第６２３堀：獣人美人刑事純情派 学生誘拐事件 狼 (Part1)
**Chapter 623: The Beastman Beauty Detective’s Pure-Hearted Crusade — The Student Kidnapping Case (Wolf)**
**Side: Kagura**
“Please wait a moment.”
With those words, one of the guards went inside to confirm our arrival, leaving us standing before the gates of the Ounock manor.
“It’s smaller than I expected,” Deryu remarked, her eyes scanning the facade. “I thought it would be at least as grand as your estate, Kagura.”
“Hardly,” I replied. “Ounock is only a viscountcy, after all.”
While it didn't compare to the holdings of the Kamishiro family or the lands of Countess Catherine, who governed the trading port of Baide, Ounock was a town near the Academy and a vital transportation hub. The coin flowed well enough here. They could certainly afford a more magnificent structure than this modest manor, but the nobility is a thicket of tiresome social expectations. One is expected to build according to their station; should a lower-ranked noble indulge in conspicuous luxury, the vultures of high society are quick to descend with their criticisms. Architecture, in particular, is a lightning rod for such scrutiny.
“Still, it feels remarkably open,” Tori observed, her gaze drifting to the line of people forming a separate queue beside us. “I expected a nobleman’s residence to be a bit more… austere.”
“Unless it’s the royal palace or a ducal estate, it’s rarely that rigid,” I explained. “Too much formality makes actual governance difficult. Even in Weed, while few people have direct audiences with Lady Seraria, those who handle the day-to-day operations—like Yuki or Deryu—are constantly meeting with the public, aren't they?”
“Ah, I see. In Weed terms, a lower-ranking noble like a Viscount is essentially a department head,” Tori mused.
It felt slightly off, but given the lean nature of local administration, her assessment wasn't entirely wrong.
As we waited, I found myself stealing a glance at Tori. Her hair was a stunning, pristine white—a hallmark of her wolf beastman heritage. Riel was a cat, Kaya a fox. It struck me then that they were all beauties, each possessing a distinct, captivating allure.
I had always considered myself reasonably attractive, but being surrounded by them was a humbling reminder that there is always a higher peak to climb. Micos had a certain youthful charm and was certainly more well-endowed than I, but she lacked that refined 'beauty'... Solo, meanwhile, was simple and rustic—bless her heart. Not that it mattered, as she wasn't pursuing Yuki.
Fortunately, as Tori had mentioned, the other wives seemed aware of the situation regarding Yuki. The rest depended on my own resolve. In that regard, I held a distinct advantage over Micos. After all, a union between Yuki and myself was an indispensable bridge for the harmony of Weed and Hyden. Even the Princess had given me her blessing, urging me to do my best. This wasn't just personal; it was a matter of state!
If I could deftly secure Viscount Ounock’s cooperation here, it would be only natural to seek a sweet recompense from Yuki, wouldn't it? But Yuki could be dreadfully dense. If I were too subtle about a 'reward,' he’d likely think a slice of cake would suffice.
*How should I approach this?*
As I was lost in thought, the guard returned accompanied by several men. One of them stepped forward.
“That black hair… you must be Lady Kagura, daughter of the House of Kamishiro.”
“I am. And you are…?”
“Forgive my late introduction. I am Marge Ounock, the Viscount charged with the governance of this town.”
“I appreciate the warm welcome, Lord Ounock. I am Kagura Kamishiro, second daughter of the Duke.”
He offered a refined noble’s salute, and I returned the gesture with practiced grace.
“Please, come inside. I am eager to hear what brings you here,” he said, gesturing for us to follow him into the manor.
The interior matched the exterior—modest in scale but clearly well-funded. The furniture and rugs were of a quality a grade higher than one might expect for a simple country manor.
“Please, have a seat. Tea will be served shortly.”
He led us into his study, where the desk was piled high with stacks of parchment.
“I apologize for interrupting your work,” I said.
“Not at all. The letter mentioned that the nature of your visit was too sensitive for a written report. I must admit, I was quite startled.”
Hardly surprising. A mere Viscount receiving direct correspondence from both the Princess of Hyden and the Headmaster of the continent’s most prestigious Magic Academy was enough to rattle anyone. Under normal circumstances, such figures were far beyond his social reach.
“So, what is this business that requires such discretion? The Princess and the Headmaster both urged me to cooperate to the best of my ability, though I must say, I cannot lend my hand to anything criminal! Ha, but I’m sure that’s not the case. Hahaha.”
The Viscount laughed, his humor light. He seemed like a man of character. Perhaps such a temperament was necessary to govern a place like Ounock. Catherine possessed a similar wit; it was the easy confidence of an experienced adult. I hoped to acquire that kind of poise myself one day.
But for now, it was time for the main event.
“...I shall explain. However, this matter involves secrets of state. Depending on the outcome, it could place you in a precarious position, Lord Ounock. Are you prepared for that?”
I made sure to issue the warning before proceeding.
“Yes. I understand. The fact that you’ve come here in person suggests that something is happening within my own town, does it not?”
He was sharp. Or perhaps it was just the logical conclusion. Since we had come to him rather than summoning him, the issue was clearly local. It would be better to lay everything out at once rather than drip-feeding the details.
“A fair assumption. The truth is…”
I steeled myself and explained the situation in its entirety, omitting only the sensitive details regarding the gods and the Dungeon Master. I focused on the core facts: the attempted kidnapping of Solo, the evidence that such abductions had been systematically planned for years, and the high probability that the kidnappers’ base of operations was located right here in this town.
“...I can hardly believe such a thing.”
“It may seem incredible, but it is the reality. And, if you’ll forgive the bluntness, I must ask: Lord Ounock, are you…”
“I am in no way involved!” he declared, his voice firm but not raised in a defensive shout. His sincerity was palpable. “This town, this viscountcy, exists because of the Academy. To prey upon it—to betray the Academy and the Hyden I love—is unthinkable. Please, you must believe me.”
I glanced at Tori and Deryu. Both gave a subtle, almost imperceptible shake of their heads. They sensed no deception in him. General Steve’s men would likely keep him under surveillance regardless, but for the sake of the mission, it was best to accept his word for now.
“I understand. I believe you, Lord Ounock. Now, as for the cooperation we require…”
“I know what must be done! I shall mobilize every soldier at my disposal immediately to scour the town!”
He seemed desperate to prove his innocence, his enthusiasm bordering on reckless. I had to restrain him.
“Wait. Now that we know you aren't involved, a mass mobilization would be counterproductive. It would only alert the enemy and cause them to vanish into the shadows.”
“Mmm. A valid point.”
“Our goal is to confirm the connection between the kidnappers we captured and the group known as the Circle of Wisdom, and to determine if they have been targeting students. Simply catching a few bandits in the streets won't end this.”
“Then how do you intend to proceed?”
“I will let Lady Tori and Lady Deryu explain the details,” I said, gesturing to my companions.
“These two? But… are they not guests from Weed?”
“They are. However, in Weed, they are specialists in this brand of investigation. I have entrusted them with the command of this operation.”