Chapter 67

We arrived at the sewers where I usually supervised the cleaning crews to use as a location for Elke’s interrogation. It was perfect because it was secluded, and I still had the key to the door in my possession. This place is quite convenient; I might even make a spare key and keep using it in the future.

Still, why are unconscious people so incredibly heavy? I’ve been carrying Elke, who’s been dead to the world since the Paralysis magic hit her, but my legs feel like they’re about to give out.

“If the City Guard finds us, we’re in deep trouble,” Akito muttered.

No matter how you looked at it, we looked exactly like suspicious kidnappers up to no good. Feeling a bit jittery, I made my way down the dark stairs.

In a spot where the passage widened slightly, I set down a wooden crate and propped Elke up against the wall to sit her there. She still hadn’t woken up.

“I’ve brought her here, but now what?”

“What do you mean ‘what’? You’re the one who said we should bring her, Senpai.”

That was true, but I’d only ever seen interrogations in movies.

“For now, just act like one of those counter-terrorism unit agents from a TV drama,” Akito suggested.

Ah, those guys. Right, time to get into character.

TL/N: Elke’s POV

When I regained consciousness, I found myself in a room with cold stone walls. The sound of running water echoed nearby. Is this… a prison?

It’s been a while since I last fell into enemy hands. Not since I was captured in Ostrea two years ago. Memories I’d rather not recall resurfaced, making me feel sick. I suppose I’ll be toyed with at the whim of my captors again.

I could see men talking, illuminated by the light of a lantern. That was… Senpai and Yoshioka. My mind was steadily sharpening, but the two continued their chatter, seemingly unaware.

“Eh?! The CTU is a fictional organization?”

“That’s right. It only exists in the drama. It’s a setting where a domestic counter-terrorism unit was established within the CIA after 9/11.”

“I totally thought it was a real organization.”

What on earth are these two talking about?

“If a real terrorist attack happened, I guess various agencies like the Department of Homeland Security or the CIA would get involved.”

I’d never heard of any of these organizations. They aren’t from the Kingdom of Portand or the Duchy of Ostrea. Is it possible these guys are spies from the Northern Kingdoms or even further east from Crimlant?

But then, why were they targeting the Saint of Grossel? No, it might be premature to assume their target is the Saint. Count Cebarai belongs to the pro-war faction… is it related to that? But how does Clara Ansbach fit into this?

I’ll pretend to be unconscious a little longer and try to draw out some information.

“You’re surprisingly well-informed about this stuff, Yoshioka.”

“Don’t you watch those kinds of dramas much, Senpai?”

“I do, but lately I’ve been watching the zombie ones more often.”

“Oh, that’s news to me.”

What is a “drama”? It seems Yoshioka is well-versed in political affairs, while Senpai is… the one in charge of zombies? Someone affiliated with the Temple? Something feels off…

“Still, Elke isn’t waking up. Maybe I should give her a shake?”

“Don’t you dare touch her chest while you’re at it.”

“As if I’d do that! I’m a gentleman. If I ever felt the urge to touch them, I’d get down on my knees and beg properly!”

“Ooh, a ‘Dogeza Gentleman,’ I see.”

…Are these guys really spies? I’m starting to lose confidence in that theory.

“Man, it’s freezing in here. Shouldn’t we put something over Elke? She’ll catch a cold.”

“Good point. I’ll put a down jacket over her.”

I’m almost certain they aren’t spies. Putting a coat over the person you’re about to interrogate is unheard of. If it were me, I’d be throwing water on them to break them mentally. Above all, a spy’s face wouldn’t look this carefree.

If this was an act, they were terrifyingly skilled. I steeled my resolve and decided to speak with them.

TL/N: MC’s POV

Just as I moved to drape the down jacket over her, Elke’s eyes snapped open.

Our gazes locked instantly. I almost flinched, but I stuck to the script and maintained my “Investigator” persona.

“I’m sorry it had to come to this. But there are things I must know.”

I was Investigator Hinoharu—apologetic, yet unyielding.

“And what is it you want to know? By the way, if you want to grope me, you don’t need to get on your knees and beg. You can touch me as much as you like.”

She heard that part… It was a highly tempting proposal, but I had to ignore it.

“Which organization do you belong to? What were you doing at the Cebarai estate?”

“…And what happens if I don’t talk?”

Wait, what?! What do I do now?

“Then things will get… painful for you. He’ll be the one to do it.” I pointed at Akito.

“Ehh?! I can’t do that, Senpai!”

Hey! Stick to the script! I guess “interrogating” was always going to be impossible for us.

“To be honest, we haven’t actually thought about what to do next… but could you please just tell us?”

Elke let out a long, heavy sigh.

“Good grief. I feel like an idiot for taking this seriously. Fine. I’ll tell you about our side, but you two have to tell me what you were doing there in return.”

Elke started by explaining her background.

“I belong to a low-level branch of a certain knightly order in Saxens. Don’t ask which one. Even if I told you, you wouldn’t know it.”

So, a nameless order unknown to the general public.

“Pfft, don’t tell me it’s something like the ‘Order of the Shadow’ or the ‘Shadow Knights’?”

“What kind of lazy naming is that?!” I laughed along with Akito, but Elke’s face suddenly went pale.

“H-how… how do you know that name…?”

I actually hit the nail on the head…

“If you know that much, there’s no point in hiding it. Yes. Our leader is the Chancellor, Count Nurenberg.”

That was a name I’d never heard before. Regardless, it seemed her claim about being a court-sponsored organization wasn’t a lie.

“So, what were the Shadow Knights doing at Count Cebarai’s mansion?”

“…Keep this strictly confidential. We were conducting a background check on the Saint’s conduct.”

Apparently, the Saint of Grossel was a candidate to become the bride of the First Prince of the allied Kingdom of Francea. Usually, candidates were chosen from the royalty, but the First Prince of Francea had reportedly been smitten at first sight during a court ball and inquired if he could have Juliana.

“Her lineage, appearance, and temperament all pass the test. But if there’s a man in the picture, it becomes a problem, right? It’s also important to confirm she isn’t… attracted to her own gender.”

So, a background check on the Saint’s virtue. I suppose if she were sent to marry an allied prince and turned out to be a lesbian, it would be a disaster for everyone involved. A literal hell for both parties.

“Which is why I was keeping watch tonight to see if any ‘bad insects’ were coming to whisper sweet nothings at her window—and then you showed up, Senpai.”

I’m not a bad insect, I’m a gecko.

“What were the results of the investigation?”

“It’s only been three days since we started, but so far, there’s nothing out of the ordinary.”

Three days. The murder happened four or five days ago.

“I’ve told you everything. Now it’s your turn, Senpai.”

I’d have to reveal the “Dog’s Nose” skill, but I figured it was fine.

“Actually—”

I explained the murder that had occurred in these very sewers and the scent Juliana had left behind at the scene.

“That’s… almost impossible to believe. But, for the sake of argument, let’s say it’s true. Just who are you people?”

“You know us, don’t you? We’re Hinoharu and Yoshioka from the Clara Platoon, South District Company of the City Guard.”

“Corporals who can use magic and special abilities?! There’s no such thing as ‘ordinary’ soldiers like that!”

Well, we’re right here, so there’s not much I can do about that. By the way, our daily wage is 600 Marques.

Wait… our salary is actually lower than the sewer cleaners!