#035. Vatican
After extracting information from Zenop, Gregory imdiately put his plan into action. With the information he gained, he identified a mber of the Stria group who had instigated Radian's trial.
Now, with just over a month left before the trial began, every mont was precious. In that short period, he would have to travel throughout the vast Blandi Kingdom and persuade Radian's family.
Starting from Vatinochan, the place where Gregory had co to et Zenop, it seed smooth to plan the most efficient route.
"All right... Let's approach this calmly."
Gregory headed straight toward the source of the river in Vatinochan.
There stood an impressive mansion, ho to Radian's parents.
But in that mansion, only Radian's parents were present. The rest of the family was already scattered throughout the Blandi Kingdom, each overseeing different estates.
Radian's parents were landowners who possessed Vatinochan's great farm. Having made their fortune in a business that used the farm as collateral, now even their children held senior administrative positions.
In the corruption-ridden Blandi Kingdom, buying one's way into a position was the established norm.
Yet, even if these were high-ranking officials, the disappearance of one or two would not affect the state's finances much, so Gregory decided it was best to extract them first.
'I really am short on ti. I'd better hurry.'
Gregory opened the door and stepped into the grand mansion.
Chandeliers swayed above. The clinking of glasses, the hum of conversations, and the music of the minstrels all blended into a cacophony of noise.
Even at a glance, it was obvious how wealthy they were. Just as Gregory was taking in the scene, an attendant approached and addressed him.
"Welco. What brings you here?"
Gregory thought a cumberso excuse might only confuse the attendant more, so he replied calmly.
"I am here to see the parents of Lord Radian."
The attendant, finding Gregory's strange attire suspicious, looked rattled and flatly refused him.
Citing the inability to verify his identity, the attendant requested Gregory remove his hat.
But if his identity was discovered, the plan would be ruined.
If any of the nobles gathered at the heart of the mansion recognized Gregory, everything would fail.
So, as he stalled and struggled with the attendant, soone witnessed the scene from a distance and spoke in a firm tone.
"Who are you?"
Gregory shifted his gaze in the direction of the voice. From the top of a very high staircase, a man of unknown identity descended.
Sipping wine as he approached, the elderly man appeared to be Radian's father. The butler, who seed to be in his senior years, followed at his side.
Though the man hadn't raised his voice, the chatter in the mansion subsided instantly, and no one dared et Radian's father's gaze.
Apparently,
To et his eyes was considered rude toward him.
Thus, everyone lowered their gaze and waited for him to speak.
Facing this, Gregory hurriedly paid his respects. This was his first ti eting Radian's father, Vasili, in person. In Gregory's previous life, Vasili had been purged for allegedly disturbing the affairs of the Blandi Kingdom.
Nevertheless, he was undoubtedly a truly esteed figure capable of representing the kingdom.
Though not the most refined gesture, Gregory approached Vasili and tried to explain the situation.
"Excuse ... I have sothing to discuss with you."
A stranger clad in odd clothing, Gregory had shown up unannounced.
Vasili found him questionable, but as soon as Gregory ntioned information related to Radian's life and death, the situation changed.
Gregory had his hands full trying to calm an agitated Vasili.
Since many eyes were watching, he didn't want to stir up commotion and barely managed to steady his breath.
"I understand the situation, so why don't you co inside and have so tea while you collect your thoughts?"
Gregory was overwheld by Vasili's presence. He also guessed that Vasili's martial prowess must rival that of Hemingway.
But this was only natural.
Finally snapping out of it, Gregory looked around again.
From a distance, Radian's father's bodyguard approached. His armor glead in the light and his cape billowed—he clearly looked formidable.
Whether Vasili was confident that Gregory couldn't leave alive if he tried anything foolish, or simply believed he and his bodyguard could easily restrain him, he let Gregory into the study without complaint.
"Thank you..."
"First, would you mind removing that clothing? Why are you hiding your identity?"
The bodyguards, conscious of Gregory's unique attire, kept a close eye on him. Vasili, attempting to ease the tension, offered to take Gregory's coat.
Gregory pointedly refused the gesture, interpreting it differently.
"I don't particularly mind showing my face, but until I keep my promise to Radian, I cannot reveal myself to you."
He tried to remain as indirect as possible.
"A promise to Radian? Can you tell what sort of promise?"
Fortunately, Vasili didn't seem to care much. Gregory appeared an amateur to him, and the ntion of Radian naturally caught his attention.
Gregory began to engage Vasili in earnest conversation. He started by explaining Radian's current predicant.
"I see... Still, it's hard to understand. Radian isn't the sort to do such a thing."
Vasili showed little surprise upon hearing of his son's imprisonnt.
Gregory skirted around the details of what had happened.
He didn't want to let slip any mistake that might reveal he was scheming, which could endanger his life.
To prove the legitimacy of his actions, Gregory quickly inford Vasili of Stria group's existence and the events currently unfolding.
As Gregory hesitated, Vasili looked troubled.
"I see... I do like his sense of responsibility... But even so, I can't quite understand the reason."
Up to that point, Vasili's indifference stemd from finding his son's principled conduct and readiness to take responsibility admirable.
Yet, admiration aside, Vasili simply could not comprehend Radian's behavior.
When his expression turned sour, the butler, reading the mood, poured Vasili a warm cup of tea and spoke.
"A drink might calm your mind."
"Haaa... Thank you. You too, traveler—from afar, perhaps you'd like a cup?"
Gregory again firmly refused.
His purpose here was to save Radian's family, not to indulge in such hospitality. Reminding himself of this, he steadied his resolve.
Even if it was only a simple cup of tea.
"Hahaha, I'm fine, thank you."
"That's a pity. It's expensive tea, you know."
As he savored the bitter tea, exhaling softly, his face relaxed, and as he regained his composure, Gregory gave Vasili a heads up.
"There is a mysterious force behind Radian's trial."
At those words, Vasili flinched. His earlier anxiety had stemd from worry that Radian's predicant involved outside forces, and unfortunately, his instincts were correct.
"A mysterious force, you say? Whom do you an?"
"It's a group not yet known to the public."
Vasili laughed heartily, mocking Gregory's words.
"Haha, not yet known to the public? Do you think there's a faction in the Blandi Kingdom that I wouldn't know about?"
And indeed, it would be hard to think he wouldn't know.
"Yes. Their na is Stria group."
Even with just the information Gregory had acquired, Radian himself would have been speechless.
A long silence followed before Vasili finally spoke again. His tone was calm, but there was a faint anger in his voice.
"Stria group, is it... So they want Radian dead. Those bastards..."
He looked at Gregory with worried eyes and asked,
"So, what are you proposing to do?"
Gregory responded as if he had been awaiting the question.
"One mber of Stria group is the head of House Laderios."
Gregory casually let slip information he'd received from Zenop. Laderios—a prominent noble family in Blandi. Among their rchant-like ranks, Stria group mbers were indeed embedded.
By chance, Gregory realized that Radian's family was intricately connected to both Laderios and Stria group. That's why, upon eting Zenop, a solution quickly ca to him.
Though his answer might not have matched the question at first, Vasili soon understood the implication and asked Gregory in return.
"Hahahaha... Amusing fellow. So, you need my help?"
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