Chapter 26

"You're just like the sky during the rainy season."

It was a poetic remark that seemed out of place with Karia's demeanor.

While moistening her lips with ale, she grimaced. The Garganty Merchant Guild's tavern, like its exterior, was splendid. It had ample space, and there were no traces of vomit from rowdy patrons or scattered trash. It was a clean, comfortable place to enjoy a drink and gather the energy for the next job. It was a first-class establishment, with no room for complaint, as a guild tavern.

At the very least, compared to the taverns I used to frequent, it should be of a higher caliber in both ambiance and the taste of the drinks. It seems that a knight's palate is far more luxurious than that of a commoner.

"You could call him a powder keg that dances over the flames. It's unpredictable what he might do and when. But it's certain that he will do something, somewhere, at some time. Watching him is nerve-wracking. Even the beasts in the Colosseum are more docile."

When I retorted, "Not as much as you charging a large magical beast alone," Karia shrugged mockingly, as if to say, "You don't understand anything, fool."

Karia's gaze turned to Largud An beside her.

"What do you think, An? Since we've only just met, your evaluation would be the most neutral, wouldn't it?"

Largud An, who was sitting on a large barrel and sipping water, paused for a moment as if in thought, then spoke.

"Yes, indeed. I surmise that the heroes of legend possess a sense of value and drive that common people cannot understand."

His words were somewhat vague, but when combined with his previous statements, they indirectly pointed out that my actions were rash. Karia seemed to understand this and turned her gaze back to me triumphantly.

Indeed, I admit it. I was wrong. From an outsider's perspective, such an impression would be formed. Especially regarding my approach to Fialart La Borgograd, which was driven by an impulse I couldn't clearly grasp, making it even more problematic.

"But will he come? Lord Borgograd, I don't think he would easily fall for sweet talk or get involved in get-rich-quick schemes."

Indeed, it seemed that Largud An was capable.

From just that scene, he had likely gauged Fialart La Borgograd's sharpness and depth of thought. He might be skilled at deducing people's characteristics.

In fact, Largud An possessed the abilities that made him capable. Perhaps with the help of Nines' introduction and name, he had the rhetorical skills, persuasiveness, and negotiation abilities to immediately register Karia and me with the guild. His interpersonal skills were not just in name.

However, this made me feel even more uneasy, as I, who possessed no great power, felt increasingly out of place. I felt a sense of gloom deep in my heart.

"He will come."

Karia nodded as if it were a given, despite finding the ale distasteful, and continued to pour it into her stomach.

"He will definitely come. You seem to have a good eye for people, but you don't understand women's hearts."

Largud An's eyes widened.

To be honest, in my mind, Largud An was undoubtedly a woman. Karia couldn't be categorized as a man, but I was very hesitant to easily categorize her as a woman. It was unexpected to hear Karia talk about women's hearts.

"From just one glance, he doesn't seem like someone who would fall for sweet talk. But I don't think he's the type to miss an opportunity—want to bet on it?"

The girl on the barrel was impressed, but I wanted to know how this related to women's hearts.

I ordered a glass of wine as if to take the bet. At that moment, I noticed Karia's gaze turn towards me.

Her silver eyes were filled with a strangely alluring heat, yet they also had a sharpness that could pierce through my body. I didn't understand the meaning, but her gaze definitely held some intention.

My stomach twisted in pain. No matter how it turned out, her gaze didn't bode well. My experience told me as much.

—Clang, Clang

The bell on the door rang, announcing a visitor. Some looked with interest, while others continued their drinking and conversation without a care.

Karia, on the other hand, took a sip of the newly arrived wine, as if to say, "I win."

*

"I will confirm the details of the request and the conditions."

Fialart La Borgograd's clear voice echoed through the tavern, different from Karia's. It was a strangely lingering voice.

We were three: me, Karia, and Largud An. On the other side were Fialart and the future savior, Hert Stanley. In total, five people were gathered around the table.

I tried to remain calm, suppressing the excitement in my heart, and opened my lips to encourage her.

"First, the request is to escort and assist in the exploration of the ruins of an old church, the Emblem Church, located on a cape."

The Emblem Church. I think the correct name is the Idol Worship Church, but it is now commonly known as the Emblem Church, and often referred to as the Old Church or, in some cases, the Heretical Church.

Most of the Emblem Church's temples have been dismantled or abandoned and lost. Of course, there are still some who continue to worship in small, scattered communities, but large-scale temples no longer exist in this region where the Grand Church is the dominant religion.

Even the ruins of temples are either repurposed as Grand Church temples or left to decay, possibly becoming the homes of wild animals or magical beasts. It seems this request falls into the latter category.

"Second, if any lost items are found, they must be reported to me without fail. Of course, depending on the item, additional rewards will not be withheld."

She placed a bag of coins on the table as if to display it.

It was unusual and even strange for Fialart, who disliked extravagance and wasteful spending, to flaunt her wealth so openly. Her actions seemed almost anxious.

Of course, I didn't know her at this time, so it's possible that this was how she was back then.

"I don't mind. So, let's hear your conditions."

When Fialart closed her lips, her eyes tightened. She seemed to be the type whose emotions and intentions were easily revealed through her expressions and movements.

She raised a finger and opened her mouth.

"First, in addition to the reward, I would like an advance payment. Preparations are necessary to complete the request, right?"

Fialart's chin pulled back slightly.

Beside her, Hert Stanley, who was listening to the conditions, narrowed his eyes.

In truth, I needed money now. One of my knives was broken, and I didn't have enough money to stay at an inn. To settle into life here, I needed a sure source of income.

"And second."

She raised a second finger. Fialart's face darkened. She understood the condition I had mentioned earlier, but it seemed she hadn't fully processed it.

She gently stroked her arm, as if encouraging me to continue.

"Fialart La Borgograd, you are a magician, are you not? If so, I would like you to swear an oath—swear that you will never harm me."

Her throat swallowed, and a frown appeared between her eyebrows. She bit her pale lips slightly and slowly, but surely, nodded. At that moment,

"Wait a moment. I don't know the usual practices for requests, but isn't an oath too heavy a condition? It's not balanced."

Hert Stanley's words cut in.

Ah, I knew. I was well aware that you would object.

His eyes showed strong will and a slight hint of hostility towards me. Ah, it feels good. The hostility from an enemy is so pleasant, and I only now understand how pleasant it can be.