Leo William Disfrender, Deputy Commander of the Second Squadron.
　In researching Marx, I've also heard some information about this man.　And it seems that this man has visited the children in the orphanage many times.
　He's probably looking around for what happened at the orphanage.

　At the age of twenty-five, he has risen to become the vice captain of the Cathedral Knights, a young genius.
　It seems that Leo has been second-in-command of the second squad since Marx's previous captain was there.

'Interrupting.'

　Leo walked into the room and took off his hood.
　Underneath it, the armor of a cathedral knight was not worn.
　The only weapons are the two swords that are held at your waist.

You'll be able to find out what the hell is going on at this late hour of the night.
Let's cut to the chase.

　When I start talking, Leo gets on board.
　He turns a sharp look at me and asks in a low voice.

'It's you guys, isn't it?　I did that thing at the orphanage.

　I don't move my expression, not even a twitch.
　The muscles in my face are fixed in place with an expressionless expression of caution.
　Even Elfie, who is next to me, didn't do anything to reveal his agitation.

'The Orphanage ......?　Are you referring to the incident that came to light a few days ago, where a child was said to have been held?
Yeah, that's right. You were the ones who brought the misdeeds of George Ignace Elvanahit and his friends to the surface in that incident, weren't you?
I'm sorry, but I don't have any idea what you're talking about.

　I blurted out, but Leo didn't take his gaze off of us.
　Narrowing his eyes, Bosori and Leo said in a whisper.

'The girl from the orphanage - would it pass as an orphanage girlfriend?

　Grinning, Leo gave a mocking smile.
　...... this guy.

　He took a half-step back and reached for the jade taiji that was held at his waist.
　Elfi, too, had his magic eye's sights on Leo.

''Wait for ...... it.''

　Leo raised his arms defenselessly as he realized that he was about to be killed.

'What do you mean?'
I'm sorry. I'm sorry, I just got in the way. I didn't hurt those kids in the orphanage.
...... what?
From the reaction, it looks like my guess was correct.

　Leos continued to speak, remaining in a defenseless posture.

'I've been investigating that orphanage for some time now, at the behest of my former captain. ...... though in the end, I didn't manage to get my tail between my legs.

　Former captain.
　I believe it was the cathedral knight who was said to have been martyred, before Marx.

"I examined the orphanage and found signs of combat there. From the battle scars, George and his men were definitely fighting someone. That's also a pretty good person, based on the traces. At least it wasn't a civilian living in this holy city or a member of the Order.
...... How can that be us?
"I've spent the last few days investigating all the people who have come and gone from the Holy City. Then I noticed a mysterious pair of men who came to the Holy City a few days ago - you guys.

　Are you saying that's all they suspected?
　I'm sure he didn't screw up in a way that could be traced back to him.
　When we entered and exited the Holy City, we didn't leave any information behind.
　There would have been no trace of our magic power detected in the battle trail either.

　Did you read our thoughts?

Yeah. There was nothing suspicious about you guys. However, I saw the two of you fighting the pterodactyl (wyvern) more than evenly. Remembering that, I thought you guys would be or .......

　Leo interjected.

　That's just a guess.
　There is no conclusive proof from his mouth that we were the ones who attacked the orphanage.

"I was actually going to come to see you when I had proof, but I didn't have ...... time to take it too long.

　After all, it seems that Leo hasn't been able to get any confirmation.
　I guess he only suspects that after seeing our initial reactions.
　If this is the case, no matter what is said, it can be excused.

　As I was thinking about this, Leo looked straight at us.

'I won't ask you about the details. If it's not, that's fine. But if it really is, if you guys have freed the children in the orphanage--

　With what appeared to be a sincere attitude, Leo said.

'On behalf of the Cathedral Knights, allow me to thank you.

　As he said this, Leo bowed deeply to us.
　I stop him from blurting out next to me and saying, "Then come on captain, captain," by poking him so Leo can't see him.
　...... So what does this guy want?

I owe you guys an apology again.
...... Why?
'Originally, it was the duty of our cathedral knights to expose the misdeeds of George and the others and help the children. It was unworthy and I am truly sorry that we were unable to resolve it until others intervened.
............

　When I hear Leo's words, he doesn't say by name, "We did it.
　This is a trap, because the moment you nod, you could be hung up on for taking a word.
　And whether you're a second-in-command or not, it's not a reason to trust a stranger.

　After a moment of silence, Leo raised his head.

''I just want to say one thing. It's best not to get involved in this--this matter any further.

　Leo's expression was grim and somewhat sad as he said this.

''It's obviously unusual that the matter of the orphanage hasn't been brought to light until now. It's possible that the ...... Cathedral Knights or the upper echelons of the Melt Order are involved. If we get too deep into it, you guys could be wiped out.
............
'You may not be convinced, but I will take responsibility for this case and get to the truth. So you guys better get out of this town as soon as possible without further involvement.

'That's it,' he said, cutting off the conversation, and Leo turned his back to us.
　I put my ear to the door to check out the outside, then put my hood up again and Leo turned to walk out of the room.

'...... That's very kind of you. You've been so arrogant with me when you were a pterodactyl.

　At his back, Elfie threw a sarcastic word at him.
　Leo turned around and nodded his head as if he didn't understand.

I told you to keep your mouth shut.
...... Yeah.

　I nodded as if in agreement.

''It is the mission of our second squad to protect the Holy City and the people in the Holy City. Even though you are not from the Church State, you are still subject to our protection while you are in the Holy City. We can't put the people we are supposed to protect in danger, can we?

　So said the words in an unnerving manner, and this time Leo left the room.
　A silence settled in the room.
　I surveyed the room to see if anything had been set up, or if there was any surveillance, but nothing came up.
　Did Leo really just come to thank me for this room?

'...... higher ups are involved, huh?'

　We've known that for a long time.
　It was the Cathedral Knights who were actively sending their children to that orphanage.
　The reason why these guys were able to do whatever they wanted without anyone finding out is because they had a collaborator.

　And that's Marcus, of all people.
　The fact that that guy's name came out of Michelle's mouth makes that possibility even more likely.

　If Leo's words were true, it seems that the investigation of the orphanage was ordered by the former captain.
　And that captain is dead, and Marcus is sitting in his place.
　It's not very likely, but it's not a coincidence.
　Perhaps Marx and the others killed the former captain because he was an eyesore to the former captain who was trying to search the orphanage.

'The kind knight warned me not to get involved, but what do we do now, Iori?
Sorry, I can't ask.

　I'm not going to pull back now.
　Until we give Marx the end he deserves.


◆

　The former captain of the Second Squadron, Huril Marrine Marcelt, was a woman of integrity.
　She believed in the Lord with all her heart, guiding her men and doing her best for the people she was supposed to protect above all else.
　To Leo, Furrill was such an ideal knight and ideal boss.

　More than half a year had already passed since she disappeared in a flurry.
　Since Marcus came in as the new captain, the second squadron had changed a lot.
　It has become murky, flaccid, lazy and disgusting.　
　Many of his comrades had left the squad when they couldn't keep up.

　Now that Furrill was gone, he was the only one who could support this second squad.
　Leo believes that, and he still serves as the second-in-command of this second squad.

'Excuse me ......,'

　The day after he met the pair, a dark-haired boy and a silver-haired girl.
　Leo had been called to Marx's private quarters on the top floor of the Second Squad quarters.

　When he opened the door, the bitter smell of cigars stung his nose from inside.　
　This smell, mixed with perfume, made my head hurt when I smelled it.

'So, how's the investigation going?'

　As soon as he opened the door, Marx asked me how the investigation into the case was progressing.

'We have yet to find both George and Lily. We are also currently investigating the person who attacked the orphanage.

　At the report, Marcus let out a sigh of disbelief.
　He tapped his fingers on the desk with his knuckles and turned his irritated gaze to Leo.

'I'm in trouble. 'I'm in trouble, Vice-Captain Disfrender. The investigation of those two men is urgent. If we let such a great sinner get away with it, it will undermine the trust of the second unit.
I apologize for not meeting your expectations at .......
I pay good money for you, you know. That's why I'm giving you this case. Do you know what I'm talking about?

　Tapping, tapping, tapping.
　The sound of Marx's fingers reverberates in the room, as if to intimidate him.
　To a sticky Marx, Leo can only bow his head and apologize.

'And I don't want to say too much. I've heard you're in contact with the children in the orphanage.
...... yes. I go in every few days to check on them.

　While gathering information about the orphanage under Huril's direction, Leo had come into contact with the orphans on several occasions.
　The children must have a lot of concerns about this case.
　If he could alleviate some of that ......, Leo had gone to meet the orphans in his care several times.

　Marx exhaled, "Huh ......".

'That's annoying. Checking on the orphans, in and of itself, well, that's not a bad thing, is it?　Some of the orphans over there are sub-humans in the mix. You know that, don't you?
...... But,
I don't want excuses. No excuses. The Second Squad is starting to come together as the Anti-Animalist Squad. You may have your own ideas, though. But don't you think the Second Squad is more important?

　When Huril was there, the second squad was free to think about subhumans.
　However, while on duty, don't bring in any extra feelings and save people and subhumans equally.
　That was Huril's way.

　The current second squadron was steeped in Marx's ideology of exclusion of subhumans, and the number of knights who blatantly discriminated against subhumans, even if they were on duty, was increasing.

It's not right that you, the second-in-command, should do anything of your own accord and disrupt the pace. Isn't that right, Sub-Captain Disfrender? Hmm?
............
Huh. You don't like it when it's inconvenient. ...... Well, that's good. You might want to consider how you look.

　Pointing to the captain's certificate engraved on his own armor, Marx's mouth twists into a smile.

'You're trying to be the captain of the second squad, aren't you?　I'm thinking, you know, that one day I could hand over the captaincy to you, you know. So don't let me down too much.
...... Yes. Excuse me.

　Turning away, Leo turned to leave the room.

Oh, and about you, Kirie.
......

　In a somewhat bouncy tone, Marcus stopped Leo.

'It's settled, she and I are married.

　For the first time, Leo's expression, which had been feigning a blank expression, fell apart at that moment.
　In a disgusting tone of voice, as if licking his tongue, Marcus continued his words.

''With this, the position of Kirie-kun and his parents will be even better.
............
I hear you and your girlfriend have been close for a long time. It's your friend's wedding, aren't you happy?
............... Yes.

　Just in time, Leo grits his teeth.
　Noticing this, Marx smiled good-naturedly.

'Haha!　I know, I know, right!　Yes, I will invite you to the wedding. Or if you prefer, you can make a speech as well.
...... It's an honor.
Think about what you're going to say. I'm looking forward to it, Mr. Disflender.
Excuse me.

　Nodding, Leo hobbled out of the room.　
　The only person left in the private room was Marcus, who sat deep in his chair.
　Marcus looked at the door of the room for a while, but eventually began to pull and shake.

'Kuku......'

　A small gasp escaped from his mouth.
　Eventually, as if he couldn't bear it, Marcus opened his mouth wide.

''Hahahahaha!　Nice face, Disfrender!　All you ever do is put on your face!　That's the kind of face I wanted to see!

　It was a mockery.
　Holding his stomach and contorting his face in amusement, Marcus laughed out loud.

'I'm going to have to wait and see how she reacts when she sees me in my wedding dress!

　A mockery laced with malice echoed through the private room.

◆

　We peered at Marx from the attic of our quarters as he rolled over laughing.

'...... you're a refreshing piece of crap,'

　Elfie mutters, in a don't-so-don't-want way.　
　Oh.
　I want to go downstairs right now and crush the smile on my face.

　I feel sick.
　The guy who betrayed and preyed on people is still smiling like this.
　The sight of that disgusts me.

　You can't make me happy when you're happy, you know.

There's more than one sign of them out there. It's not a good idea to storm the place.

　Elfi said that in a calm tone.
　Unconsciously, his hand reached for the sword in his pocket.
　His clenched fingers stabbed into the palm of his hand and blood was flowing.

'...... I know,'

　The other party is a rotten captain of cathedral knights.
　Probably, he'll at least withstand the first attack from us.
　There are a number of surprise and anti-assassassination devices in this room.
　Causing a commotion would make it harder to get to the Abominable Light Labyrinth, and it would be better to take action after gathering a little more information on this guy.

　Just killing him isn't going to be my revenge.
　It's going to take a detour, and that's fine.
　I just need to make sure that he gets the justice he deserves.

We'll find out more about it.

　I swear, Marcus.
　I'm giving you the best death ever.