"I wonder if she, Saint Mattia, was convinced by that question and answer.

　The sound of hooves kicking up the ground and the creaking of wheels were the only sounds in the carriage. While everyone was quietly swaying, the only one who opened his lips was Held Stanley.

I don't think he did. The only one who would be convinced by that would be the saint herself, who only knows how to trust people.

　I patted myself on the neck, wondering if that's what she looked like.

　I'm not sure I want to be Herdt's conversation partner. But with Fiorato La Volgograd still unconscious and Kalia beside him with her eyes closed, there was no way to respond. I have no choice but to open my lips and twist out a few words that climb up my throat in a languid fashion.

But he gave us back. That's his pride, his pride. Or maybe he was really showing us respect.

　Even as he said it, he was kicking the words up in his chest.

　That's not possible. No, it's not. That's not possible. That woman, Mattia, she's not that sweet. We've only exchanged a few words, but I know that.

　She can justify herself in any way she wants. She can affirm that it is a sacrifice, even if it muddies the doctrine. She is a woman who is too skilled in this act. It can be said that she is endlessly specialized in a kind of calculation. If she thought it necessary to kill us, she would have cut off our heads, no matter how treasonous the content.

　So the only reason our heads are together like this is because it fits his calculations. Otherwise, we would have all slept there, together, on the ashen ground for eternity.

　I put on only a light undershirt over my upper body and grit my teeth.

　Yes, life had been saved. But instead, a hell of a lot of trouble has fallen on my shoulders. My light underwear feels like iron armor. What a b*tc*. Oh, that b*tc*, Mattia. What a disgusting woman.

　The last thing she whispered to me is still stuck in my ear.

　--Now, let's decide who's gonna be our messenger. Anne. Largud Ann would be a good choice.

　He put his hand on my shoulder and whispered so that only I could hear.

　From the outside, it's a man and a woman saying a friendly goodbye. But in reality, it was as if a witch had put a curse on me. The words and the fingertips felt strangely cold.

　I was troubled. I'm so overwhelmed. I thought I'd get by with a little tongue in cheek, but it backfired. It's a shame I underestimated her as a garden-variety saint. I still haven't figured out how to get Fialaert out of Herdt's hands, and all this trouble is coming my way.

I'll have to go back to the city first, anyway. How is your employer doing?

　He coughed lightly and rolled over onto the shaking floorboards. Hert pulled the blanket back over Fialaert, who was still lying on his side, and opened his mouth with narrowed eyes.

It seems that he has used up all of his magical energy. His energy and stamina must have been exhausted. You need to rest and not engage in magic for a while.

　Then tell him that the commission is suspended," he said with a sigh. I can't pay you back the money up front, but I can't take a fee for this ugly work. I also have my own pride and calculations as an adventurer, of course.

　I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one who is interested in this kind of work.

　I'll let you know.

　Largud Anne.

　I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not. The girl looks a bit younger than me and Kalia. Her facial expressions and manners are very childish, but her talent is undeniably genuine. Her ability to negotiate with others is unquestionable.

　Oh, and the scary part is that she's one of the Old Ones, the heraldic ones. Of course, I expected him to be introduced by Mr. Nines. I did, but there was a big difference between just expecting it and actually hearing it.

　At the corner of the poorhouse designated as the meeting place, Larged Anne appeared with a large barrel on her back and a light step as usual.

I've heard of you, hero. Oh, no, would you prefer hero, Master Lugis?

　A chuckle escaped her throat as she rolled a bell, and Largis Ann straightened her appearance.

　They walked through the corner of the favela, exchanging small talk. They are still probing each other's pockets and hearts. The truth, the deal, it all comes later.

"I told you, I'm not like that. I told you, I'm not that kind of person. Let the brave and the heroic carry their burdens if they like. I'm only good for the fame and money I need.

　That is, success as an adventurer, enough to pick up Alueno, and the money to measure success.

　Brave men and heroes. If you're asking me if I'm not attracted to those two names, I'm at a loss for an answer. But then again... I understand now what happens when an ordinary man like me reaches out to those horizons.

　Look at the offer. One wrong move and you're dead. No, actually, I'd be dead. A man of talent. Just saved by someone who deserves to be called a hero.



　I can't help it at all. I guess it's my mentality that's irredeemable.

"Now, at ......, Master Lugis. How much do you know about our purpose, and how much can you help us?

　The tone of voice is like spinning words carefully, one by one. Largud'an's tone was polite to begin with, but this was even more so. It's not a friendly way of speaking, it's as if she's throwing words into the sky. The light in her eyes and the way she carries herself are different from anything I've ever seen.

　Oh, I see. So this is the true face of her, Largud Anne.

"It seems that you used my name when you spoke with the saint. Master Nines has often told me that you have nothing to do with us, the heralds.

　Yes, of course, you may use my name, at your leisure. Largud'an smiled broadly, her cheeks relaxing as she added that. Her words implied that she wanted to be of use to us. I see, so it's already been exposed that I gave my name as a trading partner during the negotiations with the saint, even if it was to bait her.

　He should have a big smile on his face, but he had a strange feeling of pressure on his chest, like he was being held back.

I don't know everything. I don't know everything, but I do know enough to hear it.

　"I don't know everything, but I do know enough to hear," Largud'an parroted. Nodding grandly, but not so loudly as to be heard.

"You're trying to bring down Maria, a woman who has never forgiven anyone before, at least not that far.

　Just as she was about to finish her words, Largd Ann's mood changed. The smile on her face was somewhat mysterious, and the corners of her eyes twitched up. She shook her head lightly and said, choosing her words carefully.

You are a hero after all, Lord Lugis. Therefore, you have two choices. You can use the opportunity to rise up, or...

　--Or you can be someone else's food.

　In the dimness of the ghetto, Largud Ann's strangely cheerful voice melted into the surroundings.