138 – So we’re not that kind of relationship. (12)
“Senior. Will you share some stories with me?”
“My stories?”
“Well, I was a bit curious. Like stories about Aris, Senior.”
“…That’s a bit.”
No matter how much I think about it, Aris’ story is not something to be casually brought up.
“Um, was it too intrusive?”
“Well, now that it’s mostly resolved, it’s not that big of a deal. It’s just… a kind of thing.”
“That thing?”
“It’s about being reluctant to show my flaws to others, that kind of thing.”
“Then, could you tell me as if it were a confession?”
“A confession… At a dessert cafe?”
“The location isn’t important. Confession can happen anywhere. As long as there’s a nun and a genuine desire for repentance.”
“But there are plenty of people who use a confession to sweep their wrongdoings under the rug…”
“Well, I know there are such people… But there are also many more reliable people. And you seem like one of them, Senior.”
“Isn’t your trust in me too firm?”
“It can’t be helped, can it? The senior I’ve known has always shown a trustworthy side.”
“…Is that so?”
“Yes.”
Adrian stated firmly.
“Anyway, will you tell me once?”
“Sigh. Fine. It’s not something I can’t say now… Since we’ve resolved things. But, don’t do this with other close friends. It could strain the relationship.”
“I’ll be careful. Perhaps I’ve been too insensitive, constantly listening to others’ concerns… I must have been thoughtless. I apologize, Senior.”
“No, it’s okay. It’s fine. Given the life you’ve led, it’s understandable.”
Perhaps due to her nun-like nature, adept at listening to others’ concerns and comforting them, Adrian seemed to have no hesitation in approaching others’ flaws.
To be honest, it could be considered quite rude… Yet, observing her sincerity, it didn’t seem like there was any malice behind her words.
Moreover, since it was a story that could now be told without repercussions, I opened up and shared the story that had transpired between me and Aris.
“Hmm… I see. Indeed. It’s fair to say there were wrongs on both sides. Yet, you’ve resolved it well, haven’t you?”
“Yes. And I continue to regret and reflect on what happened back then.”
“An admirable attitude. People tend to avoid reflecting on their own wrongdoings. But you, Senior… are different. Perhaps Aris Senior forgiving you and approaching you again is because of that.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. Hmm. Still, it’s a bit risky…”
At that moment, Adrian muttered something incomprehensible.
“What’s risky?”
“Oh, it’s nothing. Shall we go now that we’ve finished the dessert?”
“Where are you thinking of going this time?”
“Well, anywhere! Let’s just go!”
***
Adrian took Prach’s arm and led him. It wasn’t just Astiman. Clearly, Aris also had feelings for him.
‘Just how popular is this senior?’
Even the spellcasters who had helped her immediately were friendly to Prach, and Aris, despite almost being assaulted, was willing to give him her heart again, while Asti and he were practically dripping honey.
‘Was he under some spell that captivated a woman?’
But it didn’t seem like he had cast such a spell. When she heard stories related to Aris, she honestly thought it was fortunate that he had rejected Prakh back then.
If not, Prakh would have been wholeheartedly devoted to Aris. He wouldn’t have even thought about keeping another woman by his side. The reason his relationships with other women improved was when things fell apart with Aris.
Of course, now there’s Astira, another formidable opponent… But still, it’s not like he blindly followed only Aris, so at least there might be a chance for her to slip in.
Today, Adrian set his mind on achieving two things. One was to inform the councilors that he was interested in Prakh, and the other was to become a little closer to Prakh.
“Where are we going next?”
To Prakh’s question, Adrian just smiled.
“Well, anywhere sounds good!”
Energetically, she took Prakh’s hand and started to lead him through the market.
* * *
“To cause a disturbance at the festival… Isn’t that too much money for such a thing?”
The voices of the members commissioned by Dantalion echoed in a small secret chamber, expressing their concerns.
“There was no other way.”
The head of the organization sighed and spoke.
“There was no other way…?”
“If he had given that money to someone else, what would have happened?”
“Oh.”
“Our organization would have been compromised sooner or later. And you all know well how the words of absorbed members of other organizations are, right?”
“We understand. But isn’t it a bit unsettling…”
“Even if it’s unsettling, it must be done. Surely, he is an extraordinary man. We could have been in trouble in no time. One does not challenge such a man’s intentions. Moreover, if we provide appropriate compensation, there’s no reason not to do it.”
“Is that so…”
“Yes. And if we successfully complete the task and manage to profit well, we might rise in the Empire quickly.”
“So, are we starting?”
“We have to do it today. But, I’m not sure how to cause the disturbance.”
“I can tell you that.”
At that moment, a voice echoed in the chamber. The leader and the members felt a chill down their spines.
“You are…”
“The employer. I felt like there was some lack of instruction, so I came back, and it seems I was right.”
Dantalion said with a smile.
In a way, it’s a plan that is beyond childish. Causing a ruckus at the festival by hiring a few low-level thugs (who probably see themselves as sinister and intimidating members of the underworld) to raid the festival scene.
Inciting a riot and having the saint retaliate… That’s the plan. But there’s nothing as concrete as the original plan. Especially if the saint happens to be entangled in a love affair at the moment, things get even more uncertain.
In particular, Saint Adrian had never attended a festival in the past. For such a saint to go out in disguise to the festival… it could be interpreted as a desire to spend time with Prakh.
The councilors would be enticed beyond measure.
What could have been interpreted as mere stories of the saint would become evidence to attack the saint. They wouldn’t hesitate. They would likely catch glimpses of the saint accompanying Prakh in various ways and deceive the Empire’s subjects with that.
And then, surely, the gap would be exposed. Dantalion knew that the councilors had been up to a lot of mischief.
Especially, among the councilors, Andersen, who was most revered, reeked of something foul to Dantalion.
Right now, Dantalion was doing his best to find his secret ledger or whatever it was. Dantalion, who was adept at all sorts of deception, manipulation, and instigation, believed that within a week, he could find evidence to bring down the councilor.
“Are you giving us direct orders…?”
“Yes. It seems like I didn’t precisely indicate where you should cause the disturbance.”
“Do we need a separate location to cause the disturbance?”
– Lord Prax. The preparations are nearly complete. Can you tell me your current location?
– For now, I am near the square, but since there are knights there, it wouldn’t be safe for those troublemakers to roam freely. So… I think I’ll look for a more secluded spot for now.
– Understood. Let me know once your location is confirmed.
“You don’t need me, do you? Even if I’m around, you don’t expect those scoundrels to cause a ruckus in the Sagram Square. They’ll end up getting a beating from the knights anyway.”
“…No words to say.”
“Thus, where the knights’ surveillance is scarce. That’s where we aim.”
“What on earth could be there… Well, is there someone worth bothering?”
“You’ll find out once you wear the mask. But it’s not time yet. We should wait for the right moment.”
“Got it. Let’s proceed that way. So, will you wait here?”
“Yes. Ah, don’t worry too much. You won’t end up dead or captured here.”
“…You don’t expect me to believe that, do you?”
“It’s better to believe. Frankly, with just a slight move from me, you could disappear from here.”
“Darn. Can’t argue with that.”
“Anyway, there’s no need to worry excessively, that’s the point.”
“Be generous with the reward. Like that gem pouch from last time.”
“hahahaha. Worry is a profit.”
Dantalion was genuinely curious about how they would react when they faced the saint. If the saint suddenly appeared where the chaos was brewing…?
Beyond merely piling up misdeeds, wouldn’t an intriguing picture unfold?
For Dantalion, this opportunity was indeed a chance to pile up misdeeds, but ultimately, his attachment to the human realm was for the sake of enjoying the game.
“Indeed, humans are fun.”
With that thought in mind, he subtly smiled.