The Demon Saint is Missing, so I Ran to Another World

Playing Politics (Part 2)

We set up a temporary camp a few distances away from the battle site (out of respect for the dead), while we waited for the rest of the guards' retinue to return. The ghouls checked on the coaches, trying to determine what still worked, and what should be left for disposal.

"..."

The first carriage was a complete wreck; one look, and all of us could tell that it was beyond saving. The second one, where Lady Noir rode before, was filled with bullet holes. It could still be fixed at some parts, and used as transport, but the passengers would have to take the relatively unscathed third coach to reach the city of Darkmoor. As such, it was agreed that Lady Noir would ride the last carriage.

Now, as for the prisoner we captured...

"I hired those humans to serve as your servants, Sir," Lady Noir revealed to me as we head towards where we kept the man. "I ordered Shevaun to get the best maids and menservants from the most reputable household services in Chersea. It turns out, those are agents of the 'Knights'."

"Hmm...if it is so, then imagine how deep they 'infiltrated' Chersea. And I'm sure they won't make it if they don't have humans in higher positions collaborating with them."

"Indeed, I agree with your observation, Sir. In any case, I think that prisoner of ours can provide further answers," the demon princess winked at me.

The man we captured, who referred to himself as 'Ben', had his hands and feet securely bound by a magical lasso from the chamberlain, Shevaun. Apart from that, his mouth was also gagged—not only to prevent him from killing himself, but also to keep him from uttering magic spells. And of course, there were four guards to watch him.

Just as we approached where 'Ben' was held, the guards forced him to stand, though Lady Noir stopped them at once. She just asked that his mouth gag be removed, so could answer our questions.

"I think you know what will happen to you for assaulting a demon noblewoman like me," Lady Noir began. "However, I am merciful. You can keep your life, yes, but only if your answers satisfy my reason."

"Yes, milady, I am aware," 'Ben' replied. Although he was disheveled and knew that he was at our mercy, for some reason, he kept on exuding an unusual amount of grace and dignity fit for a nobleman. It's as if we're talking with a royalty. However, his eyes would occasionally throw a glance towards me.

"Who are you?" Lady Noir was direct in her questions, "And no, you can't fool us with the name 'Ben'; I noticed from how you move and speak that you are no commoner."

Ah, so she also saw through that...

The man was quiet for a moment, as if he's deciding on his course of action. But then, he sighed and said, "You are right, milady, I'm no commoner indeed. My real name is Umberto, a former prince of the Amaranthine Royal House of Benicci."

"House of Benicci? Isn't that human royal house extinct already?"

"You're technically correct. My house fell to its demise in the hands of the von Alberts, long ago...and I'm the only survivor."

"What do you do for a living, then? I mean, before you joined the 'Knights'?"

"May I correct you, milady?" Umberto smirked, "I never joined the 'Knights'."

"Then what are you doing there? Why did you attack me?"

"Let's put it this way. I may look like an agent of the 'Knights', but I'm not one of them. I was sent by someone to spy on those demons, because this certain someone knew the dangers those idiots could cause to his beloved Chersea."