Chapter 403

“Mr. Simone Savelli.”

I shook his hand and took a careful look at his face. In the brief moment I had, I started sizing him up. Unlike Narke, who usually carried himself with a calm demeanor despite the occasional odd moment, this person seemed cheerful by nature. His easy smile came naturally, and the muscles around his mouth and cheekbones moved without stiffness. His hairstyle was completely ordinary, as were his clothes. He was tall, lean, and slim, with the kind of pleasant face that drew attention even from a distance. If someone were sketching a wanted poster, pleasant-looking would probably end up under distinguishing features.

He wasn’t dressed like a clergyman, but the wand at his side belonged to the Papal See. His status window listed the Trait Interrogation (Lv. 5). I had no idea what the ability actually did.

Savelli. A family that had produced popes. They wouldn’t assign someone insignificant as an aide. Considering how Narke had grown up, there was a good chance they had known each other since childhood.

Hm. Meeting Narke’s childhood friend in Trier Cathedral…

Smiling, I continued, “It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Nikolaus Ernst.”

“I know, Your Eminence. Per His Holiness’s orders, your secret will remain strictly confidential.”

He gave me a playful wink, shook my hand firmly before letting go, then stepped beside Narke and waved a hand toward the building, clearly telling us to head inside.

Turning back to Narke, whose usual smile had returned to his otherwise expressionless face, he said, “I’ve already read all the reports, so there’s nothing to worry about. You’re Narke Farnese, Your Eminence. You came to the Imperial Second Academy as an exchange student. Ah, your grades were excellent—as expected of Your Eminence. Even with your eyes closed during the exams, it seems you couldn’t hide your talent.”

I glanced at Narke. He kept the same expression as before, showing no particular reaction.

Narke wasn’t the type to enjoy someone loudly blabbering the obvious. This person didn’t seem especially compatible with him. Since Narke didn’t respond, I spoke instead.

“How did you get here? And what brings you here?”

“I came by train! Hahaha! Man, it was tough. I warped as far as I could, but the train was so slow I ended up sleeping on it for… two days, maybe? Or was it three? Civilization has this strange way of making you lose all sense of time. At this point, just looking at a train makes me want to throw up.”

“…….”

“Anyway, while you’re all in Trier, my primary duty is to assist Cardinal Farnese. Of course, I’d be more than happy if Cardinal Ernst made full use of me as well. Understood?”

“Haha. And how exactly should I make use of Lord Savelli?”

“If anything here inconveniences you, let me know. I’ll make sure Trier and the Papal See hear about it. Or if you simply need a sparring partner, call me. Or if there’s any information I might be able to help with—”

“Very well.”

It wasn’t me who answered. Both Simone Savelli and I turned toward Narke in surprise. Cutting Simone Savelli off, Narke smiled faintly.

“I’ll do that, Lord Savelli.”

“…Oh, Lord Savelli? You should call me Simone.”

“This is Germany.”

“…….”

“What does that have to do with anything? I’ll address you properly, so Your Eminence, please feel free to use my given name. It’s been over half a year since I’ve heard you call me by it. I rather miss hearing your voice say it.”

Simone Savelli was definitely the type to make people feel awkward. Even with a first-time acquaintance standing right beside them, he was rambling on without a shred of reserve.

Narke seemed to let the chatter go in one ear and out the other before asking flatly, “Lord Savelli. Is my father doing well?”

“Of course.”

After talking nonstop, all he gave was a single sentence. It sounded odd even to me. Keeping my face expressionless, I continued toward the lodging. Narke asked again, “Has he asked how I’ve been?”

“Of course he—”

“Not me as a tool. Me.”

Narke’s voice was gentle, yet there was a chill to it. The atmosphere was growing more and more tense.

‘…Sigh.’

Would it kill them to just say it outright? I almost wanted to throw Elias’s earlier words back at them—the ones he’d said while smacking me on the back. I was the only one here with no idea what was going on, trying to make sense of everything.

‘Still, what Narke said was enough of a clue.’

Give me even the smallest hint, and I could usually piece things together.

Earlier, Elias had asked why I hadn’t told the clergy in Trier everything I’d deduced about the Holy Nail. In response, I’d simply asked him, “If there was something outside the window, why didn’t you just close the curtains?” From that one question alone, he’d figured out why I’d deliberately held part of my conclusion back from the clergy.

Elias was brilliant, but I didn’t think that was the only reason he understood. The same applied to the conversation unfolding before me. It wasn’t easy for me to follow, but it was a good chance to gather information. Though, seeing how unhappy Narke looked, calling it an “opportunity” felt a little inappropriate.

That was the end of Narke’s questions about his father. When we reached the lodging, Simone Savelli pointed toward one of the tables in the hall.

“How about a cup of tea before you head upstairs?”

Narke looked ready to refuse, but without even glancing his way, I nodded.

“I’d like that.”

“No.”

Sure enough, Narke’s voice came right on the heels of mine. Lightly taking hold of my wrist, he continued, “Let’s go upstairs. His Highness Elias is probably waiting.”

“Hmm. I imagine His Highness is waiting for you, since you’re sharing a room. You look exhausted. Why don’t you head up first?”

“…….”

Narke stared at me for a long moment. Then he pressed his lips together, closed his eyes briefly, and smiled.

“No. We have a guest. It’s only proper that we entertain him for a little while. I’ll join you.”

We could have asked one of the servants, but instead we brewed the tea ourselves and set it on the table. The moment Simone Savelli saw Narke holding out a cup to him, his eyes widened, and he sprang to his feet.

“…Your Eminence? Why are you…?”

Even answering seemed like a bother to Narke. He gave him a tired smile and replied casually, “I should at least know how to take care of myself.”

“No, that’s my job. Please, from now on, just have a seat. If anyone in Rome or the Vatican heard about this, I’d be the one getting scolded.”

“…….”

Narke simply sat down without another word.

Truth be told, brewing tea himself wasn’t something someone from a family like the Savellis would normally do either. If the two of them were the only people left in the world, then yes, Simone Savelli, as Narke’s aide, would be the one to do it. But in a building full of servants like this one, the normal thing would be for both of them to leave it to the servants.

Narke probably believed that, during his time at the Imperial Second Academy, he’d managed to shed much of his old life. After all, living alone in a foreign land with nothing but an animal companion—without the extravagant treatment he’d received as the heir to House Farnese, a cardinal, and the Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith—had likely suited him just fine.

Simone Savelli, on the other hand, had dragged all those old memories back to the surface, and then insisted he return to living that way. From Narke’s point of view, it was only natural that he’d find it irritating.

“Still, I couldn’t possibly refuse something Your Eminence made for me. I’ll gratefully accept it. I never thought I’d live to drink tea brewed by Your Eminence himself. Coming to Germany was worth it after all.”

“…….”

“Ah, it’s wonderful. There really isn’t anything Your Eminence cannot do.”

I glanced at Narke before clearing my throat. The more I listened, the more I couldn’t shake the feeling that… this guy was a little too fond of Narke. If it were just normal fondness, anyone would appreciate the sincerity behind it. But this felt more like he was constantly getting on Narke’s nerves.

‘Maybe that’s why Narke can’t stand him.’

“Narke… Ah, yes. Come to think of it, isn’t it a lovely name to say? It has such a nice, rounded sound. Then again, Your Eminence could make any name sound good. If Your Eminence had been named Giovanni instead, I’m sure I’d think Giovanni was a much finer name than I do now.”

“…….”

Rounded? The -ke catches in your mouth, so I wouldn’t exactly call it smooth. Talk about seeing someone through rose-colored glasses. More importantly, I’d just learned the completely useless fact that Simone—a Roman noble and Narke’s aide—apparently didn’t care much for the name Giovanni. When no one answered, Savelli took a sip of tea before speaking again.

“By the way, His Holiness asked me to pass along a message while sending me to Germany. Don’t act too hastily.”

Since Narke didn’t respond, I answered in his place.

“We are moving as slowly as we can. We are being extremely cautious. If we rush this, we could lose the Holy Nail forever.”

“No. His Holiness was referring to His Highness Elias Hohenzollern’s safety.”

“…….”

At the mention of Elias, Narke’s brow tightened ever so slightly.

“That’s the second reason I’m here. He’s one of the people I’m assigned to protect as well.”

“I see. Then may I ask why His Holiness gave such an order? Is someone after His Highness Elias Hohenzollern?”

“Isn’t Germany surrounded by people who want him dead? There are plenty of people eagerly waiting for the day he—”

“Lord Savelli.”

Narke cut him off flatly. Simone Savelli immediately lowered his head.

“My apologies. That was rude of me in front of Your Eminence’s friend. But that only makes it all the more important to stay on guard.”

It was hard getting used to seeing Narke this cold. Then again, Simone Savelli seemed far more accustomed to this side of him than I was. Looking between the two of them, I spoke calmly.

“Lord Savelli, there is something I’d like to ask.”

“…….”

“As far as I know, His Highness Elias Hohenzollern is expected to remain safe for quite some time yet.”

“…….”

“So why is the Papal See personally assigning someone to protect him?”

Considering how many brushes with death Elias had survived as the protagonist, calling him “safe” felt a little questionable. Still, he lived to at least his late twenties. His current days as a high school student weren’t supposed to be a dangerous period of his life at all. Of course, a lot had already changed, and now that he’d become an Imperial Mage—something that was never meant to happen—his end might have been pushed closer. But for the Papal See to send someone personally to protect him? That was on an entirely different level.

Simone Savelli studied me in silence before giving a small nod.

“So there was a reason Cardinal Farnese took an interest in you.”

At those words, Narke raised a hand to his neck, looking like he was about to let out a deep sigh. It was rare to see him react this strongly. I patted him on the shoulder, trying to reassure him.

“Don’t worry, Your Eminence. I’ll handle this. Lord Savelli, I’d appreciate it if you’d answer my question.”

“His Holiness was the one who gave the order, so I don’t know. How His Holiness reaches his decisions is highly confidential. I was also told that my protection assignment would conclude midway through the operation to recover the Holy Nail.”

“Midway through?”

“However long this operation lasts, presumably, there will come a point when His Highness is no longer in danger. Speaking of which… have you identified any likely suspects regarding the Holy Nail?”

“I have had my suspicions from the start.”

“I see. Then why haven’t you acted? Wouldn’t it be better to move together with the people from the Papal See sooner rather than later?”

“There is little chance the suspect is at their base.”

I answered shortly. There were three reasons we weren’t moving yet. The first was the one I’d just mentioned. The second was that we intended to stall for time here. The third…

“There are reasons we can’t make the first move against them. It is a matter that involves the government. Rest assured, though. Every part of the operation is proceeding as planned.”

Narke answered for me. He left out the details as well, but I could tell from his words that he’d just stated my third reason. Even though we’d been speaking in circles this whole time, almost like playing Twenty Questions, Simone Savelli calmly sipped his tea before finally getting straight to the point.

“I see. So the answer comes more easily than I expected. It isn’t much of a mystery after all, is it? Since the culprit would have been caught easily, they must have hidden themselves while using their ability… Then why hasn’t the Empire identified a suspect in the attack on one of Eszett’s members yet?”

“…….”

At first glance, he looked like someone who never gave anything much thought. He was good-looking enough that most people probably wouldn’t have a bad first impression of him, but after talking to him, he came across as the type who never thought very deeply about anything.

‘So much for first impressions.’

He was right. Since it was the kind of crime that could easily expose the culprit, they would have concealed themselves as thoroughly as possible. That meant we had no choice but to set the whole field ablaze and force whatever was hiding inside to come out.

But the answer only came easily for the Pleroma leadership and me. We’re the only ones with the clues needed to solve it. Which also meant that, if I’d already narrowed down the culprit, there was a high chance Pleroma had done the same. Assuming, of course, that they knew what had happened to Heike Einsiedel and Ismailov. In other words, it was only natural for the Imperial government to waste time. They simply didn’t have the information.

‘That aside, there’s another problem.’

Attack on one of Eszett’s members… How did this guy know something that classified? It had never appeared in the papers. And it wasn’t as though he’d heard it from Trier Cathedral. Judging from how the clergy here reacted when we spoke to them, even the Archbishop of Trier knew nothing about what happened to Heike and Ismailov.

Did the Papal See have informants who knew everything? Had Narke reported it? That would explain why he’d been so uncooperative about the Ismailov affair—well, cooperative in his own way—but I couldn’t imagine him handing information over to the Papal See so readily.

More importantly, if Narke had officially passed that information to the Papal See, Simone Savelli would’ve brought up Heike himself when I asked why Elias needed protection. He never stopped talking. Even if he claimed he didn’t know the Pope’s exact intentions, he would’ve thrown in his own guess. Something like, One of your teammates is already on the brink of death after becoming someone’s target. Isn’t that reason enough to worry about His Highness Elias Hohenzollern, who’s surrounded by enemies on all sides?

I looked at Narke, but he wouldn’t meet my eyes. After silently watching the two of them for a moment, I finally spoke.

“You have only just gotten used to it. Maybe you shouldn’t be using your ability in the middle of a conversation.”

“…Huh.”

Simone Savelli and Narke both turned to me at the same time. Their eyes widened. They looked at each other, then back at me. Simone Savelli tilted his head and asked, “…How did you know I used my ability?”

“You knew classified information, so I took a guess.”

It was probably something similar to Insight. An ability that somehow let him randomly glean bits of information from whoever he was speaking to. That must have been what his Interrogation ability did.

“…A guess?”

Simone Savelli let out a quiet laugh before composing himself.

“I see. I never imagined ordinary human intuition could compare to Cardinal Farnese’s insight… As expected, His Eminence’s perception is remarkable. How did you ever come across someone like him?”

“Let’s end this here.”

Narke abruptly stood up and grabbed my arm. I hurried after him, nearly kicking the table over as I rose. Without a shred of patience, Narke slammed his foot against the floor and warped us in front of our room.

“…Ah.”

“Sorry.”

Narke steadied me by the shoulder before opening the door. With a bitter look on his face, he spoke almost absentmindedly.

“I wanted you to finally get some proper rest… I hate that someone like him had to show up.”

“…Sorry, but he doesn’t really feel like an unwelcome guest to me. He just seems like your old friend.”

“…Ah.”

Narke parted his lips, then lowered his gaze to the floor.

“Right. I suppose he would be, to you.”

I’d never seen Narke like this before.

Would calling it refreshing get me punched? Probably not. Unless we were playing board games, Narke wasn’t the type to hit a friend, even jokingly. He gently pushed me into the room before quietly calling my name.

“Lukas.”

“What?”

“Don’t reveal too much in front of him. He’s taken an interest in you. Can’t you tell?”

“The Papal See already made me a cardinal. Does it really matter whether he’s interested in me or not?”

Narke blinked, then looked away. It had been a while since I’d seen him struggle to answer. I continued, “Besides, you’re the one who arranged that. And you said your mission was to take me to the Papal See.”

“…That’s true. Ah, I get it. You were only playing along because he’s my friend. Yeah, that makes sense.”

Narke ran a hand down his face, continuing to mutter to himself. Just as it was starting to get a little unsettling, he looked up with a smile.

“That mission’s canceled as of now. Okay?”