Chapter 14: 014. Uninvited Guest (2)
"What's the status of the barrier?"
"It's progressing without any issues. I can't afford to mess things up under your shadow, Elder."
"...Remember, we only have a temporary alignment of interests; our roots are different. I have no interest in the church whatsoever."
"Is that so?"
In Theon's office, where bright sunlight streamed in, a secret conversation unfolded.
The man speaking with Theon was a middle-aged man with fiery red hair, yet for some reason, Theon maintained a respectful demeanor towards him, despite appearing to be of a similar age.
"Have we not secured the items yet?"
"That... is proving to be more difficult than expected. Since we're doing this without the church's support, finding suitable candidates is not easy."
The middle-aged man glared at his partner, whose response was stiff and tense. The cold gaze felt like that of a predator staring at its prey, causing Theon, despite holding a position as a professor, to tremble slightly.
'This madman. It's no wonder he's called the Sword Demon.'
The person before him was no ordinary swordsman. With hair that looked as if it were drenched in red blood and two swords strapped to his waist, it was easy to guess his identity.
"Is it not true that the princess has hidden beneath the surface, and that internal information has not been leaked?"