第６２４堀：獣人美人刑事純情派 学生誘拐事件 裏 (Part2)
Gudo’s subordinates filed through the door, working in dozens to haul the supplies away.
"…Would it have been better if I’d delivered those directly to your warehouse?" Yuki asked.
"I’ll ask you to do that from now on. But this time, this was fine. It let my people see that you girls aren't exactly ordinary. Now, about that cooperation—it’s strictly within the realm of the possible. We aren’t looking to cross any dangerous bridges if we can help it."
"That’s fine by me. For our part, we’d prefer it if you didn't move too conspicuously anyway."
"What’s that supposed to mean? You hand over a reward like that, and then tell us not to make a scene?"
"The situation is a bit… unique. From the look of things, it seems you haven't realized what's going on yet, Gudo-san."
At Yuki’s words, Gudo seemed to sense that something was unfolding in this town beyond his knowledge. His expression hardened into one of grim focus.
"…What exactly is happening in this town?"
"This stays strictly between us."
"That goes without saying. Or so I’d like to claim, but why tell a group like us something so important?"
"It’s simple. Something is happening that you—and by extension, this entire town—absolutely cannot afford to let continue."
"…Talk to me. You’re saying this town might be wiped off the map, aren't you?"
"Yeah. The truth is…"
With that, Yuki disclosed as much information as he deemed safe.
Specifically, he explained that after capturing the group attacking the Magic Academy students, they discovered a kidnapping ring was likely using this town as a hideout. He warned that if things continued as they were, the authorities might simply crush every suspicious corner of the district one by one. Yuki noted that such a move was a last resort for his group as well, as it might cause the targets to slip away.
"…Good gods. That’s what’s been going on?"
Gudo’s face went pale as he listened.
It made sense. Laying a hand on students of the Magic Academy was tantamount to declaring war on Heiden itself. A mere gang of back-alley thugs would be pulverized in an instant. Furthermore, since there was a possibility that the 'Wisdom Gathering'—a particularly troublesome lot—was involved, Heiden wouldn't hesitate for a second.
"Judging by your reaction, it seems you really aren't involved," Yuki observed.
"Of course not. Even if they’re just brats, Academy students have usually mastered high-level magic. Every last one of them has a guaranteed future. And like Micos over there, some of them are nobles. Even the commoner mages likely have some connection to the nobility, and any commoner who’s fought through that kind of discrimination to get in isn't going to be a pushover. The risk of kidnapping them is far too high. Besides, we’re right next door to the Academy. If something happens, we’re the first ones they’ll look at… Wait, is that the point?"
"Probably. If word got out that students were being abducted, there’d be an uproar. The real culprits would use the chaos to vanish, leaving the blame to fall on people like you. All they’d have to do is toss a few school uniforms in a corner here and call it a day, right?"
"…Exactly. I get it. We’ll give you our full cooperation. You’ve even got a letter of authorization from the Viscount. That means the people in these alleys are already being watched, doesn't it?"
"Precisely. If things go south, we might be forced to eliminate everyone here."
It was a cold reality, but a logical one. Leaving the situation alone could deal a fatal blow to Heiden’s reputation. The authorities would likely resort to merciless torture to wring the truth out of anyone they deemed suspicious.
"…We can't cause a stir, and the Viscount doesn't want a scene either. What do you need us to do?"
"Like I said at the start: tell me what you know. Rumors in this town. Anything about students being kidnapped."
"…No, if there were rumors like that, we would have dealt with it ourselves."
"Well, if you look at it directly, sure. But what about rumors of kidnappings in general, or strange groups coming and going? These people aren't boldly snatching twenty people a year. That’s why it took so long to notice."
"…I see. If it’s only one or two people, it wouldn't look suspicious to us. We’d just assume it was the slave trade. We don't know every face at the Academy. If they’re targeting the quiet ones—commoner mages especially—we wouldn't be able to tell the difference. But if that’s the case, then everything starts looking suspicious."
That was the crux of the problem. Slaves were a common sight in this town, and the culprits weren't about to do anything that would easily give them away.
As Yuki pondered this, Dressa suddenly spoke up.
"Hey, instead of just worrying without any visuals, wouldn't it be easier if we looked at a map? Maybe something will come to mind."
"A map? Yeah, that would be useful. I’ll have my men bring—"
Gudo started to call out, but Micos interrupted.
"Wait, Gudo-san. Wouldn't the map Yuki-san prepared—the one we’ve been marking—be easier to understand? Riel-san, if you would?"
"Right. Gudo-san, could you take a look at this?"
Yuki spread out the precision map, and they began to cross-reference it with Gudo’s knowledge.
Riel was the type who excelled at field work. However, as was well known, she was hopeless with paperwork. It was a common sight to see Tori helping her draft reports—but when it came to leadership on the ground, Riel certainly had her moments.