The following morning, Elias visited Noque’s chamber and formally declared his intent to conduct an investigation.
“An investigation… of the monsters?”f
“Yes. Regarding yesterday’s beast… If a Class-Two monster appeared in an area where such creatures were unheard of, it suggests that something is occurring in unexplored territory—something that is driving them toward the fortress.”
At Elias’s reasoning, Noque’s expression grew tense.
“So you mean to uncover the reason why a Class-Two monster emerged here?”
“Precisely.”
“…A dangerous endeavor, to be sure. However, judging from yesterday’s battle, I believe you would be capable of handling any similar threats that arise.”
“That wolf was easy to read. If I determine that a situation is too dangerous, I will withdraw immediately.”
“…I see. There is no doubt that this is an abnormal occurrence. Very well, I shall entrust this matter to you. Will you be going alone?”
“If possible, I’d like to bring a few knights or soldiers along.”
At this, Noque’s face darkened with reluctance. Elias quickly discerned the reason.
(A Class-Two monster is already considered formidable by Noque’s standards. If any knights or soldiers accompanying me were to be injured… he would be held responsible.)
“However, I cannot afford to weaken the fortress’s defenses.”
Elias adjusted his approach.
“If granted permission, Frenn and I will handle the investigation ourselves.”
“…Can she fight?”
“She possesses means to defend herself, but her primary role is administrative. That said, she has accompanied me onto battlefields in the eastern front.”
“I see…”
“For now, we will investigate on our own. Is that acceptable?”
Noque hesitated for a moment but finally nodded.
“Very well. I leave this matter in your hands.”
“Frenn, we’re heading out.”
Upon returning to his quarters, Elias wasted no time explaining the situation.
Frenn narrowed her eyes slightly.
“…What’s wrong?”
“I understand why I’ve been brought along, given the lack of personnel, and I don’t mind… but this means I won’t be able to complete the other tasks you assigned me yesterday.”
“Take your time with those. There’s no deadline. Besides, if we’re investigating monster activity, we might run into front-line knights or even ‘heroes’—it could be a good opportunity to gather information.”
“That’s an optimistic outlook… But true. It’s better than being confined to the fortress.”
“Exactly. Though our top priority remains identifying the source of the monster activity. Let’s move.”
“Understood.”
Together, Elias and Frenn departed the fortress. Soldiers and knights watched as they set off toward the mountainous terrain beyond.
Upon reaching the outskirts of a dense forest, they came to a halt.
“First, reconnaissance.”
“Right.”
Elias closed his eyes, summoning the magic that lay dormant within him.
“Reveal the domain of darkness—unveil its secrets.”
As his words carried into the air, a wave of magic radiated outward.
It was a spell designed to detect monsters lurking in the vicinity.
Elias allowed the sensation to wash over the landscape, then slowly opened his eyes.
“Frenn, do you have a map?”
“I do.”
“Oh? You had it ready without me asking? Impressive.”
“You should put more thought into preparation yourself.”
She handed him the map, and Elias chuckled at her remark.
“There are no monsters near the fortress. Which means yesterday’s creature didn’t originate from nearby.”
“There’s no sign of a nest either?”
“If there were, the northern knights would have discovered it long ago.”
“True enough.”
Elias studied the map thoughtfully.
“The most plausible theory is that it came down from the mountains. But… I doubt that monster was alone.”
Frenn glanced at him.
“Why do you think so?”
Elias met her gaze briefly before responding.
“Just a feeling.”
“Normally, I’d sigh at that… but your instincts tend to be accurate.”
“Still, it won’t hurt to confirm the surrounding terrain.”
“Agreed. By the way—”
“Yeah?”
“Are we not heading toward the mountains?”
Elias had determined that no monsters lurked nearby.
However, faint traces of monstrous energy could be felt to the north—in the direction of the front lines.
Even Frenn, who specialized in administrative work rather than combat, could sense the lingering aura.
That region was the true front line, where battles against monsters were a constant reality.
“I’m still deciding.”
“We could easily go there and return within the day.”
“…Do you want to investigate?”
“I can’t do my work without interacting with people.”
Elias smirked.
“You’re diligent as ever… Well, let’s finish surveying the terrain first. Then we’ll decide.”
With that, he resumed walking.
Frenn followed closely behind.
“Frenn, what’s your take on the monster’s appearance?”
“I doubt it has anything to do with our arrival. If I had to speculate, I’d say something on the front lines has triggered it—forcing monsters to migrate toward us.”
“A battle stirred up the local beasts, and they started pushing into rear territories?”
“Yes.”
“That’s my assumption as well. I wonder how Noque sees it.”
“He was hurriedly preparing a report, so I imagine he’ll send word to the capital within a day or two.”
“And if that prompts action from the kingdom, what happens to me?”
“Hard to say… Even though you were stationed in the eastern front, you’re still a Holy Knight. The kingdom might entrust you with resolving this matter.”
“That would give me an opportunity to achieve merits. Which is the last thing those who want me sidelined would want.”
“Even those people wouldn’t sit idle if monsters began descending upon villages.”
Frenn’s reasoning was logical.
Elias nodded, continuing his stride.
(This is becoming more complicated than expected…)
Elias sighed internally.
Not because of the monsters, but because of the politics.
(I knew becoming a Holy Knight would involve more than just fighting… but still, this is a pain.)
Even as he lamented, his feet never stopped moving—his resolve to see the investigation through unwavering.
(Well, whatever. For now, let’s focus on the task at hand.)
“Frenn, let me know if you get tired.”
“This is nothing I can’t handle.”
Muttering this in his heart, Elias continued to swing his sword.