Chapter 13: Doubts

In any battle, even a single moment of carelessness—even one unnecessary word—can overturn the entire situation, leaving the one who slipped up to taste the bitter dregs of defeat in despair.

Even if the situation had already become one-sided.

Even if I’d already lost all means to fight back.

That truth remained unchanged.

Even I, with my limited experience, understood that now.

So how could that hooded figure—who’d moved so fast and without a shred of hesitation—not understand it as well?

Then why hadn’t he simply finished me off?

Could it be… that he’d discovered I was a lich?

And, knowing that, considered me one of his own kind?

I remembered that when he’d pinned me down, I’d definitely heard him say “You—”

Oh god!

But there was no way I could tell this priest about that.

For a moment, I had no idea how to answer his question.

“Hm?

What’s wrong…

Don’t tell me you’re worried we might suspect you have some connection to the culprit?

Haha, don’t be nervous.

I heard from Hans that you came here with Warren, who visits the village a few times every year.

Given that, why would we suspect you?”

Noticing my hesitation and likely my slightly stiff expression, the priest offered a gentle, reassuring smile.

“I’m simply curious if he did anything else at that moment.

For instance… did he say something?

Or try to do something?”

“I—”

Creak—

The door opened.

“I’m back.”

Just then, Warren arrived with a change of clothes for me, unintentionally saving me from having to answer.

“We’ll step out for a moment, then.

Let Miss Rosa change first, and we’ll continue the questioning after.”

Frey seized the opportunity to address the priest and the others.

“Very well.

We’ll wait outside.”

The priest nodded and left with the rest.

Warren, Frey—you two are lifesavers!

But even if they’d bought me some time, what was I supposed to say?

How could I avoid arousing suspicion?

I couldn’t think of anything.

Sigh, I had no idea what to do.

Forget it—I’d just deny it outright!

That should be fine.

What did I have to worry about with Karin’s necklace around my neck?

I clutched the pendant and steadied myself.

After I’d changed and came back out—

“About that earlier question…

He didn’t do anything.

He’d just grabbed me when you all arrived.”

I tried to sound calm.

“What are you two talking about?”

Warren asked, puzzled.

“The priest was asking me about the details of the attack.”

“Oh.”

“Ah, good.

Thank you for your answer.”

The priest gazed out the window, seemingly deep in thought.

“Then it’s rather strange.

Why didn’t he attack you?”

I couldn’t help but flinch slightly.

“Maybe because Rosa’s just a little girl, and the culprit had a moment of mercy?”

That was Warren.

“Or perhaps because we’re outsiders and not within his target range.”

That was Frey.

Frey’s guess was definitely more plausible than Warren’s.

“Both of your theories are not without merit.

But with so little information, it’s truly hard to determine his intentions.”

The priest sighed.

“However, there are other, more important questions besides that one.

Why did that hooded man use throwing knives rather than dark magic?

If he weren’t a user of dark power, he shouldn’t have given off such a strong aura.

And why would he kill someone from our village?

We haven’t offended anyone as far as I know.”

“We don’t need to figure out his motives or his methods.

Since that bastard killed one of ours, he’s our enemy.

But since we can’t track him down now, all we can do is wait for the lord’s forces.”

Hans spoke through gritted teeth, clearly furious at the culprit.

“Indeed.”

The priest maintained his smile and turned to the two guards.

“What do you two think?

Any more questions to add?”

“No, that’s all…

Very well, Mayor, we’ve heard enough.”

The guard addressed the priest.

“We’ve confirmed your report.

We believe the culprit will strike again.

We’ll head back at dawn to inform the lord and request a search of the forest.

Until then, we hope you’ll take precautions yourselves.”

With that, the two guards left.

Wait—this young priest was the village mayor?

“H-hold on.

You’re the mayor?

Then what about Mayor Krof?”

Warren exclaimed in surprise—he clearly didn’t know this man either.

“I was planning to tell you later, Warren.”

Uncle Hans stepped forward, his expression somber.

“This priest’s name is Elf, the mayor’s son.

As for Mayor Olof… he was killed the night before last.

Elf and I were the first to arrive.

He was in the same situation as this young lady—he saw a person emanating dark aura.”

So the news had originated from this village.

That hooded figure was indeed the reason the entire region was under lockdown.

“I never imagined…”

After hearing Uncle Hans’s explanation, Warren turned to Elf.

“I’m so sorry.

Please accept my condolences.”

“It’s alright.”

Elf replied calmly.

“After Mayor Olof passed, we elected Elf as our acting mayor,” Uncle Hans continued.

“Don’t let his youth fool you—his healing magic is exceptionally strong, and he’s very sharp.”

“Is that so… I don’t think I’ve ever met Elf before.”

“It’s not surprising you don’t know me.

I usually stay home studying magic and don’t come out much,” Elf replied.

As we talked inside, the noise outside grew louder.

A crowd of villagers who’d heard the commotion had gathered.

“I’m sorry, but I need to step out for a moment.”

Elf went outside and began addressing the assembled villagers.

“I apologize, everyone.

This is my fault.

I misjudged the situation, thinking the culprit wouldn’t return, so I stationed very few people on patrol.

That led to today’s tragedy and cost a villager their life.

This was due to my inexperience.

Starting tomorrow, I’ll organize more men and tighten our defenses.

Please rest assured.

For now, everyone should go home.

We’ll discuss more tomorrow.”

Elf’s tone was sincere.

The villagers gradually dispersed after hearing the promise of increased security.

It seemed they truly trusted their new mayor—not a shred of doubt among them.

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