Chapter 20: Man is Iron and Rice is Steel

“Really… there won’t be any issues, right?”

As they neared the city gate and the guards loomed closer, Ina swallowed hard, muttering under her breath.

She was nervous, and it wasn’t hard to see why.

First, she was human, not some other race.

Second, if Cynthia got exposed, Ina, as her accomplice, would be in deep trouble.

And if word reached the Borus Empire’s branch church… their Saint causing a ruckus in Barlia would mean serious consequences.

She’d already slipped away in secret—stirring up more trouble could land her in solitary confinement for years!

And if someone recognized her…

That’d be even worse.
Cynthia, who saw the Holy Church as her enemy, might hunt her to the ends of the earth.

[How dare you trick my pure heart?! You’ll pay!]

Ina shivered at the imagined image of an enraged Cynthia chasing her.

If Cynthia could peek into her mind, she’d probably scoff at her wild imagination.

Chasing down a mere Ina? Not worth the effort.

“Why’re you clinging to my arm? That nervous?”

Cynthia’s exasperated voice snapped Ina out of her spiraling thoughts.

At some point, Ina had latched onto Cynthia’s arm, gripping tightly, visibly tense.

“I… I’m not nervous. I’m human, not a vampire… Not nervous at all…”

Cynthia’s slightly mocking look made Ina huff, releasing her arm and taking a deep breath to steady herself.

The passersby ahead breezed through the gate without issue.
With their disguises making them look ordinary, they shouldn’t face trouble either, right?

With that thought, Cynthia and Ina approached the gate.

Up close, the guards looked bored, barely glancing at the crowd.

The armored Paladin gave them a brief look before turning away.

Good… We’re in the clear…

As long as they passed the guards, they’d enter Bazerolle safely.

Ina’s nerves began to settle.
What? That was it?

Cynthia’s disguise was flawless—the guards hadn’t suspected a thing.

“Wait, you two.”

A muffled voice called from behind.

Cynthia and Ina froze, exchanging a quick glance.

Ina’s heart, just calming, shot into overdrive.

No way! So close to success, and now this?!

Heavy footsteps approached, and a towering figure loomed before them.

“You, remove your hood.”

The voice from the armor was strange, neither clearly male nor female, even to Cynthia’s sharp senses.

What now? What now?!

Ina’s mind raced, nearing panic as she scrambled for solutions.

But to her shock, Cynthia wordlessly pulled off her hood, revealing her face.

That’s it?

Ina was floored by Cynthia’s nonchalance.
Wasn’t she afraid of being recognized?

Before she could process it, the armor’s voice spoke again.
“Not you—her.”

“Huh?”

Ina, head half-lowered, snapped up, stunned.

Me?!

“Move it.”

Glancing around, Ina saw all eyes—guards, passersby—on her.
The Paladin’s focus made her the center of attention.

Refusing would only raise suspicion.

No choice left, Ina steeled herself, removed her hood, and revealed her wavy brown hair, staring defiantly at the Paladin.

She couldn’t see his eyes, but she wouldn’t lose in nerve.

Still, dread crept in.
Was she about to be hunted by Cynthia so soon?

If the Paladin targeted her, not Cynthia, only one explanation made sense: someone recognized her as the Saint.

As her mind churned, the Paladin leaned closer, studying her silently.

After an eternity, Cynthia broke the tension.
“Hey, why’re you staring at my friend? She a wanted criminal or something?”

Her words seemed to jolt the Paladin.
He straightened, stepping back.

“My apologies. I mistook you for someone else.”

His tone carried a hint of regret.
“You’re free to go.”

“Huh?”

Ina’s eyes darted between Cynthia and the Paladin, dazed.

“Hmph, wasting our time.”

Cynthia grabbed Ina’s arm, marching into the city without a backward glance.

Only when they were well away from the gate did Ina snap out of it.
“What just happened?”

“Wrong person, probably.”

Cynthia’s reply was curt.
She doubted a mere Paladin could see through the Blood Demon’s disguise.

“Really?”

Ina scratched her head, glancing back.
“Whatever. We’re in. Let’s drop it.”

She looked up at the darkening sky.
Food and a place to stay were now the priority.
“Let’s find a hotel and rest.”

“You know this place, right? Lead on.”

Cynthia had only passed through Bazerolle once, long ago, and barely knew it.

She unhooked her purse, waving it at Ina.
“You find the spot, I’ll pay.”

“On it!”

“Sorry, miss, we’re a small business. No credit stays here.”

Night had fallen, and Ina sat by a plaza fountain, dazed, while Cynthia stood nearby, expression blank.

“Fourth hotel…”

Ina muttered, eyes brimming with despair.

“Rookie mistake~”

Cynthia patted her back.
“Lesson for next time.”

“Next time?!”

Ina grabbed Cynthia’s face, rubbing her cheeks fiercely.
“Who carries a purse full of one-nar coins?! How’d you even pay for the carriage?”

“The big money went to the fare.”

Cynthia didn’t pull away, answering matter-of-factly.

Ina was beyond exasperated.

Where did this girl come from?!

They’d made it into the city, but were still broke?!

Even revenge needed startup cash!

“Ugh…”

Ina released Cynthia, slumping.
“How much do we have left?”

“About eighty nar.”

“At least we can eat.”

Ina perked up slightly.
“Let’s go—food first!”