Hero's Coffin Chapter 95

Chapter 95

His breath caught. How did she know he was Isaph? The black cat still had its lavender ribbon, and his eye color had changed, as well as his overall impression. Had she seen through the disguise magic as an alchemist with strange abilities?

However, there was something odd about the workshop owner's statement. First, there was no hostility at all in her voice, and also...

"Why aren't you answering? How surprised and curious I was when I heard about that commotion!"

"...Why?"

"You don't hate the hero, do you?"

Her eyes held even a hint of familiarity.

"You even asked me before if there was a way to become friends with the hero! So I laughed that you were asking for something quite difficult but advised you to at least try saying something nice, though I don't know what words you actually said to the hero..."

"..."

"How is it, Isaph? Have you gotten closer to the hero while being together?"

She had figured out not only his identity but also that he was traveling with Haren. What kind of relationship did she have with Isaph? Just as he was so shocked by this startling information that he couldn't even breathe, a blue window appeared before his eyes. Somehow its appearance seemed much more urgent than usual.

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Isaph's acquaintance. Laria Eunice.

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Why tell such important information only now? If he had known earlier, he wouldn't have entered the workshop, no, he would have at least avoided being alone with her! Though anger surged, a random thought also occurred to him.

'That' Isaph had a friend? He had thought he wouldn't have any friends.

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Friend X, acquaintance.

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Don't be quick to correct only this after being so negligent until now.

He looked down at the cat in his arms with dumbfounded eyes. The cat had finally opened its eyes. Was the status window unable to function when the cat was asleep, or what? What kind of game convenience was this?

Meanwhile, the workshop owner, Laria's words continued to flow.

"I see you're disguised as a mercenary called Saiph, and you seem really immersed in the acting. Treating even a friend you haven't seen in a long time like a complete stranger."

The status window says you're not a friend...

"I was so surprised when you really acted like you were seeing me for the first time."

Though he flinched, he tried hard to manage his expression. Fortunately, this body was good at acting expressionless, or more precisely, exhausted from lack of energy. Well, it might not be acting but real.

"...There were other mercenaries nearby too. Since Lara Workshop is famous, it would be troublesome to show we're close."

"That's true, but hmmmm."

Laria tilted her head with a subtle expression. As she looked him over, he barely maintained his composure, and then she shrugged her shoulders.

"So, your answer to my question?"

"...The commotion at the venue was just because I wasn't feeling well and some energy leaked out. Only the lamp's light went out, but the rumors were exaggerated."

He gratefully referenced the lie Haren had told before. Fortunately, Laria seemed familiar with the notion of exaggerated rumors and sighed "Ah." Though he wondered if she might sympathize as a friend, she nodded and spoke indifferently.

"Well, you should have behaved better usually."

"..."

"Always wearing that dark robe, going around with no companions except a cat. Look at you now, living just to serve the cat."

What is with this nagging? He was still confused about how to react, finding it difficult to understand Laria. Did this way of speaking mean they were really close friends? Though the status window said they weren't, the overall atmosphere was friendly.

To have this attitude even while knowing he was a necromancer.

Was a necromancer not someone to avoid since she did business that went against the temple's wishes? But even so, wouldn't she cut ties with someone who had committed mass murder? Why was she happy to see him? He couldn't figure out this relationship at all.

The word "Encroachment Zone" earlier hadn't seemed random either, and it was strange that she seemed to know he was with the hero now. She gave the impression of knowing exactly what had happened after Isaph's prison break.

How? Had she figured out the hero's survival from the disappearing Encroachment Zones, and connected it with necromancy's usefulness knowing him well? Because she knew the original Isaph didn't hate the hero, did she think he would cooperate? Wasn't that too much of a leap?

Though he had many questions, he couldn't ask any of them. Any of these questions would give Laria cause for suspicion, and he didn't even have the leisure to question the status window. Laria pressed him.

"Why aren't you answering whether you've become friends with the hero?"

"...Not really."

That question cut through all his thoughts. His complicated mind instantly cooled, and only one being came to mind.

Me, friends with the hero? How could that be possible? Just today I came here running away after receiving that uncomfortable gaze.

...His mood suddenly plummeted to rock bottom. He just kept his mouth shut tight, not even thinking about being cautious of Laria.

At his answer, Laria narrowed her eyes.

"Well, that noble hero of the Holy Empire wouldn't keep you close. You're different in every way. You've been going around doing things that completely go against doctrine, so he must really hate you."

"..."

Hearing her voice speak as if it were natural, his mood fell even further. Why did he feel this way while agreeing with Laria's words? In reality, Haren hadn't particularly kept him close until now.

"By the way, I have many questions for you..."

"Saiph? Where are you, Saiph?!"

Just as Laria's questions were about to continue, Jade called for him from the second floor. He quickly turned around. Staying here longer would only increase the chances of raising suspicious clues.

"I need to go back now."

"Hmm, that's too bad but it can't be helped. That collar doesn't seem ordinary, so I should let you go for the sake of protecting my friend's neck, right?"

Unexpectedly, Laria backed off easily. Though she had seemed like she would persistently question him, she just shrugged her shoulders and even took a step back. Then waving the white rod she was holding, she said,

"Contact me when you get money. I'll keep this item until then."

...She won't give it free even to a friend?

Though he still felt wronged about being forced to buy the ring, and also regretted losing the flashlight he had been using quite usefully, there was no other way. He would have to believe the ring would be useful. When he reluctantly nodded, Laria smiled brightly and said goodbye.

"See you next time. Then we can talk about childhood memories after so long."

What? It said they were just acquaintances, but they are people who had been together since childhood? I don't have any memories to share with that person. Though flustered, escaping was the urgent priority so he answered vaguely. He needed to end the conversation quickly.

"...Yeah, see you next time."

Laria's smile deepened. She waved her fingers goodbye like when they first met, and he turned and quickly went down the stairs. For some reason En squirmed in his arms, but he had no attention to spare for the creature.

Much time had already passed.

What was meant to be a brief outing had taken too long, and at this rate his companions would notice his absence and start getting suspicious. They might think he was causing trouble just when they had started to trust him.

He quickened his pace while just showing his hand to Jade and Serena who asked what he had bought. Their talk about how fun it was to look around the workshop after so long barely reached his ears. After all, he had only experienced nearly having his heart stop.

–Meow.

As the annex building came into view, En suddenly jumped out of his arms. Is it avoiding the imperial princess again? Since he had no intention of showing the NPC to the mad scientist, he let it go willingly, but the creature turned to look at him while leaving. That gaze was very subtle.

Eyes that seemed to say there was much to say but wouldn't.

...Wait, does it also have a look of contempt mixed in? But before he could ask, the cat had moved away. After staring dumbfoundedly at its retreating figure, he continued walking. He was anxious to return quickly.

"Oh, isn't that your commander over there?"

But as soon as he entered the annex's main entrance, he encountered Haren. He flinched in surprise at Jade's words. The entrance and banquet hall were quite far apart, so why was he here?

"..."

Across the way, Haren also stopped as if spotting him. He had been quickly crossing the corridor until just now, and somehow seemed like he had come out looking for him. The instant their gazes met in the air felt very long.