Chapter 38: Truth (2)
Elsanad bowed to the citizens of Arnin. Her voice was filled with sincerity as she addressed the allegations that had been made so far.
She explained that she had planned to build facilities in the slums for the underprivileged, starting with a first-aid station, but they had faced a budget issue. In order to resolve it, she ultimately made the decision to work with those cursed by the stars because of their low contractual fees. However, problems had indeed occurred in the process of working with these third-party contractors.
“Everyone, I have worked tirelessly for the city of Arnin up to this time. I trust that the citizens of Arnin will understand my true intentions. I did not think the contractors would commit such atrocious crimes, but it’s still my fault. I want to apologize from the bottom of my heart,” Elsanad said.
The citizens nodded. Even the elves who had been freed from the Haedong Balhae clan by Ilya teared up at Elsanad’s speech. They had been following Ilya and vouching for Elsanad’s crimes at the public square, but their hearts began to waver when they heard Elsanad’s explanation of the truth. Meanwhile, Ilya’s face gradually stiffened.
Crockta had a full view of everything that was going on and saw all of these things.
Elsanad stepped down from the platform and hugged each of the rescued victims who were standing with Ilya. After promising they would receive compensation for what they had suffered, Elsanad sympathized with their pain and cried. She vehemently expressed that she would track down all of the criminals and punish them severely to set an example of what would happen to future criminals.
Crockta used his skill.
[Mind’s Eye (Special) has been activated.]
[Mind’s Eye is unable to operate as the target’s level is higher than the caster of the skill.]
He tried again.
[Mind’s Eye (Special) has been activated.]
[Mind’s Eye is unable to operate as the target’s level is higher than the caster of the skill.]
“...”
He tried several times, but the result was the same. Crockta furrowed his eyebrows in concentration and tried once more.
[Mind’s Eye (Special) is opening.]
[Although faint, genuine feelings can be detected.]
Ilya rushed toward Elsanad and began screaming at her. He appeared distressed while protesting at the unfairness of it all. Through Elsanad’s heightened emotions, Crockta was able to gain more insight into her feelings with the Mind’s Eye.
“How are you going to explain this account book, Elsanad? This is evidence!” screamed Ilya.
“I don’t know about it. Even if there’s evidence, it must be fabricated. I did not commit such acts,” Elsanad rebutted.
“A criminal never acknowledges their sins,” replied Ilya. He raised the account book high in the air. “It’s all in this account book. Everything has been recorded—how they sold the poor and how much money was given to the mayor. Citizens of Arnin, don’t fall for Elsanad’s sly tongue. She is a demon who has sold her citizens.”
The citizens’ murmuring grew into a hubbub.
At this moment, Crockta used his skill again.
[Mind’s Eye (Special) has been activated.]
[Although the subject’s level is higher than the caster, faint emotions can be detected because their emotions are flaring.]
[Deception has been detected.]
Crockta could see the truth clearly now. Elsanad’s feelings were genuine, whereas Ilya’s were deceptive.
“We still haven’t been able to rescue all of the elves who have been sold. We can’t entrust the city to that suspicious woman. Please! There’s evidence here!” Ilya exclaimed.
“Ilya, don’t go too far. Everyone, he is trying to taint my reputation by spreading false rumors,” Elsanad said.
“Then, bring evidence that this account book is fake, Elsanad!”
The citizens, who had been leaning toward Elsanad’s side, were puzzled again.
Ultimately, their argument at the public square ended inconclusively and fizzled out.
With the city of Arnin awaiting the election, the mayor and Ilya were the subjects of heated discussion among the citizens. The citizens who aligned with Ilya’s suspicions and those who trusted Elsanad clashed. In addition to these, an argument was raised about how although Elsanad did not commit the crimes herself, it had been her responsibility to supervise the contractors to prevent such crimes. Clearly, Arnin was in an unprecedented state of confusion.
Amid the confusion, Crockta decided to seek out Ilya on his own. Ilya’s mansion was very luxurious. He was very wealthy and funded his own political activities. A man riddled with financial concerns wouldn’t be able to make such large-scale political endeavors as Ilya had done.
“Ilya,” Crockta called out to Ilya.
“Crockta, what’s going on?” asked Ilya.
While writing, Ilya was scratching his head in frustration as if he was stumped about something. He raised his head at Crockta’s appearance.
“I came here because there is something I want to ask you,” said Crockta.
“What is it?” asked Ilya.
“I will be blunt,” said Crockta as he closed the door. “Did you forge the account book?”
Ilya's expression didn’t falter upon hearing the bold question. Instead, he brought out the account book from the drawer underneath his desk and placed it on his desk for Crockta to see. It was an old book with a leather cover. Ilya opened the book and revealed its insides, which were crammed with details of the mayor and the Haedong Balhae clan’s transaction history.
“Forgery... Elsanad also claimed that,” Ilya commented.
He grinned and stared at Crockta for a while. Undaunted by this, Crockta stared back fiercely, and Ilya’s gaze wavered. Although Ilya’s expression was calm, Crockta could see the anger and rage in his eyes.
Then Ilya threw the account book. Its pages fluttered before it landed at Crockta’s feet.
Ilya said, “Why does it matter to you...”
He grabbed another book from his drawer. It looked exactly like the account book he had shown Crockta earlier. The book was packed full of the same details.
As he threw the second book at Crockta’s feet, Ilya snickered and continued, “...whether it is a forgery or not?”
“...”
“You made a transaction with Derek, and so did I. We just have to complete our own tasks. Stop getting unnecessarily involved in other matters, Crockta.”
Ilya opened his drawer. There were multiple copies of the same account book inside his desk.
He looked over them and grinned. “You came to get revenge on the Haedong Balhae clan members because of Lenox.”
Crockta’s expression changed at the mention of Lenox’s name.
Ilya said, “What Derek had warned me about you was true. He said you were an honorable orc, so I had to handle matters without getting caught. It was laughable, but he wasn’t lying.”
“You deceived and used me?” Crockta questioned.
“Deceived you? It was cooperation. You were able to catch the Haedong Balhae clan members thanks to me. The ‘concrete’ method that those who have been cursed by the stars talk about—would you have been able to do it without me? Can you handle watching over and feeding them forever without me?”
“...”
“We did what we each had to do. That was it.”
Ilya rose from his seat. As his always-smiling handsome face crumbled, a word that didn’t usually suit elves came to Crockta’s mind—‘hideous.’ Ilya’s real face was hideous.
“Fine, I will tell you everything. The one who sold the elves to the Haedong Balhae clan members is me. I traded with them,” Ilya admitted.
“...”
“Then I got rid of them after they had served their purpose. Did those lowly humans cursed by the stars really think I would make an equitable transaction with them? However, I made money thanks to you.” He spread his arms wide and smiled. “Anyway, Arnin’s next mayor will be me. That’s it for you. You should just leave Arnin quietly.”
“How unsightly for an elf.”
“Everyone is like that once you dig deeper. I’m just honest.”
Ilya stepped closer to Crockta, but Crockta didn’t budge. Spirits wavered in faint forms around Ilya. They had a distorted appearance like Ilya’s true self.
“Reveal everything if you want, orc warrior. Neither Derek nor I will help you anymore. I’m curious whether the citizens will believe an orc’s words. Well, all of your efforts for your revenge were in vain anyway,” Ilya said.
He flipped his hand over, and the door behind Crockta opened.
“Crockta, I think fondly of you,” muttered Ilya.
“Can’t say the same,” replied Crockta.
“We are similar in that we only look forward and head straight to our goals, although the motives are different. I actually like the concept of justice. They’re nice—justice and judgment. I just don’t like it when it’s pushed onto me.”
Ilya waved his hand. “Then, goodbye.”
Crockta was getting kicked out.
He took a close look at Ilya’s face and found he was smiling. Crockta then nodded and turned around to leave while thinking about what he had to do next.
***
Alsien entered Elsanad’s mansion. It was beautiful, but she couldn’t erase the feeling of desolation she felt every time she came here. Everything was always the same. The garden didn’t change with the seasons; it was always maintained to have the same appearance. All of the gardeners solemnly inspected the garden every day to prevent even the slightest changes from occurring.
Once inside, Alsien ran into the maid, who flinched and quickly hid in a nearby room. The maid stayed there until Alsien passed by. Used to this reaction, Alsien simply continued walking forward. When she arrived at the living room, the refreshments had already been prepared, but she didn’t see any trace of the elf who had prepared and placed them on the table. It felt like Alsien was the only person in the mansion.
At Elsanad’s mansion, workers were not permitted to reveal themselves. They had to work for Elsanad’s convenience while staying out of sight. Be it the gardener, maid, or chef... everyone had to abide by this. Elsanad’s mansion was a place where elves were always present but nowhere to be seen.
The reason was that Elsanad found the sight of workers going about and performing their duties to be unsightly. She believed it spoiled the mansion’s beauty. Elsanad applied her obsessive beauty standards in every aspect of her life.
Alsien took a sip of her tea. She couldn’t find Elsanad. Was she not at the mansion right now?
Suddenly, a familiar face appeared. It was Elwina.
“Miss Elwina,” Alsien greeted.
“Alsien, what’s the matter?” asked Elwina.
Elwina seemed to be in a good mood. Her face, which resembled Elsanad’s very closely, had a grin that spread from ear to ear. She couldn’t stand still and paced around the room excitedly as if something good had just happened. Elwina’s current appearance reminded Alsien of a child who had just received a Christmas present.
However, Alsien’s face stiffened when she faced Elwina.
“Miss Elwina.”
“Yes?”
“By any chance...” Alsien put down her cup of tea. “...Nevermind.”
“Why? What is it?”
Alsien caressed the cup in her hand with the tip of her finger and said, “You look like you are in a good mood. Did you make a new doll?”
“How did you know?”
“...”
Alsien rose from her seat and approached Elwina, whose emerald green eyes that resembled Elsanad’s looked up at her.
“Didn’t I advise you...” Alsien said while grabbing Elwina’s shoulder, “...to stop pursuing that hobby?”
“But it’s what I enjoy doing.”
“As the daughter of the mayor of Arnin...”
“Are you getting angry at me right now?” Elwina stuck out her lips.
Seeing Elwina’s plump pink lips twitch in frustration, Alsien turned away. She couldn’t bring herself to continue scolding Elwina.
“I will head back. When the mayor gets home, please let her know I will see her tomorrow,” Alsien said.
Elwina tilted her head questioningly, but Alsien immediately turned around and quickly departed from the mansion. She tried to get the image of Elwina’s face, which resembled Elsanad’s so much, out of her head by shaking it but to no avail.
Then the sound of Ilya screaming in the public square popped up in her mind. Once again, she tried to shake off the thought physically, but it only made her dizzy.
Alsien was currently standing in the middle of the street. She looked around at her surroundings and noticed a familiar form. He was a figure that stood out in Arnin like a sore thumb.
When the figure saw Alsien, he approached her.
“Alsien,” he said.
It was the orc, Crockta.
“...Crockta, what a coincidence,” Alsien replied.
Crockta shook his head. “No, I was looking for you.”
He smiled. An orc’s smile felt foreign to Alsien, but she didn’t find his face threatening after having heard about him from Enyanis. Alsien wasn’t sure if all orc warriors were like him, but he was someone who suited the title of an honorary citizen of Arnin.
Crockta asked, “Do you want to grab a drink?”
Alsien tilted her head at the unexpected suggestion. “A drink...”
It had been a while since she last had a drink, but the suggestion didn’t sound unpleasant. Alsien wanted to wash away the image of Elwina’s face from her mind with some hard liquor. She wanted to chase away the faces of everyone who troubled her—Elsanad, Elwina, Ilya, and even herself—with a drink. It seemed like a decent idea because the suggestion was made by Crockta, whom she didn’t have a close relationship with but still found to be trustworthy.
She wouldn’t have said yes if she had been her usual self, but right now, she was down for anything.
They entered a small pub nearby. Crockta drew the attention of the elves inside, but they quickly lost interest and resumed their conversations. Crockta and Alsien sat in a corner of the pub and ordered a fruit cocktail that elves commonly drank. It was quite strong.
“Why were you looking for me?” asked Alsien.
“Hmm,” Crockta murmured.
He downed the cocktail. The glass of liquor was rather small for an orc like him.
Crockta replied, “Let’s delve into that later. First, do you know the reason why I came to Arnin?”
“I’m not sure. I’m curious though,” said Alsien as they clinked glasses.
Crockta then began talking about his past—about Lenox, Grom, the Haedong Balhae clan’s attack, and his plan for vengeance. Although the stories were straight to the point, they gave Alsien a good idea of who Crockta was. He had embarked on a journey as a warrior to make the humans pay for murdering his instructor. As his stories continued, the glasses of liquor on their table increased in number.
Alsien did not have a strong tolerance for alcohol. She looked off into empty space, then her eyes drooped toward the glass in front of her. The surface of the liquid reflected an image of Alsien barely able to keep her eyes open.
“...Why are you telling me this?” asked Alsien.
Crockta had divulged to her his past, the reason why he came to Arnin, and the truth about Ilya. He revealed that the account book Ilya had posed as evidence was fake and that everything had been a ploy that Ilya had schemed.
“Wouldn’t all of your hard work be for nothing then?” asked Alsien.
Getting rid of the Haedong Balhae clan was important to Crockta, yet he was planning on making a testimony that might forego his opportunity for revenge.
“Don’t you know the answer?” Crockta laughed.
Alsien was silent and then drank her liquor. Crockta was right. The answer was obvious.
A reason wasn’t necessary for someone to reveal a lie and tell the truth, but people were usually unable to place their truths on the balance scale because the weight of self-interest was too heavy. Reasons had to be prepared by those hiding the truth, not those revealing it.
Alsien looked at Crockta. He had a menacing face, huge bulging muscles, tattoos all over his body, and a terrifying greatsword on his back; this was a strong warrior. Crockta could easily knock her out if he wanted to, but she didn’t feel nervous around him at all. Alsien felt at ease as if she had known him for a long time. She could trust him.
“Crockta.”
“Yes.”
“Are you alive?” asked Alsien.
Crockta laughed.
Alsien had gotten lost in thought after hearing about the great warrior Lenox’s last moment and his final teaching and in turn asked herself, ‘Am I truly alive? Or am I just breathing?’
She didn’t have an answer for herself, so she wanted to hear Crockta’s.
Crockta opened his mouth and said, “Of course, I’m alive.”
“How so?”
Crockta took a sip of the liquor and said in a joking tone, “Aren’t I breathing right now? Hahaha!”
“I see. Hahaha.”
Crockta began cackling, and both of them burst out into laughter. When the laughter stopped, Alsien became lost in thought again. She swirled the remaining liquor in her glass and gazed into the distance.
Then she said, “Crockta...”
“Yes?”
“Remember when Enyanis asked me why we didn’t immediately respond and instead fled the scene even though Ilya was inciting the public?”
“Yes.”
“Since you have told me the truth, I will tell you the truth as well.”
“Huh?”
“I’m saying this because I’m drunk, so listen closely before I regret it.”
“What...?”
“At that moment, I thought that what Ilya was saying could be true.”
Crockta closed his mouth.
“Crockta...”
“Yes.”
Alsien gulped down the remaining liquor in her glass and looked at him with drunken eyes.
“Go to the basement of Mayor Elsanad’s mansion.”
Then she lost consciousness and dropped her head on the table.
This 𝓬ontent is taken from f(r)eeweb(n)ovel.𝒄𝒐𝙢