Chapter 253: Chapter 253

Back in the age before the fall of the Ancient Sicari Empire, the last power to unify the entire continent, "Stuart" was the surname of a ducal house within the kingdom. During the empire's collapse, Duke Stuart led his forces to occupy the northern territories of the continent, which eventually led to the founding of the Hamparvo Kingdom. As a result, Stuart is the surname of the current royal family of the Hamparvo Kingdom.

"So, that's the source of Brute's ice abilities?"

Jenkins inquired, studying the photograph intently. Chocolate, who had been dozing nearby, lifted her head at the word "Bestowal" and glanced over with curiosity, but quickly lost interest.

"Yes. As you're likely aware, Mr. Williams, a Bestowal chooses its own master, and it's quite clear Brute was not chosen. So, by some unknown means, he implanted this chess piece into his own skull to wield a portion of its power. Let's just say... he was audacious."

The gentleman's face twisted into a scornful expression. Though Jenkins kept his own features neutral, he privately thought the man was utterly insane.

"An act like that would certainly have side effects. We have reason to believe that Brute's original abilities were overwritten and lost because of this Bestowal. Moreover, the autopsy revealed that he suffered from chronic hypothermia, and parts of his internal organs showed severe degradation. Even if we hadn't captured him this time, he wouldn't have survived another twenty years."

He pursed his lips and shook his head, then took a sip of tea and carefully placed the cup back on its saucer.

"At present, the Church's position is to return this Bestowal to the Stuart family—not without a price, of course. His successful capture, and the prevention of an evil god's descent upon this city, was entirely due to your decisiveness and composure under pressure. Therefore, the Church wishes to ask if you have any objections to this course of action."

Jenkins knew, of course, that they were asking him only because he was now a Saint. If he were still just an ordinary Scribe, this would have been a notification, not a request for his opinion.

Conversely, by returning the item to the royal family of the Hamparvo Kingdom, the Church stood to gain far more than it would lose. Jenkins might be frugal, but he wasn't greedy, a point he understood with perfect clarity.

"That sounds like an excellent arrangement. I have no objections."

He gave a sincere nod.

"Excellent. That settles it, then."

Mr. Berini showed no surprise; he had expected this would be Jenkins's response.

He picked up his pen, jotted a line on the stationery before him, capped it, and resumed his conversation with Jenkins.

"Regarding yesterday's incident, I assume you've already submitted your report. The diocese where it occurred has sent a team into the castle, and they are still cleaning the site. Your brief verbal report last night was accurate; the level-eight Benefactor is indeed deceased. The item that devoured him, A-12-02-4219, has since grown to a terrifying size. We're still dispatching personnel, and it will likely take some effort to handle. It's not particularly dangerous, but it is disgusting. Truly, utterly disgusting."

A corner of his mouth twitched in distaste before he continued.

"The Church is very pleased with your actions. Had those masses of flesh not been dealt with promptly, they would have caused a major incident. Your commendation will be issued after this matter is fully resolved, at which point you will likely have to travel to Bel Diran in person... Speaking of which, you've never been there, have you?"

Jenkins nodded. Even with the steam train, the journey from Nolan to the royal capital was a long one.

"We can discuss that later. I've also read the incident report forwarded by the Church. That disgusting flesh has already contaminated the environment, and I estimate it won't be fully cleared away even by year's end. Thank the Sage, praise the Sage, it didn't gain sentience after devouring a high-level Benefactor. This arrived from the Church this morning. Consider it a preliminary reward. You handled this matter very well, Mr. Williams!"

As he spoke, he stood and handed Jenkins an envelope. Chapters fırst released on novel★fire.net

"You should be thanking me," Jenkins thought.

He muttered the words silently to himself as he carefully lifted the envelope's flap. His pupils contracted—inside was a thick stack of banknotes.

"Thank the Sage, praise the Sage!"

He immediately joined Mr. Berini in prayer.

In truth, the mass of flesh had possessed very little intelligence to begin with; otherwise, it would have attacked instead of just sitting there cackling. At most, Jenkins had merely dragged its already low intellect down to an even lower level. His contribution was a marginal improvement at best.

Of course, the consequence of his actions was that the mass of flesh would likely never have a chance to develop sentience again, not unless the chaotic whispers of the Righteous Gods could be completely purged—which was next to impossible.

"Why on earth would Constantine do such a thing? I saw him once at the Gem Assembly, and he seemed perfectly normal. Yes, sir, he didn't seem like a madman at all back then."

Jenkins asked, feigning ignorance. Though Miss Alexandrite's parting words had hinted at some things, he still wanted to know more details.

Mr. Berini stroked his chin. He kept a short beard, which gave him a more mature look. Jenkins had considered growing one himself, but Chocolate didn't appreciate being nuzzled by a bearded chin.

"We located one of the participants from the final Gem Assembly. Though he is a follower of a pseudo-god, he reported the matter to the nearest Orthodox Church the moment his consciousness returned to his body. According to him, while Constantine was indeed a level-eight, he had languished at the lower levels for many years. By now, his body had reached its natural limit. That's why he was desperately searching for a way to extend his life. Who knows whose advice he took, or if some malicious entity took notice of him—such things are common. In the end, he became so desperate that he attempted to fuse with a Cursed Item to prolong his life. His method of obtaining A-01-2-0198 remains unknown. The appearance of a Cursed Item of that danger level couldn't have left no trace, which makes it more likely that it was a direct gift from an evil god or some other bizarre entity."