The Forest Race Clonne

Chapter 101

"Since things have come to this, could you get me a uniform along with the merchant guild’s name? One that would fit me."

"A uniform?"

"Yes, a standard agency uniform. I plan to pose as a Security Department agent. It will make interrogations easier. If possible, a cravat and badge would be ideal, but there’s no need to go out of your way."

I had left my uniform and identification badge behind when I departed the capital, rendering them unusable. Camille’s expression was somewhat peculiar for a moment, but he soon agreed and left.

When he returned sometime later, he was carrying an ornate box in both hands. Opening the lid revealed brand-new items: a standard agency uniform, a Security Department badge, and an identification badge. These were the basic supplies issued to newly enrolled or promoted agents.

"This seems like it belongs to someone. Is it okay to just take it? How will you handle the aftermath?"

"Yes, it’s fine. That someone is you."

"Pardon?"

I looked up in surprise, and Camille smiled broadly.

"I forgot to mention, you don’t need to pose as a Security Department agent. You still are one."

"What?"

"His Highness the Crown Prince arranged it that way. You’re listed as being on an extended secret mission. You can return anytime."

So that’s why his expression was odd. I was stunned by the unexpected news. The Crown Prince had refused to accept my resignation, but I never imagined he would keep my status active even though I left on my own. Normally, such actions would incur the Crown’s wrath.

"I don’t plan to return..."

"He said that’s fine. It’s maintained just so you can use it when needed. Your status as a Security Department agent will be helpful anywhere in the Empire. So don’t worry and keep it with you."

How could I not feel burdened by this?

I felt conflicted but found it hard to outright refuse.

When I left, I had no intention of returning to the Empire, so it was easy to abandon everything. But now, things had become uncertain. Especially for what I was about to undertake, having a solid backing would be beneficial. Camille, seeing my hesitation, spoke firmly.

"Sei, you seem to forget that you saved the Emperor. You deserve this much. Originally, you were even supposed to receive a title."

With him putting it that way, refusing seemed impolite. I finally nodded, setting aside my hesitation, and Camille smiled brightly, saying I made the right decision.

"But, there seems to be a mistake."

"Hmm? What is?"

"The cravat. The color is wrong."

I held up the purple cravat that had been placed with the uniform. The cravat I used before was black, and even with a rank promotion, it should have been blue. Camille, who held the same rank as me, wore a blue cravat. I assumed it was a mistake. However, Camille replied casually.

"It's yours."

"Pardon? But I..."

"You're now a third-rank agent. You were promoted one rank further under special assignment status."

"...What?"

"Oh, and starting from the third rank, a title is also conferred. So, you’re now a Baron."

"...."

So the title was indeed intended.

I was so taken aback I couldn’t respond. Camille smiled mischievously.

"Welcome to the nobility, Baron Sei."

It was an annoyingly cheeky smile.

* * *

In the end, I couldn’t change the color of the cravat.

Since it had come to this, I decided to use what was given to its fullest. I even called for a Security Department carriage. It was necessary to maintain a convincing pretense and had the advantage of being soundproof, and suitable for our work.

'If it’s available, there’s no reason not to use it.'

We arrived at the grandest building in the commercial district. A sign exuding prominence was magnificently displayed on the towering structure resembling a mansion.

「Elpine」

The trendsetter that led and dominated numerous fashions in society. It proclaimed itself the paradise of the continent, a sanctuary for nobles and wealthy people to indulge in all sorts of luxury and extravagance. Beyond the Empire, it was one of the top five merchant guilds in Seoryeong.

"Of all places, Elpine..."

Camille’s expression was very complex as he looked at the sign.

Elpine was a merchant guild that spread its influence far and wide. It was the only existing guild that dealt directly with the Magic Tower.

No one knew why the Magic Tower, known for its independent stance, decided to open its doors to Elpine. However, Elpine’s rise to its current prestigious position was significantly influenced by its dealings with the Magic Tower during its financial struggles. This suggested that the Magic Tower might very well be behind everything.

'The Magic Tower...'

I couldn’t help but recall our previous encounter.

That silver-haired man whose gaze had an oddly captivating pull.The officials from the Magic Tower who visibly held high ranks. Thinking it wasn’t a mere coincidence that I ran into them made me uneasy. Camille’s face was also grim.

"The recent activities of the Magic Tower have been suspicious, and we've been keeping an eye on them... but surely it’s not, right, Sei? The circumstances are just too perfectly twisted, making us jump to conclusions. Please tell me it’s not true. I’m already exhausted enough as it is.”

"Would it make a difference if I said it isn't?"

"At least it would give me a sliver of hope…”

"Well, it’s hard to see how that helps, but there’s no need to be disheartened yet. It’s too early to jump to conclusions."

"R-right? Maybe there won't be any issues?"

"We can only hope for the best. For now, let’s go inside."

After taking a deep breath, Camille moved forward, his face tense. Semeion, who had been scouting from my front pocket, also quietly hid himself.

Ring—

"Welcome. Thank you for visiting Elpine."

As we entered, a staff dressed in formal attire greeted us. Befitting a guild serving nobles, the interior was as sophisticated as the exterior was grand. One of the smiling employees approaching Camille suddenly recognized him and widened his eyes in surprise.

"Oh, my goodness! Young Master Rouster! Why didn’t you send word before coming yourself?"

"…"

I glanced at Camille, who avoided eye contact.

"It’s just one of our family’s main trading guilds. I visit frequently, that’s all."

"I didn’t say anything."

Of course, it was no surprise. As a young master from the Rouster Family, every consumable and attire wouldn’t be a random choice, and Elpine was the top guild for those needs.

"You’ve come just in time. We received new items recently. Let me escort you to your seat."

So he visited each time there were new arrivals.

Camille, slightly embarrassed, cleared his throat and gave a wry smile to the hospitable staff member.

"No need for that. I’m not here as a customer today."

"Huh? What do you mean... Oh, I see. You’re wearing your official uniform."

The staff, noticing Camille’s uniform, turned to me. Realizing I was also in uniform, his eyes darted nervously. I lifted my cloak slightly to reveal the Security Department badge, and his face grew more rigid.

"We’re here from the Security Department."

"F-from the Security Department? Wh-what brings you here all of a sudden...?"

"It’s nothing serious, just a routine procedure. We’re here regarding the recent inspection issue. May we speak to the Manager?"

"Could you please wait here for a moment? I’ll inform them inside."

I nodded, and the staff member quickly disappeared somewhere. Given the reputation of the Security Department, it seemed everyone was already intimidated before I even stated the purpose of our visit. Even the other employees and customers who were glancing our way quickly averted their gaze.

"I always feel like a disinfectant in moments like these. Everyone is scared and tries to avoid us."

"Even bugs are scared off by disinfectants."

"...Let’s keep it positive. Comparing the nation's key positions to bugs isn’t quite right."

"But it’s okay to view the citizens as bugs?"

"Uh, no, that’s not what I meant... I misspoke. My bad."

While I chuckled at Camille’s swift surrender, a man dressed extravagantly came hurrying down the stairs. He appeared to be somewhat older.

"I’m Milon, the Chief Manager of Elpine Guild. You mentioned you’re from the Security Department?"

"Yes, from the National Defense Department."

After confirming the Security Department badge and the color of my cravat, his demeanor became even more respectful. He seemed surprised at my higher rank. Though I had reluctantly accepted the position, it undeniably came in handy.

"I thought the inspection matter was resolved. It concluded that there was no fault on our part, didn’t it? Is there another issue?"

"It’s nothing like that. There’s no need to worry. As I mentioned, this is just a routine check."

"That’s a relief, but… would you like to come inside?"

"No need to go that far; we’re both busy. Just a few questions will suffice."

I inquired if they had faced any further unpleasant or unreasonable incidents at the inspection. Whether there had been any hints of retaliation from the gate soldiers. As I asked these questions related to public security, the Chief Manager's tense face gradually relaxed. It seemed he started to believe that this was indeed just a routine check.