episode_0021

『Month of the Cross – 23rd (Morning)』

I got ready early in the morning and left the house.

There were not many people coming and going on the streets where morning was just beginning, and only merchants who were busy starting their business were busy.

“It’s quiet… ”

Also, almost no security guards were seen roaming the streets.

The guard captain said that, except for the minimum number of people, most of the personnel had been sent to the western area, so it was immediately apparent that the streets looked emptier than usual.

This will soon be known not only to me, but also to the residents of the territory who will soon be out on the streets.

At least the lord will try to resolve this abnormal situation quickly on his own terms without informing the people… That’s probably why they opened their arms even to us adventurers.

With that in mind, I passed through the empty streets and headed toward the guild.

“The number of security guards has increased noticeably.”

Every time we headed to the guild, the number of guards gradually increased.

I saw them busily walking around the alleys, searching, with haggard faces as if they had stayed up all night… The situation still didn’t look good.

“”Rock, paper, scissors!””

“It’s a familiar sight.”

When I arrived at the guild, a scene I had seen before unfolded.

Myrit had a triumphant expression and Elizabeth had a dumbfounded expression.

What can I say… They were my colleagues.

The two people seemed to be making a bet, making loud noises like last time.

“You! Does this make sense!? Do you know how many times I’ve done this!?”

“You guys are still making a fuss. It seems like he came quite a bit earlier than that.”

“Oh, is Lacey here?”

“Hey! Focus on me!”

Two people in front of the guild earlier than expected.

The way they were bickering really made Geumsul look good.

“By the way… If you make a loud noise, it will be rude to those who are currently working. As you can see, they look quite tired.”

“Ahaha. Don’t know. Still, I made an exaggerated bet to lighten the mood a bit. It might be rude.”

“No. Lacey, do you want to listen too? You left the potion behind, made a bet on who would get it, and the loser decided to get it? however! I bet with him several times, but I never won!”

“That’s right, Lisa. You’re just a little unlucky. And I’m just a little lucky.”

Now that the party has gathered, leaving the two bickering people behind, it is time to discuss.

“Both… Would you mind focusing now? The situation seems to be more serious than expected… ”

“Ah… That’s right. Okay, now that we’re all gathered together. Shall we talk about it among ourselves? Liza, let’s bring the potion later.”

The sudden mass disappearance of vagabonds in the western district.

The investigation, which began yesterday afternoon, failed to find any traces of the missing person or even the culprit. It was a perfect crime that did not even leave a trace of common magic.

“There is good news and bad news. What do you want to hear first?”

“Don’t hesitate and say it all at once. Because time is running out for us.”

“That’s so cold-hearted. Well, the time for fun has passed. The good news is that Lacey’s assumptions were spot on. I heard from Mr. Heri that there are traces of barriers made of divine power installed throughout the alleys.”

Myrit spoke calmly, but the meaning of this statement was quite significant.

Because it means that priests are involved in this disappearance case.

“Lacey’s fiancé cooperated.”

“Muse… ?”

“The person said that it was difficult to confirm the type of barrier installed, but he said that at least two barriers were elaborately woven.”

Did I make it difficult for Muse for no reason? I guess I’ll have to repay you later.

The fact that this information was organized early in the morning means that Muse worked on the investigation throughout the morning.

“The bad news is that although the identity of the barrier was discovered, the most important culprits and missing people were not found in the end. In the end, it means that there is always a lot of work for us to do.”

“I did it just in case… Is it really me?”

I was hoping there would be some hope, but it was all in vain.

“Ha… Are you finished talking? Then I’ll go get the potion. Tsk… I just wanted to make a bet… ”

“Ah! Let’s wait a minute! Lisa has one more bad news… ”

“Aang… ? What does that mean?”

“Actually… Do I have all the potions you said you left behind?”

“Ha?”

Myrit took out a potion from her arms and waved it in front of Elizabeth.

Elizabeth, who saw this, looked half angry and half annoyed and said nothing.

“You… Say it now!”

Elizabeth growled with a lowered voice and put pressure on Myrit, but Myrit just laughed it off as if it had already happened many times.

“That’s right. Lisa. Ever since I talked to Annie yesterday, she has always had a serious look on her face. I tried to lighten the mood. I apologize if I offended you~”

“Ha… … okay. I understand. Because I understand. Don’t do that next time. If you’re more worried, you shouldn’t play pranks like this… Well, tell me a little more honestly! Don’t confuse people.”

“Ahaha! I’m sorry Lisa. But you know that I love Lisa so much, right?”

“… … You know.”

What are these two doing in the morning? It’s not like they’re bragging about how good their relationship is. However, as I watched the two of them play carefree as a couple, I felt like my nervous mind relaxed a little. If I become a couple soon, I’ll be able to get along with Muse like that, right?

“Ah! right! Thanks to you, I remembered it. I think I should tell everyone what Annie said yesterday.”

Elizabeth seemed to remember something, pounded her fist and opened her mouth.

What came out of her mouth was the conversation she had with the lord’s wife last night. The lord’s wife used her animals to search the entire territory of the lord, but as expected, no traces of the culprit or the missing person were found.

Additionally, Elizabeth said that the lord’s wife’s superhuman sense of sixth sense told her that this disappearance case was a means of luring someone, and it could be one of us. Rather than simply dismissing it as one person’s guess or delusion, Elizabeth seemed to trust the lord’s wife’s sixth sense or something.

As we talked and the tense atmosphere eased for a moment, I heard a familiar voice from behind me. It was probably the voice I most wanted not to hear in this place.

[Uncle Lacey!]

“Al, Rex?”

The three people who appeared before my eyes were Alex, Clarice, and Mel. In complete contrast to the rude appearance we saw last time, they stood in front of us, each wearing neatly organized clothes and holding a well-maintained weapon. And the moment I saw them, a feeling of discomfort that I had forgotten for a while came to mind.

‘… … … Wait a minute, the incident happened yesterday morning, and when I went to look for Alex and his group, they had already disappeared from the dorm. Also, Clarice’s behavior as she did not come to church for an entire month… … No way, if all of this is tied together… … ? No, no… ‘I guess not?’

Alex, who had the gloomy expression I saw last time, and Clarisse, a devout believer, had not been to church for a month. Additionally, the initial time the disappearance occurred coincides with Alex Party’s absence. Maybe all of this is just a coincidence, but what if the strange circumstances at this party could be related to the disappearance? A hypothesis that came to mind without thinking quickly resonated in my head at an alarming speed.

“Oh! Isn’t that the promising kid from last time? You guys, Lacey, was looking for you all along.”

“That kid… That’s the kid I saw last time. At that time, he looked like he was lost in the world, but now he has a full smile on his face.”

As Myrit said, just confirming that those children are safe should feel like a burden has been lifted… I was going to do it, but I couldn’t feel at ease because of the swirl of doubts swirling around my head. Because of the shaky feeling that could not be resolved, I was unable to approach Alex or even say hello, and my mouth was tightly shut.

“Hey, Lacey, the party you’ve been looking for has come. See, I did that, right? There’s no need to worry so much~”

“… … … … ”

“But you guys, if you came to the guild because you had something to do, didn’t you come too early? The guild is still being prepared, so you’ll have to wait a while to receive the request, right?”

[it’s okay. What we have to see is not the guild, but Uncle Lacey’s side.]

Alex lightly let go of Elizabeth’s words and pointed out my name. The fact that it was not Alex’s personal opinion was also evident on the faces of Clarice and Mel standing on either side of him. Both of them were looking at me with very expectant expressions. Still, I kept my mouth shut and watched the situation. Of course it didn’t last long…

[Uncle Lacey… Can you guide our party again?]

“… … … … What!?”

The fact that the leader of the party I taught was looking for me again to pursue a higher level of strength might be something I should welcome with open hands, but I didn’t feel that way at all right now.

Rather, I was surprised. Even now, the whirlpool of doubt swirling through my head urges me to suspect that they have some ulterior motive. Also, how did you know I would be here at this time and came here on purpose? They say that if you have too much doubt, you can even create ghosts that didn’t exist. Those words were perfect for the situation I was in right now.

Like a dumb person, I couldn’t answer Alex’s suggestion… To be precise, it would be more accurate to say that he did not answer. And what broke this strange silence and woke me up was a single voice.

“Ah… That’s a sorry story. Lacey has to go with us to do an important request. I think I’ll have to do the map a little later. I understand your desire to become stronger, but we also have our own circumstances… ”

Myrit scratched her head and skillfully explained to Alex Party why I couldn’t coach them right now without making them feel bad. But Alex Party’s face deteriorated rapidly. Like the eyes of a predator stalking its prey… And after watching the series of situations, I made a decision.

In order to resolve this doubt, there is no other way than to have an honest conversation with Alex Party. I deeply feel that it was not right for me as an adult to have doubts and to arbitrarily choose them as the key to solving the problem. I felt pathetic for doubting the weak party who had not yet surpassed the status of beginner adventurers in my eyes, and I felt a strong sense of guilt toward Alex’s party. But ultimately, it has to be done at some point.

“Milit, Elizabeth… Let’s talk for a moment. Alex, Clarice, Mel. Please wait a moment.”

[…] okay. I will wait for a good story to come out. mister]

First, I left Alex’s party behind and talked to my colleagues. To conclude, my position is that I have accepted Alex Party’s request and will teach them today. Of course, there was no way my colleagues would easily listen to my claims that were just words.

“What? What are you talking about! Do you know how serious the situation is now!? I know you hate those guys, but there’s a way to things. I am absolutely against it. Right now, we don’t have enough guards with just those guards, so we need at least one more person!”

“First, let’s calm down… , then Lacey, would you like to tell us the reason? Do you know very well that it makes no sense to simply guide them while abandoning their requests because of affection?”

Elizabeth seemed dumbfounded by my answer, clicking her tongue and complaining. On the other hand, Myrit looked at my reaction calmly and demanded an answer with a justifiable reason. It was a natural procedure and the answer I was expecting. I don’t deny what Elizabeth said, but I also have my thoughts.

“Of course there is a reason. I am not a person who is swayed by emotions. Please provide a reasonable reason.”

It’s purely a self-defense mechanism to cover up my suspicions about Alex and his group, who may be innocent, based solely on speculations I made without thinking. However, if you say it out loud, even though it may be fiction, it may cause unintended harm to Alex Party. So what I am saying from now on is nothing more than a cowardly excuse.

“I was convinced after hearing the information I heard from you two just now. Even though it was only for a short period of time, criminals and missing people could not be found even through the search by Lady Anyidiat, one of the most powerful people in this lordship. And a perception-impeding barrier woven with divine power. When I dared to guess based on this, I thought that there was an ‘intimate’ in this disappearance case. Accordingly, the criminals may have information that the guild or we are cooperating with the lord. In other words, there is a possibility that they are watching or following us… ”

“… Let’s listen. Let’s listen. That’s just a leap too far. It’s all just speculation. Moreover, even if that imagination were true, it has no connection whatsoever with your claim that you would leave to lead that party!”

“I also strongly agree with what Lisa said. Your guess is interesting, but only as a ‘guess’. There was no evidence of an informer, nor any traces of surveillance or following. Lacey, there’s a saying called doubt. It means that even unsuspecting ghosts are created. That’s how I see your situation right now.”

As expected, these two do not fall easily. Even so, I’m not one to give up hastily. I also have a method.

“… … Black market. Myrit, I think there is a black market behind this. Didn’t you tell me last time? It is impossible to find the location of the black market within this territory. Since this was a direct order from the lord, the wife must have participated in the investigation, and no black market has been discovered so far. Don’t you think it’s similar to the current situation?”

“… !”

Just now, Myrit’s eyebrows twitched for a moment. The correct answer is to use a story that appeals to him. Then, I have no choice but to use this momentum to desperately persuade him.

“The ‘intimate’ I mentioned earlier exists, we are under their surveillance, and no evidence has been found in this feudal lord’s territory. What this clue indicates is that the culprit is located ‘outside’. And the reason why I wanted to take those kids outside… ”

“In the name of guidance, in order to go out legally, avoiding the surveillance network of possible ‘inners’… Is that what you want to say? Because if you go out hastily, you might miss the remaining clues?”

“That’s accurate. Me going to Alex first could also arouse their suspicion. Rather, I think this situation is the best time for Alex to come first and ask for guidance.”

My persuasion must have worked well, as Myrit was thinking deeply with her chin resting on the suspicious look in her eyes from earlier. As a result, the silence returned again. What broke the silence was when the thinking man opened his mouth.

“It’s pure nonsense. But I think it’s worth a try. To be honest, no matter what you said, I was going to refuse to accompany those little parties. Because an absurd emergency has occurred. I think that in order to solve that problem, capable people need to roll up their sleeves and work.”

A sentence that is not Myrit’s sentence. However, it seems that the scales of his heart have already tilted in this direction.

“I agree with you that there is nothing more to find here. Even if it is revealed that the person who installed the barrier was a priest, nothing will change. External investigation is in favor… But you are fully aware of the responsibility for your remarks, right?”

… responsibility. Of course I know that. The party I am currently trying to lead is a promising party that has recently completed an overwhelming number of intermediate-level quests. It’s like forcing the party to participate in an adult event. Myrit is worried that they might be targeted by criminals and suffer harm.

–gulp…

“… … I will take responsibility and protect it. Even if I break down.”

“Hmm, that’s not like you. I can clearly see with your own eyes that you’re embarrassed.”

I’m embarrassed… For a moment, my true feelings almost came out. I desperately made excuses and forced myself to come up with a reason to go out. The reason is that… To resolve my suspicions about Alex Party with my own hands… Now I definitely regard those kids as my enemies. It is predicted that he is the smallest collaborator and largest accomplice in this disappearance case.

Then, in case of emergency… You may have to punish it. I spoke with my true feelings behind me, but I guess I wasn’t able to hide them completely.

“If I were to state my position as the leader of the party,… Well, have a nice trip. I’ll tell Mr. Herry. Thanks to this, two people will have to do the work of three people, but only if you bring good information. This is a cheap sacrifice.”

“Ha… Are we the only ones investigating alone again? I’m sick and tired of it. As long as he allows it, I don’t think anything else will happen, but safety is my top priority. It doesn’t matter whether you can get the information or not, so if it gets dangerous, retreat right away. Of course, not just you, but also bring those guys over there without harm. I don’t think there will be any progress, but we will investigate as much as we can.”

“Thank you for your understanding. Because of my stubbornness, you are the only ones suffering again.”

“You understand, right? If you’re so sorry, you can at least shoot me in the face later.”

“Heh, that’s right… Then I will go. Please take care of the rest.”

After saying those words, I walked towards Alex Party, who was waiting with Myrit and Elizabeth behind me. The expressions of the three people… I don’t know. An expression of literal nothingness, neither happy nor unpleasant. I was taken aback for a moment, but then I shouted at them.

” I was in charge of guidance and permission. I will guide you as thoroughly as I did when I first met you. Then let’s leave right away. Out of Yeongju territory.”

[ha… Jerk the. They’re talking nonsense among themselves, but they’re completely idiots, aren’t they? Even though the real culprit is here. [Giggle♥]

[It’s just as Mel said. Pathetic humans. Incompetent inferior species that cannot be understood as being of the same intelligence. Those people’s heads look like decorations, but I don’t understand why they wear them.]

[But those two aside, Lacey is definitely suspicious of us. Looking back on my memories from my human days, that male was not the kind of man who would give up his duties and help us when we suddenly appeared and asked for guidance. However, in a situation where his position may be in trouble, he is desperately trying to defend himself by offering to guide us. This probably means that they are targeting us for a different purpose.]

Well, whether Lacey thinks we are the real culprits or accomplices is none of our business. What we are aiming for is the process by which a male named Lacey Glis becomes our new companion. At that time, Blair discovered a window shining with blue light. The true owner of that spear is the male named Lacey Glis before our eyes.

When I think about the future of that male who will become our new companion while holding the glorious weapon that the goddess herself has given me, my dick gets hard and I want to cum right away♥

[By the way, humans smell so bad that I want to get out of here quickly. I think I’ll go crazy if I stay here any longer.]

Clarisse covered her nose with her claw and shook her head. I agree with that. There are a lot more humans than usual, and every time you breathe, an irritating human smell wafts in. I feel like I want to burn it all down, but I have to endure it. For the goddess’s paradise…

Later, while I was talking with Clarisse and Blair about various plans, or talking about which slave’s pussy was tighter all morning, an annoying male voice passed my ear. Sheesh, the timing is really good too. Only for male subjects.

” I was in charge of guidance and permission. I will guide you as thoroughly as I did when I first met you. Then let’s leave right away. Out of Yeongju territory.”

The blue-haired male left those words for us and walked ahead. Anyway, no matter when I look at the male’s back, I can’t really trust it. Can you protect your own female with that? Well, anyway, this is the start. Our plan to capture males and recruit companions♥

*

*

*

Under the guidance of the blue-haired male, our apostles escaped from the lord’s territory and headed into the forest. Looking at the shape of the forest, it doesn’t seem to have been eroded by magic, but it is still quite dense. In other words, this means that there are no monsters here, unless they are human beings full of sincerity who want to directly guide the three people with their bodies. For guidance, it is common to go to places where monsters are.

“Now that I think about it, looking at this forest reminds me of the old days. The mission to exterminate a group of orcs, which I was initially assigned to lead you guys to, was also carried out near here. At that time, there were more orcs than usual, so I cut down all the orcs. However, it was said that the group of orcs was so heavy that each person could only carry one, so they did not make any money. Is not it. Mel?”

[Ah yes]

The old bastard is talking about some time ago. It hasn’t been long since we left the territory, so it’s still too early to attack them right away. So you’re saying I have to listen to that idiot until then? Ha, fuck it. Clarice and Blair next to me are looking away from me as if it’s none of their business, and are walking a little distance away from me. ha…

“… hmm? Mel. There’s a leaf on your head… ”

–Pot! Less evil!

You crazy bastard! How dare you put your hands on someone’s body! Trying to touch my body with a lowly male subject is a serious crime that cannot be atoned even if you die 100 times, no, 1000 times, 10,000 times!

I swatted away the blue-haired male’s hand with perhaps the fastest speed since I became an apostle. Just touching my hand was unpleasant, but considering that that hand would have touched my head, it was a cheap sacrifice. I was so angry that I wanted to burn that male like this. Still, I have to hold on… For the goddess’s paradise, for paradise… I will receive this value later after I become a colleague!

“Uh, uh… That’s pretty fast. I had no idea that you, a wizard, could swat my hand away so quickly. You’ve been practicing hard for a month… ”

[Oh, I’m sorry for hitting that hand away. Me, Clarice, and Alex have been suffering from serious illnesses for some time, but we recently got cured of them. Still, you never know. It could have passed on to Uncle Lacey, so I reflexively swatted it away. I’m really sorry]

“… … … … okay. Regardless of whether you got sick in the past, it’s best to be safe now. I’m so glad I got rid of that terrible disease.”

I made a crude excuse, but the blue-haired male withdrew his hand with a shocked expression. With that expression on his face, it’s clear that he’s looking suspiciously at me, a first-class adventurer, for slapping his hand away so quickly that he doesn’t recognize it himself. But what should I do? You’re in a situation where you’re being doubted anyway, so what else will change if you drop a drop of water on this wave of suspicion? It just makes you feel anxious.

Once I put my hand away, the male didn’t say anything more. Because it’s easier for me to just keep quiet rather than talk about trivial and uninteresting stories. But then…

–Awww!! Grrr!! Wow!!!! Kiiing!!

A fierce roar that instantly took over the quiet forest. It was the appearance of a gigantic beast that moved quickly and violently, shaking the earth. what? When did you show up? I couldn’t sense any of the monster’s magic or signs? Not only I, but Clarice and Blair also looked perplexed. by the way…

As if it had noticed our gaze, it continued to run from tree to tree as its friend. The beast’s siege around us gradually narrowed, and the trees around us were broken into nothingness.

–Kaaa!!!

What finally appeared was a black beast with four heads. A beast with sulfurous fire flowing from its unclosed mouth instead of saliva, and four wings on its back. As far as I know, I’ve never heard of a monster that looks like that… A new type of monster? Well, that aside, it looks like that bastard’s goal is us. Then the story is fast. Let’s show our skills right now… … … …

Uh, uh, hehe♥ This, can’t this be the feeling!? Has the goddess’ blessing come down? And right in front of me? Ah, ahaha♥ That beast is not the problem now… Please wait a minute. Goddess ♥ I will go see you right now ♥