Chapter 689

[Editor's note: This chapter has been edited to remove content that breaks our content rules.]

If even he was acting to turn the girl into a vessel for King Arthur, that would be truly tragic.

“Up to a certain point, my goal is the same as the village’s.”

Bersac glanced aside, giving an evasive answer.

“Sorry, but I’d like a clearer answer,” Shirou pressed.

Shirou’s persistence seemed to irritate Bersac. His tone abruptly hardened.

“That’s none of an outsider’s business, is it?

“You’re nothing more than a bodyguard hired by a Clock Tower mage. Why are you poking your nose into all this?

“She is our greatest creation... and that is precisely why she cannot be allowed to leave this village.

“The villagers are all hoping for the king’s return. Even Gray’s own mother feels that way.

“Consider this a warning—stop interfering in this village’s affairs.”

“Please answer my question, Mr. Bersac.”

The gravedigger’s warning seemed to have gone in one ear and out the other.

“Are you on Gray’s side? Or are you her enemy?”

“...”

In the silence, Shirou could hear him grinding his teeth.

A moment later, Bersac let out a low, angry roar.

“Argh! Enough already! Take her away tonight! I’ll handle the rest!”

“...”

Instead of looking triumphant, as Bersac had expected, Shirou turned toward the village.

“Mr. Bersac is willing to stand against the village for your sake. That’s wonderful, Gray.”

“!”

Bersac’s eyes widened. The hooded girl, dressed entirely in gray, was standing a short distance away.

At that distance, she must have heard their entire conversation.

Bersac glared at Shirou, realizing he had been tricked.

“Were you deliberately testing me?”

“Of course,” Shirou said with a smile. “Without your permission, Gray would probably never leave this village.

“And Mr. Bersac, if you