A Short Journey's Regret

The *destination* we were headed for was a small *village* in the *east*.

It was a relatively short distance, about three days in terms of travel time.

Considering the last journey, which took over half a month, this was incredibly short. Shin Hanbyeol couldn't help but feel a pang of regret about that fact.

Still, she figured they'd be staying in the nearby Village for a while, so Hanbyeol decided to take comfort in that. It was fortunate that the Knight Order had organized the teams in such an ad hoc manner. Thanks to that, she was assigned to the same team as Yor. Moreover, this time, it wasn't just the two of them, unlike the previous Imp hunting trip, so it didn't seem like it would be as awkward. Being with a man who wasn't very talkative for 24 hours straight was both good and awkward for her.

In that sense, the number of *Personnel* this time was just right. Not too few, not too many.

The *Personnel* assigned to the *Northern Demon* were only about 40 to 50.

It was literally for *Investigation*, so they hadn't picked too many *People*.

However, the peculiar thing was that all the *Priests* were attached to *This Place*. Apparently, the *Northern Demon*'s ability was said to affect the mind. Therefore, the *Purification* of the *Priests* was likely to be helpful.

Thanks to that, the actual combat personnel consisted of only about 30 adventurers, including the 2nd Knight Commander. It seemed a bit small for catching a demon... but since it was for investigation, Hanbyeol just let it go.

After the *Unit* was formed, Hanbyeol had a brief conversation with Chae-rin and Haneul. Perhaps because they had often partied together recently, they welcomed Hanbyeol with subtle expressions. Hanbyeol grinned briefly at their reaction. It seemed she had opened up to them a bit, unlike when they first met.

Of course.

And so, the next morning, they set off for the small *village* in the *North*.

*

Three days passed quickly. The distance wasn't long to begin with, and there were no particular events. Sleeping in the carriage was a little uncomfortable... but it was still the most comfortable carriage I had ever slept in. The Knight Order had procured a rather high-quality carriage, perhaps because there were *Priests*. They certainly lived up to their esteemed status. Thanks to that, I was able to travel comfortably, which was nice.

Anyway... they're not really bothering me.

I thought as I looked at the *priests* gathered in one place.

Everyone in the *World* already knew that I was a *Manifestor*. It had been a long time since I received my citizenship and started working as an *Adventurer*. There was no way those *Priests* wouldn't know I was a *Manifestor*.

However, strangely, they only glanced at me and said nothing.

After three days of observation, they didn't frown at me either.

I was a little taken aback by their reaction, which was quite different from what I expected.

I thought they would shout, “You heretic!” and smash my skull in as soon as they saw me.

*Do they not care whether I'm a Manifestor or not?*

I couldn't quite grasp their true intentions. Was it resentment, or were they forced to remain silent because of the Emperor? Or did the Order itself simply not care much about Manifestors?

*Hmm...*

I was a little curious, but since they seemed friendly for now, I decided to just leave it alone.

I was comfortable as it was, so there was no need to stir things up.

Anyway, we arrived at the problematic *Village*. Although it was called a '*Village*', the scenery before my eyes wasn't small at all. It wouldn't be strange to call it a small City instead of a Village.

The Road was paved with stone tiles, and a Boundary Wall surrounded the Village, making it seem easy to defend against Monster attacks. Of course, from our perspective, having to *immediately investigate* that place was quite troublesome.

It's surprisingly intact.

As I was looking at the Periphery of the Village, Hanbyeol, who was next to me, muttered. I nodded at her words.

I was expecting Ruins, given that a Demon had appeared.

The *Village* was too intact. So much so that if I hadn't known, I wouldn't have suspected a *Demon* had appeared. Even I, looking at it now, honestly felt doubtful to hear that a *Demon* had descended there...

“How should we conduct the *investigation*?” “We plan to *infiltrate*. If fifty *people* enter at once, it's bound to arouse suspicion.”

Odelia interjected and answered my muttering. She continued, raising her voice as if speaking to the entire Extermination Squad.

We'll leave about 40 *people* here... and the remaining 10 or so will enter individually. That should be good for operating secretly, and it should be easy to escape if we're discovered.

It was a decent plan, although it was a bit surprising that 40 *people* would remain behind. When I asked about it, it seemed the remaining *personnel* were all for the benefit of the *priests*. A considerable number of *adventurers* were needed to protect the *priests*, who had almost no *combat ability*.

They certainly were esteemed and precious *people*.

Anyway, we quickly selected the *Personnel* for the Infiltration Team. Shin Hanbyeol and I, along with eight unnamed Adventurers, formed the Infiltration Team. I volunteered myself. I thought it would be less boring to enter the *Village* than to stay here.

And it's uncomfortable being stuck with those Priests.

I don't know what the *Priests* think of me... but I certainly seem to have an aversion to *Priests*. It is unavoidable, given our natural opposition.

I couldn't help but feel psychologically uncomfortable because if they just exposed me to Divine Power, I would be easily Incapacitated like a vampire in sunlight. Incidentally, when I raised my hand, Shin Hanbyeol naturally followed suit. Once she was selected for the Infiltration Team, she immediately approached me and spoke.

“Should we stick together?”

“Hmm... sure.”

It was better for me to move around with someone than alone, after all.

Then, I wish you all good luck. If you feel it's dangerous, pull out immediately.

With those words, we entered the *Village*. We quietly climbed over the Boundary Wall, as if hiding in the shadows...

*

They're *people* I've never seen before... I guess they're *travelers*?

...? !

And not long after, we were immediately discovered. After passing a short distance down a Village Alleyway, we were suddenly greeted by someone! Hanbyeol and I couldn't help but be startled.

But that was only for a moment. We quickly regained our composure and looked at the Person who had called out to us. The Opponent was a fresh-faced young woman who looked like she had just become an adult. Her brown hair and freckled cheeks gave her the impression of an innocent Country Youth. And indeed, as she looked at us, her face was constantly smiling brightly.

Since we were already discovered, there was no ignoring her. So, I awkwardly smiled back and responded.

Haha, yes... we were walking along the Road and happened to see the Village, so we came in.

Even as I spoke, I didn't stop my internal suspicions. No matter how you looked at it, an Outsider had entered, and this overly friendly welcome... seemed rather strange. Of course, whether I thought it was strange or not, the conversation continued.

Welcome! Our Village has many sights to see, and the People are friendly. Since you're already here, would you like me to show you around?

It was an offer that was hard to refuse. Given the closed nature of the Village, if we were discovered, the news would spread throughout the Village in an instant anyway. In that case, it might be better to *pose as* *Travelers* and enter further inside, even if I didn't know what the Opponent was thinking. I asked Hanbyeol with a glance.

What should we do? Let's follow her for now.

She nodded in affirmation. And so, guided by the Freckled Girl, we confidently entered the Village. Contrary to the news that a Demon had appeared, the People were utterly peaceful. Children's lively laughter and People working could be seen everywhere. There were no traces of destruction by a Demon, nor any People who seemed injured. Honestly, even as I watched, I wondered, “*Did the Demon pick the wrong Village?*”

Oh? Are you the *Travelers* who just arrived? All right, if you need anything, just say the word. Did you two come alone? Hoho... a young couple is traveling. It's a lovely sight. Please enjoy your stay. Wow, you two are a perfect match!

Of course, if I had to pick out something strange, I could. The *Villagers*... were all just too friendly. Normally, in a Village this size, there would be many different types of People, but everyone was smiling and greeting us. It was like they were soliciting customers.

*And...*

The gazes were a bit uncomfortable. It would be nice if they just smiled and passed by, but everyone was scanning our bodies once as they went past. Honestly, I often received such gazes... but today, they felt particularly sticky. Hanbyeol was also receiving quite a lot of attention.

And so, receiving the burdensome attention of the People, we entered the Inn. The reason we went straight to the Inn was that the Freckled Girl had invited us to the Inn.

Since you're already here, why don't you just stay the night? It's quite late to go to another *village*, and an *inn* is better than sleeping outside, isn't it? I'll give you a good price.

It turned out she was the *inn* owner's daughter or something. Honestly, I hesitated a lot at this point. I wondered if it was okay to just fall for such blatant solicitation. It felt very unsettling, like falling into a charlatan's snare.

*...Hmm.*

But for now, I decided to just go along with it to the end. After all, I was confident I could protect myself. I wondered if they would reveal their true colors if I kept playing along.

Then, two rooms, please. Oh, no meals, thank you. What? Our Inn food is delicious, though... Ah, I have some food I brought with me. It's about to go bad, so I need to finish that first.

How could I eat comfortably, knowing what might be in the food?

In that case, all right.

After completing the payment, we naturally went up to our assigned rooms. Haneul's face showed a slight curiosity when the topic of rooms came up, but she quickly became crestfallen when she saw me order two rooms.

It seemed she had been hoping for something... but it was work, after all.

The room we entered was ordinary. One bed, one bathroom. There was no strange smell, nor any suspicious holes drilled anywhere. For now, we decided to stay here today. Since we were already discovered, acting like normal *Travelers* would be the most natural thing to do.

Of course, I still didn't know the true intentions of the *Villagers*.

*Looks like I won't be sleeping tonight...*

I thought with a wry smile.

And so, when everyone was asleep, the night came. The moon had long risen high in the sky, but I only pretended to sleep, keeping my mind as alert as possible. Instead, I listened intently to the outside, wondering if I would sense anything unusual.

I expected a boring wait... but surprisingly, I sensed something quickly. because familiar voices were heard from outside

“Should we just barge in and take them now? I'm starting to lose my patience.”

“Shh, just a moment, the mirror isn't ready yet.”

“Wow, but did you see their bodies earlier today? They were right next to me. I really wanted to strip them right then and there...”

It was the voice of the Freckled Girl who had guided me all this time.

*...As expected.*

There seemed to be something going on after all.