Kidnapped the Saintess of the Hero Party

25 – Foundation Stone

“The Black Thorn Guild has always lacked priests.”

In order to maintain the guild, the Black Thorn always ran on two feet to find priests. However, they didn’t have high expectations. It was because of their clothes.

Even if there were people who could fight without priests, they were still bound by the law. To maintain the guild, a minimum number of members was necessary.

There had to be two parties in order to register as a guild, and one priest was always required as a minimum member of the party.

When receiving a mission, even if a priest was not necessarily needed, at least a priest was required in order to use the name Black Thorn.

The reason for forcing the Adventurer’s Guild to have priests on standby was simple.

“To prevent accidents.”

There were many accidents caused by not having priests on standby during missions.

Many cases resulted in death due to the inability to decode poison, and there were also cases where bleeding couldn’t be stopped, resulting in death.

Of course, our entrance to Fantasia in a flashy manner using magic could be a reason, but the reason the Black Rabbit came to us directly was because they needed a priest.

If it was because of magic, it wouldn’t be the Black Rabbit, but the Magus Dara Han who would have come to greet us.

Of course, the Black Rabbit also served as a messenger for the Magus Tower. She was even a candidate for Archmage.

The possibility was low, but it was still a possibility.

Of course, there were still opportunities because she was young.

The youngest Archmage was in their mid-30s, and the Black Rabbit was just in her late 20s.

Even though she looked small and young, that was because she was a rabbit-type race, but she was at least ten years older.

Clang.

The black rabbit Kan carefully placed the fork and knife on the plate.

After finishing the meal, he seemed to have regained a bit of composure.

Though he still couldn’t hide the satisfied laughter, he wasn’t waving the fork anymore to taste the spicy flavor.

Carefully swirling the wine in both hands, he finally asked.

“But you can’t handle alcohol, can you?”

“Well, let’s get to the point…”

It happened that Shia and I finished our meal.

The rabbit was too excited to eat, so we synchronized our meal timing while keeping an eye on the rabbit’s mood.

Mr. Kan, um~ something like that. Munch. Mmnyong! He made various sounds while eating.

Sometimes he would exhale a spicy breath as if it was hot, but he had to maintain his composure.

It seemed like the subordinates weren’t interested in maintaining the guild leader’s dignity.

“Didn’t our captain say he was going on a diet not long ago?”

“Hey, that’s forbidden.”

“I wish his cheeks would get chubby.”

“You’ll really die if you keep that up. Forgot? The guy who entered the Room of Truth not long ago?”

The black rabbit’s fur was visibly standing up. He glanced down at his belly, though. Well, naturally, even though he wore tightly fitting black tights, his belly didn’t seem noticeable.

The Room of Truth is not a space for reflection but a place for torturing those captured by the Black Claw.

If allies end up there, well…

Even though it’s a bit less severe, they’ll still be tortured in the same way.

“Looks like you’ve finished eating.”

The black rabbit nodded cautiously. His cheeks were slightly flushed.

Underestimating him because he looked cute could be dangerous. The adorable black rabbit in front of me, starting from a dirt spoon, was now designated as the legitimate heir of the Black Tower, a genius sorcerer.

“After treating us to a meal, there must be something you want from us.”

He got straight to the point.

The black rabbit leaned back and clenched his fist. It seemed like he was back to his senses.

Now, it was time to negotiate properly.

#

“Was it you who used magic?”

He nodded.

“I can use a bit of it.”

He opened his hand, conjuring flames.

Lucia could use magic too, but she concealed her abilities. Being a priest was enough, and she didn’t want to reveal everything. Right now, even the black rabbit was suspicious.

It was not about keeping a distance but rather keeping close to determine if Black Claw was an enemy from a past life.

“I see. You had a good teacher. What level have you reached?”

The black rabbit scrutinized me closely.

He seemed eager to establish superiority as fellow sorcerers. The black rabbit was quite skilled, probably already guessing my level.

So, lying wouldn’t work.

“I’m at the stage of applying 5th-level magic.”

“Indeed….”

A sorcerer capable of designing and realizing magic such as blazing ice and frozen flames. It signifies a magician qualified to rewrite the definition of new magic.

Typically, the level reached in the advanced courses at the academy.

Lucion and Lucia have just reached the age for academy admission.

“The reason for coming to this village.”

Close to a hangover. In the Black Rabbit’s perspective, it’s an inevitable affair.

‘Probably still on a mission right now.’

And deliberately showing a clumsy appearance to relieve tension and hostility.

That’s the true nature of the Black Rabbit that I know.

Just cute and seemingly inexperienced?

Then you’ll lose everything to the Black Rabbit.

I’ve seen quite a few adventurers who ended up like that.

Regardless of what anyone says, the Black Rabbit is the real leader who has experienced everything in the field.

“Well, that is….”

Looking at the golden eyes with shadows, even I, who had once slaughtered demons in my past life, feel a bit intimidated.

If I say the wrong word now, my neck might be severed on the spot.

The only one aware of that here is none other than me. In my past life, I performed assassination missions with the Black Rabbit from up close.

The reason for coming to Panachia.

“I wanted to go to a big city.”

“Huh? Is that all?”

If we weren’t wizards or priests, we would have let it go. But our power is more than necessary.

As a Black Rabbit, it wasn’t just to hear such a response after two combat weapons entered the village.

Indeed, it was accurate.

I have quite a few reasons.

Here, it’s necessary to bluff appropriately.

It’s simple.

If I lay out all the truth without any falsehood, the other side will either see us as fools or deem us untrustworthy swindlers.

Someone who can’t hide their expression and can’t hide anything.

Someone who is worthless.

When we keep a secret from this side, it stops at a reasonable investigation with trust from the other side. Of course, there is a need to give them a slight clue.

My true intention is to understand everything that can put Sia in danger in the future, including ones like ‘Black Rabbit, you must also grasp your identity’ and ‘Has the influence of the Demon King reached Panachia?’

One of them. Just a part of it.

It only shows a corner of the iceberg.

Either way, the judgment is made by the other side. Whether they become our enemy and imprison us or set us free is their choice.

Of course, in any case, this side can destroy everything.

“I want to prepare an expedition.”

The Black Rabbit’s eyes widened.

“What?”

Usually, they answer with something like ‘I want to join the Knights,’ or ‘I want to enter the Mage Tower.’ They tend to talk about their course of action for their goals, whether it’s for success or magical achievements. I didn’t expect them to speak so confidently like this.

“An expedition… an expedition team?”

The black rabbit asks, as if questioning the sincerity of the statement.

Indeed, it sounds like an expedition team, but upon closer examination, it implies a desire to raise an army.

The reason is simple.

In a world where expedition teams are not needed.

Expedition teams are units that have already disappeared in history. They were last formed during the era when mythical-level monsters were abundant.

The irrationality of their structure is the cause.

A single or multiple attack parties.

And a multitude of supporting agents following them.

With that number of personnel, one can create a new city. In fact, the founding myth of the Oslan Kingdom also began with an expedition team.

That’s why the black rabbit would perceive my words this way.

“Do you want to build a nation? Are you preparing a rebellion? Going to a big city… What on earth…?”

Misunderstandings are freedom.

It would be hard to grasp at first.

Especially since I never mentioned creating an expedition team if it were for a rebellion.

So, naturally, my intentions would genuinely pique curiosity, and I responded half-honestly.

“I want to challenge ancient ruins.”

Expedition teams may no longer be formed.

However, there are still places that require expedition teams.

Places like ancient towers or underground temples.

In my past life, the true nature of those places remained completely unknown. The only expedition that ever existed was hastily assembled to attack the Demon King.

Creating an expedition, achieving significant accomplishments, naturally led to the formation of other expeditions. So, in five years, the influence would spread, and a proper party of warriors could be organized to attack the Demon King.

Right now, in this moment, I’m laying the groundwork for that.