Volume 3 Chapter 21 Information Exchange
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
”Master, since we’re in town, let’s eat some normal food. I’m tired of rats and bugs.”
”No, Karin. Our goal is to meet the town’s infiltrator and exchange information to rescue Lady Melon as soon as possible. No dallying or sightseeing. Stop complaining and follow me quickly.”
Avoiding surveillance, Sharlin and Karin had infiltrated the Apocalypse Empire over the mountains. They couldn’t wander aimlessly in the vast country, so they came to the capital’s Demonstown to meet a spy infiltration by Zerlant Kingdom for information exchange.
Sharlin, originally a Dark Elf, was not unusual in the capital. However, Karin, as a human, would stand out if she wandered around. She covered her head with a thick blanket to avoid attention. This style seemed to be a minority demon clan in the desert region, but it was still hot.
”Ah, Master, maybe it’s here. This apartment.” Karin pointed at a back-alley building in a weak, heatstroke-like voice. After confirming no one was around, they quickly entered the apartment. Inside, it was dimly lit and cooler than outside, and Karin sighed in relief.
”Um, Room 306… Ah, here it is.”
They climbed the narrow, steep stairs to the third floor and knocked on the door at the end of the corridor. They felt someone inside, but the door did not open.
”Ah, the Clay Desert’s Sandworm!”
When Karin spoke the password, the door clicked open.
”Excuse us. I’m Kashiwagi Karin. This is Sharlin, my master. You’re Mr. Melset, right?”
”Hey, don’t talk so loud. Well, I thought someone might come soon… Ms. Sharlin, is it? Rare. Are you also a Dark Elf?”
The old man named Melset seemed to be a Dark Elf too. The Zerlant Kingdom had apparently been planting such collaborators in various parts of the empire for a very long time. Of course, the empire’s spies must be in various parts of Zerlant too.
”Mr. Melset, I’ve just arrived and I’m very embarrassed… May I borrow your toilet and shower? I’m all wet and…” As Karin said this, she took off the blanket she was wearing, and Mr. Melset exclaimed in surprise.
”What are you? A human!?”
”Shh. Don’t shout.”
”Ah, sorry… But the toilet is over there, and we don’t have a fancy shower. Just use the bucket to wash your body. But don’t waste water; it’s drawn from the well downstairs.”
”Karin, don’t be so demanding. Mr. Melset, can I also get some water?” Sharlin said, sitting down on the floor.
”Ah, you both look exhausted, so let’s talk after you rest. I’ll go get some food for you two. But don’t open the door for anyone, okay?” Mr. Melset said, locking the room and leaving.
”Master, Mr. Melset doesn’t seem like such a bad person, does he?”
”Hmph. Anyone who worries about your meals is a good person. But don’t let your guard down.”
* * *
”How do you feel, little lady? Are you a bit refreshed now?”
While Mr. Melset was out, Karin washed her body and felt refreshed, blushing slightly.
”Well, my body is refreshed, but my clothes and underwear are still the same… it’s awkward.”
”Hah. That’s fine. What do you want to know? What will you do next?”
Prompted by Sharlin, Karin opened her mouth.
”First priority is to secure Big Sister Melon who was captured. Then we need news of Puruun, the head secretary who should have stuck with Emperor Balmstra.”
”Hey now, that’s a tough one. Both are heavy targets for spies living in the capital. Well, rumors might reach my ears, but the military seems to be controlling the information, so it’s dangerous to dig too deep.”
”Rumors will do. We’re not planning to rely solely on your information. Don’t worry about it.” When Sharlin said this firmly, Mr. Melset gave a sly smile.
”Phew, that helps. First, about the Gate Technician, the army seems to be involved for sure. No proof, but you can tell by their actions. But where they took him… Maybe they want to complete that Gate. It must be some military facility or research institute, but we don’t know where yet.”
”Can we search?”
”No way, Ms. Sharlin. We don’t have enough lives for that. We need some kind of powerful support, too.”
”So, should we find Emperor Your Majesty and Big Sister Puruun first and ask for help?”
”That might not be best, little lady. Many rumors are swirling, but I think the Emperor might still be alive. Otherwise, it’s strange that the palace guards haven’t returned. Then… Balmstra might be with a powerful ally. Maybe Duke Suicelma, but no proof. Even if the Emperor returns, the current lords and army might not serve.”
”Ugh, it’s a deadlock,” Karin pouted unhappily.
”So, who is this Duke Suicelma?”
”Originally, he’s like Mr. Balmstra’s uncle or something. Long ago, he supported Mr. Balmstra to become Emperor. I think Balmstra, in trouble, went to his uncle Duke Suicelma for soldiers. Duke Suicelma’s territory is in the western border, next to the spirit clan. They always seem to be bickering, but he’s a fierce general who keeps them in check.”
”Spirit clan!?” Karin exclaimed in a wild voice.
”Hey, little lady. What’s with these sudden words? You’ll be surprised.”
”Sorry. I just heard ‘spirit clan’ and was a little…”
”What? Do you know someone?”
”No, it’s not that…”
”Karin. My personal matters are secondary now! But… I still want to know Melon’s destination, Mr. Melset. Can you do everything possible, even if there’s risk? And then…”
Sharlin-sama told Mr. Melset about Ms. Reina here.
”I see. So that soldier is also an ally? Huh. Maybe it’s a bit better than nothing. Even if I can’t meet her directly, I might be able to borrow her name when it counts. Understood. I’ll try. But it will take some time. What will you do during that time?” Sharlin said while looking at Karin’s face.
While Mr. Melset investigates Melon’s destination, Karin and I will head to the Duke Surcelma’s place. Maybe we can get some info from his secretary.
”I see. That’s better for me, too. I don’t want you to check on your progress here every day. But how will we contact each other? Traveling there and back will take many days.”
”Yes, that’s… Karin. Hand over the whole machine to Mr. Melset.”
”Radio? But will it reach the capital?”
”No, no. The repeater is included. It’s better to have Mr. Melset install it.”
”Ah, I see. Mr. Melset is more familiar with domestic affairs.”
While saying that, Karin took out a small box from her backpack.
”What is this?” Mr. Melset looked at it with a curious face.
”Yup, this is a magic communication device. So, this is the relay, place 3 of them, okay? This way, we can talk instantly within Sir Yōmo’s territory. And if Mr. Melset wants to tell us something, just contact Sir Yōmo’s place, and we’ll know by the end of the day. There are several ways to contact Sir Yōmo, but this will be convenient once it’s set up.”
”Ah, uh… that’s amazing.”
”Alright, I’ll teach you how to use it. This is a solar panel, so it charges during the day…”
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!
Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
Leave a Reply