Chapter 211
Chapter 211
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 211
Chapter Title: At Least Fix the Barn (1)
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Vrooom——!
The vehicle carrying Forrest and Oliver glided smoothly along the road toward A District.
A District, the heart of Landa, was densely packed with the city council buildings, related administrative facilities, and the Paladin branch of the Pater Church.
Forrest, riding in the car, spoke into the communicator with someone.
“...So no need to come. Got it. I’ll contact you right away.”
Click.
As the call ended, Oliver asked.
“Who was that?”
“Joe. He’d heard the rumors and asked how you were doing.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. He acts gruff, but he seems to like you a lot. Even asked if you needed him.”
“Oh, that’s nice of him. No idea why, though.”
Oliver meant it. He truly had no clue why Joe liked him.
Forrest looked at him, shook his head with a wry smile, and spoke up.
“Chatting idly with you is fun enough, but let’s snap back to reality. Memorized everything I gave you?”
Oliver held up the memo as he replied.
“Yes. First, give minimal answers on past history questions. Second, if they ask about demons, flatly say no interest and no knowledge. Third, on missions, cite contract clauses and invoke silence... All memorized.”
“Excellent.”
Forrest promptly snatched back the memo, crumpled it, popped it in his mouth, chewed, and swallowed.
It was a jarring contrast to his usual impeccably suited, polite, dignified self. Oliver stared blankly.
“Can’t let the Paladins catch you with it.”
“...Ah.”
“Focus up again. People saw you using the corpse puppet?”
“Yes, during the last mission with Mr. Jonathan. While capturing Mr. Benium, I deployed Helper No.2 Parker. A few locals witnessed it.”
“Helper No.2 Parker?”
“Yes. A corpse puppet built by grafting a doctor’s and mechanic’s hands onto a spider polluted lifeform base. Dog-sized, designed for instant field repairs on other corpse puppets.”
“Thanks for the vivid rundown. Nearly gave me car sickness, but my fault for asking. Hmm... Hate nagging field operatives, but did you have to use that corpse puppet? Especially one so... distinctive?”
“Sorry for going against your prior advice. But it was essential. Without it, the damage would’ve escalated, putting residents at risk.”
“Hmm... If you say so, I believe you.”
Forrest accepted the explanation without pressing further.
His priority wasn’t nitpicking blame—it was resolving the current mess.
“Claim it was scavenged and repaired from the polluted zone. Sounds bullshit, but brazen it out.”
“Yes, got it... But is that the better play?”
“Truth is, deploying a corpse puppet at all is a major red flag. Not judging you, but it’s a dignity-shattering abomination. Materials being what they are.”
“Ah...”
“Offended? My apologies.”
“No, not at all. You’re right.”
“...Plus, Puppets pioneered corpse puppets, so they assume any use ties back to them. Tinted glasses from the jump.”
“I see.”
“Rumor mill, but play it safe. ...Old tech could come from other paths, but why advertise your chimney smoke?”
“Ah, makes sense... You know your stuff.”
“Evening studies every day.”
Forrest flashed a joking grin.
After that, he reassured Oliver he’d accompany him inside, so no worries; he’d tapped the Broker Guild for backup; and cited other black mages who’d weathered similar interrogations unscathed.
Sincerity shone through every word.
“...At worst, they’ll just hassle you. Stay cool, answer only what’s asked, minimally.”
“Yes, understood.”
With Paladin prep squared away, Al spoke cautiously.
“Boss. Dave. We’re almost there.”
A glance outside confirmed it.
A stark white building blending military fortress and temple loomed into view.
“That’s...?”
“Paladin Seland Branch.”
“Impressive architecture.”
“Believers’ tithes paid for it—of course it’s flashy. The Church obsesses over grandeur and gravitas.”
“Reason for that?”
“Projects authority.”
Forrest laced his answer with sarcasm and disdain.
Moments later, the car pulled up at the main gate.
Guards who looked official checked Al’s face and scowled.
“Red skin?”
Déjà vu hit. Identical to their first Interior Ministry visit.
Forrest, just like then, vouched that Al was his driver.
The difference? Interior guards had apologized and smiled upon seeing Forrest.
These Paladin branch guards scowled harder.
“Interior Ministry? We were guests there. Here, to humans, we’re vermin to eradicate. Lawbreakers living off violations.”
Forrest said it as they passed the gate.
“I see... But why hold back?”
“City Accords restrict them to black magic crimes and demons only. Brokers donate regularly too.”
“...Donate?”
“My phrasing. Tithes that double as bribes. Bottom line: we’ve greased the wheels before, so relax. I’ll handle it—you answer only when prompted. No extra words.”
Oliver nodded at Forrest’s heartfelt plea.
“Yes, understood. I’m counting on you, Forrest.”
“Won’t let you down.”
“What’s the situation here?”
Stepping from the car into the Paladin Seland Branch, Forrest halted mid-corridor to demand of the staff.
He looked outright furious.
Like he’d been outrageously insulted.
“As I said, only the summoned black mage enters.”
A thick-necked, bearish staffer replied.
Intimidating build, and he clearly intended to leverage it.
Forrest didn’t budge. He’d clawed through Landa’s underbelly too.
“Doesn’t compute. Why can’t I join? I’m Dave’s handling broker. His guarantor too. Heard prior brokers entered with their solvers.”
“Arbitrary rule tweak for stricter probing. Cooperate.”
“We are cooperating. Won’t agree to this.”
“Defying a Paladin summons?”
“Follow city rules. This is Landa—not some superstitious backwater full of hicks who think rabbit meat grows floppy ears.”
Forrest vented raw displeasure.
The staffer bristled too.
Paladin authority challenged—major sore spot.
He slowly raised a massive hand, meat and muscle in perfect menace, aiming to clamp Forrest’s shoulder...
...Thwap!
Oliver, watching from behind, deftly raised his quarterstaff to halt the hand.
Nearby staffers startled, eyes locked on them. Poised to pounce.
Ah, now he placed them.
Servants. Paladin aides and rank-and-file soldiers.
He’d seen their like first meeting Joanna.
‘Ah... So Joanna might be here today?’
Entirely possible. She was a Paladin. An indescribable feeling stirred.
Awkward? Prickly? Vaguely off-putting.
Then someone addressed Oliver. Back to reality.
“Hey... Asked what you’re doing.”
“Pardon? Ah...”
Oliver eyed the Servant mid-chat with Forrest. His quarterstaff still blocking the staffer’s hand.
The man looked thoroughly pissed.
“Daring to antagonize us, black mage scum? In the Father’s house?”
Father. Pater Church’s one true god.
Oliver itched to ask if God literally crashed here, but it was surely metaphor. He held back.
Eyes on the wary Servants around, he spoke carefully.
“No, just... Touching an elder without permission seems rude. Mutual courtesy, right?”
Wholly unexpected—the staffer advancing on Forrest froze.
Then slowly lowered his brutish hand. Oliver matched, lowering his staff and offering a slight bow.
“Appreciate your understanding. Sincerely apologize for overstepping.”
Politeness drilled in at the angel’s abode. He pressed on.
“You said just me inside?”
“...Yeah.”
“What’re you on about?”
Forrest grabbed the abruptly compliant Oliver.
“Cooperation first, no?”
“Limits exist. We can refuse. It’s voluntary—no legal force.”
“No force, yet you were cooperating. Must be reason.”
Nailed it. Legally fine to bail, but they’d harass sideways plenty.
Full probe power on black mages and demons.
Hypothetical ill will? They could torpedo Forrest’s ops easy.
“I can manage that.”
“We’re both slammed right now.”
Another bullseye silenced Forrest.
Crime Firm needed fighter crew deliveries on deadline.
Hell, no time for meals, sleep, booze, or coffee.
Booze and coffee!
Paladin snag delaying biz? The fallout could dwarf imagination.
Shadow deals often outstripped sunlight in rigor.
“Plus scouting new restaurant digs, expanding clients? Let’s cooperate. Smarter move.”
Irrefutable logic drew Forrest’s sigh. The most inconvenienced party insisted—what could he say?
“When’d you turn silver-tongued?”
“Year-plus here, I’ve caught the local rhythm somewhat. Knowledge eases the words.”
“Sigh... Truly okay?”
“Yes. We’ll see, but feels fine. Want this wrapped quick too.”
“What’re you two whispering?”
The blocking Servant grilled them. Softened a tad, but suspicion lingered.
Forrest sounded resolute at last.
“Moment’s grace... Dave, sorry I can’t back you proper. Promised help and flaked.”
“You’ve briefed plenty already. Give me a sec.”
Forrest nodded, and Oliver turned to the Servant.
“I’ll follow.”
The Servant eyed him suspiciously but led the way.