Chapter 71
“If Irene had suffered such an accident…”
Brown Binz was declared unfit to ever wield a sword again. How painful must it be to watch a younger sibling’s dream shatter in an instant? Ludyana could understand his feelings better than anyone.
“I know. Injuries are inevitable in a tournament that uses real swords. I know it’s no one’s fault! But still!”
Nelson’s voice grew louder. Ludyana simply waited in silence, allowing him to catch his breath.
“Brown is not someone who could lose to such a pathetic guy. To Phaedon Ranstine—that useless fool—he wouldn’t lose in an instant like that!”
Nelson raised his head, opened his bag, and spread out documents and papers across the table.
“So I investigated. Whether Phaedon Ranstine really improved that much in such a short time—or if there was something wrong with the sword!”
Among the scattered papers and photos, Nelson pointed to one particular picture.
“But then, I found something stranger. In the past few months, dozens of people have died showing the exact same symptoms as Phaedon Ranstine.”
The photo showed piles of corpses.
“All the victims were from the slums of Emden!”
“You mean every one of them was from Emden’s slums?”
“Yes!”
Ludyana reached out and picked up the photo Nelson had indicated. Up close, the image looked even more gruesome.
“For a while, these people displayed strength far beyond their normal limits. But months later, they all died, coughing up dark red blood.”
“Months later?”
“Yes, that part is different. But aside from the timing, the symptoms were identical to Phaedon Ranstine’s.”
Ludyana glanced away from the photo in her hand and examined the other pictures scattered across the table. Then she picked up one she had just seen earlier at the park in Emden.
“Come to think of it, this building wasn’t in the old photo from the annex.”
Of course, the annex photo was taken long ago, so it wasn’t strange for recent changes to appear.
Noticing which photo she had picked up, Nelson leaned forward.
“Most of the workers who built that building died the same way.”
“This building?”
“Yes. It was constructed under the orders of Lord Nurenbern. Supposedly, as a welfare effort, he hired laborers from the slums.”
Ludyana brought the photo closer to her face. The building was far too large and oddly shaped to be considered ordinary.
“What was its intended use?”
“I don’t know the exact purpose.”
A massive building, dying slum dwellers, and then Phaedon Ranstine collapsing with the same symptoms—it all aligned far too neatly to be mere coincidence.
“Then why were you in the park, Lord Binz?”
“Ah, that is…”
Looking embarrassed, Nelson scratched the back of his head.
“I was fired. From the newspaper.”
“What?”
“Haha… I insisted on digging deeper into this case, and they let me go. I used to work at the Imperial Press.”
“The Imperial Press…”
That was the empire’s largest news organization. The ever-image-conscious Kashimir had given his first interview there upon ascending the throne, and the positive response had led him to appear frequently in that paper. Thanks to that, the Imperial Press attracted massive investments and grew rapidly.
“And the biggest investor was the Nurenbern family.”
Ludyana nodded. No wonder Nelson’s persistence had been unwelcome—he was threatening their most important patron.
“So there really must be something in Emden.”
“Yes! I believe so too!”
Nelson, who had been scratching his head sheepishly, now leaned forward with shining eyes.
“There’s definitely something they’re hiding. I was fired because I kept digging. But that won’t stop me. I believe the attempted poisoning case is connected to all of this.”
“I agree. But then why were you investigating in such a public place? Wouldn’t it be safer at home?”
To be fired for probing such a sensitive issue, yet continue in broad daylight? Foolish. Ludyana tilted her head at him.
“Ah… well…”
Nelson gave an awkward laugh.
“When something comes to mind, I have to write it down immediately. While crossing the park, a thought struck me, and I just had to sit down right there.”
“Then why were your clothes in that state?”
“I’ve been working nonstop, three nights in a row.”
Nelson gave a sheepish smile as he brushed at his rumpled sleeves and trousers.
“Haha… I’m sorry to show you such a sight.”
“Mmm, it’s fine.”
His relentless focus when something caught his attention reminded her of Irene. That reckless determination made Ludyana chuckle softly.
“But since this is sensitive, you should be more careful about pulling out documents in public.”
“Y-yes… you’re right.”
Nelson gave a weak laugh. Ludyana smiled gently and asked in a calm voice:
“Lord Binz, may I assist you in this investigation?”
“You, Lady Roembek?”
“Yes. Of course, you’ve done wonderfully on your own, but I think I could be of help.”
“He had no one’s support…”
And yet, in just a few weeks, he had managed this much. Nelson Binz’s abilities were undeniable. But still, working from the capital, his research would inevitably lack accuracy and timeliness.
“I’d be grateful, but…”
His face, which had briefly brightened, quickly darkened.
“I feel the limits of working from the capital. I’ve even thought of going to Emden myself.”
“Lord Binz, have you ever met Jonas Nurenbern?”
“No, not personally.”
Puzzled, Nelson tilted his head. Ludyana, lowering the corners of her lips, continued calmly.
“Your name has surely already reached Jonas Nurenbern’s ears.”
“Maybe so! But I still can’t give up. Even if he pressures me…”
Ludyana shook her head.
“No. He’ll kill you.”
“…What?”
“If you go to Emden, Jonas Nurenbern will certainly have you killed.”
“……”
Nelson’s wide eyes trembled violently. But Ludyana’s expression remained unchanged.
The Binz barony was a minor, landless house. Jonas was the type of man who eliminated anything in his way. Roembek would also have disappeared, along with divorce, had it not been for Pianus’ protection.
But Nelson Binz had no such shield.
“Jonas will kill him without hesitation.”
No body would remain—it would be filed as a disappearance.
Seeing the certainty on Ludyana’s face, Nelson froze stiff.
“Lord Binz, you believe this tournament and the events in Emden are connected, don’t you?”
“Yes.”
“Then for now, Roembek will ensure your safety.”
“No! I can’t impose on you like that!”
Nelson waved both hands frantically. But Ludyana calmly closed her eyes for a moment, then opened them again.
“It’s not without conditions.”
“Conditions?”
“I’ll explain more tomorrow.”
Like waves breaking, Nelson’s gaze faltered, but Ludyana only smiled faintly.
“Since it could be dangerous, you should spend tonight at Pianus’ annex.”
Ludyana and Nelson left the parlor and soon arrived at the annex. Not long after, Irene appeared—not in a dress, but in training clothes.
“Irene, I’m counting on you, alright?”
“Yes!”
Raising her hand, Ludyana patted the head of the much taller Irene. Irene’s cheeks flushed faintly.
“My sister actually asked me for a favor!”
Her violet eyes sparkled with emotion. Meanwhile, Nelson flusteredly waved his hands.
“L-Lady Roembek, I can’t possibly accept the protection of a lady.”
“A lady…?”
Irene’s voice dropped, heavy with displeasure. Lifting her head, she glared at Nelson with frightening intensity.
“I am Irene Roembek, a student at the Eastern Academy training to be a knight. Once I graduate, I’ll receive a formal knighthood.”
“I-I’m sorry!”
Startled, Nelson bowed his head in apology.
Ludyana, watching the two, spoke firmly.
“Lord Binz, Irene also participates in the Pianus Order’s training. Her skills are reliable. Please trust her.”
“Y-yes…”
Nelson raised his head slightly, but Irene was still glaring at him angrily. Flustered, Nelson quickly lowered his head again.
