Chapter 38

"Did she, the holy maiden Matia, really come to an understanding in that exchange?"

Inside the carriage, the sound of hooves striking the ground and the creaking of the wheels echoed. Amidst the silence where everyone swayed with the motion, it was Helt Stanley who finally spoke.

"There's no way she did. For her to be convinced, she would have to be someone who only knows how to trust people, a true holy maiden."

He stroked his neck, wondering if that woman seemed like the type.

I really don't want to be Helt's conversation partner. Neither Fiarrat La Borgograd, who had yet to regain consciousness, nor Celia, who had her eyes closed beside him, could respond. Reluctantly, he opened his mouth and forced out the words with a heavy heart.

"But she did let us go. Perhaps it was her pride or honor, or maybe she really did show us respect."

Even as he said this, he was inwardly rejecting the words.

There's no way. No, that's not it. It's impossible. That woman, Matia, is not that kind of person. Even though we only exchanged words a few times, I understood that well.

That woman can justify herself for any purpose. Even if it means tarnishing the doctrines, she can affirm it as a necessary sacrifice. She is exceptionally skilled at such actions. One could say she is specialized in a certain kind of calculation. If she thought it necessary to kill us, she would have cut off our heads, no matter how much it would have violated the doctrines.

So, the fact that our heads are still attached means that her calculations aligned with it. Otherwise, we would all have been lying on the ground, turned to ashes.

He wore only a light undershirt on his upper body and clenched his teeth.

Yes, we were spared. But in exchange, an incredible amount of trouble has fallen on my shoulders. The light undershirt felt like a suit of iron armor. What a woman, that Matia. What a terrible woman.

The last words she whispered still clung to his ears, refusing to leave.

"Then, let's decide who will be our messenger. Ralghd An, she would be the most suitable, wouldn't she?"

She whispered this to him alone, placing her hand on his shoulder.

From the outside, it looked like a friendly farewell between a man and a woman. But in reality, it was like being cursed by a witch. The words and the touch of her fingers felt strangely cold.

I'm in trouble. Deeply in trouble. I thought I could handle it with a silver tongue, but it's a complete failure. It was a mistake to underestimate the holy maiden from the walled garden. I haven't even decided how to separate Fiarrat from Helt, and now I'm burdened with all sorts of troubles.

"Anyway, let's go back to the city first. How is our employer doing?"

He shrugged his shoulders and, lying on the swaying floor, he threw the words out lightly. Helt, still lying down, readjusted the blanket over Fiarrat and narrowed his eyes as he spoke.

"Given that she has exhausted her magic from the roots, both her mental and physical strength must be drained. She will need a period of rest, away from magic."

Then, he sighed and said, "Tell her that the mission is on hold, will you?"

The down payment can't be returned now, but I can't accept the reward for such a messy job. This also includes my pride and calculations as an adventurer.

Helt nodded lightly, seemingly surprised but interested, and murmured, "I'll let her know."

*

Ralghd An.

The guide introduced to us by Nines in the city-state of Galuamaria. A girl who looks younger than Celia and me. Her expressions and mannerisms are very childlike, but her talent is undeniably real. Especially her negotiation skills with people are beyond doubt.

What's terrifying is that she is an old believer, a member of the Emblem Church. Of course, I had expected this from Nines' introduction, but there's a big difference between expecting it and actually hearing it.

She appeared at the designated meeting place in the slums, still carrying a large barrel, with a light step.

"I've heard the story, hero. Or should I call you, hero, Lord Ruis?"

She let out a tinkling laugh and corrected herself, saying, "Excuse me."

They walked through a corner of the slums, exchanging casual conversation. They were still probing each other's hearts and intentions. Everything would be decided afterward.

"I told you, I'm not that kind of person. Heroes and champions are for those who like the burden. I just want the fame and money I need."

In other words, enough success as an adventurer to go and meet Arieu, and the money to measure that success.

If asked if I have no admiration for the titles of hero and champion, I would be at a loss for words. But, well, I now understand what happens when a commoner like me reaches for that horizon.

Look at the mission. One misstep and it's death. No, I was already dead. I was saved by a talented person, a true hero and champion.

It's completely beyond me. Perhaps it's beyond my nature to be saved.

"Well... Lord Ruis. How much do you know about our purpose, and how much can you help us?"

Her words were carefully and deliberately spoken, more polite than her usual tone. It wasn't a friendly conversation but rather like throwing words into the air. Her eyes and movements were different from before.

Ah, I see. This is her true face, Ralghd An's true face.

"It seems my name was used in the conversation with the holy maiden. But as Nines told me, I have no deep connection with the Emblem Church."

She added, "Of course, I don't mind if my name is used, for any price," and smiled broadly. Her words implied, "If it benefits us," even if it was to set a trap during the negotiation with the holy maiden.

Despite the broad smile, it felt like a heavy pressure on his chest, as if he were being suppressed.

"I don't know everything, but I've heard enough."

"Enough to know," Ralghd An repeated, nodding dramatically and speaking in a low voice so as not to be heard by others.

"That you're trying to bring down Maria, a woman who has never given herself to anyone, at least that much."

As soon as she finished speaking, Ralghd An's demeanor changed. Her smile took on a strange, eerie quality, and her eyes flickered. She nodded slightly and carefully chose her words.

"Indeed, you are a hero, Lord Ruis. So, you have two choices. To rise by using the opportunity, or to"

—become the nourishment for someone else.

In the dim light of the slums, Ralghd An's unusually bright tone of voice seemed to blend into the surroundings.