I Can See the Sword’s Memories

Chapter 35: Investigation Mission (2)

To enter the territory, I had to pass through a security checkpoint. My belongings were sparse: a coin pouch, a bundle of dried herbs, and a few ordinary wound-healing potions. The inspection didn’t take long.

As the guard completed his checks, he asked one final question.

“Hm. So, what’s your reason for visiting our territory?”

“I’m here to study herbs that grow exclusively in this region…”

“Only research? You’re not planning to collect and sell them for profit?”

“Well, I might sell a few if necessary…”

“To sell goods inside the territory, you’ll need special permission. If it comes to that, visit the lord’s manor for authorization. Selling without permission will result in severe penalties.”

The guard was surprisingly polite. His demeanor was different from how he’d treated the others who passed before me. 

I was accustomed to such treatment from men by now—no doubt a result of my appearance. I let out a small sigh and turned away.

“Next!”

With no further issues, I was granted entry. Before heading into the city, I glanced briefly toward the forest where my comrades waited, then continued on.

The sweet scent of grapes filled the air as soon as I stepped into the city. Silverhill was known for its grapes and wine, both local specialties. Swallowing the saliva pooling in my mouth, I made my way to an inn.

The inn I chose was among the most luxurious in the area, costing twice as much as others. But the expense wasn’t mine to bear; all mission-related costs would be reimbursed by Azure Wings.

And after all, this body belonged to my sister. I wanted to offer her the best rest and food possible.

…While treating myself at the same time.

Having secured a room, I ordered a light meal and began reviewing the mission documents while eating.

The file contained detailed information about the target: a montage of his appearance, preferences, usual activities, and more.

“Daily at around 1 PM, he goes to a forest not far from the territory for swordsmanship training. Average training duration: 3 hours… Interests include discussions about swordsmanship and national politics… Natural blessings…”

As Serida, a herbalist, my profession gave me a natural excuse to wander about. It wouldn’t arouse suspicion if my activities overlapped with the target’s, allowing me to gather information through casual encounters.

Still, it would be risky to approach immediately. I decided to gradually expand my activities to align with his over time.

After finishing my meal, I set out to begin my work.

Wandering through the city, I sought out elderly residents, engaging them in conversation with questions primarily about herbs.

“Do you know of any herbs in this area that are particularly effective for healing wounds?”

“For healing wounds? Oh, that’d be fairy leaves, of course.”

“You’re very knowledgeable about herbs!”

“Not really… I’ve just lived long enough to pick up random bits of knowledge.”

I used tactics I’d learned during training: start with simple questions, then flatter the respondent. Flattery often loosened lips, and it worked.

The old man I complimented smiled broadly and seemed eager to keep chatting.

A retiree with too much idle time, he welcomed the company of a polite, cheerful girl.

“I don’t think I’ve seen you around before. What’s your name?”

“Serida, sir.”

“Hm… Are you a herbalist by chance?”

I gave off a faint scent of herbs, carried a large book about herbalism, and had several potion bottles hanging from my belt—an easy conclusion for anyone to draw.

But I feigned surprise.

“How did you know? You’re so observant!”

“Hah, well… I have my moments.”

His guard completely dropped, and I sat beside him, continuing to ask questions. None of them were about the target yet—it was too soon.

“Someone who just arrived in this territory asking about the lord’s son? That’d look suspicious…”

For now, my goal was to establish a presence as Serida within the territory. By the time I left, I would have ensured that my name and face were well known.

Eventually, I stood up.

“It was lovely talking to you, but I should be going now.”

“Oh… already?”

The old man looked visibly disappointed as I excused myself.

I repeated the same process with other elders, crafting similar scenarios. My polite demeanor and radiant appearance worked wonders, quickly lowering their defenses.

For retirees with nothing better to do than gossip, the charming, courteous girl left a strong impression. By the next day, rumors about Serida had spread throughout the territory.

The following morning, equipped with tools for herb gathering, I stepped out of the inn. Just as I was leaving, the innkeeper called out.

“Oh, wait…! Miss Serida!”

“Yes?”

The innkeeper stopped me just as I was about to leave.

“I heard you specialize in herbalism… Could you perhaps find some herbs good for joint pain? I’ll make sure you’re well compensated.”

It had only been a day, and someone already recognized me as Serida.A promising start. Smiling brightly, I replied,

“I don’t think I can manage that just yet. I’m still getting familiar with the herbs that grow in this region.”

“Ah, right. You only just arrived yesterday… Still, if you do find anything, I’d greatly appreciate it.”

“Of course! If I come across something, I’ll bring it to you.”

Ending the conversation, I left the city gates. On the way, others recognized me too—the guards.

“Miss! Where are you off to?”

“Make sure you’re back before it gets late! There’ve been bear sightings in the area!”

Their warnings were nothing more than an attempt to draw my attention. I simply smiled and waved back.

On the second day, I didn’t stray far. I walked around the outskirts of the territory, jotting down observations about the soil and chatting casually with farmers. 

Among them was Andrew, disguised as a farmer. We exchanged brief nods before going our separate ways.

From the third day, I expanded my range of activities. This included the target’s training ground.

Equipped with herbal collection tools, I entered the forest.

However, I wasn’t truly focused on gathering herbs—it was merely part of my cover. Instead, I began carefully investigating traces left in the forest.

I examined footprints and sword marks on trees. Clear slash marks, cutting through bushes and branches to carve a path, hinted at someone using a sword to clear the way.

I placed my small hand on the trunk of a tree. The cuts were old, with dust settled on them and mushrooms sprouting from the fallen logs.

A tree thicker than a grown man’s waist had been sliced clean through. The one who created this trail was undoubtedly a mana-wielding swordsman.

This matched the details in the mission dossier, which described the target as a skilled swordsman.

Following the traces, I subconsciously touched the empty space on my waist.

Walking further down the path, I eventually reached an open clearing. The narrow trail abruptly ended here, replaced by a wide area where trees had been cut down. Sword marks were evident all around the clearing.

This was undoubtedly the target’s training ground.

Faint traces of light flickered in my eyes. Sword marks revealed more than one might think. By analyzing footprints and cuts in the surroundings, I began piecing together a vague impression of the target’s movements.

The swordsmanship was swift and vigorous, flowing seamlessly like a dance. While not perfectly clear, I could discern an outline of the techniques used.

Just as I noticed a strangely familiar energy, I felt a presence behind me.

The footsteps were steady, the breathing even—a hallmark of someone with a well-trained body. I didn’t flee. The approaching person wasn’t hiding their presence, meaning they were already aware of me. Running might only raise suspicion.

Instead, I moved toward a patch of herbs, kneeling to dig at the soil.

“Hmm… This is my private space, you know.”

A voice came from behind me. Glancing back, I confirmed the speaker’s identity: dusty blonde hair and pale blue eyes, matching the montage in the dossier.

It was Silverhill Rowan.

“Don’t think I’ve seen you before. Are you the herbalist everyone’s been talking about?”

His tone was casual, with an unmistakable friendliness. Though I found it irritating, I couldn’t let it show. Serida was supposed to be a pure and innocent girl.

“Uh… I think so? How do you know about me?”

“I hear most of the gossip around the territory.”

I continued digging, staying in character as Serida.Finally, I unearthed a dirt-covered herb and carefully pulled it out.

“Gathering herbs?”

“Yes… I’ve been researching local herbs. I’m sorry for intruding on your private space.”

While brushing the soil off the herb, I discreetly observed him. His well-built physique and lingering traces of mana contradicted the claim that he’d been bedridden just months ago.

As I prepared to leave, Rowan stopped me.

“Wait. It’s fine. Could we talk for a bit?”

“Talk?”

“Well… I’ve been training a lot recently. I was wondering if you could recommend any herbs to help with fatigue recovery.”

His voice softened, the tone lowering slightly. It reminded me of how Theo acted when flustered.

I smiled lightly.

“This’ll be easy.”