The parlor of the Earl of Keeley's castle was like a hunter's lair, with rugged masonry walls, stuffed animal heads, and decorative bows. The floor was also covered with the fur of some kind of demon.
　The atmosphere was wild and sturdy. Iris (Rene) thinks that this is a good thing, but it may be unusual for a nobleman.

"Thank you for coming. "The Dragon's Throat."

　The Earl of Keighley...... Oswald Mikal Keighley is in his late forties, sitting across from the four of us.
　In the event that you have any kind of questions regarding where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site. His short, citrus-colored hair gives him an air of neatness. Only her face is a bit stern, with piercing gray eyes.
　If I were to describe his overall impression in one word, I would say that he is a stubborn and inflexible old bureaucrat.

　The social status of adventurers varies greatly, but it is indeed rare to find a lord himself in a reception room to discuss business. "This was proof that the Dragon's Throat was highly valued by the Count.

Benedict grabbed the Count's hand and held it.

　Benedict grasped his large hand and laughed, bared his fangs.
　A mop-like tail poked out of a hole in his pants and flapped against the sofa.
　He was dressed in a short-sleeved shirt, but his fur-covered body didn't seem to be feeling the cold.

　Oswald nodded in satisfaction, then broke off.

I've already spoken to Benedict, but I'd like to explain my quest to him again.
　...... I've been working on a plan to rid my territory of the Night Python criminal organization for some time now. As we enter the final stages of the campaign, I would like to ask Dragon's Throat to protect me and my daughter, Katherine, in case Night Python decides to strike back or retaliate.
　The quest will officially begin in a week. I don't know how long it will take yet, but I expect it to be about half a month to a month. You will be paid on a daily basis for your work during that time.
Count, are we clear on that?

　The one who raised his hand and asked for permission to speak was Hugh, who wore armor even in a place like this.
　I've left my sword and shield behind.

"What is it?
What is it?" "Well, I was wondering if you could tell me about the progress and future prospects of the operation to eliminate the Night Python.
　If we don't know what's going on, we can't do our jobs.

　Hugh's real intention was probably to find out if it was a bad idea.
　Oswald thought for a moment before replying.

Night Python has bases ...... in major cities throughout the territory, and most of them have already been identified.
　In addition, we are prepared to round up the illegal brothels and banned drug dealers that finance the organization.
　If we can capture the main leaders and destroy their funding sources, the activities in the territory will become unsustainable.
"Um, Count?

　I'm not sure what to make of this.
　Iris doesn't often speak up in negotiations. So I was a little worried that she might think it was unnatural, but there was still something I had to ask her.

"Do you know the location of the Night Python boss?　Can you arrest him?

　Because this is exactly what Rene wants.

　After signing the contract with Miriam, Rene wandered around in search of information about Night Python.
　His first stop was the brothel where Miriam worked. A soul can travel a thousand miles in a night. It was easy enough to get there, even on the other side of the country.
　I spent a whole day eavesdropping on the conversations going on there, but I didn't get any information that would lead me to the boss.
　For a moment, I thought of torturing the lower ranks to find out the whereabouts of the higher ones, but I decided against it. He had faked his defeat and disappeared, but if he went on a rampage, the Order might find out about Rene's existence and whereabouts. On top of that, if her target escapes, she'll be out of her depth.

　The only time to go on a rampage is when you are certain that you will achieve your goal.
　Rene was wondering how he could proceed with his investigation in secret, when he heard that the Count was planning to conduct an anti-Night Python campaign in the midst of all this chaos.
　He came all this way and found a very convenient party of adventurers.

　--In his position, he should be able to get information from the Count and possibly assist in the investigation. "I want to make good use of the Dragon's Throat and the Count to gather information on Night Python. And of course, the domestic situation.

　If we can get Oswald to tell us where the boss is, we'll be all set.

...... If by "boss" you mean the leader of Night Python, then I don't know him. I'm sure he's not in the territory, and if he is, I can't help you.
　If possible, I would like to capture the leader who controls the territory, but ...... in fact, I have not been able to locate him. Well, the goal is to destroy Night Python's base of operations. It's not like we have to get the boss at all costs.

　Not so fast.

　To be honest, Iris (Rene) was a little disappointed, but the only person who would be willing to fight the Night Python in this situation was probably Oswald. It would be a shortcut to use him somehow.

　--It would've been nice if I could've found the mistress of the Night Python boss and possessed her.
　　　But if the body you're possessing isn't a girl, you'll lose magic power. Besides, the key figures in the underworld seem to be well-defended, so if I fail, I'll be in deep trouble. I want to have time to check on the country, so I'll just start from the rear.

Count, I need confirmation. I heard that you're going to have Iris act as Master Catherine's shadow. Can you tell me more about that?

　Deanna, of course, wants to make sure Iris is safe.

Well. I was going to talk about that too, but I'm not talking about posing as Catherine and jumping into the middle of danger, much less using her as bait.

　The more dangerous you are, the better chance you have of getting a clue, but it doesn't seem to work that way.

It's just a special standby as an extension of personal security. They want to set up a trap to discourage assassinations and attacks.

　Oswald's words were interrupted by the sound of a door opening, almost as if it were going to smash open.

"Benedict!

　A well-dressed girl burst into the reception room.


　He is about the same size as Iris (Rene). She has long, shiny, citrus-colored hair like Oswald's, and gray and red eyes. She was wearing a red dress with what looked like a series of ribbons tied around it.
　She walked around the couch and jumped into Benedict's arms.

"You're here!
"No, miss, please don't.

　And then Benedict was fondled and furred.
　She's Catherine Margaretha Keeley. She is the object of Iris's (Rene) protection.

　Before he became an adventurer, Benedict worked as a bouncer for the Earl of Keeley.
　It seems that Catherine took a liking to him from that time. He was still like this every time he saw her.

"Catherine. That's enough.
"Yes, Father.

　With Oswald's encouragement, Catherine finally left Benedict.

　It was the first time that René had seen Catherine in person, although he knew what she looked like from salvaging her memories of Iris.
　She seems to be a bit selfish, a bit strong-willed, a bit of a talkative young lady. When she looks at Iris (René), she makes a pouty face.

"...... Father. Are you sure you want to do this?
"Yes. It's for your own safety.
"Mmm.
Miss, please listen to me. The Count is thinking of you, too.

　Catherine looked at Iris (Rene) closely and then pointed a finger at her.

"Good?　If you're going to be my double, you're going to have to behave in a manner that is worthy of the Earl of Keighley!
　I won't punish you if you behave in a vulgar manner!
"Catherine. Stop pointing your finger at people.

　* *

　The four members of the Dragon's Throat, who had finished their quests, were walking down the corridor of the castle to the room they had been assigned to stay in while they worked.

"Sometimes I feel like the lady thinks I'm a dog instead of a man.
"I don't think she thinks you're a man, she actually thinks you're a dog. Also, the way you treat the lady is not 'man' but 'dog'.

　Benedict was stroking back the fur that had been mangled.

I've always thought that you're a little hard on Iris.

　Hugh nodded his head, and Benedict looked down at the cold stone floor.

I'm not sure what to make of that.
　I think he's jealous of Iris, too.
Oh, because Iris is a sorceress?
And a genius one at that.

　For Iris (Rene), it was like a puppy barking at her, and she thought it was cute.
　In any case, the young lady's problems were not important for Iris's purposes.

You should be more grateful to Iris. You should be more grateful.

　Deanna shrugs her shoulders.
　She is kind to the child, the child, but when it comes to priorities, Iris always comes first.

I don't care if you don't like me, Catherine. I can't leave her alone, and that's what the quest is for.
That's true, but ......

　You'll be able to find a lot more information on the web.
　Anyway, as a member of the Dragon's Throat, you need to get a clue to the Night Python in order to complete your quest.

　--I'll let you help me. The Delightful Companions: ......

　No one noticed the smile that Iris (Rene) secretly put on her face.