Upon his return to the village, Arthur met up with Evelyn and Ami. The two were eating in the Tavern of the Gods, surrounded by many curious housewives.
It was obvious that Evelyn was feeling uncomfortable as she was bombarded with questions, either about her appearance, vague occupation, or origins.
When she spotted Arthur, she piercingly stared at him, demanding to be pulled from there.
At first, he chuckled and acted as if he was going to ignore her, which only made her frown and fidget for a split second. Fortunately, he walked over and, upon his arrival, the housewives scurried away, clearly not as interested in him as they were in Evelyn.
“You’re finally back! I’ve heard that you helped during the hunt!” Exclaimed the cheerful girl as she gobbled down the pieces of meat.
Evelyn had paid for the whole food, and as she was hungry, Ami saw no reason to refuse the generous offer.
“It was an enlightening experience, to say the least.”
“Is that so? I’m no good at fighting so they never agree to take me with them. A girl can fight too, you know!”
Ami then looked at the quiet and expressionless maid and continued, “Despoina told me she's a great fighter. Perhaps I should learn from her…”
The girl pondered for a couple of breaths, forgetting to even eat her food. Then, she fiercely shook her head and gave up on those ideas.
“Nonono! It would take me more time if I started training now.”
“It wouldn’t hurt you to know a survival trick or two.”
As Arthur spoke, Evelyn raised her eyebrows and retorted on the spot,
“If you have any survival tips, I want to know too.”
“I was actually planning to let you have the honor. Yes, I can use magic, but you’re the real combatant.”
Evelyn snorted and looked away as she proceeded to ignore him, feeling slightly irritated by his shit-eating grin. As for Ami, she seemed a little oblivious, her eyes perked as she watched them banter and bicker.
When she finished her meal, she swiftly disappeared after saying she needed to rest. However, her behavior was noticeably odd as she worriedly looked around and hastily exited the Tavern with urgent steps.
Now that they were alone, or at least in a quiet corner of the hub, Evelyn saw no need to keep the ridiculous façade Arthur had put up for both of them. She did not like being called Despoina or being bombarded by questions.
“The hunters returned a while ago. Where were you, Master?”
“I was… getting a better layout of the land.”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“My dear Evelyn, the mysteries are not going to uncover themselves. I need to make an effort and tread upon dangerous grounds, if it comes down to it.”
The maid crossed her arms, her eyes dangerously narrowed. She wasn’t in a good mood and being left to deal with the housewives only annoyed her more.
“Now that we’ve become friends, I believed you would include me in your expeditions.”
“You had one of your own, though.”
Seeing her glare at him, incensed by his last words. He softly laughed and added, “You can’t tell me you haven’t learnt a thing. There must be something worthy of mention.”
“It’s not that interes-”
“Shh! Be tactful of our surroundings.”
Evelyn looked around but noticed no one eavesdropping or even looking at them.
“No one is going to hear us, Master.”
“We can talk about vague stuff here, I don’t care. Sensitive and explicit matters, however, are meant for late at night… when we’re alone.”
“You’re unnecessarily making it sound weird and obscene, Master. Stop it.”
“It’s not my fault you have a perverted mind.”
Evelyn wanted to speak back to him but eventually stopped and let out a sigh of exasperation, choosing silence over a pointless argument that she would-probably- lose.
…
Once their stomachs were filled, the two retreated to their inn room. Arthur sat near the solitary desk at the corner and immediately started scribbling on an empty piece of paper. He drew a more elaborate map while Evelyn was like a ghost, looming behind him in silence and intrigue.
“You might as well sit on my lap.”
“...”
“If you’re curious, you can ask. There’s absolutely no need to creep behind me. I’ve had enough of that in the manor.”
“I haven’t done anything wrong, Master.”
“There you go again…” He shook his head and resumed drawing. The result, frankly, wasn’t perfect but it was at least comprehensible, to a degree.
“Some of the swamps are inter-connected by narrow waterways. I still haven’t located all of said swamps but I will… eventually. Then, I’ll be able to find the cave.”
“Cave?”
“Whatever it is, but most likely a cave. The bottle must’ve drifted from there.”
“How can you be so sure, Master?”
If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
“I never said I was.” He responded as he leaned back and stretched his sore arms. “Anyway, tell me about your findings.”
“Very well.” Evelyn took a couple of moments to collect her thoughts then began.
“I’ve spent most of the day with Ami. She lost her parents years ago and has been living in a small room. The women of the village regularly leave their homes early in the morning to manage what few animals they have. However, they don’t linger outside for long… it must be somesort of a rule or something.
West of the village, in a circular and small area, there is a praying altar. Apparently, it’s where all the villagers go to worship the guardian deity.”
“Their Lord. Yes, they briefly spoke about it.”-Arthur
“I’ve noticed that everyone is a loyal devotee of said guardian, so much so that, in fact, they go to worship at the altar every dawn. Ami is one of the handful exceptions, however.”
Once finished with the map, Arthur inspected in silence before folding it up and turning to look at the maid.
“Everything so far was predictable. Still, we’ve yet to hear about any Witch hunt. Nor does anyone look distressed enough to send such a vague message.”
“...”
Evelyn did not respond, she walked to her bed and sat down, seemingly lost in thought for a little while. When her ‘master’ walked to his own bed and laid down, she asked,
“Why are you truly doing this, Master? Is it purely out of curiosity, as you so always like to say?”
“Hahahaha…”
He burst out in laughter as he rested his head on the pillow and looked at the ceiling.
“I understand that my single-minded pursuit might seem… odd or, for some people, uninteresting. After all, the world is filled with myriad adventurers and travelers, all seeking mysteries and thrill. In that regard, I am no different. However, it is this unfamiliarity with this world that ever pushes me forward. My path is unchanged, my creed sacrosanct, this I believe with all my heart.”
He glanced at her and, in turn, asked back, “What of you, Evelyn? Is this not what you expected when you chased after me so desperately that night? Were you hoping for something else?”
The maid was sitting straight, hands resting on her lap and expression unreadable. In response to her question, she shook her head once, “To be honest, I did not have any expectations whatsoever. I was ready to follow you and… I still am. Current circumstances notwithstanding, I feel content. Though, your knack for jumping into inexplicably dangerous situations has me constantly worrying whether we will survive the day or not.”
“Are you so pessimistic because of what happened to you in the past? Is that why you value your life so much? Then again, I can’t argue with that as I value mine too.”
“Don’t try to turn this on me, Master. I was merely answering your question.”
“As was I. Indeed, you and I are similar yet different. I do hope that you find something you want to do in the future. And… At such a time, I will be glad to part ways with you and hope that you find true happiness.”
“...”
She stared back at him for a couple of moments then laid down as well, choosing to turn her back towards him and dive into her unvoiced thoughts once more.
“Good night, Evelyn.”
“...”
…
It was supposed to be another quiet night, one coupled with a relatively peaceful and comfortable sleep. However, when the sun started peaking its head from across the horizon, its light illuminating the land, Evelyn’s eyes slowly opened.
Usually, she would wake up around this time, but, today, what woke her up wasn't habit alone. No, she heard inaudible mumbling and soft groans coming from the side.
Her eyes landed on Arthur’s body, who was profusely sweating and trembling ever-so-slightly. The maid creased her brows and gingerly approached him, but just as she was about to touch him, his eyes opened and he abruptly sat up.
His breathing was uneven and his face equipped with an expression of confusion and surprise.
He quickly noticed the maid inches away from him, bending her body and her arms stretched close to him.
“Oh… Evelyn. Good morning to you too.”
He faintly smiled and immediately sat up, choosing to ignore what had just occurred.
“Is everything okay, Master?”
While nonchalantly wearing his shoes, Arthur nodded once in reassurance.
“Always has been. Now then, I believe it’s almost time for my daily hunting. I will see you later.”
Without sparing her an explanation or a glance, the man swiftly but calmly exited the inn room. As for Evelyn, she stood there, perplexed and slightly startled by his strange behavior. This was the first time she had seen him so shaken, and that gave birth to many questions…
..
As he picked up the pace, Arthur was able to arrive just in time to witness the praying ceremony. Almost the entirety of the village was kneeling in front of a medium-sized stone altar inscribed with black and metallic words.
Arthur did not join them, he contented with standing at the back and watching them. Some kowtowed, their heads plastered on the dusty ground. That sight, for Arthur- at least- looked no different than a cult worshiping a false God. However, he was in no position to interfere or voice his controversial opinions.
The village Chief, Dominus, was at the front, repeatedly kowtowing and praying with a clarion voice.
“My Lord! We welcome the salvation you bring us! We embrace the love you give us! We accept the judgment you bestow! Please grant us your eternal brace!”
The villagers followed after, uttering the same words in unison. Still, despite the fervent devotion, the altar offered no response. It stood motionless and unperturbed as if their pleas fell to deaf ears, or no ears at all, for that matter.
‘I recognize those words…’
As he paid closer attention to the altar, Arthur was surprised to recognize the letter but be incapable of actually reading the whole thing. As he tried to remember, he soon linked it with one particular skill.
[Arman Language] was a skill he obtained from Latif, but since the original bearer’s knowledge about it was limited, Arthur was the same too. Nevertheless, he was certain that the words were indeed of Arman origin.
‘The Arman Empire, huh… shame that I did not study it thoroughly.’
Before he left Wilsden Town, Arthur, thanks to Leonis’ wealth, was able to get his hands on many precious and old history books. Great many did mention the ancient Arman Empire, an unforgettable power that once dominated the four continents prior to the Demons’ advent.
Unfortunately, his knowledge was secondhand and painfully superficial. Arthur had engrossed himself in History, most especially, but there were so many stories to read and he simply did not have time to learn everything.
Still, he did know what the Arman Empire was; An imperially-inclined power… a mighty and glorious empire that withstood not one but two whole Eras. Its first appearance was, unexpectedly, in the 4th Era, also labeled as the Void Era. It had stood tall and unshakable for an uncountable number of years, and its influence was not limited to this world.
The revelation threw Arthur into a long chain of thoughts, which was abruptly cut-off as Gary and his fellow hunters approached the parasite.
“Good Morning, Alexander! I assume you’re ready to join us again, heh?”
“Yes, of course! It’s a good way to provide food for everyone and hone our skills. I’ll be in your care again… thank you.”
Thus did Arthur embark on a brief hunting trip along with the usual suspects. Very much like yesterday, they encountered no problems. Everything proceeded smoothly and Arthur was rewarded with two corpses thanks to his contribution.
“We hoped you would join us yesterday. Were you perhaps tired?” Inquired Greg, the de-facto leader of the ‘gang’.
“I am wont to rest early, my friends. I shall try to join you tonight, hopefully!”
“Damn right! Yer a good man, Alex! The ale will be on us!” Gary excitedly slapped Arthur’s back and left thereafter, like all the rest.
Just like that, Arthur found himself standing alone in the middle of the town. He was spared a moment of respite and solitude, but rather than dwell on matters regarding the Arman altar, he diverted his efforts in continuing yesterday’s solitary journey.
‘Before any decisive actions are made, the map must needs be completed.’
By now, it has become reasonably clear that the Maga Venari Village was linked to the aforementioned Witch Hunt and the vengeful words written on that old piece of paper.