Lady Regis
Erm Its
Hmm?
She tilted her head.
She was smiling as usual but When Regis felt sothing was amiss, he realized he looked different from his usual self.
How should he explain this.
His disguise worked too well. Even his acquaintance didnt recognize him!
No, this is expected. For a man who left for war and had yet to return, it would be hard to imagine him returning in the guise of a woman.
That might be so, but there were other patrons in the shop right now, so he couldnt reveal his true identity here.
Erm, well Ms Carol, its
Eh? I am very sorry dear custor I cant recall
She looked troubled.
As expected, its not working. Oh right
He didnt imagine such a situation would happen, but they already tied down a simple code when exchanging intel with letters or contacts.
Ms Carol Can you tell the title of a book that was just published? A youth in the clothing trade was found out to be the illegitimate son of the King and succeeded the throne. He then married a beautiful queen from a noble bloodline. Such a book.
She opened her eyes wide.
Ehhh!? C-Could it be that queen is a woman who always acted on her whims A story like that?
Yes yes, when he t the King, she said how revolting.
And the queen actually has a secret right?
C'est vrai! (Thats right)
After exchanging a few words, he finally conveyed the true identity of Ms Regina to Carol. She stared at Regis face.
I-Its true? To co here like this what a surprise
It is embarrassing, but it cant be helped.
He blushed unconsciously.
Carol who was in a daze ca to her senses. She then urged them to walk deeper into the bookshop.
This way please. I will lead you to that book.
Under the guidance of Carol, Regis group was brought to the coffee table deep within the shop. They were seated at the very corner of the shop.
This shop used to be a cafe, so they patrons could have a coffee here after buying their book, and read their books leisurely.
Carol gave a look, and soone brought coffee for four people over imdiately.
It had been a long ti.
Regis beca emotional because of nostalgia.
After confirming no one was around, Carol leaned closer.
Y-You really are Mr Regis?
Please dont misunderstand. There are many reasons why I am dressed like this. They are higher than the mountains and deeper than the oceans. Anyone will understand after hearing out.
This long winded way of speaking, you really are Mr Regis.
Your rationale bothers , but I am still glad that you will believe .
I get to see you alive again
Gradually, Carols eyes grew moist.
Regis didnt expect her to be so moved and was at a lost.
Haha Well, I survived because I got lucky.
This is wonderful. So, how should I address you?
She wiped the corner of her eyes with her fingertips and said with a wry smile.
Regis scratched his eye, but it shifted his wig a little, and he pushed it back hurriedly.
Ah, well R-Right now Im Regina.
I understand, Ms Regina.
She seed very happy.
Carol then shift her gaze towards Fanrine.
You visited here together with Mr Regis before right? From House Tiraso Laverde.
Yes, Im Fanrine Veronica de Tiraso Laverde. Previously, I am charged with surveilling Sir Regis as a General Affairs Officer from the Ministry of Military Affairs Right now, I am a fugitive on the run alongside him.
She answered with perfect etiquettes.
The two of them only t once a month ago, but they still rember each other.
Regis introduced the last person.
This should be your first eting right? This is Ms Franziska.
Right after her introduction, she threw a sharp glare at Carol.
Who is this woman?
She is soone who takes great care of , understands the best and helps out a lot.
Hmm? Then there is no need to hide our identities?
Of course.
Carol introduced herself.
I am the owner of this bookshop, Carol de Talleyrand.
Oh. I am the cute Franziska from the rcenary group Renard Pendu. Im acting as this guys escort and keeping watch over him on my Sis orders. Well, pleased to et you.
Ah! That famous!?
Carol looked at her with surprise.
Regis nodded.
So you know about Renard Pendu. As expected of Ms Carol.
Fufu you are always full of surprises. One week after I heard you died in the battle for Grebauver, you actually ca to in this attire with a Dukes daughter and a mber of a famous rcenary band.
Died in battle?
Regis leaned forth.
Carol nodded.
Yes, thats what I heard. This news is widely spread in the capital, and I have confird this with an acquaintance of mine in the military, it cant be wrong.
In that case, that ant Latreille ant to assassinate him. Or was he tricked by the fake corpses?
No, could this be a trick to make him ease his guard?
Can you tell the cause of death?
I dont know the details but I heard the body was sent to his next of kin.
Was the body double sent to his sister? He felt sorry about that.
Did the Fourth Army receive this report too?
Probably? It is only natural to report this to the Fourth Army.
Well, thats true
Regis crossed his arms.
Personally, he didnt want Altina to worry. He wanted to, but if he tried to contact the Fourth Army now
Latreille might noticed midway.
Fanrine said:
Ms Regina, I understand that you are worried, but dont be rash alright?
Yes, I got it.
Or rather, he was worried about Altina acting rashly.
Carol asked:
There are other intel too, you want to hear about them, Ms Regina?
Yes, thats why Im here.
Looks like this will be a long talk, I will get so snacks. This snacks are all the rage recently.
What the server placed on the table, was sugar glazed donuts.
Regis sipped on his second cup of coffee.
Phew
It was delicious.
The donuts were sweet too. The sugar caralized during the baking and it had a soft texture hidden under its crispy exterior. The taste of honey spread from the tip of his tongue.
Surrounded by books with delicious coffee and donuts How blissful it would be to read like this through the night.
Regrettably, Regis couldnt spare the ti to read leisurely.
Ms Carol, do you have any information regarding that matter I requested of you?
Yes, right here.
There wasnt any custors near the table, but it was better to be careful. Carol handed a book over to him.
Regis took it and open the pages.
There was a piece of paper like a bookmark in it.
It was an investigation report.
What Regis asked her to investigate was the truth behind the death of the Emperor and Consort.
... Hmm Its as I expected.
There wasnt any decisive evidence, but considering the situation before the passing of the Emperor The court physician who perford the autopsy, the personal physicians of the Consort as well as the maids and servants, there are so who went missing.
Fanrine opened her eyes wide.
What!? H-How did you collect such intel!?
Carol concealed her wry smile with her hand.
I have friends in the courts who likes all sorts of gossips.
Even so
Regis kept the report into the pocket of his skirt quickly after he finished reading it. There were hidden pockets on the inside of the skirt. It should be ant for espionage activities not, its actually just a place to keep ones handkerchief.
As the higher ups of the Ministry of Military Affairs and the Military are controlled by Field Marshall Latreille, intel doesnt really leak. However, it is still possible to find out about what happened inside the courts. But of course, this is all thanks to Ms Carols amazing social network.
Hufufu It is only this effective when our regular Mr Regis request for it. Ah, you are Ms Regina now.
You have my deepest thanks. Maybe this might change the history of the Empire.
It is sothing so important?
Yes, to be honest asking you to do this is a little too harsh of .
So of these people are already missing, but unfortunately, I couldnt find any witness.
There are circumstantial evidences, but they are too weak.
And the testimony of just a few maids wouldnt overturn Latreilles position.
It will be best if we can obtain intel from the second princes inner circle
Prince Latreilles retainers wont spill a word even at the threat of death. Thats how unshakable their loyalty is. I witnessed it with my own eyes.
This is tough.
Even so The Prince seed too hasty. Hes preparations seed shoddy. So it was done in the spur of the mont after all? I think too many people knew the truth. In that case, maybe the information obtained from people outside his inner circle would be enough to jeopardize his position.
Thats true. What do you think about this person?
Carol proffered a second book.
Regis turned over the pages like before, and looked at the paper clipped between them.
Grand Chamberlain Beclard? Thats the Emperors trusted aide. He recognized Prince Latreilles right to succeed the throne as the living will of the late Emperor.
He seed to have entered the Emperors chambers when he passed.
He should know the entire truth. After all, its because this important figure is backing Prince Latreille, thats why he could shake off any suspicion and ascend firmly up the stairs of coronation.
The coronation would take place three days later.
Fanrine tilted her head.
Marquis Beclard huh. I rarely hear any positive news about him though? I saw him at parties several tis before What if he emulate Prince Latreilles retainers and refuse to reveal the truth?
Franziska knocked the table lightly with her clenched fist.
What do you an by rarely hear any positive news!? Make it clear, you think this is the ti to be reserved?
Hmm Rumours say his character is found wanting Hmm, theres no point if I dont explain it clearly now. Well Marquis Beclard likes money a lot. My family runs a large business in the south, not only do we need legal docunts to do so, he also asked us for a lot of money. Although he wasnt the only one with authoritative power to do so
Hah! The Empire sure is corrupt.
Franziska spitted.
This was an infuriating matter indeed.
However, Regis knew that this system had been in place for a very long ti. He was working so hard in order to change it.
Fanrine continued:
My apologies for digressing but the negotiations are done by my sister Eleanor, so I dont know the details.
No, I am very thankful. This can serve as a reference.
When she heard Regis said that, Fanrine squinted her eyes happily.
Franziska asked:
Regina, what should we do? Should we compete with the Second Prince and bribe that greedy old man with money?
... That would be a peaceful way to resolve this. Unfortunately, I am poor like normal citizens, and the Fourth Army is on the verge of bankruptcy because of this war. Princess Argentinas mother is also a civilian On the other hand, Prince Latreille is the Field Marshall and is backed by many grand nobles. Our financial prowess is way lesser than his.
Really now, no matter how good your tactics are, fighting war is still dependent on money though? You really think you can win this?
The Fourth Army fighting prowess had increased, but we probably cant win against the First Army. Ideally, we can win without fighting.
Thats not an ideal, but a delusion right?
Regis said with a bitter smile:
Hahaha Well, no matter what, if we can force a testimony out of the Chamberlain, I think it would be enough to change the situation.
Fanrine nodded.
I think the idea is fine. The problem is how to carry it out.
Franziska said with a cocky smile:
Kidnap him?
What a shocking proposal. Carol shook her head at this:
Chamberlain Beclard understand his position very well. He hasnt left his house recently. His mansion was surrounded by a huge number of troops like a fort, he even refuse interviews with reporters. It is impossible to abduct him.
Tch.
Franziska clicked her tongue crudely, which made Fanrine frown.
Regis asked:
... Did you get your intel from a reporter?
Yes. It is soone who publish newspaper for the working class, and criticize the system. The publishing company is call Weekly Quarry.
Has that weekly paper always been like this?
Yes, since half a year ago.
Ahh, so the number of anti establishnt papers had been increasing while I was away from the capital.
Since it was sothing published with words, Regis will read newspapers too.
Weekly Quarry was comprised of reporters and a chief editor that loves sarcasm. They would occasionally criticize the establishnt harshly and expose scandals of the aristocrats.
One ti, a noble personally visited the Publisher to protest a published article with thinly veiled threats. However, the entire conversation was published the next day, blowing the whole incident up. In that end, that noble moved away from the capital as if he was fleeing.
Carol continued:
The sales number of Weekly Quarry seed to be increasing. Compared to before, the number of people talking about Liberalism is rising.
Instead of reporters, they are more like social activists.
He wants to et Mr Regis too though? You are a hero who rose from peasantry after all.
No no, Im not No, wait
Regis fell into deep thought.
This might not be a bad idea.
Carol carried on:
Maybe that reporter can introduce people with strong connection to the courts to us.
And that person is?
Eh, do you know Morgane Bourgine?
Hmm? I heard this na before
Three years ago, in the plaza in front of the Palace
Ahh, its that brave lady who gave a speech about This country is rotting right? Is she inside the palace? No, that is impossible. She should be wanted by the police right?
Why? Fanrine asked.
Those who criticize the Emperor was culpable of Lse-majest, but political activism including critique of the governing system was allowed. This was the policy of this nation.
Franziska snorted:
Hah! No matter what the law says, those who goes against the authority will have a hard ti right?
They actually
... Yes. Its regrettable, but Franziska is right. It might be permissible by law, but criticizing the aristocracy in public would not end well. This isnt like venting at night in a bar, it is a speech in the plaza before the palace after all.
This was no different from nocking an arrow against the nobles.
Fanrine lowered her head depressedly.
I am not a naive little girl too. During my ti as a General Affairs Officer in the Military Affairs Ministry, I also saw the shady side of the Empire. But Even so, what I have seen in these few days cannot be ignored. They actually went that far!
We are fighting in order to make all this right.
Fanrine nodded in response to Regis.
Franziska shrugged. She had no intentions of bettering this country.
Carol turned back to the topic:
I am an acquaintance of Ms Morgane. When she was still teaching, she used to frequent my shop.
Have I seen her before?
Maybe.
Female custors were rare, so he might rember if he saw her face But now that he thought about it, Regis didnt really pay attention to others when he visited the bookshop.
Do Ms Morgane know so people in the courts?
The reporter from Weekly Quarry said so. Even I dont know where she is right now, but that reporter is able to contact her.
I see
That reporter also said that this would definitely be an attractive proposal to Mr Regis.
He seems to be really sharp.
Regis couldnt refute that. Because he needed to get into contact with soone familiar with the courts.
If that reporter rendered his aid, he would have another option.
Franziska stood up.
The sooner we act, the better right? We cant wander around the capital aimlessly for days after all!
Thats right. Ms Carol, can you tell that reporters na?
As Carol was still tied up with work, it was better to not take anything conspicuous. For Regis, she was the main pillar in this intel war. It would be problematic if she attracted Latreilles attention.
With her introduction letter in hand, Regis group of three visited the publishing company.
It was a building that faced the main road without any signboard. It was too big for a normal residence, but Regis didnt know if it was the newspaper company Weekly Quarry.
Fanrine tilted her head.
Is this really the place?
It should be. Lets go in and take a look.
Regis knocked the wooden door.
A short mont later, the door opened.
A man with large ears and tanned skin peered out. His flat leather hat was worn really low, and he gazed at Regis sharply.
He opened his dry lips.
... I dont recall hiring maids, and refuse any solicitation. I have never miss my monthly donation to the church. In conclusion, I have no money, go sowhere else.
Seeing that he was about to close the door, Regis said frantically.
Is the reporter Mr Claude here!? I am here on soones introduction!
Sigh If you want to complain about that guy, then write a letter. If you wish to support him, just buy our next publication.
Please wait. If you are interested in Regis Auric, we can talk this over.
The man stopped his movent of closing the door.
So news about him should be fine.
If you can talk with him directly?
I wont pay any interview fees though.
Or rather, he is here to visit on soones introduction
Who?
... Bookshop, if that is enough for you.
What, bookshop? Anything else?
Erm, you should understand this way Thank you for your roses from the other day or sothing I think its a birthday. Not really sure though.
Pfttt! The man almost spitted.
Ms Carol introduced you!?
Yes.
The man poked his face out of the door, then checked the surroundings.
After confirming that Regis group of three was alone, he said:
Co in quick!
The house had 8 work desks.
On the tables were ssy piles of books and manuscripts tied up by ropes.
In a place blocked off by a screen, two double seater couch faced each other.
Donk, the man kicked the couch.
I told you to go ho if you want to sleep!
Ah, ahh A man wearing torn clothes groaned as he rolled off the couch. Laying prone on the floor, he raised his head and saw Regis.
Wah! He opened his eyes wide.
Ughaaaah!? H-How cute! Who is she!?
Ehhh!?
Regis backed away unconsciously. He felt he was in danger.
The man with the hat kicked at the butt of the man in torn clothes.
What are you saying to our guest! Go pour us so coffee!
That stings!?
He rubbed his butt as he stumbled out of the room.
Fanrines face was turning green. Seems like such a crude atmosphere wasnt suitable for a Dukes daughter.
Regis felt this place look like his own quarters when he gets busy, so he wasnt too surprised. Although there wouldnt be any kicking of butts.
Franziska whos a rcenary didnt have any reaction.
The man with the hat sat on the couch and pointed to the other side.
Have a seat.
Yes, sorry to intrude.
Regis sat down.
And Franziska sat beside him as if this was only natural.
But Fanrine stood stiffly. She would treat commoners as equals, but that wasnt the problem here. A man who had noth bathed in god knows how many days just slept in this couch. It was only natural for her to be repulsed by this ntally.
Regis didnt say anything about that. The couch wasnt big enough for the three of them anyway.
Franziska looked around the publishing company.
So, where is that Claude guy?
Thats .
Seed like what he did earlier was all an act.
Regis nodded.
I see, so thats it.
Claude opened his left palm that bore a knife scar and said:
Sorry about that. I had the experience of being stabbed the mont I gave my na.
Thats
You ntioned that Ms Carol sent you?
Yes, she gave this.
Regis opened his handbag and retrieved the introduction letter. Handbag for won were really small. He had to fold the envelope for it to fit. It was about the size of an ammo pouch used in battlefields.
Claude took the letter and asked:
And your na is?
I am Regis Auric. Although I had the honour of being Regis dAuric so days ago
Hah?
He had a shocked expression.
That was to be expected. Regis was crossdressing after all.
He was troubled about how to explain when
Fanrine supplented:
This is because Sir Auric cant walk around the capital in his usual appearance, so he had to put on this disguise. Ah, the two of us are just tagging along, dont mind us.
Claude looked at the introduction letter wide eyed.
You really are!?
Ms Carol likes to jest, but she wont lie.
Indeed.
He swept his gaze through Regis several tis.
... You really are a man?
Yes.
Regis felt embarrassed to be stared at so closely.
Franziska puffed out her chest.
Isnt our make up skills amazing!?
Claude nodded.
Yeah, its impressive. Its done really well.
The makeup was mainly done by Fanrine, but Regis kept quiet about that
Monts later, the man in torn clothes ca from inside the house. He was wearing a nicer jacket and had combed his hair with wax now.
Ahaha, for you, mademoiselle (young lady).
He only had one cup in hand, and placed it before Regis.
Claude yelled at him:
Why is there only one!? Enough, scram aside!
Sigh, how can you be so harsh to the chief editor!?
Chief Editor!?
Regis blurted out without thinking. This position should be higher than reporters, and the leader on the ground
Hah ah ah~ Claude sighed.
If you know you are a supervisor, then go edit the report I just finished. Go on and do your work.
Really now, why are you always ordering your boss around, Claude. While you yourself are talking to cute girls.
This is a man!
No way!? Isnt that even better!?
I will send you flying with a kick!
The man who was addressed as the chief editor walked to the largest desk as he complained. Seems like he really is the chief editor.
Claude slouched his shoulders.
He might be a weirdo, but his writing is really sharp.
Speaking of which, your sales had been on the rise?
Thats after that guy took over as chief editor half a year ago.
Ahh Thats why
That man looked like a holess bum who was reading a newspaper he happened to pick up. You really couldnt judge a book by its cover.
Franziska took the coffee placed before Regis and drank it.
Ah, this person is Regina now. It would be terrible if you call him by his real na in public alright?
Claude nodded.
According to rumours, you already died in battle.
Ehh? From that perspective, you dont seem surprised? And you believed imdiately?
The body didnt have a head I heard about this, so I thought that you are definitely still alive. After all, Regis dAuric is a genius strategist. He would definitely be prepared for that. Since it was a headless corpse, that might be a body double.
Im not a genius. I just happen to be lucky.
Even so, the Fourth Army should have received news of your death in battle The princess would definitely not accept it. The worst case would be the nation getting embroiled in civil war.
I really hope she wont lose her composure so easily.
Well, I never imagined you would visit in the guise of a cute girl. This really surprised .
C-Cute...!? Erm I am a 20 year old man
He knew he looked young, but the term girl is used to describe woman who wasnt of age.
I know, dont worry. Im the type who place more weight on the personality. I am good at intellectual discussion, and often made won laugh. Im not interested in n. No, I am interested in Regis dAuric though?
Haha.. You may ask anything. As long as it dont involve the princess.
And return, I just need to introduce that person to you right?
I will be counting on you...But I hope you can help with one more thing. Which is to get a testimony out of Marquis Beclard.
Regarding what?
... The details of the Emperors passing.
Claude shook his head.
Impossible. I want to interview him too, but I cant even et him.
If you ask that highly positioned person in the courts?
Ah If that person asked, that may be possible. But Beclard is backed by Latreille, the Emperor-in-waiting. He will never testify against the prince.
Its a bit dated, but there is a book called General Gordon. It is a nice read. It was serialized for many years, but it stopped at volu 20 before the story ended, and I have been looking forward to future volus.
I saw it in a bookshop before. But I am not really interested in fiction
This is a work based on events that actually happened 200 years ago though.
Hmm? Well, alright How is the story?
In that work, there is a strategy that just happen to fit the current situation.
The corner of Claudes eyes twitched.
That is which an, this is the strategy of the renowned Regis dAuric?
No no, I just happen to know about it. And the strategy is written on that book.
Tell the details.
Will you help ?
Claude fell silent.
At this mont, Regis judged that this man was reliable. Because those who would just pay lips service will just say I will help you before listening to Regis strategy. They will listen first, then turn him down with so excuse, all that was possible.
But he was a man who would keep his words. That was why he was so troubled.
This sounds great, just help him then!
The one leaning on the screen and accepted unhesitantly was the chief editor.
Hufufu If we can get Beclards testimony, our sales will definitely double! We will also get to witness the strategy of the Wizard Regis dAuric, such a chance wont co again.
Potent venom and traps might be hidden behind honeyed words. If we screw up, we might get targeted by Prince Latreille. Right?
... Well, it might turn out like that.
The chief editor said with a laugh:
What are you saying at this juncture!? Weekly Quarry is already detested by the establishnt!
Flies are different from bees. Right now, we can still shoo the harassing party away, but if we obtain Beclards testimony regarding that incident it wont end with just a sting, we might get swamped completely.
Hufufu Whats wrong Claude? Chicken?
Of course not. I will accept even if soone stops . But I cant make up my mind since this will involve the publishing company.
Regis put his fingers on his chin.
Indeed Everyone has their loved ones.
No, everyone here have no parents, child or siblings. By the way, no wives and girlfriends either.
I-Is that so?
The chief editor sat down beside Claude. He then leaned forward towards Regis.
Mr Regis. Ah, you are Ms Regina now!
You can just use Regis here. Regis thought about that, but didnt bother to correct him.
Fanrine was surprised by the chief editors aura. Franziska seem to think the conversation was getting hard to follow and had given up on thinking about it.
He introduce himself again:
I am the chief editor of Weekly Quarry Ottoman. Well, its an alias anyway.
Thats fine.
Ms Regina, we have raised the flag of rebellion against the current system of the aristocrat controlling all the wealth, and the life of everyone being decided from birth!
Thats Liberalism.
We are not adamant on overthrowing the Imperial governnt though. However, we cant accept a part of the authority hogging the wealth by taking advantage of how numb and ignorant the citizens are.
I feel the sa way.
What do you think needs to be done to change the current system?
... From what Mr Ottoman is saying, we need to educate the citizens and make them interested in politics?
That is correct, but not enough.
Hmm?
You dont know!?
Regis ntioned that I am just quoting the words of others, then continued:
... Why is the masses ignorant and numb towards politics? Thats because nothing will change even if they are knowledgeable and aware Thats what they think. They never thought that the countrys system can be changed. So what the people need right now is hope correct?
Magnificent! As expected of a hero!
No no I just happen to have read Professor Boutters National Remodeling Theory.
And the one who chose that opinion out of the countless improvent ideas proposed by authors is you, Ms Regina! Ahh, how splendid! As expected of you!
Not at all Well, thank you
The complints wont stop no matter what he said, so Regis chose to push the discussion forward.
I will ask directly then. Since both of you know the danger involved, will you still carry out my strategy? I want to make waves about Prince Latreilles coronation. Such as bringing up a topic that everyone is concerned about.
Claude nodded.
I will do it! Beclard is a monster lurking inside the Empire. If we can expose him to the sun, it will be worth dying for.
Hehehe, this is the raison d'etre of Weekly Quarry.
This looked interesting, whats happening? Even the n who were working hard at their desks gathered together and surrounded the couch.
It didnt help even when Claude shouted I will tell you later, get back to work!
In the end, Regis explained his plans before all of them.
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