Chapter 115. An Open Secret (1)

As I walked deeper into the dark underground canal, a peculiar feeling began to creep over me.

The stale smell gradually faded away, and instead, there was a sense of cleanliness; I could feel traces of human presence.

"Indeed... it feels like an artificially altered space by someone."

"Which means, it won't be long before we find the place we're searching for."

I said this as I continued moving forward without halting.

Just as the unfamiliar underground scenery began to feel somewhat endearing.

"Black Knight, who are you?"

Aileen suddenly asked out of the blue.

"Didn't you just mention it? I am the 'Black Knight', right?"

"Not that... I mean your true identity."

What could be the reason for suddenly asking that?

Did I make a mistake somehow?

"If I'm covering my face with such a hideous mask, wouldn't it be more strange if I just told you straightforwardly when you ask?"

I thought I had made a reasonable statement, but she seemed to feel differently.

"I don't think it's that hideous..."

I overheard her quiet mumbling unintentionally.

That's an unexpected reaction.

Out there, I just kept hearing things like 'terrible' or 'hideous'.

When I chose the coat at that vintage store, I thought it was okay, but apparently, there was a flaw.

"If someone like you exists, surely you have a separate identity within the Empire, right? One of a status equivalent to a noble."

"Why do you think so?"

"The gear you carry and the access to information... These are things ordinary people can't possibly imitate."

Aileen said this while pointing at the scabbard at my waist.

"Especially, what material is that sword made of?"

"It's similar to ordinary swords."

"That's a lie, the swords I've seen so far were all consistent, but the one you use is a material I've never seen before. It's pitch black like a shadow... as if it were alive."

As if it were alive... Perhaps because she's a mage, Aileen's assessment was quite accurate. It truly is like a living organism.

"Thanks to that material, it's possible for the sword to release aura, right?"

"... Yes."

It really wasn't much of a secret, so I just nodded.

After all, even if I explained about 'Sombra', it would only result in more suspicion.

"For you to secure such a material and possess the technology to forge it into a sword means you are a person of power, above even the nobles of the Empire."

"... Your deduction skills are impressive."

"And it also means you could be someone I know."

Her tone hinted at some particular intention.

I almost paused to look back at her.

'Trying to provoke me?'

Such a nuisance.

I hastened my stride, choosing silence over a reply. A steady shuffle echoed behind me as she tried to catch up, calling out to me.

Keep trying to follow.

It's you who's curious, not me.

***

The next course of action Corund chose after misunderstanding, 'Even the Cryphart family, who detest Yulian, secretly support him,' was already determined.

― Arrange a meeting with Aiden on this day.

'Become bait to draw Aiden out.'

Perhaps, Yulian had made such a suggestion with this thought in mind.

Initially, I thought Aiden and Yulian were in cahoots.

It made sense, as Corund perceived the sudden appearance of Yulian at the Martial Arena as a collaboration with Aiden.

But Corund's expectations were off the mark.

'Yulian made his appearance there to prevent cooperation between Aiden and me...'

By now, it was too late to negotiate with Aiden. Corund already bore the deep scar left by Yulian upon him.

A scar named 'fear'.

"Aiden..."

Fully aware of his own shortcomings, Corund lifted his gaze to the man standing before him.

"I didn't expect you to want to meet again."

A voice, cold with a hint of sneer.

Sounding as if he had anticipated a meeting like this somewhere down the line.

"Not too long ago, you were fuming on the assumption I'd join hands with Yulian to drive your school out."

"... I made a hasty assumption, thinking you and Yulian had colluded."

"Now, you understand? What gain could there possibly be joining hands with the dirty Royal Hound?"

"True enough..."

As he turned away from Aiden's incredulous demeanor, Corund dwelt on Yulian's words.

― When you meet him, please request to temporarily suspend the magical devices in his possession.

That was Yulian's only demand.

To meet Aiden and have the magical devices in his possession deactivated.

"Then, it's crucial to find a point of compromise. Our meeting again suggests our goals align."

"Do you mean in Yulian's... downfall?"

"Exactly."

"Before that, I have a request, Aiden."

Speaking with caution, Corund knew that what he was about to say was an odd request.

Aiden regarded him with a curious expression.

"What is it?"

"I'd like you to take out the magical devices you're carrying, and have them stopped."

"What?"

Aiden frowned slightly.

Understandable. Magical devices are a mage's lifeline, their last line of defense.

Requesting their 'cessation' is like asking someone to bare their neck.

"You still seem unable to cast off your suspicions from the incident at the Martial Arena."

While it was Yulian's order, under the guise of 'Yulian's downfall,' Corund nodded to Aiden's words.

"Though this meeting is meant to discuss how we'll cooperate, if suspicion persists, there's nothing we can do. Surely, you know what magical devices mean to a mage."

Creak.

Accompanied by such remarks, Aiden stood up from his seat.

As if to conclude this negotiation never happened.

'This can't be...!'

Seeing Aiden's steps, Corund grew desperate.

He had no idea what might happen if he didn't follow Yulian's orders.

The pain from his injuries dealt by Pintel began to throb, bringing Corund to his senses. He rose from his seat, just as Aiden had.

"......what are you doing."

Scattered and rattling──!

Corund laid down the magical devices and wands he was carrying onto the table.

"I- I came here to talk, hence there's no room for doubt."

"What does that have to do with bringing out magical devices?"

"The incident at the Martial Arena! Back then you planted a magical device with eavesdropping magic on me!"

Truthfully, Corund didn't know whether it was Aiden or someone else who set it up.

But that truth wasn't important now. Corund had to act.

His life, the honor of his family, everything hung in the balance, and he was painfully aware of growing anxious.

His raised voice was evident, with sweat trickling down his spine.

Furthermore, each glance from Aiden added to his discomfort.

"... To be clear, I had no involvement in the incident's mishap."

That fact is no longer of concern now!

"Nonetheless, seeing you demonstrate such sincerity leaves me with little choice."

With that, Aiden began to remove his magical devices, just like Corund had.

Earrings and rings.

Necklaces and other ornaments.

After placing them on the table, Aiden sat back down.

"Is that sufficient?"

Seeing Aiden's actions, Corund nodded with a servile grin, suppressing his mounting fear.

'Is this good enough, Yulian? I've done what I could.'

***

"It's a barrier."

The moment I could feel we were nearing the laboratory, a magical barrier confirmed it, catching both Aileen's and my eyes.

It was a magic not noticeable to laymen, but to anyone familiar with 'mana', it was a barrier impossible to overlook.

"I'm unsure of its type, but what's certain is that it's a barrier reporting some signal to its user."

"Can't we just disable it?"

"Remember when you entered my estate? Disabling it merely alerts the user."

Aileen spoke while examining the barrier.

"A barrier installed here with alarm magic probably indicates there's something they want hidden."

Aileen approached the barrier cautiously and warned me against approaching it closely.

"Don't get too close. Alarm might be one effect, but it's likely not the only one!"

I'm aware.

Just tracking it with my sight, I could already sense some trouble awaiting.

'Explosive effect with metal balls shooting out.'

It has the effect of a fragmentation grenade.

The problem is that even if I use 'Keen Insight' or 'Astounding Intuition' to destroy them, an alert will be sent to Aiden.

'Seeing the barrier here means Corund rejected my 'request'.'

But, I didn't hold high expectations anyway.

Merely the absence of Aiden was satisfaction enough for me.

Siiiing—!

I drew my sword.

Not bothering to conceal the Moonstone Sword with 'Sombra'.

"Wait! Are you planning to cut through that barrier?"

Aileen looked on in disbelief.

"No matter how skilled you are in swordsmanship, that's impossible!"

"Stay back if you don't want to get caught up in it."

I was prepared to shield myself entirely with 'Sombra' if necessary, then I swung my sword.

Sizzle—!

The sword cut through 'empty space' instead of the 'barrier'. To be precise, the barrier disappeared just before the Moonlit Sword could make contact.

'... Did Corund follow my 'request' after all?'

There's no other way to explain this phenomenon.

The barrier was meant to set off when Aiden didn't have 'magical devices' on him.

'Good timing.'

As I realized this.

"Th-That's absurd."

Aileen's astonished voice trailed from behind.

"To slice through a composite barrier without triggering it... How's that possible..."

I know. It was just a coincidence.

The thought of explaining made my head ache.

Do I need to? There's hardly any point...

Calmly, I stepped further into the laboratory.

"One moment! How did you manage that!? You must have cut through the barrier using that sword, right!?"

No, really, I swear it was pure chance.

I anticipated it would be troublesome, but Aileen's fussing didn't last long.

Once her eyes met the laboratory's scene, her expression turned serious.

Not only that.

Her face gradually stiffened and soon turned ashen.

"Does the layout and those tools seem familiar?"

She caught on.

The lab is closely tied to Aiden... and precisely, the 'Donatien Family' she belongs to.

"Does this place have... any connection to my family?"

Well, that'd be putting it lightly. It's not just a connection; rather, the master behind those mages manages this place.

"No, I think I know without hearing it. Did you know about this?"

"Yes."

"... Then, you might have 'identified' the owner."

"Aiden de Donatien."

"... What?"

Without hesitation, my answer came out so quickly it caught Aileen off guard.

"He's the owner of this laboratory."

After my statement, I silently gauged her response, anticipating her reaction.

As a noble, she might prioritize the honor of Donatien house over this predicament.

"You wanted to bury this quietly since you heard a familiar name?"

"Quietly... That's hardly an option."

She had a resolute gaze.

Judging by her words, she seemed unable to abandon the Donatien house even as a side-branch member.

"We should make it a major matter!"

As expected, her lineage was...

"We should report these illegal experiments conducted in such facilities to 'Blind Eyes'!"

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