The Former Holy Knight. Having Lost My Job and Childhood Friend, I Decided to Start a Dark Guild - Chapter 101

“So… it’s been decided that the four of us will resolve this conflict…”

Kano spoke with a sense of unease as he glanced at the thousands of Sun’s People warriors stretching across the frontier, just beyond the hidden passage through the Wall of the Saintess. “Hold on, Don, why exactly was I chosen to be part of this group?”

The task assigned by Saintess Cecil was to collaborate between the Holy Knights and the Michino Family to capture Glenn Deeth, who was controlling the Sun’s People, and to swiftly establish a peace agreement. As a result, I had to form a team on short notice, and one of those chosen was Kano.

“Kano, your abilities are far more useful than you realize, especially for this kind of mission.”

Truthfully, I had wanted to bring Nina or Seneca along, but the unique circumstances of this mission made that impossible.

Kano replied, “If you’re going to put it that way, then I’ll entrust my life to you, Don, and follow your lead.”

As Kano and I were talking, another member of the group raised their voice. “More importantly, doesn’t it seem strange for me to be part of this team?”

The one speaking was Cisia, the former commander of the Bernard Holy Knights. Recently released from the Holy Knights’ prison, Cisia still looked perplexed.

“Don Michino, is it really okay for a criminal like me to be part of this mission? I’m the one who tried to kill you, after all.”

“Yes, because your knowledge of the opposition is essential for this mission. Besides, if we leave Glenn Deeth unchecked, you won’t find peace, even in death.”

“You’re right about that… but still, I believe Cecil-sama brought you all into this because you’re free from the king’s authority. If Glenn’s royal command is activated, who knows what I might do.”

“If that happens, Cisia, then Bernard Holy Knights will just gain their 24th martyr. Wouldn’t that be exactly what a death-seeker like you wants?”

“True, but still…”

Cisia’s gaze then turned to the last member of our group. “And this Holy Knight… Is she from the Royal Holy Knights? Not Nina?”

All eyes fell on the Holy Knight clad in armor meant for lower-ranked knights. She simply bowed her head in silence as she walked. Beads of sweat formed on Kano’s forehead as he explained.

“She’s the fourth member, a lower-ranked knight from the Royal Holy Knights. Her name is Sefi— I mean, Sephine-san. Well then, everyone, let’s capture Glenn and wrap this up!”

Cisia still looked unconvinced. “Why is a lower-ranked knight involved in such an important mission?”

The reason we brought in Sephine, who was disguised as a lower-ranked knight, was because she herself strongly requested to join. However, keeping the details about her identity vague would make things easier for Cisia during the mission.

Cisia then unfolded a map as we walked.

“Tomorrow night, on the new moon, Glenn and Sia Seiren’s wedding ceremony will take place. Glenn should be heading to the Sun’s Hill, the holy site of the Sun’s People, along with the elders.”

The Sun’s Hill was located about five leagues from the Wall of the Saintess, so if we hurried, we could reach it before the ceremony began. The biggest concern was the Sun’s People surrounding Glenn Deeth.

Cisia spoke up, “Among the Sun’s People attending the feast are numerous powerful heretics. Capturing only Glenn in this situation is going to be extremely difficult.”

The key to this mission was ensuring there were no casualties among the Sun’s People. If our actions triggered open warfare, everything would be for nothing. We had to avoid conflict and focus solely on Glenn Deeth. There was another concern as well.

“Glenn mentioned that by engaging in intercourse with women of saintly nature like Cecil-sama and Sia Seiren, he could unlock the King’s Skill. Glenn will most certainly consummate the marriage with Sia Seiren right after the ceremony. If that happens, the situation will become even more unpredictable.”

After explaining all this, Cisia glanced back at the Wall of the Saintess we had just passed through. Atop the wall, aside from the Holy Knights, stood a thug-looking man with a mohawk, who was supposed to be on guard duty.

“Even though we’re outnumbered, to leave the defense to the Saeed Family… Cecil-sama really does make bold decisions.”

Of course, it wasn’t Cecil’s idea—it was a decision I had to make out of necessity. As the situation escalated rapidly, I captured Sheikh Saeed and his family, who were preparing to flee the city, and forced them to swear loyalty. With the Royal Holy Knights away, I needed every available person to defend the wall.

Lower-ranked knight Sephine also looked up at the Wall of the Saintess and made the sign of the cross over her chest. I urged the others, “Let’s pick up the pace,” and quickened my steps.

As we moved past the Sun’s People encampment, the familiar desolate wasteland stretched out before us. Thanks to Kano’s “Shadow Walk,” which lasted longer than when I used it, we didn’t have to worry about being attacked by wolves that roamed the wilderness.

Given this team, we should be able to reach Sun’s Hill by tomorrow night, barring any major issues. But after half an hour, Kano perked up his ears.

“Don, there’s a strange group directly ahead. They’re not Sun’s People.”

Sephine stopped and, for the first time since the mission began, spoke.

“Kano-san, what kind of presence are we talking about?”

“Six of them. They give off the same vibe as Torquemada-san. It’s bad news.”

Sephine nodded. “They belong to the Inquisition group ‘Hammer of Witches,’ under the Papal authority. It would be wise to avoid contact with them.”

Cisia gasped in surprise. “Wha—why are the Inquisition’s elite Witch Hunters here? And Sephine, how are you staying so calm about this? If what you’re saying is true, the ‘Hammer of Witches’ is nearby…”

I placed a hand on Cisia’s shoulder.

“Don’t overthink it. Sephine’s right. Let’s take a detour.”