Housekeeping Mage from Another World, page 12
“Well, in that case...” said Helge, who still didn’t seem quite satisfied, but was nonetheless pleased by either the confidence he heard in Johann’s voice, or the fact he’d had a chance to profess his own innocence.
“Alec, how will you go about your protection duties?” asked Felicia.
“I’ll be in your room until lights out, after which I’ll be with the guards stationed at your door. It would be safest for me to be in your actual room, but I’m sure we’d both prefer that not be the case.”
“Indeed, you’re right. I appreciate your consideration.”
“I will need to get a little sleep before morning,” added Alec, “but there will be a guard to cover for me during that time.”
“Very well,” said Felicia. “I will leave those details to you.”
Karina had no particularly strong opinions and simply agreed with what she was told. Alec wondered if there was not a mediator for the orchestra members, but then found out that the person who usually spoke on behalf of the orchestra was one of the members still in the clinic. Karina had taken up this position on the man’s behalf, and likely because she was well trusted. She was a talented and skillful woman, both as a manager and as a singing coach. Alec still couldn’t work out why a woman who had so much going for her would carry such enmity for Shiori.
“I hope it’s simply because she doesn’t like me,” muttered Shiori.
Shiori meant, of course, that the orchestra was made up of good people, and she did not want to see them being betrayed by one they had put their trust in. Alec, too, felt the same. However, Alec knew that when people came together, it gave rise to a myriad of different thoughts and feelings—some of them good and well intentioned, and some of them not. He knew that there were people who, when the bad thoughts and bad intentions grew too much to bear, struck out and hurt others far more than was ever necessary.
6
During the day, the guest house was lively with the comings and goings of visitors and Cathedral staff, but by eight that evening everyone had returned to their rooms, and not a sound could be heard save for the occasional opening and closing of doors, and the rhythmical footsteps of the guards on patrol. It was so quiet, in fact, that it was hard to believe it was even the night before the Nativity Festival—Shiori knew that many shops were still open, and the city streets would still be lively.
“Usually it’s even quieter. Around the time of the Nativity Festival there are always people up and about until quite late, and I suppose it makes us all a little restless,” said Conny, who then chuckled. “Perhaps we could all do with some more monastic training. In any case, lights out is an hour later than usual. All the preparations and meetings with various guests always end up taking time.”
However, now it was already a full thirty minutes past the Cathedral’s ordinary lights-out time.
“Oh, I see,” said Felicia, her eyebrows drooping with worry. “You must be exhausted, then.”
“Well, it has been a long day,” replied Conny with an honest smile.
Conny’s grin was growing more frequent as he got more comfortable with everyone, and perhaps it was a natural character trait.
“However, the final preparations are done and things are finally in a good place. I’ll take my leave. That said, I won’t be too far away, so you can always send word to me through the guards as necessary. Once the adventurers and I leave, be sure to lock the door.”
Karina nodded obediently.
“Um... This is not to say that I doubt the abilities of any of our guards,” she said timidly, “but what will happen in the case that someone comes in through the window?”
“I can assure you that won’t be a problem—all the knights on patrol have skeleton keys. They’ll be able to get in should there be any trouble.”
“Oh, is that so?” said Karina, sharing a relieved sigh with Felicia. “That’s one less thing to worry about, at least.”
Perhaps Karina was confirming the existence of such keys. But even if she were, that too was likely part of the trap that had been laid.
“Well then, I believe it’s time I called it a night. I bid you all a good evening. Rest well,” said Conny.
“I’ll be on watch at the door,” said Alec. “I’ll take a brief nap in the room next door, but don’t hesitate to wake me should something happen.”
Karina nodded.
“Thank you,” she said. “I pray that we won’t need to.”
Shiori chuckled internally—she could feel Karina’s feigned worry and concern. That said, it was still not a certainty that Karina herself was the culprit. The knights had kept an eye on her since practice finished—and all through dinner too—but neither she nor any of the orchestra had done anything to raise suspicion.
Still, there was no harm in being overprotective, even if nothing happened over the course of the evening. At the same time, Conny and the adventurers wanted desperately to solve the crime as quickly as possible, and it was with these complicated feelings swirling within them that they left Felicia’s room.
There was nobody in the hall save for the knights on patrol. Everyone had retired to their rooms, either to sleep or to spend some time quietly on their own. Conny made sure to close the door completely and, when they were some ways away from the room and Conny was sure nobody was listening, he looked at the guard in the hallway with a knowing glance, and the two shared a nod.
“Everyone is in position,” whispered the knight.
Shiori gulped at the nervous tension that was thick in the air. She had never imagined that this day would end with her working with the knight corps to capture a criminal. It was hard to believe that this wasn’t just a dream of some sort.
Since coming to this new world, there had been a few times when Shiori got the sense that her reality had slipped away. It felt not unlike a deep ravine that separated who she had been in her old world and who she was in this one. Sometimes, it was as though she couldn’t keep up with the reality she was experiencing in the moment.
But this really is reality...
Shiori had experienced more here than she could have ever imagined in her old world—she had crossed over into another world entirely, become an adventurer, and developed the abilities of a mage. Then there was the fact that there had been more than a few times when her life itself had come under threat. She had felt like she would break, but she had continued to fight and to live, and all of that was part of her reality now. It was not an illusion or a dream—it was her living reality. Right now, this was the world in which she lived.
Shiori looked up at Alec, who met her gaze with a firm nod.
“I’d like to run through things one last time with Shiori,” he said. “I’ll need five minutes.”
The knight nodded, then raised one of his hands up high and waved it in a slightly peculiar manner. In response, the knight at the other end of the hall responded by raising his own hand—a message between them that their sting operation had begun.
“I will be on standby in the room next door,” said Conny, who had been assigned the room next to Shiori’s.
“Understood. Talk soon,” said Alec, who then ushered Shiori into her room.
Shiori’s room was the one in which they’d all talked with Hildegarde earlier. Though it was not quite up to the standards of Felicia’s room, it was nonetheless elegant and comfortable. In the center of the room were some upholstered chairs and a round table, with a desk by the window. Against the wall was a cupboard and a movable partition behind which one could change clothes. Beside these was a most comfortable-looking queen-size bed. The whole room gave a glimpse at the stature of those who usually stayed at the Cathedral guest house and, under any other circumstances, would have provided an entirely relaxing night of rest.
Alec took Shiori’s hand and led her to the bed so he could explain things in more detail.
“At around eleven, we’ve arranged for a problem that will draw away some of the knights on guard. I’ll make it look like I’m going with them, but actually I’ll sneak back here. If our criminal takes the bait, they’ll move quickly. Try not to worry—there are knights on standby in several rooms, and I’ll be right behind the bedside partition. All you have to do is pretend that you’re asleep.”
“Okay, got it.”
“We know that there’s a chance she’ll use magic, which is why all the knights on standby are magical soldiers. Please know that you can rest easy.”
Based on what they’d felt earlier, Karina did not wield high-level magic. This meant that if she tried an attack spell or even psychomagic, Shiori would be able to defend herself from it as long as she was focused. She knew she’d be fine.
Shiori nodded as if to confirm for herself that she really would be okay, and felt Alec pull her into a strong embrace. He held her there for a short time, then kissed her on the lips. They kissed several times before he quietly pulled away.
“There’s still a while before things will get rolling,” he said. “Try to get some rest. I’ll wake you when it’s time.”
“Are you sure? But to be honest, I’m so nervous I don’t think I can sleep.”
Alec chuckled.
“I thought as much. But still, you’ll feel better if you lie down and close your eyes. It will do you good.”
“Okay, I will. Oh, by the way...” said Shiori, remembering something that was on her mind. “That knight we met earlier, at the auditorium, I feel like we’ve met somewhere before. He looks so familiar.”
“Oh, you mean Nicholas.”
“Nicholas... Oh! From Brovito.”
Nicholas was one of the knights who had led travelers to Tris after the incident at Brovito Village. He was the same age as Shiori, and worthy of his status as a captain. She seemed to remember him having ringworm, but she wasn’t sure exactly why that particular fact struck her, and so she did her utmost to purge the thought from her mind in the name of the man’s honor. If she didn’t, she had a horrible feeling she’d end up staring at his feet the next time they met.
“You were just thinking about his ringworm, weren’t you?” said Alec.
Shiori’s head shrunk into her shoulders. He’d hit the nail right on the head.
“Same thing happened to me,” said Alec. “You know, we should introduce him to Nils’s dispensary.”
“Good idea,” said Shiori.
The two adventurers shared a chuckle.
“Well, I better go and take up my position. Get some rest, okay?”
“Okay.”
Alec took Shiori’s hat from her head and sat her on the bed. She took off her cape and her boots, let her hair down, and then got under the covers. She looked up into Alec’s dark magenta eyes—a gentle color of evening that she so loved.
“I’ll wake you when it’s time,” Alec repeated. “Until then, good night.”
Alec dropped one last kiss on Shiori’s lips—brief, but filled with deep emotion.
7
Shiori was on edge, filled with tension and nerves at the prospect of sudden battle, and she didn’t sleep a wink. She did manage to doze for a short time, but came back to her full senses at the sound of footsteps and whispered voices outside of her room. They came to a stop partway down the hall, after which a door opened, and a hurried conversation took place between two men.
“What is it?”
“Hildegarde has run away. We’re currently looking for her, but she may have already escaped the Cathedral grounds.”
“What?!”
“We don’t have enough support. I apologize, but...”
“Wait. Okay, hang on a moment.”
Ah, now I get it. By saying that Hildegarde is on the run, they give Karina even more reason to take action.
Earlier, Karina had spoken in a way that made it seem that her intentions were to have Hildegarde blamed for what happened. Hildegarde’s “escape” was thus the perfect opportunity, and Karina would know this—she would not want to waste such a chance. It was a terribly effective—if cunning—trap that the knights had concocted.
Within moments, knocks could be heard, along with a knight calling Felicia’s name. Then came the sound of a key unlocking that door, and that same door opening.
“Whatever is the matter?”
The person who answered was Karina.
“Miss Hildegarde has escaped,” reported the knight. “We think there’s a good chance she’s left the grounds.”
“What?!”
Karina’s reaction was instantaneous, her voice filled with confusion and anger.
“What is the meaning of this?” she asked. “Was she not under strict watch?”
“My apologies. A VIP requested her as a speaking partner and we could not refuse. That was when she found a chance to escape. She sweet-talked her way out.”
“The city is especially lively during the Nativity Festival, even at an hour as late as this one,” added another knight. “We’ll need help if we intend to get down among the tourists to look for her. I apologize, but we’ve had to move a few knights from this location and put them on the search team.”
“Oh... And what of our protection?” asked Karina.
“We’ll leave as few knights as we can to ensure your safety. All the same, keep your door locked and do not leave your room.”
“Okay. I suppose we’ve no other choice. Very well.”
Karina’s voice sounded confused, but all the same she could be heard accepting the knights’ decision. A moment later, footsteps came stomping down the hall, with someone calling Alec’s name. Thus the ruse continued.
“Sir Alec!” called a knight. “A messenger has arrived from the guild.”
“At this time?”
“It’s an emergency. They insist on at least consulting you. We have them waiting at the back gates.”
“Damn it,” spat Alec. “Understood. Miss Karina, trust that I will be back as soon as possible.”
“You’ve no other choice,” replied Karina. “I understand.”
Her voice was filled with clear displeasure, but it was uncertain if it was how she really felt, or just an act. Perhaps it was both.
A whispered conversation could be heard outside, followed by the locking of a door. Then the footsteps of several knights trampled down the hall, and at the same time Shiori’s door opened silently, then closed, and was locked.
“Alec,” Shiori whispered.
“You’re awake,” replied Alec.
Shiori sat up in bed, and Alec rushed to her without so much as a sound, then knelt at her bed.
“The game is afoot,” he said, “and she bought it. She was looking for an opening.”
He sounded certain. Karina had acted like she’d just woken up, but there were no signs that she’d actually been asleep. She had also answered the knock at her door without a moment of hesitation, among other noticeable slips.
“I’ll be hiding behind the partition. We’ll move according to plan.”
“Understood.”
Shiori went back under the covers, and Alec planted a kiss on her cheek before hiding in the shadows of the partition.
How long would they have to wait? A few minutes? Perhaps longer?
As Shiori was waiting for something to happen, she felt herself grow tense—she could feel something wavering in the air.
Someone is using magic...
It was only a hint of magical energy—nothing particularly powerful, but it was close. Shiori cast her search magic, and slowly spread out a thin net of magical energy. It immediately caught on a few presences nearby—likely those staying in their rooms and the knights who were in hiding.
At about the ten-meter mark, Shiori felt something unusual. Based on the distance, she knew it was Felicia’s room. It was only faint, but Shiori could sense somebody up to no good. The presence stood up, and cast another spell. Then came the sound of a body slumping to the ground.
So, it was sleep magic.
Shiori remembered what Alec had told her—that all the knights in the guest house were magical soldiers. That meant they could easily parry such weak magic. That they didn’t was merely a sign that they were feigning sleep. However, even knowing that, Shiori let out a short gasp. She was nervous. The gasp was so slight as to be almost inaudible, but to Shiori it seemed to echo through the room. She held her breath and touched the band on her left arm without realizing it—it was the first gift that Alec ever gave her.
Shiori heard the quiet sound of a key unlocking a door, and the presence moved slowly out into the corridor, pausing there. Shiori guessed whoever it was was searching the knights for a set of keys. In the next instant, the presence was on the move once again, until it stood before the door to Shiori’s room.
Shiori let her search magic softly dissipate into the air and closed her eyes. She calmed her breathing so that at a glance it would look as though she were still asleep, but she kept her senses sharp.
She heard a few different keys being tried in the door, and finally, a metallic click as one of them fit. The door opened silently—followed by the sound of swaying clothes and stealthy footsteps along the carpet—and then it closed. The air around the presence was muggy with ill will as it stood by Shiori’s bedside. Shiori’s skin felt suddenly prickly as if it were burning.
Here it comes...
She heard a low muttering followed by the dispersal of magic. Then, Shiori was hit by a faint through her consciousness. Hypnosis magic. Still, it was weak in strength, and after only a moment of drowsiness, it seeped away and was gone. The caster, however, was unaware of this—Shiori gave no signs of being awake, and her breathing still held the rhythm of one who was fast asleep. Perhaps this was why the intruder spoke, her voice low and filled with spite and ridicule.
“The buffoon. To think she’s considered high rank. She didn’t even wake during all the commotion. In the end, she’s little more than an uncivilized Easterner, I suppose. It reflects poorly on the guild that sent her.”
There was no doubting it now—the spiteful voice belonged to Karina.
