CH 73

Ch. 73: Preparations to Attack the Enemy Base

I tested to make sure the Tavern Owner and his crew really couldn’t hear anything.

Werner: “If you can hear me, nod your head.”

I asked the question in a normal tone of voice, but no one moved.

Werner: “If you do not nod, I will kill you.”

But even with the threat, no one moved an inch.

Looks like they really can’t hear anything.

Werner: “Well, that should do it.” Their sight and hearing had been fully sealed.

They cannot move their hands or feet, and they cannot speak.

Without understanding their present circumstance, it would be difficult for them to know how to get out of the situation.

But even with all these measures in place, you cannot prohibit someone from using a Spell initiated without incantation or symbols.

But from the previous fight, I don’t think any of them are strong Magecraft Users.

Werner: “Now then, Corally, let’s go crush the enemy base.”

Corally: “....okay.” Corally quietly, but nodded with determination.

As I was about to deactivate the barrier, Hati began stirring inside my shirt.

Werner: “Oh wait. I almost forーー”

Hati: “Forgot?” Hati spoke quietly, but there was anger clearly in her voice.

Werner: “No, I haven’t forgotten about you, Hati. You can come out now.”

Hati: “If you haven’t forgotten about me, then all is well.” Hati poked her head out around my chest area.

Corally: “.............a dragon?” Werner: “Yes. This is Hati, the Dragon. She is part of our group, so let’s make introductions.”

I’m sure just being told that Hati is an Ancient Dragon would be hard to believe.

So I first introduced her as a Dragon as a start.

Corally: “......I’m Corally. Nice to meet you.”

Hati: “I am Hati! Corally, you seemed to have noticed my presence from a while back.”

Corally: “.......I only knew that Werner was doing something inside his shirt.”

Werner: “Ah, so it was that obvious.”

Corally: “.......of course it was. But I never would have thought that a Dragon was hidden inside. ……I thought you were messing with some sort of Magecraft Artifact.”

Werner: “I see. Well, Hati has been using her keen sense of smell to inform me about different things.” Corally: “I see now. ……so you also realized there was poison in the drink?” Werner: “Yes, Hati was the one who informed me.”

I can feel Hati’s tail wag inside my shirt.

Corally: “........I see. Well, I’m glad you didn’t drink it.”

Werner: “What kind of poison was it by the way?” Corally: “........paralysis poison.”

Werner: “I thought as much.”

They probably wanted me to be unable to move as they interrogated me.

And once they got all the information they wanted, they would have tried manipulating me the same way they did with Hati and Corally.

Werner: “That manipulation technique really is troublesome.”

Especially the function where you can give commands verbally. That is especially problematic.

If they were to capture one of the Palace servants, they might be successful in assassinating key representatives and leaders.

They could have them carry in an explosive deep inside the Palace if they wanted to.

But as I reflected on these things, Hati spoke.

Hati: “My Lord, before we proceed, should we not inform the Royal Magecraft Knights?”

Werner: “There’s no time.”

Hati: “Why not use the Communication Artifact?” Werner: “..........oh, that’s true. Now that you mention it…..”

Hati: “My Lord, you can be quite forgetful sometimes!”

It was an Artifact I just recently made, and I had already forgotten about it.

Well, to be accurate, I haven’t forgotten. It’s just that I didn’t think about using it under this specific circumstance.

The Long-Distance Communication Magecraft Artifact I use is paired with Lotte’s.

Originally, I intended it to be a device that Lotte would use to call for my help.

That’s why I overlooked the fact that I could use it to inform Lotte.

As I initiated the device, I called out to Lotte.

Werner: “Lotte, it’s Werner. Can you hear me?”

Lotte: [Master? What is the matter?] Lotte’s voice seemed to echo, and I could hear the sound of water.

She must have been in the middle of a bath.

Although I never bathed in the Palace bath, I’m certain it’s quite spacious and relaxing.

Anyways, I was glad that she carried the Artifact with her into the bath.

There’s no telling when she could be attacked.

I wanted her to always carry the Barrier Generator and Communication Artifact with her even if she’s sleeping, bathing, or going to the restroom.

[Your Highness? Is something the matter? And that voice, where is it coming from?]

Lotte: [I am speaking with my Master. It is that kind of Artifact.]

[I see. Pardon my intrusion, your Highness.]

I also heard the voice of one of the maid servants.

It’s not unusual for Royalty to have a servant wash their body.

Werner: “I’m sorry to have bothered you at a time like this.”

Lotte: [No, it is alright. It does not bother me at all.]

I paused to think for a moment.

I considered having her move to a space where no one else would hear confidential information.

But if it’s a maid servant that the Imperial Highness assigned to Lotte, I should be able to trust her.

Werner: “It can be after the bath, but I need you to inform the Royal Magecraft Knights at the Palace.”

Lotte: [I understand. What should I tell them?]

Werner: “I found the enemy base. I want the Royal Magecraft Knights to assist in the matter.”

Lotte: [RーReally……..we just parted just a moment ago, and you already discovered their base……]

Werner: “I will explain the details when we meet in person. So please tell the Royal Magecraft Knights….”

And I began explaining the location of the base.

Werner: “When they arrive, if the Barrier Artifact is active, then please have them remain on standby outside.

Lotte: [Understood. I will relay the message.]

Werner: “Oh, and Lotte. You are prohibited from participating as well.”

Lotte: [.............understood……]

Werner: “Okay, I’m counting on you.”

Now, we informed the Palace.

All that’s left is to attack the enemy base.