Fredo Village (3)

A tall and burly tan-skinned woman with dark brown hair in her mid-40s wearing leather armor with a red cape and a Platinum II pendant around her neck was making her way through a busy market street. The sky stopped raining a few hours ago, but there were still puddles of water on the street, causing her boots to make splashing sounds with each step.

"Gabriela, why are we here? Is there a secret shop here or someone who could provide us information or some sort of help?" a female voice walking behind her asked in Marbleamean.

"Nothing of that sort. I just need to buy a few things here and there," she replied in Marbleamean without turning as she made her way through the crowd.

"Like what?"

When she didn't receive any reply, she moved closer to Gabriela and reached out for her arm.

Gabriela stopped in her tracks and turned to the female, her eyes landing on the hand holding her arm.

"Look, I'm really serious about this," the female said with a serious tone.

Gabriella raised her gaze and stared at the female's face.

The female in front of her was a beautiful woman in her late teens with dark blonde hair and tanned skin wearing a set of high-quality leather armor along with a black cape and also carrying a sword on her waist. And although the woman had a beautiful face, she looked like she hadn't had any proper sleep for days that her eyes were red, she had eye bags, and her skin looked a bit dehydrated and oily.

"Lady Julietta, can you please let go of my arm? Since you're insisting on coming with me to the Mobius Mountains even though I said you don't need to, I would need to buy some stuff and also leave a message to a few people."

"Lady Julietta," another female voice said.

It was a green-haired woman in her late 20s who was wearing a set of armor and a black cape, and also carried a sword.

Julietta let go of Gabriela's arm.

"Forgive me, I didn't mean to. I'm just so frustrated with the current situation. My only choices left are you and the Temple of Priest's Holy Crusade."

Gabriela let out a sigh.

"You know, if not for the fact that I owe that old man and his family, I wouldn't even consider accepting this request from you. Just accepting this request alone is already putting a large target on my back. I still believe it would be better if you and Martina didn't come along. If I go there alone and encounter someone or something, I would be able to react faster."

"But if Martina and I would go with you and we encountered someone from my family or the Knights up there, they would at least think twice. And plus, I'm the only one who has seen the other evidence."

As Gabriela let out another sigh, Julietta noticed something at the corner of the street and then quickly turned to Martina.

"Is that an Inquisitor?"

***

"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?"

A confused expression flashed across Vivian's face behind her Inquisitor Half-Mask as she stared at the dark-blonde-haired woman standing in front of her who was accompanied by a green-haired woman.

She turned to Rubi who curtsied to the dark-blonde-haired woman.

"Mar-Greetings, Mar-My Mar-Lady," Rubi said and then turned to Vivian. "Honored Priestess Inquisitor Monad, this is Lady Julietta, the granddaughter of Baron Ricardo III. She's asking if you are the Inquisitor sent by the Temple of Priests to investigate the incident at the Mobius Mountains."

Vivian returned her gaze to Julietta and looked at her up and down.

Another Marie, huh…

Another tall bitch...

"So you're the one who has been reporting it?"

"Forgive me, I wasn't aware that you don't speak Marbleamean," Julietta said and curtsied. "Allow me to introduce myself properly, I am Julietta F. Estana, the granddaughter of Baron Ricardo III. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Vivian nodded.

"Likewise. I am Sister Inquisitor Monad of the Holy Crusade's Inquistory Division."

"Inquisitor Monad, I've sent a letter to the Holy Kingdom, the Marbleam Chapter Temple and also to the surrounding Branch Chapter Temples yesterday about what happened to a rogue settlement located at the Mobius Mountains..."

Huh…?

Inquisitor Monad…?

Not even Priestess Inquisitor…?

These Aristocratic Nobles…

"...I believe that --"

Vivian held out her hand, indicating for her to stop.

"I'm very sorry to inform you that although I'm an Inquisitor, I am not here for you."

Julietta's eyes widened.

"What…? What are you saying…? Then... Then why are you here…?"

Vivian swept her gaze around her surroundings and noticed several people staring at them.

But then again…

I'm not gonna lie…

I'm curious as to what evidence I've left…

"Lady Julietta, right? Let's go somewhere to discuss things in a more comfortable place."

***

Vivian, Julietta, Rubi and Martina were at a restaurant and inside one of the private rooms. 

Vivian and Julietta were seated, while the other two were standing on guard at the corner.

Just like Rubi, Martina was also part of Baron Ricardo III's family and only carried the Fredo last name.

One of the personnel of the restaurant asked them earlier if they wanted to order anything but Vivian said she wasn't interested in eating or drinking anything and none of the other women shared the same sentiment. Despite that, the owner of the restaurant didn't kick them away because of Julietta or would dare to kick any of them because of their backgrounds.

"As I was saying, Lady Julietta, I didn't come to Fredo Village for you. I'm here for a different reason."

Julietta nodded.

"I understand. Regardless, please allow me to extend my gratitude that you're here, Inquisitor Monad."

"Before we continue, I want to clarify one thing first: Are you aware that the Branch Chapter Temple, the Knights Chapter and the Baron's forces here in Fredo Village plan to dismiss the case involving the rogue settlement at the Mobius Mountains as nothing more than infighting among rogue settlers?"

A serious expression appeared on Julietta's face.

"So you're already aware of that?"

"More or less."

"That's fine. At least you now know that there's a conspiracy going on."

Vivian raised an eyebrow.

"A conspiracy going on?"

"I don't know if you're aware of this but I was the one who discovered and reported the case.

"It was yesterday morning when I discovered it. Seeing the destruction, I immediately tried to find any survivors. However, there was no one except for a single human body.

"I remember panicking and then carrying the body to the nearest Guard Post. And when I found out that the body couldn't be resurrected because more than 50% of it was destroyed, I tried to go back to the crime scene, but they wouldn't let me and escorted me back to my grandfather's castle against my will. It was only later in the afternoon I was allowed to leave the castle but with escorts and come to Estana Town and Fredo Village. However, I still wasn't allowed to go to the Mobius Mountains.

"It was then I remembered seeing the footprints. I remember seeing different sizes of demon footprints. A Lesser Demon's height is 3 meters and can grow up to 6 meters with [Lesser Chaos Enchant]. Meanwhile, a Demon's height is said to be around 6 meters and can grow up to 18 meters with [Chaos Enchant]. And the footprints I discovered were that of 5 and 18-meter-tall demons. That's when I decided to send letters to the local authorities and also to the Holy Kingdom and the Marbleam Chapter Temple."

Vivian leaned back in her seat.

"So that's where your claim about the Demon comes from? You don't have any other evidence or at least anybody who could collaborate your claims?"

Julietta placed a hand on her chest.

"Does it even matter…?! You can even interrogate me right now with [Halo] to confirm if I'm telling the truth or not, I give you permission…! And once that's done, you and I can go to the rogue settlement at the Mobius Mountains to view the footprints yourself…!" she said and then got up. "We must hurry…! If there truly is a conspiracy, I believe that must've already started wiping all traces of it…!"

Vivian stared at Julietta with a deadpan expression, causing her to flash a confused expression.

"Did I say anything wrong…?"

"Please return to your seat."

There was a moment of hesitation in Julietta's eyes until she finally returned to her seat.

"Inquisitor Monad, I need you to trust me on this...! And now that I think about it, even if they managed to wipe out all of the evidence, they can't wipe out the memories…! I hold the truth…! You can confirm it with me, or at least starting with me, and then you can interrogate the others, like the people to whom I brought the dead body to and the ones who investigated the case…!"

Vivian let out a sigh.

"Look, even if I ignore your position as an Aristocratic Noble, [Halo] isn't a be-all and end-all tool in solving a case. It has many flaws so it needs to be paired with concrete and solid evidence --"

"Which is why--!"

"I'm still talking," Vivian said sharply.

Julietta became silent.

"As I was saying, [Halo] isn't a be-all and end-all tool in solving a case. It has many flaws so it needs to be paired with concrete and solid evidence. Have you even considered the possibility of you being wrong? Even if you're fine with being interrogated with [Halo], your family and others might not be which could cause political conflicts between the Temple of Priests and your family.

"Secondly, how is it possible that you're the only one claiming this? If what you said is true in regards to the footprints, wouldn't the others notice that as well? Are you telling me that my brothers and sisters, especially my High Brothers, are conspiring with the local Knights Chapter and the local office of the Baron to cover up the existence of a Demon? Do you even understand how serious of an accusation that is, especially towards a member of the Temple of Priests? Their own death would be the least of their problems, their whole family would be stigmatized.

"And lastly, the thing that's bothering me the most, why is that you, an Aristocratic Noble, are so interested in this case? And just so you know, I've heard about your upcoming engagement."

Julietta's eyes became wide and her jaw dropped.

"You…! How could you even…! I'm not that…!" she said and then balled her hands into fists and bit her lip for a moment before finally calming down. "Inquisitor Monad, isn't the goal of the Temple of Priests to rid the world of demons, demon-kins, the Cult of Infinity and the heretics?"

Vivian didn't say anything and simply stared at her.

"So why are you not checking this? And the fact that you're an Inquisitor, you of all people should be at the forefront investigating for any potential conspiracy, especially when it involves demons."

"Why? Because you demanded it despite everyone, including the local Branch Chapter Temple, saying there isn't any Demon?"

Ba-crack!

Julietta slammed her fist against the table and made a hole.

"I'm offering myself to be interrogated with [Halo] and then accompanying you to the location of the crime scene so that you can check the footprints yourself! What more do you want?! Why is no one taking me seriously?! I just want to know who attacked and killed all of the people at that rogue settlement!"

Rubi and Martina who were standing on the side had their jaws drop. 

Realizing what she had done, Julietta's face became pale and she quickly pulled her hand away.

"Forgive me… I didn't mean to… I don't know what got to me… I've been under a lot of stress lately so my emotions just…"

Rubi and Martina secretly glanced at Vivian as Julietta rambled with excuses. If a fight broke out between the two, as a member of the Baron's family, despite them not being part of the main family, it was their duty to side with Julietta no matter what.

Vivian's brows knitted together.

So this woman has a personal connection with the rogue settlers I killed…?

Like one or two of the people there are her relatives…?

She recalled what Carlito, her first minion, told her.

But I don't remember him mentioning anything about that though…

All he mentioned was that…

In exchange for Ramirez and his people to stay at the Mobius Mountains…

Ramirez and his people would be eyes and ears of the Lords of the Aristocratic Noble families in the nearby towns and villages on whoever enters and leaves the Mobius Mountains…

They also have to be their tools to do any dirty work…

And lastly, they also still have to pay a monthly tax…

Or maybe he wasn't aware…?

She clicked her tongue mentally.

Really useless…

That worthless piece of shit really did deserve to die…

Ugh…!

Now I feel dirtier for making him my first minion…!

She got up from her seat.

"Let's get a few things straight: You are an Aristocratic Noble of the Marbleam Kingdom and I am an Inquisitor of the Holy Kingdom. I am not your servant or your lackey. This meeting ends now and don't bother me ever again."

Before Julietta could respond, Vivian already headed for the door and then exited the room.

***

7:01 p.m.

Temple of Priest building.

Vivian, Finley and Trevin were walking in a hallway while being led by Frederico.

Vivian changed to a new set of clothes -- pants and shirt -- which was provided by the Branch Chapter Temple but she still wore her Inquisitor Half-Mask and White Cloak. Meanwhile, for the men, both men wore casual clothing with Finley also wearing his White Cloak.

The three men chatted while Vivian remained silent until they finally reached their destination.

The dinner hall.

In the middle of the hall was a long rectangular table with several dishes laid on top of it. And seated on the table were all of the Priests currently present in Fredo Village.

There were a total of 28 Priests "officially" stationed in Fredo Village. Out of those 28 Priests, 2 were Red Cloaks, 1 was a Gray Cloak and the rest were White Cloaks. There were no Brown Cloaks assigned or stationed in towns and villages, all of them were in the city. But at the moment, although one of the Red Cloaks, Carlos, along with 3 other Priests were away for some official tasks at the Marbleam City, there were more than 30 Priests present.

Aside from Vivian and Finley, there was another visiting group. They were here for the Feeding and Teaching Holy Mission and were from the Marbleam Chapter Temple. Whether a Feeding and Teaching Holy Mission group would choose to stay at a Branch Chapter Temple until the end of the week or return back to the city by the end of the day depends on the decision of the group leader. And on this case, the group decided to stay here and would return to the city at the end of the week to collect their pay and renew their mission.

And just like at Brew Town, the Temple of Priests building and the compound where the Temple of Priests members lived here in Fredo Village were combined into one. The reason behind this was because there were only less than 30 members so it wouldn't make any sense to separate the two. Moreover, some Priests have their own houses within the village where their families stay. So those who would choose to live within the compound were single people and guests.

Having said that, it's also important to note that Basilio and his group, Vivian and Finley, and the Feeding and Teaching Holy Mission group from the Marbleam Chapter Temple aren't the only Priests present in the Fredo Village. There are others as well but they have officially retired from both the Holy Crusade and also from the normal day-to-day operation of the Temple of Priests. However, that was a privilege only reserved for members who were 65 years old and above.

There are many reasons why the Temple of Priests is the most influential Temple out of all of the Temples. One of them is how they manage their age groups.

For the ones below 15 years old, they would be scouted in advance by the Temple before they even reached the legal age to get a Class. Aside from friends and family members, one of their scouting ways was through the Feeding and Teaching Holy Missions.

For the Priests between the ages of 15 and 35 years old, they would be encouraged to participate in the Holy Crusade under the guise of collecting Holy Crusade points for their Grade Jobs.

As why only up to 35 years old, that was the age where people would usually retire or slow down with fighting or training in order to focus on other things like family.

And for all the Priests below 65 years old, whenever there's an emergency, like a Wave, they are required to participate regardless if they want to or not. Those who refuse to participate will be punished.

It's only after 65 years old that a Priest can finally be "free" from the grips of the Temple. But even after that, the Temple offers a monthly pension to those who choose to retire and the pension is based on their contribution to the Temple. In addition to that, given that the Priest would've already spent most of their life living under the rules of the Temple and interacting with members of the Temple by that age, not to mention how prevalent the reach is of the Temple, it would be impossible for them to completely distance themselves from anything related to the Temple. So in the end, whether they like it or not, they would still be more or less reliant and loyal towards the Temple of Priests.

And of course, all of this is assuming that the Priest or Priestess was able to survive during their Holy Crusade career. But even if they die, as in True Death, their surviving closest kin or anyone written on their will would still receive monthly support under "certain conditions". This is why whenever a member registers for the Holy Crusade, they are asked who they should contact in case something happens to them.

Basically, the Temple of Priests really thought about how to not only keep a tight leash on their members but also continue getting members without sacrificing quality that much.

Frederico turned to Vivian, Finley and Trevin.

"Sister Inquisitor Monad, Brother Sergeant Finley and Knight Trevin, the three of you will be our special guests tonight so you are to sit beside the High Brothers."

After seeing Vivian and the rest nod, Frederico turned away and headed to one of the edges of the table where the two High Brothers currently present sat.

Basilio noticed them and raised his glass with a smile.

"Sister Inquisitor Monad, Brother Sergeant Finley and Knight Trevin, I thank the God of Light for coming," he said and then gestured. "Please take a seat."

"Thank you, High Brother Basilio," Vivian and Finley said with a smile as they sat down.

"Thank you, Honored High Priest Basilio, and it's great to see you again," Trevin said with a smile as he took a seat.

Basilio nodded at them.

He sat at the edge of the table. On his left was a Gray Cloak Priest and then followed by White Cloaks. Meanwhile, on his right was Vivian, followed by Finley, Trevin and then White Cloaks.

As for the Feeding and Teaching Holy Mission group, they were seated at the other edge of the table and were entertained by Milagros and Frederico.

"I believe you haven't met yet," he said and then turned to the Gray Cloak. "Please allow me to introduce you to High Brother Hugo."

Vivian turned her head and landed her gaze on Hugo.

It was a thin and tanned-skinned man in his mid-40s with long black hair and a black and gray goatee and mustache. He wore an almost all-black attire except for his belt underneath his Gray Cloak. 

I think this is my second time meeting a Gray Cloak…

Hmm…

Is it just me or do all Gray Cloaks have this eerily presence…?

Like they're plagued with death…

Just like the one I met back at Basic Training…

Or maybe it's just the clothes and the hair…?

I mean, I think the Gray Cloak I met back at Basic Training also had black hair…?

I can't remember…

Wait…!

I heard Isaac used to be a Gray Cloak as well but he quit for some reason…

So does his count…?

He still looked tough though …

But I don't remember him carrying that aura, demeanor, presence -- or whatever you call it -- death…

Basilio turned to Hugo.

"High Brother," said Basilio. "I believe you're already familiar with Knight Trevin. Allow me to introduce you to Sister Inquisitor Monad and Brother Sergeant Finley. They're all from the Third Inner Stanza Border Checkpoint."

Hugo reached out for his glass and raised it. With a smile on his face, his eyes addressed Vivian first, Finley second and Trevin last, and then threw a few sign languages with his other free hand.

Basilio turned to Vivian and the rest.

"He's pleased to meet you all and may the God of Light watch over all of you."

Vivian and the rest reached out for their glass and raised it as well.

"It's nice to meet you and may the God of Light watch over too, High Brother," Vivian and Finley said and smiled.

Trevin replied with a few sign languages.

Hugo replied back with a single sign language before taking a sip from his glass and putting it down.

Vivian and the rest took a sip from their glass and then placed it down.

Huh…?

And why is he looking at me like that…?

She couldn't help but notice Hugo discreetly glancing at her as if he was assessing, sizing her up or something.

I know my perfection can't be hidden by my mask…

But still…

Also, you're old…

Please control yourself…

"Sister Inquisitor Monad and Brother Sergeant Finley," said Basilio. "I don't know if you're familiar with High Brother Hugo here, but he has been a loyal and faithful member of the Temple of Priests since he was 15 years old and has been part of the Holy Crusade's Infantry Division since he was 16 years old until he finally retired 3 years ago. He has contributed so much to our Temple that he received titles such as Demon Slayer and Heretic Hunter. He also had his name registered at DG International Laws' database at the young age of 28 years old. As a matter of fact, he used to be known on the battlefield as Silencioso Muerte."

Finley's eyes became wide and his jaw dropped.

The [Heretic Hunter] is a title given to individuals who have killed or captured many demon-worshipers, members of the Cult of Infinity and heretics. Meanwhile, the [Demon Slayer] is a title given to individuals who have slayed a powerful Demon.

As for the DG International Laws' database, in order for a person's name to be listed there, they would need to have their Physical and Magic Force step beyond Spirit Steel, or if one were to ask Vivian, beyond 210 points.

And to become a Gray Cloak, one must at least possess Spirit Steel Physical and Magic Force.

Hugo turned to Basilio and threw out some sign language.

Basilio let out a hearty laugh before turning to Vivian and the rest.

"High Brother Hugo said not to mention that because he's embarrassed."

Vivian shook her head.

"If I may speak, High Brothers, I believe that such achievements are something no one should be ashamed of. As a matter of fact, I believe that my companions and I are honored to be in the presence of a legendary faithful and loyal brother who has dedicated his life to eradicating demons, demon-worshipers, demon-kins, the Cult of Infinity and the heretics from this world in order to make it a better and safer place," she said before reaching out for her glass and raising it. "Thank you for your service, High Brother Hugo."

Sip.

She took another sip from her glass and then placed it down.

"You're so amazing, High Brother Hugo! And thank you for your service!" Finley said and offered the same gesture.

"I'm already 27 years old and I only have 2 Magic Art Affinities so having my name listed on the DG International Laws' database is not on my cards. But I would like to one day have a chance to defeat a powerful Demon just like you, Honored High Priest Hugo," Trevin said and offered the same gesture as well.

Finley looked at him and nodded.

"I'm 22 years old and I also only have 2 Magic Art Affinities. I understand the feeling. But I didn't know you could do sign language."

Trevin chuckled.

"It's something I picked up before I joined the Iron Knights Chapter."

Hugo threw a couple of sign languages.

"Not everything is about Magic Arts. Physical Arts can still kill a powerful being under the right circumstances," said Basilio. "Also, I wasn't alone when I defeated the powerful Demon, I had companions."

Trevin smiled.

"Thank you for the kind words, Honored High Priest Hugo," he said and offered a slight bow.

"Indeed, High Brother Hugo," Finley said and offered a slight bow as well.

Hugo's sunken cheeks blushed a bit. He turned to Basilio and threw some sign language again.

Basilio smiled and nodded.

"You are correct, we should eat and enjoy this celebration with our special guests," he said before reaching out for his glass and turning to everyone. "May I have everyone's attention."

Everyone looked at him and he stood up.

"I would like to thank you all for preparing this bountiful feast, my brothers and sisters. I would also like to thank Sister Inquisitor Monad, Brother Sergeant Finley, Knight Trevin, and Brother Mateo and the rest of his group from the Marbleam Chapter Temple for joining us. May the God of Light continue to watch over us. Let us feast!" he said and raised his glass.

"May the God of Light watch over you as well, High Brother," some of the Priests and Priestesses said as they raised their glasses.

"Mar-May mar-the Mar-God mar-of Mar-Light mar-watch mar-over mar-you mar-as mar-well, Mar-High Mar-Brother," the other Priests and Priestesses said and raised their glasses as well.

As for Trevin and Hugo, they simply simply and raised their glasses.

Everyone then took a sip from their glasses and put it down before they all began to eat.

Hmm…

Still no servers, huh…

There were no waiters/waitresses in sight so everyone on the table had to serve themselves.

Reminds me back at Brew Town…

The Basic Training Graduation Ball doesn't count…

The Training Course Graduation also doesn't count…

As far as Vivian knows, this was a practice that the first Priest, first Light Saint and founder of the Temple of Priests, N'eua, passed down to his followers.

According to history, when N'eua still walked among the living between 682 to 772 A.M. (Age of Magic), the world at that time was a very dark and chaotic place. Demons, demon-worshipers, the Cult of Infinity and different types of heretics still walked around freely out in the open so everyone lived each day like it was their last. Because of that, N'eua insisted that whether you're a King or a slave, a powerful being or a weak being, such things should not matter during mealtime. Everyone must sit and eat together at the table because it could be the last time to enjoy each other's company.

Well…

That's assuming that the story is true…

After all, history is written by the victors…