Chapter 33 - One Thing Leads To Another

“Now, what I mean by logistics, is how this is going to work and what I exactly need you to do.”

Euryale nodded at Witt uncertainly.

“First, like I said you’ll authorize the transfer of both prisoners.”

“O...ok.”

“But before that, we need to know where things stand in the castle. Like how far along their investigation is. What else can you tell me? Anything at all?”

She looked uncertain, then seemed to have a flash of inspiration.

“Taia! Xorn is trying to conduct the investigation but he and Taia keep arguing because she doesn’t listen to him and he won’t take instructions from her.”

“Because they report to different bosses?”

“How…how do you know that?”

“Trade secret. And Taia has let slip enough digs at Xorn during our cards games that I had a suspicion anyway.”

“Well, yes. She does that, doesn’t she. But Xorn can’t seem to understand why Taia was at the site of the attack at all.”

“Interesting. But she was there for you, wasn’t she?”

“She was. I think. But now that I think about it I don’t understand why she went with Xorn’s soldiers. I thought she was doing me a favour, but why hide it then?”

“All good questions Euryale. But what matters now is that I am hearing that Taia and Xorn are not getting along about this investigation.”

“Yes. Right.” She nodded.

“So let’s use that.” Witt smiled.

“Use that? How?”

“Well, if we want our little prisoner release program to work we need to distract both Taia and Xorn. Xorn should be easy. As long as he doesn’t suspect you he should have no reason to question the transfer, if he even hears about it at all. So all you have to do is not arouse his suspicions.”

She looked afraid. “I…can try. But he gets so very scary at times.”

Witt put up his hands to placate her. “You don’t have to worry Euryale. Xorn won’t be a problem. He’s too simple and straightforward to catch much. But Taia…she’s clever. And seems to like to meddle. She’s the one we really need to account for.”

“But, how do we do that?”

“Like I said, with a distraction. I’m going to use that information broker we know to get some useful information and then we’ll have him pass that along to Taia. We’ll give her something else to chase when the time comes.”

Euryale didn’t look convinced. “What could possibly distract her from this?!

Witt smiled. “Tell me Euryale, Taia works for your King, doesn’t she?”

“I don’t know how you know…but yes. She does. She’s part of a special group used to track down information and people. She’s very good. I really don’t think we can distract her once she’s interested in something.” She shook her head back and forth in denial.

“Well, isn’t part of her job to track down missing nobility?”

Euryale mouth opened wide in surprise, but she stopped herself from asking yet again how he had the information he did and instead just nodded. “But all the nobility around here are gone!”

“Are they? I heard a rumour that the child of the previous viscount is still alive. In hiding. If we can find out where that child is, we have our distraction.”

“And you think you can do that?”

Witt sat back in his chair with a smug look on his face. “I do. And if we can’t track down the information, we’ll just have someone make something up. It only needs to distract her long enough that it prevents her from paying attention to the transfer.”

“I don’t know…”

“Listen Euryale. That part you don’t have to worry about. I’ll take care of everything. All I ask of you is to…encourage…Taia to follow up any leads like that. Can you do that much?”

“I suppose I can try.” Her voice did not inspire confidence.

“See that you do. This is all for your sake after all.”

“Why…why exactly are you helping me Mr. Witt. I still don’t understand.”

“I’ve told you Euryale, it’s because we’re friends. But if that doesn’t help you understand, maybe I’ll tell you this: sometime in the future I’m going to need some help with a personal project, and you’re going to help me out. Trust me, it will be far less messy than what I’m helping you with. I don’t care about demon politics. Murder as many Demon King family members as you like. I just want you to be ready to lend me a hand when I need something. Understand?”

Euryale wasn’t sure what to think. Who knows what Witt might ask in the future? But he’s right…nothing I help him with could come close to helping to hide what I’ve now done. She slowly nodded her head. Slowly, but firmly.

“Now, the other important thing you need to know about this transfer is that under no circumstances, no matter what happens, are you to interfere. All you have to do is authorize the transfer and help point Taia away. I don’t care what happens, you stay out of it. For your own safety. And no more petrifications. Am I clear?” His tone was unmistakably more serious.

“Um…yes, Mr. Witt. Perfectly clear. But may I ask…why?”

“For your protection of course. Who knows what might happen when Warlock’s crew try to free their friend. And you’re not exactly great at keeping a poker face except at cards. Just don’t interfere with whatever happens, and you’ll be fine.”

“If you say so Mr. Witt.”

“Now, I believe it’s time for you to leave and we can get started.” He pointed towards the door Euryale came in by and it suddenly opened.

How did he do that? Euryale struggled to understand what just happened but with everything else that had occurred so far her mind was full to burst and she opted to just follow his lead.

She stood and walked out of the building. The bright light assailed her eyes and she held a hand up to shield them as she stumbled back down the alleyway.

Ariadne suddenly ended her invisibility and appeared next to Witt.

“Did we really have to do the whole lantern and door thing? What kind of chuuni crap was that?”

Witt shook his head wistfully. “Or my dear daughter, you just don’t appreciate the finer points of putting on a good show. She’ll be wondering how we pulled that off for days, never knowing you’re my little magician. And when she never figures it out, she’ll wonder even more what else we can do. Wonder, and worry. Those are good emotions to keep her in line.”

“Ok dad…whatever you say.” She answered, unconvinced. “What’s next?”

“I suspect Warlock’s people will reach out wanting information about their captive brethren. Play nice, but not too nice, and bring them to see me as Orpheus. We’ll go from there.”

“Sounds good.” She nodded and headed out to her usual broker rendezvous spot to wait and see if he was right.