Chapter 65: Light Against Darkness [2]
The Goldenheim were known for hiding lies within truths or concealing parts of the truth for greater gain, somehow arranging the board to their advantage.
But in Aint’s view, the current conversation was far from that.
"Indeed, I usually don’t lay everything out like this."
Gerhard didn’t deny Aint’s doubt.
"But the reason I’m acting unusually this time is because it’s you, Aint Armian."
"...Pardon?"
<What nonsense is this?>
"I can provide you with the support you need. Conversely, you possess the decisive force I want."
Somehow, it seemed like neither would lose out.
"Isn’t it natural to join forces in facing an adversary like demons?"
"..."
<Not a single word is wrong. Rather, that’s why it’s more suspicious.>
<You should never take the words of upstarts at face value.>
Questions welled up.
Despite being related to demons, why would the money-obsessed Goldenheim extend a generous hand specifically to him?
The Goldenheim who allegedly sold goods even to demons.
<But thinking about it, it doesn’t seem that bad.>
<Even the upstarts eventually came under the first emperor, and above all, this guy has already sponsored you by giving the Saint Bird’s heart.>
<If he were a demon’s pawn, I don’t think he would have given the Saint Bird’s heart, no matter how I look at it.>
’But what if he did it to get close to me?’
<There are methods like the current one, so why give the Saint Bird’s heart?>
A top-grade spirit medicine that perfectly complements the Armian’s light-based secret swordsmanship.
Would it be the right choice from a demon’s perspective to give that to the adversary of demons just to approach him?
’What exactly am I supposed to do?’
<What I’m saying is to accept for now and observe the situation gradually.>
<There are too many ambiguities, but there’s no advantage in turning Goldenheim into an enemy right now. The opposite has many benefits.>
"...Yes, I’m glad if there are more people responding to demons."
In the end, Aint had no choice but to nod.
***
"So, you’re saying there are evil ones in the city? That’s no ordinary matter!"
"Yes. In cooperation with the Dragon Faith Order...."
Aint and Gardner, who had decided to join forces, realized that the situation was more serious than they had thought.
<Evil ones were spreading evil energy within the academy?>
<How? I didn’t sense any evil energy...!>
The same was true for Aint.
Despite becoming more sensitive to evil energy while mastering the Armian aura cultivation method, he hadn’t detected any anomalies.
<We need to check this out.>
Following Gardner’s order, Aint moved positions and discreetly brought the sword into contact with the three people.
A subtle energy quickly examined their bodies before returning to Gardner.
<It’s true. I don’t know about the other two, but there are traces of evil energy in the body of this human called Bella.>
<The mana heart is slightly damaged. Fortunately, it will recover soon, but it’s a typical trace of those infected with evil energy.>
<But they’re really ignorant. Did they just burn the evil energy, mana, and mana heart all at once?>
<Even the mana heart is damaged. Huh, what kind of idiots use such a method?>
If Bella had heard this, she would have torn out all of Janice’s hair, saying "I told you so."
’Have demons been extending their reach since long ago? Or just evil ones?’
<We’ll have to find out, but demons probably haven’t descended yet. There are signs before a demon’s descent.>
While conversing with Gardner, Aint inferred Gerhard’s true intentions and the state of the demons.
In the process, his pace slowed, and naturally, a bit of distance formed between him and the group.
And Gerhard deliberately didn’t disturb his contemplation.
’He looks suspicious. He’s probably talking with Lord Gardner.’
Some level of suspicion was expected.
The concept of one person completely trusting another was inherently nonexistent.
The human heart isn’t absolute, and therefore, trust sways like a reed.
Even ironclad trust would inevitably waver with just a minor trigger.
’Trust. Such a lukewarm thing can’t be relied upon.’
That’s why people created credit, built on wealth and contracts, rather than intangible trust, and trusted that more.
Gerhard just needed to show Aint.
That he was the best ally to defeat demons.
"What do you plan to do with that evil one?"
Luina pointed to the sand mound that had been floating around Gerhard.
Inside it was an unconscious evil one.
"I plan to interrogate him separately."
"I’m glad it’s all resolved. And now I understand."
"What are you suddenly talking about?"
Luina, glancing at Aint who was following a bit behind, asked.
"I was wondering why you were so calm when we first encountered the demonized Veriana, but my question is somewhat answered now. You already knew of their existence and were pursuing them. Is that how you found out about Veriana too?"
"...?"
Had Luina also taken the bait of the lie meant to catch Aint?
Since it wasn’t particularly bad, Gerhard didn’t deny it.
"Let’s say it is."
"I thought so."
"Anyway, I’m glad this situation turned out well. I didn’t expect things to escalate this much."
"Is this what you call turning out well?"
"What else?"
Luina tilted her head.
"It just seems like everything went according to your plan. There’s nothing particularly better or worse about it."
Gerhard was momentarily taken aback by the innocent compliment but quickly regained his composure.
"Flattery won’t get you anything."
"I was just stating facts. Oh, the ship is completely wrecked, is that okay?"
"It doesn’t matter."
If the academy establishes "Naval Combat Studies," he would earn much more money.
One ship was closer to an investment.
"The same goes for the students’ issues."
"Well, this isn’t something to raise an issue with Goldenheim about."
"That’s right."
Luina agreed with Bella’s sudden interjection.
The large-scale sea monster outbreak was unprecedented since the academy’s establishment.
Of course, if someone wanted to make an issue and demand compensation, they could somehow, but it was questionable if anyone would dare to undertake such a bold act against Goldenheim.
Especially since they weren’t on bad terms with other Margrave families.
"By the way, how are we getting back? Surely we’re not using breath scrolls and walking all the way to the academy like when we came...?"
"Don’t be stupid, Bella. Who would do something so foolish and inefficient?"
"...That’s a relief, but I feel quite bad."
"Did you record well with the recording crystal?"
"I couldn’t capture the beginning, but I definitely got the part where the evil ones used evil energy."
Bella handed over the recording crystal that had captured the battle scene.
"That’s sufficient."
"You’re thinking of reporting to the academy, right?"
"I’ll handle it. Don’t worry about it."
Given that it was uncertain how far the evil ones had infiltrated the academy, he had no intention of making this public immediately.
"What? After all the help I gave."
"Bella, thank you. Thanks to you, we’ve secured evidence."
"...I’m tolerating this because of Luina."
"Just prepare to go back."
Gerhard took out and lit a signal flare.
Red smoke billowed high into the sky, and not long after,
Goldenheim’s ship arrived at the island.