Chapter 82: 82

Invading Marquis Mastafon’s House

I changed my clothing before heading to Marquis Mastafon’s mansion.

Not fighting clothes. I needed clothes that did not draw attention.

This district was full of mansions owned by noblemen, so metal armor and a gleaming Devil King Sword would stick out too much.

It would be one thing if I was just passing by, but I wanted to stop and observe.

And I would have to walk around the area repeatedly.

“Then it should be something a servant would wear.”

But still, I wanted to bring the Devil King Sword with me as well.

So it needed to be loose clothing that I could hide things inside.

“Alright, this is good.”

I finished dressing in my room and went back to the drawing room.

“I’ll be going then. Hold the fort until I get back.”

“Please be careful.”

“Don’t let your guard down.”

Shia and Serulis said encouragingly. But Milka scowled.

“What is with that sword?”

“It’s a good sword. I know that it might draw attention, but I want to bring it with me.”

“I think it draws way too much attention.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

I looked at Luchila.

“What do you think?”

“It does stick out. You look like an Adventurer.”

“I see. Well, that’s no good.”

Grulf looked worried as he walked up to me. I patted him on the head.

“Well, I’ll just hide it.”

“You can hide it?”

“Yes, I know what I’m doing.”

I said. Then I decided to leave for Marquis Mastafon’s house.

Just as I left the mansion, Gerberga said,

“Cock-a-doodle-dooo!”

Very loudly. It was like he was saying that he would pray for my victory.

Before leaving the gate, I cast a spell of concealment over the sword.

Of course, those with high resistance to magic, or who were very skilled with it, they might recognize the sword.

But most normal people wouldn’t.

I pretended to be a normal passerby and inspected Marquis Mastafon’s house.

The house was surrounded by a wall that was as tall a man and a half.

(One main gate. One back door.)

I counted the number of entrances.

There were two gatekeepers by the main gate. And in the back, there was one gatekeeper.

(It’s very suspicious.)

That was my first reaction.

Normally, you would not have guards stationed by the back door.

The city was a peaceful place. Gatekeepers were mainly stationed there to greet guests.

So there was no need to have anyone where guests did not come through.

I watched the gatekeepers closely as I walked in front of the mansion.

All three of them showed no expression and moved very little.

Now, that was not exactly atypical of guards.

However, they seemed almost too lifeless.

(They weren’t moving at all, but their eyes followed me.)

It was eerie.

I thought they looked like those people who had been charmed by vampires.

These were people who tried to summon an Evil God, after all.

It would not be surprising if the house was ruled by dark ones.

I thought as I continued to observe them.

(People are looking this way through the windows…one…two…three…)

But when I looked carefully, the people were also expressionless and motionless.

(Are they following me with their eyes only as well?)

Their security was too tight.

I didn’t know if there were vampires inside or not. But it was clear that something was happening in there.

At first, I had meant to circle the building several times while trying to avoid drawing any attention. But seeing as how many eyes were now on me, I decided that it was not a good idea.

(I should stop before they get suspicious.)

And so I decided to enter Marquis Mastafon’s house after passing it only once.

I thought about the positions of the gatekeepers and watchers in my head.

There was hardly any place that was completely out of sight.

(That being said, it wasn’t like there was none at all… Well, I’m sure it will be fine.)

It would be difficult for most people, but not for me.

Normally, you would want to enter under cover of night, but there was a possibility that these people were dark ones.

The shadows of the night would just give them an advantage.

Of course, it would be better to gather more information first, but that would take too long.

The demon rats. The Evil God idol. The disappearances.

Something bad was clearly taking place.

Considering all of that, it would be better to hurry.

(There is a saying about how armies should act quickly… No, the more appropriate one would be about entering the wolf’s lair to catch the cub.)

Milka’s words entered my head.

I moved away from Marquis Mastafon’s house for a moment.

Then I strengthened the presence block magic that I had cast on myself.

(Now, as long as I didn’t make too much noise or move around too quickly, I should be fine.)

Carefully, I moved silently through the shadows.

Then I looked up at the high walls that surrounded the house.

(It’s a bit high.)

I couldn’t jump over it. It would be easy enough with magic, but there was also another way.

I tied a string around the Devil King Sword and leaned it against the wall.

Then I put my foot on the handguard and jumped up.

(Woah!)

I almost shouted out loud.

I hadn’t been able to see it from the ground because of the angle, but there were spikes lining the top of the wall.

I quickly twisted my body and somehow managed to avoid them.

Now, I was finally within the mansion grounds.

With security this strong, it would be difficult for even a good scout to get in.

It was like a fortress.

(But that just means there is something here that they really don’t want anyone to see.)

I thought with a renewed resolve. Just then, I heard a dog bark right next to me.