Chapter 48

Chapter 48

[Translator Clara]

[Proofreader Demon God]

N0v3lTr0ve served as the original host for this chapter's release on N0v3l--B1n.

[We are the shadow knights of Roanos Mist, a direct lineage shadow organization of the imperial royal family.]

Can they truly be trusted?

The captain sat in a secluded corner of the alley, eavesdropping discreetly. There was no information to be gained from the conversation with the knight wrapped in armor. He merely agreed to the knights demand for information, Provide us with information, after hearing vaguely exchanged words.

In front of those who could potentially kill everyone instantly, there was no room for any choice.

Despite claiming to be members of a shadow organization, I dont trust them.

The captain did not trust them.

They had tried to kill all their alley comrades, had indeed forced some into the afterlife, and spared everyone with capricious actions.

Yes, sparing them was merely for the sake of obtaining information.

Those who claimed to be part of the shadow organization couldnt leave so many witnesses. They would erase all traces as soon as the job was done.

We, the witnesses, will all be killed.

The captain was convinced.

Choosing active cooperation was for that reason.

To assist in the work while keeping a close watch on those two as much as possible.

Certainly, it was mentioned that solving Hastins issue was the objective. If thats the case, closely monitor their actions, and when they are busiest, quietly leave the village. Since it was known that Hastin wouldnt last long, it was only a matter of slightly advancing the time to leave.

As the captain finished his thoughts, he shifted his gaze towards the direction where footsteps were approaching. Clearly, the silhouette hurrying towards the captain at midnight was Tott. It seemed like he came with urgent news, running with all his might.

Captain!

It wasnt until the footsteps came close enough for the sound of labored breathing to be heard that Tott called out to the captain.

Rosalina, ugh, Rosalina

Rosalina? What happened?

Raising an eyebrow, the captain frowned. While Rosalina leaving her spot was common, Tott had never shown such a reaction before.

Rosalina is missing!

What?

She disappeared with the knight with black hair, dressed in shabby clothes.

After catching his breath a few times, Tott, who had barely regained composure, continued.

Captain I think she might have gone back there again.

* * *

I didnt know Sir Knight was also a believer.

Along the dark path at night, Devourer walked alongside Rosalina. The girls footsteps, walking a step ahead, were light.

They were heading towards the outskirts of the village.

Ive tried to convince everyone around to accept salvation together many times. But theyre all fools. No one believed. Isnt that strange? Do you think so too, Sir Knight? They offer salvation without any conditions. Just believe fervently, and theyll save you.

As they moved away from the Lords castle, the atmosphere on the street became more decadent.

After passing several corners of narrow alleys and arriving at a place with large stones piled up, the girl stopped walking.

I always feel eerie here. What do you think, Sir Knight?

It was a secluded place, one that would go unnoticed if not carefully examined even when nearby.

Between the piles of stones, an artificial stone structure became visible. It was the entrance leading underground.

They descended the stairs towards the underground. The front was pitch black, but as they entered, the faint light from magical lamps hanging on the walls illuminated the stairs. After descending to an exhausting extent, they reached a place that could be likened to a maze, chaotic and narrow.

It seemed to have originally served as an underground graveyard. Occasionally visible rooms were filled with wooden coffins, and the gaps in open coffins were undoubtedly filled with bones. As Devourer finished his thoughts, he surveyed the surroundings.

A winding corridor. Following the subtle light that served as a guide along the path, they walked endlessly until they reached a spacious courtyard.

Somber yet reverent, the space was illuminated by numerous candles, casting a gentle glow.

There was no need to ask Rosalina what this place was for.

The courtyard was already filled with humans. Even at a glance, there were more than 40 people, densely gathered and seated.

All their gazes were directed towards the same point. At the forefront, there stood a man wearing a black priests robe.

Is that man the bishop?

Devourer and Rosalina made their way to the back of the courtyard. Suddenly feeling a gaze on the back of his head, Devourer turned his head, but the bishop quickly shifted his gaze to the followers as if nothing happened.

Devourer sat on a rudimentary wooden chair, barely making a sound with his tongue.

The disaster that has befallen Hastin is a trial given to humans tainted by wicked deeds.

Meanwhile, the bishops restrained voice echoed in all directions.

And the Almighty being possesses the ability to transcend and purify all trials. Those who have gained faith in Him are all chosen, glorious humans. May He bestow His trust upon us

Apart from occasional incomprehensible words, there was nothing particularly remarkable in the content. It was simply the repetitive rhetoric of indoctrination.

The bishop of a pseudo-religion that surveils everyone with non-human mana.

One emitting the aura of the undead next to the lord.

An isolated village.

The moment of suspicion turning into certainty.

Behind everything, there is someone.

Blatantly stirring up trouble.

Just like there are different types of dogs, there are different kinds of troublemakers. From those clingy to their owners to the downright crazy ones. Among them, the most disliked troublemaker is undoubtedly the one who meddles in other peoples territory.

Even though Devourer usually ignores what others do, being targeted like this couldnt help but leave a bad taste. Its inevitable that his own territory is falling apart due to his own mistakes. Theres no one to blame, and at best, its just regret.

However, if those who intrude without understanding the situation ruin everything, the situation changes.

A dog that cant distinguish between the line it should cross and the one it shouldnt, well, its only normal for it to mess up its legs. However, for now, its still too early.

There was a need to be a bit more composed than usual.

My memory is quite bad.

While the culprit who shared the rosary has been roughly identified, the exact mastermind behind the incident hasnt been revealed yet. Information sharing with Patrick hasnt taken place either.

So, it wouldnt be wise to start breaking things right away.

Still, Ill try to help remember you.

Devourer whispered. Thinking about Patricks statement, Hastins condition is suspicious, he chuckled.

***

After the mass ended, and they left the underground graveyard, it was still nighttime.

Devourer sent Rosalina ahead and then sat down on a wooden box in a corner of the alley.

Rosalina left a remark, Is it proper for a Sir knight to send a lady home alone so late? before departing with a puzzled expression.

She was extremely cautious just a day ago, claiming to be fellow believers. But now, all those precautions were shattered due to the misconception of being the same believer. It was impossible to restrain such a person.

I wonder how Patrick manages to endure dealing with humans.

Taking in the cool night air, Devourer was lost in thought.

Since the recent incident, the situation felt entirely different. To be honest, it was getting a bit annoying.

The provisions received from the lords castle included bread used in religious ceremonies, so there must be a connection between the lord and the religion. The person involved is likely the man emitting the undead aura that Patrick mentioned.

Moreover, when the bishop poured mana into Devourers body, Devourer could be sure that the mana was not human.

In other words, the bishop is not human either.

In a situation where there is too much circumstantial evidence and no direct evidence is needed.

Undead hiding in Hastin, and not just here and there, but systematically hidden thats the high probability.

Id like to smash it all, to be honest.

It started as a mere nuisance, but knowing that the annoyance was due to someones scheme made it even more irritating.

Breaking everything wouldnt solve the problem, and the frustration intensified.

Undead are different from humans. They have a basic immunity to fear, and they lack the fear of death. Threats are impossible. So, interrogating them after a good beating is not an option.

The key is the mastermind.

Time is running out. Patrick and Devourer have openly declared hostility, so the other side is likely to take action as well.

Before that, find them and smash them all.

I guess I have to wait for Patrick for now.

It was getting late. According to Patrick, both the captain and Tott seem to be keeping an eye on our movements, so staying here any longer wouldnt be wise.

Devourer, rising from his seat, walked towards the alley. As he passed through the main street, he heard the voices of people breaking the silence.

Turning his gaze discreetly towards the source of the voices, Devourer noticed the sounds of guards from the inspection post at the castle gate.

Do they ever get tired, he thought briefly and was about to turn back when he sensed something odd and listened more carefully.

The guards at the castle gate were always two. However, the silhouettes illuminated revealed three figures. Two seemed to be hesitating, and one was moving energetically.

Listening closely, Devourer identified a female voice among them.

Are they getting tired, he thought briefly before realizing that the number of guards did not match the norm.

Curiosity piqued, Devourer approached a bit more. It wasnt until the voices and figures became clearer that he stopped. The female voice from the castle gate sounded similar to Melje. Even the appearance resembled Melje.

Could it be Melje No, it couldnt be.

Its impossible. Lets assume its not.

If it were our Demon King, she would have undoubtedly flown over the castle wall with a flying spell.

Its unimaginable for her to foolishly try to pass through the castle gate and get caught.

Devourers footsteps, retreating into the alley, gradually quickened. The voice of the woman, praying it wasnt Melje, echoed as Devourer hastened away.

Ah?! Devo Sir Devde-! Over here, over here! Can you help?! Hey, hey? Sir Devde-! Sir Devde-! Why are you ignoring me?! Im asking for help! Sir Devde-!

[Translator Clara]

[Proofreader Demon God]

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