Chapter 39

"Hero, to what extent have you conversed with the Holy Maiden?"

It seems that Ralghd An was quite fond of that title. No matter how much I protested, she merely tilted her head, looking at me with a puzzled expression, as if to ask what was wrong.

If you only saw that gesture, it was indeed that of an innocent child. It was hard to believe that this child possessed the eloquence to manipulate even the celestial beings. In a way, that very aspect might have contributed to elevating her abilities.

"The Holy Maiden—Matia is not someone to be taken lightly. Even a two-faced devil would be more charming."

Comparing the Holy Maiden, whom Ralghd An herself revered, to a devil, her nature was not something to be praised. Rather, it leaned towards being quite bad.

"Having been saved by her and even assigned a liaison like me, it's only natural to have some interest in the matter."

The way she phrased it felt more like probing than curiosity or interest. Her words seemed to be testing what kind of person I was and what skills I possessed. Perhaps to avoid arousing suspicion, her tone was slightly flattering to one's ego.

"It's not as if I'm spouting convenient words just because they came out of my mouth. There are only two things."

While crushing the chewing tobacco I bought first upon returning to the city with my teeth, I raised two fingers. Folding one down, I continued speaking.

"One is about the Holy Maiden, beloved Maria."

Beloved Maria. An impregnable presence who has yet to yield her body to anyone. In essence, the fortified city of Galuamaria. This place is something the emblem believers desire so much that they would reach out their hands for it.

Why was the Holy Maiden, also known as such, based in the ruins of a temple near this city? Why did the emblem believers once go to great lengths to capture this city?

Of course, it is also a strategic point for trade. Indeed, if you control this place during a conflict, the influence on the surrounding areas is significant. It might even be possible to create favorable conditions for the emblem believers.

But that's not it. For them, such minor strategic advantages are not what they see.

In short, their ultimate goal is the recovery of the holy land. This place, Galuamaria, is the holy land of the emblem believers. This place, where wisdom and books once gathered from the east and west, was the site of their cathedral.

The fact that the recovery of this place is their top priority suggests that the emblem believers are at the root of the Holy Maiden Matia's schemes.

The smell of the chewing tobacco, which I hadn't felt in a long time, filled my nose as I blew it into the air. It felt good. My head might not be clear, but I felt that way. I then folded the other finger.

"And the other is about you, Ralghd An. The rest is just wrapping my words in thick paper and laying them out, as if to suggest how advantageous it might be for the Holy Maiden."

Raising the corners of my mouth, I sighed, "Thanks to the Holy Maiden's perceptiveness."

In reality, the information I provided to the Holy Maiden was just a taste. I didn't give her any words that would reveal the core or any clear statements. Of course not. Karia and Helt Stanley were also there. I couldn't possibly declare my cooperation with the emblem believers openly.

After all, Helt Stanley is undoubtedly a believer of the Great Holy Church, regardless of the depth of his faith. That's a fact.

We, no, I should say, the previous us, all set out on a journey to save the world as the children of the Great Holy Church.

*

The slums are filled with a nostalgic smell. The stench of vomit, the smell of decay, and the odor of boiled dirt fill the air. Ah, how nostalgic, the smell of my hometown, the back alleys. There is no vitality around; everyone walks with their heads down, not looking up at the sky.

They only have today. The idea of tomorrow does not exist in their hearts. Seeing tomorrow is a way of life for the strong, who are guaranteed today. For us weaklings, such luxury is not allowed. When the day ends, nothing happens; we just get older.

"So, you're not just wandering around here for fun, are you?"

I asked Ralghd An, prompting her. Her steps since earlier showed no sign of hesitation. She must have taken the same route multiple times, probably to prevent me from memorizing it. Indeed, in the dim and similar-looking slums, moving around like this makes it hard to read the terrain.

Ralghd An smiled wryly, as if to say, "Of course not."

"Yes. It's quite difficult to get used to this place. I thought I might take you to meet a collaborator."

A collaborator, so that's how it is. Indeed, it seems the emblem believers are trying to involve me in their schemes. Otherwise, the Holy Maiden wouldn't have exposed her hand, Ralghd An, to monitor me.

Yes, this is surveillance. Our lives here, negotiations with the guild, and even the provision of lodging are all under Ralghd An's care. If I ignore the Holy Maiden's words and fail to establish a cooperative relationship with Ralghd An, I will eventually lose this lifeline.

At least until I can establish a connection that doesn't rely on her, I need to show some cooperation. The mystery is why they value me so much.

Ah, no, it's not me. I shook my head in denial. It's probably the group, including Karia, Fiarato, and Helt Stanley, who were there. If that's the case, it makes sense.

What's more frightening is the rogue actions of the lower-ranking emblem believers. After all, we burned part of the accumulation of knowledge they value most. They must be seething with anger.

What's holding them back is the charisma of the Holy Maiden Matia. If she were to lose control, it wouldn't just be me. Karia and Fiarato La Borgograde would also be targeted.

Yes, even Fiarato.

"…But, isn't there a way to handle this a bit more skillfully?"

I put my hand on my chin, avoiding eye contact, and subtly indicated the person behind us. Ralghd An nodded in agreement.

"I was told you were a group, so I didn't lose you, but should I separate you?"

She stopped, turned around, and I followed her gaze.

—Clank, Clank

The sound of something metallic collapsing, followed by angry shouts and a woman's incessant apologies.

If you're going to tail someone, at least have a plan for when they notice you.

I waited for a while, but nothing happened. Surely, they wouldn't stay there after such a blunder.

I twitched my cheek, a bad feeling sticking in my mind, and called out the name just in case.

"Ah… Are you practicing a comedy routine? Fiarato La Borgograde, my employer."

The sound of wooden boards creaking echoed. Ralghd An's puzzled expression and gaze were painful. I didn't instruct her to do this, nor did I inform her. I don't want to be blamed for it.

From the shadow of a shack in the slums, a figure emerged, her lustrous black hair slightly undone, her gaze wandering uncertainly. It was the magician, Fiarato La Borgograde.

"…What is it?"

Indeed, that was my line. I didn't expect to be told this by the person I was tailing.

"It's not like I was following you. I just happened to see you."

Fiarato's words were defensive, her gaze darting around to avoid my scrutiny. Her behavior was suspicious.

She was undoubtedly following me. The reason is unknown, but she was.

What do we do? I sighed deeply in response to Ralghd An's questioning gaze.

It seems I have a spirit of misfortune following me. They don't intend to let me escape.

*

After walking through the slums for a long time, we finally arrived at a room in a brothel.

A simple room with only a bed and a round chair. It was so cramped that with four people, it felt a bit stuffy. The large barrel in the room made it even more cramped. I had been wondering about this barrel.

Judging by the cramped space, it seems they, the emblem believers, have multiple bases here. Should I praise their caution or sigh at the trouble?

"It's no good. We've tried everything, but the residents here are deeply apathetic."

The man, introduced by Ralghd An as a collaborator and comrade, shook his head and sat down in the chair. His posture, with his head bowed and shoulders slumped, made it seem as if the weight on his body was about to crush him.

"Even with the mediation of food and money, we can't get a positive response."

Ralghd An stroked her chin, a frown appearing on her usually cheerful face. It was a rare sight.

Indeed, I blinked. The reason the emblem believers, including Ralghd An, have a base in the slums is not just because of the high traffic and low visibility.

"The people in the slums have their own unique logic and customs. They accept what is given, but they don't necessarily give anything in return. So, An, what about these two?"

Finally, the man lifted his heavy head and looked at me and Fiarato.

Fiarato, realizing this was a brothel, seemed uncomfortable, her cheeks flushed. The thin walls around her were filled with the seductive sounds of women, which inevitably seeped into her ears. This made it a good place for secret meetings.

"Yes, this is the hero, Lord Ruis. And his friend, Lady Fiarato."

Upon Ralghd An's introduction, Fiarato hunched her shoulders, looking uneasy.

"Excuse me, what kind of meeting is this? A secret meeting in the slums feels like something criminals would do, and it's not a good feeling."

The man, eyes wide, looked at Ralghd An, and then his gaze finally settled on me, as if asking for a reason for bringing them here.

Of course. But there are no guarantees. This is a big gamble. If it goes well, I can bring Fiarato in and distance her from Helt Stanley. If it fails, there are always other means. Adventurers are accustomed to dealing with shady matters.

Moreover, there is a chance. The incident in the underground temple. Judging by that, the odds are fifty-fifty. For me, even fifty-fifty is a good deal.

Meeting the gaze of the six eyes fixed on me, I opened my mouth.

"A secret meeting in the dark, in the slums, and with a group of people who can't be called upright. Surely, even an angel wouldn't call this good, my employer."

Fiarato's eyebrows twitched. Her lips, which seemed to tremble with fear, were bravely held firm, and I could hear her throat make a gulping sound.

"Indeed, a secret meeting of criminals—this is about how to bring beloved Galuamaria into our arms."

In the darkness, the tension mixed with the words that were spoken.

Ralghd An and the man were wide-eyed, and Fiarato's every move was being watched. To prevent her from escaping, to deal with whatever she might do.

A moment of silence in the tense atmosphere, Fiarato's beautiful black eyes, wide open, reflected my image like a mirror.