1.
Happy times always pass quickly.
– …What did you say?
– It’s okay, Brother. It’s not like you didn’t know, right?
– No, I… I’ll do something…!!
– It’s not because of you. The last attempt failed, and it was just time.
As I enjoyed peaceful days, forgotten problems inevitably resurfaced.
It was the same in the world before, and this world was no different.
I accepted the <Designated Request Form> that Ruby handed me and asked in a low voice.
“…What did you just say?”
“I missed you, Captain.”
“Not that.”
“Shall we just hold hands?”
“Ruby.”
Only after I called her name with a scolding tone did Ruby’s playful eyes sharpen.
“The Hero has retreated this morning.”
Ah, that.
‘No wonder the system was noisy since dawn.’
It seemed like the main story of <Babylonia> was finally about to unfold.
It was an expected event, but hearing it firsthand still left me feeling uneasy.
But what could I do?
If I wanted to survive, I had to get through it.
I leaned forward slightly, speaking toward Ruby, who had finally given me the correct answer.
“What’s the Hero Party’s current location?”
“According to the Union Gate official, they are expected to arrive in the Empire near midnight.”
“That late? It’s 9 AM right now.”
“Even if they’re the Hero Party, it’ll take some time. They’re returning from Demon territory, not just anywhere.”
That made sense.
The Blue Magic Tower and Gate systems were widespread within the Empire, but outside?
Other nations considered themselves fortunate to possess even five.
And as for Demon territory, where humans had completely severed ties, Gates didn’t exist at all.
The Hero Party’s retreat plan was to travel on foot to the Gardner Count family’s domain, stay for a funeral, and then return to the Empire.
‘That means three days from tomorrow.’
On the evening of their return, the first incident—‘Ruby vs. Gardner’—would take place.
‘…Maybe I can manage to rest until today at least.’
Just as I was contemplating how to enjoy my last moment of peace, Ruby placed a teacup in front of me, along with a colorful assortment of refreshments, and spoke.
“That aside, Captain. It’s about time we moved our hideout.”
“…I figured as much.”
The disguise that I and the members are using is that of the captain of the D-class mercenary group <Black Wolf>,
My unit and I were operating under disguised identities as the D-rank mercenary corps, <Black Wolf>.
– Deliver this message to Her Majesty the Empress: If <Black Wolf> is touched even once more, I will slaughter everyone within the Empire.
And recently, a certain group associated with ‘Black Wolf’ had made its presence known.
Since that very name was officially registered with the Mercenary Alliance, suspicion was inevitable.
This was exactly why I had planned to delay revealing the name <Black Wolf> for as long as possible.
– We’re under suspicion.
– Us?
– Yes, Captain. After you revealed yourself as <Black Wolf> yesterday, some high-ranking officials from the East summoned me separately. They asked if there wasn’t a mercenary corps named <Black Wolf> in the Imperial branch.
– …Well, it’d be stranger if they didn’t know.
Since we were already under suspicion, I had decided to expose it outright and then go into hiding.
“Has the Mercenary Alliance made a move?”
“Not yet, but the Alliance leader is in the process of summoning all ten of the Great Ten.”
“Are they planning to strike us?”
“No. It looks like they just want to confirm the existence of the <Black Wolf Mercenary Corps> under our disguised identity.”
“…They’re summoning the entire Great Ten just to check on a single D-rank mercenary corps?”
I instinctively questioned the absurdity of it, but Ruby, for some reason, responded with a confident smile, her shoulders raised high.
“Because that’s us—<Black Wolf>.”
…Please, leave me out of this.
‘Either way, knowing about it in advance means we can resolve it before a confrontation happens.’
Since I had been preparing for this the moment we realized we were under suspicion, everything except the new hideout and fake identities was already set.
“What about the new identities and hideout?”
I had received confirmation that both were finalized a few days ago, but I asked to double-check.
At that moment—
Thud, thud…!
A faint knocking sound echoed from beyond the barrier.
“Right on time.”
Checking through a small artifact, Ruby smirked and stood up.
Click, click, click.
As she walked lightly towards the door, she turned her head and added one last comment.
“Didn’t you give me the order, Captain? To secure the disguise and hideout with my own capabilities?”
“…And?”
“You can look forward to it.”
Heh.
Her crimson eyes curved into a smile—beautiful yet eerily unsettling.
Creak.
Click.
Ruby opened the door, took an envelope, and pulled out a wooden ID badge that had been enchanted with magic.
As I received it, I stood up.
『Priest – Ian Red』
Real name: Nahan.
Aliases: Black Wolf and Yellow Dragon.
And now, a new disguise—Ian.
‘This must be what a multi-role actor feels like.’
Though I had another character to play, strangely, I felt a bit excited.
– See? I told you Brother enjoys this kind of thing!
– …What nonsense.
I’m just tired.
It was just exhausting.
I chuckled involuntarily at the memory, causing Ruby’s eyes to widen in surprise.
“D-Did you just smile…?”
“Yeah. Good job, Ruby.”
To avoid further suspicion, I moved slowly and placed my hand on her head.
Swoosh.
“…!!”
Ruby, who had lifted her head to meet my gaze, suddenly raised both of her hands and grasped mine.
“…I thought I was going to get scolded.”
“That would never happen.”
Why would I scold you?
You’re an incredibly precious existence—handling all the tedious, difficult, and complicated matters for me.
“…Then. If it’s really okay… I, I have… a request…”
“Why are you hesitating?”
“W-Well, Captain…”
“It’s fine, just say it.”
As if she could sense my sincerity, Ruby’s eyes wavered as she asked,
“W-When you’re using your disguise… C-Can I call you… Brother…?”
…Huh?
What kind of nonsense is this?
“I-It’s just that… ‘Brother Ian’ is actually my distant relative, and he ran away from the family when he was young to escape trouble and became a priest… That’s the setting.”
Caught off guard by the unexpected request, I glanced down at the ID badge once more.
『Priest – Ian Red』
Ian <Red>.
Ruby <Red>.
‘…So that’s how it is.’
As soon as I understood the meaning, the ID badge in my hand emitted a red glow.
【<Legendary> Artifact – <Vulcanus’ Crimson Disguise Stone (B+)> is activating!】
【“Yes!! I saved on hair dye──!!”】
A warm sensation washed over my body, and I could see my hair turning red from inside my helmet.
Even my eyes felt refreshed, as if I had used eye drops—most likely, their color had changed to red as well.
“Whoa…!!”
“…What’s this?”
“Red suits you so well…!!”
“Uh, uh… T-Thanks.”
Ruby’s gaze was a bit overwhelming, but this was undeniably an excellent disguise.
Not to mention, with my identity tied to Ruby Red, a branch manager of the Mercenary Alliance, I had a solid backing. Moving around under a disguise would be far more convenient.
‘As expected of Black Wolf.’
I never imagined they would even consider such intricate details when creating a fake identity.
“…Hehe, I’m now related to the Captain by blood. I was the first to do what none of the other members could…”
Indeed, Black Wolf was…
‘…Absolutely insane.’
I wasn’t sure if her dazed expression was due to calculation or personal satisfaction, but regardless, the result was a flawless disguise.
And a good superior should always reward subordinates who excel.
After a brief moment of contemplation, I nodded at Ruby.
“When I’m using my disguise, you may act comfortably.”
“…Huh?”
“Titles, behavior—whatever you set in the backstory, I’ll follow it.”
“R-Really, Captain?!”
I nodded again, and Ruby, with her arms wide open, started running toward me—only to suddenly stop and bow deeply.
“T-Thank you!!”
Such impeccable manners.
If only she didn’t lose her mind every time a fight broke out, she’d be a truly great kid.
Now that everything was settled for moving the hideout, I turned toward the door.
“We’re moving the hideout.”
“Yes, Captain! Should we move immediately?”
It was still daytime, which was a slight concern, but we needed to relocate before the Hero Party returned to the capital.
We also had to move Hestia.
“It’s better to hide objects at night, but it’s easier to hide people during the day.”
“…! As expected of the Captain. You knew that today was market day and are planning to blend in with the merchants as we move…!”
“Uh, yeah. Everything is within my grasp.”
Oh.
So today is market day, huh.
“The new hideout was an abandoned building, wasn’t it?”
“Yes, Captain! It was originally a place where worshippers of the Aria gathered for prayer.”
So, something like a church or a temple.
“There used to be an orphanage attached to it as well, but it was wiped out by those scumbags from <Black Fang> or whatever they’re called. Most people were either killed or went missing.”
“Reckless bastards.”
The Goddess Aria was the sole deity of this world.
Even evildoers wouldn’t dare disrespect her carelessly.
However, because of that, this location was ironically the perfect hiding place for us.
Would the enraged Goddess punish me for using it?
Well, she threw the first punch by transmigrating me in the first place.
“Anyway, good work, Ruby. I’ll head over first, so pass on the order to have the old hideout cleared out by 19:00.”
“Yes, Captain! I’ve already stocked up on clothes and basic necessities, so feel free to use them as needed!”
“Good.”
Reliable as always, Ruby.
“The deadline for accepting or rejecting the designated request is tomorrow, so please let me know at your convenience!”
Ah, right. The designated request.
I had been so focused on relocating the hideout that I forgot to check it.
“I’ll give you my answer by tomorrow.”
“Yes, Captain!”
I’d check it once I got back.
‘A house all to myself for some peace and quiet?’
There’s no way I could resist that.
Feeling unexpectedly lighthearted, I stepped forward.
“Y-Yellow Dragon has appeared!!”
“T-Today, I must get an autograph!!!!”
“C-Calm yourself, Brother Namgoong!!”
…Just when my steps were starting to feel light, they suddenly grew heavy again.
Finding an appropriate spot, I quickly changed into my disguise and activated the ID badge’s power before heading back to my sweet home.
Thus unfolded a certain clear morning.
2.
A few hours later, at noon.
Having finally finished tidying up the hideout, Nahan double-checked his disguise as Ian Red, ensuring that the priest robes and ID badge were properly in place.
At that moment—
BANG!
Suddenly, the door swung open, and someone stepped inside.
“…Who are you?”
“…”
Flowing sky-blue hair.
A beautiful face, expressionless yet striking.
Her nape exposed, as her hair was tied back tightly.
A face I had never seen before, yet for some reason, it felt oddly familiar.
As I hesitated, trying to place where I had seen her, the woman spoke in a calm voice.
“Where’s the kindergarten?”
“Well, as you can see, I just took over this place today, so I wouldn’t know.”
“…I see.”
Silence once more.
‘Who is she? I’m sure I’ve seen her somewhere before.’
As I furrowed my brows in thought, the woman, resting her chin in her hand, spoke again.
“Goddess Aria is the brightest of all lights, leading the departed souls to the heavens.”
Her words were true— Goddess Aria was the sole deity governing both life and death.
When I nodded in agreement, the woman knelt before me on one knee.
“A comrade’s younger sister recently lost her life at the hands of a great evil.”
…Wait. Hold on.
“You seem to be a free priest as well—would you offer a prayer for her soul?”
…This can’t be…
Realizing something, I took a slow, steady breath to calm myself and carefully asked the woman.
“O Eldest Child of the Goddess, could you repeat that once more?”
Eldest Child of the Goddess.
A title granted to only three individuals in the entire world.
Reina Babylonia, Empress of the Babylonia Empire.
The Saint I briefly encountered during the Visount Gapelt incident.
And the last one—
The Hero of Light.
“Hestia Gardner… Please offer a prayer for that upright child. And after that, I would like to make a confession.”
Asha Mirabelle.
【Warning.】
【<Hero of Light – Asha Mirabelle (SSS)> has appeared before <you>.】
The greatest confession of all had come knocking at my door.
