Chapter 651: One Step Short

The wraith at the rear of the ruined church resembled a figure entirely draped in grey cloth. Its face was pitch black, with only a white, mouth-like shape visible.

Perhaps it was delighted by our arrival, because the corners of that mouth curved upwards perfectly.

“Do wraiths eat people?”

“Their ecology is unclear, but one theory claims they absorb the life force of living creatures and grow stronger.”

“Then we must look like a delicious meal.”

That explained its repulsive smile. If we lost, the wraith would discover the taste of human life force and probably begin attacking villages and towns in search of more.

We absolutely could not lose.

The wraith appeared curious about our glittering weapons, but did not approach easily despite its smile. If it had come to us, the knights could have surrounded and beaten it at once.

“Lord Julius, let us test a spear first.”

“Then allow me.”

A spearman stepped forwards. His weapon was coated in Holy Droplets, whose efficacy had already been proven. The entire spear carried the power to repel evil.

Tension formed between the knight and the wraith, yet the creature’s smile remained. It seemed certain it could not be defeated.

When it carelessly drew near, the knight thrust with lightning speed. Anyone but me might have missed it—though Lionel probably saw it too.

“Gi? Gyeeeh!”

The wraith’s mouth twisted as it retreated. A large hole had opened where the spear struck, but the surrounding cloth-like mist immediately closed over it.

It had not been ineffective… probably.

“Has the wraith become slightly smaller?”

“It appears so. The attack was certainly effective.”

“But it wasn’t defeated in one blow.”

“Surely that would be…”

Lionel trailed off, plainly thinking that such an expectation was unreasonable. For safety, however, I had wanted a single blow to defeat it—or at least inflict an overwhelming wound.

At this rate, we would struggle against a creature like the enormous black tree. We needed a potion stronger than Holy Droplets. I would begin researching one immediately after our return.

The knights surrounded the wraith and battered it until it vanished. Ghosts should no longer gather here.

According to Lionel, several ghosts from the old settlement had probably occupied the site before the wraith arrived.

In other words, the wraith had already devoured them. Now that it too had been destroyed, I wanted to believe the villagers’ souls could finally rest.

We returned to the ruins of the village, erected a simple grave marker and offered wine and prayers. Ghosts would hopefully never appear here again.

“Lionel, what is the monster territory around here like?”

“It is still being surveyed. The boundaries are extremely complex, and we have not grasped the full extent.”

“Then this area must remain forbidden for the foreseeable future.”

“We have told the frontier villagers the same.”

They should not cross the forest. That was reassuring.

Potion ingredients lay in the wasteland’s monster territory, mainly mineral materials. We might be able to gather some here.

“When you survey the area, call me as well. I want to collect potion ingredients.”

“I shall do what I can.”

His tone clearly conveyed that he did not want to bring me. As expected, it would be impossible until the site was safe. I had known that, but there was no harm in asking.

We returned to the frontier village, reported the successful mission to its headman and departed for the territorial capital.

It was nearly dusk when we reached the Heine estate. The hour was too late for me to escort Lady Fabienne to House Ambert.

I had arranged for a carriage to take her if we returned late, so there should be no problem.

“Welcome home, Lord Julius.”

“Lady Fabienne? I’m back.”

She greeted me at the estate. If she remained at this hour, then perhaps…

Lady Fabienne looked exceptionally pleased.

“I shall stay here tonight. I have informed Father and Mother, so there is no need to worry.”

“Then I am relieved. The Holy Droplets worked properly, though I regret that they could not defeat the wraith in one blow.”

“A wraith?”

“Erm, something like the leader of the ghosts.”

Oh, no. I had said too much. The story would only frighten her. I had to distract her. Ah, yes.

“By the way, Lady Fabienne, how did the new lotion go?”

“Oh! I made something I very much want you to examine.”

“Wonderful. Lionel will deliver the mission report, so could you show it to me now?”

“Of course.”

As expected of Lady Fabienne, she had completed her work. In high spirits, she clung to my arm and pulled me forwards. What a magnificent sensation.

Together, we headed to the compounding room.