Chapter 466: Bet It All on Us!
Saori knocked on a door. No one answered, so she did it again, only to be greeted with silence. A rune was jamming our [Detection Sensor]s, preventing us from seeing into the room, yet we knew somebody was inside. After all, Kazumi told us the person residing here participated in the knights welcoming party.
With all the runes inside a white-robes room, it was impossible to lure them out without knocking on the door. You couldnt call them out, after all. Ringing the bell next to the door was futile as well, so knocking was our only option. That was the only outside noise that could enter a room with a [Silence] rune.
As such, we continued. Saori did not give up until somebody got fed up with it.
Who is it? A womans voice answered us.
Saori and I took a step back and allowed our third conspirator to speakFleindia.
Lady Margaret, I must speak with you, now! Putting on her own actor mask, she placed some emphasis on the urgency of the situation. She sounded so desperate, like a child asking to be saved.
S-Saintess Fleindia? Is that you?
Yes, please! I must speak with you now. I understand this is the wrong time, but I have something I need to confirm with you.
She hesitated. I-I dont know. Isnt it too late? Why not speak
No! Fleindia raised her voice before slamming her mouth shut, audible enough for the priestess behind the door to hear. I mean, Im sorry, but I need to do it now. I cannot wait, so please.
Are you alone?
[Bingo. Rajah,] I ordered.
My virgacuga shoved his head out of my shadow, smiling. [Yes, Master! Please Mirror Image!]
[Illusion Magic], a composite element between holy and dark that couldnt be obtained naturally by leveling them both up to level ten, allowed the user to distort light with false images and even make us mostly invisible. [Mirror Image] conjured up a mirror-like foil over a translucent magic circle, blocking everybodys sight from us.
Thankfully, it was only incoming light, which meant we could still see through it. Happy about the result, I petted Rajahs head, who himself was delighted that his rank B evolutions bonuses were extremely usefulto us this night.
Once the illusion was active, Saori placed a hand on my shoulder and covered me in her [Shadow Armament] as she used her stealth skills to hide our presence. A normal priestess with only rudimentary runes and enchantments could not discover Saori.
As the peek hole opened up the priestess checked the area, making no reaction before she opened the door. Seeing our gambit work out, I pulled out my recorder and began recording everything.
Quick, inside. Margaret rushed Fleindia in.
Saori and I went inside first, hiding in a corner as Fleindia entered the room. I scanned the room with [Mana Eyes], only finding the runes. There werent any magical traps or surveillance tools around, but I did notice Margeret inching closer to a knife on her drawer. She was hiding it with her figure before turning to Fleindia.
Please, speak. Such a time isnt very fitting for a Saintess, so we better hurry.
Fleindia nodded, still keeping the act up. Of course. Lady Margeret, I regret to ask you this, but,Fleindia straightened up her scared posture, glaring at Margeret with an air of regalityChampion Hestia managed to salvage the rune used on me during the initial demonkin attack. We had a dwarven master runesmith identify it as a Dhuinn rune, including getting in contact with the person who created itan Aureolis mayor who just died.
Margaret stiffened, eyes widened as she tried to play off her anxiousness with confusion. Sadly, the surprise factor confirmed all we needed to know, now we just had to gain the evidence.
I see what does that have to do with you hurrying into my room in the middle of the night, then?
I questioned one of my friends in the city here, and they told me this mayor used to manage the secret eatery inside the cityNobles Secret? You must have heard of it.
Our friend was Cardinal Wendell. After he calmed down and we formed a plan on how to take advantage of his intel, he told us everything we needed to know to pursue Grimnirs Dhuinn rune clue. This included the priestess who worked with the mayors murdererMargeret.
The owner died and its ownership was transferred over to a certain Yelas, a petty information broker turned business owner. Apparently, he murdered his father,Fleindia came closer to the womanAnd a rumor has also reached my ears that you and this Yelas are quite familiar with each other.
Nonsense! What is this accusation?! the latter yelled. You cannot just enter my room under false pretenses to speak to me like this. Not even a Saintess is allowed to act like this! Have you no shame, or is this simply who you are, Saintess Fleindia? Just another imperial gossipmonger, like all the rest!
Fleindia tilted her head, turning around and showing her back to Margeret, baiting her to strike. What accusation? What pretense? I rushed over here to discover if this rumor is false or not, and I am bringing it up so you may dispel them tomorrow. If you ask me, this rumor is damaging enough to any young ladys reputation, and me coming here in the middle of the night to inform you should be praised. I worried enough about you to risk my sleep and own reputation to warn you. What if somebody saw me here? With you?
Absurd! The manner in which you would spin your actions is the height of arrogance! Leave my room, now! she demanded.
I understand, so be it. Fleindia walked towards the door before stopping. Yet, you never said anything about the rune I mentioned. That rune trapped me and prevented me from doing my duty properly. I already have Champion Hestia and her arcane trickster tracking this Yelas, and once we find him, we will uncover the information one way or another.
And? Why are you telling me this?
For no reason. You are, after all, not his sweetheart, correct? You wouldnt worry about him, right? He probably has nothing to tell you about, so it shouldnt be an issue. No matter where he is, he has shown his colors and is now a traitor to humankind for working with the demonkin. Or, at least, guilty upon association by being the guilty mayors son. He will be brought to justice.
Fleindia touched the door handle, prepared to walk out of the room.
Wait! Margaret shouted, coming closer as she hid the knife under her night gowns sleeves. Yelas has nothing to do with this, please. You dont have to approach him.
How would you know that? Did you not just say you had no relations with this petty criminal?
Margeret groaned, grimacing as she darted her eyes around, trying to think of an answer. I-IOkay, I do visit the Nobles Secret quite often, you understand? That rumor started because I enjoyed being there for the food. Ive been sent here to the church because of my parents being disappointed in me, so I was homesick. Simple as that. The rumors are false, spread by these people you call friends! They do not know me!
That still doesnt explain how you know this piece of information about the rune though. Fleindia came closer, almost in striking range.
I-I just overheard it, all right? Anything that happens in that place stays there, so I am risking my ability to patronize them by telling you this. The rune? I know Yelas had it, but it must have been stolen by the demonkin. This murder? Nothing as well, his father died because he was ambushed by bandits. Nothing at all, so please, stop investigating this. T-the demonkin are involved, right? You have to
Fleindia came even closer. How do you know all of this so certainly? Who is your informant? Overhearing all of this? How and why? Petty criminal or not, this person is an information broker. He understands the worth of being inconspicuous, and you wouldnt be able to eavesdrop on all this information without being close to him. How are you so confident?
I-IUhm, I-HieArrrck!
She finally took the bait and lashed out with that knife, but before Margeret could harm Fleindia, Varya jumped out of the shadow, biting the formers arm and pulling her onto the ground. The woman screamed out in pain, but Saori activated the [Silence] rune, dampening any noise.
Aaaaand cut! I said as the [Mirror Image] dispelled, revealing our trap to Margeret. As she stared at me in horror, I showed her the recording of her nearly slicing Fleindias throat with the knife. Yo dayo, Miss.
I then gagged her mouth, stopping her from screaming, allowing my virgacuga to wrap her in mana threads, capturing her. I then threw her over my shoulder after her mouth was closed and we left the room, where Rajah cast [Mirror Image] once again.
Dark elemental spells might be suppressed within the vicinity of the dorms, but that didnt include [Illusion Magic], probably cause it was a composite element with holy. We couldnt use [Shadow Dash] to sneak past the guards eyes, but we could use invisibility to do so. After I cast [Air Shield] around us to silence our footsteps, we returned to my room, where I placed Margeret on the chair.
I then handed the recorder to Haruka, who replayed everything and projected the video on the wall for everybody to see, revealing the evidence to denounce Margeret. As she looked at us in horror, I pulled the mouth strap off.
Okay, you have two choices. Either you go down with the demonkin ship and I will make sure you regret it, or, you and your lover, or friend, or whatever, get off with a slap on the wrist. Your friend will probably be tried for what he did, but it wont be as terrible as being labeled as a traitor and demonkin sympathizer, right? I offered. What I want is for you to come with us to your friend and persuade him to drop everything. Meaning, you lead us there and we will handle the rest. Get the people on your and his back off you both, do you understand?
The Vicar will never let you get away with this! This is blackmailing, she shouted, begging almost.
The Vicar isnt your issue right now. Regardless if he was the one who ordered you around or not, you realized it well enough when we brought up the rune, right? Even if you didnt initially know about the demonkin, you are complicit now. Your friend is complicit now. This is your ticket to get out of this situation, do you understand me? I will get rid of it, so will you help us, or continue this facade?
Margaret quickly agreed when she realized the situation was clearly against her, securing us further information on the secret hideout Wendell told us about. Asking her about it, she confirmed she knew about it as her lover was the one who organized it, along with the current mayor managing it for them. This meant the mayor had the most information on the demonkins clandestine movements in Aureolis, especially concerning the black mercs.
One particular mercenary has been hounding Yelas these past months. A Yanderu. Usually Yelas and Mayor Heinrich work together to hire and control mercs around the city, using them as bandits or marauders to disturb trade paths to increase prices. We havent exactly worked with any demonkin up until now Up until that Yanderu came.
Where is this person? Tatsuya asked, allowing us to learn he usually appeared in Nobles Secret. We can go to him if you want. You only need Sensei with you for the main raid, right?
I shook my head. The mercs who attacked us in the sewers were clearly from the Yanderu, but I dont want to confront them just yet. Getting rid of them wont do us any good now I have a different plan for them.
Then I have a question, Nishio prompted. There were fire mages who attacked us during the sewer attack, all of them wearing amulets of Danterno. They didnt say it outright, but isnt it too suspicious? A Saint and Champion attacked you before too, right? Do you think they have any relations?
True.
Therefore, we questioned Margeret about it, but she seemed earnest when she denied any knowledge of Danternos followers being involved. She wasnt sure who they were, as Yelas had only hired the bandits Wendell sent after us.
With everything we needed, we sent Margeret to sleep inside Yorshkas room, as we had to protect her now. Witness protection, you could call it. We then waited until it was past midnight before I entered the subspace and opened a portal in the nexus room, giving us a quick way into Tanzania town.
Good work, Quatre, Saori petted her fourth fenrir after he successfully rushed from Aureolis to the most northern town in the country. We had to move after Wendell gave us that information, but I was still stunned he made it in a single day.
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Saori, Tasianna, and I will be the strike force here. Ill summon anybody else if this goes badly, so make sure to keep this catalyst on hand. I threw Kleas old catalyst prison over to Saori. Well, get a good rest everybody. Once were done, this will probably be a very busy night.
Got it! Our collective raid group announced.
I then portaled my partners and Margeret over to our location, where she directed us to the location of the hideout. Once there, she also told me where I could find the mayor.
We will need you to infiltrate the location, first, Saori said. Do not worry about your safety, I will handle everything. Your goal is to locate your friend and turn him to our side, but do try to be subtle. You know how to ride, correct?
I learned, yes.
Good, please change into your riding outfit, we need to use that as your alibi and reason for being here. Saori pulled a set of clothes from her storage.
Oh, thats why she asked that question. Saori, Saori
W-why do you have this? Margaret yelled, dampened by Tasiannas [Air Shield].
I snatched them before we left your room, she answered with the most nonchalant expression in the world after robbing a girls dresser! If I hadnt guessed it was for this moment, I would have probably tugged on her ears!
What we do for alibis, sheesh, Saori. What would your students say?
Once Margeret got changed, our group separated to pursue our two goals at the same time. I climbed onto the roof and began scanning the town, nodding my head a bit as I realized the full size of this town. It was similar to Firwood in scope, as in, it wasnt small enough to be a true town nor large enough to be a city, so it ended up as a town-city hybrid.
Directly bordering Estalia, it was many merchants first stop into Aureolis from the north, meaning quite a lot of wealth was concentrated in this place. No wonder there was criminal activity all around, considering how filled with gangs and slave trafficking Estralia had before my party got ourselves involved in it. I hadnt seen any slaves in Aureolis city, thankfully, but who knew about this place.
This is how Aureolis City earns money despite being technologically behind.
That was why there was a bulletin board in the basilica and why they encouraged the clergy to visit the surrounding towns and grant white graces. To earn their favor and keep people happy, while the mayors kept paying taxes for the country to operate. It made sense.
Frankly, couldnt I call this part of my priestess duties? Learn more about how Aureolis functioned? It did feel weird thinking like this during the middle of the night, but I had to cram before for exams. Gotta learn.
Fortunately for me, with this new knowledge, I finally understood why the demonkin installed a mayor here. Sap the money out of the system and use it to invest in controlling Aureolis and destabilizing everything else! Brilliant! What a shame it would be if I took some of the books and had somebody check the bookkeeping, right? Wouldnt it all topple down once the white-robes learned how much money theyve been losing?
Greed was a sin, after all, and it sure made people unhappy.
Thats how were doing it then.
After I located the mayors house, I checked the place out and didnt notice any real traps or anything, suspecting he or the demonkin never expected anybody to attack him. Multiple signals were inside while two targets were in the master bedroom, probably his wife or lover. The rest could be his kids, servants, or guards he hired.
Cant go loud.
[Rajah.]
The cheat code of RPGsinvisibility. Impossible to find the player character if you couldnt be seen, heard, or smelled. Rajah might not have gotten the most offensive boost from his evolution, but it sure was the best ability for the utility he received, and I couldnt be happier when he meowed, satisfied.
I forcibly opened a window and entered the building onto the third floor, before navigating to the master bedroom. Similar to the rest of the place, it wasnt locked. Perking my ears up, I notice two types of breathing. One snoredaudible even from outsidewith deep uncontrolled breaths that scratched in your ears. The other was tamer, but deeper in volume, and while they didnt snore, the breathing felt a bit strained. It might be lung issues.
Entering the room, it quickly became clear the owner lavished his bedroom with anything he fancied. Fine carpets, well-chiseled wooden furniture, and an assortment of healthy, well-maintained plants. The rest of the third floor was similarly decorated, now that I thought about it.
Family photo, huh? I stared at a portrait with three rather chubby people. Two parents and a son, although I guess they werent the most overweight people Id seen in my lives.
With the fathers and mothers face in mind, I closed in on the bed where the two were sleeping peacefully. As if nothing bad ever crossed their minds. Or, the guilt hasnt assaulted them yet. How annoying.
Ah.
Looking down, I silently chastised myself as I realized I was cracking my fingers. I felt heat rising in my chest following the wish to disturb this nights peace. Akasht died and it was under this guys supervision. Yorshka said she met him and led our group to the demonkin without any warning, knowing full well it was a trap!
The enemy knew all along when to strike cause of him! He was my enemy, enemy, enemy An enemy just like the Prince of Envy! He robbed the possibility of making memories with Akasht from me! He stole from me. He took away my friend!
These thoughts made me feel guilty. Was I nothing but a feral beast at this point, driven too far away from my idol dreams cause of all that I have experienced? Would it have felt better if I had just decided to abandon Saori and Tasianna after my first [Battle Frenzy (Moderate)]? These thoughts spiraled in my head so much it made me feel dizzy.
I need proper sleep. So tired
There werent any bookshelves inside, so I pulled out a rock from my storage and inscribed [Room] on it. Covering the mayors and his wifes head in an [Air Shield], I gently picked them up in a princess carry one-by-one and laid them inside their subspace prison, before leaving into the night as if I was a ghost.
Rajah and Varya then informed me they had located his office, where they managed to snatch a few books, scrolls, and ledgers with the small virigress cubs help. Done there, we snuck over to the townhall for the rest of the books. Compared to the mayors house, it was definitely harder to navigate, complete with locks, runic protection, and even an enchanted safe.
The former was easy enough since I could just rip through doors with [Air Shield] blocking all sound, but the latter two were harder. I might destroy something I didnt want, not to mentionYeah, I was just too lazy to deal with all of that so I took anything that wasnt nailed down and placed them into the [Room] I also took anything that was nailed down. Let others handle it.
Suffice to say, the people opening the town hall in the morning would without a doubt be astonished. The offices and libraries felt as if a black friday horde had raided the place and swept through every single speck of the place, leaving nothing that was written on behind. Not even the poor mayor!
Winter Cant even see how late it is. I grimaced at Aureoliss lack of technological progress, making me miss the dwarven citiesclocks. The sky was too dark, but I knew Ive spent too much time repossessing everything like an IRS agent.
Saori and Tasianna should be done. After all, the party bracelet told me they were fully alive. Technology was amazing.
Why have the dwarves not figured out how to add a clock on these things? Ill have Haruka do it then.
Returning to the first location, I raised an eye when I noticed some black smoke coming from the buildings doors and window. Opening it up, I realized it wasnt smoke but Saoris [Smokey Haze]. In a small, enclosed, and dark room nobody should challenge Saori, as her skill set was made to dominate inside them, especially with her Territory.
Reaching my hand inside the lightless shadow smoke, I felt a strong zap clash against my draconic barrier. Either normal [Stygian Lightning] or Saori went all-out with [Hels Thunder], leaving little chance for any person to react to such a surprise attack. After all, how often would one fight a dark mage as strong as Saori, allowing them to earn a high enough [Dark Resistance]?
Suffice to say, it was as I thought once I recognized the intensity of the shocks. Once the shadow mist began moving towards an epicenter, I confirmed most of the people inside were stunned into unconsciousness. Some had reached for their weapons and catalyst, but nobody was ready to fight back.
Lady Hestia! Tasianna came running up. You took a while. I was worried you were having troubles.
There were a lot of books.
I figured! You should have just taken the most important ones, those locked behind cabinets or inside safes.
I opened the temporary [Room] and took out one of those safes, having it land on the ground with a loud thud. Thats why I took them with me.
Tasianna stared at it with quizzical eyes, before turning her head up to see the still sleeping mayor inside. She then gazed at the mountains of books and scrolls I had created, before looking back at me. She was silent, so baffled that her mouth was agape.
Tasianna turned to the three people walking down the stairs. Miss Saori, I told you I should have accompanied her. You didnt even need my help here.
Ahh, its the middle of the night, Tasianna. Could we not bother each other about our methods of dealing with things? Saori said with a grouchy tone, suggesting Tasianna was lecturing her up until now. She then threw a book over to me. We have a lot of reading to do, but this is what we came for.
I caught the book before looking over at the two people following behind Saori like lemmings. One of them was Mageret while the man was possibly Yelas, but both were shivering as if they had just been doused in Tasiannas ice dust. Their skin looked kinda pale, as if the blood had drained from their faces.
Saori did something but even I didnt want to know about it. As she said, Could we not bother each other about our methods of dealing with things? Very fitting, so I decided to ignore them and simply read the book while Saori had her fenrirs gather up all our prisoners.
These are my notes and acceptance of my sins. With these words, I commit and admit to the crimes I will perform in the future. If you are reading this dairy, then I must ask you to
I closed the book. This wasnt the time or place to continue, nor did we have the most important person around for it. Everybody required closure.
Once the shadow pack was done gathering all the people, we returned to my subspace, where I handed the temporary [Room] rune off to Midirn. He had to organize the prisoners while I would leave the information organization to Rita. Our resident dryads unnatural lust for knowledge was perfect for this tedious and tiresome job, and it probably would save the tax collectors some headache-inducing issues for later as well.
Shell probably like to know how Aureolis handles its taxes, so that should be enough motivation.
Hestia.
As I was explaining the situation to a sleep deprived, but very excited, Rita, Tatsuya and Kyouya came up to us.
The guy were looking for is still in the inn, they said.
I raised a brow. Guy? Oh, the Yanderu guy. Wait, you two know were in the middle of the night, right? We didnt have to check up on him right now, and how did you even get out of the basilica without causing a fuss?
We got Dame Kirstine to help us, Kyouya stated. Yorshka and her went out to drink to make up for all that happened. When they came back, she switched out the guards with our allies, so weve been able to go in and out with no issue.
Midirns intuition was correct. This is actually so much better.
Tatsuya nudged his head. Nishio told us to get you. He has a plan. You wanna come?
Sure, sounds fun.
I followed them outside my room and, just as they told me would happen, the gate guards simply ignored us. As if we never, ever left the church at all.
Heading over to the Nobles Secret, we eventually met Nishio as he was heading back, stating he was starting to feel sleepy. Apparently, the Yanderu hadnt shown any signs of leaving, simply indulging in drinking and eating as much as he could until his belly turned plump. Unlike Tatsuya or Kazumi, Nishios sneaking skills were below average, so the Yanderu or his guards should have noticed Nishio, so we could only conclude he was waiting.
Probably for us to approach him. He probably noticed the three of us when we initially tried to locate him. I apologize, Hestia-san. He bowed.
I shook my hand. No need, you actually helped me out in this matter. I did say I had a different plan for him, right?
Franz?
I nodded, smiling awkwardly. Franz.
Figured. Here you go. Wrote down whatever we need to protect Cardinal Wendells family. Pen as well, if you need to change something.
Sheesh! I jerked back, feeling almost revolted. Can you please not act as if you could understand the very fabric of time and all its mysteries! We low-minded plebs cant read the future, you know!
I agree, that was scary, dude, Tatsuya nodded, prompting me to do the same.
Meanwhile, Kyouya only giggled, causing Nishio to glare at us.
And you two could have not left me when Dame Kirstine and Dame Yorshka asked to drink with us! Do you even know the full extent of their tolerance with all their skills!
Ah, alcohol and dames. The bane of Nishio. Poor guy.
In any case, I adjusted some of the requirements on the parchment, but it didnt differ too much from what Nishio had written. Our future sight mage had already covered everything, including the name of Wendells family and their address. In addition, he had also noted down some other information, like how he wanted Franz to investigate how the demonkin are controlling the nobles this well.
Franz being with the Yanderu was an issue, but it somehow turned into an invaluable asset. Did he calculate that this would happen? We had no access to the Folschreck Empire, and I couldnt risk losing a [Room] rune by having one of Reajaens or Shatureins spies get caught sneaking it in. Him being over there while being within one of the Empires most notorious black mercenary companies allowed us to protect people over there.
As long as the Yanderu could be trusted. A mercs loyalty lies in coins.
And coins we had aplenty right now for a deal, so I entered the Nobles Secret without hiding my identity. Once inside, I told everybody to leave the room immediately, otherwise I would start breaking the rules by exposing everybody around. Knowing my reputation, most quickly acquiesced and ran out, aside from the bartender and three men at a table.
Would you like me to leave as well, my lady? the middle-aged, well-groomed bartender asked.
Dont worry, your boss agreed to this. Well, he will, so nothing leaves this place, right?
Yes, of course. If you require my work, I am your servant. He bowed.
I went over to the table and asked him to leave with his guard, which he agreed with as long as my guards did as well. Once we were the only people left, I asked him who he worked for.
Aletheim Bloodgold, the sixth head, but also the bookkeeper and money lender of our entire company. Im his direct representative in Aureolis, Champion Hestia. I can see you wish to deal with us, so what do you have to offer?
You are working with the Prince of Envy and the other demonkin, but you are asking if I wish to make a deal with you?
We take our payments up front, if that answers your question, he said in the most slimy way possible, almost suggesting he believed we would lose.
I nodded, smirking. Got it, thanks for the heads up. Well, my request is simple: deliver this missive to your boss and have only him read it. I dont care if your big boss demands it, I will rip your head off. If you read it, I will rip your head off. If you throw it away right now, I will rip your head off. That is your payment for accepting the deal.
He turned silent, staring at me with confusion with his blue eyes. Well I can see you
In addition, I have another request. I want all of you Yanderu out of Aureolis country by next week. If you accept this, then I am willing to pay you back for going back on the demonkins deal. It is only fair, after all. Oaths and promises should be abided.
He nodded, looking relieved. That seems more agreeable. Kargryxmors blood, I see. It will be hard though, as I
Your payment is the return of all Yanderu personnel we captured in Tanzania town. I will even heal them to show my good will! Am I not nice? If you dont accept this, I will rip your head off.
Now he was squinting his eyes, clearly angered by my deplorable negotiation skills, but I didnt care. I wouldnt even let him talk, either.
Last favor.
You cannot justGrak! He attempted to talk before I grabbed his neck and increased my body temperature, scorching his neck.
Only you will remain here, as I will need you to deliver even more missives to your boss. Once again. Your payment is that I dont rip your head right off, right here, right now. You think the demonkin will win against me? Princess Hestia Atsuko Kargryxmor, eighth child of Dragon Emperor Eltharion and Dragon Empress Meloxtressathe two living SS rank dragons of this generationChampion and Idol of Goddess Aurena, and somebody who had thwarted two Warbringers on her Divine Quest. I will give you a very, very good investment tipnot really an investment tip, thoughput your coins on me. On Aurora.
That was my collateral for this transaction.
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