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I had assumed the Governor was returning to his mansion in town, but his destination took an unexpected turn.

“He’s heading deeper and deeper into the mountains, Boss. Where on earth is he going?”

I pulled out the rough map of the Klauhen area that Mao had drawn and checked their route.

“The Governor’s mountain villa is nearby. That’s probably where he’s headed.”
“Humans are such a mystery… Why would anyone go out of their way to build a hideout this far outside town?”

Jerich seemed to find it hard to believe that someone would build a residence in a place not protected by city walls.
We had our share of struggles in the hidden village, too…

“Officially, it’s his hunting hideout.”
“But in reality?”
“It’s the perfect place for private talks with people he doesn’t want in the city but wants to meet in secret.”
“I see. Boss, you really pick up on these things right away.”

Having seen a lot in my past life, I can sort of imagine how important people use places like this as a cover.

I came here intending to return the “Werewolf Slayer” to the Governor, but naturally, I’m not carrying it around with me right now.

“Jerich, go get the ‘Werewolf Slayer.’ And tell Kait and Mao to get ready to escape.”

Jerich nodded, but asked in a slightly tense voice.

“Boss, are you planning to pull another crazy stunt?”
“No, just to be safe. It seems a conspiracy is afoot, so we need to be careful.”

I replied, but then I suddenly realized something.
What do you mean, “another?”

While I waited for Jerich to fetch the “Werewolf Slayer,” I decided to observe the governor.
The mountain lodge was a two-story wooden structure, standing quietly halfway up the mountainside.
The fact that it’s hidden among the trees and can’t be seen from the streets of Klauchen makes it look really suspicious.
That makes it easy to sneak up on, though.

There were three soldiers dressed as Klauchen guards stationed around the mountain lodge. It’s unclear if they’re actually Klauchen guards.
Also, there were signs of many people inside the lodge.
It’d be dangerous to barge in without thinking.
I took the “Werewolf Slayer” from Jerich, who had just returned, and sent him out to keep watch in the vicinity.
Now then, where is the Governor?

Since werewolves are hunters specialized in hunting humans, we’re good at distinguishing human scents. Once they’ve picked up a scent, they can track it with the precision of a police dog.
I even rely on scent to remember people’s faces when I can’t recall them at first glance.
Since nobles tend to wear some sort of perfume, they’re easy to identify.
I follow the scent I’ve memorized and sneak into the second floor of the mountain lodge through a window.
Security would likely be tighter at the governor’s main residence, but here, it’s rather lax.

The place I snuck into was a large, empty hall, like a conference room. A long table stood there, and brand-new firewood was still burning in the fireplace. Judging by how the firewood was burning, it seemed like a room that was about to be used.
There was one door leading to the hallway and one leading to a room in the back.
I sense someone in the back room. I can tell from the faint sounds and the scent—there’s a single, heavily armed, burly man inside. It’s Governor Bercken.

I can faintly hear Bercken’s voice.

“O our Lord who shines in the heavens, O great Savior of Radiance, shine upon the darkness. Grant us warmth…”

That’s a scripture from the Sonnenlicht Faith. Looks like it’s prayer time.
It wouldn’t be right to interrupt him.
Surprisingly, it seems all his guards are downstairs, so I decided to wait in the conference room.
I hesitated about whether to return to human form, but since I’m on a covert mission, I’ll stay as a werewolf until the very last moment.

Bercken is likely colluding with the Rolmund Empire.
The first thing I need to do to approach him is adopt a somewhat firm attitude, implying, “I see right through you.”
After that, I’ll take a softer approach, suggesting, “Well, putting that aside, why don’t we get along?”
I’ll also try to find out how the Rolmund Empire views the Southern Federation while I’m at it.

Having made that decision, I take the seat of honor closest to the fireplace, place “Werewolf Slayer” on the long table, and settle in to relax.
Once he is done praying, I’ll move to the lower seat and strike up a conversation.
The warmth of the fireplace and the crackling sound of the firewood are soothing. Is that the sound of chestnuts? I’ve heard that chestnut wood has a unique sound when it burns, and many people are fond of it.
The scripture being recited from the next room sounds like a lullaby, sung in a clear, calm, and pleasant voice.
Just as I was about to doze off, the door opened.

“Wha!?”

That was Bercken’s first words. He was a warrior with a sturdy build and a rugged face—the very picture of earnestness.
Damn it. I’d planned to speak up first when the moment was right, but I’d let my guard down.
As a result, I found myself facing Bercken while sitting back in the seat of honor with my arms crossed.
And in my werewolf form, no less.

However, as befits a governor, Bercken’s reaction was remarkably composed.
He looked tense upon seeing me, but he didn’t suddenly lunge at me or let out a scream. He has remarkable self-control and makes accurate judgments of the situation.
As for me, I was inwardly regretting my own stupidity so much I wanted to cover my face.
The difference in our caliber is just too stark.

Reluctantly, I kept my arms crossed as I looked at Bercken.

“Pleased to meet you, Governor. I am Veit, a councilor of the Miraldia Federation.”

I came here on my own and even introduced myself, but isn’t it kind of strange for a high-ranking official from the Southern Federation to be in a place like this?
Bercken seemed to be thinking the same thing, muttering with a bead of cold sweat on his forehead.

“Veit… Lord Black Wolf!? Not his envoy—you, in person?”
“Quite so. I have no patience for roundabout approaches.”

There’s no point in trying to change things now, so I might as well just play the villain.

I held up the “Werewolf Slayer.”

“I found this sword near Zaria the other day. I hear this ‘Werewolf Slayer’ is a family heirloom of the Diefurts. For that, I have come to return it.”

I’ll apologize later for breaking it.
Bercken took a shallow breath and replied,

“Are you here to kill me?”
“If that were the case, I’d have sent you to your God’s side while you were offering your prayers. But that’s not it. Since I’m returning the ‘Werewolf Slayer,’ I thought I’d hear about your conspiracy while I’m at it.”

Bercken entered the room, remaining on guard.

“The ‘Werewolf Slayer’ was forcibly taken from us by the Senate. I heard it was used in a one-on-one duel during the assault on Zaria.”
“That’s right. I’m aware that your relationship with the Senate has deteriorated because of that incident. And I’m also aware that you’re deepening your ties with the Rolmund Empire.”

About half of that is just a guess, but I’ll apologize if I’m wrong.

Bercken placed his hand on the back of a nearby chair, but apparently didn’t have the courage to sit down in front of a werewolf.

“As expected of Lord Black Wolf, you see right through everything… So, with that in mind, what do you intend to have me discuss?”
“Oh, it’s simple. I just want to know what consequences your schemes will bring to the Federation.”

I really do want to know that.
The Southern Federation has no intention of expanding its influence any further, so whatever happens in the North from now on is irrelevant to us.
I think we can work things out.

Bercken wore an anguished expression.

“That… even I don’t know.”

What does that mean?
But it didn’t sound like he was lying.
Just then, I sensed footsteps.
It was obvious to a werewolf’s hearing: the stealthy footsteps of an armed human. The gait suggested advanced training, but there was only one person.

“By the way, Lord Bercken. It seems there’s someone in the hallway.”

As soon as I said that, the door slowly opened.