Volume 6 Chapter 21 It Is Common to Forget Because You Blend Into Everyday Life Too Much
Around the time Randy was being thoroughly trained by Keith... in the southeastern continent, Braubelg territory, Eisensfels by the sea──
Known as the city of pearls, Eisensfels was wrapped in delightful weather, perfect for outings today.
The park, created in the center of the town, was overflowing with citizens enjoying the sunny day.
As one of the most prosperous capitals in the kingdom, everyone gathered in the park wore happy smiles.
In such a cheerful park, a man sat on a bench by himself.
Dressed well, with a gentle smile reminiscent of a wealthy citizen or a retired nobleman, he was not a rare sight in this park.
Glancing around slightly, one could see men like him and their families scattered about.
An unremarkable man.
Beside him, another well-dressed elderly gentleman sat down as well.
"Well, well..."
"Beautiful weather, isn't it?"
The conversation that began was exceedingly ordinary small talk.
After the two exchanged casual pleasantries for a while, they squinted their eyes to survey their surroundings for a moment.
Checking if they were under surveillance or scrutiny.
The two, appearing cautious, spoke quickly.
"Has *the lady* been found?"
The elderly man's voice was that of the one who saved Elliot back then.
"No... It seems that Braubelg is sheltering her."
The young man murmured apologetically, and the elder sighed softly in response.
Sir Kyle. I suggest we infiltrate the Marquis's residence──"
"Don't do it."
The elderly man, called Kyle, shook his head.
"If we go in there, it will cause too much of a commotion."
Kyle glanced briefly at the Marquis Braubelg's stronghold.
A fortress guarded by the Knight Order that the Marquis family boasts, while the [Dark Tide] secures the rear.
Even with the full force of the [Pilgrim of Truth] infiltrating Eisensfels, breaching it would not be easy.
The young man showed a surprised expression at Kyle's murmurs.
"Is it tough even for you, Lord Kyle, the [Shadow Swordsman]..."
As the young man spoke of "infiltration," Kyle fell silent, adjusting his expression as a girl passed by.
Kyle waited for the people around to disperse before speaking again.
"Infiltration is tough. It always ends up causing a stir."
It seems that if a commotion were allowed, they could take Braubelg's stronghold.
Despite this statement, the man nodded in agreement with a "Indeed."
"It's not just [Dark Tide], but a place guarded by [Nobleman] and [Sword Princess]. It would be impossible to remain undetected. If that's the case, we have no choice but to fight."
"Isn't it too early to execute the plan...?"
Kyle silently nodded at the man's words.
"How about capturing a few from [Dark Tide] and brainwashing them? Let them investigate──"
Kyle shook his head again at the man's suggestion.
"Against masters like them, it would take too long. If we're not careful, they might pinpoint our location."
Kyle, shaking his head, continued with "Moreover..." discussing the execution team dispatched to Victor.
He talked about how that team had been caught by Victor, and that there was a possibility their brainwashing plan had been exposed.
"Then before information comes in, we should check out the Marquis estate once──"
"Don't rush."
"But──"
With a frown, Kyle made his face shift into a fierce grin as he replied, "It's the opposite."
"Professionals, masters, veterans... Whatever you call them, the information that we can brainwash anyone other than non-combatants works to our advantage."
Kyle explained that typically, experienced individuals resist strongly and can't be easily brainwashed.
Capturing them alive is already a struggle, and they will resist afterward.
It's not something easily accomplished.
In some cases, the brains can be so unstable that they might see through it right away.
"If we move too much, we risk being detected by them. But once information gets in, they'll have to use their nerves there as well."
──Once they reveal an incident, the opponent will have to stay on guard regarding that aspect.
──Is the person guarding alongside really okay? Such suspicions keep Kyle and [Pilgrim of Truth] agile in their maneuvers.
As one of the key elements of the plan, they cannot be captured before that day concerning Braubelg.
Therefore, Kyle explained that they would strike a decoy to Victor, creating confusion in their ranks.
"There's still time until the plan. Take it slow and proceed carefully."
"Understood. Until the day comes, my team will focus on searching for the madam."
The man stood up, smiled at Kyle, and slowly walked away from the bench.
Watching the man's back, Kyle muttered, "Please," and looked at Braubelg's castle once more.
"Our tragic wish... it is the key we need for that."
Ahead of Kyle, the white castle sparkled as it reflected the sun.
* * *
At the same time, Marquis Braubelg's garden terrace──
"It's been a while, lady Flora."
In front of Flora, a black-haired woman with a few strands of white hair tilted her teacup.
Her skin was smooth, and her lips were painted bright red.
Though her dress was simple, the refined air about her made her look like a high-ranking noble of Flora's age.
"Please stop, *madame*. I'm no longer at an age to be treated as 'young lady.'"
Despite her words, Flora smiled and tilted her teacup.
"What are you talking about? To me, you're still a young lady."
The lively madame laughed and returned her cup to the saucer, saying, "So..."
"What is the reason for keeping me confined in the castle? ..."
With a sigh, the madame received Flora's response, "Well..."
There have been people snooping around regarding the madame in recent days.
Information from [Dark Tide] had just come in the other day.
She immediately consulted Lucian, and that very day, Miranda protected the madame...
"Right now, we're being targeted by troublesome zealots."
Flora placed her cup down, and the madame raised her eyebrows dramatically, asking, "Zealots?"
"Yes. They call themselves [Pilgrim of Truth]──"
The madame listened silently to Flora's explanation, leaning over the table with surprising vigor for someone in a dress.
"So, am I, who has a close relationship with you, also going to get caught up in this?"
The madame tapped the table, and Flora nodded, saying, "Probably."
"I don't mind."
The madame laughed heartily and murmured, "I see, you're the target, aren't you?"
"I thought those *blue gourds* were back again."
At the ferocious smile displayed by the madame, Flora tilted her head, asking, "Blue gourds?"
"That's an old story."
The madame, snorting, spoke of the time *before* she had debuted as a designer, when she had been an adventurer.
Of course, Flora was well aware of this.
The madame had spent years as an adventurer, saving up funds to open her shop before she debuted as a designer at the age of 22.
Though unknown to the public, Flora, who had known her for a long time, was well aware of the fact.
"Back then, those guys called the [Apostles of the Dark Sky] kept contacting me."
"That's the first I've heard of it."
The surprised Flora received a sly smile from the madame, who said, "Well, I'm just telling you now."
"They kept insisting I 'join them' and wouldn't give up."
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