Chapter 68
But Virelda risking her life to rescue Fay? That made no sense. It would’ve been far more believable if all the witches of Aldehallow, with their different personalities and appearances had banded together to save her.
Amazingly, it had been Virelda who first suggested going to rescue Fay.
“Did you two make up without me knowing?”
“Have I lost my mind?”
“Look at you—you hate Fay! So why are you trying to help her?!”
“…That’s none of your business.”
“You’re not about to confess that you don’t actually hate her, are you?”
“I hate her.”
“Then why are you risking your life for a witch you hate?!”
“Because I’m worried! I—I mean, Lady Merga is worried…!”
Her voice was sharp with irritation. Virelda said nothing more. Even when Zynie, now slightly cowed, tried to ask again in a smaller voice, she ignored her and kept walking straight ahead.
Golden-armored soldiers were everywhere. That, ironically, made it easier. No one questioned the two of them. If they moved quietly and avoided drawing attention, all they had to do was find Fay…
“Hey. Where’s the witch you captured today?”
Before she could second-guess herself, Virelda stopped a passing soldier and asked. To conceal her identity, she used magic to imitate a man’s voice.
The soldier, who had been walking past them, tilted his head and approached.
“What are you doing? Have you gone mad?”
Zynie whispered frantically wanting to know the next plan
Shh. Virelda made a quiet sound and asked again, repeating her question about the captured witch.
“Who are you?”
The soldier asked.
“An inquisitor. I’ve been ordered to assess the witch’s threat level.”
At Virelda’s brazen reply, the soldier looked her up and down. Zynie glanced at him nervously. Only then she noticed the laurel leaves engraved on his shield.
You brainless mutt, Virelda!
Of all people to ask for directions, someone connected to the temple. He was surely capable of using divine power. He would realize they carried magic. Zynie squeezed her eyes shut briefly, ready to pull out her staff at any moment.
Contrary to her fears, the soldier simply nodded.
“The witch is over there.”
He even pointed, kindly explaining that a temporary holding cell had been set up next to the arrow depot.
“Zynie, take note. These idiots can’t tell magic from divine power.”
Only men could use divine power, so as long as she sounded like a man, they wouldn’t suspect her of being a witch. Virelda gave a small scoff as she explained what had just happened.
Zynie glanced back to see what the soldier was doing.
“As expected of the inquisitors. Such strong divine power.”
The soldier was saying admiringly, as if proving Virelda’s point.
“They really are idiots.”
So that’s why she was willing to bet her life on such a flimsy plan. Virelda had known this all along. Annoying as she was, she was undeniably dependable.
Zynie couldn’t help but acknowledge it, even as she pouted to herself. A witch personally chosen by Lady Merga as successor was clearly different.
Following the directions they’d been given, they soon arrived at a small wooden-barred cell. At first glance, it looked flimsy enough to shatter with a single fireball. But on closer inspection, they could see that divine energy had been woven around it to prevent magical escape.
“The inspection team was here an hour ago.”
Once again, they were met with suspicion. Instead of the frozen Zynie, Virelda answered calmly.
“We’ve received orders for a detailed examination.”
“From whom?”
“….”
“Why can’t you answer?”
The guard was clearly a suspicious type.
“I asked who gave the order. Why can’t you say? That’s odd.”
What now, Virelda?!
Zynie screamed inwardly with her eyes. The guard looked ready to blow the horn at his waist and summon reinforcements at any moment.
“This is urgent. We must complete the detailed assessment and report back immediately.”
“To whom?”
“Is knowing the name of the person who gave the order more important than wasting time?”
“It sounds like you have a reason not to say. And it’s suspicious. The inspection was already done, why repeat it?”
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