Chapter 43 – Flowing Forest (3)

Dodon’s voice was low and rough, and the content was quite chilling. However, the surrounding atmosphere was not like that at all.

Wahahaha!

The adventurers, whose faces had turned red, laughed boisterously and clapped their hands. Merchants also shouted at the top of their lungs, ordering drinks and food.

Instead of her busy father, Rian, the sole employee, moved frantically. Receiving orders, carrying drinks, and slapping away the hands of adventurers trying to grope her body, it was a very peaceful sight to think that a den of terrible monsters was right next door.

Cara, resting her chin on her hand, took a sip of alcohol and said.

“For all that, the situation seems pretty good?”

Dodon briefly turned his gaze to look at her, then cleared his throat. He shook his head.

“The truth is invisible to those blinded by gold. Do you know how many people like that I have seen during the few weeks I have been running this inn?”

The party focused their gaze on Dodon without a word. Dodon opened his mouth once more.

“In terms of numbers, it must be over a hundred. Hearing the rumor that the barrier was broken, they flocked here like a swarm of bees from all over. Mystical magic might be scary, but they didn’t seem to find monsters scary. It is probably because they think spears and swords will work on them.”

“If what you said just now is true, then I know well what became of their future.”

Dodon nodded at Velloc’s words.

“That is correct. Even now, ownerless luggage is rolling around in our warehouse.”

The mysterious forest that seduced people had become a nesting ground for monsters in an instant. No, rather, should they be happy that the magic was broken? In any case, it was clear that the situation was quite serious, unlike how it appeared. Velloc asked.

“What on earth is the lord doing?”

Dodon smirked.

“Rather, he is spreading the rumor that the barrier was broken even wider, pushing the incoming adventurers into the forest. Along with the promise that he will bestow a large reward on anyone who investigates the strange phenomena of the forest.”

Cara, putting down her empty cup with a clink, shook her head.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea. He seems to be looking only at short-term gains. Is he relying on the castle walls?”

“How would a mere merchant like me know the thoughts of those high-born people? Anyway, this is about all I know. Has this been of some help?”

Dodon did not bother to say things like not to go into the forest or that it was dangerous.

This was because, on one hand, he also harbored a hope that this knight, who possessed monstrous strength, would resolve the strange phenomena of the forest.

In any case, thanks to Dodon, Velloc could understand the situation going around at once.

The sudden appearance of the forest monsters, the adventurers seeking treasures within, and finally, the bystander lord. In a word, it was a mess.

“It was of great help.”

When Velloc fumbled in his pocket and pulled out a gold coin, Dodon, who had stood up from his seat, waved his hands in refusal.

“If it was helpful, that is enough. I will bring more drinks.”

Dodon left as if fleeing, and the cups were filled once more. A thick darkness also filled the sky where a reddish glow had lingered. The three of them conversed again. As expected, it was Cara who spoke first.

“Monsters, the deceased. Somehow, it feels like a familiar development, doesn’t it? I smell something.”

“Dirty demon bastards. What will you do?”

Velloc was lost in thought, leaning heavily back in his chair. No, to be honest, he was just pretending to think.

In novels or cartoons, protagonists would step forward in these situations and come up with brilliant plans. He did not know anything.

The only things that came to mind were how to kill them, and how many of them he had to kill to get to that place. Had even his brain become a knight now? Velloc stopped his contemplation.

He had absolutely no idea. Tapping the table with his gauntleted hand, he said.

“If there is anything in the way, clear it. And search the forest with a fine-tooth comb.”

“That is a brilliant plan.”

“How simple-minded…”

Adele clapped her hands, and Cara held her head. However, she could not think of a better way either.

What they were looking for were the treasures hidden inside the ruins. Naturally, their value was beyond measure, so they would not be the only ones coveting them. Rather than getting caught up in trouble for no reason, it was better to move by themselves.

Of course, at the foundation of that was their trust in Velloc’s military power, but—

“Then again, just the demons you have sliced up are already…”

“I happened to overhear your conversation, but if it is not rude, may I join you?”

The moment Cara opened her mouth, someone who approached spoke. At the beautiful voice, the party’s gazes turned. It was a person who had been sitting in the corner wearing a robe, setting a mood.

“Who on earth are you…”

Before Adele could step forward, Velloc, who had been watching the person with his transcendental five senses, spoke first.

“Leave out ‘happened to.’ You have been eavesdropping on us since the moment we came in, haven’t you?”

As if surprised, the green eyes shining from within the hood widened. Soon, showing a smile on her lips, she raised both hands in defeat.

“I apologize if you felt offended. But I had no ill intent. Please believe me.”

Adele frowned.

“Believe the words of someone who eavesdrops on others’ conversations like a stray cat? Do you want to die?”

Adele placed her hand on the scabbard. Cara also looked at the opponent with a wary gaze, preparing to cast a spell. The woman was not flustered even by the sharp demeanor of the party. She just looked around once and whispered quietly.

“If I have something you absolutely need, can we continue this conversation? For example… a map of the Flowing Forest?”

The eyes inside the hood glowed faintly. Cara cast a suspicious look.

“What nonsense…”

“That woman is a pointy-ears. No, an elf. It is not entirely nonsensical. You bring up an interesting topic. Sit down.”

‘How did he know?’

The calm woman’s pupils trembled once more. However, as Velloc’s permission fell, she brought a chair and quickly sat down.

Keeping the hood on, she bowed her head.

“I am Isabel. Just as that man said, I am an elf. Please understand that I cannot reveal my identity carelessly. It attracts unnecessary attention. Nice to meet you all.”

“Velloc. This is Adele, and this is Cara.”

Adele kept her arms crossed, still looking wary, while Cara’s expression softened slightly at the mention of her being an elf. A faint curiosity filled her eyes.

“Seeing an elf at the end of the far eastern lands is surprising, but that’s not what’s important right now. Why did you approach us? Are you also trying to enter the ruins of the Flowing Forest?”

Isabel nodded and smiled slightly.

“Yes. I have business in the Flowing Forest. To be exact, you could say I am more interested in the gold pieces that come out of there.”

Cara twisted her hair.

“Well, is it something like this? An elven lady who ran away with a family heirloom treasure map to strike it rich?”

Cara had just thrown those words out without any real thought. However, as if it was the correct answer, Isabel gasped.

“Is it because you are a mage? You are indeed smart. That’s right. I came all this way with that intention, but the forest ended up in that state. Thanks to that, I was in a situation where I couldn’t do anything. Still… if I went with riffraff like that, even ten lives wouldn’t be enough.”

Isabel pointed at the adventurers who were dead drunk, burying their heads on the tables.

Mmh. They certainly did not look very reliable. Leaving the party’s thoughts aside, she shrugged.

“But if it’s a party with a brave knight and a mage, finding the treasure in the forest will be a piece of cake. Even if my share might decrease a bit. Oh, I don’t want much. About ten percent…?”

“I was just guessing. What are you going to do, Velloc?”

Cara turned her head to look at the leader of the party. The knight, who had his black hair stylishly swept up, still looked calm and silent, so much so that it was impossible to tell what on earth he was thinking. Velloc spoke.

“Can you show us the map?”

Isabel nodded obediently.

“Of course. Not really here right now, but if we go up to my room, I will show it to you. Shall we go right now?”

Velloc nodded.

“Let’s do that.”

“Follow me.”

Following the trailing hem of the elf’s robe, Velloc’s party headed toward the room she was staying in. The stairs creaked, and from the rooms they passed from time to time, the rough roars of mercenaries and the groans of prostitutes could be heard.

Adele blushed, and Cara smiled contentedly. ‘Aren’t they going to die like that?’ Hiding his inner thoughts, Velloc also followed with a silent expression.

Once the door closed, Isabel pulled back her hood. Distinct features, blonde hair, and green eyes. She looked like a typical elven woman.

‘She is much better to look at than those with grey skin.’

Standing with the bow propped on one side behind her, Isabel searched her chest and handed over a map that looked old.

The party checked the map thoroughly, passing it around. In particular, they paid attention to the place marked with the waterfall where the ruins were expected to be hidden.

Since Velloc and Adele had received knight training, they were proficient in reading strategic maps, and Cara was also a mage who had accumulated a fair amount of knowledge and refinement. The three of them soon nodded.

He did not know if this map was indeed the map of that forest. However, it was not a crudely made fake. Isabel asked in an expectant voice.

“How is it? Will you accept me into your party?”

Velloc folded the map neatly and handed it back.

Perhaps things would work out easily.

“We depart when the sun rises tomorrow morning. Rest well.”

“I look forward to working with you!”

Isabel bowed, and the party stepped out of the room. Cara tapped Velloc and Adele on their forearms. Moving her lips, she gestured for them to go outside. Seeing that she seemed to have something to say, the three of them came out of the inn and began walking along the main street.

Perhaps to save oil and firewood, except for the Lord’s castle and the inn they had come out of, the city was dark and quiet. Companion to the cool early autumn air, the party walked down the main street. Adele asked.

“Speak, witch.”

Cara looked toward the inn for a moment, then opened her mouth.

“By now, even an elf’s ears wouldn’t be able to hear our conversation.”

Velloc, thinking about the meaning of the words Cara spat out, asked.

“Is she strange?”

“Isn’t it obvious?”

Cara smirked. Soon, she continued in a calm tone.

“Leaving aside the excuse of being an immature woman who ran away after stealing a map, the fact that she approached us as if she had been waiting for us is strange in itself. What grave robber in the world would reveal the card they hold first? Especially when there are knights, who are human weapons, and a mage? Does she not think about it being taken by force? Overflowing confidence? The intention was strange from the beginning. If it were me, no matter how dangerous the forest is, I would have hired mercenaries and gone. Whether for confidentiality or whatever.”

“She did seem to have some scheme.”

“She might be a demon’s minion. Maybe she is luring us. Adele, did you feel anything from that woman? Like some evil energy.”

Adele shook her head.

“I’m not sure. But there is a better way. Can’t we just kill her and take the map?”

“Hmm. That is also a method.”

If things went wrong, they were about to clean up a corpse in the inn. While the two women were devising a scary plan, Velloc stopped them.

“For now, we will see the situation tomorrow and act. I did not feel anything unusual.”

The sixth sense or fighting spirit he had felt when seeing demons in the past did not react. Cara and Adele quickly agreed.

“Well, if the leader says so.”

“Understood.”

“Let’s head in now. Tomorrow will be a forced march.”

Whether it was an elf hiding some strange scheme or a forest where demons dwelled, it did not matter. He would just break through with all his strength. The three of them soon returned to the inn and went to bed.

When the day broke the next morning.

The suspicious elf, the witch, the paladin of Helena, and the knight with the simple-minded greatsword entered the forest filled with monsters.