Chapter 68 (Apostles Of Salvation) At The Hideout
"Oh, I see, it's the underground sewer..."
"Yes, I gathered that memory from the red-robed group that attacked Adel-san and the others."
It's been a little while since the commotion of Maia and I being seen sleeping in the same room in the morning.
We gathered in the palace's strategy room to share the information Fran had deciphered.
By the way, on our way here, I already explained and cleared up any misunderstandings about something happening between Maia and me... but Princess Cress commented, "Oh, so you two really have that kind of relationship," and Fran declared, "No, no, I think it's a joyous thing."
Teti even wagged her tail while saying, "Fran told me that close male and female friends sleep together," so I'll have to scold you later.
Well, everyone seems to be just having fun.
Anyway, organizing the information about the events happening in Rune Gaia is our top priority right now.
"So, according to the information Fran-chan decoded, those guys in the red robes are..."
"Yes, Maia-san. Although there were some memories that couldn't be fully decoded, it's safe to say they are most likely members of the (Apostles of Salvation)."
Fran nodded earnestly in response to Maia's question.
With the recent surge of missing persons cases in the Rune Gaia country, if the headquarters of the organization involved, the (Apostles of Salvation), has been identified, there is only one thing to do.
"Alright. In that case, let's head to their hideout right away. There should be people who have gone missing there."
Everyone nodded at those words, and we decided to storm the hideout of the (Apostles of Salvation).
* * *
"So, why is even the princess tagging along?"
As we reached the castle gate, Cress appeared, dressed conspicuously in attire suitable for going outside.
Yesterday, after seeing us off dressed as a princess, she changed clothes and followed along sneakily, with no intention of hiding anymore.
"Princess, you're quite the tomboy after all."
"N-No, that's not it, Teti-san."
Cress waved her hands frantically, feeling exasperated by Teti's gaze.
Such behavior was not befitting of a princess...
Halim, her servant, was behind her, shaking his head.
Apparently, he tried to persuade her but she didn't listen.
"However, I can't just take you along without a good reason today. It will likely lead to a battle, and judging from the red-robed group we saw yesterday, they seem quite aggressive. I can't possibly bring the princess there..."
Maia and Teti are also joining, both possessing powerful abilities and combat experience.
It would be ideal to have them along, including support for any civilians captured by the (Apostles of Salvation). However, Cress's presence is a different matter.
"I understand. I'm not just following Adel-san and the others out of mere curiosity."
"...And?"
"I've explained my Job ability to everyone before, right?"
"...Ah."
It was after we arrived at Rune Gaia the other day.
We had received an explanation about Cress's Job ability.
[Astrologer]――.
That's the name of the Job Cress has.
Cress said it's a Job that can do "future sight" abstractly and irregularly.
"Did you see something by any chance?"
"Yes... although it was fragmented. I was with Adel-san and the others, and it seemed like I was confronting a girl wearing a large witch hat."
"A girl wearing a large witch hat..."
I pondered over the words spoken by Cress.
Before we came to Rune Gaia.
With a golem by her side, Sicily Grandor, a demon who foresaw Cress visiting us.
The silhouette of that person was exactly that of a "girl wearing a large witch hat."
"The demon girl Adel-san told me about. She knew about me, right? I just can't shake it off..."
"If you stick with us, you might get to meet her, so you want to ask her directly?"
Cress nodded silently.
For Cress, it was a situation where the demon knew about her even though she didn't know her. And on top of that, her actions were predicted.
While she could somewhat understand the feelings...
"Please! Despite my appearance, I've been trained by Halim and have confidence in my sword skills."
Cress emphasized, pointing to the one-handed sword sheathed at her waist.
――Can't be helped. Seems like she won't listen even if I say anything...
"Got it. Just don't go too far ahead. Try to stay close to Maia and Teti as much as possible."
"Yes! I won't be a burden to Adel-san."
I sighed at Cress's confident nod and exchanged glances with Maia and Teti.
However, according to Cress's job ability, we are supposed to meet Sicily next.
If that happens today, could there be some connection between Sicily and the Apostles of Salvation?
"Anyway, our destination is the underground sewer, right, Adel-sama?"
"Yeah."
In response to Maia's words, we decided to head towards the underground sewer, which serves as the stronghold of the Apostles of Salvation.
And then...
"This is..."
An open space at the deepest part of the underground sewer that Fran had told us about.
The sight that unfolded before us left us breathless.
"Ugh..."
Men in red robes are lying on the ground, groaning in pain.
Behind them, 'she' was there.
"Sicily Grandor..."
"Hello, Black-Robed Executor-san. Long time no see."
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