(EP-249.2) Caged #4

249 – Caged Bird #4

What she discovered was a skeleton displayed on the wall.

Yes, a skeleton.

A human skeleton, sitting like Rodin’s The Thinker. Mirna’s eyes grew so wide that it made me tense just watching her.

Professor Stella spoke up.

“Miss Mirna, do you recognize this?”

“Where did you get these remains? I can’t believe something like this is displayed in a villa…!”

Mirna never overreacted. So, what was it about this skeleton that made her so uneasy? Elga asked on my behalf.

“What’s the big deal? It’s just bones, right? You can find plenty of those in any graveyard.”

“Just bones!? You’re really too uneducated. Look at it!”

Elga frowned at Mirna’s rebuke. She scrutinized the skeleton with a serious expression, but it looked like just another eerie skeleton without any notable features.

In the end, Mirna sighed reluctantly.

“It’s the remains of Orobis Angmar. The great priest Orobis, who joined the order and became a living mummy… This is a living corpse!”

“If this is alive, it wouldn’t be surprising if the tuna I ate for lunch started swimming in my stomach.”

“Are you mocking me right now!?”

While Elga and Mirna bickered, I carefully examined the skeleton.

Orobis Angmar…?

I wasn’t sure who that was, but given the surname Angmar, it seemed to be an ancient royal family member. In other words, it must be a distant relative of this body or something.

I didn’t feel any particular connection to the bloodline.

But thinking about a dead person being displayed like this, reduced to just bones, made me feel a bit sorry for them…

* * *

Although the Draco family’s villa had many rare items, it was nothing compared to the headquarters of the Bellhawk family.

Time flew by as I perused the various extraordinary items and collections, and before I knew it, it was time for dinner.

True to the lavish wealth of the Bellhawk family, the meal was exceptional.

━This is elf-style boeuf bourguignon.

The endless dishes presented by the elf maids satisfied even the most discerning of palates. The ladies smiled contentedly as they ate the ice cream served for dessert.

“The Bellhawk family’s hospitality is even better than I expected.”

Even Elga, who rarely agreed with Mirna, nodded this time.

“Indeed, it is better than I thought.”

In response, the elders sitting at the long table laughed. Among them, an elf with a white beard—Altair, the head of the Bellhawk board—laughed boisterously and said.

“That is fortunate to hear. It would be a great shame for the Bellhawk family if we provided inadequate hospitality to such esteemed ladies. If you enjoyed the meal, I believe you will also be pleased with the gifts we have prepared.”

“Gifts?”

As Elga raised an eyebrow, elf attendants appeared from somewhere, carrying golden caskets. When Elga opened her box, inside was a black cloak.

“This is…!”

“It is a cloak made from the hide of the Nemean black lion, tanned and crafted by fairy craftsman. I think it would suit Lady Lioness very well.”

“Oh…!”

“And this is a gift for Young Lady Draco.”

Seuk.

The box handed to Mirna was a bit smaller. When it clicked open, inside was a small ring, appearing old and worn.

“This is a rosary that the great monk Orobis used. It is said to have a mysterious power that calms the mind.”

“……!”

Mirna was startled by Elder Altair’s words. She quickly cleared her throat and began trying the ring on her finger.

Winning over the hearts of the ladies with gifts.

The Bellhawks were indeed shrewd.

But I wouldn’t be swayed by such obvious bribery!

“For Sir Theo, we have here a special box of royal honey candies. They contain the magic power of a special queen bee. We always gift these when we do business with nymphs.”

… Honey candies?

I responded dryly.

“Do you think I would like honey candies?”

“Well, yes. Nymphs are…”

The elves looked at each other awkwardly. I added, as if delivering a final blow.

“In that case, bring out two boxes…!”

A brief silence followed.

Then, the elder elves exchanged looks and their expressions brightened.

“Ah, right! We were short-sighted. We’ll give you another box.”

“That’s great. Also, I’d like to get some fresh air. Is it alright if I step out for a moment?”

“Shall I assign an attendant to guide you…?”

“No, that won’t be necessary.”

I stood up. Behind me, I heard murmurs like ━As expected, nymphs do love sweets.

I must have looked shallow, just as I planned…!

That was good enough for now.

That way, I could catch them off guard and strike deep.

I left the hall and wandered around the vast elf mansion. According to Stella, her brother Opal should still be living here.

So I roamed about, looking for anything noteworthy or traces that might lead to him.

Flicker, flicker-.

As I was walking down the hallway, the magic lights on the wall started flickering ominously. It felt eerie, especially when there were things like Orobis’ skeleton casually being displayed…

Seeing no sign of Opal’s presence, I thought of heading back before my actions aroused suspicion.

Kuuuu, kuuuuuu-.

An unusual wind sound echoed from somewhere. To be precise, it sounded like someone was struggling to breathe.

Flicker-.

Then all the lights in the hallway went out.

The world was plunged into darkness in an instant.

Srrrrk.

A crescent moon rose out of the heavy darkness, and it didn’t take long to realize it was a sharp blade, and who held it.

Crackle, crackle.

My skin tingled as if pricked by static electricity. There were few in the world capable of exuding such an aura.

The killing intent pouring out was truly hellish.

I steadied my trembling breath and spoke first.

“You must be Opal Bellhawk.”

“……”

Kuuuu-, kuuuuuu-.

There was no reply, just the sound of breathing

Edited by: faker.