Chapter 119 – Heresy (3)

[It’s only natural to miss someone, isn’t it, Miss Noah?]

“Uh…well…”

“You don’t have to be so formal,” Rubia said gently.

“But…what she said just now…”

[Miss Noah, surely you haven’t forgotten me? Was I the only one who cherished our time together? Have you forgotten everything we shared?]

“Huh? Shared…? I…that’s not…”

Caught between the orb and Rubia, I hesitated, taking a step towards the table—

“Noah. It’s really okay.”

—then back towards Rubia.

[She says it’s fine. It’s been so long since we last spoke. Surely you won’t deny me a few moments? The Rubia I know isn’t so petty and possessive.]

“Is…is it really okay?”

One step towards the table.

“Of course, Noah. We’re always together. From the moment you close your eyes at night until you wake up in my arms. Even when you go to the bathroom, I’m barely a step away. Surely a quick chat with Hermilla, who you see so rarely, is perfectly acceptable.”

One step back towards Rubia.

[So…you two are quite close, then?] Hermilla’s voice was laced with amusement.

“Inseparable.”

“R-Rubia…!”

[Is that so? But when you first met Noah, you didn’t seem very…enthusiastic.]

“…That’s not true.”

[Oh? My mistake, then. I distinctly recall a rather…unwelcoming expression. I had to keep reminding you that Noah was a novice adventurer and ask for your patience.]

“…Did I? I don’t recall.”

Rubia’s voice wavered slightly.

[Well, it’s understandable. So much has happened. Besides, these things tend to linger more in the memory of the…recipient…than the…never mind. I’m rambling. It’s just…it’s been so long.]

“It’s quite alright. Hee hee…”

Silence.

What…was going on? Weren’t they just discussing serious matters, making life-altering decisions? My heart was pounding, I wanted to shower Rubia with affection…

But now…this strange, tense atmosphere…

They were all smiling, but it felt…dangerous.

I made my way to the chair beside Rubia, my body trembling slightly.

And then…

“Oh, by the way, Noah.”

Rubia’s casual tone shattered the oppressive silence.

“Last night…did I bite you too hard? You were having trouble putting on your underwear this morning.”

“…Huh?”

[…Ahaha.]

“Need some ointment?”

Hiccup.

I hiccuped, flustered by her bluntness.

Ignoring Rubia’s knowing smile and the exasperated sigh from the orb, I climbed onto her lap.

The tension in Rubia’s face eased, replaced by a warm smile.

[Ahem… Well. Glad to see you’re…thriving.]

“Yes. You seem to be doing well too, Hermilla.”

[Oh, you know. Same as always. Just…a bit busier lately. Heh.]

“I see.”

Rubia’s hands, which had been roaming freely, stilled. Her voice took on a more serious tone.

“So, Hermilla. What’s all this about?”

Yes. That.

Hermilla was a guild receptionist in a small village.

Why was she talking to Sirin like they were old friends? And involved in all this?

[Hmm…where to begin? It’s…complicated.]

Hermilla’s voice, still polite and pleasant, hesitated.

[You’re aware of the Challengers, yes?]

Her tone was more serious now.

[You’ve met Yuria.]

And then,

[And…Luchi, who also became a Challenger.]

“…Yes.”

[What did you think…of them?]

The question hung in the air, but I knew who—and what—she was asking about.

I squeezed Rubia’s hand, then spoke, my voice quiet.

“They…smiled. A bright, almost…chiding smile. And they were…incredibly strong.”

Even now, I wouldn’t stand a chance against Luchi. The Luchi who’d cut through the world…was far beyond my reach.

[I see.] A soft sigh. [You’ve been through a lot. Thank you, Noah.]

“You’re welcome…”

[Well then. We’re short on time, so I’ll save the details for later. Let’s get to the point. We’re here to help. In fact…we’ve already begun.]

“…What do you mean?”

[We’ve assembled subjugation teams. In Ursphere and Cartia. Small, but highly effective. Erden knows nothing about them.]

“When…? But Sirin only learned about this two days ago. How…?”

Hermilla chuckled.

[You met Juur in Roholon, yes?]

“Juur…ah.”

[We’ve been utilizing their ability. We have agents placed strategically throughout the major cities. It allowed us to prepare…quickly.]

“I see… So…evacuating the cities isn’t possible?”

[Unfortunately, no. But we can shield them. We’ve deployed a powerful mage to Ursphere. And…well, Cartia has you, Rubia.]

“Right… Heh… You’ve even accounted for my abilities. Impressive.”

[It’s what I do.]

Hermilla…

She wasn’t just a receptionist, was she? She was…incredibly competent.

“Haah… That’s…a relief.”

Rubia sagged against the back of the chair, letting out a shaky breath.

I smiled, nuzzling against her, drawing comfort from her warmth. That sigh…it spoke volumes.

It told me how much this decision had weighed on her. How much she valued me, above all else.

And her embrace, holding me close despite everything…it was…precious.

I couldn’t bear to look at her. I didn’t want her to hear my racing heart, see the tremor in my breath.

“Hee hee…”

“How is Juur?” Rubia asked, her hand gently stroking my hair.

[Doing well. Hablon’s reconstruction is progressing smoothly. Juur was quite worried when we lost contact with you. Thankfully, Princess Charlotte was nearby. Though…we lost contact with her as well, eventually.]

“Ah, yes. Heh. Probably during the fight with the Master. We all nearly died.”

[Indeed. I’ve heard…all about your exploits. Do you know how worried I’ve been, Miss Noah?]

“Huh…?”

[The sweet, innocent little girl…no, young woman…who slaughtered thousands of beasts, subjugated Carpeng, slew Masters, cut through an avalanche, and defeated Tylant…and is now branded a heretic… It’s been quite…stressful.]

A genuine sigh of concern.

“Um…th-thank you for worrying…”

[No, thank you…for surviving. And Lady Rubia…thank you for protecting her.]

Rubia straightened, her voice regaining its usual firmness.

“Noah protected me. So…Ursphere is secure?”

[Yes. And if the Beast doesn’t appear in Cartia, they’ll reinforce you immediately. You, Noah, and Serr will join them, of course.]

“Naturally.”

[Then all is in order. They can hold out for five days, easily. So…rest. You have a week. We’ve arranged for your discreet entry into Cartia. And once the Beast is dealt with…Noah’s…heresy…will be…less of an issue. Especially with your influence, Rubia. The stigma may remain, but the people won’t be hostile.]

Rubia let out a hollow laugh, shaking her head.

“You’re a mastermind, Hermilla. I feel like I’m losing brain cells just trying to follow along.”

[Oh, a mastermind? We’re not so Machiavellian, surely.]

“The support I’ve been receiving from the Central Guild…that was you as well, wasn’t it?”

[Who knows? Heh heh…certainly not me. ]

“It’s clearly your handiwork.” Rubia’s tone sharpened. “Forgive me, but I have a few questions. Are you…enemies of Erden?”

[Yes.] The answer was immediate, unwavering.

“What is your…your goal? You Challengers?”

[The salvation of the world.]

“Do you believe…it’s possible?”

[Right now? No. But…looking to the future…yes.]

“Will you achieve it…by any means necessary?”

[Yes. Whatever it takes. Even if I have to…sell my soul.]

The chilling conviction in Hermilla’s voice gave Rubia pause.

“Did you…intentionally…find Noah?”

“…Huh? Rubia, what…?”

[…No. That was…coincidence.]

“I see… One last question, Hermilla. Who…are you?”

[A receptionist at the Adventurer’s Guild in Alrba Village.]

“…Seriously.”

[Hmm… How to explain…?]

Tap. Tap.

A tapping sound echoed from the orb.

[Those who follow me…call me…]

[The First Challenger.]