The Secret Pact 2

Crown Prince Riley smiled brightly at Liliana, who was staring at him with surprise reflected in her light green eyes. Gild also recognized Riley’s face. Though his mood was still foul, his cheeks were twitching, and he was looking back and forth between Riley and Liliana as if he wanted to run away. But mercilessly, the door was closed behind them.

“Please, have a seat.”

Captain Hegarty indicated the sofa to Liliana and Gild. Normally, Gild, as Liliana’s bodyguard, would not sit, but it seemed that since he was the one they had business with today, they wanted him to sit.

Liliana, who had quickly recovered from her initial shock, bowed gracefully to Riley and sat down on the sofa. Gild didn’t even try to hide his displeasure, but he did bow as a formality and plopped down next to her. For Gild, who disliked nobles—or rather, people in power—Liliana was the only exception he could “tolerate.” It was as if he was saying that sitting next to any other “big shot” was out of the question.

Liliana, used to this, paid it no mind, and Riley was looking at Gild with interest, as if he found him unusual. He had seen him standing behind Liliana as a bodyguard, but this was the first time he had actually met and spoken with him. And Captain Hegarty, who had sat down last, was frowning slightly, as if he disliked Gild’s attitude towards Riley.

Still, he did not reprimand Gild. It was probably more accurate to say that Riley had told him beforehand not to blame Gild, no matter what attitude he took, rather than that he said nothing because Riley did. Captain Hegarty was not one to easily flatter his superiors.

“Thank you for coming today despite the sudden summons. As I believe the captain’s letter informed you, I have something I would like to ask Gild-dono today.”

It was Riley who spoke. The gentle smile on his face was no different from Liliana’s. However, Riley’s expression was rich when he was alone with her. But when he was with people other than those he had been close to since childhood, such as Liliana, Austin, and Clyde, he wore an expression that gave away nothing of his emotions or inner thoughts, just like her. Right now, his face was exactly that.

Gild, who had been addressed by Riley, crossed his arms and remained silent with a frown. It seemed he wanted to avoid opening his mouth as much as possible. But Riley continued, unconcerned.

“I will be blunt. ‘Northern immigrants’ are disappearing from our country, and I would like to resolve this matter as secretly as possible. To that end, I would like to ask for your cooperation, Gild.”

It was a simple and clear choice of words, completely devoid of the kind of probing and circumlocution common among nobles. Gild, who was clearly surprised, raised an eyebrow to show his astonishment. Silence ruled the room for a while, but it was Gild who finally spoke.

“—What do you mean?”

His eyes narrowed in a probing manner, and Gild glared at Riley. Gild’s attitude, which didn't even use honorifics, was the very definition of disrespect, and he couldn’t have complained if he had been punished on the spot. But Riley, holding back the slightly agitated Captain Hegarty with one hand, let a smile escape.

“I mean exactly what I said. There have been several incidents of ‘northern immigrants’ disappearing in the past. Reports have only come in from the Kennys Border Margravate and the Calvert Border Margravate, but that is because those two domains have registered them as citizens in their tax registers—managed them. Therefore, I believe the actual number of missing ‘northern immigrants’ is far greater than what has been reported.”

But, Riley continued calmly.

“I want the ‘northern immigrants’ to live in the same way as those who have lived in the kingdom for a long time. Of course, I won’t say there’s no ulterior motive. I want those with particularly high physical abilities, like you and those who belong to the Kennys Knights, to contribute as knights or in similar capacities. But it shouldn’t be a bad deal. You will also gain the right to live like ordinary commoners, and that means you will be protected by our country.”

Gild pressed his lips together and listened to Riley’s story. Though his mood was still foul, the light in his eyes was becoming more sincere than at first. His thoughts were racing. In his mind, the existence of the descendants of Alvaldi who had been mixed in with the enemy soldiers who had invaded the Kennys Border Margravate resurfaced. And at the same time, the plot of the man named Gerulf that Liliana had heard also crossed his mind.

In other words, Riley was saying that he would give the “northern immigrants” rights in exchange for them taking on obligations. But the return was by no means small.

If a neighboring country was after their special abilities and was trying to capture them against their will, then simply defending themselves was not enough. In the first place, the “northern immigrants” were disappearing because they couldn't defend themselves. But if they could obtain legitimate rights as citizens of the kingdom, then the actions of the neighboring country could be brought up as an issue between nations. If the king were to issue a notice to each lord to recognize the “northern immigrants” as legitimate citizens and manage them along with their land, then the number of comrades who were kidnapped without anyone knowing would surely decrease.

Gild, who had let out a curse, turned his gaze to Liliana. He, who prided himself on not being good at thinking, was not good at political maneuvering or strategy, though it was a different story when it came to fighting.

“—Little missy, what do you think?”

Captain Hegarty, who had been silently listening to the conversation between Riley and Gild, widened his eyes at Gild’s words. He was astonished that this mercenary used such a tone even with his master.

Ignoring that with the corner of her eye, Liliana smiled brightly.

“I do not think it is a bad proposition.”

“Is that so.”

Gild nodded readily and scratched his head. But Liliana did not remain silent there. She turned her face to Riley.

If the only truth was what had been said so far, then there was no need for Captain Hegarty to be here. Liliana had a vague idea of the reason. If this were not about Gild, she might have said nothing and let it slide. But Gild was her bodyguard. As long as he was under contract, she had to look after him to some extent, Liliana opened her mouth leisurely.

“But I have a few concerns, Your Highness.”

“Hm? What is it?”

Riley also looked back at her. A slight tension ran through his expression, but Liliana continued to ask stoically, seemingly unconcerned.

“First, I would like you to tell me the reason why you wish to resolve this matter secretly.”

“Ah, yes.”

The question Liliana had asked was one that Riley had expected. He nodded as if it were a matter of course and readily gave her the answer.

“The first recorded disappearance of a ‘northern immigrant’ was six years ago. At that time, it was treated as a simple disappearance, but the number of disappearances increased year by year. Therefore, the Kennys Border Margravate began an investigation as an organized kidnapping case, and then the Calvert Border Margravate also began an investigation.”

But the results were not good. But ironically, it was because the results were not good that they found out something. That is, it was a more organized and large-scale kidnapping case than they had anticipated. And it was undoubtedly the work of a professional. That was how thoroughly they had hidden their tracks.

“So we switched to an investigation considering the possibility of human trafficking. The two border margravates are working together and have secretly requested the cooperation of the Royal Knights. The problem is,” Riley paused there. And then, the smile that he had been wearing disappeared and he became serious, letting out a gloomy sigh.

“There is no doubt that a noble of our country is involved in this case. There is a possibility that there are collaborators in the knightly order as well, so I have only requested the investigation of a very small number of trusted individuals. That is also one of the reasons why the investigation is not progressing.”

If it was an organized human trafficking operation, then they would need people to find the goods, people to capture the targets as unharmed as possible, people to transport the goods safely, people to cross the border, and people to sell the goods. If they considered that someone in the Empire was buying the goods, then it was a standard tactic to win over the major lords along the main roads so that they could pass through the kingdom safely and surely. That was why, as Riley had pointed out, it was almost certain that multiple nobles were involved.

Having understood that much, Liliana suddenly thought of a possibility. But she had no intention of voicing that possibility now. Before that, there was still something she wanted to ask Riley.

“I understand. Then, is there a reason why you have taken an interest in Gild?”

Riley’s lips curled up, and he looked at Gild with an expression as if he were looking at something interesting.

“One is the recommendation from the margrave. He is a man of extremely excellent physical and combat abilities, and is also skilled in the art of winning people’s hearts. It was also reported that his tactics on the battlefield are excellent and his judgment in a pinch is accurate. Furthermore, his devotion to his comrades is also an important factor.”

It was high praise. Gild immediately grimaced. It was more than just not being used to being praised; it was more like he was disgusted. Not only Riley, but also Captain Hegarty, who saw this, shook their shoulders, holding back their laughter. But Riley, contrary to his amused expression, continued to speak stoically.

“Second, he does not belong to any organization. Gild-dono is Lady Liliana’s bodyguard, and he does not belong to the Royal Knights or any of the knightly orders of the various domains, including the Kennys Knights. That is why he can move without worrying about anyone’s eyes.”

In a situation like this, where it was unknown who was involved in the human trafficking organization, not having any ties was the greatest advantage.

And, Riley said the final reason.

“Third, he is none other than Lady Liliana’s bodyguard—this is the greatest advantage for me. There is no more natural exchange for sharing information. Since Lady Liliana is my fiancée, it is not unnatural for her bodyguard to enter my office.”

Until now, Olga had accompanied Liliana when necessary, in place of Gild, who disliked interacting with nobles. During that time, Gild had been waiting outside the royal palace. But from now on, Gild would accompany Liliana in place of Olga. Indeed, if they did that, they could share the progress of the investigation and the information they had obtained without anyone thinking it was unnatural.

Gild, who had understood what Riley meant, growled dangerously in the back of his throat. His face clearly said that he didn’t like it. But at the same time, he understood that it was logical, so he didn’t complain.

As if he understood that Gild understood, Riley’s smile deepened. And he spoke to Gild with sincerity.

“In other words, what I want to ask of you is to work with the knightly order to identify and capture those involved in the human trafficking, and if possible, to rescue the ‘northern immigrants’ who are the victims, and if they wish, to bring them back to our country. These are the two things.”

As a kingdom, it would be desirable for them to return as much as possible, but he would not force them, Riley said. He shifted his gaze from the thinking Gild to Liliana and gave a faint, wry smile.

“Of course, Lady Liliana’s bodyguard is your original job, so it would be a problem if that were to be affected. I would be troubled if anything were to happen to my precious fiancée. So we will adjust that well.”

Gild looked at Liliana with a questioning gaze. But Liliana had no objection.

Above all, though she had accepted when Gild had bowed his head and asked her to help the kidnapped descendants of Alvaldi before, she had also been wondering what she should do. Having acted alone until now and being underage, she did not have the power to solve a large-scale incident that was highly likely to involve the state. That was why Riley’s proposal was a godsend.

“I think it is a good proposition, Gild. Above all, I am concerned about those who were taken away against their will.”

When she said that, it seemed Gild had finally made up his mind. He answered with a low, “Understood.” At once, a slight tension left the bodies of Riley and Captain Hegarty. It seemed the two of them had not been confident that Gild would accept.

“Then, Your Highness.”

Liliana smiled brightly.

“I also have something to tell you. Is that alright?”

“Yes, of course.”

Riley readily agreed.

After confirming that, Liliana once again recalled the information that had come to her mind earlier. It was the information that Obsidian had brought right after Gild had bowed his head and asked her to help his comrades.

“Actually, I have a slight idea of the noble who is involved in the human trafficking.”

It was a completely serious statement, but it seemed to be an unexpected one for Riley, Captain Hegarty, and Gild. Liliana, who was the focus of three pairs of astonished gazes, tilted her head as if troubled.

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Toc

Chapter 180