Chapter 71

"Eh, a house?"

The sudden word made me flinch.

A house? Well, I did want one, and I had been looking for one, and I remember telling Lucy about it.

"Yeah, that's right. Don't you want it?"

"Wait a minute. The conversation is jumping too much; I'm confused."

Look, even Ibroi is making a 'What?' face. How did it come to this, where a house is offered as a reward?

The information that came out was too sudden and limited. It would be strange to immediately say, "Yes, I'll take it," when asked if I want a house.

"That's what I mean..."

My confusion seemed unexpected, and Lucy let out a slightly dejected tone.

The offer itself is appreciated, but why did she think it would go through with just those words?

"Oh, that's right,"

Then, Ibroi muttered as if remembering something.

"Lucy, you had a house before you bought this one, right?"

"Yes, that's right."

It seems Ibroi has a place in mind for the house Lucy is offering.

However, I've thought from the first meeting that Lucy and Ibroi have a long-standing relationship. I don't know when she bought this house, but the fact that she knows about her previous house suggests they aren't just acquaintances.

From Ibroi's tone, it seems Lucy owns another house before this one. And she is offering it to me as a reward.

Eh, is that okay? Besides, a house isn't something you can just hand over like that, right?

"Ah, it's a generous offer, but... is it okay to give it to me?"

"It's fine, it's fine. I clean it regularly, but no one lives there. It's actually convenient for me too."

I asked just to be sure, but it seems the house is owned by Lucy, but no one is living in it.

I thought about putting it up for sale, but there must be some reason behind it.

"You're still staying at an inn, right? I think it would be perfect for you."

"Well, that's true, but..."

If this offer came from a stranger, I would definitely suspect some ulterior motive. Because it's from Lucy, I'm barely avoiding that suspicion, but it's still suspicious.

"For me, it would be more convenient. You see, it's a problem if the place to send my thanks is an inn."

"Ah..."

Ibroi agreed with Lucy's suggestion.

Objectively speaking, it's not good for a middle-aged man to be living in an inn without a fixed address.

I'm not the type to care too much about appearances, but I do have a position as a special instructor in the Knights' Order. I want to maintain a certain level of respectability, which is why I've been looking for a house when I have the chance.

But, the conversation is just too abrupt.

I know Lucy isn't trying to trick or trap me, but offering a house as a reward for a little help is just shocking.

"Well, I'll think about it positively..."

"Really? I thought you'd decide immediately."

Who would decide immediately? I'd like to see the face of someone who would.

"Anyway, the important thing is the Bishop Levious."

I tried to steer the conversation back on track.

Honestly, I'm not that fixated on the reward. I understand that I should receive something appropriate for accepting the request, but I don't need an excessive reward.

Such things often lead to troublesome situations or the next request, which is often not worth it.

I'm not saying it always happens, but I still can't help but be cautious. It's just my nature, regardless of the person.

"Right, as someone in the Sphen Church, it's a bit frustrating... but the Bishop's position will likely be revoked."

"So, Ibroi will take the vacant seat?"

"Haha, you're jumping the gun, Beryl."

Ibroi laughed, but his true intentions were unclear.

It's unlikely that all of this is part of his grand plan. That would be too elaborate and sloppy.

Still, I can't help but think he's a tricky guy. He's a deeply mysterious man.

"Also, there were several people who seemed to be knights guarding Bishop Levious. They were wielding estocs..."

I also mentioned that there were others present besides the Bishop.

Alyssia said they were from the Church Knights, but I wasn't sure if that was correct.

"That's... almost certainly the Church Knights of the Sphen Church. I see..."

It seems Ibroi also believes they are from the Church Knights.

After hearing my report, Ibroi took on a thoughtful expression.

"Well, there's not much we can do about what happens next. Let's celebrate the success of the request for now."

However, after a moment, Ibroi's expression softened.

Yeah, he's right. Even if there's some kind of conspiracy, it's impossible for the three of us to predict it here and now.

Bishop Levious will likely loudly proclaim the importance or significance of miracles during his interrogation. I don't know what specific laws he violated or what punishment he will receive, but it's unlikely he'll be acquitted.

At the very least, he is guilty of colluding with thieves to kidnap innocent people.

What happens next is unknown. It's a matter for the gods to decide.

"You did a great job, really. Good work."

"Hehe, thank you."

Lucy patted my shoulder and said a few words.

The image of a middle-aged man being comforted by a girl who looks like a child is pretty awkward.

"Shall we go see the house you plan to give me?"

"Eh, that's the flow?"

Why does it always end up like this?

I can feel a strong will from Lucy to make sure I get a house.

"Just take it. Beryl, it's a problem to keep living in an inn, right?"

"Well, that's true, but..."

I was hesitant, but Ibroi also started pushing for it. Now it's two against one. I don't intend to strongly oppose it, but...

Hmm, getting a house is an unexpected but welcome offer. There's no need to decide immediately. It would be wise to see the location and the inside before making a decision. I'm getting confused.

"You can decide after seeing it. It's not mandatory, you know."

"Hmm... Okay, I'll do that."

"Good, good, let's go then."

When I gave a positive response, Lucy's expression brightened even more, and she got up from her chair.

I really think Lucy is quick to act. She seems to make decisions and act on them immediately.

"I'll head back too. The church will be busy for a while."

"Right, you should do your best there too."

Indeed, with the Bishop's arrest, the church will be in turmoil. How they handle the situation will depend on Ibroi's skills.

"Oh, are you all going out?"

"Yep, just for a bit."

As we all left the reception room, we were greeted by Harui.

Well, we just decided to go see the house a moment ago, so it's no wonder Harui is surprised.

"We're going to see the other house."

"Oh, I see... Hehe, I understand."

Lucy briefly explained the reason for the outing, and Harui smiled.

She seems to match Lucy's personality well, and she has a seasoned air about her. She's a capable woman in her own right, different from Alyssia.

"Have a good day."

We received Harui's words and bow, and left Lucy's house.

Well, I'm still a bit confused, but since the conversation has progressed this far, there's no point in hesitating. I'll switch gears and go see the house.