Extra in a Romance Fantasy - Chapter 123
123 – Intention (2)
“Andel, what if this space wasn’t created by Verhabill… what would that mean?”
“……”
At her unexpected words, I found myself unable to respond.
I could only gaze at her in silence.
However, beneath that calm exterior, my mind was racing fiercely.
In truth, her statement was a thought that could be entertained at least once.
There were several oddities that made it strange to consider that this tomb of the hero was truly created by Verhabill.
Among the people gathered here, there were likely many who had sensed the strangeness.
Yet, the fact that even the ‘Scholars of Alundel’ had issued a statement nearly akin to notarization, asserting the high probability that this tomb was genuine, had buried those doubts.
If one were to focus on those oddities and actually see the interior of the tomb, it would be entirely reasonable to entertain such thoughts at least once.
But.
The problem was that it was Johanna who harbored such doubts.
If it had been Max or Hector, I would have simply laughed it off and engaged in a light-hearted conversation.
However, Johanna was not the type to make such frivolous remarks.
Even if she had, she wouldn’t have broached the subject in this manner.
The very fact that she brought it up indicated that she had moved beyond mere suspicion.
In other words, while her way of speaking might seem to discuss possibilities, it actually meant the opposite.
In other words.
Johanna is practically convinced that this place was not made by Verhabill… it becomes a sound.
So how did she gain such certainty?
I, for my part, was half-convinced that this series of actions was the work of an “organization,” but that was because I knew of the “organization’s” existence.
For someone who knows nothing about the “organization,” they would likely only feel a sense of strangeness.
After all, the very idea that some organization would carry out such acts with a purpose is utterly absurd.
Indeed, as Max once said, it’s nothing more than a conspiracy theory.
Then, could it be that she knows of the “organization’s” existence?
If that assumption is correct, then how?
Above all, what complicates my thoughts is her motive for bringing this up to me.
What intention does she have in discussing this, of all people, with me?
My mind has become more chaotic than it has been in recent times.
“Well… I think there’s a possibility.”
The words that came from my mouth were calm.
“There were many suspicious points from the start. Even just within this place… it seems a bit, how should I put it, bizarre to think Verhabill made it. No matter how you look at it, it doesn’t look like a tomb.”
As long as I don’t know her intentions, I need to feign nonchalance.
It wouldn’t be good to act completely oblivious. I’ve mentioned the strangeness of the tomb several times already, and now questioning her words would only raise suspicion.
“That’s right.”
Johanna nodded slightly.
“Andel, you said that from the beginning. That there were many suspicious points. That it might not really be the hero’s tomb.”
In her usual tone, Johanna continued speaking.
However, that calm flow didn’t last long.
“So, I became curious.”
Why did you decide to come here?
Saying that, Johanna stared at me with her transparent eyes.
“…It’s just that there’s a possibility. As I said, there were many suspicious points. Still, the reason I came here is… well, I couldn’t completely dismiss the possibility that it’s real. If the tomb is genuine, it’s an opportunity to see the magnificent tomb made by Verhabill firsthand, and if things go well, I might even get to see the hero’s sword with my own eyes.”
There are sharp questions and excuses I could make.
Even if the content feels somewhat awkward, it doesn’t matter. It’s not entirely contradictory.
Unless she’s peering into my heart, she can’t dismantle my excuses head-on.
“…I see.”
As expected, Johanna nodded.
Then, she closed her mouth.
With that, her turn was over.
Now, it was my turn to grasp the hilt.
“Since we’re on the topic, I’m curious. Why did you come here, Johanna?”
Since she had brought it up first, it would be difficult to brush it off with a refusal to answer.
Of course, I didn’t think I could uncover her true intentions with this.
Just as I could, she could easily come up with a plausible reason.
“……”
Johanna didn’t respond immediately to my question.
She simply lowered her gaze, looking down with an expression that revealed nothing of her thoughts.
How long did that silence last?
Finally, her lips parted once more.
“The reason I came here isn’t because I’m particularly interested in the hero’s tomb.”
To my surprise, she opened up her heart quite easily.
“I asked you earlier, didn’t I? What would it mean if this tomb wasn’t actually made by Berhavil?”
As she spoke, she pulled something from her bosom.
It was a cube, slightly smaller than the size of a palm.
Johanna immediately infused the cube with magical energy.
At the same time, a faint vibration emanated from the cube, and the magic that spread from it enveloped the area.
And then, I realized.
That everything had gone quiet.
The subtle sounds of the forest that had been audible just moments ago vanished in an instant.
It wasn’t hard to deduce that the cause was that cube.
That cube was a magical tool embedded with sound-blocking magic.
While sound-blocking magic isn’t particularly advanced, my mindset grew more serious.
The fact that she went out of her way to block sound meant that there was a need to do so.
It signified that she didn’t want the conversation we were about to have to leak outside.
And then, Johanna lifted her head again.
“This tomb was not made by Berhavil.”
With that, she spoke in a tone heavier than usual.
“…….”
As I mentioned earlier, I was not surprised by the content itself, as I had already suspected it.
Only my doubts grew stronger.
“…You speak as if you are certain.”
Why, and how, is she so sure that this place was not created by Verhabill?
“I have my own doubts, but honestly, I don’t think it’s a credible story. And rightly so, because it’s too absurd. The idea of creating a space of such immense scale, or preparing a fake that could deceive even the scholars of Alundel.”
Though it differs from my actual thoughts, what I’m saying is, after all, the mainstream opinion.
Is there truly a group with the power to commit such acts, and a reason to do so?
I was asking her just that.
However.
“What if such a group actually exists?”
Johanna answered without hesitation.
“If there is a group with such capabilities that has indeed carried out such deeds?”
“…That’s hard to believe.”
Through this series of conversations, I became convinced.
Johanna knew of the existence of an ‘organization.’
Yet, that did not mean I was ready to lay bare my thoughts.
I still did not know her true intentions.
“Right. It’s hard to believe. But this is, after all, the truth.”
After gauging my reaction, Johanna continued.
“…Well, let’s say, as you said, that such a group exists. Then, what exactly is their purpose? What on earth drives them to commit such acts?”
Her expression grew heavier in response to my question.
Johanna answered with that weighty expression.
“…Their purpose is to sow chaos in this continent.”
And then.
“To ultimately bring disaster to this land.”
Her eyes shone with a transparent light.
“…….”
I looked at her without saying a word.
Johanna also quietly met my gaze.
There was no tremor in her gaze.
That gaze was, at least, not the gaze of someone swayed by fanciful conspiracy theories.
“…So, are you saying that Johanna came here to thwart the conspiracy of that group?”
“That’s right.”
Johanna nodded without hesitation.
“I came here to stop the plans of the group that creates this grave and schemes… the ‘Cult.’”
Cult.
I quietly repeated that word in my mind.
It became clear.
That Johanna knew about the ‘Organization.’
And perhaps she knew even more about the ‘Organization’ than I did.
However, questions still lingered.
“…What’s the reason you’re telling me this?”
Why was she sharing such information with me?
She couldn’t possibly be unaware that, regardless of its truth, it was not something one would easily disclose to others.
If she had, she wouldn’t have gone to such lengths to muffle our voices.
“…I said my goal is to stop the Cult’s plans, but that’s not all. I have one more purpose.”
And that purpose is…
“I’m looking for someone.”
“Someone…?”
“Yes. The one who led me here once prophesied. That someone who carries destiny and performs miracles would appear to stand against the ‘Cult.’”
Her deep gray eyes shone sharply.
“I believe that the one the prophecy points to is you, Andel.”