Volume 9 Chapter 15 Sunny Holiday Inn
Al, who sat on a nearby branch in the street, kept watch, paying attention to the occasional cats and crows that passed by. When Al first started practicing the 'Animal Transformation' spell, he worried that his vision might fail at dusk since birds are usually active during the day.
However, surprisingly, his sight remained clear even in the dark. Plus, he had used the 'Sensory Boost' spell on himself earlier today to enhance his perception, so darkness shouldn't cause any issues tonight.
As the day was nearly over, a man known as An arrived. He was accompanied by a woman in leather armor who had previously ridden in a carriage with him, and 3 boys. The 3 boys were the expressionless group that Al had spotted near the main gate.
"Finally, a shift change. Nothing happened here at all. Isn't Sir Veil worrying too much?"
"Yeah, I think he's too nervous. The 'Detect Magic' spell reacts even to simple light magic tools."
The woman nodded at the young man's words. Both seemed to have their complaints about Veil.
"I understand, but the order is not just from Sir Mr. Veil but also repeatedly stressed by headquarters. We absolutely cannot let the only remaining relative of that girl, the little bird we found by chance, escape. We cannot afford to fail."
The man called An explained this to the two. The only remaining relative must be related to the Royal Tempest family. How important is the bloodline of Tempest in the Tempest Kingdom, Al wonders.
"Even if you say that, I'm really fed up, you know. They got into everything, even the magic tools we have, poking around and even regulating their use because it might interfere with Sir Veil's inspection. And about that 'Floating Eye' spell──the eyeball thing, was that even real?"
"Yeah, I know, right? It's all so dull, at this rate, whether we succeed or fail..."
"──Stop it already!"
An, the man known to the two complainers, sternly cut in.
"Listen, there's no point in complaining. We have to follow Sir Veil's orders. Right, Tress? Otherwise..."
The man called An gestured with his chin, showing the 3 boys. The young men and a woman watching them reluctantly spread their palms in resignation. Could those expressionless boys be under some punishment for disobeying orders, or maybe they were given some kind of drug?
"For now, during the night, I'm counting on you to keep watch, Tress. Cator, you can head home."
Tress, the woman, and Cator, the young man, reluctantly agreed. Leaving Tress behind, An, Cator, and the 3 boys left the lord's mansion without another word. Al, naturally, decided to follow them but kept a distance of at least 50m (164 ft). It was getting dark, but with the bird's 'Sensory Boost' enhanced vision, losing them was not a concern.
Moreover, the 3 didn't seem to expect that Al was tailing them, especially Cator, who occasionally looked back but only seemed to notice other pedestrians.
After that, Al and the others walked around quite a bit, perhaps as a precaution against being followed. About 30 minutes later, they finally arrived at a place called "Sunny Holiday" Inn and Tavern, located a little south of East 4th street. It was about twice the size of the "Red-Faced Sheep" Inn where Al was staying.
There was a sign on the entrance that said the place was closed. The south area from Higashi-Dori, where Al was once attacked shortly after arriving in the city of Lester, is known for not being very safe.
Al considered that Veil might be at this "Suny Holiday" Inn. If he got too close, his magic might trigger a reaction. It was risky to provoke anything unnecessarily. Thinking it might be a decoy, Al stayed more than 50m away to observe for a while.
However, after the two entered the inn, there was no movement at all. This meant that this place could probably be their stronghold. Al decided to head back to his room at the "Red-Faced Sheep" Inn momentarily and report what he found to the Levy merchant guild.
* * *
"Al, good job. I'm glad you're back safe,."
Upon showing his face at the back office of the Levy merchant guild, Reginald was there and greeted Al happily, seemingly relieved to see him.
"Is everyone here?" Al asked.
Reginald shook his head apologetically.
"Guildmaster Levy and Miss Ruella have gone out to collect information through their connections. Barbara has also gone out to visit her contacts at the guard station and other places. I'm the one staying here to keep watch. I was waiting for you to return."
Given the nature of the conversation, it's understandable that the handling of the information is delicate, and they were also concerned for me.
"Thank you. According to my findings..."
Al explained to Reginald the conversation he had with An, Trois, and Quatre, about the (Bright Holiday) Inn, and how the boys' behavior was cause for concern.
"I think I've heard of the (Bright Holiday) Inn before. There are multiple groups with influence in the slums, and I believe one of them used to make that inn their base. I understand. I'll look into that here."
So, there's a possibility that those boys are connected to such groups. Al nodded slightly.
"Guildmaster Levy said that for now, we should each investigate the matters that concern us the most today, and make a judgment call tomorrow. I'm sorry, but could you come back here again tomorrow at noon, Al?"
When it comes to matters with the Tempest Kingdom and the Viscount, Al can't do much. Those are things Guildmaster Levy and Ruella will handle. Barbara also has her connections.
Tomorrow noon... the only way Al can improve his chances is through magic. Those boys said they'd blow us away. If they can do that, they must be using magic.
Is there any countermeasure he can use? It's already late, but he doesn't have time to relax. Al decided to visit Eric's house.
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