Volume 6 Chapter 28 Madame Hasn't Arrived Yet...
The opponent's objective is becoming clear.
In that situation, Randy glanced at Alan and said, "This is about right, isn't it?"
"Yeah, it seems that both Mr. Lucian and Cedric share the same thoughts."
Alan nodded with satisfaction, and Randy pouted, saying, "What's with that?"
Not only Alan, but Lucian and Cedric had also quickly figured out the enemy's goal.
If they knew, they could have at least told him.
Randy shot a reproachful look at Alan, who merely shrugged it off.
"By the way, when did you notice, Sir Alan?"
Liz's question is quite valid.
Unlike Randy and Cedric, she had never directly interacted with the [Pilgrim of Truth].
While Lucian could derive answers based on Cedric's firsthand accounts, Alan only had secondhand information.
"When did I...?"
Alan rubbed his chin and explained that it was around the time Randy and the others returned and he heard about the [Pilgrim of Truth]'s background... in other words, just in the past few days.
"I've always found it strange. The movements of Julius and those around him."
Smiling, Alan mentioned that the movements of the guards around Julius didn't quite align with the attack on Randy.
"Didn't align?"
Randy furrowed his brow, and Alan showed an exasperated expression, saying, "They didn't, did they?"
"The imperial family is involved, and Julius *is* likely in opposition to them."
With an exasperated look still on his face, Alan raised his eyebrows, indicating that the information came from Randy via Harrison.
"You never *report or communicate* at all."
He leaned slightly forward.
While even Luke regularly provided updates, Randy had completely failed to communicate anything.
"W-well, that's not important right now."
Randy pouted, and Liz looked at him with an exasperated expression, saying, "Randy..."
She always told him to keep in touch with Alan, yet here he was, in this state.
"Well, we can save the lecture for later..."
With a sigh, Alan shifted his gaze from Randy back to Julius.
"If we consider Julius's position, they should keep someone on watch. They could even *call* Julius back early and cut off the contact with Luke."
As Alan said with a sigh, if there's information that must not leak, they should avoid contact with Randy and Luke, who are connected to Braubelg and Hartfield.
Once they get friendly, they can't tell where information might leak from.
"That's why I thought Julius *had* a role to play... Well, I was a bit suspicious since the empire's involvement and the imperial family's connection were too obvious."
Considering various situations, like Victor's schemes unrelated to the kingdom's invasion, he arrived at a similar conclusion as Randy.
"It's really not a big deal. After all, it was something the other party told us."
Alan, smiling, made Randy click his tongue in annoyance.
After all, they had been running around until just now, while their parents were like this.
Randy couldn't help but think, "Are you a cozy armchair detective?"
Lucian is the same, but Alan has been negotiating with various external threats as a lord, showing he's skilled at reading situations.
When it comes to political maneuvering and reading intentions, Randy still falls short of them.
"You look pretty relaxed."
In response to Randy's frown, Alan let out an exasperated sigh, saying, "You're just flailing too much."
"You keep telling yourself. Discard your assumptions──"
"──'Observe calmly from above. Observation and thought are like swords. They only sharpen in the hands of those who keep refining them.' Right?"
With a snort, Randy replied, "If you get it, then good," and Alan sighed once more.
"But if you understand, riding along with their scheme means──"
"Yeah. Lord Lucian also said, 'It can't be helped.'"
Alan's expression of helplessness spoke volumes.
He planned to ride along with their scheme, ready to confront the empire disguised as the [Pilgrim of Truth].
They could strike first and thwart the opponent's plans, but once the succession struggle on the other side ends, there's a real danger of a full-scale invasion beginning.
The current royal government is unreliable... rather, it has weakened due to Randy and the others.
So now, in this tug-of-war situation, it's more favorable to confront them head-on.
"Is that okay..."
Randy's furrowed brows displayed that the opponent knew they were aware of their presence.
Of course, everyone here──Catherine seems suspicious, though──shares the same sentiment as Randy.
Since they sent Julius, Randy and his group being aware of it was expected.
Perhaps this realization was part of their plan all along.
Alan shook his head at Randy's expression, indicating that it was fine.
"If they change their tactics here, then there's nothing to fear. After all, they show me that they can't win in a direct clash."
"I see. But if they charge in anyway..."
"Then we must commit fully in response."
With a serious expression replacing his smile, Alan muttered "fully" again.
This definitely meant the opponent was a formidable one.
"Honestly, I wanted to keep this from you all..."
Alan sighed as if resigned, looking at everyone in the room, saying, "This isn't student work."
"It seems they want to draw you out as well."
Randy nodded in response to Alan's words, acknowledging, "I see."
"So, you are sure that Ellie's body is their target?"
"That's right. By dragging you all to the forefront, they make their behind-the-scenes operations easier... that's what I believe they're planning."
Having finished his lukewarm tea, Alan looked at Randy and Liz, saying, "So──"
"You all should keep doing as you please. Then, when the time comes, focus on Lady Eleonora's body──"
Alan, wearing a smile, prompted Liz, who raised her voice, "If that's the case──"
It was understandable.
Besides their home, Victor was also under threat.
Randy and the others likely felt resistance to escaping that turmoil alone.
"We'll take back Ellie's body immediately──"
"It's fine."
It was none other than Randy who stopped the panicking Liz.
Everyone except Alan and Keith showed a shocked expression at Randy, who usually detested being left out, as he stopped Liz.
"Randy..."
"Liz. It's okay."
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!
Donate me
Support Me with USDC
(ERC20)
Support Me with XLM
(Stellar Lumens)