Ch.21Move the Hideout

1.

Time flies when you’re happy.

“…What did you say?”

“It’s okay, bro. It’s not like you didn’t know.”

“No. I’ll somehow…!!”

“It’s not your fault. The final attempt failed, and the time has come.”

When you’re enjoying peaceful days, forgotten problems suddenly resurface.

This was true in the previous world, and it’s the same in this one.

I quietly asked as I accepted the new <Designated Request Form> that Ruby handed me.

“…What did you just say?”

“I missed you, Captain.”

“Not that.”

“I’ll just hold your hand?”

“Ruby.”

Only after I called her name sternly did a light return to Ruby’s playful eyes.

“The Hero has returned this morning?”

Yes, that’s it.

‘No wonder the system was so noisy since dawn.’

It seemed that <Babylonia>’s main story was about to begin today.

Though I had anticipated this, actually hearing it made me feel conflicted.

But what can I do?

If I want to live, I have to succeed.

I leaned forward toward Ruby, who had finally given the correct answer, and added:

“What’s the current location of the Hero’s party?”

“According to the Alliance Gate manager, they should arrive at the Empire around midnight.”

“That late? It’s 9 AM now.”

“Even the Hero’s party needs some time. They’re returning from demon territory outside the Empire, after all.”

Come to think of it, the Blue Magic Tower and gates are only common within the Empire.

Other countries consider five gates to be many, and they certainly don’t exist in demon territories, which are hostile to humans.

The Hero’s party was said to travel on foot to Count Gardner’s domain, stay there during the funeral, and then return to the Empire.

‘That period is three days starting tomorrow.’

On the evening of their return, the first incident, the “Ruby VS Gardner” case, will occur…

‘…Maybe I can still rest somehow until today.’

While I was contemplating what to do so I wouldn’t regret it if I died suddenly, Ruby brewed tea and offered it with colorful snacks.

“By the way, Captain. I think we should move our hideout soon.”

“…I thought as much.”

I had been considering it while carrying out the recent “Hestia Assassination (Not Really) Operation.”

The disguised identity that my members and I have been using is the captain of the D-rank mercenary group <Black Wolf>.

-Tell His Imperial Majesty. If he touches <Black Wolf> one more time, I’ll kill everyone in the Empire.

Recently, the organization that the Black Wolf belongs to is also called <Black Wolf>.

With that name officially registered with the Mercenary Alliance, we’re bound to be suspected.

That’s why I had planned to reveal the name <Black Wolf> relatively late, but…

-We’re under suspicion.

-Us?

-Yes, Captain. After you revealed yourself as <Black Wolf> yesterday, several Eastern officials summoned me separately. They asked if there wasn’t a mercenary group called “Black Wolf” in the island branch.

-…I suppose it would be stranger if they didn’t know.

Since we were already under suspicion, I planned to reveal it and then disappear.

“Has the Alliance made a move?”

“Not yet, but the Alliance leader is gathering all of the Top 10.”

“Are they planning to attack us?”

“No. They seem to want to verify our disguised identity, the <Black Wolf Mercenary Group>.”

“…They’re gathering all of the Top 10 just to verify one D-rank mercenary group?”

I couldn’t help but ask about this alarming development, but Ruby responded proudly with her shoulders raised:

“That’s because we’re the Black Wolf.”

…Please leave me out of this.

‘Anyway, since we found out early, it’s better to clean up before a confrontation.’

We had been preparing since learning we were under suspicion, and everything except the disguised identity and new hideout was ready.

“What about the disguised identity and new hideout?”

Just as I asked for confirmation, having heard they were completed a few days ago…

Knock, knock…!

A small noise like someone knocking on the door came from beyond the barrier.

“Right on time.”

Ruby smiled as she checked outside through a small artifact and stood up.

Click, clack, click.

With light steps, Ruby turned her head before opening the door and added:

“You instructed me to find both a disguised identity and hideout to the best of my ability, Captain.”

“…And?”

“You can look forward to it.”

Her red eyes curved into a smile that was beautiful yet somehow eerie.

…Creak.

Click.

Ruby opened the door, took an envelope, and pulled out a wooden identity tag with magical treatment, which she handed to me.

I took it and stood up.

『Priest – Ian Red』

My real name is Nahan.

My aliases are Black Wolf and Yellow Dragon.

And now Ian as a disguised identity.

‘Is this how actors with multiple roles feel?’

Though I had one more character to play, I felt strangely excited.

-See! I told you you’d like it!

-…Whatever.

It’s just tiring.

I unconsciously smiled at the memory, causing Ruby’s eyes to widen.

“D-did you just smile…?”

“Yes, good job, Ruby.”

Fearing she might get suspicious, I slowly placed my hand on her head.

Swoosh.

“…!!”

Ruby looked up, meeting my eyes, and grabbed my hand with both of hers.

“…I thought you’d scold me.”

“Why would I?”

Why would I scold you?

You’re a precious person who handles all sorts of troublesome, difficult, and complicated tasks for me.

“…Then. If you really don’t mind… Just one, one favor…”

“Why are you hesitating?”

“W-well, Captain…”

“It’s fine, just say it.”

As if my feelings had been conveyed, Ruby looked at me with pleading eyes and asked:

“C-can I call you… b-b-brother when you’re using your disguised identity…?”

Excuse me?

What brother?

“W-well. Ian is actually my distant relative who ran away from the family when he was young and became a priest to avoid trouble… that’s the setting.”

Surprised by this unexpected question, I checked the identity tag again.

『Priest – Ian Red』

Ian <Red>.

Ruby <Red>.

‘…So that’s the setting.’

As soon as I understood, the identity tag in my hand emitted a red light.

【Legendary Artifact – <Vulcanus’s Red Disguise Stone (B+)> activates!】

【”Yes!! Saved on hair dye──!!”】

A warm sensation enveloped my body, and the hair visible inside my helmet turned red.

My eyes also felt refreshed, as if eye drops had been applied, suggesting my eye color had changed to red as well.

“Ahh…!!”

“…What is it?”

“Red suits you so well…!!”

“Oh, th-thanks.”

Ruby’s gaze was a bit overwhelming, but this was certainly a perfect disguise.

Moreover, being connected to <Ruby Red>, the branch head of the Mercenary Alliance, would provide solid credentials, making it easier to move around with this disguised identity.

‘As expected of Black Wolf.’

To think they would calculate even those details when creating a disguised identity.

“…Hehe, I’m blood-related to the Captain now. I’m the first among the members to accomplish what others couldn’t…”

As expected of Black Wolf…

‘…those crazy people.’

I’m not sure if it was calculation or personal desire, but her eyes were becoming increasingly vacant. Regardless, the result was an excellent disguised identity.

Since rewarding good work is the quality of a proper superior, after some consideration, I nodded to Ruby.

“You can be comfortable when I’m in disguise.”

“…Huh?”

“With how you address me, your attitude. I’ll follow the setting you created.”

“R-really, Captain?!”

I nodded once more, and Ruby spread her arms wide as she approached… but then quickly bowed at the waist.

“Th-thank you!!”

Such good manners.

Except for losing her mind every time a battle breaks out, she’s really a good kid.

Anyway, since preparations to move the hideout were complete, I turned toward the door.

“We’re moving the hideout.”

“Yes, Captain! Should we move right now?”

It’s a bit concerning that it’s still daytime, but we need to complete the move and relocate ‘Hestia’ before the Hero’s party returns to the Empire.

“Night is good for hiding objects, but daytime is better for hiding people.”

“…! As expected, Captain. You knew today is when merchants return, and you want us to hide among them to move together…!”

“Ah, yes. Well, everything is within my grasp.”

I see.

So Friday is market day.

“You said it was an abandoned building at the edge of the Empire?”

“Yes, Captain! It was originally a place where Aria’s followers gathered for worship.”

So it’s like a church or cathedral.

“They also ran an orphanage, but everyone was killed or went missing after being attacked by some trash called <Black Teeth> or something.”

“Fearless bastards.”

Goddess Aria is the only deity in this world, respected even by evildoers.

But that’s precisely why it’s the optimal place for us to hide.

I’m a bit worried about what would happen if the enraged goddess punished us, but she started this with possession.

“Anyway, good job, Ruby. I’ll go ahead, so tell everyone to clean up the old hideout and come by 7 PM sharp.”

“Yes, Captain! Clothing and basic necessities are already prepared, so please use them!”

“I will.”

You’re reliable, Ruby.

“The deadline to accept or reject the designated request is tomorrow, so please let me know at your convenience!”

Ah, right, the designated request.

I realized I hadn’t checked the request because I was so focused on moving the hideout.

“I’ll give you an answer tomorrow.”

“Yes, Captain!”

I’ll check it when I get back.

‘Relaxing alone in an empty house?’

I definitely can’t resist that.

Somehow my steps felt lighter…

“Y-Yellow Dragon is here!!”

“Today I’ll finally get an autograph!!!!”

“C-calm down, Brother Namgung!!”

…they felt lighter but then became heavy again, so I changed clothes at a suitable place, disguised myself with the identity tag, and returned to my sweet home.

It was a clear morning.

2.

Several hours later, at noon.

Nahan, who had just finished organizing the hideout, was double-checking his disguised identity as <Ian Red> using the free priest’s robe and identity tag.

Slam!

Suddenly, the door opened and someone entered.

“…Who are you?”

“……”

Flowing sky-blue hair,

A beautiful face despite its expressionlessness,

A slender neck revealed by tightly pulled-up hair.

Though it was an unfamiliar face, there was something strangely familiar about it as Nahan hesitated.

The woman asked in a calm voice:

“The orphanage?”

“Well, as you can see, I just took over today.”

“…I see.”

Silence again.

‘Who is this? There’s definitely something familiar about her.’

As Nahan furrowed his brow, the woman, who had been thinking with her hand on her chin, spoke again:

“They say Goddess Aria is the brightest light, guiding the dead to heaven.”

As she said, Goddess Aria is the only deity who governs both life and death.

When I nodded in agreement, the woman knelt on one knee before me.

“Recently, a colleague’s younger sister passed away due to great evil.”

Wait, hold on.

“You also appear to be a free priest. Could you pray for that child?”

Could this be…?

Having guessed something, Nahan calmly collected himself and asked the woman:

“Firstborn of the Goddess. Could you please repeat that?”

Firstborn of the Goddess.

Only three people in the world are called that:

Empress Reina Babylonia of the Empire,

The Saint whom I briefly encountered during the recent Gapelt Viscount incident,

And the last one,

The Hero of Light.

“Hestia Gardner. Please pray for that righteous child. Afterward, I would also like to make a confession.”

Asha Mirabel.

【Warning.】

【<Hero of Light – Asha Mirabel (SSS)> appears before <You>.】

The greatest confession has come upon me.