The Most Satisfied Reincarnate

Meanwhile, Grimm surreptitiously eavesdropped on a meeting taking place just outside the throne room, utilizing his mastery of magic. With a flick of his hand, he transformed the nearest iron object into a concealed listening device, ensuring he remained undetected.

However, Grimm's caution got the better of him, and he limited his surveillance to the iron closest to the door, wary of drawing attention to his covert activities.

As the conversation unfolded and the truth behind the tavern massacre eluded the kingdom, Grimm couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment. "Ah, never mind. It seems the kingdom's reliance is misplaced," he mused to himself, concealing his frustration beneath a veneer of indifference.

Just as he sensed Edward's impending presence, Grimm swiftly moved away from the door, attempting to evade any prying eyes. Unfortunately, his efforts were in vain as a perceptive servant caught sight of him.

"Master Grimm, why don't you..." the servant began, his words trailing off as Grimm promptly silenced him by seizing his arm and whisking him away through a maze of buildings. In an instant, Grimm cast a potent spell, manipulating the servant's memories and replacing the encounter with a mundane, forgettable event.

With the servant's memories altered, Grimm emerged once more, only to find Sanders being transported by the guards in a harrowing state. "It seems I missed quite the spectacle," Grimm mused to himself, a flicker of intrigue glinting in his eyes. Yet, before he could delve further into the unfolding events, information reached him about a mouse infiltrating the former noble Albin's shop.

"Hmm, it appears that fate continues to intertwine our paths," Grimm contemplated, pondering the enigmatic connection he shared with Albin. With a resolute nod, he directed his steps toward the mentioned shop, eager to uncover the secrets that lay within.

...

Upon arriving at the shop, Grimm found himself surrounded by an assortment of garments, the bustling atmosphere alive with curious gazes cast his way. The shop owner and Albin's wife, Yasi, couldn't help but be intrigued by Grimm's unexpected presence in a women's clothing store.

"Hello, Mrs. Yasi," Grimm greeted with a warm smile, emanating an air of politeness and kindness that perfectly befitted his reputation as the epitome of benevolence.

"Greetings, Master Grimm. Are you here to browse our clothing selection?" Yasi inquired, her curiosity piqued by Grimm's appearance in a store typically frequented by women.

Despite her reservations and underlying suspicions, Yasi couldn't fathom a reason for a man to be present in a women's clothing store. If Grimm still had his beloved wife by his side, perhaps she wouldn't have entertained any doubts. However, circumstances had changed, and uncertainty crept into Yasi's mind.

"Ah, Mrs. Yasi, I believe there may be a misunderstanding. I'm not here for a shopping excursion, but rather to investigate something," Grimm explained, striving to allay any concerns and dispel the air of uncertainty that hung in the air.

As Grimm's words sank in, Yasi seemed to comprehend his intentions, nodding in acknowledgment. Though a question danced on her lips, Yasi assumed that Grimm's purpose must be related to matters concerning the kingdom, given his formal attire. She decided to allow him the freedom to pursue his inquiries as he saw fit, content to let Grimm handle the situation according to his own discretion.

Without Yasi's permission, Grimm was on the verge of casting a spell when a sudden realization struck him, prompting him to turn to her and seek clarification. "Is it permissible for me to employ the Rewind spell in this establishment?" he inquired, aware of the spell's legal ramifications.

The Rewind spell, capable of unveiling the secrets of the previous day, was considered illegal and could only be wielded by a 2nd-class or higher wizard/witch.

Mindful of Grimm's esteemed reputation, Yasi agreed to his request, her curiosity further piqued by the nature of his inquiry. "Yes, Master Grimm," she consented, eager to discover the purpose behind his use of the forbidden spell.

"Thank you, Mrs. Yasi," Grimm expressed his gratitude before activating the Rewind spell. In an instant, a colossal mirror materialized above him, its presence temporarily warranting the removal of other customers from the shop to avoid unnecessary commotion.

...

Within the mirrored reflection, Grimm and Yasi gazed upon the scene unfolding within the shop. Customers perused the clothing selection, while Elizabeth, their attention drawn to her, deliberated on her choice of garments. Abruptly, the shop's entrance swung open, granting entry to a figure cloaked in black robes, flanked by two red-haired maids.

Elizabeth acknowledged their presence and, to Grimm and Yasi's surprise, promptly ushered the customers out of the shop. However, owing to the overhead vantage point, their view prevented them from discerning the faces of the maids or the individual concealed beneath the robes.

Grimm's eyes glimmered with anticipation, recognizing the significance of the development. Yasi, however, found herself increasingly perplexed by Elizabeth's audacity in dismissing the customers without prior consultation. Yet, their hopes were dashed as the subsequent image depicted Elizabeth leading the robed figure into a private room.

"Ahh..." Grimm uttered, a tinge of disappointment lacing his voice. Concurrently, Yasi's suspicions surrounding Elizabeth grew, plagued by questions regarding her motives.

Having gleaned what he sought, Grimm offered a smile of appreciation to Yasi. "It seems I've acquired the information I sought. Thank you once again, Mrs. Yasi," he expressed, though his lingering disappointment regarding the robed individual's identity remained. Yet, he derived a measure of satisfaction from the knowledge that the figure had engaged in interaction with Elizabeth.

...

After departing from the clothing shop, Grimm wasted no time in employing magic to relay a message to his subordinates. "Issue a task through the guild to uncover the background of the enigmatic individual who visited the shop yesterday. Offer a reward of 50 gold coins. The person appeared to be between 10 to 20 years old, possessed only one hand, and was accompanied by a red-haired maid.

Should anyone discover their identity, bring them to me without delay," he commanded, determined to unravel the mysteries that entwined around the figure's presence.

His subordinate replied, his voice laced with a touch of impudence, "Forgive me for my audacity, Master, but doesn't this task seem too easy?"

Grimm let out a weary sigh, his frustration palpable as he replied, "Just get it done."

With a resolute determination, Grimm made his way toward the grandeur of the king's palace. Yet, as he walked, a wave of hesitation washed over him, reminding him of the turbulent history he shared with the king. Briefly contemplating an alternative course of action, he dismissed the idea, realizing that involving Matson would be a wiser choice.

Meanwhile, within the confines of the bustling Raven Soul Guild, Katrina patiently waited amidst a sea of mercenaries perusing the job board. Suddenly, the creaking sound of the guild doors opening caught her attention, and her eyes swiftly landed on a royal soldier making his way toward her table.

Extending a polite smile, Katrina spoke with genuine warmth, "Welcome to the Raven Soul Guild, sir. How may I be of assistance?"

The soldier appeared visibly nervous, his words coming out in stutters as he finally conveyed Grimm's message.

"Um, m-my master, Grimm, is searching for mercenaries who might have witnessed a peculiar visitor at the guild yesterday. The individual in question possesses only one arm, and appears to be in the age range of 10 to 20. Additionally, he was accompanied by a red-haired servant."

As the soldier's words hung in the air, a sense of anticipation reverberated through the guild's living room. The promise of an effortless task coupled with a generous reward sparked excitement among the mercenaries present.

Eager to provide their information, the mercenaries attempted to approach the soldier, only to find their path obstructed by vigilant guild guards.

"I know that person!"

"I spoke with him just yesterday!"

"He's lying! I even know his true identity!"

The intercepted mercenaries raised their voices, desperately trying to capture the soldier's attention. Alas, their fervent efforts fell on deaf ears as the soldier departed without acknowledging them.

"Arrogant soldier!"

"I'll seize this opportunity without delay," grumbled one of the mercenaries, his frustration simmering.

Within the guild's premises, a fervent atmosphere pervaded as eager mercenaries anxiously cast their guild cards onto the job board. With the job's appearance expected to be automatic, the mercenaries eagerly awaited the chance to claim the task and reap the bountiful rewards Grimm had promised.

However...

As time stretched on, their anticipation turned into bewilderment. Confused gazes shifted toward the receptionist's desk, seeking answers as the expected job failed to materialize.

"Excuse me, Katrina, where is the job the soldier mentioned? We're all eager to undertake it," one of the mercenaries spoke up, his impatience mounting. In a display of frustration, his hand collided with the table before Katrina, demanding attention.

"Hey!"

...

Deep within Katrina's mind, a spark of recognition flickered to life upon receiving the soldier's detailed description of the job. She sensed an unsettling familiarity with the person he described, a hunch that proved true as he mentioned the man's visit to the guild the previous night, accompanied by a servant.

Her instincts urged her to speak up, to share her knowledge, but the soldier's subsequent words compelled her to maintain her silence. The realization dawned upon her that this individual held a connection to Master Grimm.

Katrina's thoughts raced, contemplating the dangerous implications that this revelation presented. Since Grimm's arrival, the Guild Master's suspicion of him had only grown, leading to Katrina's assigned task of investigating his background and activities. Yet, her efforts had yielded little, as Grimm's impeccable facade left her

with lingering doubts.

Three years prior, the Guild Master had dispatched her to the villages surrounding the treacherous beast territory, with hopes of unearthing information about Grimm, who was rumored to have been trapped within. Though reluctantly, Katrina embarked on the mission, only to discover that no soul had escaped the territory's clutches in the past decade.

When she relayed her findings to the Guild Master, he recruited her as a covert operative, joining the ranks of other witches and wizards, including Leona, entrusted with the duty of vigilantly observing Grimm's every move.