Chapter 17

After inquiring at a nearby house with the lights on, Flamm asked for help from a woman in her thirties who came out. She honestly told her about Stued's murder and that she had already killed the culprit, who was an adventurer, and asked her to call the vigilante group. The woman, looking very flustered, accompanied Flamm to the homes of the vigilante group members, where Flamm repeated the same explanation. They were skeptical until they actually saw the scene, but when they saw Stued's dead body in the ransacked bedroom, they could no longer disbelieve it. Of course, at first, the most suspicious person was Flamm, who was the one who reported it. However, when Milkit, who had been assaulted, appeared, clutching her torn clothes and covering her chest, the atmosphere changed completely. Flamm felt bad about using Milkit, who had been a victim, but it was a small consolation that Milkit herself didn't seem to mind at all. When the stolen valuables were found on the bodies of the men who had been cut in half, all doubts were cleared. Their bodies were placed in burlap sacks and dumped in the forest. There was no way to judge the dead, but by treating their remains carelessly, the townspeople seemed to vent their anger.

Sera was depressed all day. But the next morning, when she was entrusted with Stued's funeral, she carried out her duties very calmly. Once she took on the responsibility, she focused on the job. That's why she was able to do it.

Honestly, Flamm was unsure until the last moment whether she should attend the funeral. Everyone mourned his death with tears, but Flamm was relieved that Milkit was safe.

"Cold-hearted, I am."

During the funeral, Flamm muttered to herself, inaudible to anyone. It was self-loathing. Seeing her master, Milkit, who was sitting next to her, pinched the hem of her dress. Perhaps she was trying to comfort her. Flamm, noticing this, relaxed her expression and leaned in slightly to whisper,

"Thank you."

Then, she intertwined her fingertips with Milkit's. It was too conspicuous to hold hands during the funeral, but even just that much, she could feel the warmth. Milkit, feeling the gentle touch, smiled naturally.

◇◇◇

The day after the funeral, as planned, the carriage returned to Enichide in the afternoon. Flamm and the others loaded their luggage onto the carriage and said goodbye to the townspeople. Sera, who had been given a bag of gold as a thank you for the funeral, seemed reluctant to accept it. She probably felt some guilt for being somewhat responsible for the incident. They had attracted Dain's henchmen, and taking the money would make it seem like a setup.

They had already told the townspeople the day before that the culprit was a notorious adventurer's henchman and that he had come to the town to chase Flamm. Despite this, the townspeople did not blame them. They were even grateful for the punishment of the culprit and genuinely worried about Milkit, who had been attacked. They were undoubtedly kind people.

The three of them, grateful for the warmth of these people, got on the carriage and left the town. Sera, squinting her eyes, watched the town's scenery recede with a vacant expression.

◇◇◇

A few hours after the carriage started moving, there was no conversation among Flamm, Milkit, and Sera. Sera, in particular, seemed to have something on her mind and was deep in thought, not in the mood for communication. Flamm, seeing her, couldn't feel cheerful either. Milkit, as usual, was quiet, perhaps to match her master's mood.

Passing through the dry plains, they reached the grasslands. A refreshing breeze caressed their cheeks. Sera, lifting her golden hair with her hand, said while gazing at the flowing emerald waves,

"...Sis, I've been thinking."

"I still don't understand. What to believe and what to doubt. I'm not very good at it, so when I believe, I want to believe everything, and when I doubt, I end up doubting everything."

Sera is only ten years old. The selection of good and evil, the choice between right and wrong. Because of her youth, she can't switch between them on a case-by-case basis.

"I think it's okay, though."

Flamm said, with a self-deprecating smile, knowing she wasn't in a position to say such things.

"But... because of me, you went through all that..."

"That much... I don't like saying it because it feels like my senses are numb, but I basically did it to myself, and since I'm still alive, I don't worry too much about it."

Flamm laughed heartily. She said it lightly to make Sera feel better. In reality, it had been quite painful to have a knife stuck in her neck, and the area still itched when she thought about it. Still, she didn't want to blame Sera.

"Besides, I think young people should be allowed to be confused."

At this old-fashioned statement, Sera burst out laughing.

"What's that? You and I are only six years apart, you know?"

"At this age, six years is a big difference. Just listen to your older sister."

"Mmm, I don't feel good about it."

Sera, pouting, but the shadow on her face had lightened considerably. She felt guilty for causing Flamm to be hurt, but thanks to Flamm's words and smile, that guilt had disappeared. There are endless worries, but there's no need to be pessimistic, because there's still plenty of time before she grows up.

When Sera finally regained her usual brightness, the atmosphere in the carriage improved dramatically. The conversation flowed, and with the distance they had closed since the trip, they chatted about trivial matters. When they got hungry, they enjoyed a meal made by Milkit with ingredients bought in Enichide. Then, the satisfied Sera and Milkit leaned on Flamm's thigh and shoulder, respectively, and fell asleep. Flamm, who had been used as a pillow, watched over the two with a smile. It was heavy, but not unbearable. The carriage's sway was even comfortable. Eventually, the warm drowsiness induced by the close contact enveloped Flamm, and she too swayed gently, nodding off. When everyone was asleep, the only sounds in the carriage were the hooves of the horses, the wheels, and the faint snores.

◇◇◇

When they arrived at the capital, the carriage took them to the eastern district where Rech's mansion was located. However, it seemed that Sera would part ways with them here.

"If I go, Mr. Rech will probably try to give me a reward."

She couldn't accept it due to her position, but she couldn't bear to refuse it.

"I belong to the church in the central district, so if you, Flamm sis, and Milkit sis need anything from me, please come there. I haven't forgotten about the promise to treat you to a meal. I'm looking forward to it!"

Saying this, she waved energetically and headed back to the church. Flamm and Milkit continued to wave until she was out of sight. When the farewell was over, Flamm tilted her head to the side.

"Master, what's wrong?"

"It's in the central district, huh? I thought she lived in a nearby church because we met in the western district."

But thinking about it, it was unlikely that such a talented girl would live in a small church in the western district, which had poor security and low faith among the residents. The cathedral in the northern district, which also served as the headquarters, would want to raise her in a good environment.

"Well, it doesn't matter. Mr. Rech is probably waiting, so let's go deliver the Kiaralli."

"Okay, let's do that."

Rech, like anyone, would have business in the western district from time to time. Flamm, not thinking too much about it, approached a mansion that was quite large even among the high-end residences in the eastern district. A passing nobleman, seeing the scratches on her cheek and the bandages on Milkit, frowned and whispered to his servant. To the people of the eastern district, where the security was good, even a lone slave walking around was a cause for concern. But it didn't matter; it was a common occurrence. Standing in front of the gate of the mansion, a guard asked Flamm,

"Is there something you need?"

Unlike the nobleman, he was polite and didn't make a face at the sight of the two of them.

"I'm Flamm, and I was asked by Mr. Rech to complete a certain request. Can you announce us?"

"Yes, you must be Flamm. My master has told me about you. Please come in."

He opened the gate and led them into the grounds. Rech's mansion had a large garden, and the entrance was visible but still a bit of a distance away. Walking straight ahead and standing in front of the double doors, Flamm found a spherical magic-powered switch embedded in the wall. When she touched the crystal and channeled a small amount of magic, a bell rang inside.

"What kind of mechanism does that switch use?"

"I think it's a combination of minerals that react to magic and stick or separate."

"I see, Master is very knowledgeable."

"I went to school in my hometown, but it's not a big deal."

"No, Master is amazing."

Milkit's trust in Flamm seemed to be growing steadily. Flushing at the praise for such trivial knowledge, Flamm scratched her cheek. It was just general common knowledge. But for Milkit, who had not received an education, it was new and intellectually stimulating content. Moreover, she had never even thought to ask such questions before, as her previous masters had never answered them, and she had given up. It was a sign that she was gradually regaining a human-like heart. Watching Milkit observe the crystal with interest, Flamm felt warm inside when the door to the mansion opened. The elderly butler, seeing the two of them, bowed politely and said, "We have been waiting for you." He then led them to the guest room.

This was their second time entering the mansion, but it was still as large and luxurious as before. The first thing that caught the eye after entering the entrance was the spacious atrium. The very existence of an atrium in a private residence made it clear that Rech was from a different world. A chandelier hung from the ceiling, and just looking at it made Flamm sigh. The carpet on the floor was so vividly patterned that it felt wrong to step on it with dirty shoes, and the texture was also good. The paintings on the walls were all high-quality, and the vases and pots in the corners were probably worth as much as a house. Led by the butler, they climbed the stairs. The wooden handrail was so well-polished that it reflected their faces. They didn't want to touch it and leave fingerprints, so they couldn't. The handrail's end was intricately carved, and even the small details exuded elegance. Milkit, interested in the carvings, tried to observe them by turning around.

On the second floor, the guest room was just down the hall. When Flamm sat in a chair with a handrail, she was surprised by the softness, exclaiming, "Oh!" This was the second time, but she couldn't help it. Milkit stood behind her, but Flamm made her sit, saying, "It's an order." Milkit looked apologetic, but Flamm smiled wryly, hoping she would eventually sit without being told.

While enjoying the deliciously fragrant herbal tea and pastries with fruit, they waited for Rech. He arrived about ten minutes later, his forehead sweating, indicating he had been busy until just before. However, he had prioritized the herb to cure his wife's illness over any other work.

"I'm sorry to have kept you waiting, Flamm, Milkit. Oh, where is Sera?"

"She said she had something to do and went back to the church first."

"I see, that's a shame. I'll have to go and thank her properly next time."

Saying this, he wiped his forehead with a handkerchief from his pocket and sat in the chair opposite them. Then, he asked Flamm, unable to contain his impatience,

"So, where is the Kiaralli?"

Flamm took a small bag from the larger one on the floor and handed it to Rech. He immediately checked the contents and broke into a broad smile.

"Oh, this is it...!"

He was so happy that tears welled up in the corners of his eyes. Overwhelmed with emotion, he paused, staring at the bag. When his heart finally calmed down, he looked at Flamm and, bowing deeply with his forehead touching the table, said,

"Thank you! With this, I can finally save my wife...! I can't express how grateful I am!"

Flamm was taken aback by his overwhelming gratitude.

"Please, Mr. Rech, raise your head. We just completed the request we were asked to do."

"But still! I've been searching for this herb for so long, and to find it through such a chance encounter is truly a miracle! It's the work of the gods!"

Having seen the monster created by the church, Flamm felt a complex emotion at the mention of the "work of the gods." Rech probably meant no harm and didn't intend to involve them, so she didn't plan to tell him about what happened there.

"As for the reward, please tell me what you want, Flamm. I'll give you anything that's possible."

"Hmm... I don't know what to say... Milkit, is there anything you want?"

"I don't know what to say either."

"That's true. Is it okay to just take money?"

"That's fine too. I'll pay whatever you want."

The fact that he would give her anything made Flamm a bit nervous. Perhaps it was better to just say what she wanted. Concluding this, she suggested something they needed at the moment.

"Right! I want to rent a room as a base for our activities in the western district. Do you know of any good places?"

"In the western district?"

Why such a dangerous place? Rech probably thought. With his help, they could probably find a room in the central district, or even the eastern district. But—Flamm had no intention of running away. She was determined to make Dain pay, and this was a manifestation of that resolve. Rech, realizing the firmness of her resolve, clapped his hands.

"Then, I have just the place for you!"

◇◇◇

"...Is this it?"

"...This is it."

Flamm and Milkit stood in front of the location listed on the documents they had been given, stunned.

"I thought it would be just a room somewhere."

"Me too."

"I didn't expect... all of this..."

"From the documents, it seems that's the case."

They were confused. They had asked for a good place, and this was indeed a good location in the western district, close to the central district and relatively safe. But they hadn't expected—

"No, this is a whole house!?"

A two-story wooden house, and from the documents, it seemed they were getting the land as well. According to Rech,

"I had this property left over from when I was flipping land, so please use it."

Moreover, "This alone is too cheap as a reward," and Flamm had also been given a bag of gold coins. Additionally, "At least for Sera," he had given them a high-quality enchanted ring. Flamm felt like returning her share, but it was too late. It showed how deeply he was grateful.

"I think it's good. Master has been hurt, suffered, and worked hard. Think of it as a reward."

"I did work hard, but to this extent?"

"I think it's to this extent."

"...I see."

The reward is not for the person who accepts the request to decide. If Rech was satisfied with it, it was the adventurer's duty to accept it with gratitude.

"Let's go inside, then."

"Okay!"

They opened the front door and entered the house. Expecting it to be covered in dust and cobwebs from disuse—

"It's surprisingly clean."

"Yes, it looks like someone has been using it."

Indeed, the house was unexpectedly clean. There were basic furnishings like tables, shelves, and beds, and it seemed they could move in immediately. The two of them explored the first floor, excited about their new home. Then, they heard a creaking sound from upstairs. Flamm initially thought it might be a small animal, but the footsteps were too heavy. Even if the front door was locked, it was possible that someone had broken in and was living there. Flamm, holding Milkit's hand, who looked anxious, took the lead and cautiously climbed the stairs. The second floor was also clean, and it didn't seem to have been abandoned.

"Someone is living here..."

"Without permission?"

"It's the western district, so