Chapter 185: The Night of Cleanup
There was nothing more of significance after that.
Since the facility under the guise of a food supply company was an unregistered ghost company illegally harboring awakened individuals, it would undergo a complete disbandment through legal advisers affiliated with the Yeon family.
The brainwashing powder had already been incinerated in front of Shia and Yeonhwa.
Surviving awakened individuals, including Wang Soyeong, would be taken by Lirisia to the Great Forest.
"Don’t kill them, noooo… Ugh, my head…”
"Hey, Hero. Could you take that crazy lady and leave already? Fine, she can ramble about Meat Fairies after drinking, but downing the Demon King's hangover remedy only to drink more… seriously…”
"Haha! Shia can get drunk too, so why not?"
"You shouldn’t, though! You’re a Hero!!"
Normally, if it were the old Lirisia, she would’ve considered killing everyone involved in producing the brainwashing powder, including Wang Soyeong, regardless of Shia’s words.
Following Shia's intent to avoid killing if possible would have been a minor effort at best. After all, it was foolish to ignore an attempt to brainwash an entire race.
What was the point of leaving potential threats alive? To let them fester for the future? Besides, Lirisia believed that human nature doesn't change easily.
Even if you spare criminals under the pretense of mercy, they would eventually reach beyond just targeting elves, extending their hands to those around Lirisia herself.
Of course, Shia, as the Saintess of the Dead, would have accounted for all this in her decision to forgive, but for now, Lirisia, as a human, had no intention of casually granting forgiveness.
However, since it turned out that these individuals also had false memories imposed on them by a brainwashing shaman wielding another fragment, it was clear they were innocent in a way and couldn’t simply be executed outright.
'But that doesn’t mean we can just let them go.'
Shia, Menelapie, and Lirisia weren't the type to roam the country like model citizens or law enforcement, taking down criminals everywhere they went. Still, they couldn’t ignore those who directly crossed their paths.
The awakened individuals Lirisia defeated weren’t just unregistered individuals but were classified as criminals, so they couldn’t be released back into society.
In Wang Soyeong’s case, there were currently two of her, thanks to Cheon Dana’s ability.
If word got out that the Wang Soyeong here was alive and the San Guild caught wind of it, they’d likely try to kill her to prevent internal chaos and to retrieve the fragment, so abandoning her here wasn’t an option either.
"Foreman, should I take them all with me?"
"Yes. Just in case, make sure to secure them tightly."
"Understood, should I bury them as nourishment for the trees? The spirits have been crying out for nutrients in the earth."
"Crazy woman. We’re not killing them yet."
"Yet?"
"...Just tie them up for now..."
With the help of a few elves who came to meet her, Lirisia destroyed the facility and took Wang Soyeong and the awakened individuals away.
After much discussion, it was decided that Wang Soyeong and the other awakened individuals would be dealt with in the Great Forest, and the incident of attempted brainwashing on the elves would be quietly buried without making the news.
In truth, she wanted to track down whoever was behind this incident, but Shia ended up with the Demon King fragment, and they lacked concrete evidence against the shaman who implanted false memories in Wang Soyeong and the other awakened individuals.
Above all, the presence of a shaman with a fragment was unsettling.
If this shaman had meddled with the memories of the awakened and the fragmented Wang Soyeong, they’d likely have destroyed any evidence or leads.
It was possible the fragment left in Wang Soyeong was merely a disposable pawn to the shaman.
'If the shaman had succeeded in brainwashing the elves using Wang Soyeong and the brainwashed awakened individuals, it would’ve been fine. But if caught, this was probably meant as a final bait.'
The idea of fragments competing and eliminating each other wasn’t something Shia or Menelapie, who had faced the complete Demon King, had anticipated, so it was time to reconsider their approach.
If Shia and Menelapie were alone, they might’ve immediately pursued the shadowy figure behind it all, but neither of them was alone.
Yane, Yoonjung, Yeonseo, Yeonhwa, the Yeon family, and soon, 30,000 elves who would migrate to Korea were all inextricably tied to them.
With so many intertwined people, recklessly pursuing this matter could cause fallout somewhere.
“Hee-hee…”
While Yeonhwa, Menelapie, and Lirisia were handling the chaotic situation late at night, Shia stumbled around, barely keeping her hazy consciousness.
“Hmm, I thought the hangover remedy would help a bit…”
“Wasn’t the idea of using the Demon King’s fragment for a hangover remedy weird to begin with…?”
“Well, it did taste good.”
“Wait, that muddy stuff actually tasted good to you?”
“Hmph. I’ll take Shia back, so wait here… It’s disappointing. I thought we’d have a feast tonight…”
Sighing deeply with a look of disappointment, Menelapie shouldered Shia and took her back to the Returnee Shelter, while Lirisia tilted her head and looked at Yeonhwa.
"Hey, what nonsense is the Hero talking about? Didn’t you guys already eat? Then what feast?"
".........."
But Yeonhwa kept her mouth shut at Lirisia's question.
In any case, Menelapie sighed in disappointment and managed to hand Shia over to her home.
“Kk...ye..!” (Ah, the master is here.)
“Oh, Menelapie…”
“I apologize for being late, Mother. I was out meeting various people with Shia.”
“No problem at all. You must’ve had a hard time with Shia.”
…Hmm?
Menelapie sensed that something was different about the atmosphere around Yoonjung and Yane.
At home, Yoonjung and Yane were present, and Yane, seemingly larger than before, lay with her head on Yoonjung’s lap.
'As a familiar of Shia, the Saintess of the Dead, it’s not strange if things beyond normality happen, but… she looks too much like Shia.'
However, it wasn’t just Yane who had changed.
Menelapie could sense that Yoonjung, too, appeared a bit mentally worn, as if she had gone through several incidents that day.
“Grr…”
“Oh, my. How much did she drink?”
“I apologize. I should’ve kept her under control…”
'Her complexion doesn’t look well. While her physical balance seems intact under my golden eyes, perhaps she suffered some mental distress…'
However, since Yoonjung didn’t seem inclined to speak and acted as if nothing was wrong, Menelapie decided to respect her wish and feign ignorance.
As Shia’s mother, she undoubtedly had many concerns of her own, and Menelapie was prepared to lend a hand whenever she needed it.
“Sniff sniff…”
Meanwhile, Yane stumbled over to where Shia had collapsed in the living room, sniffing her like a puppy.
"...kkieee…?" (Master doesn’t seem drunk.)
“Mother, could I ask you to take care of Shia for a moment?”
“Is something wrong?”
“Please, speak freely.”
“…Is there a problem?”
Menelapie gently patted Yoonjung on the shoulder, as if to reassure her.
Although Yoonjung was slightly surprised by her approach, Menelapie’s aura, even to a stranger, emanated a trustworthy energy befitting a Hero.
“You don’t need to worry. There’s nothing that should trouble you, Mother.”
The words carried multiple layers of meaning.
○○○○○
A little while later, Menelapie returned to the alley where Yeonhwa and Lirisia were waiting after dropping Shia off at home.
"By the way, Lirisia, now that you’re here, don’t you want to meet Mother?"
Lirisia’s eyes trembled slightly at Menelapie’s words.
It was a brief tremor, so faint that only someone with golden eyes like Menelapie would notice.
But Lirisia quickly brushed her hair behind her ears and spoke nonchalantly.
"That’s Shia’s mom, not mine. It has nothing to do with me."
"But you share the same origin as Shia, don’t you?"
"I discarded that name thousands of years ago. Now, I’m just Lirisia."
"I see."
"Exactly, so drop it. Anyway, about today’s matter…"
Lirisia crossed her arms, leaned against the entrance of the alley, and began to speak.
"We handled this incident ourselves for a reason, didn’t we?"
"......"
It wasn’t a minor issue.
The attempted brainwashing of the migrating elven race was far from trivial and should have warranted a response from the Korean government or at least the Hunter Association.
However, they chose to resolve it themselves rather than relying on governmental or law enforcement agencies.
"To put it simply, it’s better not to trust the police or government."
"Why?"
This was Yeonhwa’s opinion, as she had the best grasp of the current state of the Korean government among them.
"Is there anyone in particular you suspect?"
“Sigh, there are too many suspects."
Yeonhwa let out a deep sigh.
It had never been publicized before, nor had it made the news, but Yeonhwa,
the young lady of the Yeon family, deeply embedded in the political realm, was privy to countless stories from the corporate world.
"Though it’s a bit of a tangent… When Grandmother Yeonseo retired, many factions sprang up in both the political and Hunter circles. Thanks to Grandmother retaining her name on the Hunter Association’s records, there haven’t been any overt conflicts, but once she’s truly gone…”
“There will be chaos.”
“Exactly.
"What?"
"Think about it. In a world where those with power dominate, it could be a paradise for Hunters."
"What nonsense are you...oh."
At Menelapie’s words, Lirisia nodded as if she realized something.
Although the current social system seemed to favor Hunters, it actually resulted in lower-ranked Hunters naturally slipping to the bottom of society.
It was a stark contrast to the days of the Great Rift when even one awakened individual was considered precious.
What would happen if the modern gates stabilized and monster outbreaks dwindled?
Peace would return.
And if peace progressed to the point where Hunters had nothing to do?
'If the gates ceased entirely, it would be a huge problem for Shia... and other Hunters, too.'
The disappearance of the gates wouldn’t just mean the arrival of complete peace.
It would mean not just the loss of a role for Hunters but the complete extinction of their relevance.
Of course, high-risk or unmanageable dungeons would still appear somewhere in the world, and S-rank Hunters would be dispatched to protect it, while civilians would continue living peacefully, oblivious to the danger nearby.
In a world where peace and stability became prevalent, Hunters, ironically, could be perceived as obstacles to that peace.
Then, would the awakened ones desire peace?
'No... they'd want the government to collapse, society and cities to fail, so those with power can rise like kings.'
As peace continued to spread and Hunters' prospects narrowed, it was bound to happen.
Without Shia, even someone like Yoonjung, absorbed by society and the Hunter system, might have ended up on the streets or been unable to live a decent life.
In the past, even D-rank awakened individuals were treated with respect, but now, life as a D-rank was tougher than that of an average office worker.
"Compared to the Great Rift era, the position of Hunters has declined significantly. Now, on a national level, Hunters protect civilians, maintain a friendly image... Grandma’s Hunter streaming also started with that goal."
A friendly image for Hunters.
In other words, a government-driven policy to lower Hunters to the same level as ordinary people.
Although Hunters had become somewhat like celebrities or stars now, it also seemed like the government’s policy to curb their excessive power and rights from the Great Rift era had succeeded.
"Anyway, the point is, the government and Hunter factions are deeply divided. There are more than enough people willing to attempt brainwashing on the elves as an entire race."
"And such a person is likely someone from the government or has connections, right?"
"Yes, exactly. And even though many countries are watching the elves' migration, the public knows almost nothing. It’s likely the brainwashing shaman with a fragment is someone with some authority in the government or the association. Or perhaps one of the country’s top ten guild members with government connections."
"If they had the means to hide someone like Wang Soyeong and support this kind of setup with a lot of manpower, it’s likely an organization rather than an individual..."
If, as Yeonhwa and Menelapie analyzed, the shaman planning to brainwash the elves was a government official or someone connected to them, it would complicate matters.
It could mean that, starting today, the government might gradually target Shia, Menelapie, or even the elves.
"Ah, damn it. In the past, I would have just killed them all..."
Lirisia, tempted to wipe them out, mirrored Menelapie’s feelings...
'Actually, wouldn’t wiping them out be fine?'
Menelapie seriously considered the sword at her waist.
'Hmm...we still lack information. We can still wait until we have a clearer picture.'
In that short moment, Lirisia seemed to realize Menelapie was truly considering taking hostile action on a national level and frowned.
Crazy woman.
She’d probably oppose the whole world for Shia...
Damn, I’m envious.
Where’s my own hero? Damn...am I supposed to live alone, feeling all this jealousy?
○○○○○○
"Shia, are you okay?"
"Uuuhhh..."
Shia, lying in bed, still had a dazed look on her face.
"I guess not. I’ll make you some honey water, so hold on."
Since honey water that would satisfy Shia’s appetite would probably need to be around five liters, it would likely take some time.
As Yoonjung closed the door and left, Shia's eyes slowly opened.
"............"
The drunken haze that clouded her face just moments ago vanished, replaced by a clear, bright gaze.
"Yane."
"...Kkie?"
Yane crawled over to Shia from somewhere.
Then, Yane opened her mouth wide and spat something out for Shia.
[Kill... me…]
A dark red stone, slightly faded from before.
It was the fragment of the Demon King extracted from Wang Soyeong’s body.
"Later."
[You... demon…]
"Is that all you know how to say? Yane, put this in the fridge for later."
"Kkie?"
"We might as well use it as a tea bag."
For the Saintess of the Dead, who regularly needed to consume malevolent energy, extracting the concentrated evil was like drinking bitter herbal medicine.
As Yane swallowed the Demon King fragment again, Shia tousled Yane’s head, stroking her.
"Kkie, hehe..."
"Yane, you did well today."
"Kkieee~"
Although they bickered and Shia often treated Yane roughly, they were already inseparable.
They weren’t merely master and pet but shared the bond of master and familiar, sealed through Shia's blessing.
Through Shia’s acknowledgment, Yane had become the Saintess of Vermin.
One day, Yane would confidently step into society, and that day would come soon enough.
"Yane, I’m only telling you this, okay?"
"...Kkie?"
Yane tilted her head, nestled in Shia’s arms.
"If possible, I want to forgive. I want to live as a proper saint... but... I have no intention of showing mercy to anyone who harms my people."
It was on Shia’s orders that Yane had killed the members of the San Guild, Jeongbaek, and even the Sanwoomul Guild Master who had harassed Yoonjung.
Yane was still young.
Perhaps with more time, she might have developed her own judgment or reasoning for killing, but for now, she couldn’t make those decisions independently without Shia’s orders.
"I’m often oblivious. Realize things too late. Act like a bit of an idiot."
"Kkie." (You are an idiot.)
"Ha, yeah...I guess I am. More accurately, I just find thinking a hassle..."
Shia chuckled lightly, flicking Yane’s antennae with her finger.
"People may see me as a saint, may think I don’t understand anything..."
"Kkiee."
"But I aspire to be a saint and live like one. I’m not a saint myself."
Never lying.
Helping others.
What seemed like restrictions were principles she had imposed upon herself.
If she didn’t live this way, she feared she might forget she was ever human.
"And I know that many people still try to mess with me and my mom with ridiculous... schemes that aren’t even worthy of being called schemes."
She’d sensed this for a long time.
She was aware that a stalker had tried to kidnap her, believing in the “Flute of the Dead,” and knew the world wasn’t entirely peaceful.
She also knew of the many contradictions within the Hunter society, as Yoonjung had struggled as a weary D-rank Hunter even before meeting her.
However, she pretended not to know.
That way, her people could live more peacefully.
That way, she could play the role of a saint, even if just a little.
Because if she ever decided to take action, many things would undoubtedly change.
"Kkiee..."
"So Yane, could you help this flawed master a lot?"
Her darker side, her awareness of it all, her merciless tendencies — she only showed these sides to Yane.
She’d probably never reveal them to Yoonjung, nor even to Menelapie.
"Oh, and... even though I act like I don’t know, I’m aware of Menelapie and Yeonhwa’s feelings toward me."
"Kkie...?"
"Honestly, just relaxing at the hotel wouldn’t have been so bad either, but I pulled that Meat Fairy act partly to slip away..."
It’s not as if she lacked experience...
"...Besides, it’s a little embarrassing."
At that moment, Yane’s expression twisted as if shocked by her master’s feminine display.
"Anyway, you absolutely cannot tell Menelapie, got it?"
"Ho, is that so?"
"......................................"
Wait...
At the familiar voice that suddenly reached her ears, Shia froze.
"M-Me... Menelapie...?"
"K-Kkie?" (W-Wh... What...?)
"Oh, oh... Shia. I am deeply saddened."
Squeeze!
"Hiccup!"
With her Hero's hand gripping her shoulder firmly, Shia didn’t even have the courage to look back.
"Honestly, I was willing to let this go. If you didn’t wish for it, or if you had a reason for avoiding me, I would have tried to understand. I even considered that maybe you were waiting for the Dark Witch and that’s why you kept your distance..."
"........."
"But now I hear it was merely because you felt... 'a little embarrassed.' How could you stir me so much with just that single word?"
".........!"
"Now, take responsibility. Understand?"
When did she get here...?
No, how did she even get in here?
I didn’t even hear the door open...
"Like thread follows a needle, where the Hero is, the Saintess
shall be. And where the Saintess stands, so does the Hero. The place of your shadow is where I shall be."
Through Menelapie’s words, Shia realized that the Hero had emerged from the shadow created by the moonlight streaming in through the window.
When did she gain that power...?
Back in the previous world, Menelapie had never used this ability...!
"Well, it’s something that developed as I spent my days shut in, haunted by negativity and dark thoughts after you disappeared into the Abyss. I kept wishing for you to be by my side all day, and so naturally, it came to be."
"...Isn’t that just... absurd...?"
"Absurd, hm..."
Squeeze!
With an unsettling chuckle, Menelapie held Shia’s shoulder and gently pushed her onto the bed.
The force pressing down on her shoulders was immense, and Shia couldn’t muster any will to resist.
"Oh..."
"If this is absurd, then how will you react to what’s coming?"
"K-Kkieee..."
Ignoring the trembling Yane, Menelapie only looked down at Shia.
"Because I’m about to be very... absurd."
"Oh, um..."
Shia looked up at the desire-filled golden eyes staring down at her.
'Ah, I'm in trouble... I won’t be sleeping tonight.'
And in a corner of the room, Yane huddled, shivering in fear from Menelapie’s overwhelming aura.
It seemed she had no intention of helping her master.