“This is the data the Grand Duchy of Leitche can provide.”

“That’s a lot.”

An exclamation escaped me without realizing it as I looked at the heaping mountain of documents.

After the meeting ended, the other members went their separate ways, but Regina remained at the headquarters.

The reason was simple.

To torment me, who had blocked Leitche's plan.

“I hope you understand that we did not designate that area as a pioneer land simply to take the Demon's land.”

“I roughly understand the reason the Grand Duchy of Leitche covets it. But it still has nothing to do with the Eight Council, does it.”

As soon as I spoke indirectly, Regina threw a bundle of documents in front of me as if she had been waiting.

“You must know that most of the northern part of the White Continent is Demon territory. It's a place where the Raven's intelligence network does not reach. With this pioneering, the Raven plans to place eyes and ears in the Demon territory as well. If you look at this map.”

As I let the words that poured out like flowing water wash over me, I racked my brain.

In the original work, it was only mentioned that Leitche and the Demons clashed due to the northern pioneering, along with an episode where they requested the protagonist's help.

Why is it connected to Valheit's death?

The Leitche army that Noah had fought was only a very small part.

There was no way to know what had happened in the places Noah hadn't gone.

“Your Excellency? Are you listening to me?”

“Of course.”

“Then I trust you understand that this pioneering project is important for the relationship between the Eight Council and Leitche.”

Regina declared firmly and nodded her head.

In any case, since it's connected to my death probability, I can't just rashly say okay.

“I'm not so sure.”

“Ugh….”

Regina, frowning heavily, began to let out a pained sound.

Is this really something to be so desperate about?

“How about postponing it at least until we can persuade Avantnik.”

“No, it must be done now.”

“The strategic importance is the same now as it will be later, isn't it.”

“Because if not now, that bastard will escape deeper.”

Regina clamped her mouth shut as if she realized she had misspoken.

I had guessed there was some other purpose, but to think it was because of a person.

“I can only help you if I know the exact purpose.”

“We found out that a heinous criminal who escaped from the Demon land is staying there. If he hears the news that the next pioneer land will be where he is now, he will escape deeper.”

“Who is it?”

“That is confidential.”

Confidential.

What a convenient excuse.

If it were an ordinary heinous criminal, they wouldn't go to such lengths to find him hiding in Demon land.

Is he a political criminal?

“We cannot use the Eight Council's resources to catch Leitche's heinous criminal. Besides, it's obvious what Avantnik would say.”

He would throw a fit, saying it's not right to chase away a guest.

If it goes further, he'll go around telling everyone that Leitche is invading.

Regina, who was chewing her lip as if troubled, finally gave in first.

“It's a family matter.”

“Family?”

“I will only say that there is a traitor to the family who escaped while plotting treason.”

In the end, it means he's a political criminal.

Perhaps the reason my death probability dropped wasn't because I stopped the conflict between the Demons and Leitche, but because it might be related to that political criminal.

It needs to be investigated.

As much as possible without causing a conflict.

“It is difficult for the Eight Council to help with Leitche's pioneering project. However, if it's the Raven's work, it's fine to help. After all, we are in a cooperative relationship.”

“But we cannot move freely in the Demon's land.”

“That is the part I am offering to help with. So that you can solve the problem without causing a conflict with the Demons.”

“Do you have something in mind?”

“Of course.”

I said with confidence.

Of course, nothing is certain yet, but I have a rough idea of the method, so it's not a complete lie.

“If you put it that way, there's no need to rush the pioneering project. But we can't stop it forever. Because it's a project that involves many people.”

“That is for the Grand Duchy of Leitche to handle on its own. The Eight Council will neither help nor interfere. However, if Avantnik charges in, we will also remain still.”

“I will take that as you maintaining neutrality.”

Regina showed an attitude of taking a step back.

It must mean it's an urgent matter that requires the Eight Council's help no matter what.

I had also bought time to prepare, so I had no intention of pushing further.

“I will contact you with the exact method later. Ron.”

“Yes, Lord Valheit.”

The butler appeared as always.

I guess the fact that he didn't appear when I called yesterday wasn't a big deal after all.

“I'm going to meet Avantnik, so please prepare.”

“Understood. It seems it will take about half a day to secure a ship.”

“Are you going to explain to Avantnik?”

She seemed curious since I said I was going to meet Avantnik right after saying I would prepare.

I answered with a grin, the corners of my mouth rising.

“To enter the land of the Demons, wouldn't we need a Demon.”

***

The strait that separates the Black Continent and the White Continent is an important passage connecting the two continents.

As such, there are many who seek to plunder it, with the Northern Federation pirates and the Demon pirates being representative examples.

In particular, the Demon pirates of Charnirasho are said to be in no way inferior in power to the navies of the Empire or Vestol.

There are many theories as to how mere Demons can be so, but the established theory is that there is a mysterious power in the wood used to build the ships….

I closed Stunner’s Astonishing Travelogue after reading that far.

Because the sound of the horn announcing our arrival rang painfully in my ears.

As I came out of the cabin, the salty smell of the sea pierced my nose.

Soon, the captain, who was dirty to put it nicely, wiped the grease from his hands, found me, and grinned.

“We’ve arrived, Your Excellency.”

“Good work, Captain.”

Leaving the captain, who was busy counting the ducats that had fallen into his hand, I turned my gaze outside, and a long plain that stretched along the coast came into view.

“It was originally a forest, but the Vestol bastards burned it all down last time.”

The captain explained, spitting, as if he were a guide.

Even at a glance, I could tell that the area of the forest Professor Zain had burned down was enormous.

“Is that Charnirasho.”

“Yes, it’s a place full of nasty pirates. I don't know why you're going to a place like that, but be careful.”

“Thank you for the advice….”

“Uweeegh!”

A thunderous sound was heard clearly from the stern to the bow.

In the distance, I could see the ashen-faced Wilhelm vomiting.

The captain grinned, revealing his blackish teeth.

“That friend is not cut out to be a sailor. It seems you'll have to find another attendant.”

“I'll handle it myself. Go and tell him to get off quickly.”

I couldn't help but let out a dry laugh as I remembered Wilhelm insisting he would be fine because he had obtained a magic tool that prevents seasickness.

Only after a long while did Wilhelm come down from the ship, staggering and carrying a bag.

“Did you throw up everything inside you?”

“Probably ugh, uwegh.”

It seemed there was nothing left inside him, as only stomach acid dripped onto the ground.

“You'll feel better as you walk. As I said at the headquarters, I have no intention of being held back by my subordinate.”

“Yep.”

Originally, I was planning to meet Avantnik alone, but Wilhelm volunteered.

The reason being that Ede was still with Noah, and the other members of the Count's Shadow Corps had gone to check on Johann Geller's suspicious movements, so he was the only one who could follow.

I didn't stop him since he said he would follow with enthusiasm.

Even now, half-dead, his eyes alone were sparkling.

‘To think that's the villain Wilhelm. The image doesn't match.’

Well, it's not like I lose anything from him being enthusiastic.

I kept my word and walked on without slowing down, and Wilhelm, though staggering, followed properly.

“By the way, how do you plan to meet Lord Avantnik?”

“Have you ever heard what happens to a human who sets foot in the land of the Demons.”

“You mean stories like being eaten or burned alive? That's just something to scare children.”

I didn't answer and just grinned.

Wilhelm's pupils shook greatly.

“…Right?”

“It seems we have already entered Charnirasho.”

“Pardon?”

“This talisman woven from bones is like a sign. That humans should not enter.”

As I lightly tapped the talisman, the bones clattered against each other.

Wilhelm gulped and quickly stuck to my side.

“How do we find Avantnik? It's very simple. We just need to make them come to us.”

“Isn't that too much of a rule of thumb?”

Instead of answering, I raised my staff.

An arrow blocked by the barrier fell with a clang.

“They're already here, aren't they.”

Wilhelm quickly got into a fighting stance.

“Four on the right, one on the left.”

Wilhelm whispered quickly so that only I could hear.

It matched the location of the enemies I had identified with Detection.

“We have come to meet Avantnik.”

An arrow flew instead of an answer.

It would be stranger if they said, ‘Oh, is that so? Welcome.’

“I'll leave the left to you. I'll take care of the rest. Try not to kill them, but if you think it's dangerous, eliminate them.”

“Yes.”

He neither questioned nor objected.

I gave a bitter smile, looking at Wilhelm who had a gaze that didn't match his age at all.

I moved first.

An arrow flew, but I lightly deflected it.

As the distance closed, they began to retreat as if flustered.

I grabbed the one in the front who had drawn his sword with a Mana Grasp and threw him.

The others flinched, seeing their comrade roll a few times.

The rest was easy.

I hit one on the snout with my staff, and subdued the other two with magic respectively.

After confirming that all were subdued, I dusted off the dirt from my knees.

‘If the forest were intact, it would have been more difficult to deal with them.’

Should I be grateful to Professor Zain for this?

Thinking that, I checked Wilhelm's side with Detection.

It seemed there was no problem over there either.

The ones I dealt with didn't seem to be in a state to talk, so I went over to Wilhelm's side.

Wilhelm wiping a blood-stained dagger and a gnoll with blood dripping from its ankle came into view.

“You seem to be able to talk, so let's ask for directions.”

“Damn human bastards! Do you think you can get out of the forest alive after coming in?”

The gnoll struggled, screaming, and reached for its crossbow.

Of course, it couldn't even get near the crossbow, and one of its fingers was cut off.

“Kyaaaak!”

“Next time, it's two.”

Wilhelm muttered in a chilling voice.

He was completely different from when he was on the verge of death from seasickness.

“I'm not exactly Avantnik's friend but an acquaintance. Would you be so kind as to take me to him? This is the last time I will ask with words.”

The gnoll gulped, looking at the dagger that touched its finger.

“Let's consider this as not answering either. Mr. Wilhelm!”

“What? No! I was just thinking Kuaaak!!”

Two more fingers were cut off.

It wasn't a pretty sight, but I was sure to get an answer.

“Alright! I get it, so put that away!”

“Your other comrades will get up on their own. Now, let's start the guiding.”

The terrified gnoll staggered to its feet and began to guide us, limping.

Following slowly behind it, I quietly said to Wilhelm.

“Next time, do not act without permission. You could escalate a problem that can be solved with words.”

“…Yes.”

Wilhelm, who answered in a fluster, hung his head low.

I patted his disheartened shoulder and smiled.

“We are not street thugs who bare their teeth at random, but gentlemen who bite according to principles.”

“Is that similar to an adventurer or a knight?”

Wilhelm asked, his eyes sparkling.

Come to think of it, this guy would pile up adventure novels and read them whenever he had free time.

“You could say it's somewhat similar.”

At those words, Wilhelm nodded his head vigorously.

I was getting a feel for how to handle him.

His skills are no problem, and if I just fix him up a little, he'll definitely be good.

Satisfied with the small harvest, I subtly hurried the gnoll.

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