The Cost of Betrayal

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<Side : Yustice Gostina>

『Month of the Cross – 27th (Lunchtime)』

After finishing my conversation with the Muse Priest, I left the Church and headed to a magnificently built mansion in a carriage. It was where the ruler of this Territory resided.

Originally, I wanted to stay quietly and leave, but because of the honors and positions tied to me, if I visited a region without meeting its ruler, there would be more scandals following me than expected.

Therefore, to prevent such things in advance, I deliberately came to the Lord’s mansion. Besides that, there were also things I wanted to discuss with the Lord…

–Creak…

As soon as I entered the mansion, a maid who seemed to have been waiting guided me inside. I entered and opened an antique-looking door, looking at the man inside.

“You’ve arrived, Yustice.”

“Please, no need for such stiff honorifics. There’s no need to treat an old man with no official position so formally, Edward.”

“How can I ignore the countless favors Yustice has brought to the kingdom? This comes from my own respect, so please be understanding.”

As if he had foreseen my arrival, two cups of black tea were already prepared in the Lord’s office.

Of course, refusing such a gesture would be impolite, so I sat down and picked up a teacup, starting the conversation. First, we began with simple updates on each other’s recent activities.

“So, how have you been lately?”

“I’m no different from usual.”

“Is that so…”

“Yes.”

Amidst the dry and uninteresting conversation, I subtly brought up a topic.

“But I found it a bit strange. The entry procedures for the Territory seem to have become quite strict. Has nothing really happened?”

The black tea in the teacup trembled slightly. Oops, did I poke the wolf’s fangs?

“Making the procedures more complicated was something that had to be done. It was strange that the Territory’s entry was so lax until now.”

Clearly avoiding the topic and trying to change the subject. It must be a sensitive matter. When we first met, his eyes had a wildness to them, but now they noticeably show more humanity.

But roughly guessing, an incident must have occurred that warranted making the entry procedures so strict.

For example, a kidnapping or disappearance caused by an outsider… Well, only he knows the truth, but most security procedures become complicated for reasons like that. Since I was also a supervisor and person in charge in the past, I understand Edward’s feelings well, so I shouldn’t pry further.

“Then let me ask you something. What brings Yustice to this humble place? According to the reports I received, there’s still some time left before Yustice is scheduled to visit this Territory for a lecture.”

“I was about to mention that. I happened to receive a letter from the Muse Priest. The Priest who was supposed to come as a guard fell ill and couldn’t come, so wouldn’t you naturally have doubts? I also wanted to see Clarice, who is from our orphanage and is working as an adventurer here, after a long time.”

“Clarice… is it.”

Upon hearing Clarice’s name, his eyebrows and lips trembled slightly. He was definitely shaken. But why… was he shaken by Clarice’s name?

“Yustice, I have a question. Have you ever heard of Magic that changes gender?”

“Hmm… That’s out of the blue. Could this question be related to Clarice, by any chance? Besides, Magic that changes gender…”

“…It’s not related to Clarice. Please, just answer without asking why.”

Edward lowered his head, seeking an answer. I could sense an unusual anxiety from him. But I also felt that it wasn’t true that it wasn’t related to Clarice. If it weren’t, he wouldn’t have been shaken by hearing Clarice’s name and then asked such a strange question about Magic that changes gender.

“Unfortunately, I’ve never heard of such bizarre Magic. If it existed, it would have a huge impact, capable of reducing our forces in an instant. But even though I’ve been active on the battlefield countless times, I don’t know about it.”

“Is that so… That’s a shame.”

Edward sipped his tea with a disappointed expression. This… there’s definitely something ominous lurking in the background. I’m sorry, Edward, but I’ll have to stay here for a while and investigate the incidents surrounding the Territory.

For Clarice’s sake, and for the sake of this still childish Edward.

With that resolution, the conversation flowed back into pointless everyday chatter, as if nothing had happened.

“Yustice, if you haven’t found accommodation yet, would you like to stay here? I promise you the best treatment, so please accept without hesitation.”

“Haha, thank you, but I’ll have to decline. If I stayed here, strange rumors would surely spread again. I don’t want to get caught up in such troublesome gossip. Above all, I don’t want to give fodder to your vassals selected by the King, who are always focused on coveting and slandering the Lord’s position.”

“You don’t have to worry about them. They’re just a bit more greedy than others. They’re definitely capable. They know that reckless slander would be poison to themselves.”

“Still, it could stir up trouble, so I’ll politely decline. Well, since you’re asking so much, just allow me to leave my carriage here, Edward.”

I gave a superficial reason and firmly refused. Of course, the real reason was… I’ll be stirring up this Territory while I’m staying here, so it’s best to stay out of the Lord’s and Lord’s Wife’s sight to act a bit more freely.

“I’ll be going now, Edward. See you next time.”

“Farewell, Yustice.”

I hurriedly put down my teacup and left, but Edward didn’t stop me any further. He quietly closed his eyes and, with the sound of the teacup being placed down, I left the mansion.

Ah, right. Before finding accommodation, I should take out a weapon for self-defense from the carriage. It seems there’s still an unsuppressed threat lurking within the Territory, so I need to be able to take care of myself.

After taking a hammer and some expenses from the parked carriage, I was about to leave the mansion’s gate when…

“…!?”

[Oh my. Headmaster… Hehe♥ We meet again♥]

A shadow appeared before my eyes. And the one who spoke with a very familiar voice was…

–Thud…!!

“Cl, Clarice? Why are you here…? No, more importantly, when did you appear…?”

In what felt like an instant, I stepped back and pointed the hammer forward, taking a battle stance. This was a kind of defense mechanism honed by the Demonkin’s vicious surprise attacks.

Even though my body is aging, I was very embarrassed that I didn’t notice Clarice, who is still a novice adventurer, approaching so close.

Also, although it’s embarrassing to say it myself, one thing I pride myself on, having gone through all sorts of hardships and boasting exorcism skills, is my sensing ability.

Yet, Clarice’s appearance, which seemed to make that experience vanish in an instant, momentarily froze my thoughts.

What moved me, standing still and unable to speak due to the writhing sense of unease, was Clarice, who was smiling calmly.

[I’ve really been looking for you, Headmaster♥]

“Lo, looking for me. What do you mean by that, Clarice… No, in the first place, how did you find this place…?”

[Well, I smelled… No, I mean! I asked people around for the direction the carriage was going and came here♥]

“Ha, haha… I see. I’m sorry for pointing the hammer at you. I was quite surprised. So, what reason does our Clarice have for coming here?”

It was the usual Clarice, but I still couldn’t shake off the lingering sense of unease. I lowered the hammer with an effort and tried to hide my embarrassment by forcing a hearty laugh.

[I couldn’t properly greet you earlier. I came to finish my greetings♥ How have you been lately, Headmaster? Is there anything wrong with you, or…]

“I’m fine, Clarice. More importantly, where did you leave the other children and come alone?”

Now that I think about it, it was strange. Mel and Alex. Precious companions who opened Clarice’s heart, who had lost her parents to Monsters. I knew that she had romantic feelings for Alex that went beyond friendship. To leave such close friends behind… This was quite unusual.

[Ah… Mel is acting separately for a while because she has something to do. And Blair… No, I mean, Alex and I are going on a mission together a bit later♥]

“Haha. It seems things are going well with Alex.”

While I was smiling warmly and talking with Clarice, Clarice seemed to realize something and rummaged through her pocket, taking something out and handing it to me.

[That’s right! I have something to give to the Headmaster, whom I haven’t seen in a long time♥ Here, this!]

It was a vial of red liquid that looked like a Potion and a cigarette. The Potion was one thing, but… a cigarette? Clarice doesn’t smoke.

[This is an Invigorating Potion. It’ll make you feel much better when you’re tired. Alex drank this and became energetic like a completely different person♥]

“Ahaha… If Clarice says so, I’ll accept it. But this cigarette…?”

[This is something I received as a mission reward, but our party doesn’t smoke. Headmaster… I know that you don’t smoke in front of the orphanage children, but you smoke one in the back sometimes]

“I was hiding it on purpose because it might have a bad influence on the children, but I can’t beat Clarice. Haha. I feel bad for just receiving.”

[Hehe. It would make it more difficult for me if you stubbornly refused?]

Clarice smiled and forcibly pushed the Potion and cigarette into my arms. Well, I’m planning to stay here for a while, so it’ll be good to smoke it to take a breather. If not now, when would be a good time to smoke without worry?

I didn’t say it out loud since Clarice gave it to me, but I wonder if this is a reliable product… I’ll have to check it out later.

[Come to think of it. Headmaster… Have you not found a place to stay yet?]

“Hmm…? Haha, is that how I look to Clarice?”

[Of course♥ If you were going to stay, you wouldn’t have come out of the Lord’s mansion in the first place… Anyone can tell that you’re not going to stay at this mansion by the fact that you came out with a weapon for self-defense]

Hoo. Clarice’s eye for detail is quite sharp.

“But what does it mean to suddenly bring up that story, Clarice?”

[Well… It’s to tell you about the accommodation where our precious Headmaster will stay♥]

“Hahaha. I’ve already received a meaningful gift, so I can’t receive help up to that point. I appreciate your concern, but I’ll find accommodation myself.”

[No! I! Must! Tell! You! Because you’re the one who took me in when I lost my parents, so I hope you’ll accept my help, even if it’s just a little, to repay you. Won’t you…?]

Clarice, who was holding a small map in her hand and shining her eyes, which she had taken out at some point… This old man can’t beat her. Besides, it feels like just yesterday that she was a little kid, but she’s already having such admirable thoughts. I’m touched.

“Originally, I should have been helping you, who is still a novice adventurer, but I’m really sorry. So, is the accommodation I should go to written on that map?”

[Yes! If you say my name, the owner will give you a discount too♥]

“Oh ho. You’ve already gained that much trust from the owner.”

[Because I made it that way♥ I hope you have a good experience. Ah! Don’t forget to drink the Invigorating Potion I gave you♥ I hope you have a happy night, and I’ll be going now. See you next time, Headmaster!]

It felt like she was forcing things more than usual, but thanks to it, I was able to resolve several things in my meeting with Clarice.

It seems that the Hecate Goddess gave me a good guide. It’s an unexpected journey, but I hope she shines even more light of hope on my path…

“Well then, shall we go? The accommodation that Clarice recommended. Hmm… Is it this way?”

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