Vol 4 Chapter 81: “The Savior” (Vol 4: The Otherworldly Battlefield Arc)

“You people have no reason to come to Polivity! What’s your purpose?!”

At the entrance to Polivity.

As the frontline of the war against monsters with the Demon King’s Castle in full view, Polivity is built like a fortress.

The entire city is surrounded by high stone walls, with patrols stationed along the top.

At the entrance on the side opposite the Demon King’s Castle, numerous guards are deployed, not just to fend off monsters but also to prevent thieves from sneaking in.

“No, we’ve committed crimes in the Kingdom of Van and were ordered to exterminate monsters here in Polivity.”

Sukui smiled awkwardly, as if troubled. This was something he had anticipated.

In some areas of Bainte and Venti, such punishment might still exist, but in the Kingdom of Van, it’s no longer practiced.

Adding to the suspicion was the fact that Sukui, who appeared to be a mild-mannered young man, and a quiet-looking girl had arrived in an elegant magic-powered vehicle, dressed in high-quality clothing.

If the gatekeepers weren’t suspicious of them, they wouldn’t be doing their job.

“We even have a letter from the lord of Onus.”

“There’s no way a letter would be written for criminals!”

Even as two gatekeepers pointed their spears at him, Sukui’s troubled expression remained unchanged.

Holo, however, didn’t seem to appreciate the gatekeepers’ attitude. Still, she refrained from taking any action, understanding Sukui’s wish to build good relationships.

Otherwise, the gatekeepers might have already been riddled with holes.

“And why would criminals come in a magic-powered vehicle anyway?! It doesn’t make any sense! Also, putting you aside, what’s that girl doing here?! What crime could she have possibly committed?!”

“Well, I’m fairly well-off, you see, and this girl is my relative. It’s better for her to stay with me rather than be left alone in the city as the family of a criminal.”

“No amount of money would allow a criminal to have such luxuries!”

It was a valid point.

Sukui was persuasive and skilled at winning people over. However, his honesty this time had backfired.

Although his status was suspicious, Sukui thought it would be better to avoid blatantly lying, as they might end up living in Polivity for an extended period. Lies would eventually catch up to him.

However, Polivity’s level of vigilance was far beyond what Sukui had expected.

He was even surprised to find gatekeepers stationed at all.

“I’m on friendly terms with the lord, you see. Still, I must admit, I’m impressed.”

When the gatekeepers’ shouting began to falter due to fatigue, Sukui changed his tone.

There was much to learn from their anger. For example, these gatekeepers clearly took pride in their work.

“Polivity. I thought it was just a slum labeled as the frontline against monsters, a penal colony for criminals. But the city is surprisingly well-regulated. The gatekeepers here seem to be well-trained and educated individuals.”

“Well, yeah, that’s true.”

The sudden shift in conversation caught the gatekeepers off guard, and their exhaustion prevented them from reacting aggressively to Sukui’s compliment, especially since it resonated with their sense of pride.

“It’s true that, until a few years ago, this place was just like you described. But recently, the city has been undergoing improvements.”

“Ah, I see. It must be thanks to the leadership of someone highly capable.”

Holo observed Sukui closely, recognizing his skillful approach.

Complimenting the other party to earn their trust is a common strategy, but the key lies in how the compliments are delivered.

Flattery that’s too blatant can offend, but expressing genuine curiosity about the other person is an effective way to get them talking comfortably.

And the gatekeepers, straightforwardly, praised their superiors rather than themselves.

They likely took more pride in their commander than in their own actions.

Using basic strategies but adapting to the other party’s behavior.

Just like in combat, Sukui built a successful approach by assembling fundamental tactics.

By this point, there was no other outcome but for the gatekeepers to open their hearts to Sukui, or so Holo was already convinced.

“Yeah, that’s right. Up until a few years ago, even the people here, myself included, were nothing but criminals. But then that person came along—”

As the gatekeeper began speaking at ease, with other gatekeepers drawing closer, seemingly eager to join the conversation, the gates opened.

“Oh?”

A knightly order—no, their equipment left no doubt.

Amidst them, a lone woman appeared, completely out of place yet exuding the most commanding presence.

“S-Saint!”

The gathered gatekeepers bowed deeply, while the woman gently waved her hand with a soft smile in response.

“I heard there was some commotion at the gate.”

Her gentle voice was calm yet penetrating, much like Sukui’s.

Her pristine, flowing white robes exuded nothing but purity.

“We apologize. These individuals have requested to reside in the city.”

Hearing the gatekeeper’s introduction, which lacked malice, Sukui thought their favorability had slightly improved.

While it wasn’t necessary to be particularly liked, maintaining this level of goodwill was preferable.

“Pleased to meet you. I am Sukui Kensei from the Kingdom of Van. This is my relative, Miss Holo Lorca.”

Sukui’s refined greeting was utterly devoid of any criminal undertone.

In the long run, it was wiser to display proper etiquette rather than live as someone seen as ignorant of it.

“Thank you for your politeness.”

Holo, clad in frilly, girlish clothing, curtsied gracefully beside Sukui.

Her manners were already impeccable.

The woman responded with a similarly elegant bow, one that didn’t betray the lightness of her attire.

“I’m often called the Saint. Here in this city, I suppose you could say I act as something like an advisor.”

“An advisor?!”

The gatekeepers interrupted.

“The Saint is Polivity’s savior!”

“She’s saved all of us!”

“If not for her words, I, who’ve only ever committed crimes, wouldn’t be working for the city now!”

“And she even courageously fights on the frontlines!”

“She’s repelled countless monster hordes!”

The gatekeepers all spoke at once, but the Saint humbly waved her hands, dismissing their praise.

“All I can offer is a little guidance. Everything we have now is thanks to everyone’s hard work.”

At her words, the knights lowered their heads, and the gatekeepers knelt.

“Sukui, if you’re willing to join the fight against the monsters, it would be a great relief. Even if not, the city desperately needs manpower. Please help us protect this place.”

The Saint bowed her head as she spoke.

So genuine and respected, it almost seemed unnatural for her to lack any ulterior motives.

However, Sukui couldn’t see any malice in her at the moment.

What drew his attention more was her exceptional competence.

“I’ll do my utmost not to cause any trouble. Please feel free to call on me if there’s ever a need for combat.”

Sukui’s statement about his combat ability drew skeptical glances from the gatekeepers.

However, since the Saint had accepted him, they decided not to voice their doubts.

The Saint, showing no signs of suspicion, simply placed her hand to her mouth with a pleased expression.

“If you’re willing to assist with monster extermination, it would be a great help. Let’s decide on your place of residence right away. Allow me to have someone guide you to a vacant house.”

Contrary to her soft and gentle impression, the Saint efficiently gave orders.

It seemed that every time someone arrived in this city, a vacant house was assigned to them.

“Saint, the next house is this way—”

“Ah, may I?” Sukui interjected, addressing the knights confirming their accommodations.

“I don’t mind, but she’s rather frail. If the house is too old, it might affect her health.”

This was how Sukui introduced Holo.

It was a predetermined strategy—Holo would not be presented as a combatant.

By separating their roles instead of presenting them both as strong individuals, it might make negotiations smoother in the future.

“I’d like her to live in as clean and safe an area as possible, with a reasonably spacious house.”

“That’s understandable, but…”

The Saint appeared apologetic, while the knights showed a hint of irritation at what they likely considered a presumptuous request.

This reaction confirmed Sukui’s expectations about the state of the city.

“Of course, I wouldn’t dare make such demands as an outsider without contributing to the city. I hope to prove myself through my actions,” Sukui added.

“And as a gesture of goodwill,” Sukui said, gesturing toward their magic-powered vehicle, “we’ll offer this to the city.”

The Saint and everyone else present were astonished.

This vehicle was valuable enough to purchase a mansion in the Kingdom of Van.

In Polivity, such luxury items were exceedingly rare.

Moreover, its utility was undeniable.

While the city had carriages, their numbers were limited due to ongoing reconstruction. In terms of comfort, range, and maintenance, the magic vehicle far surpassed horse-drawn carriages.

In a city constantly on high alert, a convenient mode of transport was a highly coveted asset.

“And here’s something else.”

At Sukui’s words, Holo handed over a large bag she had been carrying.

When opened, it revealed an enormous amount of gold coins.

“This is Van currency. It’s enough to purchase at least one mansion in the royal capital.”

Before coming to Polivity, Sukui had converted most of his wealth into tangible assets.

However, not all of it.

Even if the gold coins couldn’t be directly used in Polivity, they still held immense value.

Given that Polivity wasn’t entirely isolated from the three major nations, Sukui had anticipated their usefulness as a negotiation tool.

“This, too, we offer to the city.”

A stunned silence fell over the group, surpassing mere surprise.

“In the Kingdom of Van, I was moderately wealthy, but here, my previous fortune means little. It’s better to use it for the benefit of this city.”

Sukui spoke smoothly, his tone kind.

Any doubts about him began to dissipate naturally.

“Please accept this as a token of my desire to contribute to this city.”

After a moment, everyone turned their attention to Sukui’s expression.

From the gatekeepers, who had initially doubted him, to the others, Sukui’s sincerity became evident.

His calm demeanor and unwavering politeness, even when questioned and accused, had left a deep impression.

And everything he said made perfect sense.

“I… I’m sorry. I must have been doubting you,” one of the gatekeepers apologized, bowing his head.

“Please, don’t use formal language with me. On the contrary, I see hope for life in this city thanks to the dedication of gatekeepers like you.”

Sukui spoke warmly while shifting his gaze to the Saint.

While everyone else seemed impressed by Sukui’s character, one person wore a troubled expression.

A trace of doubt? Sukui thought. He was prepared to press further but realized it wasn’t doubt—it was guilt.

“Indeed… While this is greatly appreciated, it does feel like too much.”

Her sense of morality seemed to resist accepting such generosity.

Perhaps, to her, receiving too much could evoke a feeling of discomfort.

However, her kindness extended beyond herself to the city.

She understood that Sukui’s offer would ultimately benefit Polivity.

“Understood. While it may feel somewhat unequal, we cannot refuse your goodwill. Knights, please locate the largest vacant house near the main street for them.”

Inequality.

Likely, she referred to the inability to reciprocate Sukui’s offerings and the preferential treatment of newcomers.

If that was her concern, Sukui considered it a non-issue.

If he contributed little in the future, people might resent his early privileges.

However, with significant achievements, he could easily shift public perception, proving himself as a major asset to the city.

Thus, he had a rough plan in mind.

Since combat was highly valued here, Sukui didn’t view future accomplishments as a challenge.

“Then, Sukui, while we prepare your home, would you join me at the church for a tour of the city?”

“Gladly.”

With the Saint’s invitation, Sukui and Holo passed through the gates of Polivity.