Chapter 79

When Lotti informed me that Sherry was about to wake up, I entered the tent, a bit nervous.

"…Dick, good morning."

"Good morning. How are you feeling? I know it's a bit much to ask right after you've woken up."

"I'm fine… I'm feeling better. I'm sorry for worrying you."

Sherry, who is said to now host the power of the 'Snake's' spirit, doesn't seem to be under any control.

If I were to pay the price in blood, I could borrow the 'Snake's' power—does that mean the snake desires sacrifices? Or perhaps the snake is a spirit-like being that lends its power to those with a contract, but has a different will of its own?

Should I tell Sherry? Or should I not upset her until a way to free her from the spirit is found?

I'm conflicted, but I decided to let the two sisters know. If Sherry were to be controlled by the spirit, knowing the cause of the change would make a big difference.

"Sherry, please listen calmly. I know it's hard to recall, but do you remember being injured by Clive's attack?"

"…I lost consciousness after that. But Clive is gone… so I'm not afraid. Thank you, Dick."

Sherry looked at me calmly, having heard about Clive from Lotti.

"…I will question the Prime Minister and the Duke later. It's unacceptable for enemies to infiltrate our ranks."

"I think it was a misunderstanding. Clive Garland was supposed to be in prison… He could have escaped if he wanted to, but that would have caused a commotion."

In other words, Clive was secretly pardoned and released. The number of people with the authority to do so and who were involved in the 'Snake' extermination operation is limited.

"Don't dwell on it too much, Dick. This is a problem for everyone in the capital. The entire guild will cooperate to support you and your team. I think that's the most ideal situation."

"…Right. Sherry, you'll still be part of the dungeon exploration, right?"

"Adventurers sometimes risk their lives on dangerous missions. I'm not so fragile that I would give up after one close call. Lotti is here too."

"Lady… Lotti…"

Sherry slowly sat up and hugged Lotti, who had tears in her eyes and a choked voice. Lotti's shoulders shook as she cried, comforted by Sherry's gentle pat on her back.

"…Sherry, please take care of yourself. The healing of your wounds was probably due to the power of that altar."

"…Dick, what do you mean…?"

"That altar was meant to pacify the 'Snake's' spirit. When you fell on the magic circle inscribed on the altar, it probably… But for now, it doesn't seem to be a problem. I think the 'Snake' is an enemy, but not just an enemy."

As Lotti gently pulled away, Sherry placed her hand on her chest, where the snake pattern had appeared.

And with her eyes downcast, she spoke, as if confessing her sins.

"…At that time, I hated Clive from the bottom of my heart. It might have been me who turned him into a monster. I actually hate men as much as Lotti does. I don't want to be hurt by people who see us as nothing more than objects to satisfy their desires