"This time you came to see me—what is it that you want?"
Idithes lifted her teacup gracefully, took a small sip of the crimson liquid, then cast a languid glance toward Kurose Akira as she spoke.
"There are a few things I'd like to ask you," Akira replied directly.
Idithes's dark crimson eyes briefly swept over Lucia, who was seated beside Akira, as though she had already guessed the purpose of his visit.
"If you have something to say, say it plainly. There's no need for detours between us."
As she spoke, she set the teacup down.
"It concerns the mysterious death of a purple-robed priest in the Black Rose Ancient City," Akira said without hesitation. "I'm investigating the case."
As the true ruler of the Black Rose Ancient City, it was impossible for Idithes not to know what occurred within her own territory.
After all, a purple-robed priest held a pivotal position within the Church of Light. His rank was equivalent to at least that of a count, and as the overseer of all Light churches within the Black Rose Ancient City, his death was something that could never be easily concealed.
"Recently, I've been buried in affairs, so I haven't personally looked into the details," Idithes said to Akira. "However, I can grant you the authority to investigate. The body of that purple-robed priest has been placed in a mortuary within the Black Rose Ancient City. You may examine it at any time."
"Thank you," Akira said.
With just that sentence, Idithes had granted him enormous convenience within the Black Rose Ancient City.
"Oh, right."
Akira retrieved the Devour-Magic Insect from his inventory and asked, "Do you recognize this creature? Who would be capable of raising something like it?"
"A Devour-Magic Insect?"Idithes glanced at the black insect wrapped in golden light and replied calmly, "There is a prince who enjoys researching such creatures. If I recall correctly, his name is Prince Teddas—the king's younger brother."
"The king's own brother…?"
Akira narrowed his eyes slightly, falling into thought.
"You'd best not provoke him," Idithes warned. "He ranks third in strength within the Star Kingdom. As you are now… you're not yet capable of opposing him."
"…I understand," Akira replied.
Having obtained the answers he wanted, he left Idithes's estate together with Lucia.
After they departed, Idithes lifted her teacup once more and gently blew across the surface. Ripples spread through the tea. She brought it to her lips—but paused midway.
She pondered for a moment, a faint glimmer flashing through her deep, unfathomable eyes.
Then she set the teacup down lightly and tapped the rim with her fingertip.
In the next instant, a mysterious woman shrouded entirely in black mist appeared at her side. She wore jet-black armor, like a messenger who had stepped straight out of the darkness itself.
"Master, what are your orders?" the woman asked, her voice low and reverent.
"Protect him in secret," Idithes commanded. "He's important."
"As you wish."
The woman dissolved into black mist and vanished into the air.
Only then did Idithes finally lift her teacup again and drain the remaining half of the red tea in a single swallow.
...
"We'll head to the Black Rose Ancient City now."
Akira glanced at the sky—it had only just grown dark. There was still plenty of time.
"Mm."
Lucia nodded gently. Beneath her white veil, her golden-red eyes flickered faintly, as though she were deep in thought.
Just as Akira prepared to activate the teleportation array, Lucia suddenly asked,
"Are you very close with the Star Kingdom's viscountess?"
"More or less," Akira replied.
He thought carefully about his relationship with Idithes. As the succubus who had created Ivsha, Idithes's willingness to share information stemmed largely from Ivsha's existence.
Lucia looked at Akira intently, her voice tinged with concern and curiosity.
"How much do you actually know about her?"
Akira pondered for a moment before answering, "Honestly? Probably less than I know about you."
All he truly knew was that Idithes was a succubus who had escaped from the Abyss, hated by her own kind. Beyond that, she was the ruler of Starcall Fortress, Red Maple Leaf Territory, and the Black Rose Ancient City, and openly supported one of the royal heirs in the struggle for the throne.
As for her deeper motives—he knew nothing.
Lucia's gaze tightened slightly upon hearing his words.
You know me well…?
After a brief pause, she said, "In that case, it's best to avoid relying on her power whenever possible. Her existence makes me uneasy."
"Oh…"
Akira nodded, his thoughts churning. Lucia's suspicion toward Idithes—was it because of the Church's inherent hostility toward demons?
Regardless, his allegiance naturally leaned toward Lucia. She was a member of the guild. Even if Idithes had a close connection with Ivsha, they were ultimately separate individuals.
As the teleportation array flared with white light, he and Lucia arrived together in the Black Rose Ancient City.
The city's atmosphere immediately caught Akira's attention. A faint, lingering fragrance filled the air. At the city's center, a colossal black rose bloomed, radiating dark violet light—an awe-inspiring sight.
"Please, follow me."
Not long after their arrival, a man clad in dark-gold armor appeared before them. Akira's gaze flicked over him, instantly pulling up his information.
[Will (Elite)]Level: 66 (500 / 33600)Race: HumanStrength: 1550Agility: 1352Mana: 1344Constitution: 1505Growth: 8 (Gain +8 to all attributes per level)Skills: (Expand)
"My name is Will," the man said as he led the way. "I am the current Oath Knight of the Black Rose Rite. I heard you're here about that purple-robed priest. I happen to be investigating the case myself."
"Any leads?" Akira asked.
"No," Will replied, shaking his head before sighing heavily. "The only clue we found was taken away by those inspectors from the Church of Light. This is Lady Idithes's territory, yet they act so recklessly! They even killed several of our law-enforcement knights. If I ever encounter them again, I'll make sure they never leave the Black Rose Ancient City!"
Hearing this, Akira turned his gaze toward Lucia. He caught a flash of coldness in her eyes—but it wasn't directed at Will.
Before long, the three arrived at the city's mortuary.
The purple-robed priest's body was kept in a separate room. As soon as they entered, a strange odor filled the air—neither putrid nor rotten, but closer to the scent of fermented grain.
"This is the body," Will said, pointing. "But its appearance is no longer recognizable."
The corpse before them was shriveled and desiccated, as though every drop of blood had been drained away.
At first glance, Akira thought of vampires—but quickly dismissed the idea. This wasn't mere blood loss. The fat and muscle were gone as well, leaving only skin stretched over bone.
"You can investigate on your own. I still have matters to attend to," Will said, then turned and left without lingering.
Akira studied the corpse closely, paying particular attention to the purple robe. It differed slightly from others he'd seen—there were several additional crosses embroidered at the cuffs, as if they carried special significance.
"Lucia," Akira asked, "what do the crosses on the cuffs represent?"
Lucia explained, "A purple-robed priest must pass ten trials set by the Church to advance to a gold-robed hierophant. This one had already passed six. Only four more, and he would have reached gold."
"I see."
Akira now understood.
Within the Church of Light, there were two main factions: priests and inspectors. Priests advanced from white, blue, purple, to gold robes. Inspectors advanced from black, blue, purple, to red. A gold-robed hierophant held status equal to that of a red-robed cardinal—both were high-ranking administrators.
This priest had been only four trials away from gold. No wonder the Church took his death so seriously.
As Akira was thinking, golden light flared at Lucia's fingertips. Like tiny sprites, the light drifted across the corpse's surface.
The glow wandered, then converged at the heart—erupting into a blinding brilliance.
Anger flashed through Lucia's beautiful eyes. She swiftly withdrew her magic and said to Akira,
"Let's go."
"Mm."
Akira responded quietly—because he had seen it too.
[A corpse slain by Light Annihilation.]
The purple-robed priest had been killed by his own people.
And Lucia clearly already knew who the culprit was. Within the Black Rose Ancient City, there were very few members of the Church capable of threatening a purple-robed priest's status.
"I'll leave this matter to the inspectors," Lucia said.
"The inspectors are already at odds with the Black Rose Ancient City. Resolving this quickly won't be easy," Akira replied. "Since we're here anyway, why not deal with the problem directly?"
"..."
Lucia fell silent, her eyes reflecting contemplation.
After a brief pause, she spoke. "A sound suggestion. However, due to certain circumstances, I cannot appear in person. You'll have to handle it."
"Me?"
Akira had planned to summon Loserine and the others—but Lucia was asking the guild master himself to act.
"Don't worry," Lucia said gently, cupping Akira's face with her jade-like hands and gazing at him with absolute trust. "She isn't that strong. You can handle her."
"Alright."
...
Inside the Church of Light within the Black Rose Ancient City, several nuns were kneeling in devout prayer.
Among them was one who stood out—graceful figure, striking beauty, and formidable strength.
"That concludes tonight's prayers," she announced.
"Yes, Sister Sera," the others replied.
"Sister Sera, ever since the priest passed away, it's been thanks to you that the church has continued to function."
"That's right, Sister Sera. We'll definitely nominate you as the new administrator of the Black Rose Ancient City!"
The other nuns expressed their gratitude and admiration.
"Thank you for your trust," Sister Sera replied with a smile—one laced with a hint of amusement.
Bang!
Suddenly, the church doors were thrown open.
A towering, broad-shouldered half-dragon strode in, instantly plunging the nuns into panic.
"W–Who is that?!"
"A half-dragon…?"
"Is he… here to seek faith?"
...…
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