This House Has A Delicious Restaurant - Chapter 15 - Spy (4) - Part 3

“Are you referring to Liffree as the colleague?”

“How did you know that…?”

“Sidon mentioned something similar. But he didn’t know the exact cause.”

It seemed Khan was recalling Sidon. His expression conveyed that Sidon was a clueless fool… confirming once again that Sidon is consistently that way.

At least, Sidon doesn’t seem like someone who would lie or put on an act. If all of this were an act, it would be impressive.

“I don’t know the exact reason either, but I think I can find out. I’ve heard the captain and Liffree talking occasionally. I wasn’t paying much attention before, but now I can eavesdrop using shadows. They won’t suspect anything since they know I always maintain my shadows.”

“Wouldn’t it be better if Khan tried probing directly?”

“They probably won’t talk openly. I’m trusted for my abilities, but they don’t fundamentally trust me. That’s why they don’t keep Ding close to me. If Ding were near me, they wouldn’t know if I might have other intentions.”

“That makes sense. Zerdan seems to prepare for everything meticulously. …So, who does Zerdan trust?”

“Liffree. I’ve heard they’ve been friends since childhood. He’s the only one Zerdan treats comfortably and trusts. As for Sidon… Zerdan seems to treat him comfortably because he doesn’t appear to pose a threat, but there’s no real sense of trust. It’s more like treating a well-behaved puppy.”

I could understand how Sidon was treated.

Although he seemed to be treated comfortably, I quickly gave up on the idea of using him as a spy.

I had criticized Obella for sending the careless Diswen as a spy before, but if I were to use Sidon as a spy, I would receive even harsher criticism.

Sidon would probably spill everything if Zerdan asked him.

“But it seems difficult to bring Liffree over to our side. …Or perhaps consider taking him as a hostage? That should be possible with Khan’s abilities.”

“It might be possible, but handling the aftermath would be challenging.”

I couldn’t imagine Zerdan getting angry.

Even if he trusts Liffree, it doesn’t seem likely that he would come to save him willingly. Instead, Zerdan might just watch with a smile, letting Liffree try to escape on his own.

Given the image of Zerdan I’ve observed so far, it seems quite plausible.

Hostages might not work with Zerdan. So, what would?

“First, please provide as much relevant information as possible. I need to know more about Zerdan. Also, if I’m not mistaken, Zerdan can control corpses, right? Has his ability changed or been enhanced recently?”

“Maybe because of a psychic-type ability user, his basic ability is to control corpses, but it can rarely be applied to people who have lost consciousness. However, it’s quite unstable and can quickly dissipate, or it might damage the mental state of the controlled person. That’s why Sidon has no memories.”

So, Sidon was indeed under Zerdan’s ability.

I nodded and asked, just in case.

“What about the possibility of Sidon betraying us under Zerdan’s influence?”

“It’s almost nonexistent. It seems his emotional expression has become clear recently, so Zerdan’s control is likely almost gone. Although he followed the habits due to past influence, since he chose to stay here, you shouldn’t worry about him being controlled anymore.”

“That’s a relief.”

It was news that would make Diswen happy.

After hearing what I needed to do, Khan seemed ready to leave. I watched him for a moment before speaking.

“Ding will be here soon. Don’t you think it would be better to see her? I’m sure you want to see Ding as well.”

“…I’ll visit her when my position stabilizes a bit more. Until then, please take good care of Ding for me. She’s a fearful child.”

“Don’t worry. She’s become quite close with everyone here, and Ding will be well taken care of.”

“Thanks. I appreciate it.”

I was surprised by his straightforward gratitude. I repeated something I had told Khan before.

“I’ll say it again, but I think Khan doesn’t quite fit the role of a criminal organization member.”

Khan, who was about to leave, looked back at me with a smile. He didn’t answer, but his faint smile seemed to respond, so I smiled back.

I felt a tinge of envy towards Ding, who received Khan’s care. I gazed silently at the spot where he had disappeared.

My mind was tangled. I couldn’t grasp what Zerdan was plotting. The uneasy feeling that had lingered since Sidon’s words was still present.

‘Someone concerned about Ding, or someone who Ding is concerned about…’

If my guess is correct, there was one person that came to mind.

Terisier.

When Ding first saw Terisier, she reacted differently than she did with others, as if she was mistaking him for someone else. Terisier, on the other hand, was unusually sharp and appeared to have a headache when he first met Ding.

If my suspicion is correct, then she might be holding a key that Zerdan himself does not realize.

* * *

Fortunately, Ding looked to be in good condition when Sidon brought her back.

Ding’s face was bright, likely pleased that so many people had come to pick her up.

“Welcome back, Ding.”

“Sister! It’s been a while. You took me home because I fell asleep while talking to you, right? I heard from Sidon!”

I lightly picked up Ding and glanced at Sidon. He gave a small nod without speaking, and I smiled at Ding.

“Right. You kept asking to see my ability and fell asleep quickly.”

“That’s too bad. Can you show it now?”

“Not today. I’ll show it to you next time, so don’t ask the others to do it today. Just have fun with the people here. This is Luke. He’s about your age, so you won’t have much of an age difference.”

“Eh, I’m much older!”

Luke grumbled and protested openly, but when I looked at him silently, he closed his mouth. Fortunately, Ding accepted without much questioning and ran off to join Luke and Anise.

By the way, I remembered that Sidon had mentioned before that Ding loses part of her memory when treated by him.

Is it because of Sidon’s ability, or…?

I watched Ding happily chatting without saying a word.

There wouldn’t be much meaning in asking Ding about it. Zerdan also seemed unaware before.

Does Ding have an episode when she sees Zerdan and Liffree? Or has she lost the memory of having an episode?

Sidon, having freed himself from Ding, sprawled out on the sofa looking extremely comfortable. It was as if he was at his own home. Next to him, Diswen was petting his head and keeping watch.

Seeing this, I turned my gaze to the cat by the window. Terisier, in the form of a cat, was silently watching Ding with a smile. I decided to head outside through the front door and make my way to the backyard.

Whether it was because of the sound of my footsteps or because he saw me leaving, Terisier followed me.

“Terisier.”

At my call, Terisier leaped into my arms and snuggled against me. Then, with a playful gesture, he rubbed his nose against my cheek, making me smile.

“You’ve become quite affectionate. Are you feeling good?”

When I lightly scratched his chin, Terisier closed his eyes and made a purring sound. His animal-like behavior was so cute that I enjoyed it for a moment before lifting Terisier’s body.

Terisier opened his eyes and looked at me as I lifted him.

“Terisier, I have something to ask you. Can you answer honestly?”

“Why so serious?”

Terisier rubbed his cheek against the back of my hand. His fluffy fur tickled my hand.

“Have you ever met Ding before?”

“Why bring up that person all of a sudden?”

Terisier’s voice was suddenly filled with displeasure.

In an instant, Terisier transformed into his human form and stood in front of me, blocking my way with his arms resting on the wall.

“I noticed that Ding seemed to recognize Terisier, and Terisier’s attitude toward Ding was more sensitive than usual. In my case, I thought it was just that Terisier was being wary because it seemed like she was approaching Obella, but Ding is just a child with no ulterior motive. The wariness was excessive.”

“I’ve never seen that person here before.”

“Is that so…”

I had vaguely hoped that Terisier might be the person Zerdan was looking for, but it seems that wasn’t the case.

Noticing my slight disappointment, Terisier stared at me intently.

“Why, are you disappointed?”

“Hmm, a little. I thought I might be catching a lead.”

“I don’t know what kind of information you’re looking for, but… although it was the first time I saw that person, honestly, I felt a bit of an unpleasant sensation.”

“An unpleasant sensation?”

“Yes. It felt vaguely familiar but not pleasant. Moreover, I suddenly got a headache.”

That meant Terisier had sensed something from Ding. But Terisier seemed unsure of what it was.

What on earth is going on? What connection do Zerdan, Terisier, and Ding have?

As I frowned in thought, Terisier suddenly kissed me. At the same time, his bold act of inserting his tongue made me grab his arms, but it was hard to overpower him.

Look at this. Once he got a taste, he was like a frisky dog, coming at me at any time.

“I want to.”

I chuckled at Terisier’s behavior, which was like a child newly awakened to desire. He was cute whether in his cat form or human form.

“If you give me the answers I want, I’ll give you a taste.”

“What else are you curious about?”

As I lightly kissed him and bit his lower lip, Terisier asked in a somewhat urgent voice.

“Why are you fighting alongside Obella? It’s not like you have a situation like Diswen or a sense of justice like Phel.”

“I… don’t have a family. I was wandering until I happened to meet the current leader and received help. It’s similar to Mummy Man’s situation. I was in a situation where I needed any kind of help, and he provided me with a place to sleep and food without any conditions. Even if it was just pity, it was appreciated. Later, I learned about the leader’s circumstances and decided to help. I wanted to be of some assistance.”

“So, where were you before that?”

This time, the answer didn’t come quickly. Terisier remained silent. It seemed like he was either thinking or experiencing a headache.

His frowning expression was oddly similar to when he faced Ding.

“Before that… I don’t remember clearly. I was somewhere, and it seems I was with several others.”

“Were they family?”

“…I don’t think that was the case.”

“Do you remember anything about your parents?”

“Parents……”

Terisier muttered with a dazed expression.

He said he didn’t remember well. However, he murmured that they might have had faces similar to Obella’s.

* * *

Sidon had been gone for quite some time.

From the lack of any further news, it seemed the reunion with his family had been successful.

“What are we going to do now that Sidon has gone over there? We’re in an antagonistic relationship now.”

Liffree complained, but Zerdan seemed not too concerned. Khan stood silently beside Zerdan, listening to their conversation.

“It’s fine. He’ll help, but won’t attack us directly.”

“But what about Ding? Although Sidon is with her, I’m still worried… Ah, Khan. Don’t worry. We know that the people over there won’t harm Ding. It’ll be fine!”

As Liffree was talking with Zerdan, he noticed Khan standing quietly and hurriedly explained to him.

Zerdan clicked his tongue quietly. Khan simply remained silent.

Liffree, who had expected a surprised reaction at the mention of Ding being with Obella, looked puzzled at the surprisingly indifferent response. Khan, realizing his mistake, finally spoke up.

“If Sidon is with her, Ding should be fine. I don’t think some people would use a child as a hostage, and if necessary, I believe the captain will bring her back.”

“I’m not sure how to repay Khan’s trust. Don’t worry. Even if Sidon isn’t here, I plan to bring Ding back. She’s needed for various reasons.”

Needed.

Khan simply nodded silently. Zerdan glanced at Khan and then turned his head away. It seemed he wasn’t suspicious, given his usual behavior.

Khan let out a sigh of relief inwardly.

“Khan.”

At that moment, Zerdan called Khan without even looking at him. Khan broke out in a cold sweat without realizing it.

Khan was well aware that Zerdan was someone you could never let your guard down around. Could he have noticed something?

As Khan tensed up, waiting for the next words, Zerdan smiled and said nonchalantly.

“It’s been a while since you saw Ding, hasn’t it? When I bring her next time, you can see her.”

“Ah… is that alright?”

“Of course. Ding will want to see Khan as well.”

Was this Zerdan giving a reward for his efforts? Khan quietly expressed his thanks. Unaware that Zerdan was observing his reflection in the glass of water on the table.

“Wait a minute. I just got a call from the surveillance team.”

Liffree tilted his head in confusion and pulled out his phone.

The team monitoring the puppets from a residence a bit farther away were mostly lower-level personnel, and direct contact with them was unusual.

Liffree, puzzled, answered the call. His expression soon turned grim, catching Zerdan’s curiosity.

“Zerdan, Obella’s forces have just invaded. Did they catch a whiff of something? Or did Sidon inform them?”

The location was where Zerdan’s puppets were stored, known only to the three present here and a few lower-level personnel. It seemed they had somehow caught a scent and invaded.

“What should we do? Should we go over there too?”

“Don’t bother. There are plenty of puppets there, so they should be able to hold them off. Even though the watchers don’t have great abilities, they’re still capable of buying us some time.”

“That’s true, but… it’s quite ruthless. Then we should abandon that place. Since it’s already been discovered.”

Liffree smiled, relieved despite the situation.

“This place is only known to the three of us, so it should be fine. Still, just in case, we should prepare elsewhere as well…”

Liffree’s words were cut short. With a deafening crash, the wall beside them collapsed.

Liffree gasped in shock, and Zerdan frowned at the unexpected turn of events.

Through the collapsed wall emerged a massive silver tiger. Its enormous size made Liffree scream.

Zerdan grimaced. He instantly recognized the tiger’s origin.

As the tiger lowered its head, a figure slowly became visible. Silver hair reflecting the sunlight, and a woman’s confident smile.

Zerdan’s face was one of rare surprises. The woman’s smile grew even wider as she saw Zerdan’s reaction.

Zerdan’s gaze instinctively shifted to Khan. Only the three present knew the location. Judging by Liffree’s reaction, he seemed to be clueless. That left only one person.

Khan, sensing Zerdan’s gaze, hurriedly retreated into the shadows. Soon, he appeared beside the woman in front of them.

Avoiding eye contact with Zerdan, Khan looked away. Zerdan, exasperated, brushed his hair back with a face full of irritation.

“I’ve never been blindsided like this before. Was this all part of your plan? Lady Moa Ablon.”

Moa Ablon flashed a charming smile. Her gentle appearance seemed just beautiful, but Zerdan wasn’t deceived.

The situation was unfamiliar and confusing, but seeing someone he thought was dead now appear gave him an unknown sense of exhilaration.

“It’s time for revenge, Zerdan.”

Her voice carried a tone of delight.