Fredo Village (2)

1:41 p.m.

Basilio was sitting behind a desk inside his office and looking out the window. The sky stopped raining but it remained cloudy.

Knock.

Knock.

Hearing the knock on the door, he turned his head and saw Milagros.

"High Brother Basilio, mar-the mar-guests mar-from mar-the Third Inner Stanza Border Checkpoint mar-are mar-here mar-to mar-see mar-you," she said in the Marbleamean language.

Whenever a Brother or Sister from the Holy Crusade arrives at a village, town, city or any area where there's a Chapter Temple, they are required to meet at least with one of the High Brothers in charge of that area.

"Mar-Please mar-let mar-them mar-in, mar-sister. Mar-Thank mar-you."

Milagros left and then a short moment later, Vivian and Finley entered.

Basilio stood up from his seat.

"Welcome, Sister Inquisitor and brother. I am High Brother Basilio, one of the Red Cloaks in charge of the Branch Chapter Temple here in Fredo Village and may the God of Light watch over you," he said and smiled.

Vivian saluted.

"Thank you, High Brother Basilio. I am Sister Inquisitor Monad of the Third Inner Stanza Border Checkpoint and may the God of Light watch over you as well."

Finley saluted.

"Thank you, High Brother Basilio. I am Brother Sergeant Finley of the Third Inner Stanza Border Checkpoint and may the God of Light watch over you as well."

"Please, let's have a seat over there," Basilio said and gestured over to the lounging area at the corner of the room.

Vivian and Finley went over there and sat at one of the sofas. 

"The snacks and tea will be served shortly," Basilio said as he joined them and sat on the other sofa.

"Thank you for the offer, but I've just eaten," Vivian said who was wearing her Inquisitor Half-Mask.

"Same here," Finley said.

Basilio nodded.

"So to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?"

Vivian told him the reason for her visit while Finley told him about the strange behavior of the monsters on their way here.

***

Sometime later…

"I see…" Basilio said and nodded. "To be honest, I have never heard of anything this strange behavior of monsters that you're talking about. However, speaking of strange, now that you mentioned it, there was an incident at the Mobius Mountains which was discovered only yesterday."

"An incident?" Vivian asked quizzically.

"A rogue settlement located at the Mobius Mountains was attacked. And one of the strange things found in the crime scene is that there are no survivors or bodies except for a single Lesser Chaos demon-worshiper corpse that's less than 50% complete so we can't use [Resurrection] on it.

"Due to the lack of evidence because it's a rogue settlement and there's no way for any of the local authorities to track any of the rogue settlers who enter and leave in such places, this Branch Chapter Temple, the local Knights Chapter and the local office of the Aristocratic Noble family already plan to dismiss the case as rogue settlers fighting each other as usual.

"As you already know, rogue settlers killing each other is nothing new. Although rogue settlements are breeding grounds for bandits, demons, heretics and the like, the local authorities don't really need to purge them most of the time because they usually end up purging themselves with their infighting and demon-summoning rituals."

Vivian's brows knitted together.

"What does it have to do with the aggressive monsters? Also, you mentioned, '…one of the strange things found in the crime scene…' What did you mean by that?"

Basilio mused for a moment.

"To be honest, I don't know. I just randomly thought about it. Maybe this is just me getting old and not seeing any real adventure for years or at least something that could my blood boil that's causing my imagination to run wild?

"I used to be part of the Exploratory Division back in the day, you see -- visiting unknown places, meeting rare species and unearthing long-lost secrets was my life. But ever since I retired from the Holy Crusade and became a Red Cloak, I've been trapped here and doing nothing but endless paperwork and meetings. But at least I get to spend more time with my family, especially my grandchildren. So that's a plus."

Vivian nodded.

"I see," she said and gave a slight bow. "Thank you for your service, High Brother. May the God of Light continue to watch over you and your family."

Finley gave a slight bow as well.

"Thank you for your service, High Brother. May the God of Light watch over you and your family." 

Basilio smiled and nodded.

"Thank you, Sister Inquisitor and Brother Sergeant. And as for the other strange thing that was found, it's a bit complicated. The thing is, one of the granddaughters of Baron Ricardo III, Lady Julietta, seems to be interested in what happened to that rogue settlement and she has made some staggering claims."

Vivian raised an eyebrow behind her mask.

"Staggering claims?"

Basilio let out a sigh.

"I'm not really sure what her real goal is. But given that she has submitted numerous reports since yesterday, I've already tuned out and started to think that maybe she's just playing a prank. But from what I remember, one of her most staggering claims is that a powerful Chaos Demon was the one who attacked the rogue settlement."

Finley's eyes became wide.

"A Chaos Demon…?!"

Although this world was plagued with demons, Greater Demons rarely interacted with beings outside the demon world. So most demon-worshipers and demon-kins that people get to interact with are Lesser Demons. In fact, the chances of a person meeting a Demon are akin to an average person of common birth having an audience with the Light Saint, King or Emperor. And when it comes to high-profile or powerful Priests and Knights, most of their Demon encounters were from Waves.

Seeing Finley's reaction, Basilio let out a chuckle with a helpless expression.

"However, she couldn't provide any evidence. In fact, she's the only one reporting this."

"High Brother, you mentioned that this Branch Chapter Temple along with the local Knights Chapter and the local office of the Aristocratic Noble family already plans to dismiss the case as nothing other than rogue settlers fighting each other as usual. Was this decision made by you and the other two High Brothers?" Vivian said.

He turned to her and a puzzled look flashed across his face.

"High Brother Carlos is currently at Marbleam City and will be back in a week so he hasn't been informed about this yet. Meanwhile, High Brother Hugo is a Gray Cloak and he prefers to leave the political decisions to us Red Cloaks. Nevertheless, I believe High Brother Carlos will support my decision. You believe her, Sister Inquisitor?" 

"Neither."

He nodded.

"I see. Nevertheless, given your status as an Inquisitor, I understand if you have some concerns. Although I've only been a Red Cloak for 3 years, I've spent decades in the Exploratory Division where I've heard or received so many reports, stories or legends that could stir anyone's imagination, regardless of their age. Unfortunately, most of the the time, such claims are birth from misinformation or personal biases, even if [Halo] is used."

One of the "flaws" of [Halo] is that the information is limited to the target's knowledge. For example, if a person believes he saw a ghost, whether it was true or not, the fact that the person believes he saw a ghost would make him claim under oath that he saw a ghost even if he was questioned with [Halo].

"But High Brother, for someone to claim that there's a Chaos Demon without any proof, even if they're an Aristocratic Noble, isn't that a bit too much? What are the Knights Chapter and local authorities doing?" Finley said.

Basilio shook his head.

"Lady Julietta is not only part of the main family of the Baron, but she's also one of his favored granddaughters. So there's really nothing I or we could do but wait until she gets bored or she finally produces concrete evidence," he said and then mused for a moment. "However, now that I think of it, I heard that her family is planning to announce her engagement with a family member of Lord Lozario, the Viscount and ruler of Plano Town and Tapa Village, at the upcoming Feugo Festival. And from what I heard -- and please take this with a grain of salt because I don't really pay anything attention to such topics -- she's not happy with it."

Finley's eyes became wide.

"So she's doing this to delay her engagement…?"

Basilio shook his head once again.

"Like I said, that's just what I heard."

"High Brother and Sister Inquisitor," Finley said, causing Basilio and Vivian to look at him. "I will admit, I'm from the Orion Chapter Temple so my judgment could be a bit biased regarding Lady Julietta's circumstance. But it's also important to note that Aristocratic Noble families can be quite ruthless in preserving their power. Moreover, the Marbleam Kingdom is an independent kingdom so it's not like the Holy Kingdom can exert its dominance. I mean… What I'm trying to say… What if she's telling the truth that there is a Demon…?"

Basilio nodded his head.

"I understand where you're coming from, Brother Sergeant. As a father and grandfather, I too love and care about my daughters and granddaughters and would want them to live a happy and fulfilled life.

"However, when it comes to rogue settlements, especially here in the Marbleam Kingdom, the main people who are in charge of purging such places are the local authorities, specifically the local Knights Chapter and the members of the ruling Aristocratic Noble family. The Temple of Priests can only intervene if it involves demons, the Cult of Infinity and heretical Priests, and if there's proof.

"But even if I or the entire Marbleam Chapter Temple decide to move, we still wouldn't be able to do that much.

"Rogue settlements are not recognized by any government so we don't have anyone assigned there to monitor who lives there, and who goes and leaves there. Moreover, rogue settlers live a nomadic lifestyle, so there isn't any point in assigning anyone there to monitor them. And even if we do manage to get a hold of the identities of these rogue settlers, given that they're rogue settlers, chances are, they're only related to other rogue settlers who share the same nomadic lifestyle. So whether or not what Lady Julietta said is true, our best course of action is to wait for the Demon to try to enter villages or towns."

Finley nodded with an apologetic expression on his face.

"I understand, High Brother."

Basilio turned to Vivian.

"So Sister Inquisitor, I was informed by Brother Frederico that you came here to purchase things. I can assign you someone trustworthy and knows everything in this village like the back of her hand. With her help, you will find everything you need."

Vivian gave a slight bow.

"Thank you, High Brother. That would be very helpful."

"High Brother, if you don't mind, there's something I'm confused about..." Finley said sheepishly.

Both Vivian and Basilio turned to him once again.

"I'm really sorry, High Brother and Sister Inquisitor, but as Priest, I just can't let rumors about a Chaos Demon go…"

The eyes of Vivian and Basilio met and they both reached a mutual understanding.

Vivian leaned back in her seat.

"Please ask your question, Brother Sergeant," Basilio said and smiled.

"How did anyone even know that the rogue settlement was attacked?"

"Well, some people go to the Mobius Mountains to train and hunt, such as Adventurers, Mercenaries, Nobles and even Aristocratic Nobles. In fact, the person who reported it was actually Lady Julietta."

"I see…" Finley said.

They continued chatting about other things until their meeting was done.

***

2:32 p.m.

Vivian exited a shop and was accompanied by a beautiful woman in her mid-20s.

Vivian was dressed in her usual attire -- she wore an Inquisitor Half-Mask, an Earring of Spirit on her right ear, a gold necklace around her neck and a White Cloak. Underneath her cloak, she wore a black short and fitting long-sleeved backless turtleneck dress, a pair of leather gloves, a belt pouch, and another pair of long-legged black leather boots that reached up to her thighs.

As for the woman, she had red hair and was dressed in a white blouse with a red brooch crystal necklace, black pants and brown leather boots.

"Rubi, take me to the next shop."

"Yes, Honored Priestess Inquisitor," the woman said and bowed before leading the way.

Rubi wasn't a Priestess but she was part of the external staff hired by the Branch Chapter Temple located here in the Fredo Village.

Since Branch Chapter Temple only exist in villages and towns, the number of Priests and Priestesses assigned to such places is limited. The one here in Fredo Village only had 28 members, all of whom were at least White Cloaks. There were no Brown Cloaks. The Brown Cloaks can only be found at Main Chapter Temples. Because of this, the Branch Chapter Temples had no choice but to hire outsiders to make the daily operations of the Temple easier. However, the Temple doesn't just hire any outsider. They would usually hire from the Aristocratic Noble Families in order to build rapport with the governing Aristocratic Noble family.

Needless to say, Rubi was part of Baron Ricardo F. Estana III's family. However, she didn't carry the Estana last name which was the main family. Instead, she carried the Fredo last name and her middle initial was the last name of her other parent because her inborn talents, specifically her Magic Arts and Lore Magic, weren't sufficient enough.

Rubi and Vivian stopped in front of a shop and then entered.

At the moment, Vivian was only window-shopping if the items she needed were available here in Fredo Village. If they weren't, she would continue her journey tomorrow and go to Estana Town.

***

2:54 p.m.

Vivian and Rubi were walking down a street and heading to another shop.

Rubi tried suggesting to Vivian to ride a carriage but Vivian declined because she wanted to see her surroundings. And plus, although the streets were wet, it was no longer raining but the skies remained cloudy opting Rubi to carry an umbrella with her just in case.

Vivian noticed something that caused her brows to knit together behind her mask as she was walking.

Is that a brothel…?

She wasn't an expert when it came to brothels because she never stepped into one even back in her original world, but she could at least recognize one or what looked like one.

The establishment was a two-story cheap-looking building with a huge main entrance. And standing in front of the main entrance were men in civilian clothing, Adventurer gear and Guard gear holding a drink in their hand and chatting with some ladies of the night. She assumed the women were ladies of the night because of their demeanor and heavy makeup.

So even in this world, they look the same, huh…

One of the men dressed in a Guard uniform and talking to one of the ladies of the night with his arm around her waist noticed Vivian. His face became pale and he ran inside the establishment.

That Guard looked familiar…

I believe his name was Lafa…?

He was their coachman on their way here to Fredo Village.

Vivian shook her head mentally.

Weird…

Why did he run away…?

It's not like I'm going to scold them for whatever they do with their free time…

She resumed sweeping her gaze around her surroundings as she followed Rubi.

Are places like that even safe to use…?

I mean, do condoms exist in this world…?

But damn…

Those women looked too ugly…

If I were still a man and even if I were extremely drunk, I don't think I would be able to get it up with a partner like that…

Not to mention the smell...

A shiver ran down her spine.

Just thinking about entering a place like that makes me vomit…

Hmm…

I guess [Cleanse] can remove diseases like aids…?

But I do know that inborn diseases can't be cured with [Cleanse]…

So if a baby was born with aids, then that baby would have to live the rest of its life with aids…

Did Lafa run because Trevin and Finley were there…?

After her meeting with Basilio, she and Finley parted ways. As for Trevin, Vivian gave him permission that he didn't have to attend the meeting. After all, it wasn't like they were going to discuss something that required his help and she also felt a bit bad for Trevin and the Guards having to do a lot of fighting during their journey.

***

3:21 p.m.

Vivian stepped outside of a shop with Rubi following behind her.

She was about to order Rubi to take her to the next shop when a voice suddenly interrupted them.

"Mar-Excuse mar-me!" the voice said in the Marbleamean language.

Both of them turned to the person who just spoke.

"Mar-Forgive mar-me mar-for mar-the mar-interruption, Mar-Priestess Mar-Inquisitor, mar-but mar-are mar-you mar-an Mar-Inquisitor mar-sent mar-by mar-the Mar-Temple mar-of Mar-Priests mar-to mar-investigate mar-about mar-what mar-happened mar-at mar-the Mar-Mobius Mar-Mountains?"