Deformed stories

Chapter 11: Sold Secret — Part 1: Strange Request

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Warning: This content may contain explicit or mature themes and is intended for viewers 18 and older. Viewer discretion is strongly advised.

Volume 1: Witch Carly Arc

Chapter 11: Sold Secret 

— Part 1: Strange Request

The escort job that day felt off.

Not only Aurelius, but Magnolia also sensed it.

Since the merchant had been introduced through the Adventurers' Guild, he was undoubtedly a member of the Merchants' Guild. In this area, monsters and bandits were rare, so having just two escorts wasn't unusual.

A merchant heading east happened to be there, so Aurelius and Magnolia simply took on the job.

For some reason, the merchant seemed unusually cheerful.

"Such, what luck! To have two adventurers, a stunning female swordsman and a skilled male mage, escorting me. It must be a divine message from god, no—it's as if the gods themselves answered my prayers!"

The merchant grinned as he spoke, and the two immediately understood.

At that moment, they realized what was happening.

It seemed the merchant had bought information about the two of them from the Merchants' Guild. He probably thought he could get some personal time with Magnolia.

Magnolia could indeed benefit from offering her prayers tonight, but she wouldn't do so with someone she didn't like. Moreover, Aurelius also had to approve of the person.

The two exchanged glances, and neither looked pleased. It was clear they both found the merchant unappealing. He wouldn't get what he hoped for.

Well, even if he tried anything, Magnolia was stronger, and with Aurelius there, they wouldn't lose to a lone merchant.

Understanding the source of their discomfort, they came to terms with it and continued with the escort job.

As escorts, they boarded the carriage as they usually did and traveled down the peaceful road. Naturally, Aurelius used magic to keep an eye on their surroundings. Since it seemed like the merchant was targeting them, Magnolia sat behind the cargo.

As the journey was dull, the merchant struck up a conversation with Aurelius.

Aurelius responded to the small talk. Every now and then, the topic almost turned to Magnolia, but Aurelius deftly sidestepped it.

The merchant appeared disappointed but did not take any further action.

However, after noon, while continuing to move the carriage as usual, the merchant veered off the main road and entered a narrow path.

"Hey, where are we going?"

"No, this is the right way. Didn't you inquire at the guild? I'm going to sell the goods in the village ahead. That being said, these are all items ordered from that village."

"We want to head east, which is why we accepted the escort job."

Aurelius expressed his annoyance, making it clear he was angry.

"It seems there may have been a mistake at the guild."

The merchant hurriedly played dumb.

"If that's the case, should we end the escort here? We can walk to the next town from this point."

"Since we're already this far, I'd appreciate it if you could take me to the village.

If you abandon the escort job, you won't be able to get any jobs from the Adventurers Guild.

That would put you in a difficult position too."

"Not particularly. It's not like I would take any jobs in the Uniom Kingdom anyway. Plus, the guild only needs to buy materials from me."

Aurelius intentionally pushed him away.

"Please, don't say that.

I feel uneasy without an escort. That's why I'm asking you."

"Is that village far away?"

Magnolia said from behind.

"It's just right over there."

"If it's close, we can walk back from there. I don't mind if we end up camping out."

That was indeed true, but it felt like there might be some ulterior motive at play. Even so, they could just push through.

She had no idea what Aurelius was thinking or what lay ahead, but she decided to humor the merchant.

"Well, if it's not too far, I suppose it's okay."

"Great! I'll need you to act as my escort. It gets dangerous around here."

The merchant's smile seemed glued on, looking more like a forced grin.

The carriage moved on for a while, but there were no signs of a village in sight.

"Just how far are we going?"

"We'll be there shortly."

No matter how many times Aurelius asked, he received the same response.

Though he was told it was nearby, they had come quite a distance.

It seemed they had been traveling on a side road for about two hours since leaving the main highway. Initially, there were fields and houses around, but it soon turned into pastureland, and eventually, they entered a mountainous region.

Magnolia, who was behind them, also seemed to sense something was wrong.

"Where exactly are we going? Is there really a village in the middle of these mountains?"

"Yes.

From this direction, it looks quite deep in the mountains, but from the opposite side, it's close to the town. I usually approach from the other side, so I thought it would be near.

From this direction, it feels quite far."

"Is that really true? You're not trying to lure us into the mountains to ambush us with bandits, are you?"

Magnolia exuded a threatening aura.

Aurelius was also on high alert regarding the merchant. However, since there were no signs of people around, it seemed there were no bandits.

"I wouldn't do such a thing. I'm a serious merchant, after all.

Moreover, I've heard that you two are strong. I've been told you wouldn't lose to ten men.

We are really almost there."

"Is that so?"

Using his magic, Aurelius was able to sense people in the distance. They were moving slowly within a limited area, seemingly keeping watch for something.

And their carriage was headed straight for them.

As they approached closer, he could see that there were others around. Some were standing still, while others were walking. It appeared that this was the village.

"Look, you can see it now."

The merchant pointed ahead, and sure enough, there was a village, complete with a fence and even a guard. It was the guard that Aurelius first noticed.

"You said it was nearby, but it sure took a while to get here."

The village they were heading to was indeed right there, but Aurelius still hadn't let down his guard. There was no real reason to come all the way to this village. Sure, they were delivering an order, but it didn't need to be transported from such a far-off town. Something still didn't feel right.

"Is the village chief around?"

"Ohh, it's you.

He should be here. If not, he's probably just wandering around the village."

It seemed the merchant was acquainted with the people in this village.

"Well, let's head to the village chief's house, unload the cargo, and collect the payment."

He moved the carriage forward without asking for directions, as if he knew the village well.

Certainly, if the village existed, it would be quite isolated. The houses were scattered over a fairly wide area, likely numbering more than a hundred, but probably not reaching two hundred. Being a mountain village, there were hunters as well as blacksmiths for farming tools. However, most of the residents were farmers cultivating their fields.

Nevertheless, there was no sense of a peaceful village. The fences surrounding the area and the occasional sighting of adventurers or guards indicated the presence of monsters and bandits in the vicinity.

What caught their attention was the somber mood of the villagers. The gatekeepers and guards had expressions that seemed content, but the villagers kept their gazes fixed on the ground. It seemed that, in addition to tending to their fields and crops, there was something that made it hard for them to raise their heads.

Furthermore, they were puzzled by the fact that the village chief was a landowner. Even minor nobles would typically manage their territories and strive for prosperity, especially in such a remote location.

While there are occasionally oppressive nobles, people tend to escape from those territories, causing them to wither and fade away.

However, in this village, the chief is a landowner.

If the situation were unfortunate, it might mean that one individual owned the entire village. In such a case, the farmers would essentially face double taxation, leading to greater poverty. Additionally, there are many tyrannical landowners.

They must exercise caution.

"Hello, I've brought the items you ordered."

The merchant called out and knocked on the door.

"Hey, you delivered it well."

The man who appeared from inside was a short, slightly plump middle-aged man.

"I have the items prepared as per the village chief's order."

It seemed he was indeed the village chief.

"Alright. I trust you, but I'll need to verify."

"Please, go ahead."

Aurelius and Magnolia moved away from the carriage and waited for the village chief to check the goods.

"It does seem to match the order, at least on the surface.

However, I have a feeling the quality isn't that great."

"True, I wouldn't say it's top quality, but it's decent enough."

"But…"

The village chief and the merchant leaned in and spoke quietly to each other. They appeared to be negotiating the payment.

From time to time, they glanced at Aurelius, exchanging odd smiles during their discussion.

"They keep looking over here."

Magnolia seemed to share the concern.

"They're likely negotiating for the cost of hiring escorts."

Aurelius thought it might be a different matter, but he chose not to say anything.

"Well then, this concludes everything."

"Indeed."

The village chief handed a bag to the merchant. It was probably filled with the payment.

It seems the negotiations were successfully completed.

"This, sorry to have kept you waiting."

"Welcome to my village."

The merchant and the village chief came over to Aurelius and Magnolia.

"Here is the promised payment."

Aurelius received the two gold coins from the merchant and handed one to Magnolia.

They regularly made a fair amount of money selling monster materials. Even before meeting Aurelius, Magnolia had more than two hundred gold coins. Rather than decreasing, that sum had grown significantly. Aurelius had earned even more in a short period by selling medicine.

So a single gold coin didn't seem like much, and was casually placed into their storage box.

"Alright then, let's head back.

We'd like to reach the next town by the end of today, if possible."

The two of them began walking toward the village exit.

"Eh, you're leaving already?"

For some reason, the merchant seemed panicked.

"If you go now, it'll be night before you reach the town.

Since you're here, why not stay the night in this village?"

"We're adventurers, so we're used to sleeping outdoors.

Besides, is there any special reason to stay?"

"Well, you see, about that…"

"Since you're here, why not stay at my house?"

The village chief cut into the conversation.

"It's a big house, and there are plenty of spare rooms.

Plus, I live alone, so you don't need to worry about anyone else.

Besides, I caught a mountain bird a few days ago. It should be just right to eat today. Why not join me? I've got some fine sake as well.

Of course, I wouldn't charge you.

I just want some company for a lonely middle-aged man."

"I see, you've got sake?"

Magnolia seemed drawn to the mention of alcohol.

"Yes, please come. The sake would probably enjoy being appreciated by a beautiful lady like you, more than by someone like me."

He was being rather careless with his words.

Did he really want to drink with Magnolia that badly?

Well, as long as it's just for a drink, there's no harm. But it did seem like he might have other plans.

Still, if there were anything suspicious in the drink, Aurelius would detect it. There was no risk of being poisoned or having their minds tampered with.

If Magnolia wanted to drink, they could accept the village chief's invitation.

"He's gone out of his way to invite us, so it would feel a bit rude to just leave the village now."

Magnolia was already inclined to stay for a drink.

"Yeah, since we're here, we might as well accept his hospitality for the night."

"Great! I feel fortunate to drink with such a lovely lady.

And while you're here, I'd love to hear some stories from your adventures. In a quiet countryside like this, we don't get many chances to hear such tales."

The village chief happily led Aurelius and Magnolia to his home.

"Since this is the countryside, we don't even have an inn. Hosting rare guests is part of my duty as village chief.

Here, please use this room."

They were shown to a room in the farthest part of the large house, which contained two large beds.

To the left, there was no wall—just sliding doors that opened up to a garden. It wasn't very big and was hidden from the outside by a wall.

To the right was a solid wall, with the beds' headboards resting against it.

In front of them was a shelf with ornaments and vases, and a cloth painted with a tapestry-like image hung from the ceiling.

It wasn't as fancy as a high-end inn, but it was spacious and clean enough.

"The maid is preparing dinner now, so please rest here for a while.

We'll call you when the food and sake are ready, so please wait."

"Thank you for your hospitality."

"Please, don't mention it."

As the village chief stepped out of the room, Aurelius removed his cloak, and Magnolia changed from her leather armor into a short yukata.

"It's definitely strange."

"What do you mean? The villagers' behavior was odd, but the village chief seems normal enough.

The villagers might be down because of a poor harvest or the strict tax collection.

Well, he doesn't prioritize the farmers, but he's not the worst village chief out there. I've seen many who are far worse."

"That may be true, but Magnolia hasn't forgotten, right?"

"Forgotten what?"

"That you need to pray soon."

"U-Umm, I remember. But we can do it tomorrow. Tonight isn't the right time for that in this village."

Magnolia turned her head away, her face flushing.

"And one more thing. That merchant was buying information and had his sights set on Magnolia. He clearly said it was a divine message and that he prayed to god, so he definitely purchased information."

"But I don't want to pray with that guy. He seems really unlikable."

"I feel the same way.

However, since arriving in this village, he hasn't tried anything with Magnolia."

"Maybe he gave up. I glared at him pretty fiercely."

Magnolia shot him a cold look. It was a look that could kill.

"Well, that merchant has probably faced tougher situations, so he wouldn't just give up that easily.

If he has given up, it's likely due to something else."

"What do you mean by something else?"

"Magnolia, are you really not going to pray today?

This room is filled with ornaments and paintings, you know."

Aurelius suddenly shifted the topic.

"Well, you're in the room too. It's still embarrassing, and I don't want to.

But if you truly wish for me to, I don't mind—though I won't be happy about it.

However, I don't have anyone to pray to anyway, right? That merchant won't do."

"Umm, you're right.

It might be okay to consider someone else.

Besides, that merchant probably won't come to pray.

He has sold off a lot of things."

"Eh, does selling his cargo have anything to do with it?"

Magnolia asked, tilting her head.

"It's not just the cargo.

I believe he also sold information.

And the only one who bought it is the village chief, right?"

"E-Eh, what do you mean by that?"

Finally, Magnolia began to grasp the meaning.

"The reason the village chief has been eagerly inviting us to dinner and telling us to stay is probably because of that.

Surely, he wouldn't put poison in the drinks or food. But he'll likely try to get closer afterward.

But Magnolia should evade that and return to this room to relax in bed.

If that makes the village chief give up, great—if not…"

"What happens then?"

Magnolia wrapped her arms around herself.

"This is the village chief's house, so I can't just open the door with my magic without permission.

However, if my life is in danger, I won't hold back—otherwise,

What about you, Magnolia?"

At night, the village chief might sneak in. What will Magnolia do then?

"I see, that makes sense.

There's no better deal than being able to stay for free and drink as much as we want.

But…"

Magnolia licked her lips as she gazed at Aurelius. She was seductively inviting him.

"But if Aurelius is okay with it, I don't mind."

"Yeah, Magnolia, I love you."

"I love you too, Aurelius."

The two embraced each other while still dressed.

Knock-knock-knock,

"Meals are ready."

After holding each other for a while, the village chief came to call.

"Yes, we'll come right away."

Aurelius responded, and Magnolia tidied up her messy hair and clothes.

When the two arrived at the dining room, a roasted mountain bird was set on the round table. It was so large that even three people wouldn't be able to finish it, with the entire bird placed whole. For a moment, they wondered how they were supposed to eat it.

However, upon closer inspection, they saw that it had been cut and divided into bite-sized pieces.

"Please, help yourselves. Don't hold back."

The village chief served them each a slice on their plates. Even one slice was quite substantial.

"For Magnolia-san, I believe this would be more suitable than the meat."

The chief poured a clear liquid into a smooth ceramic cup. It appeared to be alcohol, though it was neither ale nor wine.

Aurelius had already used magic to confirm there were no poisons or strange substances. While there were some unfamiliar elements in the drink, they were likely flavor enhancers and nothing to worry about.

"Then, I'll begin."

Aurelius nodded, and Magnolia brought the cup to her lips.

"This is quite a strong drink."

She first took a light sip to test the flavor.

"And it's quite spicy."

"Yes, we also have sweeter drinks that might be more suited to women, but I thought this one would pair better with the mountain bird. Besides, I had a feeling Magnolia-san would prefer a dry drink."

"Indeed, I prefer this over something sweet."

Magnolia took a couple more sips of the drink.

Then she used her knife to cut a piece of the bird and brought it to her mouth with a fork.

"Fumu, yes, this goes very well with the mountain bird."

She took another satisfying sip of her drink.

"Please, try this as well."

As they cut into the bird, white grains resembling some kind of grain spilled out. The village chief served some onto Aurelius' plate.

He scooped a bit with his spoon and tasted it.

The grain had absorbed the rich flavors of the bird meat.

"This is the staple food of this village. It's called rice. Normally, we cook it in water, but today, we steamed it inside the mountain bird for a special occasion. The drink Magnolia-san had is also made from this rice."

"Fumu, the same ingredient is used for both the drink and the food?"

"Well, since ale and bread share the same ingredients, it's not that unusual."

Magnolia seemed impressed, but Aurelius didn't seem particularly interested. It was likely because he wasn't fond of alcohol in the first place.

Afterward, the village chief spoke proudly about the village, while Magnolia shared stories about other countries. Aurelius, having spent the recent past deep in the forest, didn't have much to contribute, but he occasionally added a comment to their conversation.

At one point, when the conversation paused, Aurelius asked the village chief a question.

"In the room we're using, there's a pot, some ornaments, and a cloth painting. Do they have any significance?"

"Significance? Well, the pot is just there because I thought it looked nice. It's called the 'Pot of Fortune,' but whether it brings luck or not is uncertain. The painting depicts water overflowing, which I liked because water is essential for rice farming.

As for the ornament, it's called 'Ushitora.' It's a guardian of the demon gate and a messenger of the gods who brings a bountiful harvest.

The cloth shows the god of harvest plowing fields with an ox and defeating evil with a tiger.

Both of these are talismans wishing for a prosperous harvest."

"In that case, perhaps we should offer our prayers later."

"You can pray all you want, but I'm not sure how much the god of harvest will do for adventurers."

"Even so, it couldn't hurt to receive a blessing, right? We'll offer our prayers later."

As Aurelius spoke, Magnolia nodded, her face flushed, likely from the alcohol—but perhaps not entirely.

After that, dinner went on for a while, and the village chief kept eagerly talking to Magnolia.

He asked if she'd like to go for a sobering walk afterward, or if she wanted to try more drinks if she wasn't satisfied.

However, Magnolia politely declined, saying that since they had provided such a nice room for her, she'd prefer to relax in bed.

The chief made a few more attempts to invite her, but Magnolia didn't take him up on it.

Still, Magnolia dropped a hint. She was likely willing if he caught on.

Yet, the chief just kept smiling, unable to read her true intentions.

"It was quite tasty."

"Thank you for the meal."

After finishing their meal, the two expressed their gratitude to the village chief and returned to their room.

They then washed their bodies with the "cleansing board" and rinsed their mouths with the medicated water.

Feeling refreshed, they cuddled in bed for a while.

Still, there was a bit of time until Aurelius could do anything without medication, so real sex was out of the question. Additionally, Magnolia seemed to be nearing her limit by tomorrow, so they couldn't engage in anything unnecessary.

"Good night."

As the two settled into separate beds, they faced each other and tried to fall asleep.