An individual targeting Judas under the orders of Balak.
One of them is Dalant.
He died right before my eyes.
He passed away just as the interrogation was about to begin.
As if to give no clues whatsoever.
A magical suicide.
Eliya began to tally up the hidden forces behind it all, finally landing on the most probable target.
“The Helios Imperial Family.”
A power that divides the continent along with the Bevel Principality.
If Balak is the emperor wearing a black crown, then Helios is the real emperor, wearing a golden crown and holding a scepter.
“Johan Liberatio Helios.”
Could Emperor Johan himself be directly involved in this matter?
It’s hard to say.
There’s not enough evidence.
But the possibility is quite high.
If Eliya’s guess is correct.
“The Empire must’ve tried to kill me using Molsin Church.”
Molsin Church must have agreed to some sort of price.
They too would have acted separately from the imperial family, and that resulted in Gaston, the infiltrator who tried to break into her mansion.
But Gaston isn’t the key figure either.
He knows nothing of Molsin Church’s true objective.
Taking both Gaston and Dalant into account, the assumption that the Empire is moving Molsin Church remains valid.
Then why did the Empire have to kill me?
“To eliminate Bevel and monopolize power?”
That’s the most intuitive and plausible reason.
“The reason I’m the target is that I’m isolated, making me easy prey, and I’m gifted with magical abilities.”
It’s not just some ordinary talent.
The insane power of fire.
A talent so outstanding that even she is occasionally surprised by it.
But that’s not a clear answer.
“Why, really?”
Anyone who knows about her relationship with the Bevel family can tell it’s not good.
The Empire belongs to the faction that knows.
If what they are targeting is the fall of the Bevel family, then it would be better to ally with me.
As she too wishes for their downfall.
If it comes to killing Balak, Narcissi, and their children, Eliya would gladly lend her hand.
“Why didn’t they do that…”
No matter how much she thought about it, she just couldn’t understand.
For all she knows, all these assumptions could be wrong.
The Empire wants to kill her and eradicate the Bevel family.
Concluding that this premise is correct, it’s merely speculation fitted in reverse.
Assumptions that start from a predetermined conclusion have a high chance of being wrong.
“The closer I get to the truth, the further it feels…”
Eliya felt a slight headache and frowned.
Using her small hand to touch her forehead, she tried to organize her thoughts.
“First… I mustn’t let anyone know.”
Gaston, Dalant, and Shylock.
Balak must have wanted to cover up the three spies from the very start.
After all, planting spies within enemy factions is all too common.
She herself hasn’t even sought to select spies to place in her own family.
If one were to scrutinize everything, endless pointless battles would ensue.
Thus, it’s generally easier to bury the matter.
Only share important information with trusted individuals.
Eliya didn’t have anyone like that.
At most, there was Ria and Miguel.
But she couldn’t completely trust them.
So, she decided to keep her deductions to herself.
Likewise, she wouldn’t inform Balak either.
Out of the three spies he sent, two are double agents.
One works for the imperial family, the other for Molsin Church.
Whether Balak knows this or not.
If he knows, then her revealing it would be meaningless.
If he doesn’t, then keeping it to herself would be advantageous.
Where that piece of information leads in the future is uncertain.
Nonetheless, having information that only she possesses creates a significant gap.
She has no intention of allying with Balak or any of his direct descendants, even if it costs her life.
Perhaps it would be better to extend her hand to the Empire instead?
It’s unappealing and dangerous.
The Empire must have calculated the possibilities of allying with her.
And the fact that they haven’t means there’s a reason they shouldn’t.
Without knowing that reason, Eliya couldn’t propose an alliance.
Having organized her thoughts, Eliya gave quick orders.
“Check the corpse for any belongings that can prove its identity and then dispose of it. Investigate the accommodations used at the training center. Then, the next step…”
The remaining individuals are Gaston, Bolse, and Shylock.
For now, she would not touch Shylock.
“Go see what he’s up to.”
“Thank you, Miss.”
“The other two need to stay here for a while.”
Gaston couldn’t be killed yet.
There might still be information that hasn’t been extracted.
Or perhaps they’d have to delve deeper with information that’ll be revealed later on.
“Instead, it’d be wise to treat that wizard well.”
“Thank you-!”
Bolse repeatedly laid his forehead on the ground to show his respect.
Once he raised his head, he halted Gaston, mocking him.
“Did you see that? I’m the winner, you fool! What are you staring at? What difference does it make? Oh, right. You can’t do anything but look like that, can you? Huh? Eek!”
Eliya brushed past the commotion disinterestedly.
The duties and management of the prison could be left to the servants.
There’s still work to be done to resolve the situation.
“I’m tired…”
Balak, followed by Molsin Church and the Imperial Family.
With so many enemies, her worries only grow.
Instinctively, she pulled her blanket closer.
She tucked her chin in and took a deep breath.
An aroma that always comforts her.
A certain warmth that feels like it’ll always be by her side.
*
[Hidden Quest, ‘The Correlation of Adversity and Trust’ has been completed.]
[Please choose your reward.]
[1. Horsemanship (Lv. 3)]
[2. Increase all stats including magic (10)]
[3. Archery (Lv. 2)]
A list of rewards that arrived after the group battle ended.
“Ugh… what should I pick this time?”
All of them are pretty appealing again.
First, horsemanship.
It should turn me into a decent rider, given that I’ve never even sat on a horse.
Second is the stat raise.
Not just a fraction but an increase in all stats including magic.
I’d really be regretting missing this out.
Ever since the fight against Salaman, I feel like I might be able to control my magic, or not.
I find myself in a vague predicament.
If my stats go up, things would definitely get easier.
And 10 just makes it even better.
Archery isn’t too shabby either.
Having at least one range means I’d be covered.
“Hmm… I’ll go with this.”
[You have chosen the increase in all stats including magic (10).]
Horsemanship is tempting, but I don’t really need it right now.
More than anything, I’m still young.
This small body makes even riding a large horse daunting.
No matter how great the skill of horsemanship is, it can’t bypass physical limits.
“Though I’d love to ride a moon deer… right now, it’s still too big for me.”
[Due to the ‘Discovery of Revelation,’ the power of your magic increases twofold.]
“…Wait a minute. Then?”
[Health: 27.8]
[Strength: 25.5]
[Agility: 31.3]
[Magic: 28.0]
“Whoa…”
The accumulated stats surged dramatically.
I opened and clenched my hands.
I don’t feel any new strength bubbling up in my body.
Honestly, I feel just the same as usual.
“Guess I’ll find out how much stronger I am when I train later.”
Right now, other stats aren’t most important.
Suddenly, my magic surged up to 28.
“Should I be happy or not…?”
Eliya might be aiming for this power.
I’m uncertain if increasing is indeed a good thing.
“It’s way clearer than before, at least.”
While it doesn’t liberate me as when I fight, my cup is filled to the brim yet balanced precariously.
Comparing it to before the fight against Salaman, it’s a huge improvement.
Back then, I couldn’t even feel this sensation.
“Nevertheless… it’s never bad to get stronger.”
After all, Eliya is an entity I can’t control.
I’ve just decided to accept the changes within myself.
Being better is a good thing.
“Maybe I can use this against Gawain next time.”
*
“Oh my, oh my, wow…”
Bradley muttered, as if he had seen something he shouldn’t have.
Yet he diligently stirred his broom while stealing glances.
He was looking at me.
More accurately, at me and Eliya sitting side by side.
After our time petting the moon deer, she said she wanted to talk to me.
Then she flipped an empty feed bucket over and sat on it next to me.
That’s fine up to there, but then Eliya leaned on my shoulder.
“Why is she acting like this all of a sudden…!”
More than anything, I hate that my heart races over these things.
“Today, you know.”
Eliya began.
Speaking in a small voice as if only I could hear her.
“Yes, yes…”
“Gaston tried to snipe you from afar, bringing a wizard with him.”
…Ah.
So that’s why the revelation activated during the battle.
“I was keeping an eye on things, but I need to clean it up now… It could have been dangerous.”
Indeed, to be able to successfully carry out a task by even bringing a wizard.
That could’ve been truly dangerous.
Is this also Balak’s order or not?
“And that knight Gaston? He was sent by Molsin Church.”
“…Huh?”
“I don’t know if the Grand Duke was aware of it, but that’s how it is.”
Molsin Church reached out to Eliya?
…Why on earth?
Could it be that Molsin Church disappearing later is related to this incident?
“And there’s more… but it’s hard to talk about this one.”
Eliya looked a bit forlorn today.
She also appeared tired.
Her overly intrusive biological father.
Yet among all that, one is from Molsin Church.
What kind of life is Eliya surrounded by?
“Judas.”
“Yes, Miss?”
“You…”
She trailed off as she gazed into my eyes.
Leaning her head in and drawing closer, we were so compactly seated that our breaths almost touched.
I subconsciously leaned back a bit.
She seemed about to say something, but then shook her head.
“Never mind.”
And then she took my hand.
Her touch was rude.
I could hardly push her away.
“…Huh?”
Suddenly, Eliya started touching my palm here and there.
“It’s so hard here.”
“The calluses came from training.”
Curious, she rubbed the callouses with her small hands and pressed down on them.
She looked exactly like a cat filled with curiosity.
“She’s a bit too insistent… but why are her hands so warm…?”
Feeling embarrassed, I blurted out something.
“Well, um… I guess it’s typical for candidates who train hard.”
“Others seem uninterested.”
“…”
Bringing her other hand, she started to knead and examine.
“Does it hurt?”
“It might hurt a bit before forming, but once it’s there it doesn’t really hurt at all. In fact, it’s easier to have them.”
“I see…”
Eliya alternated between looking at her hands and mine.
Her hand, white and small.
Unlike mine, it looked quite delicate.
Yet she continued to play with my hands for a while.
“I feel like I’ve turned into some sort of toy.”
As if it was time to leave, Eliya got up.
“Anemone, are you managing well?”
“I check every morning.”
“If you’re lying, I’ll reprimand you.”
“I-I’m telling the truth…”
Unintentionally stammering, Eliya chuckled slightly.
“I know. I’ll be going now.”
“Yes. Have a good night.”
Eliya left with Ria.
As I watched their retreating figures, a question crossed my mind.
“…How does she know?”
*
A day passed since the group training ended.
Today, I was granted free time.
To put it accurately, all of us in Room 13, who emerged victorious, were allowed to rest freely.
The mood in Room 13 was frantically buoyant.
“Are we getting special rations?”
“We’re the ones getting the special meal, right?”
“Right? Say yes already, hurry!”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
I answered a preset question affirmatively.
Everyone was half-crazed.
Room 13 had become the prime candidate for the first special meal offer.
There are two reasons for that; first, Room 5 ranks in the top tier overall in the training center.
Meaning, it was a leading candidate for the special meal next month.
Yet due to this incident, Room 5 had been blown apart.
With Envinil who broke the rules by using a sickle, and Salaman and his followers causing disturbances after being incited by Gaston within the training facility.
They all faced severe penalties.
One unexpected thing is…
“Leo and Cooper?”
“Yeah. I don’t know why, but they just let Daike and me go free?”
That’s what Argon said, who was looking after Daike at the time.
Leo and Cooper made an intentional move to spare our team.
Because they disapproved of what Salaman and his gang were doing.
“I remember those two blocked my way when I visited Envinil last time, right?”
Hmmm. Reflecting on it, they were the ones who stood before me when I was in distress.
Though one could say it’s bold for two to stand against one.
Still, at least they didn’t act like Salaman and those other losers who’d stab from behind.
“Well, I suppose we wouldn’t have won otherwise. But didn’t you say you fought with those two?”
“Uhm… I don’t recall talking about that.”
“Since you’re hesitating, I guess it’s true.”
Did I get caught just like that?
Can’t I just lie better?
Indeed, I can’t.
“If you don’t say anything, you know those stories start spreading. That’s what happens when you get hit, like Lindell.”
Lindell flinched at that.
“Why pick on a leading star like him?”
“It’s just a joke. Lindell, you’ve also grown quite a bit.”
“Thank you…”
Lindell scratched his head awkwardly.
What a turn of events, now I’m becoming the training camp etiquette instructor.
“Though Argan-senpai also first…”
“Quiet. One mustn’t pry into others’ embarrassing past.”
“Yes.”
After some light chatter, we had breakfast and went out to exercise.
Just as I was leaving, Richard murmured behind me.
“That guy’s definitely nuts…”
“Call him dedicated and exemplary, why don’t you?”
“That’s nuts to the point of being crazy, dude. Are you not hurting anywhere?”
Richard was suffering from the aftereffects of the last group training.
He said he was in pain all over from getting beat up.
He’s not the only one.
Most of Room 13 seemed determined to take the day off to rest.
“The physician emphasized how much he wanted us to rest. Especially for you.”
Hmm… I did get a mouthful of exhortation back then.
He told me not to act like I was dying tomorrow.
To that, I had the audacity to ask if lighter rehab work was permissible, and got slapped on the back.
Of course, getting slapped didn’t mean I’d back down.
“When you train while it hurts, it actually hurts less. So in that sense, let’s do it together…”
“Just hurry up and go. You’re scary…”
I chuckled at Richard shaking his head before stepping out.
*
After finishing lunch and while resting, someone outside the training center called for me.
It was Hermis.
“What’s the matter?”
“Are you busy today?”
“Not particularly.”
I had planned to let loose during the autonomous training hours in the afternoon, but I could squeeze this in.
I realized while working out in the morning that I wasn’t quite right either.
I was contemplating if I should rest because every part of me ached.
I know I shouldn’t work out while in pain, but skipping even one day makes me uneasy.
Even after hearing my reply, Hermis didn’t immediately state her purpose.
She seemed to hesitate and fumble, which was rare for her.
I waited patiently until she was ready.
Her brown eyes wandered thoughtfully.
She absentmindedly fussed with the brown hair tied casually behind her, before finally speaking up.
“Do you remember when you asked me if something was wrong?”
“Yes, I remember. I could see worry filling your face recently.”
“Haha… I didn’t mean to make you worry. I’m sorry.”
“Oh no, there’s no need to be sorry. Everyone has their worries from time to time.”
After my nonchalant reply, Hermis gazed at me for a moment, then broke into a smile.
Subtle wrinkles formed on her freckled nose.
“When I talk with you, I sometimes forget your age.”
“I get that a lot.”
“I would like to ask for your help regarding that incident.”
“If I can assist you, then sure, why not.”
As Eliya’s guard, and also an envoy sent from the information guild, keeping good relations with her wouldn’t hurt.
“But… it’s a matter that must be kept very confidential. I don’t doubt your trustworthiness but please, it’s crucial to keep it secret…”
The words were delivered with careful precision.
What could be so important?
Curiosity bubbled up, and I asked.
“Just to check, is it something dangerous?”
“I swear by my honor that you will not be in danger, Judas. However, I must caution you to stay close to dangerous areas. I will protect you no matter what happens.”
“No, why go so far…?”
Hermis’s gaze seemed steadfast and almost serious, a bit overwhelming.
‘How important could this be…?’
My thoughts didn’t linger long.
“Hermis. You know I can’t lie, right?”
“Yes. You can’t even fabricate a lie to the point it’s concerning.”
“…Is it that serious?”
Hermis refrained from responding clearly.
She simply grinned quietly.
That was sufficient information.
“Anyway, as you know, I can’t tell lies. So I’ll tell you plainly. Whatever you need, I won’t disclose it anywhere. I promise to keep it a secret.”
I looked directly into her eyes as I spoke.
Hermis matched my intensity with a serious face.
After a few seconds of staring each other down, she broke into a smile.
“Thank you, Judas.”
It seemed my sincerity was acknowledged.
“So, what can I help you with?”
“I’ll explain while we walk. To be honest, it’s not that difficult a task… but there’s no one else I can ask but you, Judas. It’s something only you can do.”
“The more you talk, the more uneasy I get.”
“There’s nothing you need to worry about.”
“So where are we heading?”
I had to ask the next question.
“We’re going to the front lines.”
“…Huh?”
“We need to go to a refugee camp near the frontlines.”
“……”
Is it really fine to feel relieved?
*
Although today is a free time, one mustn’t wander out of the training center.
It’s not an issue I have to face.
Hermis used her authority to get me out of the facility.
Since it’s a long distance, we took the train.
I had experience in the game, but it felt brand new to ride one.
The train was divided between cabins, almost like individual rooms.
Being a first-class cabin, it was quite comfortable and cozy inside.
The scenery passing by outside was quite a sight.
Winter gave way to a fragile green as spring was ready to bloom.
During our travel, Hermis explained.
As I had heard, it wasn’t truly a dangerous task.
“They say the Rising Sun knows the night, right?”
“Yes, to some extent.”
Hermis glanced at me for a moment.
She looked determined and serious as if she resolved something.
“I’ll tell you honestly. The Rising Sun and Yurideke were once husband and wife.”
“Well, really?”
I was surprised even though I already knew.
Why is she revealing such information just to ask me for a favor?
“Yes, it’s true. Also, the Rising Sun’s name is Orphe… but you must already know that.”
I had lied that I knew him.
Therefore, naturally, I had to acknowledge his real name.
In truth, I did know it.
“In any case, by a misunderstanding and conflict between their families, they had to stay apart. By the time Yurideke realized that it was all a misunderstanding, it was already too late. She had searched for Orphe for a long time, but there had been no news. And then you provided that information, Judas.”
Everything up to here was already familiar.
I quietly listened on.
“Thanks to you, Yuride… I mean, ‘Yuri’ is the pet name for Yurideke. To add, I’m Yuri’s relative.”
She kept speaking as if having started a flow, revealing other significant matters without hesitation.
I offered a suitably surprised reaction.
“Anyway, Yuri has found Orphe… It’s been a few weeks now.”
“That’s great news.”
“It is indeed good news. However, despite the few weeks passing, Yuri hasn’t been able to meet Orphe.”
“…What does that imply?”
As I pressed for further information, it turned out like this.
Yurideke wanted to meet Orphe so very much.
And it was the same for Orphe.
However, Yurideke has no idea that Orphe feels this way.
Probably only I, who knows only him, am aware.
As a result, Yurideke is frightened.
Scared that Orphe might push her away.
Scared that all her searching to this point might amount to nothing.
Though I had subtly provided hints regarding his whereabouts, she couldn’t overcome her fears.
“I understand Yuri’s concerns. But if this continues, they might never meet for the rest of their lives. No matter how scared she is, even if it results in a severance, I believe they must face each other.”
I was chosen as the intermediary.
I had lied about being an acquaintance with Orphe, and they believed it.
‘Truly, I am the only fit candidate for this.’
Yurideke’s personal information.
And the nuances of the relationship between Yurideke and Orphe.
This would require revealing quite a few things.
There would be no one other than me, who is personally acquainted with Orphe, to put this responsibility on.
‘Though it’s a lie, it’s not an impossible proposition.’
Find myself acting as the messenger of love quite unexpectedly, but I’ll manage.
“Do you have a grasp of where they are?”
“Yes, Yuride is nearby.”
“Alright then. I’ll show you something.”
Assuredly stating this, Hermis seemed relieved and smiled.
“Thank you.”
*
“Thank you. Really, thank you, priest.”
In a certain village near the frontlines, where the ongoing war with the demon kin never ceased, an old woman bowed deeply while holding a child.
“I don’t know how I can repay this kindness…”
The priest, wearing a tattered cassock, shook his head with a gentle smile.
“I merely did what was necessary.”
“Thank you… I will pray for a smooth path for your pilgrimage.”
“That is more than enough.”
The priest wandered around, aiding the injured.
With divine power, he healed wounds that those of lower birth might struggle to experience throughout their entire lives.
Under the guise of a pilgrim, it had been weeks since he had fled.
Yet behind the benevolent smile, his heart harbored anxiety and agitation.
‘That boy is still alive. What has happened…’
A few days prior, a shocking message arrived from Herald.
The blade he had nurtured was still alive.
He had presumed it was dead.
The nameless priest who had come to this village under the title of “Pilgrim” ambled about, concealing his anxious heart.
Then unexpectedly, his gaze was drawn.
A cold and chilling aura.
It felt like an abstract energy bearing the representation of an ominous moonless night.
There stood a boy.
His neat attire didn’t align with the vibe of this village, and he didn’t match the boy he first saw.
Yet, he recognized him clearly.
Black hair.
Eyes shining bright like a beast with golden pupils.
Symbolic of the child with revelations mentioned in the scriptures.
Beside the boy stood a woman in armor.
Due to the wide robe that reached her ankles, her affiliation was indiscernible.
But the sleek longsword at her waist clearly signified she was a knight.
Such fine craftsmanship is not something a mere mercenary would possess.
The woman spoke.
“You need to be especially cautious around here, stay right by my side, Judas.”
The boy grumbled.
“I’m not that reckless of a kid, you know.”
The pilgrim’s eyes remained fixated on the two as they moved away.
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