Ryan slowly approached until he stood beside the Lady of the Lake.
The Lady of the Lake extended a flawless hand and placed a small vial in Ryan's hand. "This is a holy water potion. Take it, my champion. At a critical moment, using this potion will temporarily shield you from the gaze of the evil gods."
"Thank you very much, my lady." Ryan accepted the holy water, expressing his gratitude. With the Lady of the Lake's protection, he could safely act against the Aesthetic Association without fear of being directly watched and cursed by the evil gods.
"You still need to prioritize dealing with that fallen demon hunter. Otherwise, I'm very worried that the long-standing hunter system will collapse." The Lady of the Lake's golden hair, which reached her ankles, emitted a pure fragrance. In front of Ryan, she never concealed her unparalleled beauty. "You are immune to corruption, but not everyone has such an ability. I once sent a Grail Knight to the far north to eliminate a Slaanesh daemon prince, but when I saw him again, he had become a cultist preaching hedonism and saying he would offer me to his new master."
"..." Ryan couldn't respond to this. He was completely immune to warp corruption as an emperor's son and a primarch, but he was the only one in the world. Even Grail Knights couldn't resist the terrible chaos corruption in the far north.
After a long conversation, Ryan's psychic energy continued to flow endlessly. His spirit and soul showed no signs of instability from prolonged contact and conversation with a deity. Seeing this, the Lady of the Lake nodded secretly. With Ryan's presence, she could visit the material world more frequently.
This would help her achieve her plans.
Before she could speak, Ryan thoughtfully said, "My new home is always open to you, my lady."
"...Visiting the material world is always interesting. I will come often during this time."
The next morning, Ryan woke up feeling refreshed. He washed up and went to the dining room, where Catherine was already making breakfast. The girl hummed happily as she placed bacon, fried eggs, and buttered bread on the table.
"Where's Veronica? Still not up?" Ryan sipped some hot milk, appreciating the young apprentice's cooking skills.
The sound of high heels clicking on the stairs reached his ears. "I'm coming."
The Garon witch wore a cream-colored lily-patterned dress and a gray wolf fur coat today. Flesh-colored stockings and cream high heels adorned her feet, and a pearl necklace hung around her neck, making her look like a pristine lily. Veronica elegantly walked down the stairs and into the dining room, where she sat down. "We're going to the arena today."
"To find Bert? You think he's hiding in the arena?" Ryan couldn't help but admire her appearance, but he knew the mission was urgent. There would be time for them after the work was done.
"I spent a lot of time thinking, but I still can't conclude." Veronica shook her head repeatedly, clearly troubled by Bert's whereabouts. "But the arena is the easiest target to check because its location is fixed and traceable."
Catherine, the young apprentice, had changed out of her witch's robe and into a maid's outfit—a black dress with a white apron trimmed with lace and a maid's headband. She hummed happily in the kitchen, unaware of what she had narrowly escaped. Today's breakfast was delicious oatmeal and fried ham.
"So, I go in as a gladiator?" Ryan joked casually.
"No... Let me be clear, Ryan, you're too big a target, too conspicuous." Veronica spread jam on her bread and shook her head lightly. "Sometimes, too much fame can be a disadvantage. It's hard for you to hide your presence now. I can't do illusion spells, and if you openly go to the arena looking for someone, the chances of finding Bert are zero."
Ryan nodded, acknowledging that Veronica had a point. She hadn't suggested going herself because it was even less suitable for a woman to search the arena.
In Marienburg, most gladiators were "free gladiators," not slaves. They were professionals looking to make quick money. Given the city's large transient population, Bert could easily run away.
"So, we need to find another way. Ryan, we need a trustworthy, capable man to act as a gladiator and secretly look for Bert." Veronica shared her plan with Ryan. "I'll monitor the Aesthetic Association's movements while you investigate the arena."
"No, we must act together." Ryan raised a finger. "The Aesthetic Association isn't the most important thing right now."
"..." Veronica understood Ryan's concern. Investigating the Aesthetic Association was too dangerous. "But..."
"Oh, Veronica, remember Elma's story?" Ryan's expression was serious. "I don't want you to end up like that, not at all..."
Elma, a former Garon Council member, had recklessly investigated a Chaos cult alone and quickly disappeared without a trace.
That was the best outcome. At worst, she was presumed dead.
A month later, the Garon Council began receiving packages, signed by Elma. The apprentice who opened the first package went mad.
Inside was half of Elma's face.
Then it all began. Every month, the council received a package containing a part of Elma—a limb, a fragment, skin, or organs.
This went on for ten years.
Veronica knew this story well. Understanding that her partner was concerned for her safety, she crossed her arms, lifted her long legs, and let her bust bounce slightly. The crystal ribbon earrings on her dark brown curls swayed with her movements. "Can't bear to be without me?"
"Can't bear it." Ryan's expression was serious, touching Veronica. Forcing herself to stay calm, though her tone revealed her happiness, she said, "Alright, let's find a suitable candidate for the arena."
"This person needs to be strong, smart, and willing to become a gladiator." Ryan ate his oatmeal and ham, declining Veronica's offer of wine. "Such a candidate is hard to find."
"Indeed, but I might have someone in mind. Remember the young wandering knight who traveled with us to Marienburg? The one you gave my room to..." Veronica's half-smile stopped Ryan mid-sentence. He realized a serious issue.
"That person was our Garon princess, dear~" Veronica smiled, her words making Ryan sweat. "I don't want to hear about Troveik from your mouth, nor do I want to know what happened between you two because it would make me jealous."
After saying that, Veronica put down her utensils and food, walked to Ryan, and sat on his lap. "Now I'm with you, and that's enough."
...
Marienburg, Church of Justice Branch.
Another invigorating morning class. Alfred, from the north, felt the warmth of the sun in the cold winter, feeling blessed by the god of justice.
Another energetic day!
But what followed dampened Alfred's spirits. In Marienburg, the Church of Justice's status was quite different.
Elsewhere, the church was a savior, a beacon of hope, and a pillar for the poor.
But in Marienburg, the church's awkward position was summed up by, "Move, you're hindering business."
The paladins weren't treated like pests, but they had to act discreetly. In the bustling city, transactions and commercial activities were constant. If the paladins got overzealous, complaints from merchants and freelancers would flood in like snowflakes. Even the poor were reluctant to accept their help, fearing community ostracism.
So, Alfred found himself idle, maintaining his weapons and armor, then donning a robe to wander the city. Despite knowing he was unwelcome, he felt compelled to go out, influenced by Ryan's teachings that one shouldn't ignore injustice.
Luck favored him as he soon encountered the wandering knight Lops, who had traveled with them by ship.
"Hey! Where are you headed?" Alfred greeted Lops, who was clearly dressed for something important.
"Me? I'm heading to the arena. I'm working there as a free gladiator lately." Lops, holding his long spear, replied a bit sheepishly.
Being a free gladiator wasn't shameful, but it wasn't glorious either. Lops, having wandered for a while, had spent much of his savings. Realizing he couldn't go on like this, he tried various ways to earn money in Marienburg. But as an elite knight, he was more valued in the barren Norsca than in Marienburg, where his earnings were less than expected.
Though a noble's son, Lops had some pride, unwilling to serve as a guard for merchants, making the arena an option.
"Oh, interesting! Can I come and watch?" Alfred was intrigued.
"Uh... sure." Lops smiled awkwardly. "Just don't cause any trouble!"
"Why would I cause trouble? I'm just watching. Let's go!" Alfred was excited to have something to do.
So, they headed to the arena together.
At the entrance, a voice called out to them.
"Alf? Lops? You guys here to watch the show?"
Both Alfred and Lops were surprised, especially Alfred, seeing Veronica with Ryan. "Uh, Ms. Veronica? I didn't expect..."
"Didn't expect what? Oh! Troveik isn't here?" Veronica, familiar with Alfred, spoke with sarcasm. "She went back where she belongs, Alfred. You understand?"
What's this about? Alfred found the situation strange. Why was there a new woman with Ryan every few days?
But remembering Veronica was Ryan's partner, it made sense. She often accompanied him home after adventures or battles.
"Just surprised. I thought Troveik would finish this mission before leaving." Alfred laughed awkwardly, having wondered why Ryan had a different partner earlier.
"Don't worry about it. You won't see Troveik with Ryan again." Veronica's
words made Alfred uncomfortable, scratching his head before addressing Ryan. "So... you have a new partner?"
"Uh... sort of. Like your morning classes, they're different every day." Ryan made an odd comparison. "But also a bit different."
"Hey!!! Ryan, are you an idiot?" Alfred couldn't stand it. "Do you understand?"
"???"
"Skipping morning class today means you can make it up tomorrow! But without a partner, you..."
"What?" Veronica was curious.
"You can do morning class every day!!!" Alfred slapped Ryan's shoulder, looking pained. "Don't waste your energy here! Pray well, and do morning class daily."
"Hahahahaha~" Veronica laughed heartily, her dark brown curls shaking, releasing a lily fragrance.
Who's hopeless, you or me? Ryan thought, unsure if his worldview or Alfred's was flawed. "Anyway, Alf, I came to discuss something..."
Ryan explained the plan he and Veronica had devised. Alfred, however, shook his head. "Friend, personally, I'd love to help, but church rules forbid paladins from becoming gladiators."
Ryan understood Alfred's refusal, then turned to Lops.
After all, he hadn't planned for Alfred to take the role.
Lops had been waiting for his chance to shine. Seeing Alfred decline, he eagerly stepped up. "I'll take on this task, Mr. Ryan! Give me this opportunity!"
___________________
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