How to Catch a Big Fish (5)

The young priest led the way across the outskirts of the square. He passed the fountain and the believers waiting for a blessing, turning into a winding path.

At some point, I realized that I had entered a part of the church that was not permitted to laypeople—its more intimate spaces.

After passing beneath a white arch overgrown with ivy, the square, once again surrounded by dense foliage, came into view. However, unlike the outer square, there were no worshippers here. A solemn atmosphere filled the air, and few people could be seen.

The few who did appear were all dressed in priestly robes, many of them elderly, or wearing garments that suggested they were high-ranking elder priests.

"Eunha."

The young priest hurried ahead with quick steps. In the centre of the square, surrounded by greenery, sat a face I had only seen once before, on a white marble chair. His hair, now grey, was neatly tied up and disappeared beneath his archbishop's mitre, while he held a rounded, curled staff in his hand.

It was Archbishop Butier.

[Viewing information of the designated entity.]

[The entity's rank is higher than that of the caster, so some information is excluded from the view.][Viewing information.]

Rank – Supporting Character (Scenario weight ■■.■%)

Role – Archbishop Butier 

Script – [The Archbishop who supports the ■■ of Sinistra, known as the spiritual leader of the church and ■■■ of Sinistra.]

[Bestowed the title of "Holy" to Leo ■■.]

[Ten years ago, in the incident, he ■■ himself, completing the church's underground.]

[■■■■■■ ■■■….]

Dialogue – None.

"Welcome."

The Archbishop, who was in poor health due to illness, sat like a painting with a benevolent smile. Perhaps because he was sitting in a spot where the sunlight directly hit, his complexion was unusually pale, like a sheet of white paper.

Unsure of how to react, I simply forced a look of emotion and bowed toward Butier.

"It is an immense pleasure to meet you, Eunha. I was so deeply moved when I heard that you had come to find me. I never thought someone like you would seek out a merchant like myself…"

"Not at all. You are a patron who has donated such a generous sum for the church, so it is only right that I come to meet and express my gratitude. Since you've come, I thought it was a good opportunity to have a word with you."

So, it was only because I was a donor who had given a large sum of money that I was summoned? There's nothing particularly odd about it on the surface, but they say he's sick?

"I'm just grateful that you think so. I'm glad I could be of help, even in this small way."

"Your kindness warms the earth like the sun, and as a servant of the Lord, I must offer my gratitude. You always work hard in places unseen, and I am deeply thankful."

"Gratitude? I didn't do it with that expectation."

The Archbishop smiled quietly without saying a word. Soon after, the little priest disappeared somewhere, then returned holding a clear silver basin filled with shimmering water. Butier rolled up his sleeves, dipped his hands slightly, and gestured for me to come closer. Hesitantly, I approached, and the cold tips of Butier's fingers lightly touched my forehead.

Though I was no expert in religious matters, I had seen something similar before. It was when Leonardo was consecrated with a sword. Archbishop Butier whispered softly.

"I will always wish for your peace."

A droplet of water trickled down his forehead and fell with a soft plop onto the back of his hand.

That was the end of it. After exchanging a few formal well-wishes, the young priest led him back out into the outer plaza. Had the archbishop personally given the blessing since he'd paid so much? Was it some kind of paid perk?

With a sense of uncertainty, he stepped into the lively atmosphere of the place. It felt like stepping out of a brief, hazy dream.

That feeling didn't last long. There was nothing else to gain from the church, nor the meeting he had hoped for, so he returned to the inn. When he pushed the door open with a creak, it was blocked.

"You're back?"

It was Leonardo. Had he been waiting? It felt strange to have someone greet him after being out.

"Uh, yeah. Already got the room ready?"

"Yeah. I brought the bedding, checked for any drafts coming through the windows, too."

"Wow, you're thorough."

"Oh, I did what I could… Come to think of it, you said you were going to see Orlie when you left."

"Couldn't meet him. They said he was busy."

"I see."

It seems that Orlie is actually Leonardo's former mentor, isn't it?

"Isn't he someone who's not that bad, to the point of being on guard like this?"

"…His talent is certainly exceptional, but he tends to let his lower half dominate his reasoning, so it's best to keep your distance."

Oh, is it that bad? I concealed my expression, nervously brushing my lips, trying not to show my surprise. I didn't know anything about his past reputation until just now, and showing that I just found out might damage my image.

Anyway. I teasingly asked if he intended to pretend to be Leonardo.

"I see. I'll take your advice into consideration. Still, it's surprising. The young master who was always soaked in alcohol and called a good-for-nothing is actually paying attention to this kind of detail."

"Well, that's… um."

Got nothing to say now, huh? It feels like I'll probably end up getting involved with the people of Count Ertinez soon, and in this state, I'll likely be suspicious.

Of course, in a typical fantasy setting, you'd often see scenes where people easily come to accept and reevaluate someone once they've 'redeemed themselves.' 

But right now, with no traces of 'Leonardo' left in me, I might be suspected in a world where monsters can mimic people perfectly.

"Anyway, I understand your concerns, so there's no need to overreact. I don't have any intentions of meeting with anyone like that. And right now, I'm not thinking of starting any relationships."

After that, I looked at Leonardo's expression, and it was subtle—nothing particularly wrong, but he seemed a bit uncomfortable, as if the very subject was unfamiliar to him, like he was stepping back a little.

I instinctively covered my mouth. This guy doesn't seem to have any friends, so could it be…?

"Hey, I'm back… What are you doing by the door?"

At that moment, Vittorio returned. I briefly felt a pang of sympathy for Leonardo before welcoming Vittorio.

"It was nothing. Just a quick greeting."

I thought, 'Even if this is a typical fantasy protagonist, isn't Leonardo's level of awkwardness a bit excessive?'

"Did you run the errand well?"

"Yeah. They helped me move things."

"Really? Well then, young master, let's go out for a bit. I need to prepare some things in advance."

For welcoming guests.

I smiled broadly, and as I did, both Vittorio and Leonardo exchanged glances and tilted their heads in confusion.

***

A few days later, in the late afternoon as the sunset began to fade.

At the outer station of the northern gate of Sinistra, horses and carriages were gathered. After passing the checkpoint's bridge, a freight cart pulled by two horses wobbled and stopped near the station. As a merchant quickly disembarked from the cart, dust rose in a cloud.

At a glance, the merchant, who appeared bulky under a loose cloth, looked around the port city filled with the scent of salt and inwardly clicked his tongue.

"That fool of a third son never does anything right, making people suffer… it's taking so long to retrieve the body of that dead guy."

Four other men disembarked after him. Despite his rough attitude and the thuggish tone of his speech, he was actually one of the "convenient tools" employed by Count Bermont.

Originally a criminal sentenced to death in another territory, the count had secretly taken him and was putting him to use as he pleased.

It wasn't such a bad deal for them. After all, in other regions where their faces were known, they could get nothing, not even a scrap of food, and were quickly sent to the gallows. But under Count Bermont, they could make some money, albeit through menial tasks, and live a life richer than that of most mercenaries and former criminals.

The merchant pushed the head of a horse that was tossing its mane and smacked his lips. It had been said that things would be over quickly, but they were made to wait near Sinistra, and the delay in getting things done was becoming tiresome.

Sinistra, being a free city, was notoriously strict with outsiders, which left no option but to wait inside the city. Staying too long without reason was said to risk drawing attention and possibly being caught later.

It seemed odd for a city to act this way, but then again, during the time of the invasion, this area had been one of the first to fall, and the whole city had nearly been wiped out because of it. This was why Sinistra was particularly insular. However, that was none of his concern.

"Any village where a plague starts should be burned down right from the start. Those city folks still brooding over it are too narrow-minded."

Of course, it wasn't a plague that had taken Sinistra, but monsters. Still, he dismissed the thought and turned to his companions.

"The supplies will be moved tomorrow at dawn. That's the best time for it. So, we'll stay around here until then. Just so you know."

His companions nodded vaguely. Their reaction was indifferent, but it wasn't as though they didn't understand. He felt the same way. In order to avoid standing out, he was dressed as a shabby merchant, and with no clear idea of when they would begin their task, he hadn't even had a proper rest.

He wanted to finish this job quickly and return to the count's territory to blow some money on gambling and a drink. He could already imagine the feeling of relaxing his throat with some alcohol. Maybe, after all, he'd have a light drink this evening. Even if it was cheap rum, he'd be grateful for it given his mood.

As the merchant smacked his lips, someone sluggishly approached the bustling station.