In fact, there was some reason for Shionne pushing me forward.

Though I don’t use it often, my magical skills were already at a considerable level. If we simply compare the power, it would be similar to Shionne’s.

Having freely manipulated magic since a very young age, to the extent that it wouldn’t feel strange even if it were said to be chosen by the gods.

“And the fact that Cain and Raven are accompanying me played a role too.”

Cain, with remarkable swordsmanship skills that were considered among the best in the kingdom. And Raven, who demonstrated her strength not only by joining the knight order but also by showcasing her abilities in the hunting competition. Just their presence was enough to reassure Shionne significantly.

After a while, the three of us arrived near the Dark Alley and gathered in a circle to discuss the plan. Due to the chilly night temperature, even a small bonfire was lit in the center, creating a reasonably cozy atmosphere.

The operation’s name this time was to give Galio a bitter taste. I intended to make the old man of the swamp feel exactly what it was like to receive as much as he gave tonight.

“With only three people… It’s a modest number considering we’re heading into conflict with the Turner family. Are you sure it’s okay with just us, Lady Bella?”

“Yeah, it’s fine. I’m only after Galio. Having more people would just complicate things.”

At that moment, Raven, throwing some branches into the bonfire, asked a question.

“But Bella, why are we invading the Dark Alley instead of the Turner family’s mansion? There’s no guarantee that Galio is in there right now.”

“If I were to go to the Turner family’s mansion and destroy it, what would I gain? It would only tarnish my image as royalty.”

“Are you saying…?”

“I plan to make sure Galio comes to the Dark Alley on his own. You can look forward to it. It’ll be quite interesting.”

When I entrusted the investigation of Galio to Cain, I had separately asked him to look into places related to the Assassin Guild and make a map. Tonight, I found a very useful way to use that map.

If I destroy all the places related to the Assassin Guild, Galio, whose base has been raided, will jump into the Dark Alley on his own. The goal tonight was to inflict a revenge suitable enough to calm Galio down, then make him confess to his own crimes.

My father might be shocked if he finds out that I had dealt with the situation in such a leisurely manner, but I knew very well that punishment is better than a cure for really bad guys.

“Be cautious because Galio seems to use mental magic. He can create strange spaces where artifacts can’t be used. Well, the two of you are so skilled with swords that it shouldn’t matter much.”
“A space where magic can’t be used… How did you withstand Charlotte’s attacks in such a place? Even if your mind was in a collapsed state, it doesn’t seem like it would be easy to deal with.”

“Uh… I was just lucky. Shionne came to rescue me quickly.”

Now, I was considering whether to gradually let Cain know that I could handle spirit magic. However, if I did that, I would have to explain a bit more, like the fact that my mother was a fairy, and I decided to postpone the explanation a bit.

“Well then, shall we start? To see the face of the kingdom’s worst scoundrel.”

After completely extinguishing the blazing bonfire, we headed towards the Dark Alley. The events that followed flowed so smoothly that it seemed too easy.

Thanks to Cain’s detailed investigation, we quickly found a tower that was estimated to be the headquarters of the Assassin Guild.

Perhaps to avoid the attention of people. Contrary to the expectations of it being very splendid, the building was quite old and shabby.

Approaching the reception with our hoods flipped, a muscular man with a rough appearance looked up as we stood side by side, sneering.

“Three kids, quite an unusual combination. Do you know where you are? If you just wandered in, leaving quickly would be good for your well-being.”

“We heard this is the kingdom’s top Assassin Guild! Wow, we were so curious about what it would look like. It’s not that special.”

Speaking like a child while looking around conspicuously, I said, making the man burst into a mocking laugh.

“It seems you didn’t come for a request but are probably looking for a job. Good timing. We’ve recently set up a shelter for kids like you, and you’re needed.”

“Wow, we’re still young. Can we work in a place like this?”

“There are more requests involving kids than you’d think. There’s an overflow of places where we can use you right away.”

The man who finished speaking placed three contracts on the table. Along with a waiver of bodily autonomy, the content stated that we would unconditionally obey the guildmaster.

As far as I knew, most of the kids in the Dark Alley didn’t know how to read.

Another crime was being produced in this place, where crimes were committed for crimes.

“…He’s really a worse guy than I imagined. That Galio.”

“What? How do you know his name…?”