The Water Magician

After that, the four reported the situation to Daimyo Goro in his office.

Sitting next to Goro was Rasharta.

"So, it seems there is a vampire, and at least ten Strigoi, who are its kin."

"The missing people, in other words..."

"Have likely turned into Strigoi..."

Goro confirmed with a somber expression, and Hugh nodded in response.

As the Guild Master, Hugh also had people under his command.

If those under his protection had been turned into such creatures... the grievance would be unimaginable.

Hugh waited in silence, sipping his coffee, until Goro had processed some of the grievance.

"I see. So, the vampires’ stronghold is within the Eastern Forest?"

Goro took about thirty seconds to recover and asked.

Hugh seemed to hesitate and then turned to Graham.

"Well... it's not impossible, but to be honest, the likelihood isn't high. While Strigoi inhabit various places, vampires tend to reside in houses. Unless there are abandoned mansions or villages in the forest, I heard there aren’t any... What lies beyond the Eastern Forest?"

Graham seemed to be recalling various things as he answered.

When asked about what lay beyond the forest, Goro took out a large map from the cupboard and spread it out on the desk.

"This is a general map of the area around Kona Village... The Eastern Forest is quite large. Beyond that... there's only a fishing village. It's the outermost edge of the kingdom. It should belong to Baron Momoru. The baron himself lives in the royal capital, and I believe the manor, which is quite far from this fishing village, is managed by a representative of the manor lord. Graham, you don’t mean...?"

"It's all just a possibility. There’s a chance that the fishing village has already fallen to the vampires."

Both Goro and Graham were frowning while they conversed.

Even if it's a small fishing village, it houses dozens of people.

If they all turned into Strigoi...

It's only natural that both Goro and Graham would frown at that thought.

"Either way, we need to go to the fishing village and confirm."

Hugh stated decisively.

"To reach the fishing village from Kona without going through the forest... The southern side of the forest extends all the way to the coast, so we would have to take the sea route, but I wouldn't recommend that. The currents are very difficult, and there are reported sea monsters in the waters. It would be challenging without the 'sea monster deterrents' that the fishermen possess."

(What’s that! There’s such a thing as a sea monster deterrent?!)

Ryo was excited internally.

He definitely wanted to see it at the fishing village.

He wrote 'sea monster deterrent' at the top of his checklist.

Meanwhile, Goro continued his explanation.

"The realistic choice is to go around the northern side of the forest. That route would take us through Baron Momoru's manor before reaching the fishing village."

"A manor, huh? I’d like to hear more, but will they accept adventurers...?"

Hugh expressed his concerns.

"Well... that depends on the manor lord's representative."

"Then, should I accompany you?"

It was Rasharta who said that.

"Despite my appearance, I hold a viscount title. If it's a representative of the baron's manor, I don't think they would refuse cooperation."

That was a very reasonable argument.

"That would be greatly appreciated. Please do."

"Understood. With this, I can be of some help to the village as well."

With that said, Rasharta broke into laughter.

(A noble like this would be wonderful... but I guess not all nobles are this impressive.)

Ryo had his own biased opinions about nobles.

"Also, I’ll leave Dogon and the others behind for the village's defense. In a little while, those who were in the infirmary will also become able to fight."

"Ah, that’s helpful. I’d prefer it if nothing happens, but... you never know what might occur."

Daimyo Goro nodded happily at Hugh's suggestion.

Once it became clear that the vampires and their kin were in the forest, the village’s low defensive capabilities became concerning.

However, even acknowledging that, it wasn't something that could be easily resolved.