The City's Rumors (2)
"No other business?"
When she was lost in regret, it wasn't the time.
Lassitea let out a sigh and asked her adjutant.
"Two things."
Sorap, who had maintained an unwavering expression from the beginning to now, continued his report.
"Recently, monsters in Taman Mountain near the city have been causing trouble, and unpleasant rumors are circulating among the citizens."
"Monsters causing trouble..."
Lassitea nodded, having something in mind. As a duke, she didn't need to climb the mountain, but at this level, there was plenty of information.
Based on these informations, forest and mountain monsters had clearly shown abnormalities lately. Their ferocity had increased, coming down to areas they wouldn't have approached before, and their combat power had risen.
Moreover, for some reason, they were damaging the natural environment. Animals like deer and sparrows, which are precious food and essential for ecosystems, were dying, which was quite troublesome.
Of course, there was no eyewitness information that they were the monsters' doing... but there was a high probability.
"Perhaps it's the influence of the Snake God... Truly a terrifying god."
The timing of the mountain problem coincided with the appearance of the Snake God in the city. She barely swallowed another sigh that was about to escape and opened her mouth.
She already knew about the monsters' abnormalities to some extent. But she had never heard about the second matter.
"What are the unpleasant rumors?"
It was already giving her a headache up to this point, so what other problem was there? It was making her vision dark, but Sorap's stiff speech continued.
"The Snake God is a 'disaster's slave,' and if you want to live, you must follow the disaster and its subordinates."
"......What?"
"There are those who claim that."
Lassitea, who was staring at him in confusion not knowing what he was saying, brushed her hair back in frustration. Her jet-black hair flowed smoothly.
"That's another... no, haa......"
Sorap agreed with her reaction of suppressing her anger. It meant that dark entities had infiltrated the city.
"Dark Holy Association. Probably those."
Upon his firm statement, Lassitea nodded slightly.
"Dark Holy Association"
On the continent, there were fanatical cultists who opposed the cults and sects that worshipped the Four Seasons Gods, lurking in the shadows.
Among them, the only group that worships the 'disaster' — which is more terrifying than any evil god — without even their name being known... was the Dark Holy Association.
Precisely, they were the only ones who survived the long-standing wars with the dark forces over hundreds of years. They were especially the dark beings among the traitors who abandoned humanity.
"...It must be because the boundaries were neglected. Truly, there are no end to troubles."
Because of the concentration of attention on the Snake God, the management of pedestrians' entry and exit was inadequate. They couldn't check who was mixing into the city.
Originally, they thought it was none of their business, whether disaster or whatever. They had heard a lot about that 'worst existence on earth'...
Who would have thought they would be entangled like this.
Compared to the disaster, the remnants of the Dark Holy Association infiltrating would have been much better.
According to legends, the disaster was a being that even the Snake God who had taken over the city couldn't handle.
"Their actions are just incitement? Are there other sinister signs...?"
She asked worriedly because their notoriety had spread across the continent.
"We haven't discovered them yet. Besides, the real members of the Dark Holy Association are only a few. The others are just simple believers. I guess the ones who infiltrated the city are probably just small fry."
"Then it's fortunate..."
Still, she was relieved.
More importantly, she didn't have the mind to focus on that now.
Leaving aside the Snake God that she couldn't handle right away, she needed a means to stop the actions of the two dukes.
The one who should do it was the head of Crase.
If she left the suspicious people to Sorap and his assassin unit, it would be enough.
"Sorap, I'll give you orders. Eliminate those spreading in the shadows."
If left alone, the city's unrest would increase.
Because of dragging things out, this mess happened.
Without hesitation, Lassitea commanded with straight eyes.
"Yes, Lady."
Sorap, with a pleased heart, raised his hand to his chest to receive the order.
This matter needed to be handled in the shadows where citizens wouldn't notice, and shadow elimination was his specialty.
However, recently, the Crase family's hidden blade had no room to move, so preparation was needed.
He first moved to a weapons shop to check and maintain his equipment and that of his assassin unit.
Nothing was missing.
It was natural that they were hidden in places no one would come, but after checking, it was also natural to feel relieved.
She glared at the rather bulky tote bag with resentment. She should have gone with a small number instead of carrying everything.
At times like this, the inventory in the game was enviable. A personal warehouse that could be used anytime... How attractive.
If she was going to possess her, she should have given her such ability anyway, she thought. She didn't have sense to know who it was.
"Still, they say 'better late than never' so..."
It might not be useless.
At the moment, it was also her only lifeline.
I hurried to pack the bag and was now standing in what could be called the outskirts or back alleys.
It was to avoid attention as much as possible, but now that I came, I wondered if it was really necessary.
"The atmosphere isn't good."
People glancing around had gloomy expressions. Moreover, the number of passersby was strangely few even though it was broad daylight.
It felt like most people weren't coming out and staying indoors. Was there some reason, or was this the daily life of Uristia a thousand years ago?
Forcing her brain to recall even if it was a lost memory, she barely remembered something.
"Speaking of which, I definitely... during Artan's rule, there was corruption rampant in Uristia..."
That corruption wasn't overnight, and it continued until just before a 'great hero' was born who would turn this single city-state into a proper kingdom.
Now it's before Artan's era, during Ioloman's rule, but from various information, it seems corruption has persisted from then.
The perpetrators of corruption were naturally the ruling class, the families and dukes. So the gloomy atmosphere in the city could be interpreted as due to taxes and poverty.
"After all, medieval fantasy... The world is scary......"
The suffering citizens were pitiful, but she had no intention of intervening. She had no reason to help them, and she was busy surviving on her own.
Above all, how could she deal with dukes who had powerful forces, when she wasn't even a subordinate monster with an advantage in matchup.
It was best to just flow along without getting involved.
"Alright, then... First, let's try to get a map."
Since there were evil dukes and ominous rumors, it was a place that didn't look good. As planned originally, it would be better to quickly get the map and go to the empire for safety.
If Sa-gye War II was prepared meticulously, there might be something planted in Uristia, but even then, it wouldn't compare to the empire.
The immediate goal was to go to the place with the most clues and figure out the flow of the world. Only then could she know what stance she should take.
If it was the same flow as the original work, she would be confident in her safety, and if she didn't care about the empire or disaster, but until then, no.
"Is this the right place?"
After concluding that, she thought about going to a general store nearby, but thinking about it, in this medieval world, maps were military supplies.
Naturally, much more valuable and expensive than modern times.
Of course, they weren't sold in stores, so there was somewhere, but general stores usually displayed common products.
It wasn't suitable for selling expensive and rare items... So where should she enter a building? Her eyes landed on a weapons shop.
A weapons shop meant a place selling swords and shields, but they also sell auxiliary tools that help in combat, so there might be maps.
"Oh! Another customer so soon! Welcome......?"
Upon entering the door, a middle-aged man who seemed to be the shop owner smiled brightly.
Was it because customers were few or his personality was bright? She pondered for a moment, but the owner's response gradually changed from cheerfulness to bewilderment.
Her appearance was reflected in his pupils with surprise engraved.
Having understood his reaction sufficiently, she felt a sense of pride inside. After all, this was a natural reaction.
Quillere was a masterpiece she, as a customization master, had poured her heart into.
Her beauty and atmosphere were incomparable to anyone. If it was the first meeting, it would be natural to be mesmerized.
Of course, the smugness was only inner, the outer remained cold.
"Map?"
She roughly looked around the display but couldn't see it, so she shot directly. The owner seemed to snap out of it, waving his hand and stuttering.
"...Ah, um, what map...?"
"A map that can take me to the Arundel Empire."
The distance was quite far, so probably a detailed map like a large atlas would be hard, and even a continental overview map would be difficult to find.
So, something that could serve as a suitable indicator would be fine, but the owner's answer was disappointing.
"Um, we don't sell such precious items in our main store. The place that sells maps... there probably aren't even a few in Uristia."
What? Why ask what kind of map if that's the case.
Hiding her displeasure, she continued questioning.
"Where is that place?"
"The closest place from here would be 'Morris's shop' behind the post station. It's a much larger shop than ours, so it should be noticeable."
"Morris's shop? Post station?"
It was the first time hearing that, so how could she understand? There were quite a few tall buildings that were eye-catching and visible even after walking around the city.
Was this uncle mocking her, who was desperately trying to get a map, wandering one?
Seeing the absurd misunderstanding, the owner said while fidgeting.
"Um, Morris's shop is behind the post station......"
"I know."
"The post station is moving to the side where the ginkgo tree is visible after leaving the main branch, then circling along the stone wall, and turning right at the bench made of paulownia wood......"
"......"
She could feel the coldness seeping into her gaze herself. What would that look like to the other person? The owner's expression was like sweat pouring down while fidgeting.
"I'll guide you."
A low voice came from inside.
Both her and the owner's attention turned to the mysterious man.
Gray hair, brown eyes.
The owner of the appearance that looked solid at first glance was sweeping the sharp blade of the dagger and looking this way.
"Oh, oh! By Lord Sorap! This is reassuring. Please, I beg you."
"No need for flattery. Rather, keep these safe. I'll come to take them when the time comes."
"Of course! You're someone working for the prosperity of Uristia! Please come anytime."
It felt like the conversation was progressing without her.
From the owner's attitude towards Sorap, he seemed to be a fairly high person.
Why would such a person guide her like this? No particular reason, just simple kindness?
Sorap, with unadorned movements, packed the items and passed by her side. In the moment of crossing, he also threw a word without forgetting.
"Go."
In the hurried development, she stood dumbfounded and followed him, thinking it was good.
Sorap was a taciturn man as his appearance suggested. He didn't speak first, as if faithfully guiding the way.
It was a contrast to the human side of Fett she met before. Well, from her perspective, it was better to have the conversation cut off.
By now, she had adapted to the settings she created, so she was familiar. After talking with Mishra, Fett, and the owner just now, she realized Quillere's desperate sociability.
Even recalling again, it was fortunate that no mess had occurred yet.
"Lord Sorap, where are you going?"
"...With some amazing woman."
The lively city didn't have a place to express crowds, but there were still pedestrians walking the streets. Citizens whispered while looking at them walking on the street.
She was aware she was eye-catching and tried to walk as quietly as possible.
Unintentionally, with another eye-catching person, the attention was more focused.
It didn't matter anyway.
After all, she would leave soon.
After passing the structure that looked like a post station, she walked a bit more. A large shop with a big signboard, several times larger than the weapons shop just now, appeared.
The signboard said 'Morris'.
Probably Morris was either the merchant's name or surname. The fact that he put his name boldly on the signboard showed great confidence.
"You are not from Uristia."
Thinking the mission was over since they arrived, Sorap finally opened his mouth.
Since there was little to hide, she nodded in agreement.
As if he knew, he gave advice.
"It would be better to leave quickly if there's no important business."
Then he coolly turned and left.
She blinked her eyes and watched his back.
What? Was he advising her of his own accord.
From the attitude, it was suspicious, but probably that's what it was.
What a strange person.
"But why does it seem like my being a foreigner is very noticeable?"
It bothered her that she had immediately noticed, so she took a moment to observe herself.
Then, with unhesitating steps, she entered the shop.
She was familiar since she had been possessed for a while, but honestly, there were too many places where she stood out.
Following his advice, she should hurry to finish business and leave. Upon entering the store, the welcoming greeting came as usual.
"Welcome!"
Behind the counter, a man with a stylish mustache was sitting in a somewhat arrogant posture.
He was probably the shop owner, merchant Morris.
"...Oh ho! Beauties are always welcome. Feel free to look around!"
Whether the shop's size was proportional to experience, he was much more sophisticated than the weapons shop owner.
He was startled by her at first, but quickly changed expression and naturally praised her.
It was a strategy to quickly assess the customer's features and pick the most intuitive part to compliment from the start.
By throwing casual words, he won the customer's favor.
Once the mood was good, the wallet would open by itself. She thought it was a good method and asked directly again.
"Map? A map that can go to the empire."
"...Um, how old are you, using casual speech from the beginning... ah, no. That's not it."
Morris, who was mumbling, thought for a moment and answered.
"Map... to the empire? Of course there is. However, since it's such a precious item, the price will be high......"
He looked at her with the eyes of a merchant suspecting the customer's wallet situation.
She, with a pitiful feeling, reached into the tote bag that had been bothering her throughout the journey but she hadn't forgotten to bring.
She had no cash on hand, but in this era, barter was common.
The key was whether she had the appropriate value. It was the moment her ability to select and bring items was put to the test.
"Will this do?"
She confidently pulled out "that" from the bag.