The Forest Race Clonne

Chapter 3

“Arno Siegel. Seventeen years old this year and a promising junior knight. He met his end while trying to gain merit by chasing the murderer alone. But, most importantly, he was the nephew of Duke Marblan.”

The largest and most fertile granary area in the empire is in the west. It had more plains than mountains, abundant water, and rich soil, making droughts almost unheard of. It wasn’t an exaggeration to say that all the high-quality grains distributed across the empire were produced in the West. Consequently, the power of Western nobles was strong.

Duke Marblan was the head of that Western noble alliance. The wealthiest noble in the West and a long-time friend of the current emperor. Indeed, he was someone significant enough for Count Rael to come in person.

“But why is Duke Mikel being uncooperative with the investigation? I’ve never heard anything about bad blood between him and Duke Marblan.”

“Hmm, this is just between us. The truth is, the incident occurred in a hunting ground where the Duke often enjoys leisure time with his friends. He’s a bit uncomfortable with Security Department agents snooping around.”

“…Ah, I see. I understand.”

It wasn’t particularly surprising that nobles indulged in decadent pleasures at private hunting grounds. Count Rael’s repeated clearing of his throat indicated his own discomfort with the situation.

‘Blocking an investigation, though.’

Honestly, it was ridiculous. The state of affairs in this country was going down quite well.

* * *

When we arrived at the crime scene, it was bustling with people conducting searches. The body had been removed, but the bloodstains on the ground were still fresh. Traces of a desperate struggle remained on the wall.

“Director, you’re here!”

Security Department agents who spotted Count Rael saluted one by one. Despite their spirited voices, they looked visibly exhausted. Among them, a brown-haired man hurried forward. He seemed to be the on-site leader.

“Director, we’ve been waiting for you. Did you receive a response from the Duke?”

“Yes, but extending our presence here is out of the question. We must withdraw by today.”

“Goodness, that’s just too much. We’re only asking for one more day. He really can’t grant even that?”

“I tried to persuade him, but it was no use. I’m sorry I couldn’t bring you better news. Has there been any progress in the investigation?”

“Apologies, but none.”

The man’s face showed deep fatigue. It was clear that he hadn’t slept for several nights.

The two exchanged information about the investigation for a while. They discussed the results of analyzing the fur found at the scene, which was determined not to be human, and that the tissue samples taken from the victim’s nails matched those of a reptile. High-level information that only field agents would have access to came pouring out.

Pretending not to listen, I still caught bits and pieces. It seemed the forensic team was leaning toward the theory that a monster was responsible for the attacks.

“It’s been suggested multiple times, but does it make sense that a monster is roaming around the capital without being detected until now? And it’s cunning enough to only attack at night?”

“If it’s an intelligent one, it could be. There are stories of creatures in the Elten Mountains that lure and devour humans. It’s probably a species we haven’t encountered before.”

Various types of monsters inhabit different parts of the continent. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that much of human history has been a bloody struggle against them. After many long extermination campaigns, we finally succeeded in pushing them far away from inhabited areas. Nowadays, it’s common for people to live their entire lives without ever seeing a monster.

“If it really is a monster, determining its species is the top priority.”

“The Research Department is combing through ancient texts. It would be ideal if we could identify it by its appearance… Ah, by the way, what about that special method you mentioned?”

“Ah, yes. I was just about to bring that up.”

With a pleased expression, Count Rael pulled me forward.

“Allow me to introduce you. This is Officer Sei. Officer Sei, meet Officer Hale Raydan, the Head of the Investigation Department.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Officer Raydan. I am called Sei.”

As I introduced myself and saluted, the Investigation Head, startled, returned the salute with a puzzled expression.

“Who is this? I don’t recognize him. Is he new?”

“He’s not new. He’s from the Administrative Support Department.”

“What? A support department officer… why…?”

His confusion deepened. It was understandable; bringing someone unrelated to field investigations was puzzling. Count Rael smiled broadly.

“Officer Sei has a special talent in this area. He might just solve the issue we’ve been struggling with.”

“Huh, I don’t understand, Director. Why is such a talented individual in the Administrative Support Department?”

“There are reasons for that, which I can’t fully explain. But aren’t we at the point where we need to grasp at straws? We have nothing to lose by letting him try.”

“That’s true, but still…”

“Trust me and give him a chance. You’ll be surprised.”

With that, the Investigation Head reluctantly stepped back, though he still looked displeased. It seemed his pride was hurt that our last hope was an Administrative Support Officer. Count Rael patted me lightly on the shoulder.

“Alright, then. Officer Sei, I’m counting on you.”

“…Understood.”

Taking a light breath, I approached the bloodstains. The agents, busy with their work, paused and watched me.

The old stone wall was adorned with sharp, chaotic gouges. It looked as though it had been clawed by a pickaxe or a hook—too wide and deep to be the work of a human. But that wasn’t what I was looking for.

I shifted my gaze to the moss and weeds sparsely growing on the wall. These were the original inhabitants of this place, having been there long before the marks clawed the wall. Flowers, blooming vigorously in the summer, swayed gently in the breeze, as if greeting me.

I slowly reached out and touched the wall. I felt the rough texture of the stone and the resilience of the grass blades.

“Hey, don’t touch that…!”

“Let him be. I gave permission.”

The Investigation Head stopped someone from objecting. Our eyes met, and he signaled me to continue. His look was filled with curiosity about what I was doing.

I nodded and then slowly closed my eyes. After all, my goal had always been the same from the start: to finish quickly and go home.

‘Tell me. What happened here?’

Swish—

A strong gust of wind seemed to come from nowhere. Along with it, an intense floral scent so powerful it made my senses tingle and engulf me. As I involuntarily opened my mouth, countless visions began to flood my mind like a tidal wave.

* * *

I first became aware of my ability the day after my mother passed away. Isolated and part of a family that shared no blood ties, losing my only source of support left me with few choices. I could either leave the mansion or remain as a useless burden.

I chose the former. Fortunately, an offer came with a place to stay, and my hesitation didn’t last long.

I packed as sparingly as possible. A book I enjoyed reading, a few pieces of clothing, and the emergency funds I had saved. I considered bringing some provisions but decided against it, thinking it would look too desperate. When everything was packed, it all fit into a small backpack.

I stared at the portrait of my mother hanging on the wall for a moment and then visited her favorite place one last time. A small backyard connected to her room. It had once been the most beautiful spot in the mansion, though now it was desolate from neglect.

The backyard, which I visited for the first time in a while, looked even lonelier. The flower beds were overgrown with weeds that had flourished and then wilted. Here and there, the resilient garden trees clung to their dry leaves. To my young eyes, it seemed as if everything had grown tired from competing and was now sprawled out.

“Don’t fight, live well together. You’re all plants, after all.”

So I idly muttered. Then, suddenly, I heard a slight sound. It was like chattering mixed with a hint of laughter, as if someone was calling out to me. I turned, but no one was there. Still, I couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was watching me.

“Is anyone there?”

No answer came. Since Mother had been moved to the main house as her illness worsened, this small annex had been left neglected. Maybe I had mistaken the sound of the wind for something else.

I swallowed my sigh and continued to look around the backyard. I thought there was nothing to remember, but now I noticed familiar things. The table where Mother enjoyed her tea, and the wooden swing I sometimes played on—were all still there. Inevitably, memories of that day came flooding back.

When I was younger than I am now. When Mother was still beautiful, neither sick nor in pain. Back then, she was a person who smiled often. She would hold my little hand and stroll through the backyard, telling me fairy tales and classic stories. Though rare, I cherished those times.

I loved Mother’s voice, which sounded like singing. I loved how her eyes curved gently when she looked at me. I loved the scent that enveloped me when I was in her arms.

A tear fell. Startled, I bit my lip hard. Why now? Why at this moment? I hadn’t even cried when she passed away. What good was crying now?

It dawned on me then. I loved my mother more than I had realized. I had loved her deeply, to the point of aching.

“…I miss you.”

Suddenly, an unbearable sadness overwhelmed me. Once I became aware of my emotions, they poured out uncontrollably. Just like the unstoppable tears, they kept coming no matter how hard I tried to stop them.