It was still early evening.

As I left the mansion, I summoned Lynn. A big fight might break out soon, but in a way, I felt relieved.

’We must have just been at cross-purposes. I don’t know much about parents and children or whatever. But they’re family, precious people, so they shouldn’t keep missing each other.’

Yes, that must be right.

’It’s a relief that their hearts are finally connected! If those two women are together, they’ll become the strongest mother-daughter duo!’

A smile escaped me, feeling inexplicably pleased. Still, when I had a 3P with the two of them, it was awesome.

They all had such great figures. Come to think of it, Fiora was a bit special.

’Fiora belly seems a bit swollen. Hmm, must be my imagination?’

There’s no way she could get pregnant that quickly. Though it would be fun if she did.

As I lightly stretched and headed out, I met the butler.

"Ah, Hero Lucian. Are you leaving?"

"Yes, I just came to greet the Acting Lord. I’m preparing for something big."

"Hoo, something big. I hope you resolve it well. Kahlum is a truly dangerous substance, you see."

It is dangerous. If it’s truly what the setting describes.

"So it is, right?"

"However the cultists got their hands on it, it must be a hazardous substance even they don’t fully understand. The Acting Lord must be particularly sensitive about anything related to Kahlum."

"Yes, because of the Young Lord...." 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

"That’s part of it, but there’s a bigger reason."

"A bigger reason?"

What was he talking about? The butler looked at me as if surprised.

"The Acting Lord was once the second daughter of an alchemist family. Didn’t you know?"

"Huh?"

"She was once a person who lived with the dream of becoming an alchemist, so for the Young Lord to become like that because of something related to alchemy... Her grief must be immense."

What? Fiora had such a past in her setting?

"Was that so?"

It was unexpected. I thought she was just a well-mannered noble lady.

Turns out she’s someone who’s been through a lot? In this world, alchemists are backstabbers who plagiarize each other’s theses.

"Butler, you’re truly knowledgeable, aren’t you?"

"Huhu, it’s basic for a butler serving the Lord. Oh, if there’s any Kahlum left, would you mind giving me some? I’d like to research it."

Just then, I took out a few from the ring. The butler was very pleased to receive them, case and all.

I then stepped outside.

As I rode Lynn, the Goddess spoke to me about my recent escapades.

’It’s all to spread Goddess’s name! Haha!’

Clop, clop!

Crack, crackle! Crackle!

Lynn galloped at an overwhelming speed. I fully felt the sensation of speed, took a deep breath, and exhaled, making the Goddess laugh.

’I should return to Weaverpool.’

’No, I’m already quite used to it. How much aura did I use in late Runner?’

A chuckle escaped me. Of course, pseudo-early Expert and true Expert would be different.

Still, I could get the hang of it.

They say the one who has tasted meat knows it best, don’t they?

’I will further spread Goddess’s prestige. Kukuk.’

’Hmm, I haven’t seen what’s inside yet.’

First, I needed to check what was in it. It would probably be full of gold, silver, and treasures, but surprisingly, it might only contain important documents.

I didn’t want to get my hopes up for nothing. Expectations often lead to disappointment.

The Goddess’s nonchalant remark.

’Oh, you can see through things?’

The scoffing Goddess felt even more charming today.

So she can see through things too. Goddess is truly the best.

’As expected, our Goddess is the best!’

As I gave a faint smile and flattered her, the Goddess spoke as if sulking.

’I’ll sell all that gold and turn it into money.’

’I’ll distribute it among the women.’

The Goddess seemed a little disappointed.

’Of course, most of the money has a separate use.’

’What use?’

’That’s a secret, huhu!’

I deliberately teased her more. I was curious about the Goddess’s reaction.

And her reaction was, as expected, within the predicted range.

I laughed out loud without realizing it. She’s like a maiden when she sulks like this.

There is indeed a separate use for it. For the Goddess, that is.

Clop, clop!

I galloped excitedly and arrived near Weaverpool. The time was already nearing night.

Anyway, it’s really far. Thinking about walking here is utterly horrifying, isn’t it?

’And it’s dark without a single light, making it even more terrifying.’

If something moved in the bushes here, it would be a horror movie without a doubt.

Rustle!

I abruptly stopped the horse. As I turned on the lantern hanging from my waist, something began to emerge from the bushes.

Is it a monster?

As I reached for the hilt of my sword, a familiar voice was heard.

"Was it you, then?"

Someone who had emerged in the middle of the path looked at me. He gradually approached. It was Kelsas.

"Haa, Inspector. What is it now?"

"You’re very busy, Hero."

"I’m busy right now. If you want to fight, let’s do it later."

To run into Kelsas of all people, what bad luck. Is he hiding his subordinates around here and waiting?

I doubt he’d be that petty, but he’s a long-ear, so I can’t trust him.

As I glared at him, Kelsas clicked his tongue with a calm expression.

"You must have noticed that the Lord is acting strangely, didn’t you?"

"Uh... how did you know that?"

An unexpected remark came from Kelsas’s mouth. What? Kelsas knew? That the current Lord wasn’t the real Lord?

I looked at Kelsas with a serious face. He twisted his lips and smiled.

"That cult leader bastard tried to mind-control me too. Of course, it didn’t work. When you’re around mid-Expert, this kind of thing is a laughable matter."

I knew that. He didn’t even flinch when he was hit by the lightning Lynn unleashed.

That’s what Force Heart is. It makes its owner strong and nullifies any magic or anything used by someone with lesser ability.

It was a setting typical of a game world.

"Huh, so you knew?"

When I asked in surprise, Kelsas nodded.

I looked around, and it seemed Kelsas was alone.

"Yes, but there’s no evidence. For me to act alone, his faction alone has thousands of followers."

His influence is no joke, indeed.

First, I dismounted. I showed Kelsas all the evidence, including the ledger. Kelsas examined it silently.

"Hmm."

Kelsas, who had meticulously examined it, handed it back to me and scoffed.

"Hmph, it’s the same information I obtained. No, the quantity is a bit more...."

"I’m going to take care of that cult leader bastard now. Preparations are already complete."

Kelsas tilted his head, observing me. He seemed to be trying to figure out if my words were true.

"You alone? It’ll be tough, won’t it?"

"No, I can do it. The build-up was sufficient."

Kelsas smiled faintly and nodded. Then he suddenly drew his sword and pointed it right at my nose.

"That had better not be a bluff."

The long-ear inspector suddenly set a heavy atmosphere.

I looked at the sword tip and smiled leisurely.

"It might be difficult to capture the cult leader bastard alive. Don’t complain if I kill him."

Run away? Bullshit.

"He must be quite upset. Well, he was matched by a late Runner, after all."

Still, can a civil servant spend his personal time like this?

No, wait. Should I rather be grateful that he’s not taking bribes?

"I have a way. There’s one more person who wasn’t affected by the mind control."

"Hoo, interesting. Good, go."

I’d go even if you told me not to. I passed Kelsas as he stepped aside.

He was paying quite a bit of attention. Enough to twitch his ears.

’I can’t tell if he’s cooler than I thought, or just an idiot.’

I entered the Weaverpool territory. The important part was now.

Honestly, this was a concern for me too. Mind control is truly an overpowered ability.

No matter how strong I am, if my mind is controlled, it’s over.

He would make me commit suicide, or order me to attack civilians or private soldiers who shouldn’t be attacked.

’But I saw it. I felt it.’

It would have been nice to have one more mind immunity potion, but it didn’t matter.

After all, that’s why I also had relations with her.

I headed straight for the cathedral.

Upon entering the cathedral, I saw Lorel sweeping alone with a broom.

I wanted to help her, but I approached first.

"Oh my?"

Lorel, who spotted me, blushed and smiled. Even such a small smile looked sexy.

As expected of my Dark Elf!

"Hero Lucian, you’re here? Surely you’re not here to teach me the gospel? Hehe."

"Sister, I need your blessing. Right now, immediately!"

"...Huh?"

At my sudden request, Lorel wiggled her ears and tilted her head.

She must be surprised. But what I believed in was her blessing. And this was connected to the setting.

’One of the buffs received from a high-ranking nun is...’

"Lorel, you’re my last hidden card!"

I approached her.