Chapter 21: Headed for Hell 1

Acquitted and returning directly to his residence, Shaylok’s middle-aged countenance had grown noticeably haggard from the ordeal of imprisonment. Yet, his expression was filled with profound gratitude and joy.

“Truly… I cannot express how grateful I am. I know not how to repay this kindness.”

“Haha, not at all. As one who has received much assistance from you, Lord Shaylok, I have merely done what was required.”

“Nay, I am well aware of the implications behind you holy knights aiding one such as myself, as well as the grave consequences…”

Befitting a merchant who commanded a significant portion of Benetsa’s commerce, Shaylok was naturally well-informed in such matters.

He understood full well the severity of holy knights assisting a pagan like himself.

Recognizing the weight behind his words, I felt a deeper sense of satisfaction wash over me.

‘It turned out well. If we must rely on assistance, it’s better to have earned such goodwill.’

As I had this thought, Shaylok’s gaze turned toward Cazeros, standing beside me.

“And to you as well, I express my gratitude once more, Cazeros, was it? Your performance in the courtroom was truly remarkable. For a holy knight to so fervently defend a pagan like myself, this kindness shall undoubtedly be repaid.”

“Not at all. I was taught that the Lord’s teachings instruct us to extend a helping hand to those suffering unjustly, regardless of their faith. More importantly, everything I said came through Lord Santana. It is he who deserves your gratitude, not I.”

Cazeros spoke with humility.

Observing her consistent demeanor even in such circumstances, I silently marveled.

‘I was already aware of her nature, but… she is indeed remarkable.’

In most situations, people would either seek to elevate their own accomplishments or attempt to gain something by exploiting such an opportunity.

Even for someone not typically avaricious, facing an immensely wealthy individual like Shaylok could easily breed such thoughts.

However, witnessing Cazeros maintain her composure even in this situation, I was once again reminded that she was no ordinary person.

After the exchange of gratitude for the trial’s outcome, Shaylok sipped a warm herbal tea and cautiously inquired of us.

“Well then, let us set aside further thanks for now… I would like to hear the reason behind your visit to me.”

Like a true merchant, Shaylok swiftly shifted to the main topic.

Simultaneously, his words conveyed a desire to accommodate our requests to the fullest extent possible, in light of the recent events.

Recognizing this, I cautiously began recounting the circumstances that had brought us here.

How I had been unjustly excommunicated and stripped of my holy knight status, and how Cazeros had accompanied me to this place.

And our intention to travel to the pagan nations in the east.

Listening to this series of events, Shaylok, who had endured such hardship due to religious reasons, regarded us with an expression tinged with sympathy.

“I have always felt as much, but those Church folk seem to have many issues. To expel someone like you is simply madness.”

“It was due to my own shortcomings. Had I proceeded more cautiously, matters would not have escalated to this point.”

“Even so, your excommunication is undoubtedly problematic. I have heard that the Church’s corruption has become more rampant of late, but to think even a holy knight would fall victim to it.”

Receiving condemnation from none other than a Jew.

This situation made me keenly aware once more of the Church’s deplorable state.

Cautiously, I inquired of Shaylok.

“Then… would you be able to assist us? As you can undoubtedly imagine, given my excommunicated status and the recent events, Cazeros and I are in no position to linger in Benetsa for long. Please advise us on how we may swiftly depart the Church’s domain.”

“I, too, implore your aid, Lord Shaylok.”

“Hmm…”

We entreated him with earnest voices.

In response, Shaylok’s expression grew slightly pensive as he spoke.

“While my heart desires to assist you immediately, it is no simple matter…”

“Pardon?”

“What… do you mean?”

Shaylok’s unexpected reply left us bewildered, prompting him to cautiously explain.

“Ah, do not misunderstand. If circumstances permitted, I would have immediately arranged for a ship to transport you both. However, the current situation in this region is not conducive to safe travel, hence my words.”

“What… do you mean by that?”

Shaylok spoke with sincere regret.

Recognizing that there were matters we were unaware of, Cazeros and I cautiously prompted him. In response, Shaylok’s voice carried a grave tone.

“Living inland, you may not have received the news, but departing from Benetsa by sea to the pagan realms is akin to outright suicide at present. This is because the pagan Turkic Empire has recently imposed a maritime blockade against Benetsa.”

“That’s… unbelievable…”

Shaylok’s unexpected revelation felt like a hammer blow to our heads.

“The exit from the Adriatic Sea is currently completely sealed off by warships dispatched by the Turkic Empire. Benetsa has assembled a combat fleet in an attempt to break through, but… that would require at least several weeks. For normal trade to resume, it could take months.”

“Tch…”

Departing from Benetsa by sea would have taken a mere week’s journey.

With favorable winds, it could have been accomplished in less than five days – the very reason I had chosen to come here over other options.

Of course, I was aware of the strained relations between the pagan Turkic Empire and Benetsa, but I had never imagined they would resort to a trade blockade.

“In such a situation, there is nothing I can do, no matter how much I wish to assist. If not for this blockade, I could have at least arranged for a smuggling vessel to transport you, but even that has become impossible…”

Shaylok spoke with sincere regret.

Realizing that the sea route was no longer viable, I also understood that a arduous journey now lay ahead.

“Then… it seems our only remaining option is to travel by land.”

“Indeed, but even that would require a considerable detour. The neighboring Kingdom of Hungary is also embroiled in local conflicts, blocking the routes. If we must take a path, we would have to travel northward from here and pass through other regions.”

Shaylok’s mention of ‘northward’ allowed me to easily grasp its implication, causing an involuntary furrowing of my brow.

“By northward, you mean… the Holy Imperium, do you not?”

“Correct. At present, there is truly no other way.”

“…Haah…”

Shaylok’s words delivered a harsh reality akin to a bolt from the blue.

In response, I could only heave a deep sigh.

‘The Holy Imperium… of all times, we must pass through there…’

The setting where the original novel’s descent into hell unfolded, and the place where that hellish gate would undoubtedly begin to open in earnest.

Moreover, a nation that would likely hold a grudge against us due to the recent events.

However, in our current situation, having drawn such enmity, we could no longer linger here for months.

‘Well, as long as we’re merely passing through, there shouldn’t be a major issue… At least, I hope not…’

One consolation was that, unlike the Milan region, which required crossing the treacherous Svitz mountain range to reach the Holy Imperium, there were no such formidable ranges in the Benetsa area.

Forcing myself to consider the positive aspects, Cazeros and I began receiving more detailed explanations from Shaylok regarding our overland journey.

In my heart, I fervently hoped that the ominous premonition would not become a reality…