Chapter 41: The Noble Investigation Team

The rhythmic sound of a shovel digging through soil drifted in from outside.

Avia slowly opened her eyes. Still groggy from having slept so long, she climbed out of bed. Someone had dressed her in a clean robe.

She looked around. She was no longer in the dimly lit basement from last night. Bright sunlight filtered in through the curtains, illuminating a modest but tidy wooden room. It was clear this wasn't a part of the wrecked villa. Rather, it was likely one of the small cabins that the servants on the estate used to live in, which were now likely the best accommodations left. Avia put on the shoes that had been left by the bedside, walked up to the window, and drew the curtains.

The piercing sunlight stung her eyes. Her vision flashed white, then slowly returned to normal.

It was a bright, sunny day, but the air still smelled faintly of blood as it filtered through the estate scarred by untold violence.

Patches of ground were still blood-colored. The heavy rains had lasted through the night and washed much of it away, but some had seeped into the cracks between the paved stone and would forever mark the land.

In the distance, a lone figure was digging small pits in the ground. Beside him lay a heap of corpses and loose soil.

With one last heave of his shovel, he finished digging a hole barely large enough to fit a person. With a tug, he dragged over one of the mercenary corpses, swollen from the night of rain, and kicked it into the hole.

The hole was a little too small, and the upper half of the body remained outside. He kicked the corpse's head a few times, breaking bones with sickening crunches until the corpse was all the way in.

He was bare-chested, with bandages all across his body. His left arm had been fixed in place with a cast and was immobile; he was digging with just his right hand. The wounds alone would have identified him as Wang Yu.

He filled the hole with two shovelfuls of dirt, burying yet another of the dead mercenaries.

Avia walked out from the wooden cabin and jogged over. She was physically unharmed, and had largely needed rest to recover her mental energy. After a good night's sleep, she was feeling mostly back to normal.

"Avia, you're up!" Wang Yu turned as he prepared to dig the next pit, only to see Avia jogging over. He greeted her warmly.

"I am—but how did you wake up earlier than I did? Your injuries are far worse than mine!"

Her voice held a tinge of irritation. She had been hoping that she would be able to wake him up for once.

She belatedly realized that she was, in fact, hoping for Wang Yu's injuries to be serious enough to keep him bedridden.Her face flushed; she stammered, unsure of what to say.

"It's just a matter of physique. I've trained my body more than you have," Wang Yu replied with a smile, patting her on the shoulder.

𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

"That's why you've got to keep honing your body too, see?" Wang Yu pointed at his muscles.

He did think more physical training would benefit Avia—though the more important reason was likely that lack of mental energy didn't affect his body the same way it did Avia's.

"Ah... I see." Avia scratched her head, looking a bit sheepish.

"You're in a surprisingly good mood, Wang Yu," she noted.

"Yep. Digging up pits and filling them with bodies isn't very interesting, but loot's always exciting. Here, have a look."

With a grin, Wang Yu reached toward a corpse's body, felt around at it, and pulled out something as his eyes lit up.

Wang Yu showed Avia a golden locket, one that swung open on a hinge.

Within the locket was a portrait of a family of four. Wang Yu folded it up and tossed it into the pit without even looking at it.

He had no intention of reflecting on the mercenaries' lives—he hardly had the spare time to do so.

Wang Yu hummed as he threw the golden locket in a pouch by his waist, which clinked.

Avia peered inside. There was gold, silver, and even some glittering gemstones! No wonder Wang Yu was so happy—he did like treasure, after all.

"Your mother should be by the entrance to the villa," Wang Yu said, returning to his task. "A noble investigation team and a Nightblades squad should be arriving soon. You should head over now. I'll be there once I finish up here."

"Got it." Avia nodded as she headed toward the villa. It had been far too long since she had a proper conversation with her mother. Yesterday, she had fallen asleep almost immediately, and she was all the more eager to see her now.

Her eyes traced the estate as she admired the landscape. There had been far too much to worry about before this; now was the first time she was truly taking in the land that was hers by right. It was a beautiful sight. There were all manner of small, functional buildings—and in the distance, there were farms, rivers, and mountains.

Her mother would have lived well here if no one had come to bother her. Thinking about the fact that Decaphon had vanished entirely, leaving no trace of his body behind, she couldn't help but smile.

However, her smile quickly faded. Wang Yu had mentioned something that caused her to frown—a noble investigation team. Such teams were sent out to investigate and handle the death of nobility, and were generally staffed by the subordinates of high-ranking nobility.

If a noble were killed by a commoner, the latter would likely be sentenced to death no matter the reason. If a noble were killed by another noble, however, factors like rank and wealth came into play, as well as the influence of those involved. It all came down to how much power the nobles had within this organization; exchanging favors remained a common practice among the nobility.

The reason Avia frowned was because her mother had little influence within this organization, and things could get very complicated when the investigation team arrived.

Somewhat worried, Avia continued to head toward the entrance of the villa. From a distance, she saw her mother standing there, looking toward something outside the grounds. There were small dots in the distance gradually growing larger, and the sound of hoofbeats could be heard from afar. Coincidentally, just as she reached the entrance of the villa, so too did the noble investigation team and the Nightblades' agents.

Avia rushed up to her mother, Mira, who greeted her daughter with a warm embrace and a kiss on the cheek.

"Oh, my dear Avia! You really must have been exhausted. It's been two days. If my diagnostic spells hadn't told me you were fine, I would have been worried sick."

Avia hugged her mother tightly. "I'm sorry to have worried you, Mother. I'm feeling much better now."

"I'm afraid we don't have time to chat right now. We'll have to deal with these bothersome people first," Mira sighed, exasperated at having their reunion interrupted.

A large group of riders were approaching on horseback, churning up damp soil and mud.

The group split into two. Those at the forefront, numbering about a dozen, were dressed in ornate attire and had magnificent steeds, heavily armored, decorated, and bearing elaborate carvings.

Their riders were dressed in stiff lace and clearly expensive fabrics.

Flags bearing the crests of nobility billowed behind each rider, denoting their respective clans.

Avia's eyes narrowed as she spotted a flag she recognized—the banner of her former clan, the Dovans. Its crest was a snow-white wolf with an eagle in its jaws. They would be staunch supporters of her odious uncle.

The second group of riders was far less decorated. They clearly prioritized functionality over form; their horses were far less stately, their armor plain and unadorned.

All the riders were armored as well—heavy plate armor protecting the vitals, and leather elsewhere.

Their face-concealing helmets and synchronized formation exuded a precise, deadly professionalism.

Both groups soon arrived at the entrance to the estate. The second team saluted Mira and headed in, moving straight toward the remains of the villa. Those had to be the Nightblades.

The members of the noble investigation team, on the other hand, reined in their horses and stopped right before Avia and Mira. Leading them was the fellow from the Dovan clan, a tall, gaunt man with an expressionless face.

He dismounted from the horse and strode up to Mira and Avia. Up close, his face had a cold, ashen pallor.

"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Riley Dovan, leader of this noble investigation team."

"Mira Svein," Avia's mother replied curtly.

"Avia Dovan."

Mira and Avia's cool tone made it clear that they held no affection toward him.

Riley, on his part, didn't seem inclined to exchange pleasantries, either. He pulled out a scroll.

"It is hereby announced that Decaphon Dovan, a member of the Dovan clan, was killed on the estate of Lady Mira Svein while attempting to execute a transfer of noble rights. His three dozen mercenary guards all perished within the estate as well.

"Considering the circumstances, the noble investigation team suspects Lady Mira Svein of attacking and killing Decaphon Dovan in flagrant violation of the Wartime Nobility Succession Act.

"Lady Mira Svein will now be escorted to the capital to submit to an investigation. A mind mage from the noble investigation team shall verify the truth of these allegations."

Riley Dovan read from the scroll with an air of righteous solemnity as he distorted the facts beyond recognition.

"The members of the noble investigation team shall now vote. If any have doubts about how this matter has been handled, speak up now. Otherwise, please lower your clan's crest as a sign of agreement."

The banners were all lowered immediately. There was unanimous agreement to the proposal.

Avia shot the riders a cold glance. Just what had Riley Dovan promised to have them target her mother?

Bringing her back to the capital and subjecting her to a mind mage's probe—their intentions were obvious. She would effectively be held for ransom once again.

She glanced worriedly at her mother. Did she have a plan to stop them?

Despite the casual nature of the vote, the kingdom's laws stipulated that decisions made by a noble investigation team held legal authority.

Suddenly, a thought struck her. Her eyes lit up. She channeled mental energy and activated the Alchemical Eye that had been invisible all this time. It had recorded the events that had transpired on the estate and would serve as evidence against Riley's fabricated claims.

"I object. I have evidence proving that my mother did not attack or kill Decaphon Dovan."

She produced the Alchemical Eye, projecting a scene of her negotiation with Decaphon. Mira was nowhere in sight.

Mira smiled at her, but the noble investigation team ignored the display.

Riley Dovan continued, "Considering that Lady Mira Svein is a mage and grand wizard of no small renown, she may have tampered with whatever evidence you submit. To ensure impartiality, we will disregard any evidence whose authenticity we cannot verify. I submit this to a vote."

The noble banners were, once again, lowered unanimously. Avia was furious; this unilateral decision-making dismissed anything unfavorable to the investigation team.

She glanced anxiously at her mother, who gave her a reassuring smile. Avia was confused, but she nodded and watched on.

Mira turned to the noble investigation team, smiling slyly. "And if I refuse to go with you? As a mage and grand wizard, I hardly believe you can arrest me by force."

Riley Dovan's expression remained as calm as ever, though he seemed unaware of the fact that Mira was no stronger than an apprentice magician at present. Decaphon had clearly hidden this fact; he had intended to claim Mira Svein's land and title for himself.

"The noble investigation team has requested assistance from the Nightblades of the capital, led by Sieg Wilsbach. Should you refuse to come with us voluntarily, we will enforce your arrest."

"Is that so? Then I refuse," Mira said coolly. She met Riley's gaze with an unflinching stare.

Avia glanced at her mother, not understanding the source of her confidence. Even so, if Mira Svein was making a stand, she had to have someone backing her up.

"Then Mr. Sieg and his subordinates will arrest you by force," Riley Dovan said calmly.

"I await your attempt," Mira replied, unfazed.

The two nobles faced each other with cool, practiced indifference, creating an exceptionally tense atmosphere.

Some of the other members of the noble investigation team began to feel uneasy. They had come with the expectation of seizing a share of the spoils for themselves. Now that they were stuck under the blazing summer sun, they were growing increasingly restless.

Before long, the Nightblades returned and stopped before the nobles.

"Mr. Wilsbach, I request that you heed our agreement and arrest Lady Mira Svein for refusing to comply with our orders."

"Indeed?" The leader of the Nightblades removed his helmet to reveal a handsome face.

His brown hair had a slight curl to it, and he wore a single gold-framed monocle over his blood-red eyes. Despite the unsettling color of his eyes, his refined and handsome features gave him a uniquely attractive look.

Sieg Wilsbach exuded a scholarly charm that was rather unusual for a martial organization like the Nightblades.

He paused thoughtfully and nodded. "A reasonable request, but I refuse."

"Mr. Wilsbach, the capital has requested your cooperation. You must comply with all reasonable requests. On what grounds do you refuse...?"

Riley Dovan had finally grown perturbed, though his tone remained as calm as ever.

He really had come prepared. Orders from the capital would surely be difficult to refuse.

Avia continued to listen attentively to the conversation. She didn't understand why Sieg Wilsbach had refused, nor the consequences if he did so.

"The capital's orders pertain to the noble Decaphon Dovan. Based on our investigation, we suspect that Decaphon Dovan has been involved in communion with a void entity. His status as a noble will be revoked as a result," Sieg explained, his tone serious.

"Suspicion alone does not serve as justification," Riley Dovan countered. "There must be an investigation that yields sufficient evidence for confirmation of your claim. According to Nightblade regulations, incidents related to the void must be recorded by members wielding Voidblade armor. Otherwise, the Nightblades do not possess the authority to override orders from the capital."

Although Riley Dovan's assertion that suspicion wouldn't suffice as evidence was laughably ironic considering his attempt to arrest Mira Svein, he clearly had a thorough grasp of the regulations of the kingdom and was adept at manipulating them.

Even so, Sieg didn't intend to back down. He smiled. "Indeed? We've had a member of the Nightblades here all along."

He gestured toward the distance, where Wang Yu was walking over after having buried the mercenary corpses.

He glanced at Sieg Wilsbach with some confusion, uncertain as to why everyone seemed to be looking at him.

Sieg Wilsbach walked over to Wang Yu. He glanced at Mira, who smiled warmly at him, and surmised that everything would be fine.

"Pleased to meet you. I'm Sieg Wilsbach of the Nightblades' special operations team, here to handle matters regarding Decaphon Dovan. Please hand over your Voidblade armor."

Voidblade armor? Wang Yu frowned. He had to mean Reynard's gauntlet. Without any hesitation, Wang Yu removed the gauntlet from his left hand and passed it to Sief, who examined it briefly and nodded in satisfaction.

He then turned toward Riley Dovan, whose face had contorted in barely concealed fury. As he turned, he cast a spell that sent a transmission to Wang Yu's ear.

"Archbishop Fang and Garcia both asked me to look out for you. I don't intend to let my future colleague be mistreated."

Wang Yu smiled.