Chapter 363: Penacony Arc 『 Part Fifty-eight 』, The Devil in Velvet part 2
「 "I told you before, I have no interest in the struggle for the inheritance. I came to Penacony strictly for business. I'm here to reclaim some lost property for the IPC… specifically, the ownership of the 'Frontier Prison'."
"Thanks to the Stellaron, this asset has long since become a bad debt. The Company has tried to sit down and negotiate several times, but the Family won't even open the door." Aventurine adopted a tone of weary helplessness. "You have no idea how difficult these people are to deal with. Put it this way: they managed to conceal the existence of 'Death' in the past; they can certainly cover up the news of Robin's demise this time as well."
To this end, Aventurine required Stelle's assistance, though Stelle indicated she had other plans.
"It's quite alright. I won't force you. But what I want isn't much—why not hear me out first? May I?"
Aventurine's smile gradually faded, his eyes sharpening with a predatory, hawk-like intensity. "I have but one goal. The Family's gate is a high wall; to bring it down, I must first chip a few holes in it. Once a crack appears, the IPC has a thousand ways to exploit it."
"Now, the opportunity has arrived. If we can uncover the truth behind 'The Death of Robin', we can secure justice for the deceased while gaining the leverage needed to force the Family to the negotiating table."
"A once-in-a-lifetime chance… I've been scouring Penacony and making friends everywhere specifically for this moment." 」
「 ..... 」
〜Akame Ga Kill World〜
"If you ask me…"
Within the Empire's Jaegers, Wave was sampling a scone shared by Kurome, speaking through a mouthful of crumbs.
"I actually admire this Aventurine fellow. He doesn't look like a 'good guy,' but his competence is undeniable."
Kurome tilted her head, appearing perplexed by Wave's take.
"…Really? He strikes me as nothing more than a silver-tongued playboy."
"How could that be? Look, Kurome…"
Wave began gesturing with one hand.
"He's a high-ranking IPC executive. It's his first time in a place like Penacony; he's carrying a mountain of credits, and his first instinct isn't to indulge—it's to work! That is some serious self-discipline!"
"Ugh… Wave, it's natural for a country bumpkin like you to be dazzled. Isn't it possible that this kind of extravagant life is just mundane to him?"
"It's not just that."
He wiped a stray crumb from the corner of his mouth.
"The moment he stepped into Penacony, all his luggage was confiscated. It's the equivalent of a man standing stark naked, yet still intending to declare war on the entire Family! It's just—"
"It's quite dashing, isn't it?"
Beside them, Ran offered a slight smile, finishing the young man's thought.
"He is like a wolf whose teeth have been pulled and claws clipped by the Family. And yet… he still searches for a way to tear out their throat. One must admit, it is impressive."
"But doesn't he have that Professor Ratio helping him?"
Kurome muttered, popping a piece of candy into her mouth.
"As it stands, the Professor has yet to make a move."
Ran lifted his teacup, blowing gently on the rising steam.
"That man does not seem the type to follow Aventurine's lead blindly… It is likely that in the matter of Penacony, the two of them stand on equal footing."
—
「 "This tragedy is extremely detrimental to the Family, so they will spare no effort to obstruct outside interference—especially from the IPC. However, I believe there are minority factions that are exceptions to this rule. That is why I need all of you. The Astral Express has a stellar reputation; even The 『 Harmony 』 would grant you a fair evaluation."
Stelle couldn't make such a decision alone. Aventurine assured her it was fine and suggested she discuss it with her companions. As he spoke, he handed her his contact information and, under the guise of 'investigative funds,' forcibly pressed fifty thousand credits into her hand.
Stelle sought Black Swan's counsel, who suspected the deal was far more complex than it appeared.
"He is still unaware of Miss Hotaru's situation—but from your reaction, he likely sensed something. He deliberately steered the conversation toward 'The Truth of Death' to ensnare you in his logic."
Black Swan couldn't help but offer a note of praise. "Quick-witted and sharp… I must warn you, collaborating with that man is dangerous."
"For Hotaru's sake, we must get to the bottom of all this," Stelle said with conviction.
"On that point… I agree. Regardless, remain cautious. In a dark forest surrounded by wolves, your first priority is to ensure you can make it out alive."
"Did you notice any other anomalies?"
"Two victims appearing in such a short span of time… that in itself is highly irregular. There are two possibilities: either the collapse of Penacony's dreamscape is accelerating, making 'Death' unusually restless and the Family's protection fragile; or, every move is proceeding according to someone's master plan." 」
「 ..... 」
〜Frieren: Beyond Journey's End World〜
"Every move is proceeding according to someone's plan…"
Frieren repeated the words meaningfully. A sudden chill ran down her spine—a harrowing sensation of being completely read and outmaneuvered.
"Could it be someone from the Family?"
Stark asked suddenly.
"Idiot… why would the Family do that?"
Sein scoffed.
"What benefit does Robin's death bring them? It's just shooting themselves in the foot. And judging by Sunday's attitude, he seems to be completely in the dark."
"Frieren-sama…"
Fern's voice was soft, like autumn frost weighing upon a blade of grass.
"I feel… that both possibilities are occurring simultaneously. —The former is inevitable, while the latter is likely connected to Miss Acheron. After all, as an Emanator, she likely carries a mission and responsibility that she cannot speak of."
"But Acheron doesn't look like someone who could mastermind everything from the shadows?"
Stark scratched his head.
"Her memory is so bad that even if she came up with a brilliant plan, she'd probably forget it in a few days. She can't even remember the way to the lobby… I'd sooner believe Hotaru was the big boss behind the scenes than her."
—
「 Black Swan led Stelle out of the Reverie Hotel. Having reached their destination, the two were set to part ways.
Before departing, however, Black Swan lightly brushed Stelle's ear, leaving behind a cold sensation. She then placed a card into Stelle's hand.
"There, a small parting gift. Should you ever have the misfortune of sinking into the deep sea of the Memory Zone without a Memokeeper by your side—it will guide the way for you in my stead."
With that, Black Swan gave a gentle smile. "I, too, value the social graces… consider this an apology for keeping certain secrets from you."
"Thank you."
Black Swan mentioned she had some private matters to attend to regarding that Galaxy Ranger, and with that, the two bid each other farewell. 」
「 ..... 」