The Mysterious Child: An Adventure Tale Beginning with Numerology

Frankly speaking, I was surprised.

I had been determined to expose Berlander's wrongdoings and clear Seori's grudge. But to think that people calling themselves the [Luney Trading Company] had already uncovered the facts, finished negotiating with the nobles, and brought the situation to the point where all that was left was to arrest him.

The world is full of unexpected things.

Anyway, I had followed the older sister from the Luney Trading Company who had just visited the mansion, and boldly infiltrated Berlander's mansion.

Of course, I was hiding my presence with perception interference, so no one should have noticed me.

The woman from the trading company who called herself Heptan was level 47 and had a wealth of skills. She acted like a noble, so she must have been well-bred, but there was no family name in her real name.

A female knight, or perhaps a former noble turned adventurer... In any case, her posture was flawless, and she seemed genuinely strong.

I couldn't see her face well because of the mask, but she seemed reliable and efficient. If I were a bit older, I might have tried to hit on her.

This Heptan from the Luney Trading Company watched as Berlander was led out of the room by soldiers, then left.

"Luney Trading Company, huh. The Tabasco Company was wary of them too."

Somehow, it felt like they were devoted to—or perhaps worshipping—this person named Luney.

If I remember correctly, the head of the company was said to be a young woman from the Kingdom of Mataisa. To expand a large-scale trading company in just one year, and to have the information gathering and negotiation skills to create such an important situation even in other countries... Yeah, I should remember this.

The servants had also been taken away by the soldiers, so the reception room where I was standing was now empty.

In the other rooms, many soldiers were searching for evidence of fraud and transactions, so maybe it's time for me to leave.

It's no exaggeration to say that half of my objective was achieved thanks to the Luney Trading Company, so I should be grateful for that. But the other half—the existence of the mastermind—wasn't mentioned at all in the conversation. According to Riseto, there was someone above Berlander, but...

Should I join the soldiers in searching the house?

"Hm? What's this?"

As I was thinking that, I found a note on the table.

There was nothing there until just now.

"To the rooftop"

That's what was written on the note.

The last person to leave the room was Heptan, who had been standing next to the table. It clearly seemed like a message addressed to someone in this room... but the only one left is me.

"No way, seriously?"

I was supposed to be an invisible man, completely unrecognized by anyone due to perfect perception interference. Even Heptan showed no signs of noticing me.

Just in case, I looked up at the ceiling and used clairvoyance... and there they were on the rooftop.

Heptan and her companions were waiting for someone.

No doubt about it. It's a message for me.

Which means they knew I was here all along. They might have even seen me making funny faces, thinking I was invisible.

...Damn, it's embarrassing. Maybe I shouldn't go?

"Well, jokes aside— 'Relative Transfer'."

I obediently appeared on the rooftop using transfer.

There's no need to hide my abilities from an opponent who can see through perception interference.

Heptan and the others didn't seem particularly surprised by my sudden appearance.

"We've been waiting for you, Adventurer Ruruk-sama."

"Oh, so you even knew my identity."

Well, what was the point of changing my adventurer card then?

I should change it back right away.

Heptan smiled at the corner of her mouth.

"Of course. The leader of the adventurer party [Rozewill], B-rank adventurer, the promising newcomer 'Child of Mystery' who broke through the 100th floor of the Stoania Dungeon. And the one who defeated the dragon who tried to harm the Dragon Princess and is now protecting her."

"...You have quick ears."

Where did it leak from? I thought no one had found out.

Sensing my slight wariness, Heptan turned her palm towards me to show she had no hostile intentions.

"Our company deals with goods under the motto of fast, cheap, and high quality. Of course, information is also one of our popular products. I apologize if I've offended you."

"That's not it, so it's fine. So, why did you call me out? You did well to see through the perception interference."

"I'll keep silent about the method of seeing through the formula. The reason we called you is about the whereabouts of the man who was with Berlander."

"You knew about that?"

That was unexpected.

When they were questioning Berlander, they didn't mention it at all.

"Yes. When you cornered the dragon Riseto earlier, his dragon core went out of control, right? From the conversation just before that, we considered the possibility that the mastermind was eavesdropping and attacked remotely. So we pretended not to know in order to safely secure Berlander."

"Wait a minute. ...Did someone from your company see or hear that battle?"

"No, we merely obtained it as information. I'll keep silent about our information gathering methods."

They know about it without being there?

This company has an incredibly high level of information gathering ability. It's no joke.

Maybe they even have such a skill. They'd be quite troublesome if they became enemies.

"So, is it safe now?"

"There's a possibility of being eavesdropped, but we judge that they have no means of attack. If they did, we would have been attacked the moment we stepped into the mansion."

"Well, that's true. So about this mastermind man? You've even grasped their gender already, huh."

"Yes. His appearance is that of a young man in his early 20s, human, with short blonde hair and blue eyes. His way of speaking is casual, but he's someone who makes Berlander cower. It seems he left this mansion right after you defeated Riseto this evening. We've grasped his whereabouts to some extent."

"You know that much. But why are you telling me this information? I think it's quite valuable."

"It's an order from our general manager. Ruruk-sama is a promising adventurer, after all."

I see, so because they got the information I wanted this time, it's like a free first-time offer of information. It's a common business practice.

It makes sense if it's for business purposes.

"Then I'll gratefully accept. Where did the man go?"

"He headed towards the Lunera Great Forest—in the direction of the Elf Village. He was seen stealing a horse, so he probably hasn't gone too far yet."

"Then it seems I can catch him soon."

By horse, it's about two days to the next town.

If I start searching tomorrow, I should be able to find him on the way.

"Thanks for the information, beautiful lady."

"S-Such flattering words!"

When I complimented her appearance, Heptan unexpectedly knelt down and bowed her head.

She must not be used to being praised. Come to think of it, it's only in noble society where people praise others without hesitation.

Thinking about that, should I refrain from praising others too? No, praising women has become like a habit for me, so it's probably impossible. All of this is because of the home tutor from the Muuteru family. It's not my fault.

"By the way, there's a Luney Trading Company store in the dragon capital too, right? Since we've made this connection, I'll go shopping there."

"Thank you very much. If it's in the 5th Central District where Ruruk-sama is staying, we're located behind the Adventurers' Guild. Please do come by. All the employees are looking forward to your visit."

"We look forward to your visit," they all said in unison.

The trading company ladies bowed beautifully in unison. Is this a department store?

...No matter how you look at it, this is modern-style customer service.

This should be considered out of place, right?

"Well, is that all you needed? I should get going soon, or my companions will worry if I'm too late."

"Yes. I apologize for not introducing myself earlier. I am Heptan, the representative for the Bargia area. Please call on me if you need anything in case of emergency."

Saying this, Heptan handed me a business card.

And it wasn't just an ordinary business card. It had an authentication function that couldn't be rewritten, like an adventurer card.

"Please present this at our company. We'll connect you to me immediately."

"Huh, connect me, what do you mean by—"

"Well then, until next time."

Without answering my question, Heptan and the others disappeared without saying anything.

Yes, they disappeared.

There was no fluctuation of spiritual elements, no chanting of magic.

They vanished as if they had never been there in the first place.

It was probably either a transfer-type skill or a magic device they were hiding. It should be impossible to activate a formula without being detected by my eyes otherwise.

And they use it for movement as if it's natural.

"They're some dangerous folks."

The top of their organization, said to be an underage woman, might be an opponent on the level of my master.

They're a trading company that needs to be watched out for in every aspect.

The world is still overflowing with strong individuals I don't know about.

I made a mental note not to let my guard down and returned to the inn.

To cut to the conclusion, I couldn't find the whereabouts of the man who had escaped.

The next morning, leaving my still dreaming companions behind, I used repeated transfers to search up to the town that was three days away by horse.

I was using "Eye of Illusion" in anticipation of disguises, but unfortunately, there was no man that fit the description. It's highly likely that he only headed north at first to deceive eyewitnesses, then escaped via a different route midway. If he fled randomly in this vast Bargia, it would be impossible to chase him.

What greeted me when I returned after such an anticlimax was a scene of carnage.

"I'm going to die!"

"Calm down, Seori!"

"Mm. Just talk."

Seori was swinging a kitchen knife around yelling that she was going to die, Saaya was restraining her in a bear hug, Elen was snorting and taunting Seori, and beside them, Punisuke was leisurely making breakfast.

I slowly closed the door after surveying the chaotic room.

"...I'm sorry, I must have the wrong room."

"It's the right one! It's the right one, so don't run away, Ruruk!"

I reluctantly entered the room in response to Saaya's tearful plea.

"My master!"

The one who jumped at me was Seori.

I dodged on reflex.

"W-Why did you dodge...?"

"Are you an idiot? What are you holding in your right hand?"

Don't try to hug me while holding a knife. You'll cause an accident, you know?

When I calmly cautioned her, Seori suddenly stared at the knife in her hand, then nonchalantly put it away in the kitchen cabinet.

"Hmph. As expected of my master, to have grasped even my senses that were lost due to the miasma of the evil god..."

"I didn't. So, what happened, Saaya?"

"...That girl, as soon as she woke up and realized you weren't here, she panicked. It seems she could tell you had moved far away, and then she suddenly grabbed a knife. She thought if she hurt herself, you'd come back worried."

Saaya let out a tired voice with a sigh.

"I see. And why was Elen taunting her?"

"Mm. Taught her her place."

"Elen was the first to stop her. She used her usual 'Air's Lock' to completely immobilize her. Then Seori got angry, saying 'What are you doing to the strongest dragon species~', and Elen started a verbal fight saying she'd teach her who's the strongest. This black-hearted sheep started playing by repeatedly stopping Seori's movements, releasing her, stopping her again, releasing her. When Seori said she'd die out of stubbornness, Elen stopped restraining her, so I had no choice but to hold her down. Really, I'm unnecessarily tired... comfort me..."

"There, there."

For now, I pat Saaya, who had worked hard.

Seori is looking at me longingly, but I'll ignore her this time. I can't tolerate her trying to harm herself to get attention. It could become a bad habit.

Besides, Seori's attributes are way too much.

Pink-haired tofu-mentality chuunibyou useless human-distrusting mentally unstable dragon princess... It's like the weakest character a grade schooler could come up with!

"I mean, does this happen when I'm not around...?"

"Maybe it was because it was a surprise this morning? While she was being played with by Elen, it seemed like she wanted to beat Elen more than calling you back. Well, it seems she was genuinely lonely though."

"Hmph, I am the master's familiar. If the master's mana is not supplied, my body will collapse."

"Seori, I have mana deficiency syndrome, so I don't have mana, you know."

"Eh! Then, um, that... I must absorb the master's components from his breath..."

"Needing to inhale Ruruk's breath, that's mildly put, perverted, isn't it?"

"That's perverted."

"Mm, pervert."

"Fuee..."

Another pervert attribute has been added. The Seori branch of the attribute bank is about to collapse from excessive debt.

Seori let out a distressed cry, apparently not liking being called a pervert.

As we were teasing Seori like this, a savory smell wafted from the kitchen.

"Master! Look, look, I made this!"

What Punisuke proudly presented was a plate of hearty stew.

Until now, he had been cooking with my support, but today he made everything on his own.

"I want you to taste it~"

"Let's see... Oh, it's delicious. It's good, isn't it?"

"Yay! Sisters, breakfast is ready, so let's eat~"

Punisuke bounced happily, his chef's hat swaying.

We decided to stop teasing the useless dragon girl for now and gathered around the table to eat.

As we were noisily eating Punisuke's cooking, the bedroom door slowly opened.

A small elf child timidly peeked their face out.

They were making stomach noises, probably lured by the good smell.

Saaya immediately jumped off her chair and approached the elf child.

"Good morning. Did you sleep well?"

"Um... well..."

They were clearly confused.

It's natural, having fainted in the forest and waking up surrounded by strangers.

"Don't worry. Do you know Mererosu-san? We were asked by her to look for you. I'm glad we were able to help in time."

Saaya crouched down to match the elf child's eye level and ruffled their head.

"Anyway, you're safe here. More importantly, you're hungry, right?"

"Y-Yes."

"Then let's eat together. It's tasty even if you eat alone, but it's even more delicious when you eat with everyone."

Saaya took the elf child's hand and led them to the table.

Of course, we had anticipated this, so a seat for the elf child was already prepared. Punisuke ladled some stew from the pot and placed it in front of the elf child.

"Wah! A monster!"

"Don't worry, he's a familiar. His name is Punisuke. He's a slime that's good at cooking."

"C-Cooking... good at it?"

The elf child blinked in surprise.

However, when their stomach growled, they embarrassedly pressed their belly and stared intently at the stew in front of them.

"You can eat. Don't hold back."

"T-Thank you for the meal."

The elf child, apparently very hungry, started eating enthusiastically.

After that, we all had seconds until the pot was empty, enjoying the family-like atmosphere.

I spoke to the elf child, who was curiously watching Punisuke clear away the dishes.

"Was it delicious?"

"Y-Yes... Thank you for the meal."

The elf child bowed their head politely.

They're so well-mannered despite being so young. I wish my brother-in-law was this cute.

"I'm glad. Punisuke, who made the food, is my familiar, and I'm Ruruk, the leader of this party. I'm a B-rank adventurer, the same as Mererosu-san. What's your name?"

"I-I'm Nesaline. Nesaline, son of Juman's Forest, Lakiravia. Um, thank you for saving me."

"You're welcome. Don't worry, we've dealt with that bad dragon."

"Y-You defeated it?"

"Yeah."

"Amazing!"

Nesaline-kun looked up at me with sparkling eyes.

Man, young elves are just too cute. Can I take him home? Maybe I don't have to return him to the elf village~ Would they forgive me~?

"Ruruk, your face is too slack."

"Ahem. Well, Nesaline-kun, we'll take you back to the elf village soon, but before that, can I ask you a few questions?"

"Yes, Ruruk-san!"

"I'd like you to tell me in as much detail as you remember about coming from the elf village to Bargia."

"I understand. After we left the elf village—"

Nesaline-kun began to explain.

It took 7 days to pass through the magical tree forest led by Paraiso. When they reached near the national border, several humans were waiting, including Riseto.

Nesaline-kun was separated from the other children there, as he was taken by Riseto to fly. The others were put in a carriage and taken to a different place.

Then for a day and a half, Nesaline-kun was tied to Riseto's back and flown to the dragon capital. During that time, he had to endure the freezing high altitude without being given any food. It seems it was quite tough.

Nesaline-kun, who was taken to the forest, was chained and left there. Although Riseto had apparently done something to keep monsters away, being left alone in the forest was mentally taxing, and he was quite weakened both physically and mentally when we arrived.

After hearing his story, I patted Nesaline-kun.

"You did well."

"Y-Yes. Because I'm a boy... But, the others..."

"The others are being searched for by Mererosu-san and the foreign affairs team. We might not be able to relax yet, but let's believe and wait."

"...Yes."

Nesaline-kun seemed to have a lot he wanted to say, but he held it in.

He's more mature than he looks, and probably older than the other abducted children. Also, it seems all the remaining children are girls, so he might be feeling responsible.

Rather than letting him stay in an unfamiliar place, we should take him back to the village soon. His parents must be worried too.

"Saaya, I'm going to take Nesaline-kun back to the elf village with Elen. Can you look after Punisuke and Seori?"

"Leave it to me. It's okay to stay at the inn for now, right?"

"Yeah. I don't think we'll be too late."

It's just dropping him off and coming back.

Of course, we'll use transfer to go back and forth, so the travel time is instant. We'll need to report to the forest elders, so it might take some time there.

Elen, hearing my words, immediately grabbed her staff and waited expressionlessly, looking ready to go anytime. I could have gone alone, but bringing Elen serves as a deterrent to the guardian unit. Distania doesn't seem to like me much.

Seori, who was ordered to stay behind, looks at us with a lonely face. Saaya is patting her back.

"Seori and I are staying home. Shall we play a game while we wait?"

"...Game?"

"That's right. We have a card game that Ruruk made. You summon monsters and make them fight."

"!? My comrade, teach me this 'game' as well!"

Seori became very interested.

As Saaya and Seori headed to the bedroom to get the game, I called Elen and Nesaline-kun closer.

Nesaline-kun looks up at me worriedly.

"Um, Ruruk-san."

"What is it?"

"Are we going to travel just the three of us now? Just children?"

It takes about a month by carriage from the dragon capital to the border. On the back of the fastest dragon species, it takes a day and a half. He probably understands that it's dangerous for children to travel alone, even if there are few monsters.

Nesaline-kun looks anxious, but of course, I've already marked the elf village.

"Nesaline-kun, I'll tell you in advance. If you study mystic arts hard and become better at it than anyone in the village, you might be able to do the same thing as me. If I, a human, could do it, after all. Also, it'll be instant, so watch the spiritual elements carefully. Are you ready?"

"Eh?"

"'Spatial Transfer'."

I transferred with Elen and Nesaline-kun to the elf village.

From the inn's living room to the entrance of the sacred tree forest.

"N-No way..."

Nesaline-kun looked around.

He seemed too surprised to say anything more... but it seemed we didn't have the luxury of indulging him.

I sensed an obvious abnormality.

I immediately used "Eye of Illusion" to search for enemies.

Elen also activated her magic at the same time.

"'Full Scan'."

"Did you find anything? I can't see anything in my range."

"Mm, north side. Many monsters."

"The north side—you mean the demon realm side!"

The reason we were on alert was that we couldn't hear the usual lively sounds of the sacred tree forest at all.

It was a silence as if everything was holding its breath.

It seems the elf village is being attacked by monsters again.

"Nesaline-kun, can you get home alone from here?"

"Eh, y-yes. My house is close, so I'll be fine, but...?"

"Sorry, but something urgent came up. Take care on your way home then—'Relative Transfer'."

I took Elen and transferred to the sky.

From there, we transferred again towards the north side of the forest.

There, we found a battlefield where waves of monsters were clashing with the guardian unit.