Chapter 231: To be a Dragon or a Human.

Chapter 231: To be a Dragon or a Human.

Lycerepthors entered the tavern! Master Hamil, we need to leave!

Hamils enforcers forced themselves inside the room, interrupting my attack at the sudden intervention. Snapping myself out of my bloodlust, I retreated my hand and flame as the men grabbed Hamil and Estas.

Theres a hidden exit through the window, Eithalr informed them without anybody bringing it up, pointing towards the window leading outside.

hIdDeN exIt, my ass! Thats just a window!

Shit! Master Hamil! Mister Estas! We need to hurry, the men declared as they broke the window, inspecting if they could jump down safely.

Meanwhile, Saori noted how she could hear something happening down in the tavern, mentioning loud, commanding orders as the guards broke in. That probably was the Lycerepth, but I was confused about how they found us. That was when I noticed Gaels smirk.

W-Wait, Gael, did you call for them?! How?!

Everybody stopped what they were doing and stared at Gael in disbelief. The Lycerepth was the Empires secret police force, likely doubling as their inquisitors as well, so how could someone born in a place like Shaturein be able to call them to rescue us?!

It wasnt me, Gael replied. I just gave Master Vangrim all the information he needed to be prepared for the worst. I think, when he heard Saintess Eshe was captured by Eithalr at the request of Hamil, he took drastic measures. Good thing Lady Hestia bought them a lot of time with her cooking.

Wait, this is my fault now?!

Haha, what a clever trick, Gael! Eithalr laughed before gorging down all the food I made for him. Say, there is some rather interesting stuff about to happen in the Empire. I heard you werent the best fighter from the others in the crew, but a man of your talents is something any budding schemer would love. Wanna help out?

Sorry, cant do. My current boss would probably hunt me down if he heard that I was re-entering the criminal underground. Im already considered a traitor; even if its your crew, I dont think theyd like having me around.

He probably was speaking about Farron and Yorshka here.

Well, Ill be merging the Artorias branch with mine, so I guess youre right. Damn. Shame. Anyways. He then turned to us, a wry smile on his face. Thanks for the meal, Hestia. Lovely as your pastries. The Empire is so incredibly behind when it comes to stuff like this, you know, so I appreciate it. Before I leave, Ill make sure to buy lotsa it.

T-Thanks, I guess? I still havent gotten the bloodlust he showed before.

However acquaintances today might become enemies tomorrow. People like us learn this sadly too early, and as a merc, that is doubly so. I appreciate you introducing those treats to me, but turning those good feelings off for a job is something Ive mastered so be careful when we next meet.

I gulped. Nobody on my team liked how ominous that sounded.

He raised a single finger up before continuing, You have one favor. Use it wisely. Im not a fan of backstabbing my contractor, since it devalues peoples trust in my abilities, but for a favor, I can probably do something about it.

Eithalr then conjured up his ethereal greatsword again and deftly sliced up the shattered window even further, letting out little to no sounds as the exit widened. Hope we dont meet again, he said before jumping down from the second floor.

Please. Ive had enough heart attacks

Seeing Eithalr flee the scene, Hamils bodyguards were about to help their employer and Estas leave the premise through the same way, but multiple large [Frozen Shield]s materialized between them, blocking the way. When they turned around, red in anger, they shouted at us.

What are you doing!? I answered your question and freed those slaves, girl! Release me now! I have to leave before the damn Empire gets to me!

Why should we? I answered back. In fact, I never said I only had one question.

When my attempt on his life was interrupted, I didnt retreat my hand out of shame for nearly doing him in. The fat pig deserved it for traumatizing Lorena with that despicable action. However, I stopped my bloodlust cause I realized somebody else in our group needed answers.

It was Tasianna.

Sorry about that, I nearly forgot, I apologized to her, feeling embarrassed.

Its alright, Lady Hestia. Even if we hadnt gotten the information from him, I am sure we could have asked Miss Muraina, or even Master Krymdar, for the answers, she accepted my apology, before turning around to face Hamil. As someone so heavily involved in illegal smuggling, you should know something about the recent fae hunting in Firwood, right? Also, the fae hunting that happened a year ago in Saelariel, right?!

The clues were there. Davison hired people to hunt lesser fae for him, the same ones that Tasianna freed when we raided the alchemists building. However, while it was true that the Yanderu Eluseuss had something to do with it at least, Helmut did, but he was dead now asking them probably wouldnt work without the former Yanderu boss here.Ñ00v€l--ß1n hosted the premiere release of this chapter.

From how Gael described the company, they were mercs, so it was likely that only the boss had any contact with the contractor. People like Kaian, Friell and Helmut just did their job. Asking the current members wouldnt lead us to a target. We had to ask somebody higher in the illegal smuggling chain Hamil.

Answer me! Tasianna shouted.

We had to know how Davison got those fae hunters, and we had to know who was responsible for Princess Schuris death. The hunters might not have aimed for Schuri specifically, but Tasiannas vengeance was something I promised to help her with. She was my friend and somebody who had helped me more than enough. I need to do this for her.

Can you hear it, Hamil? The rooms downstairs are being opened and people are being questioned down there. Better hurry up, Saori pressured him to speak.

You are a criminal. You are a smuggler involved in illegal drugs and imports from the Empire. While the Lycerepth might not care that you are a slave trader, they will care when they hear you tried to murder a saintess acknowledged by the church and the holy empire, Ellaine added, furthering the stress Hamil felt. I heard the Lycerepth do not allow prominent criminals an easy death.

Jeez, Ellaine can certainly be as ruthless as any other noble when she wants to!

Tch! Realizing he had to do something before it all ended, he quickly . I do not work with products related to fae or fairies. Too much risk with all the elves in Griffonpeak. However, I heard someone in Estralia who has been taking on these jobs for high-paying customers. If you want to learn more, go over there and ask them!

The Republic of Estralia, the birth country of Farron and the origin of that alchemist Davison. Even though Davison was banned from the alchemy guild in Estralia due to his experimentation on monsters, I wouldnt be surprised if his captured faefolk source came from that place. If I remember correctly, the country bordered the Equevanna duchy.

Thats good enough of a lead. We should question Muraina and Krymdar more, and especially ask them why they havent brought this topic up to Tasianna.

Now, dispel these things! Hamil commanded. I must leave now!

Once again, I ask, Why should we? With Tasianna satisfied, I walked up to Hamil with my claws aflame.

W-What is this?! I answered your questions! Release me now! he squirmed, pushing his enforcers and Estas forward as human shields.

Yeah, you did. Thank you very much, but I scowled, gesturing to cut his neck. Youll just come back to bite me in the tail. Youve done enough fucked up shit that I wont let you continue your crap!

Eiiiiiiiie!

With Hamil vainly hitting the ice shields with a dagger he had under his clothes while his enforcers glanced at each other with timid expressions, I continued forward only to be stopped by Eshe and Ellaine.

Lady Hestia, please, he answered everything! I beg of you as a fellow blessed to stay your hand and let the lycerepthors handle this! Allow Lamreeta, Goddess of Justice, to handle this, Lady Hestia! Eshe pleaded to my goodwill.

I agree, Hestia! Ellaine nodded vigorously, urging me to stop. You arent like these people! Even if you justify this to yourself now, you are not the type of person to the murder others if there is a better way to resolve this. There is a better way! Hand them in to the lycerepthors with all our testimonies!

I felt conflicted.

On one hand, killing had become second nature to me. I had to grow up with it to survive as a young dragon and become the Hestia of today, to the point that I wasnt even fazed if I had to kill a human to protect myself or my friends. At this point, telling myself to stop when I had enough reasons to kill Hamil is slightly hypocritical.

On the other hand, I knew I shouldnt take a life so easily. I was a dragon, yes, but I also had my mentality from when I was still on Earth. Hestia was created from these two aspects of me combined to create my reincarnated self. I wasnt a saint, I wasnt a hero, nor was I the perfect good person. But I strived to stay on the white side of the morality spectrum.

Little miss, dont forget that you will get in trouble if you are the one to kill Hamil. After sweating over the details, Gael suddenly interjected himself. Mister Vangrim might have sent the Lycerepth over here, but I dont think he would like it too much if you did him in now. That is how Shatu works.

Grimnir, too, had something to say about it. If you are hesitating, then I believe letting justice run its course would be better for your conscience, lass. At the end of the day, I would agree with either.

Even Tasianna and Saori had something to add.

As your maid, Lady Hestia, I will bear the consequences of your actions with you. However, if you would ask me for advice, then I dont believe our good friend would like it if you avenged them like this. They arent that type of person, nor do I believe you are, either. Tasianna was talking about Lorena.

In my opinion, he deserves death, Hestia. He did something wholly unforgivable to our friend and the kids. If I were to make the choice, I would not risk letting this rat escape just so he can ambush us when we least suspect it later!

Everybody had a different opinion on this matter. Should I listen to them, let their opinions influence me, or should I look deeper into myself and find that answer on my own. As we were both monsters, Saori had the same thoughts my dragon side was telling me to do, while Ellaine empowered my human sides choice.

What was right and what was wrong?

Huh? Eithalr, help me escape!

But, that decision wouldnt be mine to make today.

In a single second, Tasiannas ice shield exploded into snowflakes, eviscerated by a blue, translucent greatsword.

Pay? the man wielding it asked.

I didnt say anything. I just let her continue speaking.

I came here to help you learn how to be a proper champion of the Goddess, but being with you, I have also learned much. I was happy when you hesitated to slay Hamil. You are a good person, Hestia, dont let anybody else tell you otherwise. Eshe released her embrace, showing me a wide smile. Have a pleasant night, Lady Hestia.

Yeah, you too, Lady Eshe.

Mhm. Come children, say goodnight to them. The Sisters must be worried sick.

As Eshe and her knights guided the children back to the orphanage, Saori laid a hand on my shoulder. She seemed to have taken the big sister role today. Hestia, Im sorry for giving you my opinion today. I should have dissuaded you, just like everybody else.

Your monster side, right?

Saori nodded. Her expression seemed crestfallen, as if she had done something unforgivable. I thought I could keep it better in control, since Im older, but it seems I was naive to think I that I was still the same Saori as on Earth. Im sorry, I failed you today as a friend.

Saori stopped Eshe from preventing me from killing Hamil, and she also voiced her opinion on killing Hamil. The two of us were the only ones fully willing to end Hamil.

Nah, its okay. If I was in better control of myself, you wouldnt have to feel as conflicted as I did. I have to take responsibility for my own actions, too, Saori. I glanced over, watching as the orphanage kids streamed out of the building, welcoming everybody back with warmth. I thought it would be easy, but adapting with a dragon inside me is harder than I thought. If [Battle Frenzy] wasnt evident enough already.

But that is why we are here for you two. Hestia. Saori. Saori and I turned around. Tasianna, Ellaine, and Grimnir were standing there.

Im not the sorta person to scold others for their moral decisions, as this life isnt easy for nice people. Even the smoothest rocks will form cracks and edges as they face natures trials. Grimnir then patted our backs, a big smile on his face. But dont put yourself down, alright? One mistake wont turn you into bad people. Even the best amongst us will have their down moments.

That is correct, Lady Hestia. Miss Saori. Your decision was motivated by your worry for Miss Lorena. That is not a sin, that is a virtue. I mean, for my love and guilt for Princess Schuri, I even dragged my current Mistress into my revenge plot. I also am not pure, my friends.

But it is okay, right? That is why we are a team now! It is our job to complement each other, as everybody helped me find what I need to do in my life. Even if its as simple as a moral compass, on my honor as a daughter of House Helvas, I swear I will do my best at it.

You guys hiehie. I wiped a small tear from my eyes. It was heartwarming to have these people with me.

Agreed, hiehie. What a blessing a second life really is. It is such a difference from my life on Earth, Saori expressed.

As we waved the orphanage kids goodbye for the night, we said goodbye to Gael and began to make our way back to the mansion. With a good deed done tonight, it was time for us to rest.

But

[Ahhh, that was a beautiful moment for our party, right? Hmm, such a joy to hear So, do you dearies want to hear the good news or bad news first?]

things werent simple for us.

Good, I answered, already preparing myself for the worse.

KleaHatma acquiesced, [Well, good news is that I am 100% sure that Eithalr is not a demonkin. He definitely had something giving him that aura. Maybe its similar to that Davison person or it really is from another source. Regardless, he cannot use a demons power.]

If that is the good news, then Im sure that Im not going to like hearing what the bad news is, Saori stated. I had to agree, especially when the good news was just a repetition of what she said before.

[Mhmm, I think you wont like this at all, as you said. But, you need to know, I think,] KleaHatma paused, keeping us on our toes. [I didnt have enough time to pinpoint the target since the aura was on all of them, but one of those outfitted men I am sure that one of them is a genuine descendant of us demons. One of them is probably a demonkin of Envy.]

Something was about to happen in Griffonpeak, and it was something I didnt like at all.

Damnit!

Plates, utensils, and paper flew around from the rampage of an overweight man. Despite his impeccable appearance from his hair to his suit, this mans behavior and actions had little in common with the nobles he had so desperately tried to copy his entire life.

The luxury he worked so hard for was being flung around the room, shattering into pieces before him. His shouting echoed through his manor, reaching the ears of most of his servants.

This was Hamil Czecsics, former merchant from the Empire.

He had moved to Artorias in the pursuit of money, identifying the local resources and commodities to be valuable enough to risk such a venture. He risked lowering himself from a respectful merchant to that of the scum his parents dissuaded him from interacting.

Why?! Why?! Why?! Why did this have to happen today! Those pieces of shit! I told them church children were off-limits! Noble children were off-limits! Too. FUCKING. RISKY! Hamils hands ached from him pounding them on his sturdy wooden desk. His body told him to stop before they shattered, but Hamil ignored it all in his rage. Ill have to kill that idiot who assigned those new-bloods to that task! It is such an easy rule to follow! Follow the guild rules and you get your money. Street urchins are such easy targets, why did they have to pick on church orphans!

Hamils rage at Hestia and Eshe hadnt subsided, but he was more furious at how this chaos had begun in the first place. If those new recruits had only followed his orders and rules to the perfection. If they had only left the nobles and church alone, none of this would have happened. He was more enraged at the incompetence of his own men.

What do I do now? Im done. The Lycerepth knows of me. Blackreach now has a proper excuse to get rid of me. Even that damn bastard woman, Jenghil, is working against me now! Hamil crumpled a letter in his hand, hammering it on the table.

Need help?

Like a fly lured to a fireplace, Hamils cries of despair was like a potential feast for an ambitious devil. The door opened up slowly, revealing a figure hiding inside the shadows of this house.

You Hamil glared at the man.

His outfit was that of a lycerepthor, an agent of the Empires state inquisition. Although his badge was openly there to see, his face was hidden behind a mask. The darkness of Hamils room shrouded his figure, but that didnt stop Hamil from recognizing who exactly this was.

I apologize for being unable to stop everybody. I have my duties, and I need to perform them to not attract attention. People are watching, Hamil.

I know that! Hamil yelled, letting out the last of his rage. He calmed himself, fixing his suit up to look presentable. Why did you come all the way here? You arent the sort of person to apologize like this.

Precisely. I have come to inquire if all the preparations are done? My Lord will arrive soon to take matters into his own hands. As such, we need things to be prepared so our plan may work flawlessly.

Dont worry about it. I still have enough people in my pocket to make them cause some trouble. For all the haughty air they breathe, nobles are just like common merchants, always looking to push their agenda. Theyre just usually a bit more prideful, which makes it harder to persuade them to work with somebody like me, but not impossible.

Will they move all at once?

I have two specific candidates who will lead the charge. The chaos you create, they will take it onto themselves to abuse in their favor. With their rising influence, everything will work out. How about your work? I heard the kingdom has been stomping schemes after schemes.

The person was silent. With how much Hestias information had aided Artorais in thwarting various plans, he didnt want to answer. I have something else planned. Something bigger. The issues in Equevanna and Olivus havent dissolved yet, so I will try to lead them to prey on the other duchies.

My supporters wont like that.

Why should you care? After all, you have a single goal with all of this, right? Youll be gone before the aftermath.

I do. If I do this for you, demonkin, you will help me exact revenge on the people who destroyed my family, right? Even if they are nobles, correct?

The man opened the door. He turned around, leaving one last message before bidding Hamil goodnight. A demonkin respects his contracts, Hamil.

Outside the manor, hiding inside the shadow of a building, the man took off his mask, revealing the actual face behind all these plots.

[Original Sin: Demiurge] It cannot be compared to the ability of the true Prince of Envy, but it still does the trick for long enough to fool everybody. Still, an inferior mockery of the true demonic ability will eventually lead me to death a death most glorious.

But, why would you care, Master? An eerie voice escaped from underneath his clothes. Pulling that source out, the demonkin looked at the hand-sized crystalline ball with black mana flowing inside.

Fulsara, I did not think you would lose a soul urn so soon? Who did this to you?

Memories are etched onto your soul. I cannot remember their faces nor names, but Ill just ask my familiars for that later on. However, I know they were another one watched over by either Father God or Mother Goddess.

They shattered your soul before you released it from the crystal? Then they truly deserve to be watched over by Honored Lord Marsven. Watch yourself, though even a lich will die once your remaining soul urns are gone. The demonkin then placed the orb back into his pocket. Once you revive your body, prepare for the grand entrance of a king, Fulsara.

He aimed his glare to the ceiling of Shaturein, squinting it as if locking onto a target. My Lord will want the most chaotic entrance. For his descent will mark another victory for us demonkins against the false Goddess. I face the original sin of my bloodline, I call upon my Envy to surface, Original Sin: Demiurge.

As if an eldritch force had taken hold of him, the demonkins body and face morphed through this esoteric ability. His heart and blood vessels trembled, actively rejecting this power from how overwhelming it was, but with clenched teeth, the demonkin forced it into his body.

With bated breath, the being adjusted his clothes, calming himself for his task requires him to act as the very beings he was indoctrinated to hate since childhood. The history of demonkins was not kind to their race, and its many members accepted the hate thrown at them by the humans and beastmen.

But pride and wrath would not let this shame go unanswered.

Envious of the bravery his sin brothers and sisters have shown against their aggressors, a young child can be nurtured into a suicidal weapon to bring down a whole kingdom.

We shall cut the wings of the griffons.