Vol 4 Chapter 89: “Smiles” (Vol 4: The Otherworldly Battlefield Arc)

After wrapping up their negotiations, Sukui, Horo, and Abid saw the traveling merchant off.

The results exceeded Abid’s expectations, and he, now in high spirits, threw an arm around Sukui’s shoulder, laughing loudly.

“Aniki, you’re so mean! If you were going to pull something like that, you could’ve at least told me beforehand.”

“Negotiations are unpredictable. Improvising based on the other party’s reactions is the true essence of it. Still, you handled it well.”

Sukui hadn’t conducted the negotiations as Abid expected, but Abid managed to adapt seamlessly, making the most of his own skills within the flow Sukui created.

“Well, I still feel like I’ve got some room for improvement, though.”

Just as Abid was about to ask where Sukui learned such skills, a familiar magic car passed by.

“Sukui-san.”

The magic car stopped, and a woman stepped out with an elegant and light gait.

“It’s been since lunch. Horo-san, and you must be Abid-san from the Pardaa Trading Company.”

Sukui and Horo, who had seen the cleric earlier in the morning, responded with composed bows.

Abid, however, was caught off guard. He hadn’t realized the cleric was acquainted with Sukui and Horo. Even more surprising was that she knew his name, prompting him to return a delayed and awkward bow.

“Y-You know who I am?”

“Yes. While this is our first time speaking directly, I’m familiar with Pardaa Trading Company through their contributions to Polivity’s operations.”

Abid muttered under his breath, “Of course you’d know that.”

The cleric’s city relied on the Pardaa Trading Company for supplies, but Abid hadn’t expected her to recognize his face and name. For someone of her status, it was shocking.

“You’re one of the merchants supporting this town’s livelihood. I’ve also heard of your renowned business acumen and wanted to meet you at least once.”

Her words were likely half-flattery, though Sukui himself acknowledged Abid’s talents.

“Oh no, not at all! It’s thanks to clerics like you that we can do business with peace of mind.”

Abid humbled himself, his demeanor reflecting awe mixed with nervousness. The cleric, noticing this, gave a slightly troubled smile.

“A town isn’t built by one person alone. It thrives because of everyone’s cooperation and shared roles. My position simply involves giving directions more often than not; in truth, there’s no hierarchy or disparity between those who give and those who receive.”

Her inclusive philosophy was something Sukui silently agreed with, though he refrained from vocalizing his thoughts.

“And Sukui-san, even though you’re new to this town, you’re already contributing so much!”

With a clap of her hands, the cleric’s face lit up in a radiant smile, as though she was genuinely delighted.

“The magic car was a gift, and during this morning’s battle, you took the lead against the monsters!”

Her cheerful expression made it seem like any previous misunderstandings were forgotten, leaving Sukui unsure of her true intentions.

“As a newcomer, I just wanted to do whatever I could to help. I’m glad it wasn’t in vain.”

He offered a standard response.

“I’m delighted to see the magic car being put to good use. Are you patrolling right now?”

“Yes. Today, we’ve been clearing monsters outside the walls and meeting with people we needed to see.”

After speaking, the cleric’s eyes widened, as if an idea had just struck her.

“That’s it!”

She skipped forward like a child, clasping her hands in front of her chest as she approached Sukui.

“If you don’t mind, Sukui-san, would you join me? No, let’s go just the two of us!”

At her sudden invitation, Sukui tilted his head slightly in thought. Meanwhile, Horo puffed out her cheeks and clung tightly to Sukui’s waist.

“No! Master and I are having a housewarming party tonight.”

“Two nights in a row?”

The previous night, to celebrate their first day in Polivity, Sukui had purchased ingredients from Abid and held a grand party with Horo. Though the available ingredients weren’t of the highest quality, and they had been tired from traveling, Horo had thoroughly enjoyed showcasing her cooking.

“This time, it’s the overnight version.”

“I see… I wouldn’t want to intrude on that.”

Seeing Horo’s firm stance, the cleric released Sukui with an apologetic expression.

“I’ll return him by nightfall. Even a short while would be fine, though.”

The cleric gently pressed, unwilling to give up entirely.

While Sukui hadn’t actually promised a party, he valued Horo’s wishes more than the cleric’s request. Maintaining connections with powerful figures was important, but not at the expense of upsetting Horo.

“No, young lady. Since the cleric herself values his abilities, it’d be rude to refuse her request.”

Before Sukui could open his mouth to refuse, Abid interjected, addressing Horo.

“I know you’re fond of Aniki, but the cleric is a far more important figure than you realize. Even though she says everyone is equal, as long as you live in this town, it’s impossible not to benefit from her influence.”

Abid continued with a serious expression.

“This isn’t about currying favor; it’s about respect. She’s someone we’ll rely on in the future. Being dismissive would reflect poorly on Aniki, too.”

“I don’t particularly mind, though,” Sukui commented, though he appreciated Abid’s words.

Sukui was indulgent with Horo. Unless it was something significant, he would always prioritize her above all else.

However, such indulgence wasn’t always in Horo’s best interest. Abid voicing this truth on Sukui’s behalf wasn’t unwelcome.

Horo puffed her cheeks but reluctantly released Sukui’s arm. Of course, had it not been an invitation for Sukui to be alone with the beautiful cleric, Horo wouldn’t have objected in the first place. Still, Abid’s argument was sound.

“Be back in time for dinner.”

Sukui crouched and gently pressed a finger to Horo’s inflated cheek.

“…Fine.”

Though she still looked dissatisfied, Horo nodded, exhaling the air from her cheeks in resignation.

“At least let me take you there. It might sound strange since I’m the one who gifted you the magic car, but still.”

With that, the cleric ushered Horo into the magic car.

Abid mentioned he had other business to attend to, though he likely wished to avoid overstepping his boundaries.

“Until Sukui-san returns, please station a few guards around the house,” the cleric instructed.

The precaution wasn’t just for safety—it was a subtle display of consideration for Sukui, an acknowledgment of her respect for Horo’s concerns.

“So, where are we headed?” Sukui asked after seeing off Horo and Abid and turning back to the cleric.

“Today, I plan to visit the Peine Family in District B.”

“District B?”

Polivity didn’t have specific place names, so the clerics had divided the town into areas for administrative purposes. Sukui had picked up this tidbit during casual conversations.

“That’s a bit out of the way. The name… a mafia?”

“Yes. They’ve established their territory in that area.”

The areas beyond the main streets were slums, places with neither order nor security. Naturally, groups of people banded together in such conditions.

The Peine Family was one of those groups.

“So, you’re going to punish them?”

Sukui wasn’t yet familiar with Polivity’s underworld. Though he knew the town’s criminals couldn’t be ignored, he had planned to address them himself at some point. However, the cleric’s purpose likely differed from his.

“Not at all.”

Walking as she spoke, the cleric explained further.

“There are several mafia organizations in Polivity, but so far, none have supported me or the church.”

That wasn’t surprising.

Even a powerful mage wouldn’t gain a mafia’s support unless it served their interests. Many wouldn’t even comprehend what was being offered, and those who did would likely refuse outright salvation.

“The Peine Family, however, is one of the larger groups. If I can win their cooperation, it will not only bring allies to the church but also expand the areas we can stabilize.”

There was more to it than that.

Bringing one mafia group under her influence would ripple through the others, for better or worse.

While caution was essential, gaining the Peine Family’s support could mark a significant step toward stabilizing Polivity.

After all, the church, including the cleric, was just another faction within Polivity.

“I see. So why bring me along?”

Sukui’s views on dealing with criminals were fundamentally different from the cleric’s.

The cleric wouldn’t simply let past crimes go unpunished, even if she persuaded the mafia to join her. She would prohibit further wrongdoing and likely impose strict oversight.

She would also ensure they contributed to the town’s restoration—a reasonable approach.

Sukui, however, had a different stance.

He didn’t know the specifics of the Peine Family, but if they were truly evil, they would fall under his definition of those needing salvation—through death.

If he accompanied the cleric, the outcome of their discussion might not lead to immediate action, but the possibility of Sukui wiping them out remained high.

“That’s because you’re a genuinely good person, Sukui-san!”

The cleric repeated the very words she had denied earlier with confident conviction.

“Regardless of what you say, you’re kind. I heard you joined negotiations to ensure the town’s resource supply. You’ve built connections with talented merchants, and even Abid-san holds you in high regard.”

Fast. Sukui was surprised.

That was information—he had just concluded the negotiation moments ago, and the decision to go had been made at the last minute.

It was likely due to the cleric’s swift information-gathering and impressive data management skills.

“That’s why I’m certain. You’re kind and strong, but you can’t tolerate evil.”

She smiled warmly.

“Even evil people are still people. They’re important and shouldn’t simply be discarded. If guided properly, they can change.”

Sukui didn’t deny it outright.

Not because he believed in her philosophy, but because he knew her intentions.

For him, saving evildoers often meant delivering death. The cleric understood this but still sought to convince him.

“I believe that together, we can make a difference.”

In this town.

Even if their beliefs differed.

Their shared desire to help others was undeniable.

“Let’s take the first step toward that today!”

So please, watch me closely.

The cleric’s smile radiated such warmth and sincerity that it was no wonder people were drawn to follow her.

It was a smile filled with love.