Chapter 27
Chapter 27
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 27
Chapter Title: Infiltrating Somora
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[Somora ramen. Do you mean the city in the Blackset Empire? The one ruled by one of the Baal Church elders...]
"Yes, that's right. It's that very place."
Even Arcroyal, whose information network was pathetically lacking, knew where Somora was.
It was the Blackset Empire, which, alongside the Empire, firmly controlled the central continent.
As the nation hosting the Baal Church's grand temple, it was only natural that it worshipped the Baal God more fervently than anywhere else.
The Empire also officially recognized the Baal Church as its state religion, but since worship of the Isiris Goddess was relatively stronger there, Blackset could truly be called the church's main headquarters.
Having once belonged to the Baal Church herself, Arcroyal had long been affiliated with the Blackset Empire.
And among its cities, she had personally visited Somora, so she knew it to some extent.
[I've heard it's a city built by the church for some kind of research. I don't know the details, but it seemed to be for the happiness of humanity... Anyway, I don't remember exactly, but I think I helped with something there.]
"I see... Perhaps... it might be connected to that matter."
[What do you mean?]
Arcroyal expressed doubt at Solomon's words.
In response, Solomon spoke in a calm voice.
"If I may say so bluntly, seeing an angel on the continent these days is extremely rare. Until Your Excellency Seraphim appeared, it was generally hard to even hear rumors except for occasional deployments to the church's battlefields. As such, there are almost no channels to obtain information about angels in this world. Except for one place."
[You mean... surely not...]
A certain fact naturally came to mind at Solomon's words.
Solomon slowly nodded in confirmation.
"The Somora I just mentioned. It's home to the largest magic tower on the continent. Though most of its information is top secret, according to our planted informant, a significant portion of their research papers include studies on angels. Not just combat prowess, but basic habits and ecology as well."
[Oh...]
"From what I've heard, Your Excellency Seraphim shows considerable interest in other angels besides yourself. Though it's in Blackset Empire territory, which is a concern, if we ransack that place, couldn't we obtain something she desires? Information, or perhaps another angel."
[Indeed, that might be the case.]
Arcroyal nodded, the proposal quite tantalizing.
She had been certain from the start that Seraphim wouldn't send her on a trivial errand.
And if it involved angels, wasn't it fitting for her, a Great Archangel (8th rank), to step up?
With that, Arcroyal began to steel herself with genuine resolve for the 'test' Seraphim had given her.
'This is my chance to show her clearly. What Arcroyal can do for her!'
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ The city of Somora.
Located on the southern frontier of the Blackset Kingdom, this place had terrain that was harsh for human habitation in many ways.
Landlocked with no sea access, surrounded by mountains, it was unsuitable for farming or fishing, and transportation was extremely inconvenient.
Moreover, the adjacent region was a barren wasteland where not just humans but all life struggled to survive, offering no strategic advantages.
A location utterly lacking any merits for founding a city.
Yet despite that,
Somora's scale rivaled that of any major city.
The streets always brimmed with food imported from outside,
and at night, they filled with revelry and pleasure.
Taverns, gambling dens, brothels, and all manner of entertainment venues sprouted everywhere.
In fact, they were even more excessive than in other cities.
As a result, people even visited purely for the vices.
The reason such extravagance was possible in a city with poor terrain and almost no local food production?
The magic tower.
Somora housed the continent's largest magic tower.
Its frontier location in the empire, combined with terrain favorable for external defense, made it ideal for 'secret research' without prying eyes from neighboring nations.
The thriving entertainment industry satisfied the stresses and overflowing coffers of mages immersed in research, while also catering to the tastes of their high-ranking patrons.
And now,
in this Somora brimming with debauchery,
a group of people arrived.
"Hold it. Who are you and where from?"
The group entering the city gates with a laden wagon.
The guard called them to a halt, though he had a rough idea at first glance—duty was duty.
"We're merchants from the Empire. We've brought luxury goods like perfume this time."
A woman shook a perfume bottle from her bosom as she spoke.
True to her imperial origins, she wore a hat and wig. The guard nodded slowly and continued questioning.
"Merchants should have permits. Can I see it?"
"Of course. Here."
The merchants promptly showed stamped permits.
The guard gave them a cursory check, returned the permit, and said,
"Alright. You're clear."
Passing inspection without issue, the merchants headed deep into the city.
The dazzling streets caught the eye in many ways, but
at this moment, they had no leisure to spare on such sights.
"Fortunately, we got through without major problems."
[So, can we relax now?]
"For the moment, yes. But be extra cautious once we start moving in earnest. It may look lax on the surface, but this is one of the most heavily guarded places in the empire. Even approaching the magic tower casually will trigger security spells."
[I see... So from here on, it's my turn.]
She adjusted her black wig and spoke cautiously.
Holy Knight Eva.
The leader of Kanan Kingdom's knight order, she had infiltrated here disguised as merchants with a few subordinates to carry out Princess Solomon's top-secret mission.
To obtain information on angels from Somora.
Considering the ironclad security magic around the magic tower, it was nearly impossible—but they had Great Archangel Arcroyal.
Angels might resemble humans superficially, but they were fundamentally different beings.
Not gods, and ordinary angels only slightly stronger than average humans, yet they belonged to the realm of immortals.
For such angels, human security magic designed for mortals was largely meaningless.
It was like a virus that cripples Windows PCs but can't even be installed on Linux or Mac.
Especially for a Great Archangel like Arcroyal, it bordered on complete immunity.
Of course, being a magic tower researching angels, they might have countermeasures, but even those would likely mean little to a Great Archangel.
"Here—the magic tower robes and ID prepared by the princess. They're forgeries, but good enough for deception."
[Thank you. I'll head out immediately then. See you back here later.]
"Please do."
With that, Arcroyal donned the robe and vanished toward the magic tower.
Watching her go, Eva felt a mix of worry and anticipation before turning to her own tasks.
Her role in this mission: escort Arcroyal into the city,
and if they secured anything worth taking—items or persons—smuggle it out as merchants.
She also served as cleanup crew if things went south.
"Alright, let's start business as planned. Display the goods over there. Isaac, stand here holding this."
"Uh... yeah, got it."
The holy knights sprang into action at Liv's command.
With nothing to do until Arcroyal returned,
actually conducting business solidified their cover—and provided a convenient excuse if things went awry later.
For that reason, the trading began.
Liv, from a merchant family originally, climbed onto a wooden crate, clapped, and shouted,
"Come one, come all! Fresh imports straight from the Empire! The latest trendy sheer mesh outfits for just 10 gold! Plus a complimentary dose of the empire's hottest aphrodisiac!"
Thus began Liv's hawking.
Drawn by her clear, spirited voice, people gathered one by one.
Not true merchants, but their wares were genuine empire exclusives.
Having scouted prices in advance,
the holy knights' pouches grew thicker as time passed, selling sacred goods.
Of course, it was all for the disguise.
Absolutely not for petty profit while they were already this far out.
Absolutely not.
"Whew~ Nice haul... I mean, it's getting late, so let's pack up."
"Yeah. Everyone, start closing."
"Yes, Captain."
The business wrapped up at midnight.
As night deepened, the crowds dispersed,
and darkness settled completely around them.
And yet,
while the money had flowed well, there was still no word from Arcroyal.
'Well... it was expected to take time.'
Shortest: today or tomorrow.
Longest: up to a week.
They'd agreed to minimize transmission spells except emergencies, so no news meant things were proceeding smoothly.
Thinking she'd push sales tomorrow too, Eva tidied up and headed to their pre-booked inn with her subordinates.
But then...
{...}
"! C-Captain! O-over there!"
"...Huh?"
A figure emerged from the darkness.
The moment she saw it approaching slowly,
a thick bewilderment settled on Eva's face.
"! A-are... are you alright?"
Pink hair matted with blood-soaked clothes, skin deathly pale.
Utterly wrecked compared to this morning—
if not for recognizing her face up close, even distinguishing her would have been impossible. Arcroyal.
Eva rushed to her side.
{Ah...}
With that, Arcroyal collapsed to the ground.
Thankfully, no one else was in sight, but Eva realized things had gone gravely wrong. Supporting her urgently, she began to pray.
'Damn it!... Seraphim!'