episode_0056

After securing an inn with the party and drinking through the night, the morning arrived.

I woke up and was on my way downstairs to grab breakfast.

…

What the hell?

Did I not sober up yet?

Or was I still dreaming?

The reason for such thoughts wasn’t anything major.

I rubbed my eyes and drank some cold water, only to see Veronica staring at me with a blank expression.

Her beautiful silver hair and golden eyes, imbued with divine power, were fixed on me in a daze.

“…….”

What the hell was this situation?

I remembered somehow dragging myself back to my room with Erme last night, but—

Why is Veronica in front of me?

As I was lost in thought, Veronica crossed her legs and kept staring.

“Seems like you’re finally coming to your senses. Maybe you could drop the rudeness now?” “Honestly, the one who suddenly broke into my inn seems way ruder.”

Frankly, it was a little creepy.

Right after what happened yesterday, she barged in again the very next day.

I thought I wouldn’t have to see her face anymore.

I assumed that was the case, but apparently, she had other plans.

“Anyway, why are you here?” “Let’s make a deal.” “A deal?”

A deal all of a sudden?

Baffled, I headed to the kitchen. No one else was around.

You’d think at least one person would show up if the Saintess made an appearance.

Did she clear them out?

Given her status and position, it wasn’t impossible.

But more importantly—

My stomach’s killing me.

After learning the elves’ alchemy techniques, I was allowed to cook in the kitchen under one condition:

I had to prepare meals for the innkeeper as well.

Well, it saves on food costs, and Erme likes it, so I don’t mind.

I just don’t get why she’s so obsessed with flavorful dishes.

Since I drank last night, I made a hangover-friendly seafood-style pasta—something like a spicy jjamppong.

I wanted to add chili powder or gochujang for heat, but—

“You cook too?” “Basics.” “Short with words, huh? The smell passes, at least.”

When will that arrogant tone of hers ever change?

You can’t fix people.

To be precise, by modern standards, I believe people can change until around 25.

But I had no time to waste on a woman who tried brainwashing me despite being a stranger.

I made three servings of pasta, took mine, and sat at a table far from Veronica.

At my actions, Veronica scrunched her face before plopping down right in front of me again.

“Mine.” “Get it yourself.” “Your hospitality is lacking.”

Veronica grumbled.

More like unwanted guest than guest.

I took a bite of the tomato pasta I made.

Not bad at all.

I cooked in my past life too, but this time, it felt different.

It was like recipes just popped into my head.

The elves’ alchemy techniques seemed to influence my cooking as well.

“……Looks tasty.” “It is.”

Obviously. Who made it?

Veronica stared at my spaghetti for a moment before stabbing a fork into it and stealing a piece of bacon.

“……!”

And then—

Her eyes rolled back as she vacuumed up the entire plate of pasta in front of me.

Hey, you bastard.

“Let’s make a deal.”

Veronica spoke coldly.

But the tomato sauce smeared on her lips and the hem of her priestly robes ruined the mood.

“Wipe your mouth first before talking.” “My mouth has wh—… Oops.”

Veronica licked the sauce off her finger and popped it into her mouth before speaking again.

“You’re really good at cooking. Next time, throw in some shrimp.” “There won’t be a next time.” “Why not? With skills like this, you could easily become the Imperial Palace’s chef…” “No way that’s true.” “Fine. How about becoming my personal chef? As the Saintess—” “You’re not the Saintess.” “……Let’s make a deal.” “What kind?” “That girl who called me a fake Saintess yesterday.” “…….”

Fake Saintess—no, the stand-in for the real Saintess.

I looked at Veronica. Every time I saw her, Rosante came to mind.

……Just looking at her gives off some kind of holy vibe.

There’s a certain aura that a Saintess carries.

“Honestly, I had my suspicions even before that girl said anything.” “Oh?” “Yeah. The Pope and the cardinals have been growing distant toward me lately.”

And that’s all it took for her to figure it out?

If anything, that just sounds like paranoia.

“……But it’s weird. I’m the greatest Saintess in history. My looks alone—”

Veronica glanced at a mirror while talking.

I stared at her with dead eyes.

“It’s still weird. There were only three candidates, and one was disqualified. If it’s that girl, she barely met the minimum requirements.” “Minimum requirements?” “Well, it’s simple. You know how the minimum for a Hero candidate is one S-rank Gift or two A-rank Gifts, right?” “Yeah.” “And the number of Gifts you get per level-up is crucial. The bare minimum is getting at least one Gift before Level 5.”

So that’s how it worked.

……Wait.

So far, I’ve only been getting Gifts.

Most people gain skills, but I’ve only gotten Gifts.

-That’s why you’re the most suited to become the Hero.

‘…….’

The fact that it sounded true made me hate it even more.

Even if nothing else, if I became the Hero—

I’d have to fight those demons who shattered the cradle.

Nothing could be more horrifying.

“Anyway, I gained three extra Gifts before even reaching Level 6.” “…….”

Was she bragging now?

Seeing my expression, Veronica shook her head.

“You might not get it, but… the most Gifts any Saintess ever gained was two. And all of mine were at least A-rank.” “So?” “So it’s weird. Even if they replaced me with some other Saintess… could she even be a Saintess?”

Veronica spoke as if no Saintess could surpass her at this point.

There was some logic to it.

Still, that level of confidence is beyond me.

Tap. Tap.

I knocked on the table.

“What do you need me to do?” “The deal is simple. Last time, you were good at hiding. Infiltrate the Church and—” “Pass.” “Wha—why?!” “I’m not good at that stuff.” “Tch. Figures. You’re a sword-wielding Hero candidate, so you’re no thief. This is why I can’t stand sword users.”

I’m the thief Hero candidate.

But I didn’t bother correcting her to avoid complications.

“Is that all?” “……Just call that girl for me.” “Our party leader’s busy.” “Probably sleeping off a hangover.” “I don’t even want her meeting you.”

At my words, Veronica furrowed her brows and let out a deep sigh.

“Fine, I’ll leave.”

Something must’ve upset her because she turned and walked away.

“……What are you doing?” “I’m taking some for the road!”

She snatched the meals I made for Erme and the innkeeper and bolted.

What kind of lunatic—

“That woman came here and stole the food you made, Yuseong-ssi?” “……Is that the important part?” “Of course! It’s one of my few joys in life!”

For once, Erme looked genuinely angry.

“How could she repay kindness like that after getting such high-quality intel?! I need to file a complaint right now!”

I didn’t ask how she planned to do that.

Knowing Erme, she might actually go out of her way to screw someone over.

Not that I cared, but I worried she might get dragged into something messy.

“Calm down first.” “Huu… Fine. Only because it’s you, Yuseong-ssi.”

Erme crossed her arms and plopped into a chair.

“But if Veronica’s a fake Saintess, then what’s the real one like?” “……Do you want to know about the real one?”

Erme’s face briefly twisted as if she’d rather not remember.

If she was curious, then sure, but—

I don’t really care to know.

Judging by Erme’s expression, it felt like I’d be dragged into something troublesome.

“But if you’re curious, I can tell you. We’ve got about a week to rest anyway.” “Rest?” “Yeah. We’ve seen the third stratum, so we need to prep for the fourth. Taking a week to recover before then. Pushing too hard just leads to burnout.” “Guess we have been going nonstop.”

The labyrinth was a stress-inducing place. From the 10th stratum onward, there were even designated rest areas every few weeks.

“The others might struggle, but everyone’s aiming to level up eventually.”

Erme clenched her fist as she spoke. She seemed genuinely committed to leading this party.

“Rosante-ssi will get back on track soon, and Teresa-ssi’s close to leveling up too. Once Marcel-ssi levels up, we’re heading straight to the fourth stratum.” “The fourth stratum’s the ant zone, right?” “Yeah, so it’s tricky. Soldier ants have tough exoskeletons. But their materials are popular.” “Really?”

Perfect timing.

I’d been thinking about armor lately.

Leather armor’s not bad, but—

I needed defense strong enough to survive at least one direct hit.

As long as I didn’t die instantly, Rosante’s healing could patch me up.

Maybe I should visit that blacksmith.

Might as well ask for that wire-launching device too.

“Got a lot of requests?” “Some iron plates to reinforce leather and a device for wire traps.” “Traps would be handy in a pinch. But have you considered magic enhancements?” “Magic?” “Yeah. Artifacts might be out of reach, but enchantments could work. Like boosting wire speed when launched.”

Not a bad idea.

I thought for a moment.

Money wasn’t an issue—I had a whopping 500 platinum coins (equivalent to 100 gold coins each).

Might as well go all out.

I got up and headed to the forge.

“Long time no see!” “What’s this? Two of you this time.” “Ah, did you come alone last time?” “Need something.” “So, what brings you here now?”

At Dulin’s question, I explained the device I had in mind.

“A wire launcher for binding enemies or setting traps? Not a bad idea.”

Dulin rubbed his chin before continuing.

“Annoying to make, though. Interesting concept. But since it’s my first time, it’ll take a while.” “Rough estimate?” “Not busy right now, so maybe five days?” “That’s fine.” “Complex devices don’t come cheap. Sure you’re okay with that?” “How much?” “Probably around 30 gold coins.”

30 gold coins?

Cheap. Dirt cheap.

I handed Dulin a single platinum coin.

“Handing it over so easily—you’ve come into money, huh?” “Enough to live comfortably.” “Still, save while you can. Life’s full of ups and downs.”

Dulin said this while counting out 70 gold coins in change.

After placing the order, I browsed for armor.

As a scout, I couldn’t carry anything too heavy, but—

A single chest plate might work.

“Here, try this.” “This is?” “Part of a cuirass. You move around a lot, so this’ll suit you better than full knight gear. Got greaves too if you want.” “Can I try it on?” “Go ahead.”

As I went to put on the greaves, the iron spheres Vulcan gave me got in the way, so I set them down first.

“So you’re the owner of those ridiculous weights?” “……Did you make these, Dulin?” “Yeah. That musclehead ordered something weird, so I tweaked it.”

Dulin went inside and returned with four more iron spheres.

“……?” “That guy left these. Supposed to pick them up today, so take them on your way out.” “…….”

I really didn’t want them, but free gear was free.

……Getting stronger is what matters.

I removed the old spheres and strapped on Dulin’s. Instantly, my body felt like lead.

Fighting like this seemed impossible.

“……What’s with the face?” “Aren’t these supposed to be worn like this?” “That’s correct. But you need to wear those too.” “……?”

Was this old man insane?

At my look, Dulin smirked.

“That’s what he ordered. They come in pairs.” “…….” “Don’t give me that look. Vulcan paid out of pocket—consider it a gift.”

Some gift.