How to Be a Dark Hero’s Daughter

The purification facility looked similar to the oil facility I had seen in my past life’s TV.

Tall pillars stood towering, and beneath them, the wheels were spinning busily, making chirping noises.

I couldn’t understand its structure, but this too must have been set up by ancient wizards.

Moreover, numerous magic stones lay on the riverbed, emitting a faint shimmer.

“The inspection was already completed in the morning?”

“Yes, someone did come, but they only inspected the surroundings, saying if the equipment isn’t broken.”

My tense shoulders relaxed.

“So, no one has approached the purification device?”

“Of course not.”

“… Then, hasn’t something very small or suspicious been introduced to the purification device, something that might go unnoticed?”

“Yes. This purification device is a very old, large-scale magic tool… Even a tiny foreign substance can break it immediately. That’s why there aren’t many breakdowns, right? We always handle it with care.”

“I see…”

I felt relieved.

“Please manage it well.”

“Of course.”

“If I were to sabotage the water supply, I’d target the purification device first.”

“Excuse me?”

“Oh, it’s nothing.”

I quickly shook my head.

“Was there anything else strange today?”

“No, nothing special… and no scheduled maintenance coming up either.”

Hmm.

‘Did I get it wrong?’

No way. If it was Siebel, and if he was alive, he wouldn’t abandon this place.

‘If the river gets polluted, the contaminated water will flow from the pumps in every house, causing people to be poisoned indiscriminately. Just by meddling with it, the country could be destroyed. I’m sure I’m not wrong.’

Vampire poison is a concentrated venom. Even a few drops can kill thousands of people.

Yes, the puzzle I put together must be right.

‘Should I ask the inquisitors to monitor this facility starting today?’

That might be the rational choice.

Just then.

“Kkarrur, come quickly.”

“I… saw it. It’s fun…”

I doubted my ears. The distant sound was clearly children’s laughter.

“Are there children in this facility?”

“Oh yes, that’s right.”

The facility manager seemed to remember something.

“Today, an aristocratic school reserved for noble offspring has a facility tour.”

My heart pounded ominously.

“When did they arrive?”

“They have a short tour time, so it’s been about an hour. They should be boarding their carriages now. Since it’s a wealthy school, they brought a lot of carriages. Wait, miss! Where are you going?”

I quickly jumped on my horse.

At the back gate of the facility, opposite the entrance I came in, there were about ten carriages.

Without dismounting, I spurred my horse forward.

Thanks to my cream-colored dress drenched in sweat, people stared wide-eyed.

I approached someone who looked like a teacher.

“My name is Leticia Scallia de Lewellton. I have a question.”

“…Uh? The famous princess? Really?”

“More importantly… have any of your staff been hired recently?”

“Oh, we hired temporary coachmen today. We were short on carriages.”

The young teacher replied dreamily.

“Where are the coachmen?”

“Well, the carriages are about to leave, so they should be preparing at their seats.”

Then, the teacher tilted his head.

“That’s strange.”

“What?”

“One of the carriages is empty?”

“…!”

“No children, no coachman. Wait, miss! Where are you going?”

Again, I pulled on the horse’s reins. I had a bad feeling.

* * *

“Is there really treasure in the forest?”

“Yes, there is. A very cool toy.”

“You sure, coachman? You’ve seen it?”

“Yeah. I saw the treasure chest.”

Nigel pulled his hood low.

She led the children into the forest with laughter. When she opened a trunk she had hidden beforehand, the children’s mouths dropped open.

“Cool, right?”

“Yes, for real.”

“You can take all of this.”

“It’s way better than the toys at home! This many?”

Nigel nodded as if doing a favor. However, as the children reached out, she stopped them.

“Wait. Come to think of it… You all complained that you couldn’t see the purification facility properly earlier, didn’t you?”

“Yes, the teachers said it’s a very precious facility and made us look at it from a distance. It’s boring.”

“Come on, since we’ve come out to play, isn’t it a waste not to look around properly? I’ll help you.”

“But it’s time for the carriage to leave…”

“Everyone will wait. It’s only 20-30 minutes. Hurry.”

Sweat began to form in Nigel’s hand. Nigel pushed the children’s backs.

“You can pick up the trunk. You two look strong. If you lift it side by side, it should be sufficient. Go to the river. Play with this, it will be fun. Open it when you get there.”