Duke Valdeck took a sip of tea before speaking.

"Listen, Elaina, remnants of Debtol have been found."

That's great news! If they're found, we just need to capture them alive...

"But, every single one of those remnants was found dead."

"What? ...Dead?"

"Yes, they were all found dead with their heads brutally severed. According to the soldiers' reports, they were attacked by bandits. That's what the paperwork that came to me says."

What's going on? No way!? ...No, there's too little information to jump to conclusions.

"And about these remnants of Debtol, I'd like to hear your opinion."

"My opinion? That's fine by me, please go ahead."

Well, I'm not sure if it will be helpful or not.

"First, about the condition of the bodies..."

"Ah, wait a moment!"

"What's the matter, Elaina?"

"Could you please also explain how the discovery of the bodies came about? It would help me visualize the situation."

After all, without knowing the details, you can't form a hypothesis. And to form a hypothesis, it's better to have as much information as possible.

"That's not detailed in the paperwork, I'm afraid."

"What!?"

"Also, I myself am only aware of the information in these documents."

Are you kidding me!? ...Oh well. There's no point in complaining to Duke Valdeck about it.

"Understood. Please continue."

"The bodies were found in a location northeast of Gozes. There were ten bodies in total: four with hole-like wounds, two with severe burns, one with a sword wound to the chest, and three with no visible injuries. The commonality among all of them is that their heads were missing.

As mentioned earlier, our country's soldiers who were pursuing Debtol concluded based on the condition of the bodies that they were ambushed by bandits and were completely wiped out."

Hmmm... logically sound, but I feel like something's being overlooked.

"What do you think about this, Elaina?"

"Duke Valdeck, may I be frank?"

"Go ahead."

"Is that really all the information you have in your documents?"

"I'm sorry, but that's truly all there is."

I felt the tension in my hands resting on my knees.

It feels almost too dull.

"Also, it's noted in the documents that two swords and a mithril armor believed to belong to Debtol's vice guildmaster are missing... Perhaps, do you find anything suspicious in this document?"

"I believe it presents a good opportunity for this country, so let me be clear."

I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, then addressed Duke Valdeck.

"Firstly, the report written by the soldiers is lacking. If I were their superior, I would have them rewrite it."

"Why is that?"

"While the condition of the bodies is mentioned, it doesn't describe how they were positioned. Were they lying face up, face down, or somewhere in between? That's important information that's missing. It should have been included."

"Is that really necessary?"

"It is. It helps the reader to visualize how they died. Duke Valdeck, based on this document, can you imagine how the remnants of Debtol died?"

Duke Valdeck reviewed the document in his hand again before looking back at me.

"...I can't."

"And why was it concluded that the remnants of Debtol were killed by bandits?"

"Because an armor set and two swords were stolen? Also, one had a sword wound to the chest, suggesting he engaged the bandits."

"I see... sigh..."

After saying that, I couldn't help but let out a sigh.

"Why the sigh?"

"I have three questions regarding the report."

"I'm listening."

"Firstly, would bandits be satisfied with just one armor and two swords? Did they not take any money the remnants had?"

Duke Valdeck put his hand on his chin, pondering.

"The armor and the two swords were valuable, so perhaps they were satisfied... Wait a minute."

A wrinkle forms on Duke Valdeck's forehead.

"The bandits until now would take wallets and valuable items they could carry and run away. But this time was different. This incident is indeed suspicious."

"See, just like I said. It's strange that even though they're bandits, they only took this much. Right?"

Ainya had the same question as me.

"Indeed, as Ainya mentioned. Now, what's the second question?"

"Yes, the second question is about the condition of the bodies."

"The condition of the bodies?"

Duke Valdeck rubbed his chin with his hand as he spoke.

"The hole-like wounds were likely from my attacks. But..."

"But?"

"While we understand wounds from swords and burnt bodies, what about the others, especially those with no apparent injuries? Wouldn't you find it suspicious how they were killed?"

"In ordinary circumstances, thieves would either crush their heads or sever their heads first. But I can't imagine that happening? ...Huh?"

"! !? Could it be!?"

The couple seemed to have realized the overlooked fact.

"When I hear about the condition of the bodies, it feels like they were taken down with a single blow. Yes, as if they were killed by a skilled assassin. And the reason their heads were cut off is possibly because they were seen. It was either to dispose of the heads because they were recognized or as a precautionary measure. That's what I think."

"!? Indeed, why didn't I think of that!!"

"I missed it too. It should have been obvious if we'd just thought about it..."

While the two exchanged surprised glances, I had no intention of stopping my analysis.

"May I continue?"

"Ah, y-yes... Sorry. Please continue, Elaina."

Duke Valdeck picked up his cup with trembling hands and took a sip of tea. He seemed quite confused.

"The last point I'll ask about, considering the earlier discussion... Who do you think would do such a thing?"

"...I don't think it was the bandits. An accomplice of Langud? The Dark Guild wasn't involved... I can't tell, to be honest. Nelson, what about you?"

"I thought it might be the Brewma Slave Traders or Gulbert, but both of them have been captured, so it must be someone else. Furthermore, at that time, Gulbert didn't have any accomplices among other nobles... Sorry, but I don't know. Elaina, enlighten us."

They've both forgotten about an important person.

"....Livais."

Upon hearing that name, both of them tensed up.

"Duke Valdeck, do you remember the day Gulbert was captured?"

"Ah, yes, I do. What about it?"

"Someone as thorough as her, failing a mission... No, to be more precise, I can't believe she would let the useless remnants of Debtol, those who know her face, run free like that."

"So, are you implying that Livais took care of the remnants of Debtol?"

"It's just my speculation, but I believe Livais is likely involved."

Duke Valdeck stared at the documents for a while before looking at me and speaking.

"Elaina, thank you. Consulting with you was the right choice. I'm going to the palace now. About the shortcomings in these documents... wait, what's this?"

"Nelson, this child is boiling over."

"Fuuaaaahhh..."

My face... my faceeeee!!!

"Anyway, I'll go discuss the deficiencies in these documents. Do you have anything you want to ask?"

"Uh, y-yes, umm, could you please... wait a moment."

To regain my composure, I lightly shook my head before speaking.

"Was money stolen? Also, could you provide more details about the discovery process, the positions of the bodies, and if anything was found around them? Additionally, if possible, investigate Livais' whereabouts.

It's just my guess, but since Livais might have someone backing him up, please conduct the investigation carefully. That's all from me."

"...Got it."

After Duke Valdeck replied, he rolled up the documents and tied them with a string.

"Sorry, but I need to leave. Meldin, make the preparations!"

"Of course, sir."

After Duke Valdeck stood up, he left the room with Meldin.

"...Hey, Elaina?"

"Yes, how can I help you, Lady Ainya?"

"I've seen all sorts of people before, but you... you don't seem like an ordinary girl. I'd even go as far as saying you're exceptional."

Ainya leaned closer across the table.

With Ainya so close, the pleasant scent of perfume teased my nose.

"Who exactly are you? Some kind of spy from another country?"

"I'm just an ordinary girl, really. Although..."

"Although?"

"I was raised as a boy since I was young and formerly trained in military circumstances, so I can't really judge whether I'm an ordinary girl or not."

I told no lie.

"Huuh?"

Ainya looked bewildered, but I continued.

"I still feel uncomfortable wearing skirts, so I still wear pants even outside of work. Do you think I need to get used to it? I've never thought about fashion either..."

"...Okay, I get it. You've been leading an even more peculiar life than I thought."

Phew, I managed to avoid revealing my true identity.

"All right, we'll be off now."

"Take care."

"Have a safe journey."

After Duke Valdeck briefly showed up in the guest room, he walked towards the entrance.

"Now that our conversation is over, I'll be going as well."

"Are you leaving already?"

"Yes, I need to find accommodation."

"Ah, then if you leave this house and walk to the left, you'll find the Silver Dragon Pavilion on the right side of the road. You can get accommodation there; it's a good inn."

Huh? Why does she know about inns? ...Oh well.

"Please guide this child outside the mansion."

As she said that, a maid who was near the door came closer to me.

"Please follow me; I will guide you."

"Thank you. Well then, excuse me."

"No, thank you for the enlightening conversation. Let's have a cup of tea next time you visit. Come again, Elaina."

After bidding farewell to Ainya, I stood up and followed the maid out of the room.