Recently, in Deer Village, which was named after the abundance of deer in the area, ominous rumors had started circulating. The rumors claim that something terrible is happening at the Tibella Monastery, located in the mountains behind the village.
The rumors were spreading about the Tibella Monastery, a sanctuary of peace and mercy of all places! The one who first raised concerns about the monastery was Evel, the most agile hunter in the village.
Every month, he took on the task of delivering supplies to the monastery. On his most recent trip, as he opened a supply box to replenish it with new items, he couldn’t help but be shocked. Inside, he found the food he had stored last month emitting a foul smell and decomposing.
It was inconceivable that the people of the monastery, who rarely came down from the mountains, would suddenly leave food out like that. Evel hurriedly ran to the entrance of the monastery.
He quickly grabbed the handle and knocked on the heavy iron door. However, there was no reaction from inside. The nuns, who would usually greet Evel with a kind face, were nowhere to be seen.
Filled with fear, Evel rushed down the mountain and informed the villagers about what he had witnessed.
Anxiety began to spread through the village. People glanced up at the mountains and toward the monastery several times a day.
As stories of the unsettling events spread and people’s concerns mingled, rumors gradually leaked out of the village. Meanwhile, Chief Ransel’s worries grew deeper.
Today, he was gathering people to discuss the situation at the monastery. Of course, the conversation always seemed to end up going in circles.
“Isn’t there any feasible solution?”
“Chief, what could we, who have spent our lives farming, even do?”
“Even the brave ones, who used to venture near the monastery fearlessly, haven’t gone close since the rumors began to spread. It’s just not a situation where we can do anything ourselves.”
Ransel wiped his sweat-covered forehead several times in frustration.
“But should we really report this matter to the Marquis? I don’t want to get caught up in his money-grubbing schemes. If the issue is resolved, they’ll use it as an excuse to raise taxes several times over, and if nothing happens, they’ll issue an unfavorable decree. Who will take responsibility for that?”
At that moment, the hunter Evel spoke in a crawling voice.
“But Chief… the people of the monastery have always prayed for us and blessed the sick. They’ve been kind people who have done us favors. It doesn’t feel right to ignore them like this, no matter how tough our lives may be for it.”
Ransel pressed his throbbing forehead with both hands.
It was late, but a decision had to be made now. It was already well-known that the food Evel had stored last month had spoiled, and it was nearly impossible to leave the situation unattended any longer. Evel was right; it wasn’t in line with human decency either.
“We can’t rely on the Marquis. It would be better for a few of us to go to the city and try to find capable mercenaries.”
As Ransel firmly spoke, the people exchanged glances, hesitant to negotiate with rough mercenaries. There was no one bold enough or with the necessary skills in bargaining to handle the matter.
“This is driving me mad.”
With no one volunteering, Ransel was losing his mind. As he was considering the idea of tearfully informing the Marquis about the situation, a sudden interruption occurred.
“Chief!”
The door swung open, and a young woman entered. It was Emma, the innkeeper.
Emma blushed as she felt the weight of everyone’s eyes on her.
“Emma, what’s the matter? What about the inn?”
“Well, a big man came in, carrying a bow on his back and a sword at his waist. He brought up the topic of the monastery and said he heard the rumors, asking about its location…”
Ransel interrupted Emma’s hasty words.
“Emma, calm down and tell us slowly. Who is this man?”
Emma took a deep breath and slowly continued.
“A guest arrived at the inn. He looked like a mercenary, with a bow on his back and a sword at his waist. He said he wanted a meal and a room but suddenly approached me, saying he had heard the rumors and wanted to know the location of the monastery. I thought I should ask Chief about it, so I told him to wait for a moment and came here.”
As Emma finished speaking, Ransel abruptly stood up from his seat.
“I’ll go and talk to him!”
***
While watching the village chief wipe his sweaty forehead, Ruon frowned.
“Do I need to have a conversation with the village chief to know the location of the monastery?”
“It’s not necessary. I just wanted to find out what rumors you’ve heard.”
‘What’s going on? Is the rumor false?’
Ruon replied, “I heard a rumor that a demon appeared at the Tivella Monastery.”
“Such a rumor was circulating?”
“Yes, the minstrels were all talking about it. Am I misinformed?”
The village chief’s face turned pale.
“This is a serious matter! Even if we don’t know who spread such nonsense, it has nothing to do with a demon.”
“So something is indeed happening.”
Ruon hit the nail on the head, causing Ransel to gasp and take a deep breath. Anxiously tearing at his hands, he spoke.
“It’s true that the people of the monastery have disappeared. But it’s not about a demon… If this rumor reaches the count’s ears, it could tarnish the reputation of the territory. I can’t even imagine what kind of tantrum he would throw.”
“Why would the count be concerned if it’s not your fault?”
“He likes to meddle in other people’s affairs. And everyone keeps talking about demons, so…”
Ruon smirked.
“Have you personally confirmed it?”
“W-well…”
Ransel, feeling cornered, nervously touched his face with his hand.
“This village only has farmers. There’s one hunter, but he’s nothing special. Who in their right mind would have the courage to enter that eerie monastery where everyone has suddenly vanished? And even if I were to ask the lord for help, I can’t even fathom what that madman would demand as payment… My head is throbbing just thinking about it!”
Ruon shrugged his shoulders.
“Why not try hiring a mercenary?”
“In this village, there’s no one with the capability to hire a mercenary…”
As Ransel began to complain, he looked at Ruon with a dumbfounded expression.
Under Ruon’s broad shoulders, muscles stood out clearly, and on his thick forearms, numerous small and large scars were etched into his skin.
Ruon lightly smiled at the dumbfounded Ransel.
“I’m willing to work as long as I receive fair compensation.”
Ransel swallowed hard.
“So, you’re really going to enter the monastery? But…”
“There might be no demon. However, the rumor has already spread, and it will soon reach the ears of the count. If that’s the case, wouldn’t it be better to finish the job quickly? It seems pointless to insist that there’s no demon while lacking the courage to even enter the monastery.”
Ruon interrupted Ransel’s words and replied. He didn’t want to continue this aimless conversation any longer.
Ransel let out a deep sigh. He looked as if he had aged ten years.
“Fine… I was planning to hire a mercenary anyway. However, I’ll pay you after the job is done. I can’t give you an advance payment when there might be no trouble at all.”
Ransel seemed unable to let go of the hope that nothing was wrong, but Ruon didn’t seem to mind.
“Do as you wish.”
