Chapter 285 (Self Edited) Investigating the Village

Soma and others arrived at the village mayors house and talked about the reason why they came to this village.

However, there were many things that couldnt be said or should not be said. Actually, it was almost as if they didnt tell him anything about it

Hmm In other words, youre not returning to the village, but you came to work. (Mayor)

Aah, yes. So, that (Mayor)

Aah, yes, I understand. Then, its certainly not possible to accept the invitation of the villagers. Dont worry, Ill tell them right away. (Mayor)

Sorry, thank you very much. (Ingrid)

The only thing she was about to talk about was that she came here to work. At the very least, the intention had been well received. Still, it wasnt strange considering that this place was Ingrids hometown, so the mayor easily understood and accepted them.

At least Soma thought so, but it seemed that Ingrid was still confused. On the other hand, that feelings seemed to be changing into suspicion. Apparently, she tried to hide the feelings, but from Somas eyes that were glancing at her face, she couldnt completely hide it.

However, he shouldnt pursue the matter now. He decided to quietly try to observe the situation starting from this moment.

Well then, do you mean that your companions are also Paladins? (Mayor)

No, we are well, I would say the external collaborators. (Soma)

Yes. Thats right so, you dont have to hold back. Well, if possible, I would be grateful if you can lend us a bed somewhere. (Hildegard)

Yes, of course. Thats right I was planning to suggest that Ingrid from the beginning. How about you all stay here? (Mayor)

Ingrid was slightly surprised at the words. Apparently, she didnt expect that.

Here as in the village mayors house? (Ingrid)

You can rest properly, right? Ive left your room as it is. (Mayor)

Ingrids room? Speaking of that, did you live here, Ingrid? (Soma)

Aah, yes Well, theres a bit of circ.u.mstances. (Ingrid)

Hmm I see. (Soma)

From that uncomfortable appearance, certainly, there might be some circ.u.mstances. Moreover, it was even at this moment that she

So, how is it? Fortunately, there is a lot of room left even though theres only one person who lives here. After all, there are many people visit this village. I cant say that it doesnt make you feel inconvenient, but it shouldnt be too shabby. (Mayor)

Its not a problem for me. In fact, Im grateful (Soma)

Yeah, from a quick glance, this place seems to be the most spectacular. (Hildegard)

Thats right. Mayor, please take care of us. (Ingrid)

alright. So, what are you going to do today? Its already late, but what are you planning to do? (Mayor)

Well I would like to do some work if possible (Ingrid)

The reason she turned her eyes to them was probably because she was asking what to do.

In fact, Soma and Hildegard hadnt asked Ingrid what her plan was here. Or rather, they didnt know her plan.

However, the fact that she said she wanted to proceed with her work probably meant that she knew something. Apparently, the sun was going to set completely, but it could be said that there was still some time. There was no reason to oppose it.

Well, what do we need to do? (Soma)

Yeah. We dont have much time though. (Hildegard)

Ingrid took a day off until the day after tomorrow. She couldnt afford it because she had to leave here the morning after tomorrow or by noon at the latest.

Then oh yes. We will be back here by the time the sun goes down at the latest. (Ingrid)

I see. Well then, Im going to prepare the meals and wait. It has been a while since Ive had a meal with you. (Mayor)

The village mayor laughed happily after saying that as he turned his eyes away to the extent that the reflection of Ingrid in his eyes wasnt unnatural. Then, Ingrid stood up to gloss over it.

That helps. Well then, shall we? (Ingrid)

As soon as Ingrid said that, she left the place quickly. Then, Soma and Hildegard looked at each other, shrugging their shoulders slightly. After that, they left the place.

They quickly caught up with Ingrid, but it seemed that Ingrid was quite confused about the current situation. Soma and Hildegard were told that Ingrid wanted to clear up her mind when the investigation was done, so she went off alone. Therefore, Soma and Hildegard started investigating.

However, when he asked about her simply, it seemed that she knew that something could be understood by investigating the village. So, the first thing Soma and Hildegard did was to ask the villagers. It was something basic, but again, they were also curious about the situation.

There were two things to ask.

First, was there anything that had changed recently and the matter of Ingrid?

Second, What did Ingrid do in this village, and how was her relations.h.i.+p with the villagers?

Those were the questions to be asked.

They didnt have much time, so they heard the answers roughly. The village didnt seem to be very big, but they asked less than half of all villagers.

When the sun went down, Soma and Hildegard returned to the village mayors house, but Ingrid hadnt returned yet. They were guided to the room first, that they had been told earlier.

Hmm we were able to hear a lot about it (Soma)

The replies were mostly about Ingrid well, it cant be helped when everyone said that nothing had changed though. (Hildegard)

They didnt feel that the villagers were lying, so it seemed that there was really nothing, or that they werent aware of it.

However, there wasnt enough time to investigate in detail. Therefore, they first asked about Ingrid because it could be used as a stepping stone, but they heard stories that were more useful than expected.

After discussing such a thing, Ingrid seemed to have returned. She appeared to the room where they were having discussions.

Sorry, Im a bit late. Aah, and since the mayor was waiting for my return, it will take some time before dinner. (Ingrid)

I see well, Im grateful to have dinner. So, Im not going to complain about it. To begin with, we didnt really tell him the specific time. Anyhow, did you get something? (Soma)

Well I havent confirmed it yet, but at least I think this village is a bit strange compared to my memory. (Ingrid)

Is there any reason to think so, even if there is no confirmation? (Hildegard)

Yes. As I said along the way, I honestly didnt expect to be welcomed here. On the contrary, I thought I would be shunned, and that thinking was natural. At least from my common sense, thats natural. (Ingrid)

She must have thought too much to think that it was natural for her to be shunned. Perhaps, that was exactly what Ingrid didnt want to mention.

She said that her mind wasnt ready at that time, but had it been cleared now? With that in mind, Soma turned his gaze, and Ingrid seemed to understand. She floated a bitter smile.

I dont want to say it if possible, but well, thats not the case. Perhaps, I cant keep quiet as long as that may be involved. (Ingrid)

Hmm you dont have to say it, you know? (Soma)

No, I feel that I have to say it. I cant run away from the crimes Ive committed anymore. (Ingrid)

With that said, Ingrid looked forward with determined eyes. Still, her mouth kept opening and closing several times, but once the mouth closed, she opened it again.

Then

I killed my parents. With this hand, in front of the villagers eyes by using that dagger. (Ingrid)

Ingrid said those words.