Chapter 46
Poor Shara cautiously checked around every corner as she made her way back.
She can use physical enhancement enough to keep up with our pace, so she shouldn't fall behind to any thieves.
Well, to be fair, we're the ones who forced such a large sum of money on her despite her reluctance.
Watching her walk away nervously, I couldn't help but let out a sigh.
I don't want to doubt her, though.
"Erika, what do you think?"
"About what? Or rather, about whom?"
Erika asked back while also watching Shara's retreating figure.
Her eyes were gently narrowed.
Just from that, I could guess what was in her heart; Erika making such a face meant she had taken a liking to Shara.
That's why I hesitated to say the next words.
I felt guilty for making Erika feel unpleasant.
"I heard something Shara let slip unintentionally. Did you hear it, Erika?"
At my question, Erika nodded with a smile.
*
It happened while we were in the middle of subduing the Forest Dragon.
It was when Erika and I cut off the Forest Dragon's leg.
Shara, having finished chanting her syllabic magic, muttered something unintentionally: "To think they have such skill, I must report this to the bishop."
I'm not sure if she let her guard down because we were in the middle of battle or if it was truly a slip, but I definitely heard her say that with my enhanced hearing.
It should be the same for Erika, whose hearing was also enhanced through physical enhancement.
It's hard to believe I heard it and Erika missed it.
Thinking back, something felt off from the start.
Even if we're Rank 1, for the Church to send a sister to a pair of adventurers who only defeated three Golden Ogres is unusual.
In the Faltarl Kingdom, adventurers who warrant a sister being dispatched are usually at the mentor class, and moreover, the dispatched sister herself typically possesses comparable strength.
Not only is our own strength in question, but Shara's strength as a dispatched sister can only be described as insufficient.
Both the dispatched and the dispatchers are lacking in strength.
If that's the case, there's only one conclusion to draw.
Shara must be a spy from the Church assigned to Erika.
If that's true, the meaning behind the words Shara let slip becomes clear.
It would mean Shara was monitoring Erika under the bishop's orders.
Someone at the bishop's level would likely know, due to their position, that Erika is Erika Solnzari.
And also why Erika, a noble from another country, is in Hekatai.
*
Come to think of it, when Shara mentioned reporting the donation to the bishop, it was probably because she mixed truth into her lies—a basic tactic to make the deception believable.
My impression of Shara was that she didn't seem capable of such scheming, but it turns out I was completely fooled.
If she hadn't let those words slip, I might not have noticed even now.
Despite telling myself to be cautious of Church affiliates, here I am. Sighing at my own incompetence, I spoke to Erika.
"If you heard that mutter, then this will be quick. I think Shara is likely monitoring you under the bishop's orders."
"Yes, I suppose so. It's a reasonable decision for the Church. I should be grateful they're not targeting my life with orders to eliminate a divine enemy."
Erika's face, as she commented with a hint of irony, didn't seem particularly worried.
Nor did she look disappointed.
Having seen Erika and Shara chatting happily, I thought Erika would be hurt to learn Shara was a spy from the Church.
But her heart seems much stronger than I imagined.
"I don't particularly mind being monitored to this extent. Besides, Shara is an enjoyable person."
From her tone, I could tell that, monitoring aside, Erika genuinely liked Shara as a person.
Honestly, I don't dislike Shara as an individual. In fact, I find her likable.
Her mentality—being willing to risk her life just to buy time to save villagers despite being gravely injured—is something I respect.
She's a bit noisy, but since that noisiness brings a smile to Erika's face, it's within tolerable limits.
However——.
"What if the Church is behind those trying to assassinate you?"
I said this, aware of the darkness creeping over my own face.