Chapter 148 – The Cult and the Demon

Several days had passed since I’d gathered materials based on the recipe Rosemary gave me, created the medicine, and delivered it.

Since there had been developments, I headed to the Royal Castle and met with Derek, the Magic Inquisitor with the Kaiser Mustache, along with King Melvin.

“Ambassador-san, it’s been too long. Thanks to you, my daughter is growing up healthy and strong,” he said with a cheerful smile. He was referring to the incident with Roy. After that case, Derek had come once to thank me, but that had been the last time we’d spoken.

Though to be honest… I wasn’t the one actually active in Termwills.

“That’s good to hear. Since I wasn’t the one who actually protected your daughter, I’ll pass along your words to them.”

When I said this, Derek’s expression softened.

“Then please give my regards to the young ladies as well.”

“Indeed. Now, let us get to the main topic.”

The main topic – meaning the report on what had been discovered through the Magical Inquisition of the cult members. Derek adjusted his Kaiser Mustache with his fingers as he spoke.

“It seems they gathered in Termwills after receiving instructions via letters from someone called the Cult Leader.”

The fact that the Cult Leader’s name didn’t come up… was probably because whether it was truth or lies, it wasn’t something that could be verified.

“Instructions by letter… Where was the Cult Leader at that time?”

“Unknown. We should probably assume they don’t know either. Apparently, the Cult Leader has been missing for several years, claiming it was for important rituals and training, and the followers have been eagerly awaiting his return.”

“Missing…”

“During that time, it seems he’s been sending instructions through a close confidant. That confidant… apparently led them to Termwills.”

Just because his whereabouts were unknown didn’t mean the Cult Leader himself hadn’t come to Termwills… But even if that were the case, it would mean the followers didn’t know his location.

“They’re still maintaining unity despite that? If it were me, I’d suspect that confidant had disposed of the Cult Leader and was acting freely.”

“It seems to be related to the Tattoos as well. Apparently, only the Cult Leader knows how to make the materials needed to apply the Tattoos, and those are sent along with the letters. As long as the Tattoos function, the Cult Leader must be alive. Given that, the followers probably don’t doubt the Cult Leader’s survival.”

I see. As long as the Technique applied by the Cult Leader remains active, the logic is that the Cult Leader must also be alive.

If that’s the case, then there must be some kind of magical connection between the Tattoos and the Cult Leader. Even in his absence, as long as the Tattoo creation method and rituals follow the proper procedures, they function correctly.

“What about their hideout?”

“We managed to identify it to some extent.”

“But that turned out to be a dead end,” King Melvin took over from Derek.

“They were using an empty house near where the sacrifices were found as their base. But after the Failure of the Orphanage attack, it seems they moved out after performing their rituals.”

“In terms of sequence, we discovered the sacrifices first, then confirmed it through Magical Inquisition.”

They moved first after the attack failed. That means even the ones we captured alive don’t know where they’re hiding now.

“I’ve tried to predict when they might make their next move.”

“Oh?”

“I’m considering the possibility they’ll act when the Sealed Door is opened.”

“…Meaning the Cult is connected to Zevion and Luceriage’s group? They’re waiting for when our forces are divided between the Spirit Hall and Termwills.”

King Melvin made a sour face.

“It’s possible they’re unrelated. But it’s better to assume the worst.”

“Indeed…”

The Demons so far had been sending in small elite forces. I had thought this was because the Demons lacked methods to infiltrate the Barrier and couldn’t attack with numbers… But if the followers can serve as combat forces, that simply means they have more pieces to move.

It’s possible they might launch multi-pronged attacks, with Demons infiltrating the Labyrinth while simultaneously conducting sabotage operations against important facilities throughout the city.

“I propose requesting cooperation from the Temple, distributing Aerial Combat Gear to skilled individuals, and providing training.”

“So we’re assuming multiple Demons will appear.”

“Based on my experience fighting them, the combat power of followers with activated Tattoos doesn’t reach that of Demons and didn’t feel particularly threatening… But we should assume they might be Enhanced through rituals.”

“That’s something only you can say, Ambassador-san.”

Derek gave a somewhat exasperated wry smile.

“I understand the situation. We’ll continue to be vigilant about the followers’ activities. As for me… I’ll do my best to ensure you can focus on the matters before you. I’ll tell Alfred the same.”

Meaning the country won’t request Alfred to create things like Aerial Combat Gear, but will prepare them independently.

So they won’t burden Alfred, allowing me to focus my efforts on Demon countermeasures… That’s probably what it means.

Right. First, I should hurry to complete Grace’s Axe.

“As for me… I’m somewhat curious about this so-called confidant. They’re probably the one who sacrificed their comrades.”

“…Indeed. They’re quite a disagreeable individual.”

The Orphanage attack and the sacrifice ritual. I don’t know how much was the Cult Leader’s instructions and how much was the confidant’s command… Well, they’re both the same.

“Apparently, the one sacrificed was one of the group that carried out the Orphanage attack. The one who escaped when the alarm sounded was chosen as the sacrifice.”

So it served as both punishment and warning. If it were me, I’d think withdrawing when the alarm sounds would be the wiser course of action.

But in Demon worship, such caution might be perceived as something only cowardly, dishonorable people would do.

“Regardless, if they’re in Termwills, I want to crush them thoroughly.”

“I agree. Regardless of the missing Cult Leader, losing that confidant would be a significant blow to the Cult.”

That would hold true whether they’re connected to the Demons or not.

“I feel bad having you prepare so many different things for me.”

Claudia, who had shown up, voiced this impression after seeing the state of the basement. Since furniture had been brought in and it was properly arranged, I had told her she could come directly to the basement from now on.

As the Otherworld Ambassador, I should probably have a Guesthouse prepared, but I suspect Claudia wouldn’t want that since she prefers not to stand out.

“Anyway, feel free to use whatever’s in the basement.”

“…Thank you. I’ll take good care of it.”

Claudia said with a smile.

Well. Now that Claudia has come too… I decided to invite her to the living room and discuss what we learned today.

“…I see. So that means it would be better not to restrain the Guardians of the Spirit Hall on that day?”

“That’s right. Though it will depend on the Cult’s future movements. They might turn out to be unrelated, or the Cult might be captured before that day.”

It seemed Claudia intended to restrain the Guardians’ movements on the day of the Seal liberation, just like last time. But with the possibility of simultaneous multi-pronged attacks, it would be better to preserve Claudia’s power.

The reason is simple. With Claudia’s cooperation, I can perform highly flexible transfers between Termwills and the Labyrinth, meaning I can directly confront any powerful Demon that appears anywhere. For example, even if they feint an attack on the Spirit Hall while the main Demon appears in the city, I can still deal with it. The reverse is also true.

If they could mobilize multiple powerful Demons from the start, if I were them, I wouldn’t use Cult followers at all. If they reveal their movements and show their hand, it becomes easier for the opponent to predict their actions.

So regardless of what they’re plotting, I intend to force them into the same pattern as before. They might try to deduce our methods from what they’ve learned so far, but whether it’s the Communication Device or the flexibility of transfers, these are cards they don’t know about.

“So for that reason, though it’s unfortunate for Claudia and everyone in the Labyrinth village, I’d be happy if you could cooperate.”

“I told you before. Cooperating with you aligns with my purpose.”

Claudia said with her eyes closed.

I get the feeling that this purpose of hers probably isn’t something that would disadvantage us.

“Still. Even with all these preparations, you still intend to confront the main force yourself, don’t you?”

“I’ve decided that if they cause trouble within my sight, I’ll crush them. It’s much easier on my mind than leaving it to others.”

“…I see. I understand. Starting from the day before, I’ll join you in your activities.”

“Understood.”

Well. My discussion with Claudia is finished. I think Irmhild wants to talk with Claudia too, so I’ll end our discussion about the Labyrinth here.