The Mysterious Child: An Adventure Tale Beginning with Numerology

"What did you just say...?"

We had just defeated the mercenaries who attacked us, and were now receiving information from Pentan who had teleported here.

As Mamared asked again with a trembling voice, Pentan spoke in an even more calm tone than usual.

"Not only Princess Mamared, but all of His Majesty's direct descendants were attacked. Except for Princess Mamared, the attacks occurred late last night, all at the same time. The royal palace is currently busy dealing with the situation."

Pentan spoke steadily. I felt like the eyes behind her mask were faintly burning with anger.

Mamared was too shocked to say anything more.

Well, it's unprecedented for all the heirs to the throne to be attacked simultaneously. Basically, the whereabouts of the royal family are not public, and there are nearly ten of them. It's clear that information has been leaked.

While there seems to be a lot to consider about this incident, what caught my attention was the way Pentan phrased it.

"By any chance, was someone kidnapped?"

"...Yes."

"W-who was taken away?!"

"Third Prince Grill, Second Princess Hani, and Seventh Princess Maple."

"No way!"

Mamared, who is usually calm, was visibly flustered.

"What are you planning to do about the rescue!? What is Father doing? Has he sent knights after my brothers and sisters? If there aren't enough forces, I could join a unit—"

"Please calm down, Princess Mamared. His Majesty has already formed a rescue team from the Royal Knights and is having them track the kidnappers. We at Luney Trading Company may not be of use in terms of military power, but we are supporting with all our might as information providers."

"I-I see... Brother, Sister, Maple, please be safe...! Oh gods in heaven, Creator God Kianus... Please bestow your pure protection upon our Kingdom of Mataisa...!"

She was desperately offering prayers.

Given that this is such a major incident, I also have a few things I'm curious about.

"Pentan-san, may I confirm something?"

"By all means."

"Did Luney Trading Company give me this designated request because you knew about the attack?"

"Yes, while we couldn't pinpoint the location or time, we had grasped that there was an attack plan. That's why we advised His Majesty and had everyone's protection strengthened. Due to Princess Mamared's position, we couldn't assign knights to her."

"I see. And still, three people were taken?"

"Those three had traitors among their personal knights. They were all trusted royal knights, but it seems there's evidence that a magical device for mental manipulation was used."

"Brainwashing?"

"Yes. By the time we noticed, it was too late, and our response was delayed. It seems their memories during the brainwashing are vague, so they don't remember the specific details of the plan. However, we do know their destination."

"Oh? Where is it?"

"The Maguu Empire. Prince Grill and Princess Hani are being taken via a route through Earl Teruzu's territory. The horses they're using are exceptionally fast, so it's impossible to catch up from behind... but we've taken preemptive measures."

Pentan spoke in a way that seemed somewhat reassuring.

Mamared raised her face energetically.

"What measures have you taken?!"

"Considering the worst-case scenario, we secretly deployed the First Knight Division. Led by the vice-commander, they are waiting at the checkpoint along the border."

"The First Division's vice-commander... could it be the 'Flash Knight'?"

"Yes. It's Lalahaine Muuteru-sama."

Pentan glanced at me and smiled.

Oh, my older brother. He was quite capable even five years ago. The fact that he has an epithet now means he must have become an extremely skilled knight.

"He is the top disciple of the SS-rank adventurer 'Shapeshifter' Verugana, mastering high-level light magic and swordsmanship, and is a genius knight who remains undefeated in the country."

"I see... that is reassuring. Especially from that family of knights."

"However, the problem is with Princess Maple. Those who took Princess Maple are heading towards the Kingdom of Restamia. It seems they're trying to go through Bargia to Stoania, and then to the Maguu Empire."

"What kind of problems does that pose?"

"First, we can't deploy security forces in time. The horse—or more accurately, it's not a horse—carrying Princess Maple is moving at an abnormal speed, and is expected to arrive in the Kingdom of Restamia in just a few hours."

"Already!?"

Mamared's voice cracked.

Even I was surprised. It's inferior to Cardel's high-speed movement magic "Meteor," but it's still as fast as an express train. What kind of technology can move that fast on the ground?

"It's probably a prized possession of the Maguu Empire. They've been developing technology at an abnormal rate for the past decade or so, and they possess many holy relics. They don't disclose any of their technology or possessions outside the country, so even we lack information."

"...I see."

"And there's one more problem. Even with information transmission through our company, we probably won't be able to stop them within Restamia in time. At this pace, they'll enter Bargia by tomorrow afternoon. However, even if we try to request cooperation from Bargia, the procedures won't be completed in time due to their political system. Therefore, it seems the plan for Princess Maple's rescue operation is to request the Restamia royal family to conduct it at the great canyon on the border between Bargia and Restamia. The date is likely to be three days from now."

"Three days... I hope Maple's body can hold out..."

"In any case, that's the current plan of action. Princess Mamared, please return to the royal capital immediately and report your safety. Ruruk-sama, if you would, please assist."

"Of course."

She's probably asking me to return by teleportation.

But what about Ripard and the others waiting for us there? It seems they really didn't know anything about this attack, and it's more likely that they were betrayed by the company.

"We'll take care of them. We had anticipated this situation, so we've already discussed it with the Guild Master."

"I see. Then I'll leave it to you."

"Understood."

Pentan bowed her head slightly.

I immediately took Mamared's hand.

"Then, let's return to the royal capital."

"Please, if you would."

"'Spatial Transfer'."

In the blink of an eye, we returned to the rooftop of the Adventurers' Guild in the royal capital.

Mamared thanked me and immediately jumped off the roof, running towards the royal castle.

I should report to the Guild Master.

As I entered the guild, I saw an unfamiliar party sitting in the tavern.

A handsome man with four swords at his waist.

An old man who looked like a dwarf, holding a hexagonal shield.

A petite girl carrying a huge axe.

A young priest with squinty eyes holding a staff.

They were sitting there as if they owned the place. Their simplified status levels were all over 80, clearly different from ordinary adventurers.

They're probably S-rank adventurers.

But since I have no business with them, I'll just ignore them. Tanya is dealing with other adventurers, so I'll head directly to the Guild Master's room.

As I felt their gaze on the stairs and glanced back, the four S-rank adventurers were looking at me as if appraising me. I wonder if they know me.

Maybe I should have at least greeted them?

Well, I don't particularly want to get involved, so it's fine.

The Guild Master was in his room, so I reported the results of my and Mamared's quest. He gave me some words of appreciation and brewed some tea, which I was gratefully savoring when there was a knock at the door.

"Excuse me."

It was Cardel.

"What's up? Weren't you busy right now?"

"Listen to this, Daina. Those old geezer officials are working me to the bone at every opportunity. Ouch, my back hurts."

"Please, have a seat next to me."

"Oh, thanks, Ruruk."

She sat down next to me with a groan.

Dainasoman immediately served tea and asked,

"So what do you need?"

"You know, you should have a bit more composure in your heart."

"I see. I'm sorry."

"Well, that's just like you, Daina... Of course, I'm here about a designated request. Or rather, if you approve it, it'll become a special emergency quest."

Special emergency quest?

As I was tilting my head at the unfamiliar term,

"This concerns you too, Ruruk. You know about emergency quests, right?"

"Yes. It's a mandatory quest for parties ranked C and above, right? Parties staying in the country or city where the guild is located have an obligation to participate in case of a crisis."

"That's right. You can guess the reason this time, can't you?"

"Well, of course."

It's a major incident where the royal family was simultaneously attacked.

Mamared's attack was just a moment ago, but the attack in the royal capital was apparently in the middle of the night half a day ago. Cardel, who was sleep-deprived, was in a worse mood than usual.

"So, here's the application from His Majesty to the guild. Read it."

"Hmm... Alright, I'll issue the permission for the emergency quest."

"Thanks."

"So what's this special emergency quest?"

"Hm? Oh, that. A special quest is a quest only for high-ranking parties."

"By high-ranking, do you mean A-rank?"

"Nope. S-rank and above."

Wow, that is indeed special.

"Daina, did you properly call the S-rank youngsters? I saw [Sword Dance] in the tavern."

"[Undersea] is in the next room. Apparently, they were on an all-night quest, so they're sleeping."

"That's good. What about [Angel]?"

"They were apparently playing with a dungeon boss, but I've sent word. They should come eventually."

"I see."

It seems three S-rank adventurer parties have been called as well.

I have a bad feeling about this, so I quietly stood up and said,

"Well then, I'll be on my way—"

"Wait. You have an obligation too, you know."

"...Um, my party members are in Bargia, though."

"You're more than enough on your own."

"No way! I'm alone among S-rank parties, I don't have confidence!"

"[Angel] is also alone. Besides, you're a citizen of Mataisa, and even though you're hiding it, you're a noble. Give it up."

No good, huh.

Well, it's a major incident where princes and princesses have been taken away, so there's probably a lot to do. They must be so busy that they want to borrow the hands of adventurers...

"By the way, what do you intend to have us do?"

"You'll hear that directly."

"From His Majesty the King?"

"Don't be stupid. Even S-rank adventurers can't just have an audience with the king. The old geezers are waiting at the royal castle, so we'll go together."

"I understand."

Phew, it wasn't an event flag with the king. That's a bit of a relief.

Cardel gulped down his tea and immediately grabbed my hand, dragging me along. He knocked on the door of the adjacent room with his staff, and a sleepy-faced, unshaven middle-aged man came out.

"Long time no see, Rusty. Is everyone from [Undersea] here?"

"Oh, Lord Cardel, good to see you're well. Of course, everyone's here. They're sleeping though."

"I see. Get ready and come to the castle gate quickly."

"Sure thing."

Rusty immediately closed the door.

Let's see, his simplified status level is... 99!?

Rusty glanced at me briefly, but his gaze was lukewarm. He didn't direct any meaningful looks like hostility or interest. He seems like someone skilled at hiding his emotions.

It's been a while since I've seen a maxed-out level. Or rather, isn't this the first time for a human?

As I was curious, Cardel explained:

"[Undersea] is equivalent to SS-rank in ability. They diligently complete quests without putting on airs, so they're popular and called our successors. And [Sword Dance] over there is a combat-oriented party. They're hot-blooded, so be careful not to spark any unnecessary conflicts."

"Okay. What about the person called [Angel] you mentioned earlier? It's rare to see a solo adventurer, isn't it?"

"Just a crazy girl. She looks like an angel, but to enemies, she's a devil inside. Of course, she's highly skilled and often beats up the [Sword Dance] guys. In terms of individual combat power, she's undoubtedly the top in the kingdom, probably on par with Verugana in her prime. Her sadistic personality that shows no mercy to enemies is also similar, so I suspect she might be Verugana's secret child."

"Ugh, I don't want to get close to her."

Even Verugana, who has weakened with age, is still that strong.

I feel like I'd be killed.

"Well, you'll meet her face to face soon. I'll wait a bit longer for the [Angel] girl, so you go ahead to the castle gate. I'll send the others shortly too."

"...Understood."

As Cardel approached the members of [Sword Dance], I quietly headed to the castle on foot.

Everything happened quickly after I arrived at the royal castle.

The soldier who checked my guild card conducted a body search and immediately guided me into the castle. I was led to what seemed to be a waiting room and told to wait a little longer.

They served what appeared to be high-quality tea and sweets, so I made myself comfortable. By the way, all the windows had iron bars.

From the room I was in, it seemed structurally designed to prevent seeing the inner court or gardens.

I tried looking through with my abilities, but there are no royals in this part of the castle right now. They're all hiding in the innermost residential area. It seems to be under high alert.

I didn't have my weapons confiscated because I had them in my item box, but the others probably have to hand over their weapons.

After waiting for a while, a maid came to escort me.

I obediently followed her into what seemed to be a great hall.

At the back of the room sat about ten elderly men, and at the front were the adventurers who had been summoned like me. The one called [Angel] was nowhere to be seen.

One of the elderly men indicated a chair.

"Please, be seated."

We all sat down in a row.

It reminded me of school.

"First, let me introduce myself. I am Duke Flinrad, serving as the Minister of Internal Affairs for the Kingdom of Mataisa. You have been summoned here by His Majesty's direct royal decree, so I will convey the imperial order on his behalf. There are some familiar faces, but I ask all of you to state your name and title. You may omit the title name. Starting with Lord Rusty."

The members of [Undersea] stood up and bowed.

"Then I'll start. Rusty. Honorary Earl."

"Mitsuki. Honorary Viscount."

"Y-yes, I'm Konana... Honorary Baron."

"Also an Honorary Baron, Karmandi."

"I am Cruzio. Honorary Baron."

"Very well. Next, from Lord Maclagen."

The members of [Sword Dance] stood up.

"Maclagen. Honorary Viscount."

"Pestamos. Honorary Baron."

"...Nemophila. Honorary... Baron."

"Lucario, at your service. Honorary Baron."

"Very well. Now, the young man there."

That's me.

I straightened my back, placed my right hand on my chest, and gave a light noble-style bow.

"My name is Ruruk. I was granted S-rank in Bargia, so I hold no title."

"Adventurer Ruruk. I hear you're part of a five-person party, but where are your companions?"

"They are currently conquering a dungeon in Bargia. I humbly ask for your understanding, as Lord Cardel instructed me to cooperate alone."

"Hmm. Do your best."

"Yes, sir."

I bowed my head.

Duke Flinrad checked the documents in front of him and looked over us once. He seemed to be searching for the other [Angel], but he didn't mention it.

Just then, Cardel entered through the door on the other side. He silently took a seat at the edge.

Duke Flinrad, looking at his documents, began:

"Now, I shall inform the three adventurer groups. The reason you have been summoned is—"

At that moment, an intense flash of light erupted in the center of the room.

I was about to close my eyes from the sudden light, but "Domain Arbitration" automatically reduced the light intensity for me. Those who looked directly at it were covering their faces and groaning. It looks painful.

The light wasn't an attack.

"Sorry I'm late~! It's Luna~!"

What appeared with the light was a girl.

She energetically greeted everyone with a peace sign, with white wings growing from her back and a faint halo floating above her head.

While everyone was dumbfounded by the sudden appearance, I inwardly retorted:

[Name: Luna

Level: 99

Race: Angel]

She's a real angel!!!