Ch.40Chapter 40 – Assault (2)

The two of them approach me.

While aiming my weapon, I reconsider the current situation.

Not a single effective hit has landed on that pink-haired woman.

I had a feeling that even if I struck with something other than this sword, it wouldn’t be effective.

And the other one had a strange weapon.

Though brief, the skill with which they handled that freely transforming weapon was far from ordinary.

‘Were they sent by the Emiris Order?’

That was the first thought that came to mind.

I couldn’t think of anywhere else that would suddenly attack me like this.

Ive said she was taken by other test subjects, but maybe she was also being chased by these guys.

Even as various possibilities crossed my mind, I focused on just one thing.

‘How do I escape…?’

If I couldn’t win, escaping was the priority now.

If I survive, there will be a next time somehow.

This wasn’t the time to worry about looking pathetic.

I need to shake them off somehow…

“Relax, young man.”

The old man said that while changing his weapon into a sword.

Then he sheathed it at his waist.

“You swing that sword quite well. I’ll give you that.”

He was walking toward me with ease.

The pink-haired woman swung her hammer with one hand and then hung it at her waist.

“Just testing you a bit. Just testing.”

Speaking casually, the two walked up to me.

“So can I stop being tense now?”

“…Would you stop talking like that? Your age…”

“I’m still way younger than you, gramps.”

They had been attacking me like they wanted to kill me, but now they were disarming themselves. It seemed they hadn’t really intended to fight.

‘…Fuck.’

I cursed inwardly.

I had the rare experience of feeling anger, emptiness, and relief all at once.

For now, I also relaxed my stance.

It was time to demand an explanation for why they did this.

“Can you explain yourselves?”

“Of course. Let’s head back to the guild first.”

The old man said that as he turned his back and walked away.

The pink-haired woman followed behind me and spoke as if she’d just remembered something.

“Hey, who’s going to pay for this? The broken glass and the smashed door? Hello?”

+

The guild interior was in an uproar.

While I was fighting outside, Nina had alerted everyone about intruders.

Adventurers were armed throughout the building, with guild staff gathering them together.

“Oh my, I do apologize.”

“Ah~ sorry, sorry. The joke went a bit too far.”

Ironically, the very people who should be apologizing the most were doing so rather lightly.

As if it were nothing, their attitude was far too casual.

Thanks to them, I, the victim, had to spend my energy calming down the armed adventurers and apologizing.

‘This is unfair.’

I thought as I apologized to the last adventurer.

Come to think of it, why am I the one apologizing?

I glanced at the culprits with a hint of resentment, but they pretended not to notice.

After the guild finally calmed down, we were able to return to the reception room with its broken window.

“Let me introduce myself properly. I’m Ludger Jestia of the Zeolei Order.”

“I’m Aria, serving Lady Hati~”

That’s how the two introduced themselves.

Looking at their nonchalant faces, I asked the question I most wanted to ask.

“Why did you do that?”

“We overheard outside that you were going to refuse the meeting, so that’s why.”

This is maddening.

I don’t know how they overheard, but if they did, they would have also heard my reason for refusing—that I’d had trouble with the church.

‘But they attacked anyway?’

Are these people’s ears just for decoration?

“Well, it was Aria’s idea to attack if you refused.”

“It worked, didn’t it?”

“Can’t you see he’s angry?”

Listening to their conversation made my head spin.

First Christina, now this pink-haired woman—perhaps having a few screws loose is a characteristic of church people here.

Considering that the Emiris Order is the most powerful faction, this hypothesis seemed quite plausible.

“Gramps, you said punching people is the best way to get to know them, and you agreed with me!”

“I remember prefacing that with ‘after politely approaching them first.'”

‘Would this have been resolved if they had just approached me politely?’

They’re all insane.

While I was inwardly lamenting why I was even talking to these people, the two started bantering back and forth.

If I left these two alone, this conversation would never end.

I don’t want to associate with them anymore.

The Emiris Order alone was giving me enough of a headache.

I didn’t want to add other strange orders to the mix.

“…If you have no further business, I’ll be leaving now.”

“That won’t do.”

Ludger straightened his posture and spoke.

“We’ll be on the same boat in a week.”

“The same boat?”

“Aren’t you and that nun Christina the ones who scouted that ossuary?”

Ludger took a sip of tea and continued.

“Aria and I need to go in there with you.”

“…Are you two part of the entry team?”

The two nodded.

‘Good heavens…’

It felt like the sky was falling.

I have to go with these people who lack common sense?

Christina seems cute in comparison.

At least she never ambushed me, even if she did rush at me out of nowhere.

Judging by how all the church people here seem to have screws loose, the gods of this world must surely be dead.

“The Emiris Order and others are still discussing their representatives, but our order and the Hati Order have selected the two of us.”

“Well, I’m just bored. This old man was pulled in because he’s idle manpower.”

“Somehow I always end up paired with Aria. Have you ever considered converting, Aria?”

“Join the same religion as you, gramps? Oh, I’d rather die.”

They started bantering again.

Still, I did gain some information.

‘Each order selects people to include in the entry team.’

And were the Red Knights, the test subjects, the Emiris Order’s personnel?

“Does each order select one person?”

“Not necessarily. Who they send, or how they handle it, is up to them.”

“But since prestige is at stake, they won’t send just anyone… except for Evgenia’s side.”

“That group has fallen so far they don’t even have personnel. Having that nun from their side is enough.”

I listened hopefully, but no useful information emerged.

It was difficult to deduce how I might reunite with the test subjects from this.

For now, I decided to remember that the test subjects might come as representatives of the order—that was one possibility.

If they participate openly, it will be obvious; if not, they might be up to something suspicious elsewhere.

As I was organizing my thoughts, Ludger addressed me.

“By the way, are you really not affiliated with the Emiris Order?”

“That’s correct.”

When I answered reflexively, Ludger fell into thought briefly before speaking.

“Then, how did you learn those weapon techniques?”

“I just picked them up by watching over someone’s shoulder.”

“Ah, that’s a lie.”

Aria laughed and declared I was lying.

I decided to ignore her.

“You must have your reasons.”

That’s what Ludger said.

“So, at least right now, you have no connection to the Emiris Order?”

“That’s right.”

I answered without hesitation.

Hearing my response, Ludger nodded with satisfaction.

“Perhaps you’d consider becoming a follower of the Zeolei Order.”

“I decline religious solicitation.”

It wasn’t even worth considering.

Judging by the church people I’ve met, churches should be avoided at all costs.

I didn’t want to be associated with these unhinged people.

“No, I’m currently looking for promising individuals. I’ll make sure you’re treated very well.”

“I decline religious solicitation.”

Beside us, Aria was giggling at something she found amusing.

“No, no, then just… well, let’s discuss this separately later.”

Ludger seemed to want to say more but stopped himself.

“Well, I’ll see you again.”

Ludger stood up and extended his hand.

“I look forward to working with you.”

I suppose he wants to shake hands.

There was no reason not to, so I took his hand, and Ludger smiled.

“I’ll put the repair costs in your name.”

“Wait a minute.”

Ignoring the protests from beside me, I finished the handshake and quickly slipped out of the reception room.

Think about it.

If they hadn’t attacked me in the first place, nothing would have been broken.

‘I have no reason to pay.’

For the sake of my wallet’s safety, I decided to make a quick escape.

+

Meanwhile, Seraphina was being held captive.

“Excuse me, why am I here?”

She had been making her usual deliveries and was heading to the Alchemists’ Association for a request when she was captured.

Sera had initially tried to resist, but it was impossible.

She gave up resistance and allowed herself to be captured by Ive, the head of the Lavencha Trading Company, after seeing the contract she offered and the amount written on it.

In the face of money, she was utterly powerless.

“But was it really necessary to request me this way?”

“It would be inconvenient for me if you suddenly took on other work.”

Ive said this while leading Sera through various parts of the building.

They passed the smithy that Sera had visited with Kay before, and were now heading deeper inside.

“I do know other alchemists, but I thought you would be the best choice.”

“That’s flattering, I guess.”

Sera grumbled slightly.

For some reason, this woman made her feel uncomfortable.

‘But if she’s an acquaintance of Kay, she must be trustworthy.’

Sera herself didn’t understand why she felt uncomfortable and found it difficult to deal with Ive.

“So, where are we going?”

“Here.”

When Sera asked, they were standing in front of a house.

When Ive opened the door, Sera couldn’t help but widen her eyes.

Workers were renovating various parts of the house.

“Um…”

“I was originally going to invite Kay as well to tell you both.”

Ive looked at Sera as she spoke.

When Sera looked back at her, Ive was holding out a piece of paper.

“I was thinking of making a contract where I provide you with a workshop in exchange for you supplying the products we need when we need them.”

“And…?”

Seeing Sera gradually tensing up, Ive smiled.

“For that to happen, you need to give instructions on what kind of workshop you want.”

Sera gazed inside as if entranced.

‘With this, I could really be an alchemist…’

She unconsciously started to walk inside before catching herself and stepping back.

“I-I don’t have money for something like this! You can’t squeeze anything out of me!”

Frantically waving her hands, Sera rejected Ive’s contract.

She thought this was a devil’s temptation and that she needed to steel her resolve.

‘People will think I’m trying to eat her alive.’

She was a merchant, not a con artist.

She wouldn’t make such offers to someone who clearly couldn’t afford them.

She briefly thought it might be fun to tease Sera a bit to see her reaction, but unfortunately, now didn’t seem like the time to waste on such trivial matters.

“I can tell at a glance that you don’t have money.”

“Then…”

“What I want to buy from you is your talent, not you.”

Ive decided to communicate her thoughts directly rather than trying to reassure Sera with kind words, which might only make her more fearful.

“Making money from the items I commission from you is my job.”

“Do you think I can do it?”

As Sera backed away fearfully, Ive took a step toward her.

“I’m investing because I believe you can.”

That’s what Ive said.

“If you fail, it just means my judgment was limited to that extent.”

As she calmly stated the facts, Ive could see Sera gradually calming down.

Now that she seemed to have found some composure, Ive smiled slightly.

At least it seemed Sera wouldn’t be an obstacle to what she needed to do.

“I won’t ask for my money back if you fail.”

“Well, in that case, I’ll do my best…”

As Sera re-entered her workshop, Ive smiled reassuringly and told her to relax.

Sera soon joined the workers and began inspecting the workshop’s condition.

She checked the furnace, lit a fire, and examined every corner.

At the same time, she checked the structure and spoke up.

“This place already has almost everything needed. Was it previously used by another alchemist?”

“By coincidence, I was looking for a suitable workshop. It turned out to be a property from the Magic Tower.”

Ive showed Sera documents related to the workshop.

Sera saw that the owner’s name was listed only as ‘Asam’.

“Wow, from the Magic Tower?”

“I think it might have been a private workshop.”

Ive calmly answered Sera’s surprised exclamation.

Of course, Ive herself had been quite surprised to learn it was from the Magic Tower, but there was no need to express that.

“Is this good enough?”

“Yes. It has almost everything I need.”

Sera thought to herself that she wouldn’t need to ask for much more.

After requesting what she needed from Ive and the workers, and hearing that the construction would be finished by tonight, the two went outside.

Ive handed Sera three copies of a contract.

“Please sign these.”

Sera hesitated before signing the contracts.

Ive took one copy and gave another to Sera.

“This is the contract between our company and you, Seraphina. It’s important, so keep it safe.”

At Ive’s words, Sera smiled awkwardly and said:

“It looks difficult, but I’ll try my best.”

“You can do it, Seraphina. Good luck.”

Ive said that and then added:

“So, can you make the items I requested starting tomorrow?”

“Well, I’m short on materials right now.”

At Sera’s words, Ive nodded and handed her a piece of paper.

“Give this to me. I’ll have them delivered by tomorrow.”

At Ive’s words, Sera hesitated briefly before writing down the materials she needed.

Then she handed the paper back and said:

“I’m really indebted to you for everything…”

As Sera bowed her head in gratitude, Ive smiled slightly and accepted her courtesy.

Even if they felt uncomfortable with each other, they still needed to maintain proper etiquette.

“If you feel like you’re in debt and it bothers you.”

Ive said with a smile.

“Pay me back later when you succeed. Big time.”

Sera sensed something dark about Ive.

‘…I should pay her back quickly.’

She resolved to work hard to repay her debt as soon as possible, feeling that staying indebted might put her in danger.