I discovered a crest on the back of the crystal ball’s pedestal that seemed like a clue.
Sharin immediately showed the crest to everyone upon returning. However, nobody seemed to recognize it.
“Hmm, what could this be? It almost looks like a dragon’s face.”
“Is this next to it fire? I don’t know it at all.”
“I see… then there’s no other way.”
Sharin once again wore a sad expression. Then, Cecilia, who had been sitting at the edge, spoke up.
“Rondoral might know something. He’s very well-informed.”
The next day, following her suggestion, we decided to visit the Elf village and inquire about the crest.
Rondoral’s eyes narrowed with joy as he saw our figures.
“Welcome back. I’m glad you’re safe. Come in, come in.”
I showed him the pedestal of the crystal ball I had brought.
“Do you know anything about the crest on the back of this?”
His cheerful expression instantly changed, and he frowned in distress.
“Hmm, this… this belongs to the Dark Sect. It’s one of the sects that divides this world, known as the Demon’s Clan or Worshippers of the Void.”
“I see. So, where should I go to meet those religious people?”
Hearing my words, Rondoral’s expression became even more grim.
“Meeting them? Don’t. They are not people you can handle.”
“But if we don’t trace it back to the source, the problem won’t be solved.”
Sharin pressed Rondoral. He grunted and tilted his head.
“Sigh, very well. If you insist, I will tell you the place. But it’s best to avoid contact with them. The Dark Sect is said to have been created by demons, and your lives won’t be guaranteed.”
Normally, I would have thought of them as merely a cult that worshipped demons. But having actually seen a demon with my own eyes, his words carried great weight.
“Excuse me for interrupting, Master Rondoral. I have investigated the Dark Elf conspiracy as ordered. Therefore, I will take my leave.”
Cecilia bowed politely from behind.
“No, no, what are you saying? You come with us too.”
“Eh?! I finally got to come back…”
Cecilia couldn’t help but grumble at Rondoral’s order.
“Wait, if that’s the case, I will accompany her.”
Fjord entered, opening the door, as if he had been listening nearby.
“What are you saying, eavesdropping? This is an order for her.”
“But Cecilia is still a child. It’s too dangerous to go to such a place.”
Rondoral stroked his long white mustache and looked away as if to say, ‘Oh dear.’
“You returned safely this time too. As they say, ‘Let children have their travels,’ right?”
After this, Fjord continued to protest to Rondoral for a while, including his daily grievances.
