One of your people is gone?
Hmm....

　Ryuzaki is at Chief Berger's house, where he announces the disappearance of the Inugami.

　Holding Ryuzaki's tail is Satomi Yamako (Satomi Yamako), who has been reincarnated as Satori.
　Reading an opponent's mind, an ability that seems to be quite useful in battle, but Satomi can only tell the truth of what the opponent is talking about. If the words of Welkano or Chief Bergel were false, Satomi could pull Ryuzaki's tail and tell him.
　The monster called Satri was close to humans in appearance and was not particularly alarming, perhaps because it was not known to live in Albadamba or on the continent.

　As a rule, Satri's ability is always activated. If an opponent within the perceptual range lied, they would immediately know. Satomi didn't like that, so she had been reluctant to cooperate in these situations until now, but this time, she was willing to come forward on her own. I'm not going to ask you about your change of heart, but I'm thankful for that.

　Right now, both Bergel and Welkano are in front of Ryuzaki.

　It's the day after the welcome party. A few days later, a trade fair is coming up. The representatives of each gathered under the guise of discussing once for that trading party, but Ryuzaki first broached the topic of Inugami.
　There was no response from Satomi, who grabbed his tail. Is it natural? The other party hadn't said anything yet, so it was impossible to judge the truth.

　It's up to your own storytelling skills here. Ryuzaki continued.

''Chief Berger, I believe that Inugami disappeared at the time of the welcome party, do you know anything about it?''
No...... There's no way to know....

　Twitch. Satomi pulls on Ryuzaki's tail. Quickly, a bite?
　I'm not sure I've ever seen such a thing before.

"Welkano-san?
I don't know him either.

　Satomi didn't turn tail.

　Chief Berger knows something about Inugami's disappearance, but it's too early to tell if he has any connection to the enemy vampire. But it's too early to assume that he is connected to the enemy vampire. It is also possible that he is just hiding something from us, in which case, we need to break his guard.
　But if Chief Berger is in cahoots with the vampires, we must expose him for what he is. If the chieftain escaped and the enemy vampires reported him, Inugami's life would be in danger.

　Ryuzaki thinks first. What information is good to reveal here?

　If Chief Berger had a connection to vampires, he would also know that Inugami Hibiki was a survivor of the werewolf tribe. There was no need to keep her under wraps.
　On the other hand, if Chief Berger had no connection to vampires, it was likely that he didn't know of their existence itself. It would be effective to shake him up by confronting him with facts that this one knows and that one does not.

　And that can be said for Welkano as well.

''Well actually, Inugami has the ability to probe the scent of vampires, but...''

　Ryuzaki cut him off first. It was Welcano-san who responded to this one.

''Do you know about the vampire called Red Moon that is causing a stir on the continent?

　The two nodded. Welkano is a merchant, so it's only natural that he's getting information, and apparently Chief Bergel knows about it too. Information is supposed to be isolated in Albadamba, or is there more human traffic than we thought?

'In fact, the Inugami said last night that there may be vampires on this island,'
Oh my...!

　Chief Berger was the first to speak up.

'Are you saying that you have never spoken of it and kept silent until now...!

　He is not impregnated with anger, but there is a slight accusation in his tone of voice. Considering his position, it's natural, but we can't yet have proof that this is an act. Knowing that this was going to get on his opponent's nerves, Ryuzaki dared to ask, "What do you know about Chief Berger?

'Chief Berger didn't know that...?'
'Of course. I hate to put it this way, but if there are vampires lurking on this island, I would have handled you all differently.

　Satomi didn't tug at his tail. Chief Bergel really didn't know that vampires existed.

　Once Ryuzaki gathered the information in his mind.
　Chief Bergel was hiding something from us about the disappearance of the Inugami. But he didn't know that vampires were lurking on this island. While it was a relief to find out that there was no connection, then the question becomes, why would there be a need to hide something about Inugami's disappearance?
　This is difficult to find out. As long as the other party is deliberately lying, it's extremely difficult to expose them. It's not impossible to point out that he's lying and force him to take it, but it's a big risk.

'I'm sorry for not telling you about the vampire until now.

　Ryuzaki politely bows his head and apologizes.

Mr. Ryuzakis, may I ask you for one thing?

　It was Mr. Welcano of the Maritime Caravan who asked me that.

'What is it?'
Isn't it possible that you are part of the Red Moon? It may be impolite to ask this, but some of us are concerned about it. Since this is the time to make it clear.

　Ryuzaki was at a loss for words for a moment.

　No, because he would never be able to say no. Beni Asuka was a vampire and a member of the blood family.
　If he made this fact public, the story would be quite complicated. But if he lied here, he would lose his trust when the lie was exposed.

　However, Ryuzaki's hesitation was fleeting.

'We have nothing to do with the vampires of Red Moon.

　He looked into the other's eyes and said clearly. Satomi tugged on his tail as hard as she could. It hurt.

'There was an injustice in not mentioning the vampire's existence last night, but there's no benefit in revealing the information here now. It is a fact that we are in trouble over here now that Inugami is gone.
It's also possible that the Inugami-dono's disappearance was a lie.

　Mr. Welcano's eyes had a tinge of testing us, rather than being tinged with suspicion.
　It was not from suspicion, but from an instinct to always keep the safest option in mind as a merchant.

'What's the point of making a false report here? Mr. Welkano.
Well, that's true.

　Welkano readily admits that Ryuzaki has a point.

　It's Chief Berger who has a difficult look on his face. He is probably examining Ryuzaki's words that there are vampires on this island.
　From what I told him yesterday, he is a well-meaning man who is not very good at deception. There was the possibility that it was an act in itself, but as far as Satomi's reaction was concerned, that was not the case. It's almost as if he's thinking hard about whether or not the information Ryuzaki mentioned is the truth or not.

　I'm sure that if you give it a push, he'll tell you the information he's hiding, but...

''But if there are vampires on this island, it's not a very peaceful story.

　Welcano continues without changing his expression.

'Could it be that the disappearances that you say are occurring on a regular basis are also caused by, or are they caused by these vampires?　Chief.
'Hmmm.... I've been thinking about that possibility, too.

　Chief Bergel growled low.

'Chief Bergel, I'm going to ask you again.

　Ryuzaki says as he looks into her eyes.

'Inugami disappeared last night during a welcome party. Do you know anything about it?
I have no knowledge of her disappearance itself.

　After a slight pause, he said it in an oddly inclusive manner. Satomi did not tug at Ryuzaki's tail.

''........Then you think you know something else?''
You can't answer that to me.

　With that, Chief Berger looked at Ryuzaki. A clear feeling of suspicion resided in his dark eyes.
　He was suspicious of Ryuzaki, not only of Ryuzaki, but of the entire 2nd year class. No, he is suspicious of not only Ryuzaki, but the entire second year and fourth class as well. At least not until last night, he hadn't reacted in this way. No way, it's not because he left the welcome party in the middle of the night, either.
　In just one night, his attitude has changed drastically. As for whether it was because Ryuzaki was hiding things from them that they distrusted him, that's not true. The Chief's attitude hadn't changed much since before that.

　Is he trying to hide the disappearance of the Inugami because he is suspicious?

　So what is it that makes Chief Berger doubt themselves so much?

"Chief Berger,

　Ryuzaki decided to give the chieftain a bit of a kama, keeping his eyes squarely on him.

'By any chance, did someone already tell you about the disappearance of the Inugami?
I'm not going to be able to...

　Satomi tugged at Ryuzaki's tail with a pinch.




'There is a possibility that their representatives will visit the Chieftain's house tomorrow morning.

　Last night, Suzihara had blurted that out to Chief Berger.

　This was after all the cleanup of the welcome party had been completed. Chief Berger, as usual, showed no wariness towards the Suzagihara and told them all sorts of things. Of course, he did not reveal his name to them, he said. It was tedious to mend the reasoning around here, but since the Suzagihara, from the beginning, rarely showed themselves in front of visitors from outside the country, they did not wonder.
　He explained to Chief Bergel that 'it is not desirable for the name and appearance to be known to many people because of the spellcraft problem. Although Akagihara was in charge of accounting on Delph Island, many of the islanders believed him to be a sorcerer from outside the island.

　While drinking the extra liquor, Akasigahara hears from the chief about the welcome party.

　The Chief wondered why they left the welcome party in the middle.
　As he looked at the chieftain who tilted his head, Zhu Sagihara thought that it was a bit awkward.

　The reason why they left the welcoming party midway through was no doubt related to the inu that was tied up in the basement of the mansion. They held a discussion to find out the whereabouts of that canine that had disappeared. Or, it is possible that even our own vampires have been sniffed out.

　He's a good chieftain. If they said, 'One of our people is missing,' they could at least organize a search party. If that happened, the situation would be unfavorable for Akagihara and the others.
　In addition, if they could get the islanders on their side any further, it could hinder their plans to take the Queen out of custody. We need to make the chieftain suspicious of them.

'There is a possibility that their representatives will visit the chiefs' house tomorrow morning.

　So, Suzihara blurted out to the chieftain.

''No matter what they say, don't trust them right away. ''Even more so if it's a case of 'one of our people is gone.'''
'Why?　What does that have to do with you leaving the welcome party in the middle of it?'
"I can't be sure because I didn't meet them face to face.

　As he said that, Zhu Xiuhuan smiled softly.

''No matter what, there is something suspicious about them. A large black iron ship that is said to be anchored offshore. That thing resembles a magic battleship whose technology is monopolized by a shipyard under the direct control of the Empire.''
"You think they're from the Empire?
"It's just a possibility.

　While saying that it wasn't a sure thing, Suzihara guided the chieftain's mind towards it.

''However, there aren't many regulators who can train monsters and make them obey their will. With the exception of the imperial army, they would only be the Demonic Beast Adjuster of the Gladiatorial Principality and the Rider and Dragon Adjuster of the Dragon Knight Kingdom.''

　The good-natured South Island chief was quick to credit it.

''I see......... Is it possible that they are the monsters of the empire.......''
'In that case, their goal may be to finally get ready to take control of this al-Badamba that is not in their favor.

　Albadamba has fought several naval battles with the Empire in the past. The small, uncivilized country of Albadamba is a bit of a stretch in terms of the Empire's military might, but the area around Albadamba is the home of the Sea King, and the currents he creates have repelled the Empire's invasion on many occasions.
　The current generated by the king has repelled the invasion of the empire many times, and the king has sent the monster on his warship to fool the eyes of the Sea King, who has strong hostility towards the empire, Akagihara said. It's not like there's any point in having them on a warship, but Chief Berger still didn't doubt it.

''They may be trying to get us to cut back on manpower on this Delph Island as a start. Therefore, whatever they say, please do not trust them.'
Well, it's a case of lost people, isn't it?
'They may be trying to send a search party. Also, it's dangerous, so it's best to keep the islanders away from that battleship. The fishing should be done on the east or south side of the island.

　This is, of course, to make them pay people off in taking the Queen into custody. Of course, Akagihara does not participate in that operation. He has the other pawns neutralize the queen and carry her to his own mansion. He then swiftly takes her into custody to the king.
　Her blood should be drained as an insurance policy, since they may come to take her back. At worst, if the Queen is brought back, her body will still be his, as long as her blood is delivered to him.

　Well, that's about as far as we can go with the chieftain. If they ever visit him, we've told him to keep them around as long as possible to get the information out of them.

　The operation is to be carried out during the day. Time for the men of the island to go fishing. Time for the merchants to bring in the goods for the fair. Of course, since they will be at the fair, the monsters guarding the warships will be less fortunate. And it's time for the delegate, Dragoneut, who would be visiting Chief Berger's house.

''Well, since that's the case, let's just get on with it.

　In front of the pawns that were left behind as pawns, Akeno-sama said that.

''In the meantime, here's the list of monsters in need of attention as reported by Akeno-sama. Since you all escaped from the old castle, I'm sure you all have a rough idea of what to expect.

　The most important thing to note is the combination of skeletons and slime. They are the only ones in the chain that have reached Phase 3. The fact that they have reached Phase 3 means that they can handle the Queen's body as long as they can control it, but they are the strongest enemy at the moment. They have defeated the Knight's Suou without any trouble, so they can't be beaten by their pawn selves.
　Also, speaking of opponents that can stand alone, there are a few monsters that have reached Phase 2 that have drawn a bit of a bite. These include Ogre, Dragon Newt, and Pharaoh. Fighting them one-on-one is a risk.

'The mission will fail once the skeletons are seen... but they're apparently wandering around the island, so we should be okay. Also note if there are more than two of them, either Oga, Dragon Newt, or Pharaoh, if there's one or so, we should be able to handle it.

　The five pawns nodded as they looked at their materials.

　They would now head to the warship anchored offshore and take the Queen's body. The Queen, as far as they had heard, did not appear to have gotten off the ship even once. It's been almost two months since she came to this world. If she hasn't been able to suck human blood even once before, she should be suffering from drought by now.
　And they have given the pawns weapons that were planted with canine saliva. The werewolf tribe's saliva has the effect of putting the vampire factor into a basal state, so it should be enough to stop the already ailing queen.

　It would force the remaining factor into the basal state, deactivate the Queen's body, and then take her into custody.

''What are you going to do, Suzagihara-san?''

　One of the pawns asks that.

'I'm going to stay in the house for a while. It would be troublesome if the canine ran away from me. ........Oh, and Asahibi-san.

　After answering, Suzagihara handed him something.
　Asahibi received it with a puzzled look on his face. It was a bottle of blood and a knife.

''Well, this is......... Suzagihara-san.''
I told you. It's a secret weapon. It's in the bottle, and it's exactly what it says on the label, so put it to good use.

　Asahibi, who used to work for Akeno, would have some idea of how to use it.

''Well then, it's nice to meet you.

　It may seem a little too hasty to rush things, but given the thin defenses of the warship, this was probably the best time of day, this time of day. The vampires that had been hiding out in the United Maritime State of Albadamba had finally made their move.