Face to Face with the Traitors
“Is this for real?”
Inside the official-looking city hall building, thick with a businesslike atmosphere. Since they'd walked right into the heart of enemy territory, Yeonwoo asked cautiously.
“Don't worry. They won't arrest us here.”
“That's not the issue. Brooke and Bares already know you found the temple, right? Won't that just bring more assassins?”
“They won't send any right away. Now that the citizens know me, killing me suddenly would stir up unnecessary noise. And if they don't kill me, that's an even bigger problem.”
Bares wouldn't start using this place as his forward base for a little while yet. Until then, he had to lead the city while aiming for a push into the capital, so he couldn't afford to raise any needless suspicions.
“This way.”
The knight led them to the second floor, stopping at a large central room. At a glance, it almost looked like a king's audience chamber. It was a space remodeled at Brooke's request after he took the mayor's seat.
“Your Excellency, Adventurer Black Dragon has arrived.”
“Send him in.”
As soon as the knight reported, a voice replied immediately from inside.
“Have him follow the red line.”
Following the knight's instructions, Hanbit stepped inside. Since he'd stowed his weapons in his inventory, there was no issue with checks.
“So you're... Black Dragon.”
When he reached the end of the red line, a voice spoke up. On a chair atop several steps sat a skinny man.
[Edlen Mayor Brooke Norton]
Edlen's mayor, appearing for the first time from Hanbit's perspective. But the important one was the man standing beside him.
[Bares Roberga]
“Hm.”
The parted hair, snake-like eyes under thick brows. The jiggling double chin and bulging belly were just as he remembered. Even that unpleasant gaze scanning him over.
“Adventurer Black Dragon. It's an honor to meet you.”
-Honor?
-Always looks like total shit, love it.
-If it weren't for that bastard;
-Black Dragon, draw your sword and kill him now.
-For real, this is our chance.
The chat exploded with the enemies' appearance. Hanbit wanted to kill them too, but all he'd get was emotional satisfaction.
“...I heard you found a temple in the underground sewers. Why did you go in there?”
Brooke cut straight to the point. His hollow eyes shook pitifully as he tried to read his opponent.
“Your Excellency, isn't terrain scouting the top priority for adventurers? Especially outsiders would find Edlen fascinating and want to check every nook and cranny.”
“I... see.”
At Bares's words, Brooke nodded with a subdued voice. Their hierarchy was plain as day from this alone.
Stepping forward a bit more, Bares met his gaze and said,
“I heard the temple is quite large. You did a great service for the city by finding something we missed.”
“Yes. I was shocked myself when I saw it. Who'd have thought Holy Nation trash had infiltrated Edlen. If I spot any spies hiding out, I'll snap their necks for Edlen and the kingdom.”
“...Impressive loyalty to the kingdom.”
-lololol
-Saying it right to their faces.
-Time for a profanity medley.
-Dump 5 minutes of burns on him, he'd bawl.
[NiceWordsOnly donated 5,000 won.]
[10-Year Community Ghost on standby.]
As he showed clear hostility, Bares's expression darkened slightly. But he continued as if unperturbed.
“Did you find anything inside the temple?”
“Nothing special. Oh, I did find traces of combat robes.”
“Combat robes?”
“A scrap of fabric from Holy Nation combat robes. Looked recently worn from the fraying.”
“......?”
Bares couldn't completely hide his surprise. If Holy Nation combat robes were found in Edlen, they were likely from those operating in the shadows. For such beings to infiltrate without his knowledge was no small matter.
“Since this involves foreign elements, the city will take over the investigation from here. We'll issue a reward for your public service.”
“No, I can't just look the other way since I found it.”
“It's dangerous enough to lose your life. Not worth an adventurer risking it, is it?”
Bares frowned slightly at the firm reply and asked.
Hanbit answered with a confident expression.
“I'm aiming for the Investigation Team. Catching a Holy Nation spy would be the perfect merit. I need candidate status from one nation first anyway.”
“...Investigation Team?”
The organization gathering the world's strongest to find Erport. Candidates were nominated by each nation's king, then verified for official membership.
Bares, knowing the structure well, grinned and said,
“I'll write your recommendation letter. No need to risk your life on something trivial.”
“This merit alone isn't enough. I'll catch the spy and get solid results no matter what.”
“I said it's fine. Don't you agree, Your Excellency?”
“Uh? Y-yeah......”
Brooke, who'd been listening, startled and chimed in late. He eyed Hanbit anxiously.
“Adventurers need conviction. Even if I'm split in half and turned to mincemeat, I'll drag every Holy Nation spy before you two.”
“Eek!”
As he stared with murderous resolve, Brooke yelped, shoving his chair back and standing. His face was pale with terror.
-lololol
-He jumped.
-Folks, this is what happens when you sin.
-Brooke really is transparent af.
-Without Bares, he'd get caught mid-plot lol.
The viewers could tell from a mile away. Glaring pitifully at Brooke, Bares pointed at him and stepped forward.
“I get your enthusiasm. How about sharing intel? Catching them quick would be best for Edlen.”
“I'll consider it. Adventurers are greedy by nature, after all. Don't expect too much.”
Crunch—
A grinding of teeth echoed in the quiet room. Enjoying the sight, Hanbit gave a polite bow.
“Then I'll take my leave. I'll collect the reward all at once.”
“...Yeah. Don't expect much.”
Bares trembled with rage, Brooke shivering in fear. With that final image, Hanbit exited the room.
The alarm rang right after.
Ding—
[Completed Main Quest #10.]
[Progress increased.]
[Main Quest #11: Kidnapping]
Finished face-to-face with Brooke and Bares.
Having rejected all offers, their wariness seems greatly heightened.
No time to delay. Execute the plan now.
Objective: Infiltrate Norton Manor and kidnap Brooke.
Rewards: 150,000 gold, 50,000 EXP, 7 stat points
*Current progress: 76%
***
“Oh? You're back already?”
“Adventurer!”
In the secret underground space of the rundown building. Liora and Plona, inspecting Camon's workshop, welcomed Hanbit.
“Didn't take long. Why are you checking the workshop?”
“Thought there might be something useful.”
Liora was joining the upcoming kidnapping mission too. The hidden passage connected to the manor could only be opened with Norton’s ring.
“Black Dragon.”
Then a voice came from the back. Turning, he saw Atsbel standing there, somehow smiling.
-Whoa
-That smile is terrifying af;
-Sorrysorrysorry......
-Bow first.
“...Ah.”
He quickly grasped the ominous vibe. They hadn't had a proper talk since the brief explanation when he brought her here.
“Ahem.”
The white-haired old man coughed awkwardly and stepped back further. He had a keen sense for tense atmospheres.
“Be right back after a quick chat.”
Hanbit headed toward Atsbel near the exit. She seemed to be examining a teleportation-type magic tool.
“...How much explanation did you hear?”
Approaching, Hanbit asked casually. Maybe too cautiously—Atsbel smirked.
“Everything from Liora. And not telling me right away was the right call.”
She added that since yesterday, she'd seen more of Bares's underlings on the streets. Given the situation, it wasn't good for Liora and Hanbit to be spotted together. Especially with Holy Nation assassins involved.
“Thanks for protecting Liora. I couldn't have done it with my skills alone.”
“...I only could because of my master. Holy Nation assassins are on another level.”
“Speaking of, he's a spiritist, right? Thought they were gone from history.”
Atsbel glanced at the white-haired old man avoiding their gaze from afar. They'd barely spoken, naturally.
“Most hide away, but spiritists are all over the world. Master's one of them.”
“So you're one too?”
“Kinda. Just starting out.”
The mood eased, and the talk flowed. Hanbit brought up an old story.
“When did you learn Liora was from the Norton family?”
“Knew from the start. I caught the kid sneaking off to Norton Manor alone.”
Atsbel back in her younger days. While cleaning in front of her shop, she spotted a child awkwardly hiding as she advanced. Thinking lost child, she grabbed her—and noticed the ring on the kid's finger.
“Uncle William was a benefactor to our family too. Never thought he'd go so unjustly, or that he had a daughter.”
The thugs who wrecked Atsbel's home were exiled by William. He'd helped her set up the shop after, so she felt deep gratitude. Hearing he'd been executed for being a Holy Nation spy felt like a hammer to the head.
“But is the kidnapping okay? Liora's going too, right?”
“Master's here, so no worries. Won't take long.”
He understood Atsbel's concern, but the kidnapping plan was set on a safe route. With Brooke terrified, he'd isolate himself anyway. His distrustful nature would shine then.
“You're already here.”
Then Cown appeared at the entrance. Hanbit, moving with Atsbel, asked him,
“How's prep?”
“Got my alibi set, and induced the nighttime manor staff to clear out as much as possible.”
The old retainers were aiding the plan in various ways. Having worked in Edlen for years, they were more than sufficient helpers.
“Atsbel, stay here with Plona.”
“Got it.”
Atsbel stroked Plona's head beside her and replied. Hanbit turned to the passage entrance linked to the manor.
“Then we infiltrate at midnight.”