Chapter 191 (1/2)

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Linga's Quill Pen

Hikaru thought Selica might know something about the huge and complex magic circle that could be blocking the entrance to a dungeon. However, she was hundreds of leagues away.

「Hmm, I got an idea. We could get in touch with her through the Adventurers Guild. They have a means of communication between guild branches. Although since it uses an expensive catalyst, it'll cost a bit of money.」

「But then the guild will find out about the magic circle.」Lavia said.

「That's a good point. The Adventurers Guild's an independent organization, though. They won't leak info to the Church… I hope. Not that it matters if the Church finds out I know about the magic circle. We'll be fine as long as they don't catch us.」

「Okay. Wanna go there tomorrow?」

「Yeah. I also wanted to ask Drake about some holy manrelated matters, but…」

The pure-white and fluffy white drakon was fast asleep on the bed, his stomach exposed.

「I guess I can ask him tomorrow.」

The next day.

On his way to the Adventurers Guild, Hikaru asked Drake about the holy mana items he found yesterday.

『I don't think weapons that use holy mana are that rare.』the drakon said.

In the meantime, Conia Mercury of the Blue Knights was getting ready to leave the Tower.

「Are the temple knights ready? Okay, then. Let us go.」

She was about to leave with the same number of knights as yesterday.

「Lady Conia!」A guard came running towards her.

「What's wrong?」

「A knight from Ponsonia is waiting by the gate. He's requesting an audience with His Holiness, saying it's an urgent matter.」

「Hmm, a Ponsonian knight. Very well. I'll go see him.」

「Thank you.」

The guard clearly looked relieved after knowing a Blue Knight would deal with the issue. Conia eyed the temple knights who were h.e.l.l-bent on bringing in the c.o.c.ky adventurer from yesterday. The latest development, however, caused their expressions to turn stiff.

As Conia made it to the gate, she spotted a man being stopped by the guards.

「I said I need an audience with His Holiness! I am East Lengz of Ponsonia's Royal Order of the Knights' sixth squad. I have my identification right here!」

The man's clothes were dirty, frayed in places. He looked rather uncouth with his unshaven face.

「What's going on here?」

「Lady Conia!」

The knights opened a path for her.

「Lady Knight! I have here a letter for His Holiness from the princess of Ponsonia.」

「I know…」

East carefully held the envelope containing the letter. Conia frowned, wondering how he ended up looking like such a mess.

「I-I uhh… ran into some trouble on my way here.」

「Trouble? With our men?」

「No. Einbeast's.」

Ah, yes. That makes sense, Conia thought. He must've taken the direct route that cuts through Einbeast, and they're on the prince's side.

「They were buying time and won't let me through the checkpoint. They even tried to restrain me. So I ditched my horse and gear and climbed the mountains to deliver this letter.」

「I see.」

Conia couldn't help but admire the man. He did everything he could just to carry out his mission. The temple knights, however, had a different opinion. They were whispering behind Conia.

「He's a complete mess.」

「There's no way he can enter the Tower looking like that.」

「Sir East of Ponsonia.」Conia said.「I, Conia Mercury of the Blue Knights, have confirmed your arrival.」

「Thank you. But the time limit is ten days and I'm already a day late. Will His Holiness still accept the letter?」

「It's fine.」

「I see. In that case—」

「No, that's not what I meant. His Holiness has already received the Princess's message.」

「What?! There was a knight who arrived earlier than me?!」

「No, it's not a knight. A request was sent to the Adventurers Guild as well, no? His name is Hikaru and he is already here in Agiapole.」

East was overcome with surprise at first that someone could be faster than him.

「That's good, then. I should be glad this Hikaru arrived within the time limit.」East said.

「Indeed.」

East nodded in agreement. To him, it didn't matter who fulfilled the task—whether it was a knight or an adventurer—as long as the mission was completed. Conia thought he was a wonderful knight.

「Lady Conia, we should go. Talking with a dirty knight will also put dirt on our reputation.」one temple knight said.

The temple knights, on the other hand, held a different impression, judging East from his appearance. Conia wanted to heave a sigh, but controlled herself.

「Sir East. We have work to do, so I'll be taking my leave.」she said.