Chapter 79

The seven bells rang.

Without missing a beat, I woke up, jumped out of bed, and stretched.

I could hear the sound of my muscles relaxing.

Rubbing my sleepy eyes, I recalled yesterday’s discussion.

In the end, we didn’t come up with any plans.

We couldn’t think of a way to help Helena, and Tera returned to the inn with a heavy heart.

"Well, what should I do...?"

The only option left to help Helena is to stop Layton, but if I do that, Tera’s plea will be in vain.

I want to fulfill the wish of the girl who risked her life to escape the city.

Wait. Her wish?

What is her goal?

To correct the city that thrives on tax evasion? Or to mete out divine punishment to those who profit from it?

No, that’s not it. Probably not.

She must want to save Helena. That’s why she’s trying to stop the city’s evil deeds.

...I think I might have an idea, but my head isn’t clear after just waking up.

I’ll drink some cold water and take a breather.

Just as I finished gulping down the chilled water, the door knocker rang.

It’s rare, or rather, it’s the first time.

As I put my hand on the doorknob, I realized something.

Right now, it wouldn’t be strange if someone was targeting me.

I remember that several assassins came to Tera’s place. I wouldn’t be surprised if they came to mine too.

I quietly extended my magic to investigate.

There stood a tall, muscular man in a green overcoat, standing without a single flaw.

I let out a sigh of relief.

I might have been overcautious.

There stood Nixsky.

"Long time no see."

"You look well, that’s good to hear."

Nixsky always speaks in a matter-of-fact tone, but what’s his business today?

"Um, I can’t offer you any hospitality, but please come in."

"No, this is fine."

He bluntly turned down my offer and stared at me intently.

"Come on, don’t be like that."

"It’s a message from Gustav."

A message from Gustav.

The moment I heard those words, I felt a chill run down my spine.

Nixsky, as if savoring the moment, slowly opened his mouth.

"Stay out of Layton’s affairs. Withdraw from this matter. That’s all."

"That’s all?"

That’s it? He went through the trouble of sending Nixsky just to say that?

"That’s all. The words speak for themselves, so no explanation is needed."

"I see... but why?"

"Why such a thing?"

Nixsky cleared his throat and slowly blinked.

"...This is my personal opinion."

"Yes?"

"He’s poison. A poison that can’t heal the body. A poison used only to kill people and diseases. Not a medicine you should use."

"That’s quite abstract, but are you saying it won’t benefit me?"

Nixsky nodded.

"Gustav must have been taking care of you to prevent you from being influenced by the Stonehouse ideology. He doesn’t want you to be affected by Layton."

"Oh, that’s why."

Layton had said,

"I couldn’t meet Gustav because of him."

He didn’t see Layton in the slums, probably because Gustav intentionally kept them apart.

"Is that why I’ve never seen him before? You’ve been looking out for me."

"Yes. I agree. Don’t trust him. If you get involved, don’t let your guard down. His words and actions always have another purpose."

That’s quite harsh... but I started feeling a bit sorry for him. To me, he’s just a gentle young man with a different way of thinking.

"There’s no helping it. He’s already left Gustav and is acting on his own. To the Stonehouse, he’s an evil to be destroyed."

"Huh? I thought Layton was acting on Gustav’s orders?"

"Now, they just happen to have the same interests. He’s only tolerated because he’s strong and has inherited the Stonehouse ideology."

What does that mean?

Did I just assume Layton was Gustav’s subordinate?

No, Layton is indeed...

"Oh!"

I couldn’t help but exclaim.

"Does that mean he’s just a bit away from Gustav right now?"

"What’s wrong?"

"It’s nothing. I was just deceived... or maybe not deceived. Anyway, I just realized a misunderstanding on my part, so it’s fine..."

I pressed my fingers to my temples and groaned.

Layton isn’t part of the Stonehouse. While he may have inherited the ideology, if he’s been distanced from Gustav and is being viewed as an enemy, it’s possible that our strategy is different.

In that case, consulting Gustav might have been effective. There might have been another way to deal with Layton.

What should I do? Time is running out.

The eight bells will ring soon. I don’t have time to go to the Stonehouse for a consultation.

It’s too late to regret. I need to think about what to do next.

I clenched my fist and made a decision.

"Um, can you please relay a response to Gustav?"

I don’t have a plan B yet, but even if I can’t consult Gustav, I’m determined.

"I will relay it."

"I won’t withdraw from this matter. I appreciate your concern, but after hearing this, I can’t remain uninvolved."

Nixsky nodded and gestured for me to continue.

"So, if possible, I’d like your help. I’ll pay whatever I can for the reward."

When I finished speaking, Nixsky’s lips curved into a smile that was hard to read.

"I will relay it, but... the second part will be refused."

"I see..."

Nixsky, who has known Gustav longer than I have, is probably right. This Stonehouse business isn’t something that can be swayed by a reward.

With a slight frown, Nixsky continued.

"Then, I’ll relay the full message from Gustav."

"What!? The full message?"

He said it was all before.

"If you don’t withdraw from this matter, he said to tell you this."

"Ah, I see..."

He must have anticipated my response. That old man is not to be underestimated.

How far can he see? Maybe he even has a blueprint for the outcome of this situation. It’s scary to think that he might be right.

"Try to use the main road to get to Claris as much as possible. That’s all. This time, that’s really the end."

"That’s quite short... and there’s no explanation. He’s just specifying a route."

What does it mean? Buying time? Giving me more time to think?

No, that would be pointless. That old man wouldn’t say something meaningless. There must be a reason.

"Okay, I understand."

I’ll follow his instructions. That should help improve the situation. Hopefully.

Nixsky raised an eyebrow at my face.

"You don’t look convinced."

"Of course not."

Just a cryptic message. I want a clear answer.

"Don’t disappoint Gustav. If he’s making you think, it’s because he wants you to grow."

"I’m in a tight spot, and I want the answer."

At that, Nixsky’s usually unchanging face softened.

"Then, I’ll give you some advice."

"That’s rare."

Nixsky ignored my comment and spoke slowly.

"You need to rely on others more. You’re strong, like Layton. So, don’t become someone who can’t rely on others, like Layton."

"Is that advice related to this case?"

"Maybe. You should think about it yourself."

He then returned to his serious expression and closed his mouth.

"See you later."

With that, he turned and disappeared without waiting for my response.

His technique of vanishing like a mist, cutting off his presence, could probably work in the forest too.

Alone at the door where Nixsky had disappeared, I muttered to myself.

"Follow the main road, huh? Let’s do it."

I need to hurry to the meeting place.

It’s okay. These are the words of two people I trust. Everything will work out. I can save Helena without killing her, fulfill Tera’s resolve, and achieve a happy ending.

Such courage welled up in my chest.

"Hey. It’s a bit early, but since everyone’s here, shall we go?"

When I arrived at the meeting place, Layton and Tera were already there.

Tera looked sleep-deprived, rubbing her bloodshot eyes. She must have been thinking a lot at the inn.

"If Tera is okay with it, I’m fine."

"Let’s go."

She didn’t seem fully awake, blinking more than usual and responding slowly.

But she scratched the back of her head and answered, then slowly mounted the beast.

The beast was a white horse with horns and tiger-like legs, Hak, who had helped me when I first came to Iline.

"Is this Hak, Layton’s?"

"No way. I borrowed it from a rental stable."

"Such a profession exists... So, if Hak is the only one, that means you and I will—"

"Of course, we’ll walk."

Layton said it so casually. It’s not because I’m a woman or anything.

"We can run faster anyway..."

"Hehehe. You know that. Shall we go?"

Layton started walking, turning his back to the city. I called out to him, determined to use Gustav’s advice.

"Um, I have a request."

"What is it?"

"You were planning to run through the forest, right? Can we follow the main road as much as possible?"

"…Why is that?"

Layton’s tone dropped, as if he was expecting something.

But I shouldn’t mention Gustav’s name here. I shouldn’t raise his suspicions.

I thought hard and finally came up with an answer.

"Look at Tera."

I pointed to Tera, who was swaying on Hak, fighting off sleep.

"She might fall off on a rough road."

"…I see. Fine, let’s do that."

Layton smiled slyly and accepted my suggestion.

So, we’ll be following the main road.

What should I do now?

This is going to be tough.

I sighed quietly, trying to maintain my composure.