Chapter 220 (1/2)

811'>

Gathering Information at the Adventurers Guild

The next day, Hikaru and the girls dropped by Scholarzard's Adventurers Guild. Having registered in this country—in the capital Forestzard—Lavia was more of a home player, while Hikaru and Paula were outsiders. On a side note, Drake had too much to eat early and was fast asleep in the apartment.

It was already the latter half of January, but the snow wouldn't be thawing out until later in April.

As they opened the double-door, warm air rushed from the inside. Not a lot of adventurers were present in the guild. The receptionists themselves didn't seem that busy as they were chatting with their colleagues.

「Excuse me. Can I ask something?」

「Oh, o-of course!」

Hikaru addressed one of the receptionists as politely as possible. Fl.u.s.tered, she checked his guild card, her eyes widening in surprise when she saw the rank D. Rank D at his age was rare. After getting some information from her, Hikaru returned to Lavia and Paula who were waiting on a table.

「I got all sorts of info.」Hikaru said.「Uhh, what's the matter?」

Lavia stared at him with disgusted eyes.

「It's nothing.」she said, pulling her chair closer to Hikaru to the point where their bodies touched.

「Doesn't look like it's nothing. What's wrong?」

「You're not even aware.」

「Aware of what?」

Not sure what was going on, Hikaru eyed Paula, who only gave a strained laugh.

Hikaru had actually grown taller, and with his one point on Strength, his body looked firm and robust. His once frail look was gradually disappearing. He was slowly turning from a boy to a young man.

To top it all off, he had his hair cut by Lavia this morning, whom he told to do it however she wanted. Thanks to that, he now had this intellectual air to him. To the receptionists who mostly dealt with roughnecks, Hikaru was attractive and a refres.h.i.+ng sight.

Hikaru had been here before. He didn't receive any special treatment back then, so he felt the receptionist's reaction now was a bit odd, but didn't think too much of it.

「A little change and women will treat you differently.」

「Hmm? What do you mean?」

「So, what kind of info did you gather?」

「Oh, about that… Let's start with Agiapole.」

Paula gave a jerk. She must still be bothered by what happened.

「The head priests from the suburbs had entered the Tower to investigate the theft of Einbeast's national treasure and inspect the underground research facility. They're also pus.h.i.+ng for the Pope's dismissal. Gilbert Gabranth was released from prison and is now working with the priests.」

「That escalated quickly…」

While on the way back to Scholarzard, they heard that Einbeast sent an emissary to Bios to demand an explanation.

The Adventurers Guild continued gathering intel of the following events, and shared it openly with adventurers. The situation escalated considerably while Hikaru was out taking down bandits.

It looks like they're being too open about it, though, Hikaru thought. They're even disclosing info about international and domestic disputes. Does the Adventurers Guild hate the Church?

Hikaru tried asking about the situation between Princess Kudyastoria and Prince Austrin, but the receptionist said she couldn't disclose any information related to that.

「Anyway, it'll be up to the Church whether they can change things for the better or not. Good thing I sent the notes.」

Hikaru took measures so the Pope couldn't cover up Einbeast's protests, or mislead the regional priests. As Scott Fairs instructed, he sent the Red Priest's notes along with details of the current situation to Dennis Lugrim in Ville Zentra, the capital of Vireocean, where the latter served as a priest. It was thanks to these notes that Hikaru learned about Father Gravey and the underground facility. The fact the regional priests demanded an investigation of the underground facility meant the notes made it to its destination.

「I just hope those corrupt priests and monks, like that Gelop guy are terminated.」

The Church's ability to purify itself would be tested.

「I'm sure it'll all work out.」Paula said, clasping her hands tightly over her chest.

She had plenty of things on her mind. She wanted to get involved, say something, anything, but she held herself back so she didn't bother Hikaru. He understood how she felt.

「Um, Hikaru-sama. Can I visit the church today? I want to know what's going on with the local church. I'm sure they already know what the guild knows.」

「Of course you can.」

「Thank you. I'm sorry for always being selfish.」

「I don't think you're—」

Before he could finish his words, Paula stood up and whispered something to Lavia, at least she meant to, but since Lavia was sitting close to Hikaru, he could hear what she was saying.

「You can go on a date with just the two of you today.」

Lavia's light skin turned red.「Hey, Paula!」

「I'll be back in the evening.」

Paula then left the guild quickly.

「Oh, G.o.d… Did you hear that, Hikaru?」

「Nope. What did she say?」Hikaru pretended he didn't hear anything.

「It's fine, then.」Lavia said, pouting, as she inched even closer to him.