Demon Prince 49

Test

Chapter 49. The Invisible Bird Capture Operation

A little while back in time.

Today, we’re discussing how to welcome the culprits or their associates who will likely appear at the auction a month from now. It’s a strategy meeting.

"How about setting up a lie detector at the reception of the auction hall and asking everyone, 'Are you the culprit?'"

"That won’t work."

"First off, we don’t have anything as convenient as a lie detector."

No lie detector, huh. Could we make one by applying mental magic?

"I hear there will be dignitaries from other countries attending the auction, so if we’re not careful, it could become an international issue. And if word spreads that we have a lie detector, the culprit won’t show up."

"So, what do we do then?"

Ai, whose suggestion was completely shot down, says with a bit of a sulky tone.

"With things like this, we have to first predict the target’s objective and the methods they might use."

"Then let’s try listing every idea that comes to mind."

"First, if the culprit’s goal is the Dragon King’s Emblem, they’ll probably just join the auction and gather information."

"They might also approach us. Or maybe someone like a guild master who seems well-informed."

"That would actually make things easier. It would help us identify the culprit."

"Exactly. And in this case, we’ll deal with it by following anyone we find suspicious during our inquiries."

"Following everyone would require quite a few people, though."

"Yes. And it wouldn’t be practical to assign only one person per target, would it? If the person comes from another country and we have to follow them across borders, one person wouldn’t be enough."

"We’ll think of solutions for that later. But as a response, that sounds reasonable, doesn’t it?"

A simple approach, but effective. It’s not foolproof, but it’s solid.

"Next, if the culprit’s target is the dragon’s materials, right?"

"In that case, it would be either theft or a legitimate auction purchase."

"If they win it fairly in the auction, there’s nothing we can do."

"Right. We can’t treat them as the culprit just for winning the auction."

"So, let’s hope someone we know for sure isn’t the culprit wins. As for the theft possibility?"

"For that, we’re planning an enhanced security setup. We’ll have soldiers stationed, and we’re also hiring more adventurers as security. The item is quite large, even though it’s been broken down, so stealing it from the auction hall won’t be easy. Instead—"

"They might attack the buyer once they leave the royal capital."

"That would be tricky. Our only option would be to assign guards, wouldn’t it?"

"What about explaining the situation and asking for cooperation?"

"It would depend on the person. And if the one we ask for help turns out to be the culprit, that would be embarrassing."

"If Gaul were to win it, that would make things easier."

If Gaul-sama wins, he can safely teleport it back to Darmdatt. Darmdatt is a separate continent surrounded by the sea. Chasing it would be impossible.

"Next, if they’re aiming for the land the dragon ruled?"

"In that case, their objective would be achieved, so they’d only attend the auction to confirm things. Narrowing down suspects might be difficult."

"All we can do is gather information through conversations."

"Finally, if their goal was to make the dragon rampage?"

"Well, the dragon isn’t around anymore."

"Maybe they’ll stir something up elsewhere."

"Or perhaps try to capture a city in a surprise attack."

"Security is tightened in all areas. The knight order is also patrolling around cities, and the Fenrir family is apparently on guard around the royal capital. There shouldn’t be any major incidents."

With the Fenrir family’s cooperation, we should indeed be safe. Very reassuring.

"So, in the end, what should we do?"

"Well, strengthen security for the dragon materials, reinforce the nation’s vigilance, and prepare to monitor and follow suspicious people."

"Summed up, that should be enough, right?"

"Then, Dad, is there anything in these plans that seems problematic or undoable?"

"The surveillance and tracking preparations. The ones skilled in such missions are already out gathering information in other countries. Only a few remain here."

That’s concerning. I suspect the Dragon King’s Emblem is the culprit’s main objective. So they probably won’t act boldly this time. The fact that they tried to avoid exposing themselves suggests they’re in a position that would be troubled if identified. Unless they get desperate, they’ll likely take cautious actions.

"Then we’ll need to get more people somehow."

"That’s easier said than done. Training people to handle such missions isn’t simple. It can’t be done in just a month."

"What about temporarily calling back the people deployed in other countries?"

"That’s also no good. Their missions are critical, so we can’t just interrupt them."

Hmm, a tricky situation. The Fenrir family could manage in the forest, but tailing someone through the city would be challenging. Oh, I know.

"We could summon a beast suited for tracking to assist with surveillance."

"Ah, that could work."

"Hmm, not a bad idea. It could be useful not just this time but for future operations too."

"Do you know any such beasts, onii-chan?"

"Nope. I’ll start researching now."

"In that case, I know just the right one."

"What kind of beast, Mom?"

"A magical bird called the Invisible Bird."

After hearing the details from my mother, Eliza, I decided to try capturing it since it has just the right abilities. Though it seems catching it would be extremely difficult, so I’ll have everyone help. Yuu, Ai, Noella, Sebasto, Lily, and Hati. The location is a forest south of Fremlira.

"And that brings us here. Sorry for the sudden visit."

"It’s fine. I told you to come anytime. I’m glad everyone could come too. You’re all welcome."

"Thank you very much."

Ai thanks her on behalf of everyone, and they all bow their heads. Even Hati bows. It’s very cute.

"Is that the Fenrir pup?"

"Yes, this is Hati."

"Woof."

"So cute! Can I hold him? Please?"

Shanze-sama runs over and embraces Hati. Her chest presses against her, changing shape.

"What are you staring at?"

"Good to see you, Jun-sama."

"Good to see you, Cornelia-san, Yufa-san."

Cornelia and Yufa also join us. I explain the purpose of our visit to them as well.

"Hmm. The Invisible Bird, huh? Can you really catch it with this many people?"

"Is it really that hard?"

"Of course. It’s a flying bird that can turn invisible, after all. It’s also highly alert and has sharp instincts. This could take several days."

"On the plus side, it won’t attack us."

"But there are other beasts in the forest. Some are grade A difficulty. Will you be alright?"

Grade A beasts, huh. I hadn’t heard that.

"We’ll prioritize safety. Since Invisible Birds are all over the forest, we’ll target the shallower areas."

"If… if you need help, I could assist."

"Really? Are things okay at the hospital and school?"

"They’ll manage. I’m not working all the time, and if I stay at the top, the younger ones won’t grow."

She’s thought this through more than I expected. Given my so-so first impression of her, I’m honestly surprised. But this is where I should be thanking her.

"Thank you very much, Cornelia."

"It’s not like I’m doing it for you or anything!"

Oh, is this what they call…

"Tsundere?"

"Tsundere."

"Tsundere."

"What’s that supposed to mean?"

Now that we’re all relaxed, let’s head for the southern forest.