I Transmigrated as my Bias's Messenger Bird - Chapter 52
“Alfie! Just wait a moment! Hup, huff!!”
Thunk–
I used 300% of my strength to force open the closed door to find a teary-eyed Alfie smiling at me.
“Keisha?”
“What on earth happened, Alfie?”
“That… Someone told me to follow, but then… they just left me here.”
“…What? Why?”
“It’s because… the Empress ordered that beastfolk aren’t allowed, and… I didn’t know I was banned…”
Alfie choked up. Come to think of it, in the three illustrations from the dance event, Alfie was nowhere to be found. I had casually overlooked it, not realizing the truth behind it.
“Keisha… I’m sorry. Because of me, you were alone without a partner, and that must have been upsetting.”
Seeing Alfie feeling sorry for himself even after going through such a situation, I felt a bit choked up.
“What are you sorry for? No, but seriously, keeping you locked up here? Screw them. They could’ve just told you to leave.”
“…I was told not to be seen by the Empress until the end of the ball…”
Alfie perked up his shoulders again. I gently embraced him and comforted him. Truly, both the Emperor and the Empress were a pair of a**holes.
***
“It’s late. I apologize.”
Leon approached from behind the dais, bowing respectfully. The Emperor nodded approvingly and gestured for him to come closer. As Leon approached, the Emperor spoke in a low voice.
“Have you caught the thief?”
“…We are still investigating. I apologize.”
“I heard it wasn’t just the treasure stolen. Someone guarding the warehouse was murdered.”
“Yes, that’s correct. One of the guards protecting the warehouse was killed.”
“…Criminal scum!!!”
The Emperor slammed the table where the food was laid out. In response, the Empress gently touched the Emperor’s shoulder.
“This is a day of feasting, Your Majesty, so let go of your anger, and let Sir Leon take care of such petty matters.”
“…I understand. But, Leon, they must be apprehended as soon as possible.”
“I will take it upon myself, Your Majesty.”
Leon bowed and stepped back, and was walking slowly behind the dais when he heard a voice.
“Looks like things aren’t going well.”
Turning to the source of the voice, he saw Rai approaching slowly. There was a hint of wariness in Leon’s eyes, but he quickly suppressed his inner thoughts and composed himself.
“The Tower Lord is here as well. I heard you’d be busy today.”
“Busy, but not as busy as you.”
Leon shifted towards Rai with a calm but unreadable expression. He sighed softly and looked Rai squarely in the eye.
“Please state what you have to say.”
In response, Rai approached even closer and stood in front of Leon. Rai’s languid eyes scanned Leon’s face, and a slight smirk appeared on Rai’s lips.
“So, is the only method you found wearing a black cloak?”
“…What! Are you implying you were tailing me?”
Leon retorted angrily, the composure he had worked so hard to maintain crumbling. Rai, on the other hand, became even more relaxed.
“You were the one doing the tailing. I just happened to see your ridiculous behavior. Since when did the commander of the knights pay attention to the petty squabbles of students?”
“…Is that what you saw? Investigation and protection are separate matters.”
“Really? According to your assumptions…”
After glancing around for a moment, Rai leaned in closer to Leon’s ear.
“Wasn’t the person you protected a murderer? It seems things don’t add up.”
“That’s…”
With a smirk on his lips, Rai straightened his head and continued speaking. “Escorting a suspect even with a carriage, that’s quite a considerate gesture.”
“…Just how far did you tail me?”
As Leon growled, Rai chuckled lightly and said, “Well, there’s not much to say to someone who, with a 5th level stealth shield no less, sneaks a peek at a dress fitting.”
“…You misunderstand!!”
Surprisingly, Leon raised his voice, and his face seemed a bit flushed. Rai found it amusing and laughed heartily. This only made Leon even more agitated.
“I didn’t watch them…dressing!! I was just waiting outside!! I had my back turned!!”
“Sneaky, but sure, let’s go with that.”
“…Tower Lord.” Leon let out a sigh of resignation.
“This incident will be overlooked for now.”
Rai’s eyes locked with Leon’s. The momentary intimidation caused Leon to activate his shields. But Rai’s magic bypassed his defense and constricted Leon’s breath.
“Tow—tower Lord.”
“It would be wise to turn a reasonable blind eye to Keisha’s affairs.”
“I am merely harboring rational suspicion… Cough…”
“If that’s the case, then let’s investigate in a rational manner.”
“…I’ll keep that in mind.”
Only after hearing Leon’s response did Rai release his grip.
“We’ll see.”
Then, as if nothing had happened, Rai lifted the corner of his mouth. The attendants watching Rai from a distance seemed to stir, undoubtedly interpreting their exchange as something amusing.
