Ch 29

Chapter 29

8. Trist, The City of Sin (3)

The Seven Kingdoms Alliance was formed and located in the western part of the continent, between the Yusteel Kingdom in the north and the Tarum Kingdom in the northwest, a city called Trist.

This city had no fixed owner. It was only crowded with those who wanted to be the masters. Originally, Trist City was a buffer zone established by Yusteel and Tarum.

The two countries got exhausted from their long-term territorial disputes, put forward their respective noble collaterals to get married, and then established a city called Trist and made it a neutral region.

The problem was that the county of Trist had considerable trade interests due to its geographical location along the river. First, it was so important that the two countries even started a war to eat each other. It was a place where money and people flocked, so it required personnel with considerable skills and knowledge to manage it properly.

However, Trist City did not have that level of ability. It was inevitable since the city was initially built as a scarecrow. They couldn’t borrow power from the Kingdom of Yusteel or Tarum as both countries could not interfere recklessly because they were busy trying to monitor each other.

It was only a matter of time before the city’s order fell apart as various powers fought over their interests instead of the supposed ruler. Criminals and smugglers played their games, and blood and wind blew every day.

Now, decades after that, the people of the world no longer called this place the Trist City. The city of sin, the devil’s paradise, and the paradise of outlaws. These were the names or titles for the present Trist City.

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“Not long ago, Trist City was divided between two families.” Alius continued to explain the situation.

“The Ranfeld family and the Pollard family.”

Both families were of low status because of their involvement in organizations related to smuggling and prostitution. However, after the power grew, they were in the middle of a quarrel, claiming that they were the true descendants of Count Trist.

“It’s not even a lie. The blood of Count Trist runs in both families.”

Their claim is valid because both took the descendants of the fallen count family into their family and inherited the lineage. Of course, the Kingdom of Yusteel and the Kingdom of Tarum did not acknowledge this.

From the point of view of both kingdoms, the lineage of the count’s family, which had no tradition, did not mean much. The important thing for sure was who could manage Trist City. It didn’t matter who it could be; they just had to take control of the city because they would then be recognized as the count.

Although not publicly announced, this was the proposal from both Yusteel and Tarum. Thanks to the efforts of both families, Ranfeld and Pollard, the fighting had been for decades.

“It’s because the forces on both sides are so even that the balance could not be broken easily.” Alius’ voice lowered.

“……But not too long ago, the balance of power was disrupted.”

It was because of the rampant darkness of the apocalypse. A lawless region like Trist City was a perfect place for a necromancer to sneak.

Of course, all kinds of necromancers escaped the pursuit and gathered in Trist City. Naturally, they collided with the existing forces that had dominated the city.

The Pollard family would usually start the conflict. The main goal of necromancers was to sacrifice human life. The Ranfeld family, which focused on smuggling, didn’t play much of a role in the conflict. On the other hand, the Pollard family was engaged in prostitution and slavery.

“That’s why it’s said that the Pollard family mainly dealt with the necromancers.”

The problem was that a significant number of necromancers were recruited into the family in the process.

“Even an unforgivable power like necromancy must have seemed quite attractive to them.”

The necromancers also accepted the recruiting offer surprisingly easily. No matter how they were referred to as the dark lord, originally, they lived an inferior life in a babble. The family gave them money, women, and pleasure, and they gave them a thumbs up.

“It’s only natural because they’re insignificant people who only gained power by accident.” Alius continued to show blatant disrespect during his explanation.

“With the power of necromancy, the Pollard family broke the tension. Fiercely attacking the Ranfeld family and the city of Trist, they took over and gained control over the whole city.”

“Okay.”

Serati, who had been listening to the story, nodded and asked.

“Then, shouldn’t Trist City be under the control of the Pollard family right now?”

And they must have gathered to punish the Ranfeld family. Karnak thought so too, but Alius shook his head.

“No, the victorious side is the Ranfeld family.”

“Pardon?”

Towards the embarrassed Serati, he made a follow-up.

“If the tail is long, it will be stepped on, right?”

The Ranfeld family, which had been cornered, found traces of necromancy in the other family and informed the Hatoba Church, with which they had been allied for a long time.

Once the existence of the necromancer was confirmed, the Church of Hatoba moved right away. Unlike usual, the Ranfeld family also fully cooperated. With the cooperation of the local community, the church brutally drove away the Pollard family.

“In the end, the long dark struggle ended with the victory of the Ranfeld family. All those related to the necromancy were executed, and the Pollard family had fallen and barely survived.”

Riltain asked while confused, “Then why did you call us? Doesn’t that mean the situation is already over?”

“Ha, that’s what I mean…….”

Alius let out a deep sigh.

“I’m suspicious that the Ranfeld family, which controls Trist City, is also using a necromancer.”

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It was the same case with Ranfeld or Pollard or any criminal organization. But how could only one side be the one acting benevolently and morally?

The Ranfeld family was just as diligently recruiting necromancers as Pollard. The difference was that, unlike Pollard, who was intoxicated by the power of a necromancer, Ranfeld moved while hiding their existence as much as possible. This was the reason why the Ranfeld family was pushed around like a weakling in the beginning.

“Now that I think about it, it seems like this was their goal from the beginning. Borrow the power of the Seven Goddess Church to deal with the opponent.”

“And they must have intended to maintain their power.”

Wizard Riltain asked in amazement, “So, are you saying that they accused the other party of being allied with necromancers while being connected to necromancers themselves? Did the priests of the church also failed notice that fact?”

Translator: Anom

Proofreader: Orange

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“There is a problem in battles between necromancers who possess the darkness of the apocalypse, and that is that it is impossible to identify friends and family.”

If you use necromancy, there will be clear traces around you. The Seven Goddess Church was also the main way to search out necromancers.

“However, even if both sides use necromancy, only traces of the same darkness of the end remain. Even if the victorious side accused the opponent of using necromancy, the Church had no doubts.”

“They are truly unforgivable for being so outrageous that they don’t fear the goddess. Haha……” Riltain laughed at this moment.

Serati, who had been listening quietly, suddenly looked to the side and was puzzled.

“Sir Barros, why are you sweating so much?”

“Yes? Oh, no, it’s just a little hot.”

“Is it hot? It’s rather chilly today.”

“I have a lot of heat in my body…….”

“……?”

There seemed to be something, so he couldn’t control his expressions. While trying to make excuses, Barros looked intently at Karnak.

‘Are you really controlling your expression this well, Young Master?’

Karnak didn’t even flinch. He didn’t really move a single eyebrow. No matter who saw him, he was a cliff irrelevant to anyone. He even got stuck in between and clicked his tongue with them.

“Isn’t that why it’s said that necromancers are outcasts? It’s difficult to treat them as human beings.”

Barros was impressed.

‘Wow, can you see this shameless man?’

After all, the acting ability of a lord who had lived with an iron plate on his face for over 100 years was not normal.

Karnak continued with a look of disgust on his face, “Ultimately, this is what the current situation is like.”

Outwardly, by borrowing the power of the Seven Goddess Church and employing necromancers behind the scenes, the Ranfeld family succeeded in reversing the tides. That’s how they became the sole owner of Trist City in name and reality.

“Then, we can’t openly investigate the Ranfeld family for necromancy. It will damage the face of the Hatoba Church, which has already been judged innocent.”

“That’s right. That’s why I gathered you all.”

To avoid making a big deal out of it, it was better to move a few strong men than to deploy a large number of troops.

“It is the opinion of the superiors that it is a mistake of the Hatoba Church, so we must somehow finish it with our own hands. Money is not important since the face of the church is at stake here.”

Everyone’s expressions became serious at Alius’ words. The face was important in human affairs in the first place because there was a clear existence of practical skill when worn.

Losing face meant losing trust, and if the trust was lost, it would become difficult to obtain the cooperation of others. When it becomes difficult to obtain cooperation, it would be difficult to capture the necromancer, so in the process, the number of unwarranted casualties would increase.

“Excessive dose can be poisonous, but it is the law to protect one’s face as much as necessary. I understand the situation.”

Serati asked about their next step after grasping the situation.

“So, when are we departing?”

“I plan to move right away tomorrow morning.”

“Aren’t you moving too fast? Well, you gathered us in a hurry today too.”

“There is a reason for that.”

Alius began to explain the situation.

“Actually, this isn’t the first time we’ve tried to explore the Ranfeld family.”

The Hatoba Church had already sent many experts to search for the Ranfeld family. But all those experts disappeared without a sound or rumor.

“At one point, contact was completely cut off. It was as if they evaporated out of thin air.”

The victims were not clumsy rookies. They were skilled shadow hunters and experienced adventurers. No matter how much control the Ranfeld family had over the city, it wasn’t easy to make such people disappear without leaving any trace.

Karnak stated his point, “Could someone be leaking inside information?”

“Yes.” Alius lowered his voice in embarrassment, “Because one of the biggest suspects in the current Ranfeld family case is a member of our church.”

The suspect was Bishop Straf, the vicar of the diocese of Trist.

(TN: ‘Vicar’ derives from the Latin ‘vicarious’ meaning a ‘substitute,’ and ‘diocese’ is a district under the holy care of a bishop from the Church.)

As a high-ranking cleric within the Hatoba Church, he played a leading role in helping the Ranfeld family defeat the Pollard family. He was also distant.

“I noticed this fact slowly but didn’t dare publicize it. Because it means that a priest of the Hatoba Church is holding hands with the necromancer.”

So, this operation was said to be Alius’ doctrine. He did not even inform his superior, the parish head of Derat City.

“Fortunately, I am a first-class interrogator, so I have this level of authority. You won’t be held accountable if you post an after-action report later.”

His plan was like this. Externally, Alius, Karnak, and the others, including Riltain and Serati, would move separately. Each of them would pretend to search for a nearby necromancer as usual. Rumors about necromancy were overflowing everywhere on the continent these days, so there was nothing strange about this movement.

“Then join them on the way, hide their identity, and head to Trist City. Infiltrate the city and catch the Ranfeld family’s tail. It’s a move.”

Serati’s complexion hardened, “It’s dangerous.”

Not only she but those gathered here were undoubtedly experts in dealing with necromancers. In the meantime, they cooperated with Alius and proved it well. But this time, the enemy was not only necromancers. The true opponent was a huge force that had ruled a city for decades.

“Doesn’t that mean the whole city could be our enemy?”

“That’s why I called you.”

The goal was not to punish the Ranfeld family. The only goal was to find ‘evidence’ to punish the Ranfeld family.

Alius looked back at his listeners with eyes of trust.

“Because if you’re the worst, you’ll be able to pull one of your own out.”

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