"To hunt down bandits, huh…"
So, the imperial palace sees us as bandits, does it?
Given that our reports have been blocked, it's not too surprising.
"Is this even reasonable?! You're calling people fighting for their lives bandits?"
"Calm down."
"You know they're not bandits, right? Am I the only one feeling this way?"
"I get it, but you need to settle down. Everyone can hear you."
"Tch! What kind of world is this? It's just pathetic!"
"After everything that happened today, you still think like that? The world isn't as just as you believe."
This holds true both here and in our own time.
People everywhere likely face the same struggles.
I rushed back to our lodging, knowing I couldn't show the decree to Maldini.
If they find out we've been labeled as bandits and ordered to be hunted down, it would be devastating.
Kicking the drawer in frustration, Nunes suddenly lit up with a thought.
"I'll report this officially! We're not bandits; we're just resisting the oppression of the officials!"
"You really think that will work?"
"Why wouldn't it?"
"I thought you learned your lesson. Those people are part of a massive cartel. As a junior investigator, you won't stand a chance."
"Are you looking down on me too?"
"I'm just stating the reality. Honestly, you think differently deep down."
Nunes fell silent, wearing a gloomy expression.
For someone with dreams of becoming an investigator, accepting this situation must be tough.
But what can we do? If we can't handle it, we have no choice but to give up.
'Is this why Cox paired me with Nunes?'
I think I'm starting to understand Cox's intentions.
Perhaps this is for the best.
If our next mission involves outlaws, I can lend my support.
I sat next to Nunes and gently patted his back.
"You've had investigator training, right? What did they teach you about situations like this?"
"My training didn't cover how local forces would look down on investigators."
"I'm asking about the basics of investigation."
"Investigation starts with gathering evidence and witnesses, followed by questioning and arresting."
"That's what we'll do. Together."
"Together?"
Nunes' eyes widened in surprise.
His expression clearly showed he didn't expect that.
"There's no need for that look. My mission is related anyway."
"Oh! That makes sense!"
"…How did you become an investigator? Was the qualification bar set low?"
"Becoming an investigator requires a recommendation. I went through the proper channels thanks to Mr. Cox's endorsement."
I know it's a recommendation system.
But why he recommended you remains a mystery.
"So what's your plan? How do you intend to investigate? They won't cooperate willingly."
"...You're the investigator; why are you asking me?"
"I'm just sharing ideas and seeking your input."
Sharing ideas? More like you have no ideas at all.
I rested my chin on my hand and pondered for a moment.
"You don't have any bright ideas either, huh?"
"Let's start by probing into the mayor's office. The local forces will be tight-lipped."
"And how will you approach them?"
"First, let's make a promise. Until this case is resolved, keep your identity hidden. We'll need to go undercover."
"Undercover?"
"We'll need to disguise ourselves to even get close. We should hit up the lens shop first thing in the morning."
We have one week.
While simply hunting them down isn't difficult, I need to clear their names as outlaws.
Breaking down the cartel between the mayor and local forces is quite a tricky task.
The black lenses are the most common and affordable option.
I bought several pairs because they quickly fog up with just a little use.
"Why the clothing store?"
"The outfit I'm wearing is too flashy. I'm going to change into something more shabby."
"Oh… you're buying me clothes too, right?"
"I think you look fine as you are."
"… Are you saying my clothes are terrible?"
"You're not completely oblivious, I see."
Although it was a cheap fur outfit, I deliberately dirtied it to avoid looking brand new.
After switching shoes, I transformed into an unmistakable commoner.
"Wow… you've done this before, haven't you?"
"Disguises are all about the details."
Once back at the lodging, I removed Arahan's cloak and Lakto's coat before stepping back onto the street.
The cheap fur coat definitely made me feel the cold more acutely.
"Are we heading straight there?"
"We don't have much time. We need to hurry."
The market's administrative office is usually located in the city center, making it easy to find.
However, the place should have been bustling with visitors, yet it was eerily empty.
No one was around because complaints rarely lead to solutions.
I tried to blend in with the crowd, but it seemed I needed to change tactics.
"Let's go in as servants."
"Huh? All of a sudden?"
"Look at this."
I pointed to an old notice pinned to the wall.
It was an announcement seeking servants.
This might actually work out better than expected.
"If we enter as servants, we can get closer."
"Even with a disguise plan like this…?"
"Is there another option?"
"Well, not really—"
"Hey! Who goes there?"
Suddenly, a deep voice interrupted us.
Turning around, I saw a stern-looking attendant glaring at us.
Leaving a flustered Nunes behind, I quickly started acting.
"Um… we saw the notice…"
"What notice? Are you referring to the servant recruitment?"
"Yes, I was wondering if applications were still open…"
"Hmmm."
The attendant scrutinized us with suspicion.
Given the document's age, it suggested there hadn't been applicants for quite some time.
Who would want to apply at such a corrupt place? It was clear they wouldn't pay properly either.
"It's surprising to see people like you here. You're not from around here, are you?"
The attendant's suspicion was understandable.
I scratched my head and replied, "I've lived in Katoura all my life, but there aren't any jobs there."
"Oh really? Well, I suppose that's better than that backwater. They say monsters invade often. Just recently, there were reports of chaos caused by dark creatures."
"That's right. It's been too dangerous to stay."
"So you want to apply as servants?"
"Yes. Are there any qualifications required?"
Heh-heh! "Follow me."
The attendant scanned us up and down before smirking slightly.
He probably thought he had found an easy target.
But he didn't realize he was dealing with someone far more cunning than he imagined.
"Oh wait."
The attendant suddenly stopped walking.
Feeling a bit tense, he lowered his voice and said,
"What you see and hear here must not be spoken of outside. You need to keep quiet like a mute. Understood?"
"Yes! Of course!"
"Good."
I thought we had been caught for a moment.
The attendant hummed a tune as he led us into the building.
We were taken to the mayor's office on the fifth floor.
After knocking on the door, a thin voice called out,
"Who is it?"
"It's Oned. I've brought an applicant for the servant position."
"A servant? Come in for now."
Creek.
As soon as the door opened, a foul smell hit my nose.
The place was in complete disarray; garbage littered everywhere, and amidst it all sat the mayor puffing on a cigarette.
"How amusing. A servant, huh?"
The mayor leaned back in his chair with an odd smile.
He looked every bit like someone who embodied laziness; his belly hung over his belt and his thinning hair revealed his scalp.
Huff.
"Cough! Cough!"
The mayor exhaled smoke towards us. Nunes immediately coughed while I held my breath for a moment longer.
Finally, the mayor squinted at us and asked,
"Who sent you here?"
"Uh? What do you mean…?"
Pfft! "Do you think you can fool me? Are you spies sent from the palace? Or perhaps sent by the central army?"
"What are you trying to do?"
I continued my act with calm assurance.
"I'm not quite sure I understand what you mean…"
"Hmph! It doesn't matter. A little whip on your back will make you comply."
"A whip?! What have we done wrong? I'm not sure what's going on, but please forgive us!"
Suddenly, I dropped to the ground, shaking my body intentionally.
Nunes, confused at first, quickly followed my lead. Thank goodness he wasn't completely oblivious.
Soon enough, the manager chuckled softly.
"Mayor, I've verified their identities. They're from Katura and have come looking for work."
"Katura?"
"Yes, it's been quite chaotic lately due to the incursions by monsters."
"Hmm. If they're from Katura, I'm even more suspicious. Didn't York just get attacked?"
York?
So he was in cahoots with them too.
If I had brought the crystal ball, I could have recorded everything right then and there—what a pity.
At that moment, the mayor asked, "Do you know a man named York?"
"Oh yes! He's quite famous in Katura…"
"Really? Then tell me what you know about him."
Is this a test?
Fortunately, I had met him once.
"Well, he's on the shorter side and rather plump. His mansion is quite grand as well."
"Oh? Where did you hear that?"
"Uh, well, I've been responsible for communication with the Toma tribe, so it's hard not to know. The people of Katura have close ties with them."
"Do you know that York was attacked by an Arahan?"
"Of course. That's part of why we left Katura. With the man who was responsible for our town's economy gone, folks like us are left struggling to survive."
The mayor nodded thoughtfully, seeming to buy my story.
To seal the deal, I added, "I used to work at a butcher shop where we handled York's meat supplies. I came to Le Mans to avoid starving to death. I'll do anything you ask—please just accept me!"
"Hmm. Is that so?"
I must have a knack for acting.
I tried to look as pitiful as possible while stealing glances at the mayor.
He wore a sly grin.
I quickly averted my gaze again.
He has no idea that I'm an Arahan.
Honestly, it would be hard for anyone in the Empire to believe that an Arahan would stoop to such antics.
I was thoroughly exploiting that oversight.
"Alright then. You can work here. The first three years will be a probation period with only half pay. If you don't like the terms, feel free to leave anytime—though you won't receive any pay."
A three-year probation? That's downright exploitative!
I barely held back a curse.
"Ah, understood. As long as you ensure I won't starve…."
"Heh! Do you have somewhere to stay? If not, you can live in the room at the end of the fourth floor. We have plenty of space."
"Ah…! Thank you so much!"
"Oned will inform you about your duties. Start by cleaning this place."
"Yes! I'll make it shine!"
"Pfft."
The mayor extinguished his cigarette and rose from his seat.
As he stepped outside, the manager patted my back lightly.
"Get up. You've got a mountain of work ahead of you."
"But are there no other workers? It seemed empty earlier…"
"Cough! Cough! A lot of them quit all at once. Don't worry; we'll fill those positions soon enough."
Right… They probably all ran away.
In this five-story building, only the mayor and manager remained—now joined by Nunes and me.
"For now, clean this place thoroughly. I'll be back in an hour."
"Yes! Please go ahead!"
The manager left the mayor's office as well.
As soon as the door closed, Nunes slumped down and let out a deep sigh.
"So it's just us two workers? This doesn't bode well for our future."
"I know right? We won't get a moment's rest."
"Hah! And here I am cleaning up after a corrupt mayor as an aspiring investigator…"
"If we're talking about status here, shouldn't I be more aggrieved?"
"Haha! Fair point! You're an Arahan and they have no clue!"
"For now, let's just play along."
I looked at the heap of trash in the mayor's office and picked up a broom.
But why does my heart feel so heavy? This is merely a cover operation after all.
Damn it.