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6:35 p.m.
Ka-cha!
A door opened and Vivian, with her suitcase on her hand, stepped intointo a one-bedroom apartment located on the 2nd floor. The room featured a medieval architecture, but it had a touch of Ironian influence.
A male non-Priest employee gestured his hand over a Magic Panel next to the entrance door.
"There is an Instruction Manual on how to operate the room's necessities by the Main Magic Panel, Honored Priestess Inquisitor," he said in Zonian.
Vivian didn't turn to him.
The employee then gestured his hand over a string next to the Magic Panel.
"But in case you need more assistance, you may pull this, and a personal butler and maid assigned to you will come right away."
Vivian finally turned to him.
"Wait outside and close the door. I will need 10 minutes."
The employee lowered his head.
"Yes, Honored Priestess Inquisitor."
Ku-chud.
And then closed the door.
She placed her suitcase down, removed her boots, placed her boots on the side, and then put on a pair of house sandals.
Heh~…
So the Holy Kingdom and the Iron Kingdom practice house slippers…?
Well…
Technically, not all houses or households in the Holy Kingdom…
It wasn't a thing on Basic Training and at the Inquisitory Division's Headquarters…
But at She'kel Village, at least with bedrooms, there was…
After wearing the house sandals, she picked up her suitcase, placed it on top of a cushioned bench located at the bottom end of her two-person bed, and then opened it.
My hair is always a mess after flying…
She grabbed a comb, and then removed her cloak and mask before heading over to the bathroom-toilet.
Hopefully, the mirror in the bathroom is clean enough…
I really hate it when I have to clean the mirror...
But as she was heading over to the bathroom, she noticed a few things.
What…?
The first thing she noticed was a long trash can next to a basket for dirty clothes. The long trash can had 3 holes in it and each had a symbol and writing.
The first hole had a "block of wood" drawing below the hole and a writing below the drawing: "Does not spoil / Iro-Does iro-not iro-spoil".
The second hole had a "sword and wine glass" drawing and a writing: "Glass and Metal / Iro-Glass iro-and iro-Metal".
And the third hole had a "leaf" drawing and a writing: "Spoil / Iro-Spoil".
These people are aware of the concept of recycling…?
I don't remember seeing this type of awareness anywhere…
Not even in the Holy City…
Vivian turned to the door of the bathroom-toilet.
It seems bigger…
About 1.5 times bigger compared to the at Fredo Village, Plano Town and She'kel Village…
Ka-cha!
When she opened the door, her eyes widened.
"Oh…"
There was a bathroom, a toilet, and a small private sauna.
Right…
There was a sauna at She'kel Village, specifically, at the Branch Chapter Temple compound…
But I never got to use it because it was a shared one…
One for females…
And one for males…
Even if I didn't have to hide my identity, I'll be damned if I'll share one with the public…
Who knows what disgusting habits and diseases they have…
Peeing, spitting, farting in the water…
"Yuck..."
She focused on the small and private sauna.
But this…
I'd like to try this…
But how do I use --…?
She suddenly remembered what the employee told her.
Instruction Manual…
Vooom!
She rushed to the Magic Panel next to the entrance door of her room.
She raised an eyebrow.
Instruction Manual...
And House Rules…?
***
6:53 p.m.
Holy Crusade Squad's Meeting Room, Temple of Priests Building, Gru'n Town.
Knock, knock.
There was a knock on the door.
Ka-cha!
It opened and Vivian stepped in. She had an envelope on her hand as she swept her gaze around her surroundings.
She noticed two people at the long table stacked with documents: a female White Cloak Inquisitor and a dark-skinned male wearing a Crusader armor set, both of which have blue hair and appeared to be in their late 20s.
There are 5 people in the Squad…
2 Inquisitors…
3 Infantry…
Pen gave her a document about the case and the people involved in it, so she more or less had a rough idea.
The female Inquisitor…
She must be Inquisitor Mabel…
And the black man…
That must be Lieutenant Jamaal…
She went towards them. And as she was heading towards them, she could feel their eyes as if they were sizing her up or something.
She saluted once she reached them.
"I am Sister Inquisitor Monad. And may the God of Light always watch over you, Brother, Sister."
She placed the envelope she was carrying on top of the table.
"I was sent here by Brother Inquisitor Pen to assist Brother Inquisitor Song and his Squad."
The Inquisitor and the Crusader looked at each other for a moment before returning their glances to Vivian.
The Crusader got up and saluted.
"Welcome, Sister Inquisitor Monad. I am Brother Lieutenant Jamaal of the Infantry Division. And may the God of Light always watch over you as well," he said in a Heisen accent and smiled.
The Inquisitor got up and then grabbed the envelope. However, she didn't open the envelope and only checked the seal at the front and the address at the back. And after checking the envelope, she returned her gaze to Vivian and then finally saluted.
"Welcome, Sister. I am Sister Inquisitor Mabel and may the God of Light always watch over you as well. Brother Inquisitor Song and the others are currently out and will be back soon," she said in a Holinian accent.
"I see. So should I just wait here or in my room?"
"They'll be back any time soon, so just wait here."
"Okay," Vivian said and then turned away to head over to the lounging area.
"Hold on for a moment, Sister," Mabel said.
Vivian stopped and then turned to her, but she didn't say anything.
"Brother Inquisitor Song mentioned to me this morning that an Inquisitor will arrive here tomorrow morning to join our Squad. Why happened to the schedule?"
Vivian's brows knitted together.
"I was originally scheduled to arrive tomorrow morning, but I decided to just come early. Is there something wrong?"
Mabel shook her head.
"Nothing is wrong. Just wondering."
Vivian resumed heading over to the lounging area.
***
7:29 p.m.
Vivian, who was still sitting at the lounging area, while Mabel and Jamaal were still at the long table, glanced at the clock.
It's already 7:29 p.m…
So we're not attending the Evening Banquet, huh…
She glanced at Mabel and Jamaal.
Are they not hungry…?
I should've eaten back at the airport…
I might as--….
Her brows suddenly knitted together.
What's wrong with their facial expressions…?
I mean, I can only see Jamaal's expressions because his face isn't covered with a mask…
However, there is a heavy feeling on them…
It's as if they're worried…
And if they're worried, why are they worried…?
Does it have anything to do with Brother Inquisitor Song…?
She shook her head mentally.
Whatever…
I honestly couldn't care any less…
But I am hungry, though…
She stood up.
"I'm going to change my mask and order some dinner," she said and then headed for the door without waiting for a reply.
***
7:47 p.m.
Vivian was sitting at the round table near the kitchen area and eating dinner.
Sip.
She placed down her knife and fork after finishing the dishes in front of her, which enough for 4 people, and then picked up a glass of wine.
After tasting a sip, she got up with her wine glass, grabbed a bottle of wine, and then headed to the lounging area.
When she reached the lounging area, she sat down at one of the one-person sofas that faced the entrance door.
The Meeting Room's setup was basically the same as the one from the Meeting Room in She'kel Village, except for 2 things: although it still featured a medieval aesthetic, it had the touch of Ironian architecture, and the paintings and vases were also different.
Vivian let out a small yawn.
I want to sleep…
Sip.
She took a small sip from her wine glass and then looked at the paintings.
Not bad, I guess…
She focused on the other things, such as the vases, the wallpaper, the sofa she was sitting and the rest of the furniture around her, etc.
Is it…?
Sniff, sniff.
I just realized it…
Even back in my room…
It doesn't have that moldy smell…
I mean, not that the one on She'kel Village had nothing but a strong, moldy smell…
There was some sort of air freshener in the rooms, but you could still smell that moldy smell of wood, especially in the hallway, not to mention all of the scratches and blemishes developed through time…
But here…
She touched the left armrest of the one-person sofa she was sitting on.
Although the furniture here is also old and top quality, it isn't that old compared to the ones at She'kell Village…
Sniff, sniff.
Even the moldy smell isn't that strong…
Sip.
She took another sip from her wine glass.
Well…
To be fair…
The Holy Kingdom is the source or main base of the Temple of Priests…
And although I don't know when exactly all of its Towns and Villages were created, what I do know is that the Holy Kingdom was finally recognized as a Kingdom around 1050-1100 A.M., around the time of the 6th Light Saint, Light Saint Mes'tea…
Meanwhile, for the Iron Kingdom, I also don't know when its Towns and Villages were created…
All I know is that it was already the called Iron City before 250 A.M. before a man named Dank'rad became the King of the Iron Kingdom…
And then at around 1750 A.M., the Iron Kingdom became a Subsidiary Kingdom under the Holy Kingdom and the Twin Kingdom, around the time of the 20th Light Saint, Light Saint -- I can't remember the name…
She let out a sigh.
Too much information to remember…
Sip.
She took another sip.
What was the name…?
She tried to recall it.
I seriously can't remember…
She let out another sigh.
It's times like this you wish you had a phone and an internet…
I really took those things for granted…
Sip.
She took a sip from her wine glass and noticed that it was already half-empty.
A small smile broke out on her lips.
Back in my world, I rarely drink alcohol…
Yet here…
I've become an alcoholic…
Like what the hell…?
How far I've fallen…
But then again, do I have a choice…?
This world isn't like my original world where you can literally find anything to spend your time with or be busy with…
What was the saying again…?
Idle hands is the Devil's hand…?
Idle hands is the Devil's time…?
Idle hands give time to the Devil…?
Invites the Devil…?
Vivian's face turned pale.
Oh God…
I'm losing knowledge…
Holy shit…
I'm seriously losing knowledge…
And I haven't even been in this world for a year…
"Fucking hell…"
Idle hands invite the Devil's time…?
Idle hands invite--…
"Sister Inquisitor…" Jamaal said.
Vivian quickly turned to him and then noticed that he was speaking to Mabel.
"It's already 8:00 p.m. and they've been away since 4:00 p.m… I don't think this is normal…" he said.
Mabel didn't say anything and continued staring blankly at the surface of the table in front of her.
"I believe they would've at least sent out Brother Captain Kian or Brother High Lieutenant Stale to give us some updates by now…"
Mabel raised her gaze and met Jamaal's eyes.
"Call High Brother Korn for me."
Jamaal got up from his seat and then saluted.
"Yes, Sister Inquisitor!" he said and then exited the room.
Mabel turned to Vivian.
"Sister Inquisitor."
Vivian didn't say anything and simply stared at her.
"Come sit here with me."
Vivian's face twitched a bit behind her mask, but she ignored it. However, before heading over to Mabel, she filled her half-empty wine glass.
Sip.
When she sat down at the long table, she continued not to say anything and took a sip.
Mabel's gaze focused on the wine glass for a moment before finally focusing on Vivian's face.
"How much do you know about the case?"
Sip.
"Just the basics."
"Normally, we would have to wait for the Commanding Officer to recognize your position. But since Brother Inquisitor Song or any of the high-ranking Squad members aren't here, this leaves me no choice. I'll give you a quick rundown of the case and where we're currently at…" Mabel said and then began explaining.
***
8:01 p.m.
Espiritu Town, Marbleam Kingdom.
A female Crusader with a [Halo] spell on her back and a riding a green-colored Draghorn was descending from a rainy night sky to a Branch Chapter Temple's compound. And when she finally landed on the ground, she quickly deactivated her [Halo] and climbed down from the Draghorn.
A Guard approached her and then saluted. Since it was already past 7:00 p.m., all the Priests at the Branch Chapter Temple were attending the Evening Banquet, leaving only the non-Priest employees to be available.
"Honored Priestess Crusader!" he said in Marbleamean.
The female Crusader removed her helmet, revealing her face, and then saluted back.
"I am Sister High Sergeant Juana of the Air Division. You don't have to inform the assigned Brother or Sister to come meet me if they're not available, but kindly record my arrival on the flight logs. I came here under special orders and will be in this Town for the next 24 hours to visit the Toledano family."
"Yes, Honored Priestess High Sergeant Crusader!"
Juana put her helmet back on and then climbed on Pipi before flying away.
***
8:12 p.m.
Toledano FamilyEstate Mansion, Esipiritu Town.
Juana, who was still riding on the back of Pipi, was descending to a wide and open space in the backyard of a two-story mansion.
When she finally landed on the ground and was climbing down her mount, a male caretaker in his mid-30s rushed over to her and then lowered his head.
"Welcome back, Honored Lady Mistress…!" he said in Marbleamean and there was a hint of surprise and sadness in his voice.
Pat, pat.
Juana gently patted Pipi and then turned to the man.
"Thank you, Saul. Please take Pipi to the stables."
Saul lowered his head once again.
"Yes, Honored Lady Mistress…!"
Juana headed towards an entrance of the mansion.
When she finally reached the interior of the mansion and out of the rain, she stopped and removed her helmet. She breathe in and swept her gaze around her surroundings, causing a small smile to break out on her lips.
Finally home…
As she began walking, a butler in his late 50s and two maids; one in her mid-30s and the other in her early 30s, appeared at the end of a hallway and were heading towards her.
Her eyes brightened.
Second Head Butler Oriol…
Belen and Naia…
But she got closer to them, she started to notice a few things.
Although Oriol was wearing his usual passive expression, his steps, despite still carrying an elegance that can only be found in high-class veteran butlers, seemed a bit faster that the maids behind him were struggling to match his pace.
Meanwhile, the maids, aside from struggling to match Oriol's pace, their eyes were red and they had a sad expression on their faces.
When Juana finally reached them, Oriol, Belen and Naia immediately stopped and greeted her: Oriol gave an elegant butler's bow, while Belen and Naia gave an elegant maid's curtsy.
"Welcome back, Honored Lady Mistress Juana," Oriol said and then raised his head. "Your family just received the news of Honored Lord Carlos about an hour ago and is still gathered at the main lounge. They have yet to discuss about informing you. Shall I take you to them?"
Juana knitted her brows.
"What do you mean? What happened to Brother Carlos?"
***
Juana entered the main lounge and her eyes were watery as she was holding back her tears.
The main lounge was a large and spacious room decorated with high-class and antique furniture along with paintings of their most accomplished family members, and was located on the first floor of the mansion. This was one of the main areas in the mansion, where they would receive guests with whom they weren't yet close but would like to present a positive impression.
She swept her gaze around and saw her family members along with some butlers and maids:
Her grandparents from her paternal side -- Eloy, who was in his mid-90s, and Paloma, in her early 90s.
And her parents -- Jairo, who was in his mid-60s, and Isabella, in her early 60s.
Paloma and Isabella were sitting on a three-person sofa, and were crying, hugging, and consoling each other. There were a few maids surrounding them with sad expressions and trying their best to hold back their tears.
Eloy was sitting on a one-person sofa and was covering his eyes with his hand. And there was a butler and a maid standing near him.
And lastly, Jairo was standing in a corner. Although his face held a serious expression, his eyes betrayed him -- they were lightless, watery and puffy.
Out of everyone there, only her father noticed her and his eyes not only regained some of their light but also widened.
"Juana…?"
Juana rushed over to him and held onto his clothes.
"Father, tell me the truth…!" she cried while trying her best to keep her voice from cracking and tears falling from her eyes.
Jairo opened his mouth for a moment, swallowed, and then pursed his lips.
"Please take a seat for a moment," he said and tried to escort her to one of the vacant sofas.
Juana resisted but continued to hold onto her father's White Cloak.
"Tell me it isn't true, father…!"
When Eloy, Paloma and Isabella heard Juana's voice, they quickly turned to her.
Paloma and Isabella rushed over to Juana and then hugged her.
"Juana…!" they both cried out.
"Grandmother, mother…!" Juana said and then tears began flowing down her her cheeks. "Grandmother, mother, please tell me it isn't true…!"
"We just received the news… your brother Carlos… he was killed with True Death during a Field Mission at Mount Vald'mir…!" Isabella said.
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Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed this chapter!
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