Chapter 31: The Arrival of the Holy Knights
The day after Shu and Iris discussed leaving the Elise Republic, their plans were unfortunately shattered. This morning, a holy knight order from the sacred country of Grinia arrived in the capital city of Altar in the Elise Republic.
"Holy Knight-sama!"
"It's Sir Celstar!"
"Look this way!"
"Wave your hand!"
The holy knight order marched in formation along the main street of the capital, causing a festive commotion unique to the visit of the official seal-holding holy knight order from their homeland. The usually bustling main street was more crowded than ever.
However, Shu and Iris were feeling a bit anxious amidst the excitement.
"So, that's the top-ranking holy knight?"
"Yes, that's correct."
"He can sense magical power and tell it's dangerous. Iris, make sure you don't reveal your magical concealment. Our magical power levels might attract attention."
"Do we really need to worry about it that much?"
"Normally, I wouldn't be concerned."
Shu wasn't particularly cautious just because the holy knight order had arrived. Regarding this particular case, it was related to their background. Celstar Altrain, who led the seal-holding holy knight order, was an S-rank holy knight. And he was likely pursuing the Dark King Arklight and the witch Iris.
Therefore, anyone suspicious would likely be investigated thoroughly.
Just having a high magical power could make Shu and Iris stand out.
"During the visit of the holy knight order this time, anyone who recklessly tries to leave the capital of Altar will probably be investigated."
"So, we can't leave Altar?"
"We can leave... but they might ask us all sorts of questions about our identities, occupations, and so on. And the two of us don't have any respectable professions."
"The rest I can probably predict."
If they were to escape from Altar, they would have to do it secretly, without anyone noticing. Another option would be to break through forcefully. The last option would be to remain quiet until the holy knight order leaves Altar.
These were the three main choices.
However, there was a fourth option that didn't fall into these three.
"If the holy knight Celstar Altrain and the seal-holding holy knight order were to be wiped out in an unforeseen accident... we would be safe."
"Shu-san... That's really..."
It was a crazy idea, but if there's a possibility, it should be considered.
Shu was a demon, and the Demon God Religion considered demons as enemies of God. They were fundamentally enemies. It could be said that it would be appropriate to eliminate them by surprise while the enemy was unaware of their presence. Moreover, Shu was already affiliated with the underworld, so even if he was identified as a criminal, he wouldn't lose anything.
If you looked at it that way, it made sense.
"Well, we're not going to do anything right away. The arrival of the Holy Knight has stirred up some movement in the Black Cat as well. First, we'll adjust our actions accordingly."
"Are you going to continue with the assassinations?"
"If I have the leisure to do so. Well, no one can stop my assassination methods anyway."
"Death magic and all that seem like cheating."
"It's the result of my efforts. Calling it cheating is disrespectful."
At the edge of the main street, a duo observed the march of the Holy Knight.
Their figures disappeared into the shadows of the back alley.
***
On the night when the Holy Knight, Celster Altrain, arrived in Alta,
The Grim reaper and the Taka-Me were meeting at the usual tavern. Iris, by the way, was staying at the inn as a lookout.
"Do you know about the Holy Knight Celster Altrain?"
"A little. He's one of the S-rank knights, the pride of the Holy Grinia, right?"
"It's not just that."
While sipping his drink from the glass, Taka-Me continued speaking.
"He is an awakened Mage Knight."
"Awakened...?"
Shu tilted his head at the unfamiliar term.
But Taka-Me must have expected that.
"Do you want to know? The information about awakening will cost you a bit more."
"Specifically?"
"20 million Magi."
"I can't afford it, you old fool!"
It was indeed too expensive. Shu thought it might be a joke, but it didn't seem like one. Taka-Me continued to pour his drink without changing his expression.
If it were a bit more affordable, Shu might have considered buying it, but this was too expensive. It would exceed his entire fortune.
"Information about awakening is highly classified. Only those in the upper ranks of the government or the bishop class within the Mage God sect would know."
"Well, to some extent, we can guess. After all, it's called awakening. It must be about Mage Knights who have gained a power worthy of being concealed."
"In other words, that's what it means. An extremely powerful Mage Knight."
"The question is how strong..."
To the extent of awakening.
It wouldn't be on par with ordinary strength.
Shu mentioned the possibilities.
"An increase in magical power and an improvement in the quality of magic power. These two alone strengthen the Mage Armor. But if it's just that, it can't be called awakening. If we use the term awakening, it means that the Mage Armor itself has transformed. Like how the magic used by demons transforms into magic. Is the awakened Mage Knight comparable to the King's demon? No, considering they are a species called humans, it would be slightly inferior."
"That's a good guess."
However, it was precisely because he heard that, that Shu felt relieved.
If an awakened Mage Knight was on par with the King's demon, then there was no need to surpass Shu. He needed to be cautious, but there was no need to fear.
Since he obtained that information for free, the conversation with the suspicious Taka-Me had yielded results.
"Well, I didn't come here today to ask about Celestar Altarine. I came to talk about how Black Cat moves in relation to the Holy Knights."
"Oh, is that so?"
"Even though I'm considered a high-ranking member, I'm still a newbie. I have no idea what I should do."
"Come to think of it, that's true."
Shu didn't know much about the structure of the organization called Black Cat. He carried out assassinations as part of the flow, but he had no awareness of the purpose behind them. For Shu, Black Cat was simply a dark organization that provided him with jobs.
So, he decided to ask "Takame" about the organization this time.
"That's the situation. Let's talk about Black Cat."
"Alright. How about 500,000 magi with a discount for high-ranking members?"
"200,000."
"450,000."
"300,000."
"350,000. That's my final offer."
"Fine."
Shu took out money from his pocket and handed over 350,000 magi. Takame counted the money and made sure it was all there. Meanwhile, Shu used vibration magic to implement soundproofing measures.
"It's soundproofed. You can talk freely now."
"Oh, you're well-prepared."
They both drank some sake to moisten their throats. They might be talking for a long time, so sake was a necessity.
"What is Black Cat?"
"Well... If I had to say, there isn't a particular purpose. High-ranking members can do as they please."
"What?"
Shu doubted Takame's words.
He couldn't understand how Black Cat, an organization with such influence and even powerful magical soldiers, could have no purpose.
Takame began explaining for Shu, who widened his eyes in surprise.
"The organization called Black Cat has no specific purpose. The high-ranking members belong to the organization for their own desires and goals. The fact that the ten high-ranking members have code names is also for that reason. They represent the existence and purpose of those high-ranking members."
"So... we are not individuals who belong to the organization, but rather a group of individuals?"
"Yes. That's Black Cat. The boss, 'Black Cat,' brings together individuals like us and aims to form the organization called Black Cat. That's all there is to it."
"Which means..."
"Yes, please feel free to do as you wish. If you want to kill the Holy Knight, go ahead and act as the 'Grim Reaper.' The organization will fully support you. On the other hand, if you choose not to do anything, the Black Cat will be satisfied with that. The Black Cat does not require the overall benefit. The ten executives represent the true identity of the Black Cat, and the ten individuals are the purpose."
Upon hearing that, Shuu somewhat understood.
Being suddenly placed in the position of the 'Grim Reaper,' it was relatively easy to accept considering the freedom it entailed. In other words, the ten executives were always necessary for the Black Cat. The organization and hideout were not important. The ten executives were the essence of the Black Cat.
Shuu, being the 'Grim Reaper,' was an entity that controlled death.
Thus, he was an individual of the Black Cat who achieved objectives through death.
"Whether there are Holy Knights or not, the Black Cat will act as it pleases. The struggles of the organization are irrelevant. The individuals will expand their influence and behave as they wish."
"So, regardless of how Akatsume, Youranka, and Kaso move, we can do as we please?"
"Yes, you can prioritize your own interests. The interests of the executives are the interests of the Black Cat."
Understanding the Black Cat's way of thinking, it was worth the payment of 350,000 Magi. Furthermore, it was a pleasant miscalculation that the Black Cat was even more free than expected.
Honestly, Shuu was bewildered by suddenly being placed in the position of the 'Grim Reaper.' He didn't know what to do, and there was no explanation about the organization called the Black Cat no matter how much time passed. However, being allowed to act as the 'Grim Reaper' in any way was unexpected.
"...An awakened Holy Knight of S-rank, huh?"
"Yes. By the way, I intend to investigate his information."
"Then, I'll ignore it."
"If you'd like, would you assassinate him?"
"If he becomes a hindrance, I might."
The two continued chatting and drank the prepared alcohol as it was.
◆◆◆
Sir Knight Celstar, the leader of the Sealing Knights, was in discussion with the bishop at Alta Cathedral. The knights under his command were resting in the depths of the cathedral, healing their travel fatigue. They would actually start their work tomorrow.
"First of all, welcome to Alta Cathedral. Sir Celstar Altrain, the Sealing Knight of the 'Seals,'" said the bishop.
"I appreciate the welcome, Your Excellency," replied Celstar.
A warm cup of tea and some sweets were placed before the two, who faced each other in a room within the cathedral. Thanks to the flowers displayed in the corner of the room, a pleasant fragrance permeated the entire space.
Celstar remained in his knight's uniform, while the bishop wore his customary formal attire.
"The reason the Sealing Knights have come is related to the dark organization, is that correct?" asked the bishop.
"Yes, more precisely, we are pursuing the newly born king's demon, Arklight. Arklight appears to have a humanoid form similar to that of a human. We believe he is blending into human cities. As a rankless demon, he is hiding within the dark organization. That's why we are pursuing the organization," explained Celstar.
"I understand," replied the bishop.
Defeating the king's demon was no ordinary task. They were beings who had awakened their sorcery and ascended to the realm of magic. In the Demon God Faith, they were called Demon Kings and were strictly forbidden to be touched. It was said that if the king were angered, the country would be destroyed. However, there were exceptions.
The Holy Knight with the potential to defeat the king.
The awakened True S-rank.
Celstar Altrain was one such person—a human with the potential to kill the king of demons. That's why the bishop not only feared him but also agreed with his mission.
"To undertake such a top-secret mission... It's remarkable. El Magia will be delighted," said the bishop.
"Though we haven't grasped any clues yet," Celstar replied with a wry smile.
The bishop shook his head in response. The situation was grave enough to give an S-rank Holy Knight trouble. It was an extremely weighty matter to consider.
"So, what will you do? Since you have come to Alta, does that mean you have some idea despite the lack of clues?" asked the bishop.
"Well, not exactly," Celstar said.
Celstar held the cup in his right hand and brought it to his lips.
After savoring the taste for a moment, he placed the cup down with a clink.
"For now, I thought of crushing the entire dark organization," he said.
His smile carried an air of enjoyment.