Chapter 104: SIDE Black-winged Knights Vice-Commander Felix

“――Commander Gazelle, do you have a moment?”

“Ah, it’s fine.”

After knocking on the heavy door of the captain’s office and entering, I saluted and approached Commander Gazelle’s desk. The captain, who had been signing documents, stopped and looked up at me. There wasn’t a trace of fatigue on his face. Just yesterday, we learned of Takumi’s abduction from young Mars’ report. We rushed to the Audley residence, and even after the date had changed, Commander Gazelle continued to embrace Takumi.

“Good timing, I was just about to take a break. Let’s move over there.”

“Then, may I prepare some tea?”

“Sure, I’d appreciate that.”

With Commander Gazelle’s permission, I took the tea set from the corner of the room. The pot, enchanted with fire magic, kept the water warm without cooling down. I poured hot water from the pot into the teapot, let it steep adequately, and then poured the amber-colored liquid into cups.

“Here you are.”

“Thanks.”

After bringing the tea set to the table, Commander Gazelle and I sat opposite each other on the sofa, each sipping our tea. The smooth, mellow tea warmed our chilled bodies. Outside the window, the sky was overcast with heavy clouds, although no snow was falling.

“What about Audley?”

After we quietly enjoyed our tea for a while, Commander Gazelle spoke softly. Looking into his golden eyes, I nodded slightly.

“It was as reported. He’s almost a broken man.”

“Hmm. What exactly?”

Commander Gazelle’s calm demeanor didn’t show any surprise at my response. Admiring his composed attitude, I continued my report.

“A quite powerful mind control spell has been cast on him. Even the magicians of the Silver Wing Knights would find it difficult to break such a spell.”

“That severe, huh?”

“Yes. But as reported, it won’t hinder our interrogation regarding the slave trade. Normally, he’s just like a doll, not speaking or moving, simply sitting on the bed. However, he responds clearly to our questions. In fact, it’s better in this state since he can’t lie or evade our questions.”

“Then we’ll leave it at that.”

“Is that alright? If we gather skilled magicians, perhaps the curse can be lifted.”

Commander Gazelle placed his teacup on the saucer as I asked this, then leaned forward, resting his hands on his knees.

“It’s fine. Even if we return him to his senses, there’s no benefit for us. Let’s keep him as a convenient doll for us. Besides, that’s safer for Takumi, right?”

“Yes, I thought the same.”

Relieved internally by his words, I nodded. I’m glad Commander Gazelle said that. Bernard Audley, from what I heard of his methods and character, is quite vengeful. It doesn’t seem he possesses the decency to reflect on his actions. If he were returned to his senses, he’d undoubtedly resume his serpentine pursuit of Takumi. In fact, part of me even thinks it’s better if he never regains his sanity.

“Understood. Likely, the other knights and the higher-ups won’t oppose it. The more we expose his crimes, the more advantageous it becomes for our country against the Oster Kingdom.”

“Right. Just to be safe, inform Sir Leon of the White Wing Knights too. We can’t rule out someone being bribed by the Oster Kingdom. If someone tries to restore Audley’s sanity, Leon can keep them in check.”

“Understood. Still… the one mystery is who cast that mind control spell on Audley.”

It was truly perplexing. Last night, Audley was confined in the detention area, built with magic-repelling stones. No magic should work inside those walls. Yet someone infiltrated and cast a potent mind control spell on Audley, unnoticed by the guards. As I pondered this, Commander Gazelle brought his hand to his mouth, murmuring.

“I have a suspect in mind. In fact, if it’s him, everything makes sense.”

“Someone you know, Commander?”

“You know him too. It’s him, the demon king who turned into a little perfume seller.”

I gasped at Commander Gazelle’s words.

“Are you suggesting ― Mars has regained his memories?”

“Even after transferring his magic power to Takumi, he still had more than an average person. That kid could easily have broken Audley into a wreck.”

“That’s possible. But then, does that mean Mars has fully regained his memories from when he was a demon king?”

While posing the question to Commander Gazelle, I internally felt quite convinced by this explanation. If Mars was the perpetrator, many things could be explained. For instance ― why the perpetrator didn’t kill Audley. If someone with a grudge against Audley was the culprit, it was puzzling that they left Audley unharmed in his cell. Moreover, the mind control spell cast on Audley was both powerful and complex. It didn’t completely break his psyche but allowed him to automatically respond truthfully to questions. A very sophisticated spell. But if Mars had regained his memories as a demon king, it all made sense.

“He must have regained them. I don’t know when, but by the time he brought us the news, he already remembered. Takumi was even wondering why Mars knew about Audley’s mansion and their situation.”

“Then, the reason he didn’t kill Audley and cast a mind control spell was…”

“Of course, to protect Takumi. Mars could have killed him, but knowing how kind Takumi is, he probably thought it best to avoid any chance of Takumi getting hurt if he found out that Audley was killed.”

“Ah… that makes sense. Maybe that was the primary reason.”

I had thought Audley was spared to face legal justice, but Commander Gazelle’s theory seemed far more plausible. Commander Gazelle and I exchanged wry smiles.

“And there’s more… Probably also a warning to us.”

“A warning, Commander?”

I blinked, not fully understanding. Commander Gazelle grinned, as if amused, and whispered in a low voice.

“Killing Audley alone wouldn’t point to the perpetrator; he’s made plenty of enemies. But reducing him to such a state with a complex mind control spell? Only we two would suspect the real perpetrator.”

“Ah, I see now.”

I finally grasped the meaning behind Commander Gazelle’s words and opened my mouth with a slightly unpleasant feeling.

“So, Audley’s current state is like a declaration of war against us. It’s like saying, ‘I have regained my memories. If something happens to Takumi, you two are next.'”

“Exactly. And if I might add, it’s also saying ‘Don’t tell Takumi I’ve regained my memories.’ Huh, the demon king has his cute sides, doesn’t he?”

Commander Gazelle laughed heartily. Despite being challenged by such a powerful magician, he could still find humor in the situation. I smiled wryly, thinking to myself that I still had much to learn from him.

“The demon king still seems fixated on Takumi. And he’s extremely overprotective, too.”

Gazelle chuckled before sipping his tea. However, contrary to his words, his eyes burned with possessiveness. …And I was no different. If I looked in a mirror right now, my eyes would surely show a mix of jealousy and possessiveness.

“Fine by me,” I thought to myself. If I claim to be Takumi’s knight, then so be it. He chose to be with us.

It felt like a long time since I met him, even though it was less than a year. The days of pursuing and pleading for his attention felt incredibly long. And finally, he accepted us, choosing to stay with us even at the cost of leaving his own world.

I had no intention of letting anyone intrude upon the bond we had built with him, nor did I believe anyone could. So, if the demon king wants to play knight, let him…

Suppressing my rising arrogant thoughts, I informed Commander Gazelle of another matter.

“By the way, there’s another report. About Miss Haruka, it seems we might be able to arrange a return ceremony at the royal palace.”

“Ah, so Audley’s notes are no longer necessary.”

“Yes. Moreover, based on what I heard from the Golden-winged Knights, if Takumi pre-fills the magic circle with his magic power, he doesn’t need to be present at the ceremony. What should we do?”

I fixed my gaze steadily on Commander Gazelle. A tense silence filled the room, so quiet that even our breathing seemed loud. After a moment, Commander Gazelle relaxed his face and sipped his tea.

“No, it’s fine. We’ll bring Takumi along on the day.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah. Takumi and that young lady seemed to have grown quite close. It’d be cruel not to let them say their final goodbyes.”

“Indeed.”

I nodded at Commander Gazelle’s words. The old me, driven by fear that Takumi might return to his world, would have done everything to prevent him from attending the ceremony. Commander Gazelle would have likely done the same. But now, we had a certain ease in our hearts, greatly due to Takumi’s clear commitment to stay in this world and live with us. He’s a sincere person who stands by his words. His promise had given us the confidence to be more relaxed with him, though worries still occasionally surfaced.

For instance, I was quite taken aback by his recent statement. Of all things, he suggested that Leon, the head of the White-winged Knights, had feelings for Commander Gazelle… Ah.

“Actually, there’s one more thing to report.”

“What is it?”

The previous two reports were somewhat expected by Commander Gazelle, but this one was likely to catch him completely off guard. With a slight mischievous spirit and feigning nonchalance, I continued.

Commander Gazelle choked and spat out his tea in shock at my words. It might be the first time I’d ever seen him so flustered. All thanks to Takumi.

“Ha!? Who said such a ridiculous thing? It’s obvious who Leon likes just by looking!”

“Well, I heard it from that ‘obvious’ person.”

“…Wait, you don’t mean…”

Commander Gazelle stiffened upon hearing my response. Naturally, that would be his reaction. Yes, I felt the same way…

“Yes, it was Takumi who told me. He said something like, ‘Leon likes Gazelle, right? If it’s a close member of the Black Wing Knights, there can’t be anyone else but him.'”

Commander Gazelle covered his face with his hands and looked up to the sky in despair.

“That guy… I knew he was oblivious, but to this extent…!”

“Honestly, I felt a bit sympathetic towards Captain Leon when I heard it.”

“Yeah, I bet. I’m feeling exactly like you did back then… So, is he still under that amusing misunderstanding?”

“I thought about leaving it be to reduce romantic rivals. But it seemed too unfair… so I corrected it.”

“Ah, thanks. But how did he even come to that misunderstanding… Maybe that time? I did think he was acting a bit strange…”

Commander Gazelle muttered to himself, seemingly troubled. In this world, perhaps only Takumi could cause such a headache for our Captain of the Black Wing Knights.

“Fufu… It seems we’re in for some interesting days ahead.”

Seeing me chuckle, Commander Gazelle gave a wry smile.

“Indeed. It looks like he still attracts men with strong attachments… including himself. It seems we’re in for quite a stimulating time for a while.”

We both burst into laughter, sharing an understanding that only those who had fallen for the same person could have.

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