The Report And A Looming Enemy

The next day, as afternoon arrived, I headed toward the Royal Palace. Having walked the path between the mansion and the palace many times now, I could navigate it without a second thought.

“Good work, sir!”

The palace gatekeepers saluted me vigorously. After several visits to the palace, they had completely memorized my face.

“Good work to you, too.”

Passing through the palace gates, I headed straight for the main entrance. As I approached, the doors were opened for me.

“We have been expecting you. His Majesty awaits.”

“Thank you.”

Guided by a royal attendant, I was shown into the reception parlor. As always, it was lined with luxurious furnishings. I couldn’t tell you their exact value, but they were likely incredibly expensive pieces.

“My apologies for keeping you waiting.”

After I had waited in the parlor for a short while, His Majesty appeared.

“No, not at all.”

Vim and Hana stood up from the sofa.

“Please, have a seat.”

“Thank you.”

At His Majesty’s urging, we sat back down on the sofa.

“Well then, let’s get straight to the point. I’d like to hear your report.”

“Understood. I shall begin the report.”

Vim straightened his posture and began.

“First, the cause of the magical beast outbreak was a significant spike in mana concentration within the Eastern Forest. I have already subjugated the monster serving as the source of this phenomenon, so the mana levels are currently dropping.”

Vim had confirmed it himself; the mana density would decrease, and the magical beasts would return to their usual power levels.

“I also cleared out most of the beasts that had spawned while the concentration was high, so there should be no cause for concern.”

Vim had made sure to defeat almost every monster that pinged his search magic before heading back.

“I see. Excellent work. Your reward will be paid through the Guild. Was there anything else out of the ordinary?” His Majesty asked.

“Well… I encountered some strange men on the way back, but that’s about it.”

“Ho. And what kind of men were they?”

“They had deployed a People-Clearing Barrier roughly halfway between Baron and the Royal Capital. There was a man in rather well-dressed clothes and several others who seemed more like thugs.”

“I see.”

His Majesty placed a hand to his chin, sinking into thought.

“It might be them,” he muttered after a moment.

“Do you have an idea of who they are?”

“There have been reports of a human trafficking organization lately. It’s become a problem even within our borders, but the reality is that we haven’t been able to grasp their true scale yet.”

Human trafficking is, of course, strictly prohibited under Leorian law. In fact, it carries an exceptionally heavy penalty. If even the state couldn’t grasp the organization’s full extent, it suggested they were a massive entity. That People-Clearing Barrier had been powerless before Vim, but it had still been a fairly advanced piece of magic.

“Would you like me to look into it as well?” Vim asked the King.

Human trafficking was something Vim personally found unforgivable.

“Can I count on you?”

“Of course. It’s not something I can just overlook.”

“I appreciate it. Please let me know if you come across any information.”

Moving forward, there would be many opportunities to travel to various towns and countries. He might be able to pick up a trail during those travels.

“Understood. I’ll report back as soon as I learn anything.”

With that, the discussion with His Majesty reached a conclusion. Just then, the parlor doors opened once again.

“Father, have you finished your discussion?”

Erin, the Princess of Leoria, entered the room. She was the very person Vim had rescued.

“Ah, yes. We’re just finished.”

His Majesty beckoned Erin inside.

“It has been a while, Master Vim.”

“Long time no see. I’m glad to see you’re doing well,” Vim said with a smile.

He couldn’t help but think to himself that she was as charming as ever.