This story is a secret.

After she stopped crying, Sophie said, “This story is a secret”, and went back to her room.

It’s inside information about the church. Of course, I won’t tell anyone. Or rather, they wouldn’t believe me. Even I, if it wasn’t Sophie, would have dismissed it as common gossip.

I don’t know how long Sophie’s life could be prolonged, but at most it would be until the conflict between the Pope and the Cardinal was over. There was not much time left. We need to have the power to protect her before then. No matter what it takes.

My mind remained cloudy as I drank the remaining ale in one gulp and left my Pop’s store.

I looked around to see if there was any surveillance around me, but I didn’t feel any eyes on me or any suspicious magical activity. It seemed that Zelma and the Papists had eliminated them, or that they were not being monitored.

When I returned home, I fell asleep in the middle of organizing Sophie’s story and making plans for the future, and welcomed the next morning.

“I was hoping for you to come.”

When I got to the Adventurer’s Guild, Roy was waiting for me outside.

There was a group of fully armed adventurers around us. I guessed that these were the people who would be participating in the dungeon investigation. There are some faces, that I’ve seen in the old man’s store. Only 20% of them have magical power? Are they good?

“I have one regretful announcement to make. We’re going to be doing a joint investigation with the Church.”

I’m sure Regina’s messenger came and talked to him after I left. The adventurer’s guild couldn’t resist, so they agreed. This is the way it was supposed to go.

“I understand.”

“I’d like to go to the dungeon after heading over to the meeting place.””

“Are you ready to go?”

“Yes, let’s do that.”

When I walked with Roy to the entrance of the village, I saw Alma with her arms crossed, looking unhappy. Sophie was next to her who saw me and waved lightly, to which I replied as well.

Behind the two of them are dozens of knights wearing full-body metal armor. They are a group of people who specialize in fighting the undead and humans in the church, and are called Church Knights because of their appearance.

Even I have holy inscriptions on my newly issued sword. I’m sure that the equipment of those who belong to the church is also engraved with the holy inscriptions as a matter of course.

“You’re late, you trash. Let’s move quickly.”

Without waiting for a reply, Alma went ahead. The church knights followed in silence. It’s hard to go against a scary boss. I understand.

“Let her say whatever she wants. Use them to your advantage and get the most out of them.”

Roy said to a frantic adventurer. He didn’t seem to be convinced, but he was still in a much better position than before. This way, they won’t suddenly slash at Alma or the church knights.

“Lars–san. I’m looking forward to working with you.”

The members of the Adventurer’s Guild left Yang with me in the lead.

I’m hoping this investigation will go off without a hitch, but I know it won’t.

I don’t know what it will be like, but I was sure that trouble would surely arise.