We thought about the direction for the investigation
“In other words, whoever entered the forest, they did not fight against any monsters?”
“Yes. Unless they used some method to erase all traces of it.”
“That would make them look even more suspicious… And there were no signs of that?”
“No, we did not see anything. If it was through magic, there would usually be some trace of it left. Some remaining energy. And that would not disappear in just ten days.”
“Of course, it is possible they used some method that we are not aware of.”
“However, I doubt they could have fooled the fenrirs.”
“His Grace is right. The fenrirs were able to find things that even we had missed. We would not have found the older footprints without them.”
“We might have struggled with the newer ones as well. The fenrirs found both, after all.”
“I see…”
“It is hard to think of something that could conceal it from the fenrirs.”
The investigation team and fenrirs had been given sense enhancing herbs.
As the fenrirs already had a strong sense of smell, boosting it would make fooling them nearly impossible.
In other words, it was more or less confirmed that the people had not fought against any monsters.
“Well, what do you think we should do, Mr. Takumi?”
“Indeed…”
Mr. Ekenhart asked, and I thought about how we should proceed with the investigation.
Ever since we had decided to investigate the forest, I had been put in charge of guiding it, instead of Mr. Ekenhart or Mr. Euto.
Well, they would surely stop me if I was about to make a terrible mistake… After all, that was why Mr. Ekenhart was with me now.
In any case, the important thing was to find out if the footprints were related to the changes in the forest.
If they were not related, then looking into the matter would just be a waste of time.
There were monsters in the forest, and plenty of natural herbs growing there. There were plenty of reasons for wanting to go inside of the forest.
But it was a little strange that they never came to Range Village, which was close by…
And so the footprints were suspicious, but it was possible that they would not come back again. So it might be pointless to look into it…
Hmm…
“Mr. Ekenhart, I have a request.”
“What is it?”
“Would it be possible to find out if there has been anyone going to other towns and villages, who look like they’ve been in the forest?”
If they weren’t stopping at Range Village, then they must be going somewhere else in order to prepare and restock.
“Hmm, I see… It might be harder in villages, but towns should keep a record of such things. And I suppose villagers might remember any visitors. Very well. Phillip, have it investigated at once.”
“Yes, Your Grace!”
“Thank you.”
Phillip bowed and left the room.
While we didn’t know what they were doing in the forest, if they had acquired something in there, then perhaps they would sell it in the towns and villages.
“While they haven’t been back for some time, that is no guarantee that they will not return. I think we should continue to keep an eye out for footprints. We should watch for their return, and also search the area again for new information. At the same time, other areas should be searched as well.”
“Hmm. So you want to split the team up?”
“Yes. Also, I have a question. If numerous people attacked the fenrirs at once… Would the fenrirs be in any danger?”
I nodded at Mr. Ekenhart and then turned to the female guard with this question.
Thanks.