Chapter 171.1

Hesabel had answered decisively, but the actual task of searching for Cedric seemed daunting. The followers of Elil, who donned deep hoods over their heads, did not trust suspicious individuals, especially when the person in question was looking for a respected swordsman and priest known as a Swordmaster.

However, Hesabel was a beauty blessed by the Red Chalice.

Sadly, almost no one suspected the mysterious beauty who appeared in the mist at midnight.

'After all, Elil preached justice, honor, and courage, but in the end, he was utterly enchanted by a beauty and even had his heart plucked out, didn't he?'

Though it was a faith renounced, Hesabel felt a strange sense of superiority seeing people completely fall for her charm.

'But really, to deceive and seduce, it should be big fish, not these small fries. It has to be someone who can deceive the world, like Lord Isaac...'

With these thoughts, Hesabel lured a waitress at a tavern near the harbor. Just by slightly lifting her hood and giving a sly smile, the waitress was quickly charmed. As Isaac himself had proven, an inhuman charisma score could mesmerize people regardless of gender.

And so, Hesabel finally obtained some useful information.

"Cedric, the Swordmaster?"

"Yes. An elder I serve owes him a favor."

The waitress handed over her hand as Hesabel offered to trim her nails, though it was more about gently massaging her fingers and stroking her nails than actual trimming. The waitress knew it was just a pretext.

"You mean the man who came in with a Saltain ship recently?"

"Eh? Ah, yes, that must be him."

"Yes. Saltain ships are rare here, so I remember seeing one. He disembarked with a lady."

Naturally, Hesabel had first sought the sailors who came with the Saltain ship. However, the sailors had left Aldeon immediately after unloading their cargo, as if they had no intention of returning. It was suspicious, but finding Cedric was the priority.

"You recognized Cedric right away? He must be handsome."

"Ah, he often comes to this tavern. He secretly asked me if I wanted to be his lover, claiming he's Swordmaster Cedric. But since he asked other friends the same thing, I refused. I'm not even sure if he's really a Swordmaster."

"..."

"Still, I find you more to my taste than him..."

"Roel! What are you doing?"

At that moment, someone called out from behind. Hesabel instinctively turned around, feeling as if her back was being stabbed.

It wasn't a mistake. As Hesabel turned, she vividly imagined herself being stabbed in the back.

"Must be a friend of yours? It's rare to make friends here."

"Hello, Mr. Cedric."

Unaware of the looming threat, the waitress grimaced and stood up. Her hands hesitated briefly, but the desire to leave seemed greater.

"Keep it a secret that I'm Cedric."

"Nobody around here doesn't know Mr. Cedric."

The waitress hurriedly whispered to Hesabel before backing away.

"He's just arrived. I'll see you after you're done talking. Make sure you do."

"Uh, okay."

Hesabel awkwardly smiled in response. After the waitress left, Cedric casually approached Hesabel, and she internally cursed Isaac in ways she could never express aloud.

What did they mean by escaping a violent death? Right now, Cedric could have killed Hesabel multiple times.

Thud. Cedric sat next to Hesabel, naturally putting his arm around her shoulders.

"A rare friend here. Why might I be looking for you?"

***

Hesabel forced a smile and turned her head.

The man had long hair down to his shoulders, and was unexpectedly handsome for a Swordmaster. She had imagined a muscle-bound madman with fiery eyes obsessed with swordplay, but his appearance was quite normal.

As Hesabel met Cedric's eyes, the killing intent surrounding her melted away like snow.

Cedric quickly removed his hand from her shoulder.

"Oh, um, ahem. My apologies, miss. I was rude."

"..."

Hesabel wondered if Cedric was mocking her, but as a follower of the Red Chalice, adept in seduction and deceit, she realized he was genuinely nervous.

Then, her instincts kicked in.

"So, you're the Swordmaster Cedric I've heard so much about."

"Uh-hmm, recognized immediately. My fame has spread to Wallachia?"

"Of course."

-TL Notes-