Chapter 129: After Story: The Magical Girl, The Knight, And The Agent - 1

Chapter 129: After Story: The Magical Girl, The Knight, And The Agent - 1‘In the Circle’ of the Empire’s capital, Crownhall.

Count Benstone’s cottage, codename 『Drug Cave』.

Around 10:30 PM.

"⋯⋯⋯⋯."

Count Benstone’s party was an extravagant affair, unmatched in its grandeur. Using his son’s birthday as a convenient pretext, he had summoned nobles from distant regions, resulting in a guest list nearly twice the size of previous years.

Benstone's influence, however, was largely confined to Crownhall, making it difficult for him to extend his sway over the rural nobility. There was an odd friction between the nobles that lived in the capital and those in the countryside, but more than anything due to the physical distance, it was hard to ‘recommend’ a drug.

It was natural, after all—distance tends to breed detachment.

Additionally, Benstone lacked the authority to compel these rural lords to flock to his parties. They would typically ignore his invitations saying they had some important work to do as an excuse.

But this time, the timing was in his favor.

Princess Elaine, the First Princess, was returning from the Eastern Frontlines after distinguishing herself in battle. Alongside her direct squad, 『Azure Wind Knight Order』 she was to briefly return to the capital to receive the emperor’s commendation.

To congratulate her on this, nobles from across the Empire had rushed to the capital. They were eager to catch the attention of the person most likely to ascend the throne.

Benstone saw his opportunity. With the nobles already gathered in Crownhall for the Princess’s return, they would be more inclined to attend his grand celebration since they were already in Crownhall anyway.

It was the perfect moment to expand his business.

If he could introduce his drugs to the countryside nobility during this event, he could secure their dependency—and with it, extend his influence over them..... And of course, he would be able to earn some money.

Hahaha. Hohoho. Fake laughter filled the ballroom.

Among the crowd moved a valet, slipping between the guests unnoticed. Despite being a valet, his eyes were razor-sharp, but it didn’t draw any attention thanks to him wearing his hat low.

His name was Roderus.

The plan was simple:

He would sneak into Count Benstone’s, or 『Drug Addict』 Zewidi Benstone’s office and collect evidence. Roderus was sure that the office had significant evidence inside.

That meant he would need a disguise. Luckily, Roderus had the ability to change his gender, which he would use for the mission.

Wait for the perfect opportunity → transform into Oh Dae-soo when the timing was right → knock out a maid who was cleaning the mansion → switch clothes with her → infiltrate unnoticed.

While this plan unfolded, he would also use his 'Clone' ability to create an alibi. By forming a Mana Double with his appearance, he could complete the mission as soon as possible.

If everything went smoothly, not only would he be able to retrieve the evidence cleanly, but he would also escape any suspicion. The risks were high, but it was a gamble worth taking.

And everything had to be wrapped up before the party ended. Roderus estimated that the party would end at around 2am.

He had 3 hours and 30 minutes left.

First thing first...... Step 1: find the right opportunity.

The perfect moment would come when Zewidi Benstone was trying to manipulate the countryside nobles. Roderus mingled with the valets, serving food and wine, while searching for an opening.

He listened carefully to the conversations around him. If he paid close enough attention, he knew the moment would come.

“Lady, won’t you grant me a dance? No, lady..... I even wore this cool cape!”

“I think that man is a lost cause. So what if he’s that wealthy, if you’re going to be that egotistical.”

“Hahaha! That's right! I’ve come across a very valuable medicine, and when I put it in my mouth I could go on all day and night⋯⋯."

“Cough, hm⋯⋯."

Among the hum of voices, Roderus could hear one running its mouth. He zeroed in. When the snake went in for the bite, he’d make his move.

“What can I do to make that cool knight pay attention to me?”

“But aren’t there side effects?”

“If you'd allow me, I could show you. The common thread between a party and a bed... is a beautiful woman. Tonight, if you wanted—"

“Ugh, I’m not used to a dress⋯⋯."

Not yet. But the moment was approaching. If that deal goes through, and and the conversation turned more intimate⋯⋯.

"⋯⋯⋯⋯?"

He thought he heard a familiar voice just now. Roderus quietly turned his head.

In the midst of the crowd, he spotted Kim Ruru, fidgeting and looking around as she stood in a well decorated dress.

“Why’s she here⋯⋯?"

As the night deepened and the nobles got more drunk, slipping away from the ballroom one by one, the number of those on Benstone’s side—or those he'd bribed—would increase.

Fewer eyes meant they could be more aggressive.

He had to move. He was going to make Ruru promise to simply enjoy the party and stay out of the mission, then proceed with his plan.

Just as he made up his mind and fiddled with the transformation device, the balcony door swung open. A valet entered, pushing a cart.

“Excuse me. I thought that you might be in need of some refreshments.”

"⋯⋯⋯⋯!!"

“A noblewoman alone on a balcony with a young valet—this could stir unwarranted rumors. Like an illicit meeting that ignored the rules of class and status.”

Roderus quickly adjusted his stance, adopting the posture of a proper valet. He acted as if he had left his post momentarily to fulfill an order from a noble.

"⋯⋯⋯⋯."

“Uh, uh? Do I have to speak? Uh, ah. We don’t need cookies...... Huh?”

Both Roderus and Ruru squinted, recognizing the valet in front of them. A voluptuous body and pink ponytail. Yellow eyes hiding the fierceness of a wild beast.

They both knew her name.

“......Yuri Frostlover?”

“Ho-How are you here?!”

Grip-!

Roderus stepped forward protectively in front of Kim Ruru, his hand gripping the transformation device. Likewise, Ruru also reached into her pocket, her fingers closing around her power armor activator.

Just as the tension reached its peak, the woman standing before them—one of the Four Heavenly Kings in the Organization of Evil—adjusted her glasses and slowly pulled out an identification card from her side.

Chareruk.

A magical seal of the Imperial Defense Bureau. She spoke plainly.

“Yuri Lanster. I’m an agent of the Defense Bureau. It’s been a while, 『Pure Knight』."

“......D-Defense Bureau Agent!!”

“You said the executives of the Organization of Evil were all otherworlders...... Were you from the same world as ours, Yuri Frostlover?”

Roderus tensed immediately at the sight of his former enemy. And Yuri Lanster merely shrugged as if she didn’t care at all.

“It was all just a dream. And besides, we were defeated. If you can't let go of a grudge after you’ve already won... well, then there’s really nothing left to say.”

"⋯⋯⋯⋯."

“You must be after Benstone. We at the Imperial Defense Bureau are the same. I believe that maybe, we might be able to find a common interest.”

She said as she outstretched her hand.

If it had been 『Eternal Dark』, the one responsible forRuru’s death, Roderus would never have even considered an alliance. But 『Yuri Frostlover』 was⋯⋯.

Despite the wicked acts she had committed against Magical Girls using tentacles, she had never actually killed anyone. Nor had she ever ambushed innocent citizens.

And if she really was a Defence Bureau agent, this situation was an opportunity—a chance to take down Benstone in one move. However, however⋯⋯.

“Ah, perhaps you are hesitating because of the tentacles incident.”

Roderus’ voice rose in anger.

“......Shut up! I’ll smash your head open if you try anything weird!”

“Even if you act all tough like that, from the point of view of someone who knows exactly where all your sensitive spots are, it’s just a kitten trying to sound fierce—"

“I’m gonna kill you⋯⋯!!"

“Calm down, calm down, Dae-soo!! She’s a kind Unni who gives us massages whenever we meet!!”

Kim Ruru barely managed to calm Roderus’ anger, whose pride had taken a serious hit. He combed his hair back, sighed and reluctantly came to an understanding.

“There’s no other way...... A temporary alliance. Just this once.”

“Don’t slow me down, Magical Girl.”

Three hours remained.

Thus, an unexpected alliance was dramatically forged.