Chapter 58

After finishing the meal, I watched Ren absentmindedly as he cleaned up.

"Still, Ren really knows the forest well, doesn't he?"

"To be able to gather so many wild herbs and mushrooms, it's not normal."

"How long has he been cooped up in the forest?"

"It's not just that he knows it well. After all, Ren lived in the forest since he was a child."

"In the forest? Why?"

After thinking for a moment, Galilea answered my question.

"Well, I guess it's fine to tell Lloyd-sama. We 'Cursed Ones' are hated in the city, and everyone here has been treated terribly. But the persecution of Ren was incomparable to ours. It seems that within a few years of being born, his parents died from the poison he emitted, and he kept moving from relative to relative. Hated wherever he went, Ren eventually lost his place and left home. He entered the forest as if fleeing and has been living there ever since."

Grimo nodded at Galilea's words.

"Indeed, someone who spreads poison around would be a nuisance in the city. I can understand the townspeople's feelings."

People tend to dislike those who are different.

Even in my previous life, when I was researching magic, I was often looked at with disdain.

"Then Jade appeared. Jade taught Ren many things. How to survive as a 'Cursed One,' how to control his abilities, and even created clothes with magic barriers to deal with the poison that still leaked. Thanks to that, Ren regained his brightness. That's why Ren looks up to Jade like a real brother."

Galilea spoke in a solemn tone.

...I see, so that's what happened.

No wonder Ren often spoke of his trust in Jade.

"Jade himself is a 'Cursed One.' Even though he was born into a noble family, he must have been treated terribly. He always said that he would create a city where we wouldn't be discriminated against, no matter what it took. Despite everything, we followed such a Jade. I don't want to think that he betrayed us."

Galilea looked straight ahead.

I see, so they came this far, despite the possibility of a trap, because they trusted Jade.

Ren and the others must feel the same way.

I want to help them too. ...If a city where people with such abilities can live comfortably is created, there will be more research subjects.

"Lloyd-sama, why are you grinning?"

"Huh? Was I making that face?"

Strange. I thought I had a serious expression.

Grimo looked puzzled and fell silent as he looked at my tightly pursed lips.

***

The next day, we didn't use the energy-draining 'Flight' and walked to the Lord Roadst's manor.

It took longer, but we arrived just before evening, which was a good time.

Lord Roadst's manor was on a hill away from the city, surrounded by walls and a river, a truly formidable fortress.

It's no wonder, given that the lord is a war enthusiast. It has never fallen, even after several skirmishes with other countries.

"Still... it seems quite noisy."

As we approached while hiding, the manor was brightly lit, and the presence of many people could be felt even from a distance.

"Surely they are preparing to welcome us!"

"I hope so... but there's no point in just standing here."

Galilea said this, leaned forward, and started walking towards the entrance.

"I'll go in first. If anything happens, run immediately."

With that, Galilea's presence faded.

Wow, it's the same feeling as when Ren infiltrated the castle.

Now that I'm watching closely, I can see that he is completely shutting off the magic that usually leaks from his body.

Hmm, this is a new technique. It's not something a magician who always considers how much magic to use would think of.

Ordinary people unconsciously emit magic, and experts can trace this faint presence.

In other words, if the leaking magic is cut off, even experts won't detect the presence. I should try it sometime.

While thinking about this, Galilea extended a spider thread from his hand, attached it to the wall, and climbed up, pulling himself along.

He moved nimbly, like a spider, leaping from ceiling to ceiling.

In no time, he reached the manor and peered through a window.

After observing for a while, he returned.

"They were preparing for a banquet normally. There are soldiers, but they are minimally armed. It seems we are really being welcomed."

"Hmm... we have no choice but to go in."

There was no option to turn back after coming this far.

We headed straight for the gate.

The soldiers there greeted us with friendly faces.

"Welcome. You must be Lord Jade's kin. Please come in. The banquet is ready."

"Thank you."

To our surprise, we were let in easily.

Inside, many soldiers were chatting amicably.

The tables were laden with luxurious dishes and wine.

"My lord says to help yourselves while waiting."

"Wow! This is amazing! What a feast!"

"There are wines I've never seen before!"

"Can we eat anything? Haha, this is quite a spread. Impressive."

"...It looks delicious."

Encouraged by the soldiers, Galilea and the others started eating.

They must have been very hungry. They were eating with great enthusiasm.

"Lloyd-sama, something feels off..."

"Yeah, the atmosphere is quite interesting."

The high concentration of magic in the area.

The soldiers also emit magic that is not normal for ordinary people.

And most of all, the strange presence from the top floor.

It wouldn't be surprising if something happened.

"By the way, they are eating without checking for poison. Is that okay?"

"I checked with 'Appraisal,' and there doesn't seem to be any poison. The soldiers are eating too, so I think it's fine."

The analysis magic 'Appraisal' provides information about any object.

If there were any poisons, it would be immediately apparent.

Still, I have no appetite.

As I observed the surroundings, one of the soldiers spoke to me.

"Hey, you're not drinking?"

"Unfortunately, I'm not thirsty."

"Oh! What a waste! This is the best meal you can get around here! Ah, it's delicious, delicious!"

The soldier drank the wine greedily, red liquid dripping from the corners of his mouth.

His eyes were unfocused, and the sight of him laughing and drinking was quite eerie.

This wasn't just one soldier; the others were similar.

"Lloyd, this is scary..."

Ren moved closer to me.

He seemed to sense the strangeness.

"It's clearly dangerous. Something is happening. Why can't they see it?"

"They are intoxicated by the strange magic in the air."

The powerful magic emitted by someone.

Those without resistance can't maintain a clear consciousness.

Ren is fine because of his unique constitution that prevents all kinds of physical ailments.

The strange scene, the strange situation, and then the presence upstairs started moving.

Slowly, it descended the stairs.

With a dry sound, a figure appeared, and the noisy hall fell silent.

"Ah, welcome. My kin."

It was a young man with long black hair and pitch-black eyes.

"Jade...?"

Ren muttered.

His face, directed at someone he once trusted, was filled with confusion and fear.

Seeing Galilea and the others eating and drinking, Jade smiled.