This story takes place around the time Shu and Rio leave Zain for the royal capital.

"They were falsely accused of a crime by the guards and left the city... apparently?"

This is the Zain branch of the Lassia Trading Company. I was reviewing documents in my office when a subordinate delivered this vague and troubling report, causing me to look up.

"‘Apparently’? What’s that supposed to mean?"

"Miss Fleur... it’s just that, um..."

"You’re being unclear. I’ll decide how to interpret it, so just tell me everything as it is."

If I recall, their names were Shu and Rio. The level of skill it takes to dispatch prey so cleanly isn’t something you gain in just a few years. For two people their age to have reached that level is remarkable. I had hoped to continue working with them, but now this? What on earth happened?

"Yes, after breaking through the guards’ blockade, the male was reported to have left through the west gate, but the woman’s whereabouts remain unknown."

"...Unaccounted for?"

I found it hard to believe someone as capable as her could be taken down so easily, but what could have happened? My instincts told me otherwise, even if our acquaintance was brief.

"No one’s seen her since the blockade was broken..."

My subordinate’s hesitant tone grated on me. If Shu had exited through the west gate, there was a good chance Rio had gone with him.

"If the man left through the west gate, he’s likely heading for the royal capital. Contact the capital branch immediately."

"Understood."

Shu and Rio seemed like promising business partners. I was curious about how they managed to transport their prey, and I had a hunch they were hiding even more intriguing secrets. Just my intuition, of course.

I should inform the headquarters in Aresgute as well. It might take time, but with branches in every country, we can reach them no matter where they go.

"Hehe..."

Watching my subordinate leave, a smile crept onto my lips.

If those two end up boosting our sales, I might even secure a promotion to headquarters. The slightly higher prices I paid for their goods should have left a strong impression, making my investment worthwhile.

"It’ll take some time to bear fruit, but I’m looking forward to it."

With that, I returned my gaze to the documents in front of me and resumed my daily work.