"I will grant you the chance to enter, but first we will check all of your possessions, and then you will answer all of our questions," Billy said. "We will inform the leader of this state about your situation. He will decide if you are allowed to pass this town."
"What if my people were to be attacked here, some people must hold a grudge against us after the wars," Gilles said.
"We aren't savages, and from now on and until Jean makes his choice, you aren't under my protection," Billy said. "That is if we confirm that you aren't enemies. Now, line your people in front of the wagons while we check your things."
"I see… You have my thanks," Gilles said.
That was the perfect moment to fire some arrows at them, but Gilles didn't hesitate in making his people show up and do what Billy asked them to. Still, for whatever reason, he assumed that Billy wouldn't do that. Some of the guards didn't like that idea, but they knew that Billy had done the right thing. It was the perfect moment to gain some Intel on the enemy that orchestrated the two wars, and the final world regarding the immigrants belonged to Jean.
Kate, Billy, and some guards opened the gate and then went to check the wagons and the people there. Billy used Appraisal on all of them, but he didn't find any weird skill. Only some people had a few of the old man's skills, but they were young and obviously his apprentices.
The inspection took the rest of the day because of their caution. The immigrants didn't have weapons, and even their food was about to end. Billy also confirmed that some of them were wounded since they passed nearby some towns and the guards from those places realized what they were doing.
"We have some free rooms in the guild. You guys can stay there," Billy said. "In the meantime, I want to know everything you know about this woman that you mentioned."
"There isn't much to say. She is annoying, power-hungry, and doesn't blink when she beheads those that she deemed worthless," Gilles said.
"... How old is she? What is her background?" Billy asked.
"Is there a point in knowing that?" Gilles frowned.
"Just answer the question…" Billy said and then sighed.
"I believe she is almost eighteen… She was the first daughter of a famous blacksmith, and from an early age, she learned her father's craft," Gilles said. "Her creations were pretty good, so she quickly became famous and made a lot of money. However, she became ten years old, she abandoned her family, and then the lord of the Neles state declared her his heir. After six months, he died, and she became the ruler…"
Her name was Jeannette, and after becoming the leader of the state, she began to build her castle. Thanks to the costs, many influential families protested, but then she got their cooperation by giving them the tamers whip. The owners could control dungeon monsters, and they were much more powerful than regular guards. Those nobles began to work for her and became completely loyal when she told them about their plans of conquest. She slowly weakened many states, but then two years ago, Ignace approached her to invade and share the conquered lands of Hiloh state.
"It seems like you skipped a few important details," Billy said. "Why people like you and the Adventurers didn't work with her?"
"It should be obvious that she is manipulating some people. That is why she obtained her position," Gilles said. "I don't know how she can do that, but I never dropped my guard when I was around her, neither did the guild masters. That is why she failed in mobilizing the adventurers. I suppose she assumed that her tamed monsters would be enough, but her estimations were wrong twice. Thanks to you."
Billy wouldn't take all the credit for that, but he wouldn't show some fake modesty and say that he didn't have an important role in both wars. Nevertheless, it seemed that Jeannette had another power… That or she used all her mana to strengthen her ability to control people. Still, that seemed unlikely. Otherwise, all people should be under her control by now. At least the people of her state.
"Maybe it isn't an issue of power, but compatibility… Hypnosis only works on some people that are susceptible to it," Billy thought while he rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "The monsters must be an exception… In any case, it is certain that she is a reincarnated person born with unusual powers like me. Maybe I should invade her territory and deal with her before she causes more problems."
"That will be enough for the time being," Billy said once they arrived at the guild. "I will send the letter to Jean, and food will be provided to you all three times a day. While you are free to move, it would be better if you avoid doing anything."
"We need to heal after those fights, so that will be fine," Gilles said.
One could say that Billy was putting them in a single place where no one would lose sight of them until Jean gave his answer, but they couldn't complain about it. Billy was already being pretty considerate while giving them the chance to decide by themselves what they should do.
"Do you think that this is a good idea?" Kate asked.
"I understand your concerns, but this truly is for the best," Billy said. "We learned a little more about the enemy, and we can learn more and then prepare when that woman moves again. Things will be a lot simpler now that we know that she is pretty much alone with her plans."
Although Billy said that, he was worried about one thing… he and that woman had the same age… could it be that they were born on the same day? If that was the case, then perhaps they reincarnated in that world for a reason. Also, could it be that there are others like them?
