Chapter 376
Chapter 376. The User of Secret Arts
“Is this Arthur? It seems he’s already gone out today…”
I came to the Holy Church to inform them about joining the vampire hunting journey, only to be told this by the local priest with an apologetic expression.
“Out?”
“Yes. He should probably be at this address…”
I was handed a note. …Is it in the residential area?
As I asked the locals for directions, I headed in that direction—towards a modest little house. I knocked on the door with a knocker shaped like a bird’s head holding an iron ring.
“Yes! Who is it?”
A sun-kissed, freckled woman with an energetic appearance answered the door.
“Um, I heard Arthur was here, so I came to visit…”
“Yes, he is! From the Holy Church?”
“Something like that.”
“You there! We have a guest!”
The woman shouted up the stairs. Wait, “you there”?
“Yes, yes!”
I could hear hurried footsteps from upstairs, and down comes Arthur, who was just wearing a white shirt and brown shorts instead of his armor. The contrast with his flowing blonde hair made him look like an incredibly laid-back, mysterious handsome guy!
“Hey, Alex! It’s been a while! Sorry I’m not at the church. I thought I wouldn’t be back today…”
…Oh! I had asked him to “wait a day for my response!”
“No! I’m the one who should apologize for showing up suddenly, I completely forgot…”
What a blunder on my part. Thank goodness it was just tomorrow. I rubbed my head apologetically as I glanced at the woman next to Arthur and the child she was holding.
“Your wife and son?”
“This is my wife, Sarah, and this is my son, Lars.”
Arthur grinned while gently rocking his son.
“So it was your son! Hello there!”
As I bent down to greet him, Lars cheerfully replied, “Hiya!” in a cute little voice. Aww, he’s already capable of greetings—adorable!
“I’m Alex. This is Leila.”
“Nice to meet you, I’m Leila.”
I introduced myself to his wife and son.
“What a lively child! I thought he was a girl since his mom’s so beautiful.”
“Ahaha. Must take after Sarah.”
Arthur pulled Sarah close and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek, making her blush and exclaim, “Oh my, not in front of guests!” while Lars giggled. Honestly, I think it’s probably more that Lars resembles Arthur rather than Sarah.
But I was aware he had a wife and child, but I didn’t expect them to be in this town.
“Yeah. I came to see Sarah and Lars.”
Arthur seemed to understand from my gaze, smiling. But it looks like he’s leaving the day after tomorrow… I noticed Sarah wearing a slightly forlorn expression. My visit probably reminded her that Arthur would be off again soon.
I felt bad for intruding on this precious family time. I should wrap this up quickly.
“About that matter, I’ll be joining you. Count on me.”
As I said this, Arthur glanced at Leila.
“What about your girlfriend?”
“Of course, she’s coming with me.”
“Is that alright?”
A subtle implication of potential danger. Oh, well, she does look slender…
“Leila is a powerful magician; she has saved me from tough situations many times with her secret arts.”
“Is that so?”
Arthur casually tucked his hair back. His left eye, which had been masked by bangs, a beautiful green eye, was now intently gazing at Leila.
“I figured she was someone special; that’s good to know.”
Alright, I guess I should take my leave for now…
“Should I not mention there might be multiple vampires?”
was Antendeixis.
Hmm… That’s definitely important. If Arthur contacts other branches or requests support through the Holy Church, I should inform him sooner.
But talking here might not be ideal… After all, I was supposed to respond tomorrow, and since it’s evening, it wouldn’t change much from today to tomorrow.
“Do you plan to show up at the Holy Church tomorrow?”
I casually asked, thinking I might relay the details another day, and Arthur narrowed his eyes slightly.
“I intend to drop by in the morning. Is there something… I should know? Something to convey?”
…He’s perceptive—are you a genius at reading the atmosphere?
If I just leave without saying anything, I’d only leave them feeling uneasy…
“I’m terribly sorry, but I’d like to speak with your husband for about five minutes.”
“Oh, please! Don’t mind me! Go right ahead!”
I bowed my head, and Sarah waved her hands in a flustered manner.
“I was just making drinks! Please, have some! Leila too!”
I intended to politely decline since I felt bad, but Sarah insisted and quickly handed us both drinks made of mint and fruit juice. Arthur used magic to chill them further. So he has water attributes…
I took the glass with Arthur as we headed upstairs. There were building blocks scattered on the bed, likely toys Lars had been playing with just now.
I clapped my hands and silently cast a soundproof barrier; Arthur raised an eyebrow curiously.
“Is it really that important?”
“Regarding the vampires, there are some clues…”
I spoke with a serious expression. Arthur seemed genuinely interested, leaning forward.
“I want even the tiniest clue. Tell me.”
“Ah. It seems the enemy is likely acting in numbers. Additionally, the bodies launched earlier were attacked while on a passenger ship. Moreover, that ship appeared to be of medium size or larger, indicating it had a significant scale…”
Arthur suddenly froze.
“…I’m surprised by how much information you’ve provided. How did you learn so much?”
“Divination.”
I replied earnestly.
“…Huh?”
“Divination.”
I repeated with a serious face. Arthur blinked several times, bewildered.
