Hero Stories: Top Secret Information Broker

Do you know where all kinds of information and news regarding Skuggiheim can be found?

From intriguing gossip to confidential information that could turn the tides of battle, all of it goes through me.

But don't misunderstand. It's not just Skuggiheim, but the entirety of Erasia that falls under my purview.

Ah, but that doesn't mean I do business exclusively with the Shadow Elves. Being open-minded is one of the key traits to being a competent information broker, you know.

Shadow Elves, Humans, Vampires, what have you... All come to visit me when they need to learn what their opponents are up to.

And thanks to that, the value of my information is higher than ever.

I suppose it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that I even make deals with the higher ups in person.

...Are you talking about the past incident that happened in the Garden of Noias?

I knew you'd be aware.

Considering its scale, I wouldn't be surprised if every Shadow Elf had already heard of it.

A Shadow Elf, who broke into the Garden of Noias in an attempt to unveil the secret of the Tree of Genesis, was caught.

Her name was Fumyr, a royal mage.

She was a talented mage, rumored to have outstanding magic skills greater than that of all Shadow Elves in the whole village combined.

Fumyr enraged Noias by breaking into the garden.

And as a result, I hear her Shadow Elf mark was removed as punishment.

Because of Fumyr, there's been a general consensus that the Garden of Noias's security ought to be strengthened.

Before anything else, people want to know how such thing could happen in the first place.

We've been having internal discussions regarding that matter as well.

So what you're saying is that you need information about that incident, am I right?

A superficial investigation conducted by the royal court is meaningless and is likely to stir up trouble. I'd like to avoid that if possible.

I need every minute detail on what happened that day to Fumyr as well as who was behind all this.

...Hmm.

Since it was a pretty serious incident, it'll take a lot of effort...

I shall make it worth your while. Name your price.

Procuring information about the Tree of Genesis is tricky, even for someone like me. There's lots of talk, but they all turn out to be groundless rumors if you look into it.

However long it takes is no concern. This is vital information for the sake of the Shadow Elves.

I'll see what I can do.

You are a VIP customer, after all.

Harsetti's requests are always somewhat dubious, but it feels extra shady this time. What is she up to?

*sighing* I'm tired, let's stop thinking about it.

Still, it's hard to describe the sense of pride I feel after completing a request. At least with clients like her, other worries feel less burdensome.

I could use a hot bath tonight.

Phew, now I can relax.

Who could be knocking on my door at this late hour?

Are they trying to break down the door...?

Hey, if you're trying to break into my house, maybe try using something more effective than your hands?

...

A Shadow Elf...? And next to her is...a Human man?

I'm afraid I can't grant your request.

I let you in because I didn't want anyone to see us together and causing unnecessary trouble. I'll allow you to spend the night at my house, but that's where the hospitality ends.

I need you to leave before sunrise.

I can't tell if you're reckless or brave, but either way it doesn't matter. Even letting you stay could invite trouble.

Please, just a little while is fine.

Two days or two months, I don't care. You wouldn't be so persistent if you'd known the type of clients I deal with...

My main clients are Shadow Elves. And you know what they'd think if I were to hide a Human, let alone the child you had together.

I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I'm not kind enough to risk it.

Then, help me build a house for our family.

That's a lot of money, I thought they were fugitives.

...Still, it won't change my mind. I'm telling you, the risk...

This is all I've got for now, but if you need anything going forward, I'll make sure to pay you several times more.

I can promise you that you're not getting the short end of the stick here.

It's been a few months since I accepted her bold yet fair proposal. It was surprisingly easy to adapt to this new life, living together with them.

That Human man, Senika's husband, whom I thought would only get in my way, turned out to be quite useful and provided me with information about Humans.

Thanks to his information, I was able to make a fortune.

What happened? You're late.

You don't keep track of the time I arrive everyday, do you?

Of course not. You haven't eaten yet, have you?

Come join us, Birgitta.

Hm...

Auntie! Come sit here!

Be more polite, Fenris.

First of all, let's make it clear. I'm not anybody's auntie.

Quite frankly, they've been pretty helpful. They'd even run errands for me.

Like Senika said, I wasn't getting the short end of the stick. If I were, I wouldn't have accepted her offer anyway.

Hmm, the lights are off today. Did they go out for a picnic or something?

Ahh, right. The guy must have gone to the Human village for my request. But surely Senika and Fenris wouldn't have followed him...

*crying* Auntieee...!

Fenris? Why are you here by yourself?

Senika would never leave her kid alone.

This... *whimpering* I woke up, and mommy was gone!

...Did she run away or something? But she has nowhere to turn to.

Umm... I'm sure your mom will be here any minute.

Help me find her, waaaaaaah!

How am I supposed to know where she went? I don't know how to use any magic like that.

Here, take this... Please, find my mom...

Where did he get this shiny gem from? Did Senika give it to him just in case?

You get me just like your mom does, kiddo. You're a natural. You'll never starve to death.

But where did she...

Senika, are you there?

...Maybe she's in her room?

What are all these papers for?

...

This... It's the map she asked for earlier.

...This tree is the one in the forest near this area. Why does it have a strange mark on it...

The forest and barrier magic...

Now you decide to show up for every meal?

...Huh? Oh.

What if the forest...?

Auntie?

It's too dangerous for you to come with me. Your dad will return shortly, so why don't you wait for him at my place?

Auntie's place...?

Just promise me you won't touch anything.

Okay, I promise...

Senika seems to have done a great job raising her boy.

Was I wrong? If I remembered correctly, I thought she'd be somewhere near here.

The mark on the map was somewhere in the forest, a place even Shadow Elves wouldn't be able to find easily.

Senika must be up to something, there's no way she would have asked for the map without a reason.

Barrier magic...?

...Birgitta.

Judging by how you even left Fenris all by himself, I knew you were trying to hide something from others.

Am I wrong, Senika? I'm talking about those documents near you.

...

Auntie, auntie! Wanna see something cool?

Something cool?

Yeah! It's something called "tree tree magic," my mom taught me!

...What a weird name for a magic spell.

Wow, that's impressive.

Liar! You don't sound excited! Look at me! Watch me do it again!

Fenris!

M-Mom...

How many times have I told you not to show that to others?!

...

Birgitta, do you mind eating alone today? I've got to talk to Fenris.

Ah, sure, no problem.

Mom, I'm sorryyy...!

I found it strange how you overreacted when Fenris showed me that magic. It was unlike your usual left.

I thought I was reading into it, but I couldn't help thinking back to that incident.

The incident that happened in the Garden of Noias.

Any Shadow Elf would have heard of the mage whose mark was stripped away by Noias.

If I'm not wrong, what you're trying to do must be related to it.

...

...You're right, Birgitta.

Then you must be aware of the consequences for anyone who possess information regarding the matter. The royal family is seeking every piece of information related to what happened.

One of my clients just so happens to be seeking such information. No one knows what they'll do to anyone found to be involved.

I'm aware.

And you still went for it? You even taught your son a magic spell related to the Tree of Genesis?!

Because I can't just let anyone learn about it.

...What are you talking about?

That day, I witnessed for myself the consequences of chasing your desires and excessive curiosity.

What about it? I let him live, didn't I?

I'm not sure if you get to say that after you drained him of all his mana and turned him into a walking corpse.

But thanks to that, we found out about the existence of the temple, didn't we? And we also got some mana to experiment with.

We got what we wanted, so what's the problem? Don't be so uptight.

And here I thought you were all talk, obediently helping me out this whole time. You've been asking some deep questions, haven't you?

So what? Do you feel like giving up? Go right ahead, then. I won't stop you.

It was a horrible, excruciating experience. I regret those times deeply.

And while carrying these documents here, I promised to myself, if it cannot be controlled, I won't let them fall into anyone's hands.

...Because greed is what's going to destroy us all.

And Fenris was the best method you could think of? How could you expose your son to that kind of trouble?

The reason I taught him about the magic of the Tree of Genesis is simple. When he finally learns of the responsibilities that come with such power...

Would he still choose to carry the burden? Or would he decide to keep it a secret between him and I, hiding it forever?

Even though I was forced into it, I wanted him to have the chance to make the decision for himself.

So you're going to leave it up to Fenris? If he fails to dispel the barrier, it's going to remain hidden forever and if he succeeds, he'll have to make the choice?

If it's him, I know he can do it.

No, only Fenris could do this.

Are you sure it's not your own wishful thinking?

Call it what you will, but I won't change my mind.

I want Fenris to learn through experience and become stronger than anyone else. Because that's the only way to survive.

It seems I have a long way to go before I can master this barrier magic.

Next time, I'll make it perfect so that I don't get caught by you.

If anyone ever finds out about this...

...

You and Fenris, no, everyone will be in danger.

Are you sure you won't regret it if something happens?

...You've already done so much for us. It would be too much for me to ask you to go along with my selfish wishes. And more importantly...

I won't be able to talk you out of it if someone were to offer you a tremendous amount of money, worth even more than all three of our lives combined.

Seriously? Is this really the time for jokes?

I know you wouldn't sell us off, but it could just be me fooling myself into believing I know you well.

Please, would you help me just until my little Fenris grows up...?

...

This is the side of me my father used to worry about. How I tend to become soft during crucial moments.

But what else can I do? I'm not starving or desperate enough to put a family in danger.

You know I'm a very competent, renowned information broker.

And that I only make deals with clients who offer either useful information or a plethora of cold, hard cash.

What you've shown me today is the most interesting and useful information I've ever heard.

Of course, I won't be able to sell it or put a price on it right now...

...

So I'll just keep it to myself. You should also be careful not to get caught by anyone else.

Birgitta.

Don't get me wrong, it's not for your sake. It's because I want to make good use of the information, just in case I ever need to.

Thank you.

You're too clumsy, though. I'm worried that you might ruin it for me.

Just you watch, I'll be flawless.

Since that day with Senika, I turned a blind eye to any information related to the Tree of Genesis. I simply pretended that nothing ever happened.

It clearly didn't stem from a sense of justice or friendship. If I were to try and rationalize it, I guess I didn't want to see my own kind fall apart.

And you could call it intuition, but I had a feeling that I shouldn't let Harsetti find out.

However, contrary to my expectation that things would eventually calm down, the torrent stirring underneath the surface began to grow larger and stronger over time.

You seem taller now.

Nonsense, it's only been a few days.

You were so adorable just a few years ago, but you're almost like a different person now.

Here, dad told me to give you this.

It won't take too long, but it seems he gave way more than last time.

He also said he put what you requested in there, so be sure to check.

Oh, I'll have to buy him something delicious once I'm finished with this deal. Give your dad my thanks for obtaining such important information for me.

Then, I'm off.

Leaving already? Senika's on her way, why don't you join us for dinner?

Not hungry.

Puberty hit you so hard you don't even feel hunger anymore, huh?

I-It's not like that!

Surely he will break down that door one day.

"...An increase in the visit of political extremists to the royal court has been confirmed. In response, Human countermovement efforts have been detected..."

"...Though some time has passed, they are supposedly collecting information regarding the Garden of Noias incident. An investigation into both Humans and Shadow Elves is being conducted, indiscriminately..."

...

Birgitta, did Fenris drop by? He just left without answering my question.

Yes, he did. And he gave me this.

Are you taking off right away?

Well, what's the point in stalling? Time is gold when it comes to the information trade.

Here, take these with you. They're your favorites.

...

...Senika.

Yes?

There's been a growing interest among the Shadow Elves in the documents you have.

It used to be just the royal palace's concern, but now everyone's asking for information.

...

We're putting you in danger, aren't we?

I don't think this situation will die out anytime soon.

Have you still not changed your mind?

You need to be prepared for some serious danger.

We've never been safe anyway. We've always been ostracized and exiled our whole lives.

It seems that there's not much time left. For us to spend time together, or for Fenris to prepare himself.

...We knew this was bound to happen.

If your mind remains unchanged, make good use of the time you have left.

It'll be quite a while this time. And if you leave in the meantime, this will be our last encounter.

Take care, Senika.

There's been an interesting rumor going around in the palace.

Ah, are you talking about the traces of mana found in the outskirts forest?

Of course, you're already aware.

I've also heard that the political extremists have been frequently entering the royal court because of the matter.

It's a natural reaction.

Because traces of a Human were found in the northern outskirts forest.

...!

Initially, it was considered an odd coincidence, but further investigation suggested that the mana trace was similar to that of Shadow Elves.

Isn't it quite peculiar? Why would Human traces be found in a forest in the northern outskirts?

And for what reason would it be similar to our mana?

...It must be Senika.

Some say it's the traces of a Human who accompanied Fumyr to the Garden of Noias that day, learned the magic, and hid the relevant documents.

...Are they trying to come up with any sort of justification to harass Humans?

If they launch an investigation, all fingers are going to end up pointing at me.

I'm curious, is it even possible for a Human to practice Shadow Elf magic and apply it so flawlessly?

Considering the time frame, I find it rather hard to believe. I think it's too soon to say that it was done by a Human.

And the discovery of Human traces is only being purported by one side. I suggest you begin a careful and thorough investigation into the matter.

Hmm.

Her unreadable expression and piercing eyes, reading into everything and considering all possibilities.

Your suggestion seems reasonable. I'll launch a thorough investigation into the matter immediately.

...Because Senika is involved, I've said too much without noticing.

Of course. Without a doubt, you'll make a prudent decision, Your Majesty.

If I had chosen to turn away and run to you, would things have turned out differently today?

Hmm...

...Maybe I should have dropped by.

Although even if I told her, it'd take some time considering she has nowhere else to go...

It's only a matter of time before she finds herself in a dangerous situation. I just can't get over what Harsetti said...

I shouldn't have said anything.

Here, it's the exact amount you requested.

Didn't you have company last time? Where's the other one?

Who knows, he said he's getting ready to move to a different continent as well.

It won't be easy.

Oh, you said you just came back from finishing up negotiations at the royal palace. Haven't you heard anything?

Like what?

I heard some weird stories about how the extremists discovered Human traces in the outskirts forest.

...

Isn't it quite peculiar? Why would Human traces be found in a forest in the northern outskirts?

And for what reason would it be similar to our mana?

...It must be Senika.

Some say it's the traces of a Human who accompanied Fumyr to the Garden of Noias that day, learned the magic, and hid the relevant documents.

As far as I'm aware, I thought the extremists weren't on good terms with the royal court. What are they saying?

Apparently, the extremists are pushing it real hard, and have won over a majority.

Although there hasn't been an official edict from the royal court... They might play along with them if they can sway public opinion.

This wouldn't be the first time they've manipulated public sentiment like this.

...

...I think I'll have to pay a visit to Senika before handling the rest of my business.

...

We're putting you in danger, aren't we?

I don't think this situation will die out anytime soon.

Have you still not changed your mind?

You need to be prepared for some serious danger.

We've never been safe anyway. We've always been ostracized and exiled our whole lives.

...Senika?

Traces of intruders, left behind in this cozy house of three...

...!

...

I should have come earlier.

Since they won't be able to get any information if they kill Senika, they would have kept her alive.

If they took the fastest route to the royal palace, they must be passing through that place.

Have they calmed down?

That young boy was extremely noisy, kept yelling to bring his dad back to life, but he fell asleep now.

That woman and kid, they're not ordinary. We wouldn't have been able to capture them if it weren't for the rope they gave us.

Mana equipment made in the royal palace are powerful, indeed.

We'll arrive tomorrow, so let's get some solid rest today. We haven't been able to sleep for days, bringing them all the way here.

Let's get drunk! They even gave us this expensive drink!

How did it go?

I mixed it in with a strong booze to make them pass out. What's going on anyways?

I owe you a lot today. I'll make sure to repay you next time.

How odd. You never make a deal when there's no profit.

So the Shadow Elf they brought with them is over there?

Don't worry, I'll handle it so that you don't face any harm.

...

...

...Senika...!

Bir...gitta...?

Are you okay? Can you move?

A magic spell...has been cast on the rope...

Don't worry about it... They'll never be able to find out that you helped us...

...No, I'm not here to ask you about that! How is Fenris?

Don't worry, he'll wake up any minute.

You two won't be able to move. And I can't seem to untie you, so I'll have to carry you both...

Even if we make it out of here today, they're going to hunt me down again soon. So...please, just take Fenris with you, Birgitta.

It was me who they wanted in the first place, not Fenris. They've already killed my husband, I can't afford to lose him too.

And I believe you...have the power to protect him. Please help him live on...

...

If I had been more careful, none of this would have happened...

Still, we can't leave our post. I'll watch them, so you head on inside.

...!

Don't worry about me, just go. I promise they won't find out about you or come after you.

Senika...

Oh, it's unlocked...?

Uck!

Ack...

I can't hold out for too long. So please...take good care of my son, Birgitta...

...I'm so sorry, Senika.

I had no time to organize my thoughts. All I could think of was Senika's last request.

Once Fenris came to his senses, he kept yelling that he had to return to Senika, but I had to forcefully take him away.

I can't remember exactly how we managed to escape that day. We just kept running and running.

Here. Take it.

This is all I've got for now. I'd love to escort you to a Human village, but...

But they strengthened their security, and if we move together, you'll be easily noticed. Go to the location marked on the map, show this certificate, and you'll have no problem living for at least several years.

...Why didn't you wake me up? Why did you leave my mom and run away alone!

...

Please let me go back to my mom. I'd rather stay with her and...

Because if anything ever happened to you, not only would it devastate your mom, but me as well.

...

I made a promise to your mom that I'd protect you, Fenris.

And that's the only reason I let go of her hands. To keep that promise.

...

Helping you survive in this world... That's the least I can do for her.

So you must live on, Fenris...

For some time, I could hear about Fenris from my sources throughout the village.

Who knows how many times I wrote to him, but he never once replied.

I figured that I didn't hear from him because there was nothing special going on, until one day...

"A massacre occurred in a Human village. It is assumed that the extremists were behind this incident..."

"The royal court insists they have nothing to do with the current situation..."

Phew, I'm exhausted. My body doesn't seem able to keep up with me anymore. Now I feel tired after just a few months of travel.

Hmm, my next destination is...

Maybe it's finally time to get rid of this chair...

There you go, all done. Try sitting now.

Whoa! You're the best, Dad!

Well, I've got to admit, you're pretty good. I can't find a chair this comfortable anywhere else.

If you want, I'll provide you with a life-long warranty.

Are you suggesting that you'll live here forever?

Ahaha, I didn't mean it like that.

You said you were going to stay for just a little while, but you never meant to leave in the first place, did you?

...

There's been a growing consensus to strictly monitor the actions of the political extremists going forward.

We cannot repeat such a tragedy where our own race is sacrificed in the name of the royal court.

...

Now that the only Shadow Elf who held the answers is gone, we won't be able to figure out what occurred that fateful day.

I heard she had a family. Do you have any information on what happened to them?

All I'm aware of is that her son, whom she has with her Human husband, vanished into thin air.

...Fenris.

If you know anything about him, please do tell. I can't bear to leave an orphaned child roaming around on his own.

If only I could find him, I'd like to help him live a comfortable life.

...It's hard for me to let go of all my doubts. Was Harsetti really uninvolved with what happened that day?

I can't just ditch a precious client without any solid proof, so it can't be helped, but something feels unsettling.

It's hard to say Harsetti had nothing to do with it...

...

Let's not dwell on it too much. I'm doing everything I can, let's focus on that.

I don't know how long it will take, but protecting Fenris until he's ready to take on the task Senika wanted him to, is my duty.

Don't worry, Senika.

I'll never forget about our promise.