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Chapter 191

So it didn’t start in Racliffe, but here...?

If this was truly the beginning of a scenario similar to the game, then listening to more details might not be very helpful.

Sensing Ian’s hesitation, Obell added, "It’s not uncommon for tumors or fevers to spread here. We have houses behind the castle specifically for the sick. It’s a bit early this year, but such things happen sometimes."

"... It’s not uncommon for diseases to spread?" This time, Philip narrowed his eyes with a hint of caution in his gaze.

Obell nodded. "Aren\'t there many sick people in the central regions too? Here, the summer sun is hot, and there are many plants and insects. After the harvest, it\'s not unusual for some to fall ill. Most recover in a few weeks."

"But some don’t, correct?"

"Well, with diseases like leprosy or tumors, there’s often nothing that can be done."

"Leprosy...?" Philip’s expression grew more troubled.

Obell gave a genial smile. "You seem quite worried. Don’t be. Those cases are sent to Tessen."

"Tessen?" Philip added, glancing sideways at Ian.

"Are you saying that they send lepers to live in Tessen?"

"Didn\'t you know? They occasionally send them from all over the Empire."

Philip cleared his throat and replied, "How would we know? Lepers are considered forsaken by the gods. Faithful priests, paladins, and holy knights never contract such diseases."

That’s probably because of their divine powers.

Ian thought to himself.

To him, linking diseases with faith was ridiculous, but in this world, it wasn’t entirely laughable. Priests and holy knights rarely fell ill because they constantly came into contact with divine energies. Even Philip’s Saint Damiel\'s Ring increased recovery and provided various resistances.

Obell shrugged. "The priests here believe differently. They see it as a punishment for sins but also an opportunity for atonement given by the Goddess. So, they work more diligently than anyone to save their souls."

"Atonement... Still, I can’t imagine the residents of Tessen are happy about having lepers nearby."

"Tessen has a monastery. It’s as old as the Empire itself, with people from all over coming to study. The monks and priests are devout and compassionate. The lepers live near the monastery, and the monks take care of them."

Devout and compassionate, indeed.

Ian stifled another laugh.

Those words hardly described the priests. Among them was the corrupt Jurdo, and he was probably not the only one. No one knew what terrible things they might be secretly doing to the lepers.

...So, Tessen is the starting point, not here?

Nothing was certain yet. However, if they could find the right path soon enough, perhaps the West wouldn’t suffer the same fate as in the game.

While Ian organized his thoughts, Obell continued, "They also take on unpleasant tasks at night, so the residents don’t dislike them. The West probably has the least prejudice against them. Many lepers have found peace here. Isn’t that right, Jorah?"

"Absolutely. Just like my parents." Jorah nodded calmly.

Philip\'s head snapped toward him, "Your parents were lepers?"

"Yes, they were."

"...." Philip’s mouth fell open.

Sweat broke out on his forehead as he hastily added, "I’m sorry. What I said was... foolish...."

"It’s fine. It’s a common prejudice. When my parents fell ill, I thought the same—that they must have committed some great sin." Jorah’s composed response made Philip look even more upset.

Ian responded to Philip\'s pleading look with a dismissive snort.

I told you to watch your mouth.

Mev coughed quietly, while Obell smiled kindly.

"It seems this has been a learning opportunity for you. Even in this rural area, there’s much to learn."

"Y-yes... indeed. I was foolish and narrow-minded...." Philip muttered, rubbing his face and looking down.

His reaction seemed to amuse even Jorah, who let out a soft, hissing breath through his thick lips.

Obell glanced at Ian. "He seems to be your squire. An interesting fellow."

"He’s like that if you only see him occasionally."

Obell laughed at Ian’s response and looked ahead. "Isn’t it beautiful?"

"... Indeed. It is." Ian nodded, looking up at the wheat fields stretching along the gentle slopes. He felt a pang of regret at the overcast sky. If it had been clear, the sunset would have made for a spectacular view.

"I\'m glad you seem sincere. Most people usually find it boring, like my brother, who ran away to the capital."

"So, he went to study? Aspiring to be a scholar?" Philip added cautiously, likely more mindful after his earlier misstep.

Obell shrugged. "That’s what he claims. But who knows? He might be up to all sorts of mischief with those rogues. Knowing him, he probably is. He\'s always been a handful, constantly worrying my father and me."

Ian, who had instinctively glanced toward Mev, replied nonchalantly, "Family can be like that."

"Haha, it sounds like you have siblings too, Sir Ivan. Yes, family can be a burden. No wonder they call it a divine curse."

Obell laughed again, then turned to face forward.

"We\'ve arrived. I didn’t realize how quickly time passed while we were talking. This is the Golden City blessed by Della Lu, Drenorov."

Beyond the low, gentle hill, the city came into view. The term "Golden City" was likely a metaphor. Drenorov was a typical walled city like many in the Empire, though it was larger than Ian had expected.

Many brick houses were sprawling even outside the walls. The surrounding wheat fields, when ripened, would indeed encircle the city in a golden hue, living up to its name.

If a city I\'ve never heard of in the game is this big, Racliffe must be enormous.

It showed how peaceful the Empire\'s western inland areas had been. This region was geographically one of the farthest from the Black Wall, although circumstances had changed now.

"Let\'s go. When the basilisk’s carcass arrives, the townsfolk will be in for a shock." Obell sped up, leading the way.

Ian, glancing at Mev, shrugged and tightened his grip on the reins.

***

Drenorov lacked an inner castle. Instead, an old, high-walled manor and a few additional buildings served as the lord\'s castle. According to Obell, they repaired and expanded the original structures over time since their initial settlement.

Because of this arrangement, the group found accommodation in a guesthouse called the annex. The mansion’s servants couldn’t help but stare at the unusual group, particularly the fairy and the beastfolk.

"Please make yourselves comfortable, my lady," Obell addressed Thesaya respectfully as he led the group to the hallway of the guesthouse.

Thesaya smiled. "Thank you for your hospitality, Lord Westwood."

"Think nothing of it. But are you sure you want to send away all the servants?"

"I’m more comfortable being attended by my people."

"Should you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask any of the staff outside. They will assist you with anything."

"I’d like to look around the city. Is that alright?" Ian interjected, standing by the door to his room.

Thesaya nodded in agreement.

Obell shrugged. "Of course. Feel free to go anywhere, except for the main house where my father lives."

"That’s understood."

"The basilisk’s body will arrive soon. See you then, Sir Ivan."

"Indeed."

"Thank you again, Lord Westwood," Thesaya added, lightly curtsying.

Obell bowed in return and turned to leave, followed by Jorah, who whispered something that made Obell blush and deny as they walked away down the corridor.

Once they were out of sight, the group gathered in Thesaya’s room.

Click.

The door closed, and after ensuring they were alone, Thesaya\'s smile broadened into a grin that reached her cheekbones.

"Wow, that was so much fun. How about it, Ian? Wasn’t I flawless?" she spoke in her usual tone, looking at Ian.

Ian chuckled and sat on a chair while Charlotte frowned at Thesaya.

"Don’t get too excited, pointy ears. If you make a mistake and blow our cover, we’ll all be in deep trouble."

"Mind your own business, troublesome attendant. You couldn’t even hide your expressions properly," Thesaya scoffed and moved toward the bed.

"For your information, I’ve prepared thoroughly for this. Besides, it was clear they’d never seen a fairy like me before."

"They’ve likely seen fairies. Judging by their reactions, they’ve seen beastfolk too. It’s the elder part that was new to them," Mev corrected calmly.

She removed her helmet and ran her hand through her red hair before sitting across from Ian.

It was then that Ian stood up again.

"I’ll ask for bathwater on my way out. You all should clean up and rest." He tossed a silver brooch from his pocket dimension to Thesaya. "While we’re here, always wear this on your collar or sleeve. It will make your identity more convincing if anyone recognizes it."

"Alright, I will. But where are you going?"

"Into the city," Ian replied, removing his shoulder and neck guards and placing them on the table.

Thesaya’s eyes sparkled with interest. "I want to go too... Ah, I can’t, can I?"

"Of course not. You stay here. If the lizard arrives while I’m gone, stall for time."

Mev looked up at him. "We have enough supplies, so there’s no need for you to go."

"I’m not going out for supplies."

Ian turned toward the door, looking at Philip, who was leaning against the wall with a relieved expression.

"You\'re coming with me."

"...?"

***

Ian stepped out of the manor and headed toward the city center. The city was as prosperous as it appeared from outside. There was no clear division between those living inside and outside the city walls.

The gates were wide open, and there were no guards controlling entry. It seemed that the houses outside the walls were simply due to the lack of space inside the city. Even though it was nighttime, many residents were still out and about, looking carefree. Loud laughter and chatter were already spilling out from a tavern they passed.

"The Empire is impressive. With all the wheat, cornfields, and livestock they seem to have, they must need a lot of labor. It\'s quite something," Philip said, his hands clasped behind his head. He had a curious smile on his face, tinged with a hint of bitterness, likely because of the stark contrast with the chaotic borderlands.

As soon as they entered the city, the smell of freshly baked bread hit them before any foul odors. There wasn\'t even any waste on the streets, presumably because the city collected it separately for use as fertilizer.

"It won\'t last long," Ian said nonchalantly.

Philip frowned and looked at him. "There you go again, being a wet blanket."

"It\'s the truth. Ignoring reality won’t help anyone."

"... True. The western skies alone show that darkness is spreading here too. This peace will shatter quickly. So—" Philip glanced at Ian with an understanding look.

"You\'re planning to warn the Count before we leave, right?" asked Philip.

"No."

"So, you—wait, no?"

"If you just show up spouting doom and gloom, will anyone take you seriously? It won\'t benefit us at all."

Philip\'s mouth opened and closed before he added, "Then perhaps you could at least hint to Lord Westwood? He seems like a decent man for a noble and well-respected. He’s been kind to us, so maybe we could repay that a little?"

Ian responded with a dismissive snort.

If warnings or advice alone could solve the problem, the continent wouldn\'t be in its current state.

Philip looked back at him as they approached the city gate.

"But where exactly are we going now?"

"Outside the city."

"Where outside?"

"To the back."

"The back...?"

Philip tilted his head in confusion, and then his expression turned sour as he asked, "Surely you’re not planning to visit the fever patients, are you?"