第６２３堀：獣人美人刑事純情派 学生誘拐事件 狼 (Part2)
“I see. So that is the arrangement? Lady Kagura, you are acting primarily as a liaison for my benefit?”
“Precisely. As you can see, I am still a student and quite inexperienced,” Kagura replied.
“Haha, you are far too modest. You are conducting diplomacy with a sovereign nation; pray, have more confidence in yourself. However, I understand the wisdom of deferring to specialists. May I hear your thoughts, then? Lady Tori, Lady Deryu?”
The Viscount turned his attention toward the two women.
*I wonder if it would be easier if I mentioned that Tori is a Spirit Priestess?* Kagura thought. Tori seemed to be of the same mind; she immediately dispelled her illusion magic, revealing her lupine ears as she began her explanation.
The Viscount froze at the sight. *Perhaps that had the opposite effect?*
“Excuse me,” Kagura prompted.
“Viscount?” Tori added.
“Ah—! M-my deepest apologies! I did not realize I was in the presence of a Spirit Priestess. Forgive my rudeness!”
“It is fine. You have been perfectly hospitable thus far. For the time being, I am keeping these ears hidden within Haiden. They would only cause a stir, and we cannot conduct a discreet investigation if everyone is staring.”
“Quite right. Secrecy is paramount for such an endeavor. And, if I may ask… Lady Deryu is…?”
“Hm? I am no beastman. You need not worry about that,” Deryu said.
Kagura felt it necessary to add that Deryu was a survivor of a fallen royal line, and that she was accorded the status of royalty within the Kingdom of Gartz on the continent of Rogari.
“A… a Princess? In the flesh?”
*Maybe I shouldn’t have mentioned that either?* Kagura wondered. *But it’s better than having a misunderstanding lead to trouble later.*
“I understand your surprise,” Deryu said smoothly, “but the very survival of Haiden may be at stake. I am a former princess, yes, but now I am an emissary from Weed, and one who desires friendship between our lands. Let us exert our strength for our mutual benefit. Shall we, Viscount?”
“Yes!! Leave it to me!! Princess!!”
The Viscount, who had been relatively composed until now, let out a shout of pure enthusiasm.
*…Apparently, the Viscount has a thing for princesses,* Kagura noted dryly. *Tch. Why are men like this?*
It reminded her of the soldiers during Princess Carrie’s time—they had become pointlessly hyper-focused, making it impossible to even suggest a retreat. Kagura found such people difficult to deal with.
In that regard, Yuki was a breath of fresh air. He wasn’t moved by status or titles at all.
*…Which is exactly why he’s so difficult to pin down.* Her status as a Duke’s daughter meant nothing to him. In truth, Yuki’s own standing was practically that of a divine apostle.
*Wait. Does that mean I’m the one aiming too high here?*
“…And that is what we are considering.”
“I see. So, a small, elite group for a covert operation. It is true that if I were to gather my troops, it would be seen as a provocation. Thus, Lady Tori and Lady Deryu will pose as visitors touring the town, guided by Lady Kagura and her fellow students.”
“Exactly,” Tori confirmed.
*Oh, no.* While Kagura had been lost in her own thoughts, Tori had already finished explaining the plan for their secret investigation.
“...However, is it not dangerous?” the Viscount asked, his brow furrowing. “I am told there is only one male among you, and a student at that. You intend to venture into the back alleys, do you not? A group of women alone is practically an invitation for trouble. Should anything happen, the House of Ohnock would face severe repercussions for allowing it. For the sake of my own house, I cannot simply condone such a risk.”
Kagura reconsidered her opinion of him. *I thought he was just a princess-obsessed eccentric, but he has his head on straight.*
From a common-sense perspective, a group of high-born women—a Duke’s daughter, a Princess, and a Spirit Priestess—wandering into the slums for an investigation was absurd. He was framing it as protecting his own house, but he was clearly trying to ensure these sheltered women didn't get hurt.
However, while Kagura might be a novice, Tori and the others were Yuki’s wives.
“Thank you for your concern,” Tori said with a graceful smile. “We truly appreciate your consideration, Viscount. However, we shall be fine. Since words alone are rarely convincing, allow us to provide a small demonstration.”
“I beg your pardon?”
What followed need not be described in detail. Suffice it to say that several large craters appeared in the Viscount’s training grounds, and the sight of soldiers being sent flying through the air became the hottest topic of conversation in town.
In fact, the spectacle was so overwhelming that it drowned out almost every other rumor. When Tori revealed she had caused the commotion intentionally to flush out any suspicious chatter, Kagura couldn't help but feel the woman was truly formidable.
As for the Viscount’s reaction afterward…
“As expected of a Princess and a Spirit Priestess who consort with so many nations!” he exclaimed, fawning over Deryu.
Kagura felt a surge of irritation. As they were leaving, she made sure to lean in and whisper, “Viscount. Lady Deryu is already married. Please ensure that fact is well-known.”
Some people simply had a weakness for the "Princess" archetype. Whether it was admiration or something else, it was a powerful draw. In this world, the allure of a "Lady" or a "Princess" carried a weight that was hard to ignore.
Setting aside such fetishes, it seemed the Viscount was not involved in the conspiracy.
*So, where is their base of operations?* The investigation continued.