The mansion was located a short walk from Cassandra Hagedorff’s villa.
“You said it was a small mansion… this is typical of a ducal family,” the young Court Mage muttered, his face twitching. Before him stood a mansion that was by no means small. It might have been smaller compared to the Ducal Family’s separate residence where Jared lived in the Capital City. However, it was substantially larger than the Daum Barony where his grandfather lived.
“Jared, I understand how you feel, but let’s deal with that later.”
The guards had already been dealt with. They seemed to be Hagedorff Ducal Family soldiers rather than adventurers, but Jared had incapacitated them with a surprise attack without even using magic.
“Then, let’s head inside immediately.”
“Allow me to go. If, by any chance, we encounter someone, I can handle the excuses.”
Accepting Clawence’s offer, Jared decided to let him take the lead. Although he was approaching old age, he was the former First Seat of the Court Mages. His experience would surely surpass that of the active Court Mages like Jared and Dennis. There was no need to worry. His skill in taking down guards was also breathtakingly impressive.
The old maid infiltrated the mansion without making a sound. Inside, there were traces of human habitation. There was a faint smell of daily life, and it was well-maintained. It seemed someone cleaned regularly.
“Stop. It appears there are still guards inside the mansion.”
As she said, just beyond the door in front of Jared and the others, they could sense a presence. Since the captive people were unconscious, the people guarding them must have been sent by Cassandra.
“Based on the presence, there are three of them. Dennis, let’s take care of them.”
“Yes, I agree.”
The two exchanged glances, and as Clawence turned the doorknob, they burst into the room. The three maids were surprised by the sudden intrusion. They hesitated to strike non-combatants, but they would have to consider themselves unfortunate to be in this situation. Jared and Dennis struck the abdomens of the nearby maids with palm strikes, knocking them unconscious. The remaining maid was caught from behind by the boy, who wrapped his arms around her neck. However, he didn’t put any strength into it.
“I have something I want to ask. If you answer honestly, you won’t have to suffer. Do you understand?”
Seeing the maid nod desperately, he asked.
“Among the people in this mansion, are the former Duke Hagedorff’s sons present?”
She nodded.
“We’ll find their location ourselves, so that’s fine. I confirmed there were three gatekeepers. How many other guards are there? Don’t speak, just use your fingers.”
The maid held up three fingers.
“Three, huh? Alright. Then, the next question. Where are they? Are they on the first floor? Second floor? Third floor? Or are they patrolling the mansion?”
She folded her fingers and nodded.
“So they’re patrolling the mansion? Let me tell you, if you’re lying, your life is forfeit.”
Of course, it was a lie. He wouldn’t kill a maid who was just following orders. But she didn’t know that, so it was enough of a threat. She desperately nodded, as if to confirm multiple times.
“Thank you. Now, sleep for a while.”
With that, he choked her and knocked her unconscious.
“My, oh my, with two Court Mages here, you’re acting just like bandits.”
“…Master, even so, people are being kidnapped, so they are essentially bandits.”
“That’s true. I apologize. Seeing familiar faces in distress, I acted impulsively.”
Jared, who had laid the maid on a nearby sofa, told the old woman not to worry about it. The boy himself was aware that he was doing something akin to banditry.
“Now then, let’s take care of the guards. It would be troublesome if things got noisy.”
“Indeed. Considering the worst-case scenario, I believe you are correct, Jared.”
“For now, let’s put the ducal family’s sons aside and quickly defeat the guards. I’ll take the second floor.”
“Then I will check the third floor.”
“I will handle the rest of this floor.”
They each nodded and took action. Jared sprinted up the stairs, moving stealthily. As expected of a ducal family’s mansion, it was spacious and had many rooms. He hoped there were no hidden rooms, but for now, he had to neutralize the troublesome guards. The target was found quickly. In front of one of the rooms, a man sat on a chair, arms crossed, and their eyes met.
“…To think you would send assassins again, so relentlessly. The grudges of a ducal family run so deep.”
The man was completely bald, dressed like a monk. In his hand, he held a spear. Even through his clothes, his well-trained limbs were visible. More than anything, the man’s piercing gaze indicated he was a seasoned warrior.
‘Like the gatekeepers, they’ve prepared some really capable individuals. Does that mean they’re wary of external threats? More importantly, what do they mean by ‘again’?’
Questions arose, but he wouldn’t voice them now. His sole objective was to incapacitate the guards. Without exchanging further words, Jared kicked off the floor.
“Come on! I’ll take you on!”
Before the boy could get close, the monk’s spear was thrust forward in a straight line. The thrust was like a gale, swift as lightning. He was among the most skilled opponents Jared had ever faced. However, he was no match for the boy, who had gained combat experience and honed his skills in countless battles. Jared narrowly dodged the spear thrust. His cheek, ear, and shoulder were grazed, and blood splattered. However, it was not a problem. It was not a reason to stop. Jared closed in on the monk and simultaneously thrust his sole forward.
“Gah!”
His heel struck the man’s abdomen mercilessly, and he broke through the door behind him, entering the room. The unconscious monk, without taking a tumble, bounced off the ground and rolled.
‘Crap… I overdid it.’
He had chosen close-quarters combat without magic to avoid making noise, but perhaps he had enhanced his physical prowess too much, causing more damage than he had anticipated.
‘I hope I’m not holding back Dennis and the others.’
Hearing the sound of the door being smashed, he prayed they were not in danger. After confirming the monk was completely subdued, he bound him with the ropes he had brought for his limbs and took a breather.
“Remarkable. I never thought he would be defeated so easily.”
Although he hadn’t let his guard down, he tensed at the sudden voice.
“…Who are you?”
From the room next door that had been broken through, a lean man in his late thirties appeared, peeking out as if observing the situation. Wearing glasses and exuding a slightly nervous aura, the man introduced himself when his eyes met Jared’s.
“Oh? You don’t know who I am. It seems you’re not an assassin. In that case, I should introduce myself. I am Ricardo Hagedorff. Cassandra Hagedorff’s older brother.”
