STM 155

The Adeye residence was famous for having the tightest security in the land because the owner hired the best mercenaries from Tubain. No one could avoid a strict inspection, even if the temple sent them.

“You’re here to see Priest Sidro?”

The young assistant priest nodded. He looked nervous, and his hands shook slightly. This behavior felt strange to the guard, so he issued an order.

“Show me the inside of that wooden box.”

The assistant priest obeyed and opened the box. There was a metal sat inside.

“What is this?”

“I don’t know exactly. I only heard that Priest Sidro needs it. I just received orders to deliver it.”

The guard inspected the item closely. The jar was empty, so there wasn’t anything suspicious about it. However, he wondered why the assistant priest acted so tense.

“I can’t see your face clearly. Lower your hood.”

The assistant priest hesitated for a moment but eventually lowered the hood. The guard’s eyes widened. He saw clear blue eyes and a face as white and beautiful as porcelain. The priest quickly pulled the hood back up as if the stare felt burdensome.

“Am I finished now?”

“Yes. You have the temple’s identification, so you may enter.”

The assistant priest hurried inside. The guards quickly forgot about the box because they could only think of that beautiful face. No one imagined that the jar in that shabby box was a precious treasure from the temple. They didn’t realize how dangerous it was, either.

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Beautiful music played, and guests began to dance in the center of the hall. This scene unfolded immediately after Sarne’s knight exited with a severed head. The atmosphere changed in an instant, just like a screen swap with a single click. I was the only person who didn’t move.

I was shocked to see the informant’s head, but I was more curious about the trap. Why did I seem to be the target? Hoiga didn’t need to involve Grand Duke Sarne if he just wanted to mock me. Sarne’s people would have saved the informant’s identity for a more important moment. It felt like a waste to use it just to lure me to a party.

I found the core of the issue within that thought. Lure me? Why? What’s the point of this party?

The music and the chatter made the room quite loud. I didn’t hear anything because I was lost in thought. I didn’t notice people gathering around me, nor did I see someone approaching me directly. I was fine, though, because I had Mo.

[Warning: Someone is approaching quickly from the right.]

I reflexively pulled my body back the moment the warning appeared. A red liquid splashed across the spot where I had just stood. It looked as red as blood, but the scent of wine hit my nose. I turned my head and saw a man I didn’t recognize. He held an empty glass. Mo displayed his name and status next to him, which showed he knew Lu. He was just a low-ranking noble.

“Oh, my… my hand slipped.”

He probably didn’t expect me to dodge, so his excuse sounded awkward. Even though I moved, a few drops of wine stained my shirt. I wanted to shout at him, but the hair on the back of my neck stood up. I immediately dodged to the side. I couldn’t completely avoid the liquid that came from behind, so my left shoulder got wet.

The sound of splashing wine was followed by a loud crash. Someone threw a glass this time, and shattered shards covered the floor. Another stranger spoke the same words.

“My hand slipped, too.”

He didn’t look surprised. Instead, he had a smirk in his eyes as if he found my evasion interesting. I realized then that everyone around me held a glass and wore the same smile. They planned this.

I looked around and eventually locked eyes with someone across the room. Hoiga watched the scene with an arrogant expression. I knew he planned this petty bullying, but I still didn’t understand. He wouldn’t involve Sarne just to embarrass me. I turned toward the refreshment table while I searched for the real motive. I grabbed the neck of a large wine bottle that sat there as a decoration.

What’s the real goal?

I turned my body and threw the bottle without hesitation. My target was the man who threw the glass at me.

Crash!

“Argh!”

“Watch out!”

“Dammit, what is this?!”

The man jumped back in a panic. The bottle didn’t hit him, but he couldn’t avoid the wine. His pants and shoes were soaked. He glared at me, but I gave him the same excuse.

“My hand slipped.”

“You dare…!”

He started to shout at me, but froze and scrambled backward when he saw my hand. I only picked up a plate with a large piece of cake, but it was enough to scare him. He wasn’t the only one. Everyone within three meters of me cleared out. I took a bite of the cake with my fork and relaxed. I was alone, but I didn’t feel lonely. I chewed the cake while I stared at Hoiga.

Finally, Hoiga approached me. The crowd bowed and made a path for him. Grand Duke Kilu escorted him and treated him like a princess, which made the guests bow even lower. I didn’t mind. The higher they climb, the more it hurts when they fall.

“Lu.”

Hoiga stood before me and smiled.

“You’ve become a pig since I last saw you.”

Laughter erupted from all directions. I took another bite of cake and joined the laughter.

“I’m just trying to fit in since I’m in a pigsty. Am I doing well?”

The people who laughed at Hoiga’s comment suddenly went silent. It was a shame that I was the only one laughing. I chewed my cake and pointed my fork at Hoiga.

“Are you the leader of these pigs?”

“Adeye Lu, watch your mouth.”

Kilu stepped in and looked at me with contempt.

“I knew you were vulgar, but this is too much. I invited you because I thought you’d have some sense as Grand Duke Kun’s partner.”

“Did you think I’d be as crazy as your partner who pretends to be Salvation?”

Kilu’s eyes turned cold, and he raised a hand. I felt a faint light gather in his palm, but I couldn’t see it clearly because a back suddenly blocked my view. Haas appeared before me like magic. Kilu’s hand returned to normal when he saw him.

I peered around Haas and saw Hoiga grabbing Kilu’s arm. He whispered something, likely explaining who Haas was. Kilu sneered.

“I can’t believe Grand Duke Kun’s talented mage is guarding a pig.”

“No. It’s an honor for me to protect Lord Salvation.”

Haas responded bluntly, which actually surprised me. How could he say something so ridiculous with such a serious face? I noticed Hoiga’s expression was just as frozen as mine.

“Salvation… Does Grand Duke Kun really believe Lu is Salvation?”

Hoiga turned to me and asked coldly.

“What exactly do you do as a ‘Salvation’? Do you have anything besides your unproven claim that you talk to divine beasts?”

“I have plenty. For example, I can ruin your mood just by eating cake.”

Hoiga’s face turned red with anger. This time, Kilu stopped him.

“There’s no need to deal with someone who’s about to be kicked out.”

I actually welcomed the order to leave. I didn’t want to stay in this suspicious place anyway. I walked up to Haas and asked him a question.

“Can you take me to Kun’s castle right now?”

“Yes, of cour—”

“No…! Ah.”

Hoiga interrupted loudly but quickly shut his mouth. He looked flustered as if he spoke without thinking. He didn’t finish the sentence, but I easily guessed what he meant.

No.

Why “no”? A chill ran down my spine. Why shouldn’t I go back to Kun’s castle? Then, I heard Kilu’s suggestion.

“Adeye Lu, you’re finally in the capital. Why don’t you visit your sister?”

Everything became clear. They didn’t want me at this party. They wanted me to go to the Adeye residence. I started running without looking back. These bastards set a trap at the Adeye residence.