The Former Holy Knight. Having Lost My Job and Childhood Friend, I Decided to Start a Dark Guild - Chapter 22

“Two copper coins? What on earth is used to make this ‘Pitt wine’? I’ve never heard of such cheap liquor.”

Having significantly driven down the transaction price through negotiation, Sofia was astonished when she mentioned the cost of Pitt wine that circulated in the Loser’s District.

Pitt wine, known for its poor taste and often causing ill health when consumed, was popular in the Loser’s District because it was cheap.

According to Pitt, there was a closely guarded recipe, but it felt suspiciously like something nefarious was used in its making.

Upon returning to the carriage, Sofia appeared thoughtful. “Well, it seems we should indeed procure that liquor.”

As Sofia instructed the coachman on their destination, the carriage moved towards a part of the royal capital, the backstreets, notorious for poor security. Could there be a brewery in that part of town?

“It’s a dangerous place, but I’m reassured having a former Holy Knight by my side,” Sofia said as they arrived in the backstreets and disembarked, linking arms with me.

This area, frequented by members of the Dark Guild for spontaneous brawls, theft, and illegal drug trades, was a place I often visited during my time as a Holy Knight. However, today, the atmosphere of the streets feels different.

“Oh, it seems like Don’s former comrades are busy working,” Sofia remarked.

Indeed, we had seen several elite Holy Knights from the First Holy Knight Brigade. Normally, they wouldn’t be in this part of town. Likely, a significant heretic capture operation was about to commence, with the brigade leader taking command.

As expected, walking along the street with Sofia, we saw Cecil standing in front of a tavern surrounded by Holy Knights, indicating a major heretic was inside, about to be raided by the brigade leader. It was a tense moment.

Sofia chuckled. “Coincidences are fascinating, aren’t they? To encounter Saintess-sama while you’re with me.”

“Sofia, what do you mean?”

Sofia evaded the question. “Never mind that. Seems Saintess-sama occupied, and we have our own business to attend to.”

Leaving Cecil, who was about to enter the tavern with her aide Lilith, behind, Sofia led me into a building that looked more like a cheap inn than a brewery. The middle-aged woman at the reception gave us a cold glance, but Sofia, undeterred, spoke to her.

“Do you have a room available? I’d like to rest with this gentleman.”

I quickly interjected, “Hey, Sofia, weren’t we going to a brewery?”

“Don, I’m a bit tired. Let’s rest together. Please, a room.”

Sofia placed three silver coins on the counter, and without a word, the receptionist nodded and handed over two keys.

“Sofia! If we’re going to rest, let’s at least have tea somewhere, not here!”

Sofia laughed softly and pulled my hand. “I was just teasing. The place we’re looking for is just ahead.”

We passed several rooms along the corridor, and Sofia used the room key to open one of them. At first glance, it was a small, unremarkable bedroom, nothing but a shabby brothel.

Sofia opened a large closet. “It’s a bit cramped, but come in here.”

“What do you mean?”

Sofia entered the closet without answering my question and took out another key.

A keyhole in the back of the closet revealed a door. Unlocking it, a dark staircase appeared.

“Be careful, it’s dark.”

The stairs led deep underground, the smell of alcohol growing stronger the further we went, different from the brewery scents Sofia and I were accustomed to. I had encountered this scent before. It brought back memories from my time as a Holy Knight when we raided a tavern serving high-alcohol illicit liquor known as heretic wine. Heretic wine burned like fire if drunk raw and quickly addicted its drinkers.

Could it be…

“Are you planning to procure heretic liquor?”

“You’ve noticed? Heretic liquor is cheap and has a high alcohol content, so I thought if we dilute it, we could compete with Pitt wine.”

“Hey, if the Holy Knights find out, it’ll be subject to arrest.”

“Ah, has His Majesty forgotten? The Loser’s District is outside the jurisdiction of the Holy Knights, isn’t it?”

“Even if it’s outside their jurisdiction, it’s also a matter of my morals.”

In the darkness, Sofia chuckled softly.

“Don, we are heretics. Our very existence is amoral. What problem could there possibly be in circulating illegal liquor?”

As I struggled to respond, Sofia continued.

“Don, let me give you a piece of advice. You are in a very rare position right now.”

“A rare position?”

“Yes. Unbeknownst to you, Don has become a person of interest among the major players within the royal capital. Now is the time to quickly gain power without being picky about the means.”

“I only wish for my family to live normally and for the security of the Loser’s District to improve. I’m not asking for much.”

“Can you protect your family without desiring much? Take Nina-chan, for example. Her ability is an anomaly among anomalies. You’ll need significant power just to protect her from the Holy Knights. And I surmise it wouldn’t be strange if the Dark Guild within the capital were also after her.”

Sofia was right. Cecil dominated the current state of the royal capital. It wouldn’t be strange for forces that desire Nina’s power, which could potentially counter Cecil, to exist. The Gambinos are already aware of her existence.

Sofia said, “Don, please quickly accomplish two things to protect your family. One is to establish your territory. The other is to gain the backing of a noble. I will assist you, albeit modestly.”

“Sofia, what exactly is your aim?”

“When Nina-chan went on a rampage in Pornai, and you protected my town for the first time in my life, my heart was moved, my cold heart.”

Sofia grabbed my hand.

“I, Sofia Gracier, swear loyalty to Don Michino, a.k.a. Leon Stein. In return, please create the greatest Dark Guild in the royal capital. I will not forgive you if you betray my expectations.”

And then, something soft touched the back of my hand. Could it be that Sofia Gracier had sworn her loyalty to me? Then, ancient runes shining in the darkness appeared next.

Sofia Gracier

Race: Human

Heretic Skill: Virtue of the Lustful Beast

Sub-skills: Charm, Discernment, Negotiation, Potion of Kiss, Tears of Deceit, Embrace of Death

Hidden Skills: Devotion to Don, Unmatched Love

Loyalty: 30