Paradigm Parasite

"The whole city was a pile of rubble thanks to the damaged buildings, and there were tons of bodies buried in it."

Cristela's story goes on, but I secretly sigh that this is a bad idea.

It's clear that she's trying to appeal to compassion, but that's not going to happen when the young lady in front of me is asking us to show some real merit.

"The reconstruction work has been slow, but over time we've finally reached the end of the line. But we need various things to do that! Please help us--"

No. I can't watch.

I found myself grabbing Cristela by the shoulders and stopping her.

I shook my head silently as she turned to me with a shocked look on her face.

"I'm sorry. She was watching the scene closer than anyone else, so she's a bit emotional. By the way, I'm going to change the subject to support, but I heard that a monster appeared a while ago. Do you know anything about it?"

I'm aware that it's beyond my capacity as an assistant to cut off her mouth, but I can't stop myself from doing so.

If things continue as they are, it is obvious that Fatima's mood will be offended.

The worst that can happen is that I'm the only one who is frowned upon if I make a move here, even if it means changing the subject.

Cristela tried to say something, but I silenced her with my arm gripping her shoulder.

I slowly release her hand and focus forward.

Fatima's eyes narrow slightly and her gaze shifts from Cristela to me completely.

...Oh, shit. This is how it's going to end up, isn't it?

"...Yeah. I don't mind. I'm glad to see you're so enthusiastic."

She smiles, but for a moment I can see her gaze go to Cristela.

The others didn't seem to notice, but I noticed that there was a faint mocking colour in their gaze.

It's an understandable reaction. I might have reacted similarly if I were in the same position. I hide it well, though.

"So? You mentioned monsters, but there haven't been any recent cases of monsters or bandits in Oratorium, have there?"

"Of course not. So it was before. I heard that a long time ago, when the ruins were discovered, there was a commotion of monster attacks in the villages in the vicinity?"

"...... so what about it?"

The quality of their gaze changed.

From observation to probing suspicion.

Oh, give me a break. I'm tired of dealing with this kind of person.

"Perhaps you don't know this, but we Gnosis are engaged in a variety of sacred duties. Among them, of course, is fighting monsters..."

I look at Fatima.

She doesn't react in any particular way, but urges me onwards, 'Go ahead'.

"It is important to gather information about your opponent in a fight. I've heard that this monster is a species that is not seen very often, so I want to gather information about it. In case we encounter one in the future."

I look for a reaction, but the other party's expression doesn't change.

It's hard to do. It's hard to read her emotional state.

"...We were indeed attacked by an unfamiliar monster, but it was taken down by adventurers who happened to be there, so I don't think there's much point in knowing..."

"That may be so. But it's my job too."

"I understand. So, where should we start? I must warn you that I haven't seen it myself, so don't get your hopes up."

"Yes. Even the smallest details will be fine."

This was followed by a question and answer session.

We asked as many questions as we could think of, such as the characteristics of the monster, and received answers in return.

As a result, what emerged was a species that is certainly not seen in this vicinity.

It has a long body and spurts out a poisonous fluid from its mouth that dissolves things, and it moves through the depths of the earth to feed on its prey.

I've heard all about it, and it seems to be a very dangerous monster.

It is especially good to hear that they attack from the feet up.

It's a different range of responses if you don't know about it.

If possible, I would like to hear how the adventurers managed to kill it.

Well, it's a good thing we know the characteristics of the monster.

The fact is that Fatima's testimony alone is not credible, as there are many points that are unknown.

In fact, the details of the adventurer who claimed to have killed it are completely unknown.

The fact that he was just passing by also adds to the lack of credibility.

It is true that they came from the ruins, but it is also unclear whether they really had roots in the ruins.

It is also unclear if there are others. However, since they have not appeared since that one incident, it is thought that they are no longer there.

...etc. There are many unknown points.

"I see, I understand what you are saying. Can I make two final points?"

I've heard everything you've got to say, and this is the last time I'm going to check.

"Go ahead."

"First of all, did the monster have any unusual characteristics?"

"Unusual?"

Fatima nods her head without breaking her smile.

The expression on her face hardly changes, so it's hard to tell whether she's lying or speaking honestly.

"Yes. Do you know what we are most wary of when it comes to monsters?"

No reply. She just tilts her head.

I continue.

"Wisdom. We have heard that some monsters have their own language. Such monsters are the ones we should be most wary of, and have they behaved in any way that would give you a sense of such intelligence?"

"...Unfortunately, nothing more than what I have told you..."

Well, I'm sure it will. I'm just saying I've heard the report.

"So? What's the other point?"

Hmm?

I feel a slight discomfort with that statement.

Did she go off topic? ...No way. I must be thinking about it too much.

"Yes. This one is more of a request than a talk. These are the ruins that have been talked about, and I would like your permission to investigate them."

When I say that, Fatima gives a small exhale, as if she is in trouble.

"I'm in trouble. First of all, the ruins, there was a landslide a while ago and the entrance has been buried. If you want to see them, you'll have to dig them out."

That's about as troublesome as it gets, but it's not a problem.

"As I said before, if that is all there are of the monsters, then there is no problem. But if there are others, and as a result of your investigation they come in droves, will you take responsibility?"

Don't hit a sore spot.

So you're saying don't try to wake up a sleeping child.

However, I'm not a child's errand boy either, so I have to do the bare minimum.

"How about this? If they're here, they might get out at some point. Then let us take care of it, and save the day. Of course, if we fail and this territory is damaged, you can claim all compensation from the Gnosis."

How's that coming out?

I concentrate, trying not to miss the change in her clear face.

"Yes, I see. If you say so, I leave it to you."

The ruler of this territory says this without changing her expression much.

The others didn't seem to notice, but I didn't miss the slightest hint of discomfort in her eyes.

I'm not sure what to do. She's hiding something.

Does it have something to do with the unnatural development of this territory?

I don't think I'll get a straight answer if I ask her... but what should I do?

To be honest, I have a feeling that if I probe this matter, I'll only get into trouble.

I don't think it's safe for me to make a decision on my own any more.

"Thank you very much. Well, we have some preparations to do, so we'll leave you now."

"Yes. Then, please investigate the ruins."

Cristela was about to say something, but I shook my head and urged her to stop, and the negotiations with Fatima ended.

"...... Should I make excuses?"

After leaving the Oratorian compound, my men are preparing for encampment.

Right now, we're in a tent that we've set up a step ahead in an open area a short distance away from the wall of the example, and only three of the cathedral knights are there.

The air is... heavy, to put it mildly...

Well, I'm the cause of it.

Cristela stares at me, and Marslan's gaze is cold.

I don't know how to say it, but it's as if she's saying, 'You're being so arrogant'.

"...No, there's no need. It's true that I was a little emotional."

"But ...... Christella Cathedral Knight more..."

Marslan rehashes the story that almost ended.

I shrug my shoulders. It's a hassle, but I'd better explain.

"Boy. Did you hear what that acting master said?"

Marslan frowns without answering.

That's where you're coming from, isn't it? You just looked like an idiot in a daze.

"...She's talking about what's in it for her. I've heard that much!"

What do you mean, you've heard that?

"I see. Well, what do you think I had to say to get the little lady to shake her head?"

"If you take the time to talk about our righteousness and the ideas we stand for, I'm sure ......"

...I knew you would say that.

This is why people who are half-way dyed-in-the-wool are so hard-headed.

I hate to say it, but sometimes I think they are idiots.

I see this a lot with the young Holy Knights, who say things with the idea that they're doing the right thing, so it's only natural that they should cooperate with us.

Kristela has similar tendencies, but this one is not as bad as Marslan, so there is plenty of room to say it.

...Just.

A glance at Marslan. His gaze is filled with antipathy towards me.

This one is difficult. There's simply animosity towards me, and although it's not impossible, it won't happen overnight.

I'm sorry, but I can't take care of that much.

"Boy. That's an impossible proposition. The deputy said we have to show them the benefit of the doubt. No matter how much we preach the teachings of the Gnosis, they will never understand."

They have different standards of value to begin with.

There are many cases where we say something is great, but it seems worthless to the other side.

Rarely there are idiots who get carried away by the atmosphere, but not many.

"Then... then..."

"I'm sorry, but I don't want to argue with you, boy. Would you like to give up on the subject of aid once and for all and move on to the subject of monsters?"

"...... Yeah. At this point, Cathedral Knight Hermann is right, it would be a waste of time. It seems that permission has been granted, so let's concentrate on investigating the monsters."

Do that.

I'd also be grateful for your help. After all, our main goal is this way.

"Do you know where they are?"

"Yes, I had my men check it out. It's on the western outskirts of the territory. It takes a bit of time to get there, but thankfully it's a safe place and it only takes a few hours."

"Understood. Then let's start moving tomorrow. Cathedral Knight Marslan, is that alright with you?"

Marslan glanced at me and nodded, though disapprovingly.

...Don't stare so much.

It's a bit hurtful, isn't it, you know?