Chapter 52

"Anyway, Wood, you don’t need to thank me. It’s a contract, right?"

I try to say it in a tone that makes it sound like no big deal.

I know that putting on a brave face is good, but I want to show some consideration to someone who is wearing a heavy, sorrowful expression. Especially if that expression is due to Wood’s gentle nature.

"..."

Cereal, without a word, tugged at her brother’s hem. Her expression, too, was tinged with pain.

That’s right, why are we, Lughis and I, living with this brother and sister in the slums? It’s not because they are emblem believers, or because they are acquaintances of Largd-An. Certainly not because they admire me.

It’s a relationship based on a contract we made.

I offered them support from Largd-An and protection for the siblings, and in return, they would help me find housing in the slums and serve as a buffer to persuade the locals.

Negotiating such long-term contracts with the residents of the slums is extremely troublesome.

They don’t care what happens after they get what they need. I know this from experience. So, while exchanging information is fine, acting as a liaison for emblem believers, like this, requires a specific type of person.

"Still, it’s not normal, Brother Lughis. I don’t really understand contracts... Why would you risk your life for us?"

In this regard, Wood and Cereal were the right choice.

They had a certain level of respect and clearly needed protection. In the slums, where the ultimate rule is to survive by your own strength, this is quite rare.

Wood, the older brother, is a brave man. He raised Cereal with his large frame after losing his parents and having no one to rely on. He is a man with an unyielding nature, even in the harsh environment of the slums.

Cereal looks up to her brother with admiration. This is evident from her usual behavior. Even now, it hasn’t changed.

Originally, they shouldn’t have needed protection. They shouldn’t have.

Until Wood, due to his large size, became a central figure among the young people in the slums and caught the attention of the guard corps, leading to him being beaten half to death while protecting his sister.

"It’s fine. I have my way of doing things. No one should interfere with that."

My fingers instinctively sought out my pipe, but I stopped myself just in time. Dangerous. Even if I’m not a masochist, being repeatedly tortured is not something I want to experience.

Abusing the residents of the slums.

This is a daily occurrence for the guard corps. In the slums, it’s not an exaggeration to say that residents being beaten by guards is part of the landscape.

Some guards, without any regard for legal issues, pick on slum residents just to vent their frustrations. Such people certainly exist.

"..."

Cereal lowered her eyes and stroked the old horn in her hand.

Yes, it’s all part of daily life. But for Wood and Cereal, it’s different. Their daily life changed dramatically. The guard corps took away Wood’s bravery and Cereal’s voice. Now, Wood can’t even get close to any conflicts, and Cereal’s horn is her voice.

It’s a cruel and unjust world, yet it continues as usual.

No one in the world pays attention to what happened to this brother and sister. Even if their daily life is taken away by the whims of demons and treated like rags, the world continues to pass by, day after day, in a mundane and ordinary way. How wonderful.

Under the doctrine of the equality of souls preached by the cathedral, this is even more infuriating.

"That’s right, there’s no need to worry. We’re getting help with housing and everything."

Fiaraart interjected, as if offering support.

Finally, she emerged from the shadow where the moonlight didn’t reach, but there were dark circles under her eyes, and they were slightly swollen. It seems she didn’t want to show this. Perhaps it’s a matter of a woman’s pride. I should pretend I didn’t notice.

Fiaraart continued, as if explaining to Wood and Cereal.

"Besides, Lughis will get hurt even if you leave him alone. Isn’t it a waste to worry so much?"

This guy, he’s saying whatever he wants because I’m lying here unable to move.

My cheek twitched slightly, but I didn’t say anything, thinking it might comfort Wood and Cereal.

In any case, there’s no way I can answer why I would risk my life. I can’t possibly say it.

Even now, I can’t let go of the fact that, during our past journey to save the world, you two were the only ones who showed me respect when no one else in the party did. It’s embarrassing to admit that this was a source of comfort. I can’t say it.

My eyelids started to feel heavy. My injured body clearly needs rest. I decided to speak when Fiaraart’s conversation calmed down.

"Well, but for now, we’re in this state. Cereal, try to stay indoors. If you work this hard, even God will tell you to rest—"

"—No, actually, that’s not the case."

The voice sounded apologetic. It came from the open door. A shadow was there.

Bathed in moonlight, the outline of the shadow gradually became clear. It was the small figure of Largd-An, carrying a large barrel and wearing a smile that seemed to carry a hint of embarrassment.

I could see my lips move without making a sound, as if saying, "No way."

Her presence here means only one thing. That is,

"I have a message from the Holy Maiden Mathia... On the night of the full moon, which is today, the first beacon will be born."

This means she is bringing a disaster.