The next day - we decided to continue our route as planned.
　Since there had been an attack yesterday, we had the option of canceling the inspection itself.
　In fact, that's what we should have done. But Aena's goal was to lure out the Shadow Apostle.
　Me and Iris also need to make contact with Aria first to bring her back.
　With Aena's offer, we are traveling around the capital in a carriage like this.
　There were other inspection teams sent by the Empire, but none of them were attacked.

"They're aiming for a place with a lot of people, huh?

　Aena said in the moving carriage.
　The assassins had come through the crowds.
　The reason why they attacked in a crowded place, rather than a deserted place, is because they want to make it clear that Aena Baudel has been murdered.
　If a person in the uniform of the empire was killed in front of a large crowd, that would be proof enough.

I'll have the knights of the guard do their best to secure the surrounding area. They've already started questioning the assassin we captured yesterday, but--
I doubt we'll get much out of it. They're probably just hired hands. They're probably just hired guns. The real target is Kufilio Nootria.
"Notoria: ......

　Iris reacts to Aena's words.
　Aria Notoria - that's her name. The members of the ...... "Shadow Apostles" are made up of people who call themselves Notoria. Perhaps the reason why Aria did not conceal her name was because she herself did not understand the family name.
　It was not known in the kingdom - in fact, Aria had been able to live without problems since she met Iris.

(I'm sure the Commander will take care of that.)

　Remyll will probably be here today to talk to her.
　I had originally asked her to find Aria.
　As a result, we have to tell her that Aria has joined the enemy. That's what we should be concerned about more than anything.

...... It's quite possible they'll attack us today as opposed to yesterday.
You're right. In particular, it seems that the other side is trying to get a good grasp of our movements before making any moves. Mercier and Iris - they attacked after they were separated. And it seems that the other side has something to do with Iris.
Yeah, right.

I don't know when the Shadow Apostle is going to attack, but given the conditions yesterday, it's going to be narrowed down.
　If there are no more people around Aena in the crowd.
　Perhaps if Iris leaves, Aria will come into contact with her.
　There was the option of deliberately creating a situation to lure her out at some point.

"Probably, but I don't think she's going to attack today.
"Well, why not?
"Their actions may be bold, but they're only doing it because they think they can retreat. If they see us acting normally, they will definitely think it's a trap.

　If you know when they're going to do it, it's easy to ambush them.
　If you're not sure what you're looking for, you can always try to find out more.
　And I don't think they'd set a trap that would fail again and again.
　The next time, it will certainly be aimed at Aena's life. ...... If you think about it, at least looking at today's route, you don't have to worry about an attack.

Of course, this is just a guess.
"No, they'll certainly be wary. They are cautious. ...... They don't set up a trap when they know it will fail. I was going to take the bait if I had to.

　It's not that I'm planning on taking the bait, but Aena has already taken the role of decoy herself.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. ...... We can't create that situation, though.

I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one.
I, right?

　The one who reacted to my words was Iris.
　I'm not sure what to say, but I'm sure you'll understand. But if we could confirm that Iris was working with Aena, there was a possibility that Aria would contact her again.

Yes, I'm thinking of having Iris act alone when the opportunity arises.
Hey!　Are you okay with that?　If Iris goes alone, there's a chance she'll be targeted.
I'm used to being the target, so I'll be fine.
You're used to it. You're very dependable.

　Aena smiles happily when she hears Iris's reply.
　When the opportunity arises, Iris will act alone - that is the only possibility to contact Aria now.
　We should continue our inspection in the most natural way possible and create a situation where Iris will be alone.

So, let's start today's inspection as planned. Let's start today's inspection.

　Everyone in the room nodded at my words.
　This is how the second day's inspection began.