The Former Holy Knight. Having Lost My Job and Childhood Friend, I Decided to Start a Dark Guild - Chapter 68

Naturally, the man’s request that Torquemada, the Inquisitor, be killed was not something that could be easily decided upon. I could only ask for it to be put on hold and had no choice but to send the man away. Left alone, I pondered it but could come to no conclusion.

At the very least, the man’s story was not a lie. While he spoke, I had activated the “Appraisal” sub-skill that Sofia Gracier, the brothel owner, possessed.

This ability allows one to see through falsehoods. If “Appraisal” is to be believed, then the man’s story is factual. This means that, indeed, a heretic girl was used as a sexual plaything by the nobles before being sentenced to death.

Regardless of how cruelly the Inquisitor might treat heretics, it goes unquestioned in our society. Accusing him of the Holy Knights would be pointless. The only ones who could avenge Lilly’s father’s grievances would be the Dark Guild.

However, the risk is far too significant. No matter how much of a monster the man may be, Torquemada Slovlin is an Inquisitor from the Papal Office. Killing him would undoubtedly bring the investigation of Cecil’s Holy Knights upon us. This means putting the entire family at risk.

I unfolded Lilly’s letter once again. Lilly’s message concluded as follows:

“Still, I harbor hope. A girl in a similar situation told me about it. In this world, there exists a king who rules over us heretics and extends a helping hand to heretics in the toughest of situations. Thus, I believe this king will appear before me someday, returning me to my father and mother. I live on, believing that day will come.”

Several days after the businessman presented me with the assassination request, I found myself in the heart of the capital. Normally, I would alter my appearance using a skill when leaving the Dark Guild headquarters, but today, I remained as Leon Stein.

In a back alley of the capital’s bustling streets, I entered a less crowded diner, where the person I had arranged to meet was already present. Sitting quietly, eating her meal, was Lilith, a senior knight affiliated with the First Holy Knights, known for her skill as a Sword Saint and serving as Cecil’s right hand and my fellow academy entrant.

As I took the seat before her, she looked up with her characteristic expressionless face.

“I apologize for calling you during such busy times.”

“As you can imagine, following the recent rebellion, the order within the knights is chaos. It couldn’t be busier,” Lilith replied, wiping her mouth with a handkerchief. “However, I couldn’t refuse your request, Leon.”

I was well aware of Lilith’s loyal nature.

Months ago, I had rescued Lilith during a battle with Grittz, and she had insisted on repaying the favor. This was me calling in that favor.

“How are your injuries?”

“I’ve recovered and returned to the field. The other Holy Knights you saved are also progressing well.”

“That’s good to hear.”

I called the waiter over and ordered the stewed meal set that we enjoyed while at the Holy Knight Academy. This diner was a familiar spot for me, Cecil, Lilith, and Bumpy, where our class often gathered.

This was the only place Lilith and I had visited together, so it was chosen as our meeting spot.

Before our meal arrived, Lilith spoke up.

“I’ve looked into the matter of the heretic, Lilly, you asked about.”

Lilith pulled out some documents.

“Lilly, the girl in question, was indeed sentenced to death as a result of a heretic inquisition. The execution took place six months ago.”

“What was the heretic skill she manifested?”

“Dream Illusion Techniques. It seems to be a type of hallucinogenic ability.”

As I listened to the information Lilith had gathered about Lilly, the report showed nothing suspicious. A girl who manifested a heretic skill was duly sentenced to death following official procedures—nothing more, nothing less.

“Also, you requested information about a certain Inquisitor. However, this isn’t something I can freely share with outsiders. Leaking information about a major figure in the Papacy could lead to accountability issues.”

“As a senior knight, you must have protected that man at some point. I don’t mind even the slightest bit of information.”

The primary purpose of contacting Lilith was to extract any information about Torquemada. Torquemada Slovlin is notorious for being enigmatic, and his whereabouts are unpredictable. Being a former low-ranking knight, I hardly know anything about the man.

Without a clue on how to even approach Torquemada, accepting the request seemed impossible.

Lilith said, “Leon, I won’t pry into what organization you’re with or what you’re doing now. However, I advise against pursuing that man. You wouldn’t want to stand against the Holy Knights, not Cecil-sama.”

As I remained silent, a group of young men and women in Holy Knight Academy uniforms entered the diner. Seeing Lilith, they froze in shock.

“Relax, it’s my day off,” Lilith said, and the young trainees, still tense, bowed deeply and took seats at a distance.

Their reaction was understandable, seeing a prominent knight like Lilith eating in a rundown diner.

Looking at the young trainees, Lilith remarked, “This will surely reach Cecil-sama. That Leon and I met.”

“Those rookies wouldn’t recognize me.”

Lilith shook her head resignedly. “You captured Grittz. Thinking of you as the same inept knight as before would be a mistake.”

With a sigh, Lilith placed an envelope on the table. “This is not from a knight of the First Holy Knights but an old acquaintance who shared meals with you. Take it.”

“What is this?”

“Information about a mansion that man frequently visits. However, this place is heavily guarded since Prince Raymond also visits. If you mess up and end up being chased, the next time we meet, we might be enemies. Please, do not distress me or Cecil-sama.”