The weight of leadership(3):The mystery cult deception

After a short walk, the vendor glanced at Belial with a curious smile. "Is that your wife and daughter? You three don't really look alike."

Belial paused, quickly crafting a lie. Luna's distinctive white hair, so rare in this world, was bound to draw questions. "My daughter had a special illness. That's why her hair is white," he said calmly.

"Oh, I see. That must've been tough on her," the vendor replied. "And now I understand why you're wearing cloaks in this summer heat."

They continued walking down a narrow, gloomy road that felt miles away from the bustling heart of Donovan City. Soon, they arrived at the vendor's house, hidden away in a poor district. The house wasn't big or small, but the area around it was depressing. The streets were lined with filth, the stench of decay filled the air, and beggars littered the corners. Rats scurried about, unbothered by the humans.

Belial muttered under his breath, "I see even Donovan has its dark side."

"Correct," the vendor replied, his smile now tinged with bitterness. "Welcome to the bad side of Donovan, the district of the poor. Let's get inside. My wife is waiting."

"Thank you for inviting us into your home," Belial said with a smile, though his senses were on high alert. Mimi and Luna followed behind him as they stepped inside.

The interior of the house was as gloomy as its surroundings. Dust coated every surface, and there was not a single piece of furniture in sight. Belial immediately felt an oppressive pull, as though something unseen was trying to sap his energy. He glanced at Mimi, who seemed oblivious, and then at Luna, who remained eerily indifferent.

"No furniture?" Mimi blurted out before quickly covering her mouth, realizing how rude she sounded.

The vendor laughed nervously. "Oh, don't feel bad. We've only been in this city for three days. I haven't had the chance to buy any furniture yet."

From the corner of the room, a woman's voice called out, "Who did you bring home, honey?"

The vendor flinched, his friendly demeanor cracking for a split second. A woman descended the stairs—a tall, pale lady with long black hair and piercing gray eyes. She wore a large red scarf wrapped tightly around her neck, almost as though it was hiding something.

The vendor rushed to her side, gently holding her hand. "This is my wife, Ariana," he said before gesturing toward Belial and the others. "And these are…"

"Pardon my ignorance," Belial interrupted smoothly, "I forgot to introduce myself. My name is William. This is my wife, Ellen, and our daughter, Lilly."

Belial smiled, though inwardly he was already suspicious. Both the vendor and his wife had the rough, callused hands of seasoned fighters—not peasants or merchants. Something was very wrong here. But for now, he decided to play along. He needed to see where this encounter would lead, and he wanted to test Luna.

"Oh, what a lovely family," Ariana replied, her tone soft but cold. "Forgive me. I can't see you all—I'm blind. It's the price I paid for my illness."

"I thought you were cured?" Luna asked, feigning innocence as she tilted her head.

"Luna, don't say such things!" Mimi hissed, panicking.

"Oh, it's fine," Ariana said with a gentle smile. "She's just curious, isn't she? Such an adorable child. Well, I was cured of the illness, but my eyesight couldn't be saved. It's impossible."

"I see. I'm sorry for asking," Luna apologized sweetly, but her eyes glinted with something sharp—something Belial noticed immediately. (She knows something.)

Ariana patted Luna's head. "It's okay, little one. You're very polite."

"Honey, go prepare some tea for our guests," Ariana said to her husband, who flinched again before scurrying off to the kitchen.

Belial's eyes narrowed. (That's twice now. Why does he flinch every time she speaks? Is she not really his wife?)

Luna, meanwhile, walked up to Ariana and gently took her hand. "What are these marks?" she asked, pointing to the calluses.

"Oh, I used to be a mercenary back in my village. That's why my hands are rough," Ariana explained.

"That's so cool," Luna said innocently, but Belial could see her mind working behind those young eyes.

Mimi leaned toward Belial, whispering, "Sir Belial, something feels off. My instincts are screaming at me to leave."

Belial smirked. "Good. You're starting to catch on. Just wait. The fun's about to begin."

Turning back to Ariana, Belial asked politely, "Excuse me, ma'am. How did you find a cure for your illness? My son has been sick as well, and I've been searching for hope."

Ariana hesitated briefly before replying, "It was through a friend. They told me Donovan had the cure, and I met a doctor here who treated me for free."

"How generous. You're truly blessed by Gaia," Belial said, studying her reaction.

Ariana's smile faltered slightly, a hint of disgust flickering across her face when he mentioned Gaia.

The vendor returned with tea, handing cups to Belial, Mimi, and Luna. "Please enjoy," he said, his smile tight and forced.

Belial took a sip, his senses still on high alert. Ariana watched them closely, her smile growing wider.

"Well, you all seem like lovely people," she said sweetly. "But let me ask you something—do you believe in gods?"

Belial glanced at her. "Of course. The five gods are ever-present."(I can't tell her seven since god of shadow is a forgotten and goddess borea is dead due to my father taking her life)

Ariana's smile twisted. "What if I told you there are six gods? And I serve the last one?"

"The last god?" Belial asked, his tone calm despite the warning bells going off in his mind. "Who is the last god?"

She leaned forward, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "If you serve him, you'll gain power, protection, and a long life. He saved me, and he can save your son too. Why don't you join us?"

Belial's expression remained neutral. "I thought you said a doctor cured you?"

"It wasn't a doctor," Ariana admitted. "It was a priest. Our messiah. Join us, and you won't regret it."

"I'm sorry, but I already serve my god," Belial said, watching her reaction closely.

Ariana's eyes widened at the rejection, her smile growing unnaturally wide. The kind woman they had met was gone, replaced by a deranged look. "I see. Then you'll all become my sacrifice!"

Her laughter echoed through the room, and the vendor grinned darkly, knowing his role had been fulfilled.

Before anyone could react, Luna moved. The long stick she'd used to eat her applepop shot forward like a dart, piercing the vendor's neck. He gasped, blood gushing as he collapsed to the floor.

"What—what was that?!" Ariana stammered, trembling as she tried to process what had just happened.

Belial smirked, standing slowly. "I see. So the vendor and his wife are part of that strange cult ."

Ariana screamed, her hands trembling with rage and fear. "You… You'll pay for this!"

Belial glanced at Luna, who stood calmly by Mimi's side. (She's proven her worth. My lord will be pleased.)