Chapter 37: Truth (1)
Crockta wandered through the slums by himself in search of any remaining Haedong Balhae clan members, but no one stood out to him. The slums felt desolate. It seemed all of the players had withdrawn from Arnin, and the elves who used to reside there had left for work in the inner city. Only the sound of the construction workers shouting at the top of their lungs rang throughout the streets.
As Crockta roamed around aimlessly, he wondered whether he was doing something futile, but then something caught his eye. He stopped in front of a construction site.
“...!” Crockta’s eyes widened when he looked at the workers.
They were sweating profusely with construction tools in their hands.
“Hey! Move it carefully! You might get injured!”
“Whew. Why do I have to do all this work in a game?”
“I know, right?”
White stars were shining brightly on the workers’ foreheads. Crockta carefully inspected their faces one by one. There were a few NPCs, but there were mostly players. The workers wore protection gear and spoke in technical jargon as they constructed buildings. It resembled construction sites in real life.
“Hey, orc dude!” A man on the ground, who had been gulping water, waved his hand at Crockta.
This man had a white star on his forehead as well.
He said, “It’s my first time seeing an orc in Arnin! If you need to build a house, let us know! We will give you a good price!”
Crockta looked at the construction site entrance where there was a signpost with the words ‘Kangaroo Construction.’ Below was an ad saying they would guarantee speedy construction at an affordable price.
Crockta asked, “Why are those cursed by the stars here...?”
“Huh? How did you know?” the man asked while tilting his head curiously. “Yeah, we’re cursed... but does it matter? Even though we are cursed, we build cheap buildings quickly. If you have land, let us know. We will build a great house for you. Hahaha!”
The construction workers were players enjoying the architectural aspect of Elder Lord. Based on their skilled movements, it seemed they had worked in construction in real life. There was even a signpost at the entrance with an image of the construction overview.
[Construction Title: Municipal ‘Benevolence First Aid Station’
Client: City of Arnin
Constructor: Kangaroo Construction
Building Utility: Public Facility for Supporting the Underprivileged]
As Crockta observed the sign closely, the man’s chest swelled with pride.
“Do you need work by any chance? If you are an orc, you must be strong. Are you interested? You should try it out,” the man asked.
Crockta replied, “Not really, but do you happen to know anything about the Haedong Balhae clan?”
“Haedong Balhae? Indeed,” the man said with a nod. “They are the ones who connected us with the mayor. I don’t like those wily folks though. They took a huge chunk of the payment, but we can’t do anything about it. Do you know them?”
“I don’t know them,” replied Crockta.
“I see. Try not to get involved with them. They seem to be up to no good these days. Make sure you aren’t swindled by them, NPC—no, orc lad. Haha.”
Then the construction supervisor called out to the man, who quickly got up.
“I’m going. I’m going! Then, good luck!” the man said before running off to resume his construction work.
Crockta became lost in thought as he watched the man work. Ilya had said this building was a mansion for wealthy elves, but it wasn’t true. It was actually a medical facility for the poor. Crockta’s head raced with thoughts.
Ilya’s face appeared in Crockta’s mind. The elf had seemed kind, but his true feelings were always hidden. Crockta was reminded of the clan member who had appeared surprised and seemed to recognize Ilya when his mask came off. The clan member had been unable to reveal the truth before he was killed by Ilya.
Ilya was someone who had made a deal with Derek, but Derek was not a good person. In fact, he was quite the opposite, and Derek and Crockta were only working together to make use of each other. So, Crockta did not trust Derek at all.
Had they deceived him?
Nevertheless, Crockta’s goal was to enact revenge on the Haedong Balhae clan, so it didn’t matter whether he was being used. He didn’t have to get involved in other matters; he just needed to get rid of the Haedong Balhae clan.
Thus, Crockta tried to turn around and ignore what he saw, but something kept bothering him. Lingering feelings refused to subside and made him uneasy. It seemed he couldn’t just let things slide. He had to do something. Crockta closed his eyes and looked into himself.
‘Ah.’ Crockta opened his eyes.
‘He’ was there. At the back of Crockta’s mind, ‘he’ was looking at him.
“Understood, Lenox.”
Crockta gently brushed his fingers along the scar on his chest that Lenox had carved with his axe. This scar would always remain, along with the oath of the warrior that Lenox had passed on to him.
Before Crockta departed from Arnin, he had to find out what was actually going on in this city. He had to know the truth. It would not be too late to decide how to act after finding out the truth first.
Crockta continued moving along.
***
The Plains’ administrator Enyanis appeared stumped as she looked at her sudden visitors. “What are you all up to...?”
One of the visitors was the orc who had earned the right to be an honorary citizen of Arnin—Arnin Plains Rescue Unit’s orc warrior, Crockta. The other visitor was Enyanis’ friend and the one who had stayed by the mayor’s side and supported her for a long time—the mayor’s shadow, secretary Alsien.
“Crockta, have a seat first. Alsien, what brings you here?” Enyanis asked as she brought out some tea.
The three of them faced each other in Enyanis’ living room.
Crockta, who didn’t know who Alsien was, got straight to the point. “Enyanis, I came here because I have a question.”
Enyanis nodded in response.
This was her first time hearing Crockta’s voice. Back when she bestowed him his rights as an honorary citizen, she discovered he had been unable to speak due to a Silence spell that had been cast on him.
“How is Elsanad as a mayor?”
The moment Crockta asked that question, Alsien looked at Crockta puzzledly. ‘Why is an orc asking about the mayor during this state of affairs?’
Enyanis burst into laughter. “It’s funny that you ask this in front of her. It must be because of the commotion yesterday...”
Enyanis pointed at Alsien. “She is the mayor’s direct secretary.”
Crockta stared at Alsien, who greeted him with her eyes.
Enyanis continued, “To answer your question, I personally believe the mayor is a great person, and I’m not just saying this because her secretary is here. Everyone has different opinions, but I respect Elsanad. I don’t believe what Ilya is saying.”
“Do you know Ilya?” asked Crockta.
“Of course. Alsien, aren’t you here because of Ilya as well?”
Alsien nodded.
“To give you some information about him, he once closely worked with Elsanad. I heard he was fired because he caused trouble right after Elsanad was elected as mayor... He might be spreading false rumors because he still has ill feelings from that incident,” Enyanis explained.
“Yes, it’s truly absurd. Saying the mayor sold her citizens? It’s not even remotely amusing.” Alsien’s voice was sharp.
“But there has been a rumor circulating that Elsanad ran away from Ilya to flee the truth. Since she didn’t deny his accusations at the public square and left swiftly, the citizens have begun to doubt her,” said Enyanis.
“...”
“You must have been there. Why did she do that?” Enyanis asked Alsien.
“That is...” Alsien took a sip of her tea. “Ahem. I assumed there wasn’t a need to respond to such ludicrous allegations. If we had responded hastily, further problems might have risen later. I feel betrayed by the citizens who believe that nonsense. How could they believe something so far from the truth?”
“In any case, you need to explain the truth to the citizens. If you choose to not respond, the false rumors will continue to spread,” advised Enyanis.
“I know,” replied Alsien as she fell into deep thought.
Suddenly, she looked at Crockta and said, “Crockta, it’s nice to meet you. I heard you became an honorary citizen. Enyanis told me all about your great deeds.”
“It’s nothing,” replied Crockta.
“I can assure you as a fellow citizen that the mayor is not the kind of person who would do such things. She does have a side to her that is different from others... but it’s because of that side that she has been successful so far. Arnin owes its prosperity to her.”
“Understood,” replied Crockta.
“If you have any further questions, I can answer them now. Is there anything else you are curious about?” asked Alsien.
Crockta deliberated. “Hmm... What is the mayor’s daughter like?”
He recalled having heard the mayor was concerned about her disobedient daughter.
Alsien’s face stiffened at the mention of the mayor’s daughter, but she forced a smile. “Hahaha, you must be interested in her daughter.”
“Just curious.”
“She is a beauty like the mayor. We are concerned because she wants to work as a security guard... but there aren’t any particular issues. She’s just young. Young.”
“I see,” replied Crockta.
“As you continue to observe, you will learn that everything Ilya has said was made up. Anyways, welcome to Arnin. It’s getting late. I need to go to the mayor,” Alsien said and rose from her seat.
“Are you already leaving?” wondered Enyanis.
Alsien answered, “I forgot the mayor called for me. I will come back next time.”
“Okay, good luck.”
Alsien headed toward the door, and as Crockta watched her leave, he fell into deep thought.
When the living room door closed, Enyanis, who had been sipping on tea, proceeded to speak to Crockta. There was a subtle change to her voice.
“Crockta-nim.”
“Yes.”
“There is actually something I have been meaning to say to you.”
“What...?”
Enaynis let out an awkward cough while Crockta cocked his ears to pay close attention to her words.
“The Arnin Plains Rescue Unit, which you inspired the establishment of, has received extremely positive responses. So...”
“...”
“Would you be interested in sitting for a portrait? We want to honor you by hanging a portrait of you on the wall next to mine. It will serve as a record in Arnin’s history. I know an amazing artist...”
“...I’m good,” Crockta said, refusing the offer.
“Could you at least consider it...?”
“I’m good...”
“But...”
***
Elsanad raised her head. She was in her neatly organized office. All of her furniture was aesthetically pleasing and created a visual harmony. The room suited her as if it had just been made for her. It was all thanks to her fine sense of beauty.
“Alsien?”
“Mayor.”
Alsien stood in front of Elsanad.
“Didn’t you say you were taking the day off today?”
“There is something I must inform you about.”
Elsanad took off the glasses she had been wearing to review some documents, and her vivid green eyes now gazed at Alsien.
“What kind of information?” Elsanad asked.
“Citizens are starting to believe Ilya. He is gaining support.”
“...”
“The election is coming up soon. I think it’d be wise to hold a public meeting,” Alsien suggested.
Elsanad nodded and said, “I understand. Ilya still seems disgruntled with me. I will explain the truth to the citizens in person, and I will hold Ilya accountable for shaking up the citizens with false rumors.”
“Yes.”
“Do you have more to say?”
“And...”
“And?”
“It’s about Miss Elwina.”
Elsanad tilted her head questioningly. “Elwina?”
“Yes. Since Ilya has appeared, I think it would be dangerous to let Miss Elwina be out in the open and doing whatever she pleases.”
“She can take care of herself.”
“Mayor,” said Alsien sternly.
“Understood. I will speak to her. I will make sure she understands.”
“Thank you.” Alsien lowered her head in gratitude.
“Then, let’s go,” said Elsanad.
“Huh? Where...?” Alsien asked, puzzled.
“Didn’t you just say it yourself?”
Elsanad rose from her work desk and put on the shawl hanging from the wall. Her pearly white skin was visible through the sheer material. Then she beamed at Alsien. It was a beautiful smile that lit up the whole room.
“Let’s go meet the citizens,” said Elsanad.
“Right now?”
“Of course,” Elsanad replied as she walked past Alsien. “The sight of them gossiping away is unpleasant to look at. We need to be rid of it quickly.”
“Understood.” Alsien nodded.
Because of Elsanad’s beautiful looks, people occasionally assumed she was weak or gentle, but she was none of those things. In fact, she was quite the opposite.
There was something unusual about Elsanad. She had meticulous standards, and she was someone who could easily eradicate things that didn’t suit those standards. She didn’t even pay any mind to dissenting opinions; she was someone who always achieved what she intended to. From this perspective, she was closer to heartless than gentle.
Her beautiful appearance and gentle attitude did not reflect her true nature at all.
‘What a blessing that this woman’s dream is Arnin’s prosperity,’ Alsien thought to herself.
She then said to Elsanad, “I will prepare the carriage. Where do you want to go?”
“The public square would be good. Somewhere everyone gathers. Prepare the platform.”
“Understood. I will let the citizens know.”
“Please do so.”
Elsanad, Alsien, and their attendants headed toward the center of Arnin’s public square, where Crockta and Ilya were currently.
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