Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 39 (Part 2):

Phien went straight to the point, though he could have offered some water or food.

“I’ve secured the requested items. The carriage carrying the people broke down, but the cargo side was relatively intact.”

“That’s truly fortunate.”

Regaining a sense of reality meant he had the capacity to think about work.

Miles brightened, and Phien showed him eight fingers with a blank face.

“Our demand is 80% of the profits from this trade journey. The exact amount will be verified by the company contract.”

That seemed to fully bring Miles back to his senses. He was appalled.

“That’s too much…”

“You have dead on your side, and we are all alive, so we’re only asking for 80%. Be thankful that we’re continuing the commission and not asking for everything after saving your lives.”

Phien showed an uncharacteristically firm stance this time. His demeanor was decidedly forceful.

“Considering the compensation for the dead, it will be a loss.”

“That’s your problem. You should be grateful we’re not demanding silence fees.”

“How about 70%…”

“Can you make it on your own from here? With those cargo?”

The refusal to negotiate was clear. Miles eventually bowed his head.

“…Alright, let’s do that.”

“Sign here. Let’s get it in writing while we’re at it.”

Miles obediently signed the document. He seemed to lack the energy to argue further.

Maros brought over some hot tea from the campfire. As Miles took a sip, he asked.

“Now, let’s hear it. What sort of cargo are you transporting that warrants such risk?”

The cargo was all sealed in boxes, wrapped in cloth, and sealed with lead. It had been stored that way, so they hadn’t opened it.

Neither Phien knew what was inside. The leaders of the mercenary corps had been given a rough description of the cargo, but no specifics were provided.

War weapons? Secretly smuggled military funds? It was all speculation.

Miles sighed deeply.

“It would be troublesome if even a rumor started. Our Butan Company could be shaken. It’s better for you not to know.”

“Our mercenary group is known for keeping secrets. Tell us. There won’t be anyone to spread it around.”

Despite saying this, Maros glanced at the campfire area. Finn was busily ordering the 4th-rank mercenary of the Tariq Mercenary Corps around, far from earshot.

Miles whispered a name in a hushed voice.

“Antiol.”

“Ah, that person?”

“Yes, the one known as a powerful Mage. As you know, he’s not on good terms with the temple. He requested us to bring him rare materials needed for his experiments. It wasn’t an easy request to accept. If we crossed the temple, not only would our dealings be cut off, but we might also be investigated. However, Antiol has a special connection with our company. He once saved a merchant lord in dire straits, so despite the risk, we couldn’t refuse.”

“And he must have offered a hefty commission. Sorcerers earn well, after all.”

“Do you understand why it was kept a secret? It’s better to act ignorant than to know. If it’s discovered we undertook the commission knowing all this, the temple won’t let it slide. We were considering the mercenaries’ welfare.”

“It’s clear we need to keep a tight lid on this.”

Tanya, Phien, and Maros exchanged looks and nodded.

Helmut, who might have been listening, wasn’t the type to talk about it elsewhere. Plus, he had his own secrets.

“The temple has its own paladins, so they hardly hire mercenaries. It doesn’t matter if relations sour.”

“They might think, ‘A mere mercenary group causing trouble? Just crush them.’ That’s how they are, aren’t they?”

The Temple of the main God Lumen is a group with immense power, difficult for any nation to oppose.

With a vast number of followers, its own military force, and territory, it intervenes in the politics of countries.

It doesn’t rule but reigns. When the Demon Lord descended to bring destruction upon the world a thousand years ago, it was the temple that united humanity to defeat him.

The temple that saved the world gained power and authority.

All their actions are for the good of the world.

That became an absolute justification.

However, the temple today is not the same as it was back then. Controlling the world with its rules and influence, parts of it are corrupt, suppressing freedom.

“Thus, they hoped to discreetly deliver the cargo through this demon-infested forest to avoid the temple’s notice.”

“If it became known that Antiol received items like special herbs unique to the temple or stones imbued with holy magic…”

“The Butan Company would be destroyed.”

“Yes, now that you know, we’re all in the same boat.”

They had to complete the commission perfectly, knowing the truth.

‘To think on the brink of death… Yet, his mind is still sharp.’

Tanya thought displeasedly. This is why she found merchants distasteful.

“On our way here, we collected demonic beast corpses along with the cargo. Antiol will surely pay a good price for them.”

“Right. It’s well-known he’s looking for a way to break through sacred barriers with his magic experiments.”

Magic, distinct from divine magic that uses divine power, didn’t mix with holy forces, though it wasn’t entirely antagonistic like demonic energy.

“Why break a sacred barrier?”

Tanya was startled. Helmut had quietly approached.

“In some major cities, there are barriers installed by the temple to monitor and restrict Mages’ entry. Like controlling dangerous elements.”

“The temple views magic as inherently corrupt, a power that could potentially side with the Demon Lord. While they monopolize divine magic and allow widespread use of magic for its utility, they clearly do not favor it.”

“They refuse to acknowledge anything outside of divine magic, including the Vis of knights.”

“They believe the power they possess is sufficient.”

Listening to their grievances, it seemed dissatisfaction with the temple was quite high.

“But what can we do? The strongest single organization remains the temple.”

“Even the high and mighty rulers of nations watch the temple’s mood, so what choice do we have?”

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