Chapter 169: Chapter 169: Chenarus (3)

“Rina.”

I handed the magic flashlight to Rina, telling her to check as well.

Taking the flashlight, Rina went under the dark cloth and came back out, nodding at me.

“It’s them.”

“Yes.”

Rina had also recognized the symbol at a glance. I had shared all the information about the devil worshippers with the group as we came here.

This was in case we unexpectedly encountered them like this.

“Hmm.”

However, there was something to consider here. What was Blancheot merchant group’s purpose in assigning us this job?

Two possibilities immediately came to mind.

The first was that it was truly a product of luck and coincidence, and the job fortunately came to us.

This case then splits into two directions.

Either they were planning something, or it was truly a chance encounter. Personally, I thought it was the latter.

The merchant group leader was likely just a pawn of the devil worshippers.

With the coming-of-age ceremony approaching, if they were targeting Erendil, there would be no need to involve a rookie mercenary group.

‘The second possibility is a bit more dangerous.’

There’s certainly a chance the devil worshippers deliberately approached us. It’s not tracking.

From the west to the east, from the southeast to Chenarus, I didn’t feel anyone following us.

If it was someone skilled enough to evade my Winds’ senses, they would have attacked directly rather than doing this.

Mondegreen joined in the middle, but there were plenty of opportunities.

In other words, it means our group may have been specifically identified. Just before going east, I encountered a devil through a magic item.

I was alone then, but it was enough to deduce my movements from killing Pelia.

‘What if they sent followers to investigate?’

At that time, it was just me, Aron, Mary, Osten, and Jofor.

But I brought Aron and Mary from the north of the west, the area where those guys were running rampant.

It’s not highly likely, but it means they could have identified our group through detailed inquiries.

Especially the combination of Aron, Osten, and Mary. It’s not something you see easily.

‘The group growing as we moved would also be within expectations.’

If they were suspicious, there’s enough plausibility to keep an eye on such a group.

Even if they lost power in the capital due to the empire’s surveillance, there would still be internal traitors observing the situation.

‘Perhaps assigning us the request was to confirm that I am Carl Schurtafen.’

Of course, as I thought earlier, the possibility is slim. To be honest, I think it’s a coincidence.

It would have been difficult to grasp my whereabouts and movements while engaged in an intense battle of nerves with the empire.

Anyway, the fact that I can track the devil worshippers through Blancheot remains unchanged.

It means we can learn about them starting with Blancheot.

If they’re targeting Erendil, I should be able to uncover their plot before the upcoming coming-of-age ceremony.

Of course, I’m not certain. There’s still a possibility it could be the second option.

‘If it’s the second option…’

Our current group and this mission might be more dangerous than we thought. Because the group is split in half.

However, I have no intention of backing down. It’s not certain, and the possibility is low.

Even if the group is split in half, the attack would likely be on the side that joined the merchant group.

Surveillance is strict because of the coming-of-age ceremony. Causing trouble in the capital in that situation? That would be insane.

If they’re really plotting something, it makes more sense to target Erendil rather than us.

If so, there’s nothing to worry about.

‘At most, it’s probably just confirmation.’

With Erendil’s coming-of-age ceremony approaching, there’s little chance they’d cause problems in Requiza, a week’s distance from the capital.

If a problem does arise, we can buy some time and escape by climbing a mountain and using wing suits.

Still, I should warn Denif. Even if the danger is low, the non-combat personnel are the ones left behind.

Well, I’ll have to check up to Blancheot for now. We might find some clues. I stood up.

“Let’s move.”

We restored the documents we had rummaged through, put the hair back in the door crack where it was originally, and left.

We descended to the alley through the window we had entered.

I’m not too worried about investigating Blancheot. Directly capturing and interrogating him would be the worst option.

At the time he should be sleeping, we can lightly drug him and then search his room. That should do it.

‘Let’s handle this quickly and rest.’

Late dawn.

Though we had gone to sleep early in the evening for the dawn infiltration mission, my eyelids were starting to feel heavy.

***

We searched Blancheot’s quarters but didn’t find anything. I didn’t sense any ominousness either.

He didn’t seem to be someone with a position within the devil worshippers.

Therefore, I judged that this was likely the first possibility, and more specifically, a coincidence.

Afterwards, I returned to the lodgings and relayed the information to the group the next day.

“They’re devil worshippers?”

“We can’t be certain they are. Rina and I only saw the symbol. Since it was in the office, it’s certain that this Blancheot guy is a devil worshipper.”

The group showed quite a bit of surprise. It was understandable. Our organization’s goal was to fight against them.

Moreover, what were the chances of encountering devil worshippers right after arriving?

“There are two possibilities.”

I explained all the risk factors. The group’s faces turned serious, especially when I mentioned the second possibility.

Aron, in particular, looked very worried. It seemed to be because he was leaving Mary here.

“Brother, there won’t be any problems, right?”

“Personally, I think the possibility is low, but we can’t ignore even a slim chance. We’re in a position where we need to consider even minor issues.”

The joyful atmosphere had disappeared, and Jofor was also listening intently with a heavy expression.

A big battle could break out if we’re not careful. I patted Aron’s shoulder.

“Still, staying here should be safe. Unless they’ve gone mad, they won’t cause trouble in Chenarus. Even if it becomes dangerous, it’ll only be us.”

“Ah, then there’s nothing to worry about. Since you’re with us, brother.”

“What? Are you saying you’re worried if it was me?”

Denif, who had been listening, sneered. Aron, who had seemed carefree, visibly panicked.

“Ah, brother, that’s not what I meant…”

I quickly cut off this banter. Denif was just joking too. Though there might be some truth mixed in.

“We must never show that we’re on guard during the mission. We need to be careful.”

This was why I had hesitated about whether to tell the group. Denif and I might manage, but the kids are inexperienced in controlling their emotions.

Unnecessary suspicious glances could create problems where there were none.

The reason I spoke up despite this was because this too is experience. It’s better now.

There will be things to learn. Real situations provide more experience than training.

“Anyway, there’s no change from yesterday’s plan. I’ll carry out the mercenary duties, and Denif will guard this place.”

The group nodded. As they dispersed, I called Denif aside.

“You can protect the kids well, right?”

“Of course.”

Denif seemed to have no lingering attachments. Despite the possibility of problems on our side.

Usually, he would want to participate if there was a chance to fight. I think I knew why.

“What do you think?”

“About what?”

“About them.”

“I think it’s a coincidence, like you said.”

As expected. If Denif really thought they were tracking us, he would have insisted on going out. There would be a big fight.

I nodded too. We shouldn’t let our guard down, but there’s no need to worry excessively either.

“Don’t do anything stupid while I’m gone.”

“Am I a child?”

“I’m saying this because you act like one.”

“Don’t worry. I’m proper during missions. I don’t want to ruin the fun forever by trying to have a little fun.”

I tried to hold back a laugh. That was what Duke Brusek always used to say to Denif.

When Denif asked what to do if he wanted to fight during a mission, he told him not to give up a lifetime of fun for a moment’s pleasure. It was a bygone memory.

Well, Denif tends to follow the Chief of Intelligence’s words well. Even though Denif seems crazy, he only pushes when it’s a situation where he can.

As I nodded, Denif grabbed my arm.

“By the way, let’s have a match before you go.”

“…”

“Why? We still have one left.”

Three sparring matches. It was a promise we made when we got the Branch of the Blue Star at Arniel’s place after dealing with Arachne.

As Denif said, we still had one out of three left.

We had one match in the east, and we made time for another match right after entering the desert.

After that, his interest in me decreased when we met Mondegreen.

On the way to Chenarus, both Denif and I were busy focusing on Mondegreen’s teachings.

In fact, neither of us has reached the answer yet.

I thought Denif might want to check our progress so far before I leave.

In the worst-case scenario, if there’s a problem with the escort duty, we might not have another chance.

I was curious too.

How much of Rudehrn’s influence has faded from my swordsmanship? Thinking about it and actually doing it are different.

“Not in Chenarus.”

But not now. Denif frowned.

“Ah, why? You promised.”

“There are too many eyes here.”

Both Denif and I have the potential to become Sword Masters.

Although there’s an ridiculous gap between a Sword Master and candidates, we’re at a level where we could win against most candidates.

If a duel of that level comes out of a newly started mercenary group, it’s likely to catch the eyes of passersby.

There’s no reason to spar while controlling our skills, and even if we did, it was obvious that we’d get heated once our swords clash.

“…”

Denif glared at me silently.

“Didn’t you say you don’t want to ruin the fun forever by trying to have a little fun?”

“How about keeping it light?”

“Do you think that’s possible? It would be meaningless. You’d get serious again.”

Denif was at a loss for words. I had hit the nail on the head. But a promise is a promise.

“Let’s do it after the princess’s coming-of-age ceremony.”

“Coming-of-age ceremony?”

“Yes. I’m planning to catch an elf Archmage after that. How about a skill check before that?”

“No, what’s this about an elf Archmage?”

Denif tilted his head. Come to think of it, I hadn’t told him. I hadn’t spoken in detail about my actions after the empress’s assassination either.

Denif’s eyes sparkled at the mention of an Archmage.

“Something like that happened. I can lure her out. If things go wrong, we might end up fighting devil worshippers too. Wouldn’t that be better than now?”

“Well, of course. But what’s this about devil worshippers? What have you been up to before meeting me?”

“You know elves hate humans. I approached her pretending to be a devil worshipper, and some time has passed since then.”

“Hooh-” Denif let out an exclamation with his mouth open. Thinking he might be expecting too much, I continued.

“Nothing’s confirmed yet. But if we do end up fighting, I’m thinking of calling Phiri too. Since the opponent is an Archmage.”

“That makes sense. I’ve never seen one, but they’re Sword Master level, right?”

Of course, in a battle between a Sword Master and an Archmage, the Sword Master wins 99% of the time.

But it would be a tough fight for us. That’s why I thought of killing two birds with one stone with the devil worshippers when I brought it up to Shahri.

“So look forward to it. Focus on your sword instead of doing unnecessary things.”

“Was that why you went out yesterday afternoon?”

As expected of an intelligence agent, he’s quick on the uptake. I just smiled silently. Denif lifted one corner of his mouth.

“Namir! Bring your sword out right now!”

Namir, who was packing, nodded immediately. He liked sparring too because he learned a lot.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Aron and Jofor also showed interest quickly.

“Brother! What about us?”

“Hmm…”

Denif hesitates. He probably doesn’t want to deal with the kids’ mess if he’s thinking about the battle with the Archmage.

But soon he nodded.

“You guys fight each other for now. I’ll face you after Namir!”

***

The remaining 2 days passed quickly. I kept watching Blancheot just in case. He might meet someone.

But for 2 days, Blancheot showed no unusual movements.

A small merchant group. This trade seemed to be everything, as he didn’t exchange letters with anyone or meet anyone.

He just received and organized the fabrics to be sold in Requiza.

I also checked the members of the merchant group. I confirmed 8 out of 10. For some reason, 2 weren’t visible.

The three guards I saw during the infiltration weren’t very skilled.

‘They could be handled at Aron’s level.’

It was becoming more likely that this was truly a coincidence. It didn’t even seem necessary for me to move.

It felt like the merchant group leader Blancheot just fell into a strange ideology, nothing more.

I was starting to think I might be wasting time. If so, it would be better for me to stay in the capital.

But on the day of the mission, I had to change my mind.

Because the two guards who weren’t visible appeared.

Their auras were extraordinary. And one of them was a devil worshipper I knew.

This job.

It might not be ordinary after all.

Translator Note:

Hello everyone, I’ll be changing the schedule for this series from 2chapters/week to 3chapters/week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) strating from this month.

Author's Thoughts

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