Before accepting the request, Rorey and Rowillen went into the inn room to discuss matters privately. Rowillen raised his suspicions with a skeptical expression.
"Look, that person didn't appear to be that old. Having a daughter her age seems... impossible, time-wise. I suspect this might be a scam."
It was a reasonable observation.
Unless the Mad Magician was some half-rejuvenated old monster or an elf, he would have needed to father a child before even reaching puberty to have a daughter that age.
Rorey nodded in agreement.
"That's true. I understand Junior is in his early twenties... But you know what? I believe nothing is impossible for Junior."
"Pardon?"
"I'm convinced that even if something seems impossible, Junior could somehow manage it. I don't know exactly how, but I'm certain."
Rorey reflected on past experiences.
There was a time when she had told Junior that no one could physically manifest illusions through sheer force—that would require Sublimation. But he did it anyway.
She had advised him that the human brain has limits, and cramming such complex formulas into magic would make his head explode first. But he did it anyway.
She had given him a tip that the Purple Tower was full of unhinged lunatics, so he shouldn't try to befriend anyone there. But he did it anyway.
The feeling was like...
"So... Rowillen, could you swing a sword to make it rain? Or perhaps turn stones into gold?"
"If you mean threatening a wealthy Blue Tower magician at swordpoint... no, not that. If you're asking whether I could genuinely do such things—that's impossible."
"He does impossible things like that routinely, which is why I can accept even something as suspicious as an illegitimate child of questionable age. Also, she knew information that only someone close to Junior would know."
It wasn't just the girl's claim of being his illegitimate daughter that convinced Rorey. Little Evil God had shared personal information about the Mad Magician with Rorey for verification. So now it was just a matter of acceptance.
Not "How could a person possibly have a child this age?!" (X)
But rather:
"I don't know what happened, but that's how it is." (O)
"Perhaps she's a life form created through Illusion Magic."
"...Isn't that going too far?"
"It is going too far. That's the realm of creation. But somehow, I feel Junior could do even that."
Rowillen couldn't understand Rorey's vague acceptance, but this was a feeling one couldn't experience without witnessing it firsthand.
The feeling of witnessing history in motion when you directly observe a genius who might appear once in a century—no, once in a millennium.
Like the Black Dragon Emperor who single-handedly established a great empire, or perhaps going further... the Goddess who was said to be born from the lowest pool of desire. That sensation when exaggerated ancient tales unfold before your eyes.
The certainty that a new era was approaching.
===============================================================
Rorey and Rowillen were hired on the spot and began their journey to the Academy with Little Evil God.
For Rorey, the payment wasn't particularly large, but she felt obligated to escort someone connected to Junior. Rowillen was purely satisfied with the amount.
The veteran adventurer and magician put their heads together. How should they travel to generate good rumors? If speed was the only concern, teleportation magic would be the best option, but...
"I'd prefer not to teleport."
Since the client had specific requirements, their travel route was limited to land. The group purchased a two-horse carriage and raced through the forest paths.
After compromising between safety and speed, they decided on a route that would cut almost straight through forests and mountains to reach the Academy...
"If we stop by the Holy City, the journey might be more comfortable, but considering the speed—"
"Holy City? Turn the carriage around. Is that still around?"
...At the client's request, they changed to a route that would pass through the Holy City before reaching the Academy.
The Holy City of Trumpet Hall.
This was where the headquarters of the Goddess Cult was located.
Legally part of the Empire, it functioned as a somewhat independent state due to the Goddess Cult's strong influence. Currently, the Holy City was ruled by the Little Pope, assisted by five Cardinals.
As the place that governed the Goddess Cult spread throughout the continent, many priests with exceptional Divine Power resided there, so those suffering from severe curses or permanent disabilities would head there.
However, without a considerably heavy purse, one couldn't receive services from high-ranking priests. So the Holy City had the feeling of a wealthy district frequented by the rich...
"Things are a bit different these days. The 'Reformist Faction,' I believe they're called? They're bringing new winds to the Holy City, saying 'The Goddess's mercy should reach even the lowest depths.'"
"I've heard about that too. I always hated how the priests in the Holy City were all money-obsessed... Is something actually changing?"
"I don't know much about faction fights or ideological battles. I just hope treatment costs go down. I have a crippled comrade who's still limping around hunting goblins."
"That might be a head problem rather than a leg problem, so bring him along if you get the chance."
Sitting side by side in the driver's seat, Rorey and Rowillen exchanged stories about the state of the world. Then, remembering something, Rowillen turned to speak to Little Evil God, who was sprawled inside the carriage.
"Have you heard of the Hero Selection Tournament?"
"No, I haven't... Wait, they're selecting heroes through a tournament?"
"Yes. The Pope received a revelation from the Goddess to gather hero candidates from all over and hold a tournament to identify the true hero."
Little Evil God snorted at this.
"That's not even funny. So?"
"A grand festival is being held. The Hero Selection Tournament will begin soon. If we stay for about two weeks... you could see the tournament in person. Client, I can arrange a sightseeing schedule if you wish."
"Even if we rest for a day, I don't have the luxury to enjoy sightseeing."
"Then we'll stay for one night to resupply and rest."
Little Evil God graciously nodded.
Rowillen was slightly irritated by her flippant attitude that showed not even a fingernail's worth of respect for elders, but he was a professional who had endured being called a "teary-eyed gay" upon first meeting.
As long as the payment was secure—professional to the core. That's the dignity of a veteran adventurer.
The sound of hoofbeats slowly faded into the distance.
===============================================================
"May I ask your name?"
"No."
Junior's unnamed illegitimate daughter had jet-black hair and azure eyes. Since black hair was rare, this increased the probability of her being his blood relative.
But what strongly connected this nameless girl to Junior was something else entirely: her magic.
"Ugh, get lost, you dwarf mongrels!"
With just a flick of her fingers from side to side, the goblin horde that had been swarming their temporary camp scattered in all directions.
The effect was a simple intimidation spell, but examining the details revealed its ferocity. Perfect silent casting without even naming the spell, and her technique for manipulating mana was nearly flawless.
The girl was a powerful illusion magician.
This talent was the thread that confirmed her connection to Junior.
Other minor traits also reminded Rorey of Junior. Like her rather foul temper (Junior once yelled at the Tower Master to go make lamb instead).
"It's a moth."
"It flew toward the light. Client, if it's bothering you, I can catch—why are you eating it?"
"Why wouldn't I? It's no different from jerky."
Or how her thoughts jumped unpredictably from one thing to another.
The girl resembled the Mad Magician in many ways, but Rorey felt an inexplicable uneasiness around her. Why was that?
As they traveled by carriage, made camp, and continued on, Rorey pondered this unexplainable anxiety. Then the answer came.
She had been thinking backward. Why didn't she feel uneasy or uncomfortable around Junior? That's what she should have considered first.
If Junior had ill intentions, the world could be turned upside down. Being eccentric and unpredictable, he might create something strange overnight—something extremely threatening to the world.
But she wasn't worried. She never thought about preemptively killing Junior to prevent a potential future catastrophe.
Because she knew his goodness.
She knew he preferred to make the world better.
But this girl was different. Her occasional viciousness, her way of looking down on people, combined with her terrifying talent—it bred anxiety.
"Whether it's people, insects, or jerky, they're all the same lumps. I really don't understand why people make distinctions."
"..."
If this girl were evil, something terrible might happen.
Rorey's anxiety would be completely resolved in the Holy City.
===============================================================
Little Evil God yawned lazily. It was already their fourth day traveling by carriage. The group had finally reached the Holy City after pushing hard.
Having spent a week in Elmest Territory, it had been eleven days since the Mad Magician abandoned her. The more she thought about it, the more infuriated she became.
The Holy City was definitely in a festive mood with the upcoming Hero Selection Tournament. Between the various buildings with their pristine white color scheme, lively music played as excited people bustled about energetically.
On one wall hung portraits—images of hero candidates who had registered for the Hero Selection Tournament.
"...Ugh."
Among them was Benett's portrait. Little Evil God stuck out her tongue as she recalled past trauma. In a way, wasn't it because of those guys that her life had taken such a turn?
Rowillen, reading his client's gaze, provided an explanation in case she didn't know.
"That's Benett Hilton, a member of the 'Reformist Faction.' I heard he infiltrated dark mage forces to extract information—quite an impressive person."
"What's so impressive about..."
Little Evil God was about to retort but clamped her mouth shut. Right, while Tara and Niore had been broken, that guy had never been. He was tough, at least.
"Today... shall we eat over there and get rooms? I haven't visited the Holy City often, but I remember being quite satisfied the last time I was here."
"Let's go there then. Is that alright with you, client?"
"Fine. Anywhere is good, as long as I don't have to see that damned portrait."
Little Evil God strode forward purposefully. They entered an inn that was packed with customers, buzzing with the excitement of the festival.
With no empty tables available, the group sat at what appeared to be a temporarily converted counter. They ordered simple stew and beer.
Festival, festival.
A hero is the Goddess's sword. And the Goddess and "The Thing" don't get along. The Goddess wanted to erase "The Thing" that was spreading strange things throughout the continent.
So heroes were somewhat threatening. That's why "The Thing" had taken countermeasures.
Clearly, from what she remembered, it had schemed against the Goddess... plotting to prevent heroes from being created. But Little Evil God couldn't recall the details of the scheme.
The complete memory would be in the 93% that remained with the Mad Magician.
So heroes... shouldn't be able to be born?
Little Evil God pondered these things with her chin resting on her hand. There were many strange aspects to what was happening in the Holy City. And usually, in situations like this, people's interests and plans were tightly intertwined.
This would be a perfect time to stir things up. If she created chaos now, all sorts of tragedies would bloom colorfully.
Tighten.
"...Alright, alright, I get it."
Little Evil God grumbled as she scratched above The Golden Fillet, which was tightening in warning. This isn't allowed, that isn't allowed—life has no fun.
Still, she had indirectly fed a boy some trouble... thinking about it made her heart throb strangely. Probably excitement. It would turn into great joy when she heard the bad news.
As Little Evil God was consoling herself, a commotion caught her ear.
"Hey, this gentleman is a hero candidate! When will you get another chance to see one up close? Come pour him a drink!"
"Um, I, that's..."
A group occupying two tables and a waitress fidgeting nervously in front of them. A common occurrence.
The apparent leader of the group, a young man with seaweed-like dark green hair hanging down, smiled sinisterly as he spoke.
"Come on, everyone, don't be like that. She's uncomfortable, right? I'm sorry. Our guys can be a bit mischievous. I'd like to apologize. Would you come closer?"
"No, I..."
"I said I want to apologize. What, are you making me out to be a bad person? I'm just asking you to come a little closer."
"The hero candidate wants to apologize to you! Are your ears stuffed?!"
A bald man next to him raised his voice intimidatingly, causing the waitress to shrink visibly. How could an ordinary employee withstand such threats?
I see.
Little Evil God could sense lust in the seaweed-hair's eyes. Though pretending otherwise, he was full of intentions. Yet he was having his subordinate do the direct intimidation.
His entire demeanor exuded arrogance. Like a novice who had struck it rich overnight. How pathetic.
If he wanted to fulfill his desires without consequences, there were more sophisticated methods.
Little Evil God shifted her gaze. Both Rowillen and Rorey were simply drinking their beer and chatting. They were aware of the disturbance but chose not to intervene.
They occasionally glanced disapprovingly at seaweed-hair's behavior, but that was all.
This was natural. They were being paid to escort Little Evil God. The mission came first. And even if it wasn't their mission... there was nothing to gain by getting involved.
But.
"Hey, hey. Stop it. Sorry, I misunderstood."
"Ah, that's..."
"I thought you were a girl who wanted to live safely for a long time, but go rest. Is today your only day?"
"What...?"
The waitress's expression froze, then turned pale. Seaweed-hair lowered his voice to a whisper with a smiling face, revealing more malice.
"By the way, that brown-haired girl who used to work here. What was her name... Anyway, are you friends with her?"
"I, I don't really know..."
"Oh, you don't even know who I'm talking about? I thought so."
Under this subtle threat, the waitress could barely breathe.
It was frustrating. Half-hearted guys were the most annoying. If he was going to spout verbal threats, couldn't he use... a better method?
She couldn't stand it anymore.
She wanted to teach a lesson to those who acted so high and mighty. Little Evil God grinned. Showing off in front of her was unbearable. She quickly devised a plan.
Seaweed-hair. There were traces of training, and he likely possessed Ascension. She sensed it. Her assessment was that even if Rorey and Rowillen joined forces against him, they would lose.
Despite his temperament, he clearly had ability. That's probably how he earned the title of hero candidate. So combat was out of the question.
In this inn, there was only one waitress. Okay.
Rorey was wearing a magic tower hood, making it difficult to determine gender from the outside. She could pretend her attendants were all male. Okay.
Little Evil God grabbed the half-finished beer glass Rowillen had left.
"Hey, I'm borrowing this."
"Client...?"
Splash!
She poured the beer over her chest. Simultaneously, she modulated her voice, amplifying it with a mild spell so it would be heard through the noisy scene.
"Kyaaah! What, what do I do! I don't know, I accidentally spilled it..."
Embarrassment at causing an accident in public, panic, stomping her feet, distress over her favorite clothes being soaked in beer, hunching to cover where the wet fabric clung to her body.
"C-client?"
"No, Rowillen! I can't let a man see or touch my body just because you want to wipe it off...!"
"???"
Having cast her fishing line, the waitress moved with visible relief.
"I'm really sorry. But... I think I need to help this customer now."
"Sure, sure. It's not like I was forcibly holding you. Just... think carefully."
"..."
The waitress approached Little Evil God with hiccups, her body trembling. Though she had escaped for now, she was clearly in a state of confusion, not knowing what to do next.
"I'll, I'll help you."
"Good. If there's an empty room, let's go there. Show me the way."
"What...?"
===============================================================
The waitress led Little Evil God to an empty room away from prying eyes. The moment they were alone, Little Evil God's expression changed instantly—from an embarrassed, staggering girl to that of a mischievous troublemaker.
Click.
When Little Evil God snapped her fingers (though it didn't make a proper sound), her clothes dried immediately. The waitress gasped in surprise.
"You're a magician...? Then, why...?"
"Yes, I'm a magician, so listen carefully. Ask the innkeeper for a beer, put this in it, and take it to seaweed-hair. Then make him drink it."
Crackle.
A black scale grew from Little Evil God's left arm. She plucked it out and handed it to the waitress.
"Then just go along with him. If he drags you to a room, don't resist, just follow him in. That night, he'll think he slept with you. In reality, he'll just pass out."
"..."
She seemed to understand the situation now. Tears welled up in the waitress's eyes. She bowed deeply, a full 90 degrees.
"I, thank you so much. I don't know how I can repay this."
"Thank seaweed-hair. He irritated me."
"Really, truly thank you. I'll never forget this. Magician...!"
"Yeah, go now."
Color returned to the waitress's face. Little Evil God coolly waved her hand without saying anything more. The waitress repeatedly expressed her gratitude, then clutched the Dragon Scale tightly and left.
After waiting briefly, Rowillen and Rorey opened the door and entered. Both seemed bewildered by Little Evil God's impulsive action.
"Client, what exactly did you do?"
"I taught that slick seaweed-hair a lesson. I handled it well so the fire won't spread to us. If you think you deserve extra money for my acting out, the Mad Magician will pay it."
"...At least tell us next time. Both Rowillen and I were startled. And, well done. Rowillen won't charge extra for this, right?"
"Correct. If you had told us beforehand, I wouldn't have stopped you. Well done."
The atmosphere warmed pleasantly. They hadn't acted themselves only because the aftermath would have been heavy and burdensome—who would hesitate to do good if it could be done without consequences?
Additionally, Rorey showed visible relief. Her wariness toward Little Evil God seemed to have decreased significantly after this incident.
Yes, this was part of the plan too. Standing up to seaweed-hair's advances while building goodwill with the Mad Magician's acquaintance. It was all calculated. By wearing the mask of a good person, she could strike harder when betraying them later.
Everything was done out of malice and rationality.
"..."
But in her mind, the words kept echoing:
Thank you so much. Well done.
Her heart kept racing, and she kept replaying the scene where she coolly plucked out the scale and gave it to the waitress, and the shower of praise...
No. Don't feel this. Is this a mental attack from The Golden Fillet? What kind of emotion is this? I didn't particularly want to save her.
It was confusing.
I am a nightmare! I exist to bring fear, pain, despair, and pleasure to people!
Little Evil God smacked her forehead, muttering to herself to deny the uncontrollable emotion.
"Ha, what's this, ha, this wasn't my intention, really..."
The words came out sounding prim and proper.
Due to the goodness artificially installed in her, Little Evil God experienced the high of doing good for the first time in her life.