Regulus looked up, his weathered face breaking into a genuine smile despite the scar's puckering across his cheek. "Well, old warmonger." He came around the desk, clasping Valerius's arm in a warrior's greeting. "It's been too long."
The transformation in Valerius was remarkable. His perpetual scowl softened, and something almost like warmth entered his voice. "Three years, at least. Not since that business with the northern border disputes."
"Good times," Regulus chuckled, before growing serious. "Though I wish you were visiting under better circumstances." His gaze shifted to Reina and Kazuki. "Lady Reina, I presume? Your reputation precedes you."
Reina inclined her head gracefully. "Knight-Captain. The honor is mine."
"And this must be the... consultant the Archduke mentioned." Regulus studied Kazuki with shrewd eyes that missed nothing. "Interesting. Very interesting."
Kazuki wasn't sure how to respond to being examined like a curious specimen, so he simply offered a respectful nod. "Knight-Captain."
"Well then," Regulus said, returning to his desk, "to business. I assume you're here about the monastery massacre?"
"Yes," Valerius confirmed. "The Archduke believes there may be connections to the Masked Ones' activities here in Azure."
Regulus's expression darkened. "He's right, though I wish he weren't." He gestured to maps on the wall. "Three days ago, our patrols discovered something disturbing in the warehouse district. Bodies—or what was left of them—showing the same transformations reported at the monastery."
A chill ran through Kazuki. "How many?"
"Five confirmed," Regulus answered grimly. "Though we suspect there may be more we haven't found yet. The warehouse district is extensive, and parts of it connect to older structures beneath the city."
"Did you send word to the Archduke?" Valerius asked, a hint of accusation in his tone.
"Of course," Regulus responded, looking slightly offended. "Immediately upon confirmation. The messenger must have passed you on the road." He shook his head. "Armor steeds would have delivered the news faster, but we've had... issues with our mounts recently. Had to rely on regular horses."
"Issues?" Reina inquired.
"Some kind of ailment affecting the scales—makes them brittle, causes the beasts pain. Our stablemaster is baffled." Regulus waved a hand dismissively. "But that's a secondary concern. The immediate threat is whatever nest of cultists has established itself in my city."
He spread a detailed map of Azure across his desk, weighing down the corners with small metal weights. "We've cordoned off the area where the bodies were found," he said, indicating a section of the warehouse district with his finger. "My men have been conducting sweeps, but so far, nothing conclusive."
Kazuki leaned forward, studying the map with growing interest. The layout of the city was fascinating—clearly developed over centuries, with newer districts built atop or alongside older ones. His gaze was drawn to the warehouse district and the surrounding areas, noting how it bordered both the river and what appeared to be an older part of the city.
"What's this section here?" he asked, pointing to an area adjacent to the warehouse district marked with faded lines that suggested it was somehow different from the rest of the city map.
Regulus raised an eyebrow. "That's the Old Quarter—what remains of the original settlement. Much of it is abandoned now, or used for storage. Parts of it extend underground, connected to the city's sewage system."
Something clicked in Kazuki's mind—a pattern recognition that felt both intuitive and analytical. "These cultists... they've been striking throughout the kingdom, yes? But always managing to disappear afterward?"
"Like ghosts," Valerius confirmed grimly. "No matter how quickly we respond, they're gone by the time our forces arrive."
Kazuki traced the faded lines on the map, a theory forming. "They're using existing infrastructure—ancient passages, forgotten tunnels, natural cave systems. In Azure's case..." he tapped the area where the Old Quarter met the warehouse district. "I believe they may have established a base in the underground portions of the Old Quarter, accessing it through the sewage system."
The room fell silent as they considered his theory. Regulus studied Kazuki with intensified interest, while Valerius's expression darkened with suspicion.
"And how, exactly, would you know this?" Valerius asked, his hand drifting toward his sword belt. "Unless you have prior knowledge of their operations?"
Before tension could escalate further, Regulus held up a hand. "It's a sound tactical assessment, Valerius. Using underground passages would explain how they've evaded detection." He turned to Kazuki. "What makes you so certain?"
"Pattern recognition," Kazuki replied honestly. "It fits their established behavior—strike, then disappear into terrain that's difficult to search exhaustively. Underground spaces offer concealment, multiple escape routes, and control over access points."
Valerius didn't look convinced, but Reina stepped forward before he could object further. "It's worth investigating. If the Masked Ones have established a foothold beneath Azure, we need to know."
"Agreed," Regulus said firmly. "I've had my suspicions about the Old Quarter for some time, but lacked the manpower to conduct a thorough search. With your help..." He looked thoughtfully at Valerius. "How many men did you bring?"
"Just four," Valerius admitted. "This was intended as an investigative mission, not a military operation."
Regulus nodded. "I can provide a division—two hundred of my best. With your expertise on the Masked Ones and..." he glanced at Kazuki, "your consultant's tactical insights, we might finally catch these cultists in their nest."
"It could be dangerous," Reina warned. "If they're cornered, they might release whatever contagion causes the transformations as a defensive measure."
"All the more reason to move quickly and decisively," Regulus countered. "Every day we delay gives them more time to spread their disease." He looked to Valerius. "What say you, old friend? Shall we hunt some cultists?"
Valerius hesitated, clearly torn between the opportunity to strike at the Masked Ones and his suspicion of Kazuki. Finally, he nodded. "We'll need to plan carefully. If they truly are underground, we'll need to seal all potential escape routes."
"I can have men in position by nightfall," Regulus promised. "Three hundred additional knights patrolling the surface to intercept any who might slip through our net."
As the two captains began discussing tactical details, Reina drew Kazuki slightly aside. "That was impressive analysis," she said quietly. "Especially for someone unfamiliar with our geography."
"Something about the map just... clicked," Kazuki admitted. "Like pieces falling into place."
place in my mind."
Reina studied him thoughtfully. "Perhaps your medical training includes anatomical mapping that translates well to urban geography? Or..." She hesitated. "Or perhaps some part of your blocked memories includes information about the Masked Ones' operations."
"You think I might have been one of them?" Kazuki asked, keeping his voice low.
"I think possibility is not the same as probability," she replied carefully. "Your skills and knowledge could have many origins." She nodded toward Valerius, who was shooting suspicious glances their way even as he discussed strategy with Regulus. "Unfortunately, our captain is less inclined toward nuanced thinking."
Their conversation was interrupted as Regulus spread a more detailed map of the Old Quarter across his desk, calling them back to the planning session. "Lady Reina, Dr. Mizushima—your input would be valuable here."
For the next hour, they pored over maps and reports, identifying potential entry points and developing a coordinated strategy for searching the underground passages. Regulus proved to be both a skilled tactician and a surprisingly good mediator, smoothly intervening whenever Valerius's suspicions threatened to derail their planning.
"We'll need to move the civilians away from these areas," Reina insisted, indicating several residential sections that bordered the search zone. "If the Masked Ones release their contagion..."
"Agreed," Regulus said firmly. "I'll have my men evacuate those blocks, citing a gas leak from the sewage system." He turned to Kazuki. "Dr. Mizushima, given your medical background, what advice can you offer our men regarding potential exposure to this... disease?"
Kazuki considered carefully, drawing on what Reina had told him about the transformations. "Full coverage is essential—no exposed skin if possible. Breathing protection at minimum, preferably sealed masks if available. And immediate quarantine for anyone showing even minor symptoms."
Regulus nodded grimly. "I'll see to it." He rolled up the maps, securing them with leather ties. "We should reconvene at sunset to finalize details before moving into position. Until then, I suggest you rest and prepare. The Silver Shield has excellent accommodations and is just around the corner."
They took their leave, Valerius lingering behind briefly for a private word with Regulus. Outside the Watch headquarters, the afternoon sun cast long shadows across the cobblestone streets. The day's heat had begun to abate, bringing a hint of evening coolness to the air.
"What do you think?" Kazuki asked Reina as they walked toward the inn, Valerius's remaining guards following at a respectful distance.
"About your theory? It's sound," she replied. "About tonight's operation?" She sighed. "Necessary but dangerous. The Masked Ones aren't known for surrendering."
"Will I be expected to participate?" The question had been weighing on Kazuki's mind throughout the planning session.
"I imagine Valerius would prefer to keep you close where he can watch you," Reina said wryly. "Though I suspect Regulus might have other ideas. He seemed quite impressed with your tactical assessment."
The Silver Shield Inn lived up to its reputation. Clean, well-maintained, and clearly accustomed to official visitors, it offered comfortable rooms, a private dining area, and discreet service. The guard Tomas had secured them adjacent rooms on the second floor, overlooking a small courtyard rather than the street—more secure, as Valerius noted with approval when he rejoined them.
After a much-needed meal and a chance to refresh themselves, they gathered again in a private chamber the innkeeper had provided for their use. Valerius arrived last, his expression grim.
"Regulus has confirmed the evacuation story is being circulated," he reported. "His men will begin moving residents within the hour, citing dangerous sewer gases. The Knights of the Azure Watch are preparing for deployment." He fixed Kazuki with a hard stare. "If this proves to be a wild chase, Dr. Mizushima, the consequences will be severe."
"If I'm wrong, I'll accept those consequences," Kazuki replied evenly. "But I don't think I am."
"We shall see." Valerius turned to Reina. "Lady Reina, Regulus requested your assistance with preparing medical countermeasures, should they be needed. He's arranged a meeting with the Watch's healers at their infirmary."
Reina nodded. "Of course. I'll go immediately." She gathered her satchel, pausing to give Kazuki a reassuring glance before departing with one of the guards as escort.
Left alone with Valerius and the remaining guards, Kazuki felt the tension in the room increase palpably. The captain studied him with open suspicion, seeming to wrestle with something internally. Finally, he spoke.
"I want to be absolutely clear," Valerius said, his voice low and dangerous. "If tonight's operation reveals any connection between you and these cultists—any hint of collusion or foreknowledge beyond what you've claimed—I will personally ensure you never see daylight again."
Kazuki met his gaze unflinchingly. "And if it proves I'm exactly what I claim to be—a victim of circumstance trying to help?"
A muscle twitched in Valerius's jaw. "Then I will... reconsider my assessment. But not before." He straightened, adjusting his sword belt. "Rest while you can. Tonight will be challenging for all of us."