’s eyes brimmed with tears, his voice trembling at the thought of being caged away from his master.
Temia, unable to bear it, was about to speak up—offering to stay with Leri—when the attendant suddenly brightened with an idea.
“Ah, that reminds me. We already have a canary in storage. Since they sometimes make a fuss when locked in, we usually leave the cages open. Would it be acceptable to place your bird in the same space? Rest assured, the entire room is sealed with a locking enchantment—escape is impossible.”
The instant he heard those words, Leri forgot his trembling. With a loud flutter, he flew into the cage of his own accord, puffing out his round belly and shouting:
“Take me there at once! Let’s enjoy ourselves properly tonight!”
Once the bluebird was gone, Temia’s face flushed crimson. Embarrassed by Leri’s sudden change of heart, she covered her burning cheeks and lowered her head.
“…Hic. …Mmph.”
Even the chamberlain escorting them stifled his laughter, remembering the scene. Lowell, shameless as ever, showed no reaction—his composure untouched.
“Once this job is done, I’m taking a break. No matter what. Absolutely.”
That thought filled Lowell’s mind. The commission had seemed simple enough at first glance, yet…
“Meeting again so soon. We’ve been seeing each other rather often, haven’t we?”
A familiar voice shattered his hope of a quick conclusion.
It was Rio—the merchant lord’s agent who had summoned them here.
“We only just parted. I could happily go five years without seeing him again.”
Already weary, Lowell watched as the chamberlain bowed politely before Rio. But Rio, every bit as shameless as Lowell, provoked him further.
“That’s my line. And besides, isn’t this a meeting of your own making? Anyone might think this was coincidence.”
“Hmm? I wasn’t talking to you. I meant your assistant.”
Startled, Temia raised her head and hastily bowed.
“Y-Yes. You said it was urgent, so we came as quickly as we could. I’m glad to see you again. I heard you introduced us to Duke Widro?”
“That’s right. A magician of your caliber doesn’t belong in some backwater. My recommendation was more than enough. And your assistant here…”
“…?”
“She seems just as capable. Investigation isn’t only about watching places—it’s about questioning people, finding threads of truth. In that regard, she may even surpass you. I have high hopes. Don’t disappoint me.”
Rio smiled meaningfully at Temia, then turned to Lowell.
“I didn’t expect you to actually come. It was half in jest, but thank you.”
“If I hadn’t, you’d surely punish me somehow. Cutting off my supply priority, perhaps. Hardly unexpected. That’s why I hurried.”
“Appreciate the compliment. In any case, I’ll be your guide from here. You needn’t gamble if you don’t wish to, but as guests you should at least look like you belong. Suspicion falls easily on awkward newcomers.”
Lowell clenched his jaw. “Infuriating bastard.”
Yet he stayed silent. Complaints would only be wasted on Rio, and changing plans now was impossible. Better to tally his grievances for later compensation.
“Relax your glare, will you? This way.”
“I was born with this face. Is that a problem?”
Temia bit her lip to stifle her laughter. Rio’s manner was an uncanny echo of her very first meeting with Lowell.
Rio continued speaking without pause, leading them deeper inside.
“Be careful not to get caught up in anything. Otherwise, you might end up like that.”
He gestured ahead.
“Wait! This isn’t right—I won that hand!”
“Oh, sir, refusing to admit defeat is most unseemly. Out of chips? Then please step aside without making a scene.”
“Don’t be ridiculous! I had the winning hand!”
“Then return with greater skill. For now, leave.”
A defeated noble was dragged away by attendants, struggling until his tuxedo tore—humiliating him before all. Rio stepped neatly aside, avoiding the man’s flailing arm with practiced ease.
The guests, decked in jewels and fine clothes, were clearly nobles. Yet their crude, primal behavior stunned Temia, who struggled to reconcile such vulgarity with the idea of aristocracy.
Lowell, too, scanned the hall with weary distaste. He had always hated noise, and the roars and shrieks grated against him. But then Temia noticed something strange—his pale face, the faint tremor in his eyes, the sigh he tried to smother.
“Are you feeling unwell?”
When he turned, his complexion was ghostly.
“Give me your hand for a moment.”
“….”
“Your hand is freezing! Are you sure you’re alright? You seemed fine before, but now—”
Before she could finish, he pulled his hand back and cut her off.
“I’m fine. Just… disgusted. I’d rather finish quickly and leave.”
The last words—“Revolting”—were barely audible, his blurred enunciation making Temia unsure she’d heard right. He blinked rapidly, then forced a calm expression.
“Don’t worry. Focus. I’ll be fine.”
She nodded, returning her gaze to Rio. There was no time to lose.
Rio guided them like one intimately familiar with the place. Yet curiosity got the better of Temia, and she whispered,
“Why today, specifically?”
“What do you mean?”
Lowering his head, Rio helped her keep her voice low. Their eyes met—his golden irises glittering like gemstones, making her catch her breath. She pressed on.
“I understand urgency, but why tonight? Was there a reason?”
“The target’s visits are irregular—impossible to predict. But I discovered one consistent detail.”
“What detail?”
“He always comes here on the night of the full moon.”
Indeed, tonight’s sky held a brilliant full moon. Temia nodded.
“That sounds like something out of a werewolf legend.”
Rio chuckled. “You’re sharp. Why not join me as my assistant instead? I’d reward you far better.”
“Never! …But does that mean this person really has some connection to what you just described?”
Rio’s grin widened, eyes gleaming with amusement.
“Indeed. He calls himself the Viscount Lycanthrope.”
