85 An Unexpected Proposition (2/2)
He was looking neither angry or happy, just blatantly stating all the information he had. Without any emotions, he just picked up his cup once more, waiting for an answer. Turning her head, Meridiana looked at Davion, and saw him nodding. It comforted her greatly since it was his way of saying that he was capable of killing their enemy. Of course, the orodil could be wrong, but he was not the kind of being that would overestimate himself or underestimate his opponent. Removing her helmet, she let loose her hair, managing to make the man in front of them froze for a second.
”Yes, Guild Master. What task do you have for the two of us?” Instead of a mature and seductive voice, she was as sweet as a teenager. Even her face looked visibly young, even younger than the receptionist or Gwendoline. She hadn't expected for a man like him to be attracted so much by a young girl. It was not to the point of her looking like a child, but it was not far either.
”I … I didn't expect you to be this young. I heard … never mind.” His previously impassive face was getting a bit flustered. Even without using her magic, a lot of people were truly losing control over their emotions when facing their inner desire. Right now, Meridiana was the incarnation of what he loved, taking him by surprise. Shaking his head, all the previously confused emotions were cleared and he regained his composure.
”Because you are strangers of this city, you are weirdly enough the less suspect in a certain case. You see, adventurers don't always face monsters. Sometimes, what could be asked would be related to people that forgot the fact that they were human. Usually, those are bandits, criminals, and kidnappers that do a lot of wrongs to our society. But this is related to a cult worshipping the Dark Gods. I can't trust anyone, but we have found that certain members of even the City Hall could be accomplices of this cult. That's why I want you to investigate that.”
Hopefully, for the two former commandants, they were master at controlling their emotions in grave situations. Before, it was because they were carefree and could vent a bit the tensions that built up after their arrival on this planet. But now that Leilade was personally supervising them, all their actions will be professional. Like now, all the man could see was a poor girl being deeply surprised by what he saw. A hint of fear and anger was even subtly visible like she felt the same as him.
”This can't be. How could that happen? What kind of evil deeds this terrible cult performed on the innocent citizens of Archet?” Meridiana was perfectly playing a poor girl a bit afraid of such a dark force. At the same time, it was normal for her to be curious about it, and ask questions. Noticing nothing that couldn't be explained, the man that could be father adopted a more paternal attitude.
”They were extremely secretive. All the last night did someone notice that a guard was missing. It could have been explained, but that guard didn't come back. After investigating a bit, a certain pattern was found out, where this man went missing during several nights. At the exact same time, other employees at strategic positions have disappeared. In one of their home, a book lying about the Heroes and the Dark Gods was found. This is why I need external help. And you arrived at the best time, you couldn't have, in two weeks, be approached.”
Behind her worried face, Meridiana was inwardly laughing. Who would have thought that they were so in the dark about what was happening inside the city? Even a lowly member of the Black Gauntlet knew more than the Guild Master. Well, one was specialized in gathering information while the other was in charge of dealing with a massive amount of adventurers. So, it could be explained.
”Of course, we will do whatever you want us to do. We will not let those madmen destroyed such a beautiful city. But … I know that you are giving us a very important … we are just adventurers, not some spies. So, we will try our best, but we can't promise anything.”
She was visibly embarrassed by saying that they had a weakness, making the heart of the man melt a bit. Even after he tried to convince himself to be impartial, he had a very hard time not rushing and comforting such an innocent young woman. As for the silent giant near her, he didn't even glance at him since the beginning.
”Of course, I know that this is a very hard task. The Mayor is also trying to understand the ramification of such event, like the nobles and the merchants that know about it. But at the same time, whoever they will choose to investigate, they will have a small amount of distrust, not knowing if that man or woman is also a traitor. As for you, take this.” He threw a small insignia, with a symbol neither Meridiana or Davion saw before. The man laughed at the surprised face of Meridiana. That only confirmed the fact that they were truly not from here, otherwise, they would have recognized it.
”With this, the guards won't bother you. I know it is just a faint hope to uncover anything, but if you find something, anything, report it immediately. I, and the entire city of Archet will reward you greatly. More than you can imagine.”
For the first time, the two aliens felt that they were lucky. They managed to convert a powerful magician without even having to completely mind control him. They found a pretty and brave woman to appease the population afterward. And they will even be rewarded for the inevitable disaster that they brought to this city. As for if her smile was mistaken for something else, the succubus was totally innocent.