Rox and his two guards, who I had asked to keep things quiet, were waiting outside. For some reason, Shenley and Dean were standing nearby.
"Hmm, it's over… I hope they're still alive," Rox muttered softly.
But I couldn't make it out, so I let it go.
After confirming everyone was looking my way, I asked Rox, "Why are Shenley-san and Dean-kun here?"
"They said they’re waiting for us," Rox answered.
Shenley stepped forward to speak. "I heard that Dean-kun's friend hasn't returned since yesterday, so we waited for Aoi-sensei and Rox-senpai to come back. We thought you might have found some clues…"
Beside her, Dean had a worried expression.
I nodded at them. "We've found some clues. Now, we just need to confirm them."
The two of them nodded in relief.
Then Rox said with a troubled expression, "Are you going to let the Nevis family guide you? The knights still need to interrogate and investigate…"
"Can't you somehow cover it up?"
"Co-cover it up? No, I can't…"
Rox was flustered by my words. From the knights’ perspective, it was understandable that they couldn't overlook this, but it would be troublesome if they arrested them now.
"We don't have time. It's possible that students from our academy are with other organizations, so we'll have to visit each organization's base one by one and negotiate directly. For that, we need the Nevis family's cooperation."
"… At least wait until after the knights interrogate them…"
I looked directly into his eyes and explained the plan, "If they truly control the dark side of the city, they likely gather information faster than anyone. The news of the attack on the Nevis family will probably spread immediately. Before the enemy considers the possibility of the Nevis family's betrayal, we'll grab their tails."
Rox's face reddened for some reason, and he averted his gaze. "… A-alright. I'll restrict the information."
Getting his consent, I nodded back.
With the only concern addressed, it was time to act.
I called Shenley and Dean, then returned to the lab.
―――
Kalila Nevis worked quickly. As soon as I mentioned wanting to contact other organizations, she immediately mobilized her subordinates.
While Kalila and I were walking through the back streets of the city, I wondered if her subordinates were aware of our movements.
"… Where are you taking us? If you're planning to escape or trap us…" Rox, following behind, voiced his wariness.
Kalila frowned and glanced back at him. "Don't be ridiculous, prince. I won’t try to rebel at this point. If we prove useful, we might avoid execution."
"… What a brazen thing to say, and even telling us…"
Kalila snorted and shrugged at Rox's exasperation.
After we walked for a while, one of Kalila's subordinates appeared silently, whispered something to her, and then left.
"Garone of the White Ash said he wants to meet me. They're a pretty big group based in the Karvan Kingdom. There will be at least fifty people there."
"… Want to meet? What do you mean?" Rox asked.
Kalila gave a sarcastic smile. "I told them there's a huge business opportunity, but the knights might move. I'll share the profits, so lend us some people… It's not a lie, right?"
Rox frowned. "That's clearly a lie."
"Just a matter of interpretation." Kalila shrugged.
"So, where is it?" I asked.
Kalila pointed at an alleyway. "I don't know the details, but Garone's subordinates are waiting there. Sorry, but the prince and the knights can't enter."
"… Then I'll go without armor."
"You'll be recognized even with a hood. They'll check your face before guiding you. Just wait, prince."
Denied by Kalila, Rox looked frustrated but couldn't argue and glared at her silently.
I patted Rox lightly on the back, then walked towards Kalila. "It's fine. I'll handle the negotiations. Don't worry."
"… To be honest, I'm more worried about you going overboard…"
"I'll be careful to hold back a bit."
Rox's face grimaced.
Shenley and Dean, who had been quietly following, spoke up.
"I-if it’s us, we're not known by anyone. We'll help you, Aoi-sensei."
"Eh, m-me too?"
Shenley had a determined face, but Dean had a desperate look. Their magic skills had improved, but they were not suited for such an intense situation.
"Shenley-san and Dean-kun, please watch the building's entrance with Rox-kun. If there's a fight, we'll be fine. But if they scatter and escape, we might miss some. Please also check for any back doors."
Shenley looked frustrated, realizing her own limitations. Dean looked relieved.
Smiling at them, I walked into the alley with Kalila.
After we walked for a while, two men emerged from the shadows.
"You're Kalila Nevis-dono of the Nevis family. Who's the girl next to you?" one of them asked.
Kalila grinned fearlessly and pointed at me. "She's the moneymaker. We'll discuss the details with Garone. Lead us."
Her confident words made the men frown but reluctantly nod. "… Follow us."
The men led the way, and Kalila gestured for me to follow.
After turning several corners, we entered the narrowest path yet. The stone pavement was replaced with gravel, making crunching sounds under our feet. We reached a dead end with a dark stone wall in front.
"… It's a dead end," Kalila said angrily.
The two men turned around. "We need to ensure safety before you meet the boss. First, hand over your weapons. Next, we'll check for any tails."
With a sigh of annoyance, Kalila drew the two curved swords from her back and dropped them at her feet. "Ridiculous. I'm the one who’s here. Just surround me with more people to prevent any trouble. Have your brains turned to ash?"
At her complaints, the men clicked their tongues and approached. "Even though the Nevis family is a small group, you have been granted territory. We don't underestimate you, especially you, Kalila. We've heard your fighting skills are outstanding."
He turned to me. "Little woman, hand over your weapon."
I showed my palms. "I have no weapons, no sword or staff."
Then I spun around once.
"… Seems true."
"Alright, let's meet the boss."
Immediately after, we heard the sound of stone grinding behind us.
I turned around and saw five burly men. Two seemed to be beastkin.
"This way," one of the five men said while roughly kicking aside the gravel.
What appeared was something resembling a small iron lid.
"The boss is waiting underground."