Apocrypha 4 : The Present of the Guild / The Present of the Church / The Present of the Realm

~~The Guild’s Current State~~

<Side : Heri Tetrahedron>

『Month of the Cross – 27th (Morning)』

“It’s noisy outside…”

“Shall I go take a look, Heri?”

“No, let’s not. We both have a ton of work to do right now.”

The missing person case was resolved, and the chaotic daily life returned to normal. However, the aftermath of the missing person case still lingered within the Territory.

For example, finding Magic to undo Lacey’s feminization, recovering the Familiars scattered everywhere to find the missing people, and the Guild Master’s duties that needed to be done…

My workload is steadily piling up. Because of this, I was thinking of seeking advice from a professor at the academy, or taking a stroll through the academy’s grand library after a long time…

That’s what I was thinking…

–Creak…

“Hey! Beth, what’s with that! Divorce, you say!”

[It’s exactly as I said. I’m divorced. Me and Myrit… that bastard. And I have something important to talk about, so I’d like you to send that kid out for a bit.]

In the midst of all this, Beth suddenly burst in with a bombshell.

I already have a mountain of work to do, and now something even more absurd has happened.

My close friend and a Rank 1 adventurer belonging to my Guild, Elizabeth Pendragon, suddenly came to me, the Guild Master, citing divorce and the dissolution of her party as the reason.

“Haa… Okay, I understand. Trike, go out for a moment. I’ll call you back when we’re done talking.”

“Understood.”

It was unusual for Beth to suddenly barge into the Guild Master’s office like this, but the content of what Beth was about to say was too sensitive, so I decided to send Trike, an outsider, out first and talk to her alone.

Of course, if she had come to me for advice before getting a divorce, I would have worried about what I, who have never been married, could do to help. But…!

[It’s already been decided. I’ve already decided to divorce that guy, and the loser in the duel will leave here with all their assets.]

“No, that’s not what I mean! Couldn’t you find even a little bit of common ground? You two were doing so well! You got along well, so why suddenly! No, even if that’s not the case, you could have found common ground through a trial.”

I couldn’t understand this situation at all. Beth was a comrade who had been in a party with me for a long time during my adventurer days, before I became the Guild Master.

This inexplicable misfortune that had befallen such a precious person made my head throb as if it were my own problem.

[People’s hearts change. Besides, you know that winning in a duel is of higher value than a trial, right?]

“Y-Yes, but… suddenly a divorce. It’s really embarrassing when it happens without any warning, you know?”

A duel between the parties concerned takes precedence over a trial. It’s truly a barbaric system.

Even though there is a sacred trial established by law, the situation makes the system meaningless with just a fight.

Because of this loophole, the kingdom is always debating whether to abolish duels or not…

No, this is not the time to be having such random thoughts.

Could it be that the commotion outside earlier was… because of the duel between the two of them? If I had known this would happen, I would have sent Trike or someone to see what was going on…!

If I had paid attention even for a moment, this might not have happened…!

“Won’t you tell me the detailed reason?”

[It’s personal. Mind your own business. And the reason I came to the Guild is to modify the number of people in the party. You can probably guess what that is, right?]

Of course, I know. Beth took out two neatly folded pieces of paper from her pocket and placed them on the desk.

One was a description of the duel. The other was for modifying the number of people in the party.

The loser of the duel leaves the Territory with all of the couple’s joint assets, excluding personal property.

Banned from approaching within 50 years without the winner’s permission. I’ve seen duels related to divorce a few times before, but I’ve never seen anything this severe.

Confiscation of property was common, but there were no expulsion or no-approach orders.

Moreover, the contents written there were virtually telling them to go out and die alone. If it’s Myrit, who is a skilled person, he won’t die in vain somewhere…

Anyway, Beth was the one who won the duel, and the modification of the number of people in the party must be to exclude the loser, Myrit.

“I know what you’re going to say, but… can’t you think about it again? Myrit hasn’t been gone for long yet. You could call him back and work things out…”

[I hate it. I hate even talking to him face to face now.]

Beth immediately cut off my suggestion and continued speaking with a ghostly expression.

What on earth happened between the two of them that things got so big?

“B-But, you know? What I mean is. Even if you had a duel, the final approval hasn’t been given yet, right? There are still plenty of opportunities for reconciliation…!”

This was sophistry. The result of the duel is applied immediately.

I don’t think Beth is someone who doesn’t even know this fact, but I had no choice but to do it to buy some time.

[Stop. It’s annoying now. Don’t say any more. I’ve already made up my mind, and it’s already been agreed upon with that guy. No matter how much you babble, nothing will change. That guy and I are now strangers to each other.]

Beth said coldly as if it was all over. She just silently tapped the paper with the duel results and the party modification approval form with her finger, putting unspoken pressure on me to finish the job quickly.

“R-Really, can’t you do anything about it? I’m saying this because I’m really worried. It’ll be too late to regret it later. Huh?”

[Haa……]

A deep sigh that seemed to make the floor sink filled the Guild Master’s office. You can tell what this means without saying it. It means that Beth’s patience has reached its limit.

[Heri. I don’t want to lose another relationship. So please…!!]

–Bang…!!!

“Hut…!”

[Take care of it. I’ll take that as a yes, and I’ll be going. If you have any additional questions, call someone to my house. I don’t want to voluntarily set foot in here again]

“W-Wait a minute…!!”

Beth took a breath and then punched the desk with her fist, breaking it in half, and then left the room leisurely.

Before I could even stop Beth, she opened the door and left without looking back.

–Creak… Thud…

Left in the room was me, reaching out to the closed door, and the broken desk. Two pieces of paper were lying under the rubble. A suffocating awkward silence lingered.

If I had the power to turn back time, could this have been prevented…?

“Is that a useless assumption… Hooo… Trike. Are you outside?”

In the end, I have no choice but to solve this mess in my own way…!

There are a lot of things piled up, but solving my best friend’s problem is the top priority. It’s a bit of a dirty method, but this is not the time to be picky…

“Did you call me, Heri… The room is…?”

Trike, who was outside, came in at my call. Trike seemed a little embarrassed by the chaotic atmosphere of the room, which was different from before, but soon composed his expression and looked at me.

“You don’t have to worry about the state of the room. More than that, I think I need you to do a mission. Would you be okay with that?”

“Tell me anything as you command.”

Haa… Still, seeing my cute Trike makes me feel a little better♡

How can he be so small and cute♡ Ah… This is not the time to be immersed in emotions.

“Follow Beth… Elizabeth, who just left. Beth is a Rank 1 adventurer, so there’s a high chance that you’ll get caught if you follow her carelessly. So, um… wait.”

The conclusion I came to was to follow her. It’s not that I suspect Beth, but just in case.

Considering the possibility of an affair, I entrusted Trike with Beth’s surveillance and tracking to trace the traces.

However, I’m not sure about attaching the still inexperienced Trike to Beth, who has excellent senses. I’m thinking of entrusting him with some equipment and sending him.

I take out various equipment from my personal Magic Tool display case in the room and entrust it to Trike.

“Here, take all of this.”

“Heri. These are…?”

“They’re scouting Magic Tools. Shoes that prevent you from making noise, a talisman that prevents you from leaving footprints. Attach that to the bottom of your shoes. A hood that reduces breathing sounds, and a cloak that can make you transparent for about 1 minute. You have to charge it for about 30 minutes each time you use it. Use it only when necessary… and this is a smoke bomb…”

Even if he gets caught, I’m sure that Beth, who knows that he’s on my side, won’t hurt Trike badly, but I want to prepare thoroughly and send him because I don’t know what Beth, whose anger has already reached its limit, will do.

Trike is my precious… Hehet♡ My future god… Ah, anyway…!

“Heri. Should I leave right away?”

Trike, who is covered in my Magic Tools. Ah… Trike, who is wearing a lot of Magic Tools on his small body.

How can he be so cute♡ The ultimate cuteness that I want to commission a painter to keep as a painting forever, but… Let’s stop the emotions here.

“Yes, please leave quickly. Don’t forget what I said earlier, Beth is a Rank 1 adventurer. She’s a woman who can block most ambushes without using equipment. So, observing from a distance is absolutely the top priority. Use that monocular well because it also has the effect of increasing the field of vision, and write down the information you get from following her in that notebook. Got it?”

“I will keep that in mind. Then I’ll leave.”

“Be careful…”

Trike left the room to carry out the mission I gave him. Thanks to the Magic Tools he was wearing, I couldn’t hear any footsteps even though he was passing right next to me.

Thanks to that, I feel relieved, but what I’m worried about is ‘just in case’. It’s always been like that. What ruins a perfect plan is not incompetence, nor mistakes.

A single coincidence turns everything upside down.

“Beth… What on earth is going on…”

I look at the sky where the orange sunset is rising through the transparent window and sink into thought again. I pray that it’s not a big deal…

–

–

–

<Side : The 5th Apostle, Elizabeth Pendragon/5th Rank: Marbas>

[Rachel. He’s on me♥ That kid who was with Heri. He’s following me]

[Kyaaht♥ It’s going according to Rachel’s plan♥ I saw the weapon in the Cube, and I wondered if those two were also apostle candidates♥]

[Yes. Everything is for the Goddess♥ And Rachel. I’m on my way home now. Let’s have some wild sex when I get there♥ You can use my Cunt this time♥]

[Hee~ You want to be fucked by Rachel’s Dick that much? Kyaaht♥ Then come quickly, Liza♥]

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~~The Church’s Current State~~

<Side : Yustice Gostina>

『Month of the Cross – 27th (Morning)』

“You came faster than I thought.”

Not long after driving the carriage alone, I arrived in front of the Territory’s checkpoint.

Because the questionable points kept coming to my mind no matter how much I thought about it, I mustered up some strength and headed to the Territory as quickly as possible, day and night.

Two guards in front of the checkpoint were paying attention to me.

“Stop! Stop! What business do you have! State your personnel and purpose!”

A guard shouted at me, who was riding in front of the carriage, in a powerful voice. He’s a young and energetic age.

“The number of people is just me, and the purpose of the visit is for a lecture at the church… I guess I can say that. Here’s a letter with the Muse Priest’s certification.”

“A church lecture…?”

“You idiot. Don’t you remember what you heard at the last roll call? You said that the orphanage director, who the Priest called, would be visiting soon!”

Another guard received the letter I handed over, looked around, and returned it to me.

The guard who spoke vigorously was being scolded. Hehe, he’s just a vigorous young man who’s still immature.

“I’m really sorry that my junior didn’t recognize you. In addition, Yustice Gostina. May I search the carriage?”

“Search…? I don’t think you searched the carriage when I came in the past.”

“That matter has recently changed, and there was an order from the Lord to search all carriages entering the Territory for the time being.”

That wolf cub is living a troublesome life. But suddenly a search…

Could it be related to the Muse Priest collapsing? If so, it seems that coming in a hurry was not a wrong choice.

The guards carefully examined the front, back, and sides of the carriage, and even opened the inside to search.

Anyway, there’s nothing inside except my hammer and Holy Water, so no matter how much they search, they won’t find anything. I haven’t committed a crime, but being searched like this makes me feel like a criminal.

It’s a different experience.

“There are no problems. You can go in.”

“Hehe, thank you. Good work… Ah, that’s right. Can I ask you something?”

“What is it?”

“Muse Priest. Is it true that she collapsed?”

The expressionless face of the guard instantly stiffened at my question.

Hmm… Did I touch something I shouldn’t have? But I don’t think the Muse Priest’s attack is directly related to an ordinary guard…

“……I cannot disclose the details, but I know that the Muse Priest is currently awake and doing some work at the church.”

“It seems like it’s difficult to talk about. Sorry for bothering you. Then, good work.”

Fortunately, she seems to have woken up, so the burden on my mind has been lessened. By the way, the strange feeling still remains and is unpleasant.

Perhaps the entire guard knows about the Priest’s attack, but it seems that it’s difficult to say it out loud, or the guard itself has been silenced.

First, I decided to take the carriage into the Territory and head to the church. According to the map drawn in the letter, the church is this way…

“I didn’t see it when I came last time, but it’s quite a big church.”

Thanks to the relatively detailed description, I quickly arrived in front of the church without delay.

Just as I was about to park the carriage nearby and enter the church, there were two women standing in front of the church entrance. One was sky blue, the other was white. The two women then opened the church door and went inside.

–Creak

“That white hair… It feels familiar.”

I briefly put aside the slight question that came to my mind and took advantage of the women’s footsteps, grabbing the door before it closed and entering the church.

The brilliant stained glass reflected the sunlight and sparkled with rainbow colors, and a woman wearing a pink-haired Clerical Robe was located in the middle of the light.

It was a dazzling sight that caught my eye as soon as I entered. Hearing the sound of the door, the closed eyes of the Muse Priest, who was sleeping in the middle of the light, slowly opened.

“You came because you have something to do… Oh my… It’s been a while, Clarice. And behind you… even Yustice.”

Clarice… As I thought. Hearing the Muse Priest’s words, who was rubbing her half-closed eyes and speaking softly, the two people in front of me turned around and looked at me at the same time.

“It’s been a while, Clarice. And nice to meet you for the first time, Muse Priest. How are you doing?”

[Director…?]

[Clarice, who is that person…?]

Clarice and the sky-blue-haired woman seemed embarrassed. Did I approach them while hiding my presence too much? I’m worried that I might be hated for no reason. Hehe.

There was only the Muse Priest in the church, and the Muse Priest looked around at the three people including me. She smiled faintly and approached us.

“It’s okay, Yustice. I was worried that I might have caused you trouble.”

“If there is a sick person, isn’t it human nature to worry? I’m glad you’re safe, Muse Priest.”

The Muse Priest first bowed lightly to me and greeted me.

She says she’s okay, but her movements and eyes are full of fatigue.

There are no visible injuries on the outside, but perhaps the energy in her body was drained while she was collapsed, which is why she looks so tired.

“More than that, it’s been a while, Clarice. Next to you is Glaceia, right? Could it be that the two of you know each other?”

[Ahahat… It’s been a while, Priest. Glaceia and I met on a mission]

[I was surprised to hear the news. So I was going to go and say hello, but I was told it was forbidden. I heard that you woke up, so I came to see you with Clarice]

The sky-blue-haired woman called Glaceia is said to be acquainted with Clarice.

Judging by her behavior, she seems to be a daughter of a fairly high-ranking family. Clarice was conversing with such a lady as naturally as if they were close friends, and also talking with the Muse Priest.

“But Headmaster… I never expected you to come, Headmaster. I thought you would come after some time.”

Clarice finished her small talk and walked towards me, speaking in a friendly manner.

I have a lot to say to Clarice, whom I haven’t seen in a while, but I was more eager to hear the whole story from the Muse Priest.

“Yes, Clarice. Your letters were infrequent, so Assistant and I, along with the children, were all worried. We wondered if something had happened. But it’s reassuring to see you face-to-face and know that you’re safe.”

“I really didn’t expect it. I really, really couldn’t imagine you coming to the church. You should have told me if you were coming. Oh, that’s right, I just remembered I have something to do. I’ll be leaving now.”

Clarice seemed unable to believe that I had come in person, repeating that it was unexpected with a delighted expression. But as if something had occurred to her, Clarice hurriedly tried to leave.

“Haha, I see. That’s possible. If you have something to do, go ahead. I’ll probably be staying here for a while, so feel free to visit anytime.”

“Then I’ll be going, Headmaster. Let’s go, Glaceia.”

“Okay… It’s a shame. I wanted to have a deeper conversation with the Priest.”

“There will be another opportunity, so let’s aim for then. I’ll reschedule and come again. Muse Priest♥”

Clarice took Glaceia and hurriedly left the church. With the heavy sound of the wooden door closing, the once bustling church turned into a quiet space.

Now, it’s just me and the Muse Priest in the church. Shall we have a conversation then?

And Clarice… is she hiding something?

–

–

–

<Side : The Third Apostle, Gleissia Harmonics / Third Rank: Vassago>

“That man Justis ruined our plan.”

“Damn it. Damn it!! This is annoying. That old man ruined the operation we had painstakingly set up! Aaaargh!!”

“Still, calm down. Although we couldn’t attack Muse, we did have some gains.”

“Haa… That’s right. I guess so. I got a little excited. Finding two Apostle Candidates already… it’s definitely a good harvest.”

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~~The Territory Now~~

<Side : Anidiat Silverlight>

『Month of the Cross – 26th (Evening)』

“Aaaaargh!!!!!! Annoying. Those old geezers!!!”

“A, Anidiat…! Your voice is loud!”

“It’s fine. Those cowards are probably too scared of my husband and have already left the mansion. Haa… To be swayed by such weaklings. My reputation is ruined.”

All sorts of irritation surged up. It was because of what had happened just a few minutes ago.

I was having a meeting with my husband, the Lord, and those old geezers with the useless title of Aide, regarding the aftermath of the missing person case and the newly occurred missing person case.

I was going crazy watching those petty old men nitpicking at every word my husband said, while I was assisting him from the side.

They were saying that all Black Market users are criminals, and what kind of diplomatic friction could there be from those guys disappearing, and did we even explain the situation!

“In the first place, they call the market that deals with Slaves illegal, but don’t they know why they went underground to create the Black Market? Since it’s illegal, nobles who use it will be thrown in jail without exception if they get caught. Why should we be questioned as if we’ve committed a crime because those guys disappeared!”

To calm down this anger even a little, I was having a drink with the Garrison Commander in my office after the meeting.

If I didn’t do this, my whip might have torn those damn old men to shreds. Haa… No, calm down. Calm down. If I get angry here, I’ll lose.

“The Aides must have had their reasons for saying that. Even if the information that we were raiding the Black Market was leaked, the suspicious fact that they left behind the Black Market’s transaction ledger and documents containing personal information must have been appealing to them.”

“So…!! Francesca. Listen to me. My husband is working so hard, but those trash aren’t going to praise him, and they’re asking how we’re going to deal with the diplomatic friction with the Empire because of the Imperial prisoners. How can I not be angry when they say such things!”

“Anidiat…! Th-that, I’m Francis. My name is…”

Those old geezers must have thought my husband looked like a pushover because he wasn’t using his power and was just talking calmly.

They were openly raising their voices and casually saying things that doubted my husband’s abilities. Those shameless and conscienceless incompetent bastards…

And the fact that they immediately turned tail and ran away after my husband raised his voice was so disgusting that I couldn’t stand it.

“Francisca. What should I do… My husband is working hard… I feel like I’m not doing anything… What should I do…”

“You’ve been working hard too, Anidiat. Your role was significant in solving the missing person case. No one can deny that. You’ve done a lot.”

“Re-really…? Thank you. Francisca…”

“I, I’m Francis, but…”

Ah… I’m sleepy. I’m suddenly tired. Did I drink too much? My body feels heavy, and my eyes are closing…

–Thump…!

–

–

–

<Side : Edward Silverlight>

“Hmm… Anidiat seems to be quite drunk.”

“L-Lord…!?”

I could hear Anidiat’s resentful complaints from outside her office. It seems Anidiat has a lot bottled up as well.

After confirming that the sound was getting quieter, I opened Anidiat’s office and saw Francis looking flustered and Anidiat sleeping on her office desk.

The alcohol flowing across the desk was proof that Anidiat was drunk.

“You were keeping Anidiat company, Francis.”

“Yes, yes… That’s right. But Anidiat got too drunk…”

“You must have had a hard time too. Taking care of a wife who’s drunk from midday.”

Francis was sweating profusely and spoke with his head bowed. He seemed quite embarrassed by my arrival.

Since the missing person case, Francis has felt strongly responsible, and has become passive towards me and the Aides.

There’s no need for him to go that far.

“I’ll take Anidiat to the bedroom. You should rest comfortably today too. Dealing with Anidiat’s drunken antics must have been exhausting.”

“Ah, no…! I was just doing what I had to do.”

“Good work, Francis… no, Francisca. I’m sorry I couldn’t protect you from the Aides’ criticism at today’s meeting.”

“……It’s because I’m incompetent. If I had been a little more focused, my benefactor Anidiat and the Lord wouldn’t have been slandered like this. I’m really sorry…”

Francis soon became tearful and appealed to me as I picked up Anidiat. She must have her own difficulties. But we can’t be depressed forever.

“Francisca. You don’t have to worry about me anymore. I’ve shown my fangs to the Aides, so they won’t be able to say anything for a while. You just need to protect your position. A storm has passed, so it will be a little quieter.”

“Lord…”

“There’s also the saying that tomorrow is another day. Cheer up. I’ve ordered the Garrison to search everyone entering the Territory for the time being, so we should be able to deal with threats coming from outside to some extent. We just need to clean up the mess inside.”

I comforted the depressed Francisca and left the room with the faint smell of alcohol, with Anidiat sleeping soundly in my arms and Francisca behind me with her eyes filled with her former brilliance.

I glanced at them and moved my steps with satisfaction.

I hope for the Blessing of the Wolf, and pray that nothing more happens in the Territory.

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