Witch hunt (1)
Nobles who had nothing else to do liked to gossip about other people, and this was a subject that I knew everyone would like talking about.
The news that Ito Souta, who everyone initially saw as a nice guy, tried to assassinate an innocent to conceal his weakness; this was enough to shake his social circle.
Because he had a good image and reigned as an idol in the social world, this had created a larger impact.
After my conversation with Cha Heera was over, it felt a little wasteful to spend the day by comforting Jung Hayan, but at the same time, I was in a good mood over the things I was hearing. Knowing that Lee Jihye was working hard was enough to make me happy.
Though talking was part of my skill, backtalk was Jihye’s specialty.
‘Today, I should backtalk too.
Anyway, it had been a while since Yuno Kasugano came here. She knelt down quietly and bowed to me.
“You seem to be in a good mood, master.”
“Of course, there are no aftereffects like I thought, and the plan is proceeding smoothly.”
“That… Did it hurt a lot?”
“It hurts, but it’s fine. I took painkillers beforehand… In fact, it wasn’t very effective because it felt like the magic was turning my insides… Rather, how is the distribution going?”
“We took care of everything exactly as the master said. It is already on the market, and the sales rate seems to be good.”
“About how much?”
“As of today, the net profit has exceeded 20,000 gold, not considering what was put on the black market before.”
“That’s not bad, considering the short period.”
“Yes. There are more and more people who purchase simply for personal satisfaction… I am expecting it to increase little by little.”
“Good.”
I knew it couldn’t not be sold. Considering the price that could be easily accessed by the general public, it was not strange that it would become a hit, since its effects could make you forget the harsh reality for a while. It was an improved version of the psychotherapy concoction that I had developed back in the Cursed Shrine.
The problem was that the potion was very addictive.
There would be no big problem if you consulted with a pharmacist, but there was no one who could handle the potion properly when I was the real pharmacist in the first place.
“We won’t get caught, right?”
“Yes, of course, master. Items sold on the black market are laundered through my personal business site, and the new guild selling potions is also moving according to procedures. Even some among the Yamato Guild members are using the potions…”
“That’s amusing. Any other news from the Yamato Guild?”
“I can’t figure it out exactly, but it seems that the guild’s mood has changed a little after Ito Souta was taken in for investigation. They are refusing to trade with our guild, and they are meeting with the other guilds.”
“Did you handle this?”
“Our guild is also constantly trying to contact the other guilds. You don’t have to worry, master. Even in Japan, Ito Sota’s public opinion is not very good.”
“Good.”
It’s been a while since I’ve heard some good news. It felt better knowing his reputation was also dropping back in Celia. That was probably because Yozora, another large guild, was directly accusing him.
Of course, I couldn’t say that the public’s opinion of Yozora was good either because of their support in our favor. However, that would be resolved after all this was over.
“If there is anything unusual, report it.”
“Yes, master. We will continue to watch closely.”
“Ah. Have you seen anything lately?”
“No. Until now…”
“You have a good yet annoying ability.”
“I’m sorry. P-Please punish me.”
Once again, Kasugano knelt even lower. However, this wasn’t the right time to give her the punishment she wanted.
This was because I could hear Cha Hee-ra calling me outside.
“Honey? Didn’t you say you had an appointment with Duchess Catherine?”
“Ah. I’ll be out soon, Hee-ra.”
Her voice sounded a little uncomfortable.
Although the environment surrounding me had changed a little, what changed the most was my relationship with Cha Hee-ra. Though she had forgotten that little awkward scenario back in the medical wing, she had been talking to me a lot more frequently, especially whenever she saw me with Kasugano. I feel like she worried about how the shaman would be with me from now on
‘She just can’t show it.
She was the proud Mercenary Queen, after all.
I myself didn’t exactly know the cause for her changed attitude, but I knew it was on a personal level. Liking someone wasn’t something that could be explained logically
‘In any case, it’s a good thing.’
“I should get going.”
“Yes. Please do as you please.”
“I’m always grateful to you.”
Even with the Mercenary Queen being who she was, I never forgot to take care of Yuno Kasugano. Just by gently stroking her hair, she already looked as happy as Jung Hayan.
In other words, Kasugano Yuno was easy to handle, the lowest in terms of difficulty.
Since she had already entrusted her body to me, there was no need to say anything else.
“You look happy, Master.”
“Ah. Being with you isn’t boring. It’s only because it’s fun to curse Ito Souta with Duchess Catherine, so don’t worry. Oh, keep getting acquainted with the characters in the Holy Empire. I’ll see you next time.”
When I slightly opened the door, I saw Cha Hee-ra gazing at me for a moment, before staring straight at the shaman with an odd expression.
At first, Kasugano Yuno kept her head bowed, but sensing Hee-ra’s unrelenting gaze, she had no choice but to look up and meet the redhead’s stare right-on.
“Can we talk for a minute?”
“Ah.”
“Go do your things, honey. The women have something to talk about. It’s okay, right? Shaman?”
“Yes. Of course. I also have something to talk about with Cha Hee-ra. I’m quite busy, but I think I will be able to make time if it doesn’t take too long.”
“That’s great. Then, see you in a bit, honey.”
I was a little scared about what they would talk about, but I knew it would be better not to get myself involved. Besides, I had an appointment, and sharing my joy was more important than indulging myself in what I knew would be a stressful conversation.
As I moved with the imperial knights who came out on behalf of Victor Hart, I saw the noble ladies having tea time in the garden.
“Ah, Lee Kiyoung.”
“Nice to see you, Duchess Catherine and Countess Elise. Ah! Marlin Young-ae is also here today. It’s been a while, everyone.”
“Everyone wanted to participate when they heard you were coming today. So? Are you feeling a little better?”
“Alas, it still feels very uncomfortable to move, but… I can’t miss the opportunity to talk with these beautiful ladies. You must have been surprised about what happened the last time… Thank you very much for calling me again today.”
“No. At that time, we, too, were sorry for not being able to take care of you properly, as we weren’t aware of the situation.”
“It was a situation that would scare anyone. Rather, you don’t know how grateful I am that you visited me privately… Thank you so much for inviting me to this meeting.”
“No. Talking with Kiyoung is very fun for us too.”
It couldn’t not be fun.
I would never say my speech skills were excellent. However, just by showing my admiration or applauding whatever the noble ladies said, I had gained their favor.
More than the conversation’s topic, I was the hottest person in this royal city right now. Just talking with me gave them a sense of superiority.
‘The rumors will be quick…’
These ladies were said to be the center of gossip, so I knew the rumors would spread within the castle instantly.
At the same time, I used this as an excuse in order to be able to relax and have tea. Sure enough, seeing the ladies already chit-chatting made me smile.
Although they shifted conversations from one topic to another, in the end, the conclusion of all conversations came down to Ito Souta.
“Oh… I didn’t see him that way, but he seemed a little scary.”
“Yes, that’s right. Who knew he would do that in social gatherings? If I think about that day, I still become so restless!”
“So Countess Elise does that too. The same goes for me. I thought he was trustworthy because he seemed to have a good relationship with the Pope, but it’s so hard to see through someone.”
“Actually, there is a story I heard…”
“Ah! Did you hear anything, Marlin Young-ae?”
“Yes. It’s a bit of a delicate story… I heard it from a friend on the Pope’s side. I’m telling this only because I trust you all; I hope you keep the secret.”
“Yes. Of course.”
I bet that Marlin Young-ae’s story would spread all over the castle within three hours after this meeting was over. Her secret would soon become the next raging hot topic.
“Ito Souta and Sister Ariel from the Pope’s side…”
“Yes?!”
“Shh. Please lower your voice, Countess Elise.”
“There are rumors that they are in an inappropriate relationship. Of course, it’s not exactly confirmed, but if you think about him going in and out of the Pope’s side in the middle of the night, it does sound believable…”
“Actually, Sister Ariel doesn’t seem to be liked by many. To think that she was doing something like behind our backs! I find her a little weird, but who would’ve guessed Ito Souta would like her, out of all the people…”
“That’s because the Pope’s side is not the same as it used to be. Oh, of course, I don’t doubt the hearts of those who serve God, but some people act so crudely…”
“Actually, this is also a story I heard from a friend in Celia, but it seems that Ito Souta doesn’t have a very good reputation in the Free City, either.”
“What?”
“They say he’s showed a lot of unknightly behaviors such as harassing women and children, and harassing the weak. As the head of a large guild, everyone pretends to be unaware, but they said that such criticisms have only recently emerged because his influence has weakened.”
“Ah…”
“There is also a saying that he is the owner of the back world, that he runs a black market and enslaves various races…”
“Oh… How scary.”
It didn’t even matter if I joined in the conversation or not. Ito Souta’s reputation was still going down the drain.
Not only was he in a bad relationship with the Pope’s side, but strange rumors about him had also started circulating. Most of them would be taken as the truth and would impact him badly.
Of course, I saw no reason not to participate in the conversation.
“Ah. I’ve heard it before.”
‘Damn, Kiyoung. Lying again.’
“I mean, I’ve heard that he was running the black market.”
This is a rumor I spread, after all.
“Oh… Really?”
“Yes. They said that you could get a variety of things. In fact, from the free people’s point of view, there are a few busybodies who evaluate the growth rate of the Yamato Guild as abnormal. Of course, the guild’s achievements are not being minimized, yet their growth rate is suspicious if you consider all their expeditions and activities so far…”
“Oh, my…”
“It’s hard to say exactly what, but they say they’re growing in a bad way. Oh, of course, the source is not confirmed…”
It didn’t matter; they would take it as the truth.
“I see. Just in case, the thing you know… Is it related to this?”
“Yes. However, it is not yet the right time to tell. I have to be a little cautious as well… I’m worried about whether I’m creating useless trouble.”
“Seeing how hurt Lee Kiyoung was, I don’t think it’s just a rumor. He must have a guilty conscience, right?”
“Oh yeah… In the meantime, the fact that we drank tea and talked with that person…”
“There is no one in the world we can trust. Right, Marlin Young-ae?”
“Yes. Duchess Catherine is right. I certainly have to tell my father.”
“Me too.”
“The same goes for me. I must tell my husband.”
This was why I couldn’t stop coming here.
If Ito Souta were here now, he would laugh at the ridiculous situation.
As time passed, harsher criticism over his character became more apparent.
“Dirty trash.”
“Isn’t it because of people like him that other innocent citizens are being criticized? Of course, I’m not talking about Kiyoung…”
“No. I understand your feelings enough.”
How could I miss out on meetings like these?
‘It’s fucking fun!
Just imagining what other rumors I will spread tomorrow was enough to make me smile.
I could enjoy the warm sunlight and delicious tea, and above all, a fun conversation.
‘This is what motivates me to live.’
Gossip was indeed like a drug.