Chapter 251: Rescue Operation

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“――And that’s the situation.” (Yuri)

I explained the circumstances to Tillet, who had arrived late. At the same time, the women from the Queen’s Sword had begun searching the house while I was explaining.

“If the Regent thinks that way, then let’s proceed with that plan.” (Tillet)

Tillet said. For some reason, it seemed to fit her well to prefer addressing me by my role.

“In any case, if it’s the work of a foreign power, that’s the most urgent situation. If she is taken away, we must retrieve her now, or it will be as if she is dead. In other cases, regardless of what happens, there is a higher chance of recovering her, no matter what happens to her.” (Tillet)

“However… as the Regent would understand, in such situations, assumptions can be dangerous. If there are pitfalls in the reasoning, everything can be ruined. We should consider unexpected situations and leave four people here to search for evidence and conduct an independent investigation.” (Tillet)

“That’s fine. Please do that.” (Yuri)

“If the enemy country were to carry out such a mission, where do you think they would invade from?” (Yuri)

“By sea.” (Tillet)

Tillet answered immediately.

“If they’re just coming, they could move at night and rest during the day… Well, it might not be impossible to come by land. However, bringing back a non-cooperative hostage by land would be nearly impossible.” (Tillet)

“Then, they must be descending the river by now. We need to hurry, or we won’t make it.” (Yuri)

I couldn’t help but feel anxious and irritated.

“Calm down, Regent. Descending the Sibyaku river is not something amateurs can do. Especially at night, it’s difficult even for experienced sailors unless there’s a full moon.” (Tillet)

“Their first time here might make them commit such a suicidal act.” (Yuri)

“If that’s the case, accept it. In this situation, there is no chance of saving her 100%.” (Tillet)

Tillet said clearly.

“That’s true…” (Yuri)

My frustration with my own inadequacy grew, but I had no choice but to accept what Tillet was saying.

“I think it’s highly likely they will go by land to Elin and then take a ship from there.” (Tillet)

“Horses would make the hostage too conspicuous… They’ll likely procure a carriage. That means it will take about six hours to arrive. They’ll arrive by dawn and set sail from there…” (Tillet)

Tillet said.

“If that’s the case, leaving now with the eagles should be sufficient to catch up. The problem is how to find them.” (Yuri)

“We have no choice but to fly to Elin immediately and search around.”  (Tillet)

Tillet continued.

“The troublesome part is actually the method of rescue. As the Regent suspects, the hostage-takers are not mere thieves who value their lives. Moreover, given the nature of the mission, they are elite among elites. They probably wouldn’t sleep for a ten-hour operation, and it is safe to assume that they will be constantly on guard.” (Tillet)

“As the regent understands, dealing with such opponents, even for us, it would be difficult to approach undetected and kill everyone in an instant. If we are killed during a skirmish or two, there’s no guarantee of a successful rescue.” (Tillet)

“Isn’t there some kind of dart or something with a toxin that makes people lose consciousness instantly?” (Yuri)

“…There’s no such convenient thing.” (Tillet)

Tillet said, sounding exasperated.

“No matter what kind of poison you use, it would only make someone feel ill for about ten seconds.” (Tillet)

“If we were to rely on you, what method would you use? To sneak up and surround them to kill them?” (Yuri)

“Trying to capture them while moving and then blowing up the carriage without killing the crew would be the best approach. If we can seriously injure everyone in the initial move to immobilize them, it would create some chance. We might break Lily’s legs or arms, but that can be fixed later.” (Tillet)

“…That won’t work. If the neck is broken, they’ll die. Moreover, there’s no guarantee that everyone will conveniently fall unconscious.” (Yuri)

“In that case, you should go ahead to Elin and identify the ship. I’ll consider the recovery plan.” (Yuri)

“…Is that alright?” (Tillet)

“Go before it’s too late.” (Yuri)

“Understood. But before that—” (Tillet)

Tillet approached Enrique, who was standing idly, and suddenly grabbed her arm and restrained her.

“Ow, ow, ow, that hurts, Tillet. What are you doing?”  (Enrique)

Enrique complained as she was thrown to the ground and had her arms bound.

“You’ll stay behind. I don’t know what you might do.” (Tillet)

“Hey, isn’t she useful for extracting information from people?” (Yuri) S~ᴇaʀᴄh the NøᴠᴇlFire.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.

“From what I can gather, Miss Lily is personally important to you. If you would feel anger comparable to the wrath you felt with Princess Carol’s death, it wouldn’t be surprising if you were to act against us out of revenge.” (Tillet)

“No, no, I wouldn’t do that.” (Yuri)

“That’s quite possible.” (Tillet)

“But it’s also true that she could be useful.” (Yuri)

“I disagree. She might be useful, but he’s a bundle of uncertainties. He absolutely shouldn’t be taken along.” (Tillet)

“Hmm…” (Yuri)

“Alright then. If Enrique betrays us, I won’t do anything. You’ll be responsible for finding her. Capture her, but make sure that someone with no grudge or connection to her kills her. After that, don’t report anything to me.” (Yuri)

“Huh?!” (Enrique)

Enrique’s voice sounded sharply surprised. It might be the first time I’ve heard him so startled.

“—Ah, in that case, understood. I’ll handle it.” (Tillet)

Tillet smiled with rare amusement, pulling the ropes to release Enrique from his bindings.

“Ugh, so cold! Men who say things like that aren’t popular! So uncool!” (Enrique)

Enrique grumbled while rubbing her bound arms. She seemed quite offended by my suggestion.

“I’ve put up with your antics twice today. Be satisfied with that and get to work. If you don’t take this seriously, I’m done with you.” (Yuri)

With that, I left Lily-san’s residence.