Reincarnated as a Villainous Aristocrat in an Otome Game, So I Bought the Main Heroine with Money

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Chapter 46: Visiting the Dark Guild

《Cerios’ Side》

As I was organizing documents in my study, a quiet knock came at the door. Arnaud entered with his usual composed demeanor, but there was a certain heaviness in his expression.

“Lord Cerios, I have just received an update regarding Lady Clarice von Everett.”

I immediately stopped what I was doing and turned my gaze to him.

I had been worried about Clarice’s well-being, and his report was something I had been anxiously waiting for.

“What’s the situation?”

“She has not been formally condemned by her family. However, she is currently under house arrest within the duke’s estate. The reason for this remains unclear, as the Everett household has completely shut down any flow of information.”

“House arrest… huh?”

The words echoed in my mind.

Even though she hadn’t been disowned, being confined was proof enough that Clarice was in a difficult situation.

The most troubling thing was not knowing the duke’s true intentions behind her confinement.

“What about the Everett family’s movements? Any suspicious activity?”

“As of now, there have been no notable actions. However, to gather more information, we will either need someone with direct access to the estate or rely on external sources of intelligence.”

“I see…”

I leaned back in my chair, deep in thought.

I owed Clarice for the help she gave me at the academy. If she was suffering, I couldn’t just stand by and do nothing. However, going head-to-head with the powerful Everett ducal house wasn’t a smart move.

“Alright, we’ll have to rely on the dark guild to investigate.”

“As you expected, my lord. The dark guild possesses an extensive information network, even within the kingdom. They are the best option for obtaining information that cannot be acquired through official channels.”

“Good. I’ll ask Kanon to accompany me. Make the necessary arrangements.”

“As you wish.”

After Arnaud bowed and left the room, I stood up and gazed out the window.

(Clarice… no matter what situation you’re in, I’ll find out the truth.)

With that resolve in my heart, I left the room.

♢

“We’re going to the dark guild?”

Kanon raised an eyebrow at my suggestion. As a knight, her instincts must have immediately sensed the risks involved.

“Yeah. Right now, getting information through official channels is nearly impossible. The duke’s house has completely shut off the flow of information, which means we have no choice but to rely on alternative methods. We can’t take action until we know exactly why Clarice is in this situation.”

“Understood. I’ll accompany you as your escort. Besides, I know a few people in the guild who might be helpful.”

As expected from a former mercenary—Kanon was the perfect person for this.

“That’s reassuring. We’ll head out as soon as we’re ready.”

Kanon gave a faint smile and immediately began preparing.

As night deepened and the city was enveloped in silence, we made our way to the dark guild hidden in the backstreets. Kanon, now dressed in inconspicuous clothing instead of her knight uniform, took the lead.

“The tavern at the end of this alley is the entrance. On the surface, it’s just a regular bar, but behind the scenes, information deals take place.”

“As expected of you, Kanon.”

We walked down the deserted alley and pushed open the wooden door.

Inside, a dimly lit atmosphere greeted us. A few patrons were quietly drinking, their faces shadowed by the flickering lights.

The moment we stepped in, a few glances were cast our way, but they quickly returned to their conversations.

Kanon approached a middle-aged man standing behind the counter. Judging by his demeanor, he was likely acting as the guild’s gatekeeper. As soon as he saw Kanon, he gave a small nod.

“Lord Cerios, he will take us inside.”

“Alright.”

Following the gatekeeper, we passed through a hidden door at the back of the tavern. Beyond it was an even darker room, filled with shady individuals engaged in hushed negotiations.

“So, what kind of information are you looking for?”

A voice called out from the shadows.

Two figures stepped forward—one man and one woman. The one who spoke was the woman, cloaked in a black hood. Her voice carried an air of quiet confidence.

“I want information on Clarice von Everett’s situation. Investigate the movements of the duke’s household in detail as well.”

At my words, the woman gave a slight smirk.

“The duke’s household, huh? You’re aiming pretty high. That kind of information doesn’t come cheap, you know?”

“I’ll pay whatever is necessary. As long as the information is reliable, I have no complaints.”

She stared into my eyes for a moment before nodding in understanding.

“Alright. I’ll have results within a few days. I’ll contact you with the details later. Should I register the request under Lord Cerios von Egrid?”

“…It wouldn’t be fair if only you knew my name, would it?”

We exchanged a tense stare for a brief moment.

“Fine. I’m Emma, and this here is my younger brother, Kiru.”

“Kiru?”

“Hm? Something wrong?”

Hearing that name gave me an uneasy feeling. It was the same name as one of the potential love interests in Liese’s story.