Chapter 38
Chapter 38
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 38
Chapter Title: A Two-Tongued Sort (1)
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Cosmo's explanation was odd, but if it's some unusual character, isn't one visitor on the schedule?
"Finally, you're here!"
As for why the welcoming was happening behind the garden, I could interrogate the servants later to find out bit by bit. After waiting so long, the tension had given way to simple relief.
"Bishop Orchid, you've finally arrived. Time to show him what we've got."
I steeled my resolve and grabbed Cosmo.
"We'll show him how splendid and livable Gluttony Castle is. And convince him to side with me instead of the Crown Prince. Solid plan, right? Let's go! Manhole! No, Cosmo!"
"Eeeek? I don't wanna run in this form! My legs huuurt!"
"Direction? This way?"
"Hng, this way!"
Hold on, Bishop Orchid!
As I ran, I activated the Black Eyes skill. Sure enough, in the direction Cosmo pointed, death spirits clustered like storm clouds. If Teneriffe kept hers locked away and released them as needed, Orchid seemed to let his roam free.
A bishop who's a necromancer? For someone whose visible job and hidden one differ so drastically. It was intriguing, but also a bit deflating to realize necromancers were more common than I'd thought.
That spot in the distance swarming with death spirits must be where Orchid was. Even from afar, the vine-like death spirit stood out for its massive size.
Necromancer or not, this Orchid guy clearly wasn't your average bishop.
When Orchid came into hazy view, I stopped running and straightened my clothes. Cosmo, who'd run alongside me, was panting and doubled over. I tidied his clothes too, swept his hair back, and gave him strict instructions.
"You're my cousin that I'm looking after. Got it? If anyone asks your name, say Cosmo Gluttony."
"......"
His face didn't inspire much trust, but there was no choice. I couldn't let Cosmo ruin an important guest. Human form or not, a demonic beast was still a demonic beast. Just something for a necromancer to handle.
As I stepped forward, two death spirits wielding enormous shears blocked my path. Their razor-sharp blades looked like spears they were so huge. The spirits resembled humans but had one eye each, and their hunched backs gave them a grotesque air.
They didn't seem poised to attack. More like they were blocking the way to defend.
The way to handle this was simple. Just deactivate the skill that let me see death spirits. Once I turned off Black Eyes, the spirits vanished as expected. The vine plant filling my garden disappeared completely too. They hadn't really vanished, just become invisible, but the oppressive aura they exuded lifted.
If you get fixated on what's right in front of you, you'll end up scared into mistakes you didn't need to make.
Like that life lesson the factory foreman taught me back when I was doing part-time work.
I strolled leisurely onward, not caring if Cosmo lagged behind. Soon, two people came into view. Cosmo said there should be three—where was the other one? Had he miscounted?
Behind them, Gluttony Castle's servants bustled about.
My guest, Bishop Orchid, had finally appeared.
"Welcome!"
I spread my arms in an exaggeratedly cheerful greeting. The man who looked like Bishop Orchid flinched back and bowed his head.
What? He seemed incredibly timid.
In my imagination, Bishop Orchid was arrogant and greedy like Bishop Horay. But the man before me was small and frail-looking.
"Hello."
His flat voice and slightly cowed expression. Orchid definitely wasn't the confident type. He looked kind, though. His hair was long and the color of dead moss.
Small and slight, he gave off a youthful vibe, but according to the head butler's intel, he was older than me—Sierra, that is. Around twenty, I think.
His expressions were subtle, his movements minimal. He seemed to shrink into himself like a delicate plant. His priestly robes were oversized and flowing, amplifying the effect. Orchid adjusted his round-lensed glasses and took a cautious step forward.
"I am Bishop Orchid Libido. It's an honor to meet you, Duke Sierra. I've come with a message from His Highness the Crown Prince regarding the demonic beast subjugation."
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Name: Orchid Libido
Job: Gardener
Personality: Blessing - Attack power is greatly reduced, but skills can be used to heal others
Trait: Mutation - Completely transforms under specific triggers
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Fine, whatever with the personality, but why was the job and trait like that?
Job: Gardener? Not bishop or necromancer?
The trait was suspicious too......
Questions swirled, but I couldn't pry right then. I put on a calm face.
"Pleased to meet you, Bishop Orchid. Quite the sudden visit."
It was a lie, but it really did feel abrupt.
"I'm Sierra Gluttony."
I extended my hand warmly, but Orchid just nodded without shaking it. As I awkwardly withdrew, I noticed the woman behind him. A beauty with blood-red hair that stood out. She grinned broadly, openly, as if delighted to see me.
"Sierra! Or rather, Duke Gluttony. Long time no see."
The woman strode toward me with a bright laugh. She was two hands taller than Orchid, about my height actually. I had no clue who she was, yet here she was acting like old pals.
I smiled awkwardly and racked my brain. Who? Who? Who the hell?
Rewinding through my game memories, something clicked.
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Name: Gerbera Pride
Job: Flame Wizard
Personality: Arrogance - Constant defense reduction, but affinity rises quickly
Trait: Reckless - If acting before the opponent, attacks at 1.5x normal power
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Right, the heroine's boisterous friend she relied on. Gerbera Pride. Niece of the current Marquis Pride.
"Gerbera Pride."
"Hahaha! Calling me so formally—you haven't changed."
Correct. Gerbera offered her hand for a shake. Rejected by Orchid, now getting it back like this. I took her hand awkwardly and shook.
Gerbera had incredible grip strength. In my memory, she was a fire-attribute mage, but wasn't she a warrior? Her build and power screamed fighter.
"Rumors are flying lately. Duke Gluttony finally lost it and's sharpening his claws. Everyone's watching with interest. My uncle says it's like a cornered cat bristling its fur. What do you think?"
She didn't mince words. Right, I remembered. That was her personality.
"You'll only know if it's a cat or a leopard once you test it."
"Hahaha! You have changed! The old Sierra would've just blushed and panicked like a five-year-old."
Gerbera Pride was Anemone's friend—rough-talking and headstrong.
In short, great ally, headache enemy.
She didn't beat around the bush or hide her feelings, which could come off rude, but she owned it as a strength.
She'd often chide Anemone, yet when the heroine was cornered, no one extended help more eagerly.
She had little connection to Dahlia. Or Sierra Gluttony in the story. But in the settings......
"First time seeing you since we graduated the academy together."
"Yeah! I almost got offended when you didn't recognize me just now."
"Did you come with Bishop Orchid?"
I hadn't prepared for Gerbera, but I could've hosted her. Luckily, she shook her head.
"Just escorting Bishop Orchid here. I have to head back."
Gerbera smiled warmly at Orchid. The affection was blatant—anyone could tell she liked him.
"Bishop Orchid. I'll take my leave then. Next time, stay long at the Pride Marquisate."
As she turned to leave with the servants, she glanced back at me with a playful grin.
"You too, Duke. If you visit someday, we'll welcome you in style."
"Much appreciated."
"The marquis is looking forward to it. A visit from Duke Sierra."
Marquis? Her uncle, the half-elf Marquis Pride, right? Despite being uncle-niece, their age gap was small enough they passed for siblings. Family ties get messy fast.
"I'll make time sometime."
Gerbera laughed heartily at my words, then shot me a meaningful look.
"A chance to prove you're a leopard, Sierra—it's coming soon."
With that, Gerbera left with the servants.
What did she mean by that?
No time to dwell on Gerbera's words—I still had important guest-hosting duties.
Smiling awkwardly, I guided Orchid, who followed like a robot, expression unchanging. Cosmo, who'd been peeking around nervously, sidled up, tension easing.
For some reason, Cosmo seemed extremely wary of Orchid. Like a kitten puffing up at a stranger.
I patted Cosmo once and introduced him to Orchid as my cousin. Orchid just nodded curtly in response.
"Cosmo, why are you so tense?"
"Weird human."
"Don't say rude things."
Cosmo kept side-eyeing Orchid. Seemed scared for no reason.
But Orchid didn't look like someone who'd harm people. Judging by appearances is unreliable, but his were overwhelmingly nonthreatening. Timid-looking, slender, short. His slightly gloomy expression made him seem fragile.
A demonic beast cowering and whining at this guy who looked like he'd blow away in a breeze.
Cosmo clung to me and wouldn't let go. It was annoying, but now I was curious why.
Maybe he'd just watched Gerbera and me talk earlier out of fear of Orchid.
"Seriously, what's up? Need the bathroom?"
"......"
"You've been weird since before. Saying three people when there were only two. If you're worn out, I'll unsummon you so you can rest."
Cosmo shook his head vigorously. He fidgeted with his hands and nodded toward me, wanting to whisper. Glancing warily at Orchid, who'd been silent the whole time, Cosmo murmured.
"There are two behind us."
"...What?"
Only Orchid followed us.
"What do you mean? Right now, clearly......"
"One body, two souls."
Cosmo shuddered.
"Creepy."
Only then did I turn back to Orchid's blank face.
"What in the world......"
Just who was Bishop Orchid?