Chapter 76.1
Orc Hero Story
As night fell inside Stormhill Castle, Thunder Sonia felt anxious. She roamed one of the rooms assigned to the elves, occasionally scratching her head.
Then, a woman entered the room. It was Bougainvillea, once known as the ace of the elven army’s assassin unit.
“Bougainvillea, has she revealed anything?”
“No, either she’s protected by demon magic, or she doesn’t know the exact location.”
“We’ve found a lead thanks to Bash!”
Under the voices of Thunder Sonia and Nazar, meticulous investigations into the Human and Elven women in the city had revealed that one of the women Bash had approached was Lyra, suspected of aiding Poplatica and affiliated with the “Torrential Rain.” When they attempted to interrogate her on-site, Lyra tried to escape but was apprehended. An elven unit discovered her identity and subjected her to an interrogation while immobilized. The interrogation wasn’t a chivalrous matter following an agreement; it was a full-blown interrogation using forbidden substances and magic, which went against the treaty. It could be considered torture.
If this interrogation had revealed that Bash was involved in dark or gray activities, another interrogation would have been carried out on him, revealing Bash’s sexual experiences and exposing him as a virgin, which would be dangerous. If it had turned out that way, the Orc Hero, who had been subjected to such a humiliating interrogation, would have been infuriated and probably invaded the Siwanasi Forest or launched an attack on Krassell. It was a dangerous bridge for everyone.
However, after such an interrogation, Lyra eventually provided information. She disclosed her connection with Poplatica and how she and a group of conspirators were also in the vicinity. Their intention was to obtain the Scriptures, and she told them everything she knew. Yet crucial points, such as where the Scriptures were and when Poplatica’s group would attack, remained unknown. It was unclear if she genuinely didn’t know or if she had measures in place to prevent her from answering during the interrogation due to demon magic. In any case, the critical information remained elusive.
“Hasn’t Nazar returned yet?! Where are the Scriptures? We’ll win as long as we protect them, no matter when they come!”
While Thunder Sonia directed Lyra’s interrogation, Nazar also went into action. He woke up individuals affiliated with the church and pressed them to reveal the location of the Scriptures. However, he had not returned yet. Bougainvillea was providing updates on the situation.
“It seems difficult. They say it’s in a place called the ‘Cathedral’, but not even the prince can disclose its exact location…”
“Are they willing to let their own Scriptures be stolen?!”
“They insist on protecting them themselves without relying on other races. Apparently, they are quite confident, saying they have repelled attacks before…”
“Aaah, damn it! The Human Church is an exclusively male organization, right?! I know that! But, although I don’t know how the previous attacks went, this time the enemy has the ‘Hissing Voice’ with them! There’s no way they can defend the Scriptures!”
“Apologies for the delay.”
While Thunder Sonia was shouting, Nazar returned. Entering a woman’s room without knocking was an etiquette breach, but it was an emergency, so no one said anything. Even if it hadn’t been an emergency, Thunder Sonia probably wouldn’t have said anything. Well, she might demand responsabilities.
“How did it go!?”
“Not well. I also consulted with the Chancellor, and he said that if the other races couldn’t do anything, he would send his troops as reinforcements to the church…”
“But they’re all men, right? It’s prohibited for women!”
“…Yes, it’s likely.”
“And the fool is serving them on a silver platter!? Besides, if he’s sending troops, that means the Chancellor knows the location, right?! Why won’t he tell you?! Are they conspiring!? Are all the Humans working with the conspirators!?”
“Lady Thunder Sonia, please, calm down. If you say that to a royal member of another kingdom, it could turn into an international issue!”
It was a troublesome statement, but Nazar didn’t care. There was no choice but to take it that way. In any case, the Church wasn’t cooperating, and the Chancellor was being passive. At first, Humans seemed skeptical about Gediguz’s resurrection, but at the summit, they appeared to want to prevent it if it were true. Later, it felt like they were being evasive, but, in any case, the current situation was frustrating, making them wonder what the summit was for in the first place.
“I’m sorry. If only I had more power…”
“Don’t mind me, it’s okay. I went too far as well. But you see, there’s a possibility the attack might happen tonight. If their operative was captured, they’ll act quickly or flee, right? We need to anticipate their moves.”
“……”
“At the very least, if I go, I can hold off Carrot. Otherwise, it won’t even be a fight…” Thunder Sonia’s voice trembled.
Bash had given them a lead, and they had identified one of the spies. They were so close to thwarting their plans. But they couldn’t take the necessary step.
And at that moment, there was a knock at the door.
“Who is it? It’s late, and I’m busy right now! Come back later!”
“I have an urgent matter to convey.”
From the other side of the door, an elegant voice was heard. It was a voice they recognized, though they weren’t close friends. They had heard this voice just half a year ago.
“Is that you, Silviana?”
Upon opening the door, they found Silviana, the Beast Princess with fox ears and a generously endowed chest that Thunder Sonia could never hope to have.