Chapter 156 - In search of answers

"Sorry for the delay, there were more papers than I initially imagined. Anyway, are you two ready?"

The person who asked this was Liam. While I was spending time with Emi in our room playing checkers, he came to let us know that he had finished everything he had to do. We arrived in Belfri early in the morning, and now it's the beginning of the afternoon. Although I don't know exactly what Liam was busy with, it was clear that it was something quite tiring.

"Good job. Are you sure you want to go now? Don't you think it's better to rest a bit first?"

I asked while looking at Liam. It's not like he looked tired or anything, but I thought it would be better to ask, as I didn't want him to overexert himself, especially for something that doesn't necessarily concern him.

"I appreciate the concern, but I'm fine. Besides, if it weren't for you helping me, I probably wouldn't be where I am today"

Although I thought Liam was giving me too much credit, I knew that nothing I said would make him change his mind. It was true that my inventions helped his business grow, but the main reason for his success was Liam, not me.

Liam is loyal to his customers, and deliveries always arrive as quickly as possible. Moreover, since he has connections in various realms, it has helped a lot in his business. In the end, I decided to just accept Liam's words. After that, we set off in a carriage towards the dock on the coastal part of the realm.

Liam briefly explained that the person who, according to him, had information about the masked men, was a man who owned some boats. However, unfortunately, the letter only mentioned that the man had information about these individuals. In the end, we would have to investigate for ourselves.

Liam briefly explained that the person who, according to him, had information about the masked men, was a man who owned some boats. However, unfortunately, the letter only mentioned that the man had information about these individuals. In the end, we would have to investigate for ourselves.

Giving two knocks on the door, it was opened by a tall, muscular man. Although I was a little wary of the situation because it seemed like we were entering a place we shouldn't, Liam was quite calm. After exchanging a few words with the man, whom I presumed to be the guard of the place, we headed towards the second floor.

Arriving on the second floor, we walked down a corridor until we stopped in front of a door. As soon as Liam knocked on the door, a voice from inside invited us to come in. When Liam opened the door, he stepped aside, making room for us. As we entered the room, the first thing that caught my attention was the short man behind a desk, who was focused on some papers.

"Oh, Liam, what a pleasant surprise. Although I knew you would arrive today, I thought you would come only tomorrow"

Said the man, greeting Liam as soon as he saw us enter the room. His eyes went from Liam to me and then to Emi.

"My goodness, where are my manners? It's a pleasure to welcome you to my humble office, Princess Emi and Viscount Ren" 

Liam had already informed us beforehand that he would bring us along, so I wasn't surprised that the man knew us. As I thought about it, Liam's voice sounded beside me. 

"It's good to see that you seem to be well, Joseph, but I'm afraid this isn't a good time to catch up"

Hearing Liam's words, Joseph nodded slightly before returning to his chair. 

"Please, have a seat. I'll answer any questions you have, at least those I have answers to" 

Joseph said, pointing to the two sofas positioned in front of his desk. Once we were seated, Liam directed his attention back to the man, getting ready to start the conversation.

"Okay, Joseph, could you provide us with all the information you have on these men?" 

After that, Joseph began to provide us with all the information he had about the masked individuals. From the description he gave us, Emi and I were able to confirm that they were the same people. Joseph went on to explain that these men had appeared in Belfri a few days before the incident that occurred in Crystal. However, unfortunately, Joseph didn't know exactly where the men had come from.

Furthermore, Joseph also shared his opinion, stating that he found it unlikely that these men had arrived in Belfri by boat. He pointed out two reasons for this belief. First, in Belfri, all ships, including passengers, undergo rigorous checks when they dock. Second, according to him, it would be extremely difficult for guards to allow the departure of such suspicious individuals without proper verification.

The second reason was related to constant monitoring of the sea around Belfri by the guards. Even if these hooded individuals had used routes commonly used by pirates, it would still be difficult for them to go unnoticed without leaving any traces behind. After hearing all this information, a question arose in my mind.

"Is there any other maritime route that these individuals could have used, aside from those commonly used by pirates and monitored by the guards?"

Upon hearing my words, Joseph hesitated for a few seconds before nodding in agreement. 

"I'm afraid there isn't. Outside the marked safe area, the sea becomes virtually unnavigable unless you want to be swallowed by the ocean currents that surround most of the area" 

Joseph explained. Of course, I already knew about everything he had said. Strangely, most of the continent we're on is surrounded by these ocean currents that influence the climate, causing constant ocean storms. But this left me even more unsettled.

What if the hooded figures knew a route through these currents and used it to reach Belfri? However, even if I were right, another question would arise: where exactly did these men come from? Somehow, I was beginning to feel that this story was much more complicated than I initially expected.