Apocrypha 4: The Guild Now / The Church Now / The Territory Now ~~The Guild Now~~
"Martyr Moon - 27th (Morning)"
"It's noisy outside..."
"Shall I go check, Lady Heri?"
"No. Let's leave it. You and I both have mountains of work to do right now."
The missing persons case had been resolved, and the chaotic daily life had returned to normal. But the aftermath of the incident still lingered throughout the territory. For instance, searching for magic to reverse Raysi's feminization, retrieving the familiars scattered everywhere to find the missing people, and handling the guild master's usual duties... My own workload was steadily piling up too.
Because of that, I'd been thinking of consulting a professor at the academy, or maybe paying a visit to the grand library there after a long time... That's what I'd planned...
--Creak...
"Hey! Beth, what the hell is that supposed to mean? Divorce?!"
"It's exactly what it sounds like. We're divorced. Me and Myrit... that bastard. And since I have something important to discuss, could you send that kid out for a bit?"
Then came Beth's bombshell declaration as she suddenly barged in. With mountains of work already stacked up, something even more absurd had happened. My best friend and one of my guild's top-grade adventurers, Elizabeth Pendragon, had come to me, the guild master, citing divorce and party disbandment.
"Haa... Alright, for now. Trike, step out for a moment. I'll call you back when we're done."
"Understood."
Beth, who wouldn't normally do this, had burst into the guild master's office—and the topic she wanted to discuss was so sensitive that I sent out the outsider Trike first, leaving us alone. If she'd come for counseling before the divorce, an unmarried woman like me might have worried about what help I could offer. But...!
"It's already settled. We've agreed to divorce, and the loser of the duel leaves everything behind except personal property and gets banished from the territory."
"No, that's not what I meant! Couldn't you find even a single compromise? You two were doing great! You got along so well, so why suddenly?! Even if not, you could go through the courts for a settlement."
I couldn't comprehend this situation at all. Beth had been my comrade from my adventuring days before I became guild master, partying together for years. It felt like my own headache, throbbing at the inexplicable misfortune striking someone so dear.
"People's hearts change. And you know a duel victory holds more weight than a trial, right?"
"Th-that's true, but... sudden divorce like this. No warning at all—it's really throwing me off?"
Duels between parties took precedence over trials. A truly barbaric system. Even with noble courts enshrined in law, brawls rendered them meaningless. The kingdom debated abolishing duels due to such flaws... No, this wasn't the time for idle thoughts. Was the earlier commotion outside... because of their duel? If I'd known, I should've sent Trike to check...! If I'd paid attention even a little, maybe this wouldn't have happened...!
"You won't tell me the detailed reason?"
"Personal matter. Butt out. I came to the guild to update the party roster. You can guess what that means, right?"
Of course I knew. Beth pulled two neatly folded sheets from her pocket and placed them on the desk. One detailed the duel. The other was for party roster changes. The duel stipulated that the loser forfeits all joint marital property (excluding personal assets), gets banished from the territory, and is forbidden from approaching without the winner's permission for 50 years. I'd seen divorce duels before, but nothing this harsh. Property seizure was common, but banishment and no-contact orders? And the terms basically told them to wander off alone and die. A powerhouse like Myrit wouldn't die easily, but... Anyway, Beth had won the duel, and the roster change was to remove the loser, Myrit.
The loser forfeits all joint marital property (excluding personal assets), is banished from the territory, and forbidden from approaching without winner's permission for 50 years.
"I know what you're gonna say, but... can't you rethink it a bit? Myrit hasn't been gone long. Call him back and talk it out..."
"No. I can't even stand facing him anymore."
Beth cut off my suggestion mid-sentence, her face filled with chilling resentment. What the hell happened between them to escalate like this?
"St-still, you know? Even after the duel, final approval hasn't come down yet, right? There's still plenty of time to reconcile...!"
This was sophistry. Duel results applied immediately. I knew Beth wasn't ignorant of that, but to buy time, I had no choice.
"Enough. You're annoying me. Don't say another word. My mind's made up, and we've already agreed. No matter what you blabber, it won't change. He's a stranger to me now."
Beth spoke coldly, as if it were all over. She just silently tapped the duel paper and roster form with her finger, silently pressuring me to hurry up.
"R-really no way around it? I'm seriously worried. You might regret it later. Yeah?"
"Haa......"
A deep sigh filled the room, heavy as if the floor might cave in. Its meaning was clear without words. Beth's patience had reached its limit.
"Heri. I don't want to lose another connection. So please...!!"
--Bam...!!!
"Eek...!"
"Process it. That's all. I'm leaving. If you have more questions, send someone to my house. I never want to set foot here voluntarily again."
"W-wait...!!"
Beth took a deep breath, then smashed the desk in half with her fist before striding out. Before I could even try to stop her, she was gone without looking back.
--Creak... Thud...
Left in the room were me, reaching toward the closed door, the shattered desk, and the two sheets buried under the debris. An suffocating awkward silence hung in the air.
If I had the power to turn back time, could I have prevented this...?
"A pointless what-if... Hoo... Trike. You out there?"
In the end, if that's the case, I'd have to resolve this mess my way...! Piles of work or not, fixing my best friend's crisis took priority. A bit dirty, maybe, but now wasn't the time to care.
"You called, Lady Heri...? The room is...?"
Trike entered at my call. He seemed momentarily flustered by the room's disarray compared to before but quickly composed himself and looked my way.
"Don't worry about the room. More importantly, I need you for a mission. You up for it?"
"Anything you command."
Haa... Seeing my cute Trike lifts my spirits a bit♡ How is he so small and adorable♡ Oh... Not the time to get sentimental.
"Tail the one who just left... Elizabeth. She's a top-grade adventurer, so tailing her carelessly risks getting caught big time. So, umm... Hold on."
My conclusion: tail her. I didn't suspect Beth, but just in case. Considering possibilities like affairs or adultery, I assigned Trike to surveil and tail her for traces. But pitting inexperienced Trike against sharp-sensed Beth was risky, so I'd equip him properly.
I pulled various gear from my personal magic tool display case in the room and handed them to Trike.
"Here, take all this."
"Lady Heri, these are...?"
"Recon magic tools. Shoes that silence footsteps, a talisman to leave no tracks—attach it under the shoes. A hood to muffle breathing, a cloak for about a minute of invisibility per use—needs 30 minutes recharge each time, so use only when essential. And these smoke bombs..."
Even if caught, Beth would recognize my person and not seriously hurt Trike, but with her anger at its peak, who knows what she'd do? Better prepare thoroughly. Trike was my precious... Hehe♡ My future... uh, anyway...!
"Lady Heri. Shall I head out now?"
Trike, laden with my magic tools on his small frame. Ah... So cute with all that gear♡ Cute enough to commission a painter to immortalize forever, but... Sentiments end here.
"Yes, go quickly. Remember what I said—she's a top-grade adventurer despite appearances. She can block ambushes barehanded. Keep your distance and observe—absolute priority. The monocle expands field of view too, use it well. Note all intel in that notepad. Got it?"
"I'll keep it in mind. Heading out."
"Be careful..."
Trike left to carry out the mission. Thanks to the gear, even passing right by me made no sound. Reassuring, but what worried me was 'that one-in-a-million chance.' Always had been. Perfect plans fail not from incompetence or mistakes, but one coincidence flipping everything.
"Beth... What the hell happened..."
Gazing through the transparent window at the sky where orange sunset glow began to creep in, lost in thought again. Praying it was nothing major...
* * *
"Rachel. We've got a tail♥ That kid with Heri. Following me."
"Kyaha♥ Just like Rachel planned♥ Saw the weapons in the Cube—suspected they were apostle candidates, and yep, both are♥"
"Yes. All for the Goddess♥ And Rachel, heading home now. Let's fuck sloppy when I arrive♥ You can use my pussy this time♥"
"Hee~ So desperate for Rachel's cock? Kyahaha♥ Hurry then, Li, za♥"
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~~The Church Now~~
"Martyr Moon - 27th (Morning)"
"Faster than expected."
Not long after setting out alone with the carriage, I arrived at the territory's checkpoint. Unsettling suspicions kept surfacing, so I pushed hard day and night to reach the territory quickly.
Two guards focused intently on me.
"Halt! Halt! State your business! Personnel, purpose!"
The guard shouted vigorously at me on the carriage. Young and spirited.
"Just me, here for a church lecture... that work? Here's a letter authenticated by Priestess Muse."
"Church lecture...?"
"Idiot. Remember from briefing? The orphanage director Priestess called is visiting soon!"
The other guard took the letter I handed, examined it, and returned it. The vocal one got scolded. Heh heh, all bark, still green inside.
"Sorry my junior was rude, Lady Ustis Gostina. Mind if we search the carriage?"
"Search...? They didn't before."
"Recent order from the lord: all incoming carriages searched for the time being."
That wolf kid's making life tough. Sudden searches... Maybe linked to Priestess Muse's collapse? Good I hurried then.
The guards meticulously checked front, back, sides, and inside. Nothing but my mace and holy water anyway—no finds. Felt like a criminal undergoing this without guilt. Novel experience.
"All clear. You may enter."
"Heh heh, thanks. Good work... Oh, one question?"
"What is it?"
"Priestess Muse. Did she really collapse?"
The impassive guard's face stiffened instantly. Hmm... Touched a nerve? But I doubt a mere guard's directly involved in the priestess's assault...
"......Can't disclose details, but Priestess Muse has regained consciousness and is handling light duties at the church."
"Hard to discuss, eh. Sorry for prying. Carry on."
Relief she awoke. But the odd feeling lingers unpleasantly. Seems the whole guard knows but can't speak freely—or silenced internally. Anyway, drove into the territory toward the church per the letter's map.
"Bigger church than I recall from last visit."
Detailed map got me there quickly without delay. Parked nearby, heading to the entrance when...
Two women stood at the church door. One sky-blue hair, the other white. They entered promptly.
--Creak
"That white hair... feels familiar."
Tucking away the faint doubt, I followed before the door closed, entering the church.
Stained glass sparkled rainbows in sunlight, centering a pink-haired woman in priestess robes. Her brilliance stole my gaze upon entry. Hearing the door, the dozing priestess in the light slowly opened her eyes.
"Do you have business... Oh... Long time no see. Clarice. And behind you... Lady Ustis too."
Clarice... My hunch was right. Rubbing half-closed eyes, Muse spoke softly. The two ahead turned to me.
"Long time, Clarice. First time, Priestess Muse. Well?"
"Director...?"
"Clarice, who is...?"
Startled Clarice and sky-blue-haired woman. Hid my presence too well? Might breed resentment. Heh heh.
Only Muse inside; she surveyed us three, smiled faintly, and approached.
"It's fine, Lady Ustis. I worried you."
"Worrying for the ill is human nature. Glad you're safe, Priestess Muse."
Muse nodded lightly to me first. Mouth said fine, but movements and eyes screamed exhaustion. No visible wounds, but probably drained of energy during collapse.
"More importantly, long time, Clarice. And Glacia, was it? You two know each other?"
"Ahaha... Long time, Priestess. Glacia and I met on a mission♥"
"Heard the news and was shocked. Thought of visiting but forbidden, so came with Clarice upon hearing you awoke."
Sky-blue-haired Glacia knew Clarice. Her demeanor suggested highborn lady. Clarice chatted naturally like peers with her, conversing with Muse.
"But Director... Never imagined you'd come. Thought you'd take more time."
After small talk, Clarice approached me warmly.
So much to say to Clarice after ages, but more eager for Muse's full story.
"Yes, Clarice. Sparse letters worried me and the kids. Wondered if something happened. Face-to-face, you seem fine—such relief."
"Totally unexpected. Never dreamed you'd visit the church. Could've told me. Oh, right—remembered something. Gotta go first."
Clarice, incredulous at my visit, repeated "unexpected" with joy. But something clicked; she hurried to leave.
"Heh heh, sure. Go handle it. I'll stay awhile, visit anytime."
"See ya, Director. Let's go, Glacia."
"Yeah... Shame. Wanted deeper talk with Priestess."
"Next chance, reschedule. See you, Priestess Muse♥"
Clarice dragged Glacia out hastily. Heavy wooden door thudded shut; the lively church turned serene. Now just me and Muse. Time to talk. And Clarice... hiding something...?
* * *
"That Ustis ruined the plan."
"Fuck. Fuck!! Pisses me off. That old hag turned our setup to shit! Aaaah!!"
"Calm down. Didn't get Muse, but we harvested something."
"Haa... Yeah. True. Got excited. Finding two apostle candidates already... definite win."
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~~The Territory Now~~
"Martyr Moon - 26th (Evening)"
"Aaaaaah!!!!!! Pisses me off. Those geezers!!!"
"L-Lady Anni...! Voice too loud!"
"Whatever. Those cowards probably fled the mansion, scared shitless of hubby anyway. Haa... Getting jerked around by those losers. Ruins my face."
Rage boiled over. From minutes ago.
Post-missing persons cleanup and new incident meeting with lord hubby and useless advisor geezers. They nitpicked hubby's every word; even assisting him, I was furious.
Black market users all criminals, diplomatic friction from disappearances, did you explain—bullshit like that!
"They run illegal slave markets underground—why else? Illegal means nobles caught go straight to jail too. Why grill us like we're guilty over scum vanishing!"
To vent, post-meeting in my office, shared drinks with guard captain as sounding board. Or my whip would've shredded those damn old farts. Hoo... No, calm. Calm down. Losing temper here means I lose.
"Advisors had reasons. Even if raid info leaked, leaving ledgers and records intact is suspicious to them."
"That's why...!! Francesca. Listen. Hubby's working hard, those trash won't praise him, yapping about empire friction over POWs. How not to rage?!"
"Lady Anni...! I'm Francis. Name is..."
Those fossils thought hubby soft-spoken, no force—so they acted ghosts. Raising voices openly, questioning his abilities casually. Shameless, conscienceless incompetents... And fleeing tails tucked after hubby's roar—disgusting.
"Francesca. What should I do... Hubby's trying so hard... Feels like I'm doing nothing... What now..."
"You worked hard too, Lady Anni. Huge role in solving missing case. Undeniable. Did lots."
"Rea...lly...? Thanks, Francesca..."
"I-I'm Francis bu..."
Ah... Sleepy. Suddenly tired. Drank too much? Body heavy, eyes closing...
--Crash...!
* * *
"Hmm... Anni's quite drunk."
"L-Lord...!?"
Heard Anni's aggrieved complaints from outside her office. She had pent-up stuff too. When quieted, entered to find flustered Francis and Anni passed out on desk. Spilled liquor down desk proved it.
"Kept her company, Francis?"
"Y-yes... But Lady Anni too drunk..."
"Tough on you too. Assisting drunk wife midday."
Francis sweated profusely, head bowed. Flustered by my arrival.
Post-incident, he felt heavy responsibility, turning passive toward me and advisors. Unnecessary.
"I'll take Anni to bed. Rest today. Handling her drunken rants exhausting."
"N-no...! Just did my duty."
"Good work. Francis... no, Francesca. Sorry couldn't shield you from advisors' barbs in meeting."
"......My incompetence. If focused more, my benefactors Lady Anni and Lord wouldn't be slandered. Truly sorry..."
Francesca teared up, pleading as I lifted Anni. She had her burdens. But can't mope forever.
"Francesca. No more worries for me. Bared fangs at advisors—they'll pipe down awhile. Just hold your post. Storm passed; calm soon."
"Lord..."
"Tomorrow's sun rises, as they say. Buck up. Ordered guards search all entrants; handles external threats. Now tidy internal mess."
Comforted gloomy Francesca, left booze-scented room. In arms: sleeping Anni. Behind: Francesca with renewed sharp eyes. Glanced back satisfied, stepped forward. Praying wolf blessings—no more incidents.
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