The Former Holy Knight. Having Lost My Job and Childhood Friend, I Decided to Start a Dark Guild - Chapter 90

The meal with Sheikh Saeed proceeded peacefully after that. Surrounded by sharp assassin knives and crescent moon blades, Sheikh Saeed behaved like a model elementary school student, politely answering my questions.

However, despite being drenched in sweat like a waterfall, Sheikh Saeed’s answers didn’t seem to reflect the severity of drinking manticore blood or being weakened by the heretical skill, Dream Art Number.

“So, you’re telling me Glen Dees is a serious, straight-laced knight who wouldn’t dirty his hands with misconduct?”

Sheikh Saeed responded in a trembling voice.

“Yes, that man is a devout follower of Saintess Cecil, a rigid knight who wouldn’t even entertain our family’s offers, despite substantial bribes. He’s a troublesome man who has captured members of our family numerous times and never listens to us.”

“Well, that’s exactly the kind of knight he should be. It’s surprising that Glen Dees is like that.”

There are various types of knights. Those who dutifully perform their tasks, those like Bumpy who slack off while indulging in taverns and brothels, and those who serve as the limbs of the Dark Guild for money. I’ve seen a wide array of knights.

When Shia Saeiren told me about this, I assumed Glen Dees was the type of knight connected to the Dark Guild. It seemed most likely that the Saeed Family Dark Guild had someone in the background using Glen Dees as their operative.

However, based on what I heard, Glen Dees was a straightforward and serious knight with no ties to the Dark Guild.

Furthermore, it seems the Saeed Family itself had no involvement in the recent disappearance of the knights.

“Consider this. The current situation benefits us in no way. The uprisings have cut off trade with the capital, causing significant losses for the Saeed Family. We would profit more if the knights from the capital could crush these uncivilized frontier people who only disrupt our business.”

That was a convincing answer. For the Saeed Family, who partly make their living from trading Bernard wine, the disruption of trade routes is a major disadvantage.

However, one question remained.

“I understand, but you initially denied knowing Glen Dees when I asked about him. There was no need to hide this level of information.”

Sheikh Saeed stiffened. “That’s because about a year ago, someone else asked me to investigate Glen Dees. It’s basic morality not to leak information about a commission to others.”

It was odd hearing a Dark Guild boss, responsible for countless deaths, talk about morality. But indeed, confidentiality is a professional ethic for those running a Dark Guild.

I asked, “Who approached you with that commission a year ago?”

Sheikh Saeed hesitated to respond immediately. More sweat dripped, and unbeknownst to us, a puddle had formed around him.

I signaled the men around us to bring their blades closer to Sheikh Saeed’s neck as I spoke.

“Sheikh, I sincerely wish to end this meal amicably without shedding blood.”

Finally, Sheikh Saeed spoke.

“The client was Raymond Valderion… you know him as Prince Raymond.”

As I left the Saeed Family mansion, the sun had already started to set. When I mentioned that I wanted to sell Bernard wine through the Michino Trading Company in exchange for the information, Sheikh Saeed’s mood instantly brightened, and he and his family cheerfully saw us off. However, it turned out to be a gross miscalculation on my part.

If the Dark Guild had been the mastermind, rescuing the knights within the time limit would have been simple. But the more I learned, the more complex the situation surrounding Glen Dees appeared.

Sheikh Saeed had the common view that Shia Saeiren was behind this plot.

“Shia Saeiren is an inscrutable woman. Even Torquemada Slobryn, who once dominated this land, was merely toyed with in her presence.”

Apparently, Torquemada had captured Shia Saeiren and subjected her to an inquisition during his time as the chief inquisitor of Bernard, leading to an unprecedented event in this land. He acquitted Shia Saeiren.

“The reason is clear. Torquemada was captivated by Shia Saeiren. The man, who was otherwise ruthless and emotionless, knelt before her and proposed. It’s still a popular tale here.”

Returning to the inn and entering our room, an unexpected visitor was waiting.

“You are… surely…”

Even though I was unfamiliar with this town, I recognized the person. Waiting for me with a pale face was the man governing the Bernard Count’s domain, Count Bernard himself.

“Don Michino, I have come to request your assistance. This is a matter only you can resolve.”