Chapter 32

Episode 32

The night we spent investigating the Cliff family’s castle passed without incident.

But a problem arose at dawn the next day.

‘…What’s that smell?’

I woke up to a pungent odor.

The sun hadn’t risen yet.

A strange smell wafted from the living room. It was acrid and unfamiliar.

I initially thought someone had poisoned us out of spite, but seeing light flickering under the door, I realized my loyal subordinates were up to something.

I threw on some clothes and went to investigate. Jericho was sitting at the table, his hands busy.

“What are you doing up so early?”

“Good morning, Master. I had some concerns, so I woke up early to prepare.”

“Prepare for what?”

The table was covered in various herbs. They looked freshly picked, their roots still caked with soil.

“Didn’t you say we’re starting the inner castle investigation today? I definitely sensed demonic energy yesterday. We need holy water or demonic protection gear.”

“So you’re making holy water?”

“Hahaha, even a skilled doctor like me can’t do that. But I can offer some protection against demonic influence.”

“A demonic resistance potion?”

“It’s more of a mental fortitude potion.”

It made sense. Creating a demonic resistance potion was impossible without holy water.

And mental fortitude alone couldn’t resist demonic energy.

The key was to enhance one’s mental resilience, allowing them to withstand the corrupting influence of demonic energy.

Even with my protagonist status, this world wasn’t a cakewalk.

Any help was welcome.

“You’ve been working hard.”

“This region is mountainous and rugged, which has its advantages. It’s easier to find herbs here. I went foraging with the investigators.”

I was glad I had summoned Jericho.

I was curious about his true identity. A young man with knowledge of medicine, magic, herbology, and alchemy…

Was he even young?

I recalled anecdotes about powerful mages from the history books I had read. Those with strong magical abilities aged slowly or even regressed in age.

There were even tales of mages using reincarnation magic to be reborn in new bodies.

As someone who had been possessed, I knew anything was possible in this world.

Jericho could be a polymorphed dragon, and it wouldn’t be out of place.

“Good work. I’ll report this to the Lady.”

“Wow, that’s motivating! I’ll be waiting for her response.”

Jericho grinned and resumed grinding the herbs. The pungent odor intensified, far more potent than the sharp scent of chopped onions.

Selendis emerged from her room, her sleep disturbed by the smell.

Unlike me, she was fully armed, her sword and shield at the ready.

“Relax. Jericho is just preparing some herbs. It’s not poison.”

“…”

She bowed her head and retreated to her room. She returned a moment later, wearing her armor. I chuckled, finding her reaction endearing.

The sun rose, bathing the world in light.

“It’s done!”

Jericho, after two hours of intense concentration, presented his creation with a triumphant grin.

The potion was a deep purple. If I hadn’t witnessed the process, I would have mistaken it for poison.

“Here you go. It tastes awful, but it’ll help.”

“Can’t I drink it after breakfast? It looks terrible.”

“What are you, a child? Lady Selendis already drank hers! And it’s not advisable to drink it after a meal. It can induce vomiting.”

I reluctantly drank the potion.

…It was atrocious.

Jericho was right. If I hadn’t been on an empty stomach, I would have thrown up.

But the effects were immediate.

I felt refreshed and energized, as if I had spent a day relaxing in a peaceful meadow. My mind felt clear, and a surge of positive energy coursed through my body.

It was almost too effective. I wondered if there were any side effects.

Then, I realized something.

‘I didn’t use ‘Mind’s Eye’.’

I usually used ‘Mind’s Eye’ instinctively, especially before consuming something unfamiliar. I needed to assess the other person’s intentions.

But this time, I had simply trusted Jericho.

I had subconsciously placed my trust in him.

And Selendis probably felt the same way.

“How was it?”

“…I never want to drink that again. But it seems effective.”

“I agree. It’ll be useful for late nights at the office.”

We ate a quick breakfast, then formulated a plan before entering the castle.

“The investigation records are useless. We can’t examine the bodies. So our goal is to identify the location where the demon worship is taking place. There must be a specific location.”

“Hmm, I agree. There must be a place where the first victim was killed. We could track the demonic energy, but…”

He trailed off, glancing at Selendis.

The demonic energy had vanished after we left the castle. It meant someone was controlling it.

They might be able to conceal the source of the demonic energy within the castle.

“We’ll have to rely on your special potion.”

“But I don’t have much. It’s important to pinpoint the location.”

“Master, if I may.”

Selendis spoke up. Jericho and I waited for her to continue.

“This mission is too dangerous. It’s beyond our capabilities. I don’t know why Lord Hylix requested our assistance, but we’re outmatched. We need to involve the Church.”

“You’re suggesting we hand this over to the Church?”

“Yes. We need to buy some time and seek their assistance.”

Selendis had a point. It was the safest and most efficient solution.

But I had learned something from surviving in this harsh world.

Every crisis was an opportunity.

“I respect your loyalty, Selendis. You’re concerned about our safety and the success of the mission. I had similar thoughts during yesterday’s investigation. I wondered if we should handle this conventionally.”

“Have you reached a decision, Master?”

“I have, but I want to hear your opinions.”

“There’s no need for that, Master. We’ll follow your lead. Isn’t that right, Lady Selendis?”

“I agree.”

“This could be a life-or-death situation. I won’t make a decision without your input, even if it’s the Lady’s order.”

Their eyes sparkled with admiration.

Such loyalty was priceless. I hoped their affinity had increased.

“I’ve decided not to involve the Church. We’ll handle this ourselves, from start to finish.”

Jericho and Selendis looked confused. I was essentially proposing a suicide mission.

Then, Jericho, ever the quick thinker, gasped.

“Ah! You’re planning to resolve this quietly and earn a favor from Lord Hylix!”

“Exactly. It’s just a guess, but I doubt the eldest son knows about the demonic involvement. And even if he does, it doesn’t matter. We’ll handle this discreetly. It’s a win-win situation.”

The Church was a powerful force.

Its influence had waned since the founding of the empire, but it could still exert pressure on other nations through its Inquisitors and Paladins.

Lord Hylix, or rather, the Duke, wouldn’t want the Church meddling in his affairs.

“I’m in favor! It’s risky, but the reward will be substantial if we succeed!”

“I’ll follow your lead, Master.”

“Then it’s settled. I’ll keep provoking Nielsen at the castle. If he’s the culprit, he’ll reveal his true nature. That’s how those corrupted by demonic energy always behave.”

We left the inn and headed towards the castle.

The demonic energy I had sensed yesterday was gone.

“Master, can you sense the demonic energy?”

“Not at all.”

“That bastard Nielsen is up to something. This won’t be easy.”

But we had no choice but to confront him. We entered the inner castle, leaving the investigators outside.

Nielsen greeted us.

“I apologize, but the Viscount is gravely ill and unable to meet with you today. I beg your understanding.”

“How ill is he?”

“He’s in a coma. We’re treating him, but…”

Was he suggesting the Viscount might die?

I exchanged glances with Jericho. He shook his head slightly. Nielsen was trying to use the Viscount’s life as leverage.

“We’ll be inspecting the castle today. You don’t need to accompany us. Assign someone who’s familiar with the layout.”

“I’ll be your guide. No one knows this castle better than I do.”

“Bring me a map of the inner castle.”

Nielsen hesitated, then obeyed.

Requesting a map of the inner castle was a bold move. It could compromise security, as it would reveal secret rooms and escape routes.

But I had the warrant.

While he was gone, we surveyed our surroundings.

New decorations and furniture had appeared, all painted black.

“He’s been busy. If we scratch the surface, we might find paint underneath. Want to bet whether it’s real ebony or just cheap wood with a black paint job?”

“It’s too early to provoke him. And the answer is obvious.”

“Hahaha.”

I examined the area more closely.

I wasn’t just looking I was channeling my aura, searching for traces of demonic energy.

But despite ‘Demonic Sense’, I couldn’t sense anything. Jericho seemed to be having the same problem.

“I apologize for the wait. Here’s the map.”

Nielsen returned with the map. I recognized it immediately. I had seen similar maps during my time in the Kalisto butler department.

“Inspector, there might be some areas not marked on the map. True secret passages shouldn’t appear on any maps.”

“Head Steward, what do you think of Adjutant Jericho’s statement?”

“He has a point, but…”

‘Our castle doesn’t have any secret passages.’

He seemed to have swallowed those words.

His face paled, and his eyes turned bloodshot. He had made a decision. He was going to eliminate us.

I pretended not to notice.

“The map shows three basement levels. We’ll start there.”

I nodded at Jericho, and he called for the investigators. The young men in uniform marched in, their movements precise and disciplined.

I handed them the map.

“Search every suspicious location. Break down any locked doors. Arrest anyone who resists. I’ll take full responsibility.”

“Yes, sir!”

The investigators were just a distraction.

I had a specific destination in mind.