Chapter 14
Chapter 14
The Mad Priest of the Slums #14
“Welcome.”
As I entered the dining hall, Benjamin, seated at the head of the table, greeted me.
The moment I sat down, servants began filing in, placing dish after dish of appetizing food on the table.
Food that looked good tasted good.
The basil-heavy pasta alone stimulated the appetite with both its appearance and its light, fragrant aroma.
“You’ve probably heard enough on the way, so let’s talk while we eat.”
“Sounds good.”
At his suggestion, I took a bite of the pasta.
The noodles were perfectly cooked—springy, coated evenly with basil and a clean, savory flavor that filled my mouth with each chew.
Click—
A servant appeared and poured lemon champagne.
A sip washed away the lingering basil taste with crisp carbonation and a refreshing citrus note.
“So you do know how to enjoy yourself.”
It seemed I had unconsciously gotten absorbed in the moment.
“I’m still human, after all.”
“I know.”
Benjamin smiled, tugging at his mustache.
“As you’ve heard, I’ve secured a building that fits your conditions.”
“Honestly, I’m impressed by how fast that was.”
“Trust in business comes from paying quickly.”
“Hard to argue with that.”
Most complaints about work come down to one thing—
The pay not matching the effort.
“And about the guards you requested.”
I listened while taking another bite.
“I’d prefer to assign the one who acted as your secretary today, but she’s too valuable.”
“She did seem capable.”
“Heh, you noticed. Her only flaw is being a bit too rigid at times.”
Despite his words, there was no negativity in his expression.
“Compared to her, they’re lacking—but still strong enough to hold their heads high in District 12.”
“I don’t think I’m in a position to judge you.”
“You’re not.”
He laughed heartily.
Different from first impressions—
He laughed often.
“Need anything else?”
“This is more than enough.”
A building and guards—
In exchange for opening one man’s mouth.
Asking for more would be greed.
“When will you leave?”
“Tonight.”
“Quick.”
“Not as quick as you.”
“Haha…”
For a moment, he looked like he was remembering the past.
After that—
We ate in silence.
“I’m John.”
“Jamie.”
After the meal, Benjamin left, and the secretary introduced the two guards.
“We’ll do our best.”
John—slightly shorter than average.
“Anything you need.”
Jamie—a tall, well-built woman.
At first glance—
Jamie seemed more reliable.
“During escort duty, they answer only to you.”
At a glance from the secretary—
Both snapped into attention.
Their faces—
Full of tension.
Their relationship was clear.
“Shall we leave?”
“Let’s.”
I had nothing to pack.
“Allow me to escort you out.”
I didn’t refuse.
This wasn’t just kindness—
It was a message.
To the guards.
To the staff.
About how Benjamin viewed me.
“Until next time.”
“Take care.”
“…Yes.”
She smiled faintly.
“I’ll depart now.”
John spoke from the driver’s seat.
I responded by raising the window.
The car moved smoothly.
Leaving the estate—
The lights disappeared—
Then returned as we entered District 14.
Even at night—
It was lively.
Hard to believe it was a slum.
“Priest?”
Jamie spoke beside me.
“Yes?”
“…This may be presumptuous, but… the food in District 12 won’t suit you. It would be better to pack meals here.”
She was right—
It was presumptuous.
But not wrong.
If the secretary were here—
She wouldn’t have said it.
“I’m fine. If you want, pack some for yourselves.”
“No!”
“I’m fine too!”
John sped up.
Jamie—
Was sweating.
If she had just asked honestly—
My impression would’ve improved.
We continued in silence.
Thud.
The car jolted slightly.
“Almost there.”
John said nervously.
I nodded.
Unlike District 14—
District 12 was pitch dark.
Only faint light from windows and the moon.
The car stopped.
Two men opened the door.
I stepped out.
Jamie followed behind me.
“…Hmm.”
I inhaled deeply—
Curious about the slums.
But—
The air was normal.
Instead—
Something else caught my attention.
I looked back.
A red trail—
Like crushed tomatoes—
Stretched behind the car.
“Priest?”
“Let’s go.”
I turned away.
“This way.”
We entered.
“Second floor is the office. Third is living space.”
The second floor still showed signs of recent occupancy.
“Did you kill them?”
“No. Relocated.”
“Good.”
Either way was fine—
But this was better for reputation.
“This works.”
The space was usable as is.
I headed upstairs.
“Where will you stay?”
“Day shift: John. Night shift: me. The other rests.”
“Understood.”
No need to offer space.
“Is that why John didn’t come up?”
“Yes.”
I opened the door.
“Oh.”
“—!!”
Jamie reacted instantly—
Pulling me into her arms.
Strong—
But soft.
Unexpectedly comfortable.
“…Ah—!”
She realized.
And froze.
I tapped her lightly—
Wherever my hand landed.
She flinched—
Then let go immediately.
“I-I’m sorry!”
“It’s fine.”
I patted her shoulder and stepped inside.
“Let’s get to work.”
“…Yes…”
She followed, deflated.
I looked around.
Obscene posters.
Nude photos.
Every wall covered.
“…We should clean this up first.”