Chapter 1243

Eh, it's actually a self-incriminating confession, huh……

Upon hearing this, the female adventurers in the adventurers' guild all simultaneously distanced themselves from Hezhen's position.

Daknnis beside him, upon hearing this, not only did not move her seat, but instead blushed crimson, breathing rapidly as she looked at him: "Hezhen really has done something similar before, though it's quite perverted... but it only strengthened my belief that I didn't misjudge him!"

Daknnis, don't pin this black history on me! And... when did I become a thief who only steals underwear? In theory theft is random, but why does it always end up being underwear?!

"Well, you, who turned from an adventurer into a pervert." Akuya approached him, poked his forehead with a finger, wearing a teasing expression, "So, who was it last time that stole Elis's underwear and then flaunted it around the guild like a pervert?"

I——

Hezhen's face flushed crimson, as if something had stuffed it.

He couldn't explain it at all... because he actually did it.

Only then did he notice that all the male adventurers in the guild were looking at him with an 'you-know-what-I-mean' expression, and they all simultaneously gave him a thumbs-up.

——

"Even so, I still want... I want to be worthy of your choice. Thieves also have the right to dream, right?" Saifeier whispered while sobbing, "Tsk..."

"I understand, Saifaliya... I understand." Aglaea said word by word, "You have millions of reasons to accuse, for fate is just so unfair. The path you must walk is destined to be more tortuous... on this journey, you will inevitably suffer people's misunderstandings in the shadows. But you must believe one thing: every person is a unique existence in the world."

"Even counting the three hundred legendary thieves of Duoluos... I still believe you will be the sole one destined to bear the divine office of Trickery."

"Ah... Aglaea..." Saifeier's voice trembled, "If only I could make everyone believe me... I want everyone to think the world is a beautiful place... that people are pure and kind. Even though I know that's a lie, if enough people believe it... could the lie become true...?"

"……"

Aglaea took a deep breath, speaking seriously: "Lies are always lies, Saifaliya...... but sometimes they can indeed be nobler than honesty."

"……"

Saifeier turned her face, the corner of her eye sweeping over the youth behind her.

"... You planning to just keep standing there? Frankly, a sneaky style doesn't suit you—little savior."

Bai'e walked over from behind: "Hahaha... I didn't mean to hide from your ears, Miss Saifeier. I just faintly felt your thoughts were blocked, not wanting to disturb you rashly."

"Ha... kid, you're still as likable as ever when you speak. Your lecture at the big bathhouse wasn't bad. I admit, I was a bit moved."

"Thanks for the praise. Intuition is a strange thing; back then I vaguely sensed you were there too."

"... Oh? Then why didn't you call me out back then, instead waiting until now?"

"Because... I guessed you also needed some time to sort out your feelings, to mourn her departure."

Saifeier turned her head to the side, gave a light hum: "... Nosy. Small talk ends here. Tell me, what trouble have you run into that you need this senior's help?"

"We've only met a few times, each time we got straight to the point… I appreciate your frankness, 'senior'—so I'll speak plainly." Bai'e said, "As you see, Aglaea earned the support of all city citizens for the Golden Heirs. Everyone believed it was the anti-fire faction in the Senate that plotted her murder; the citizens' outrage left the evil lurking in the shadows nowhere to hide."

"Even so, the alarm hasn't been fully lifted. The leader of the Purgers, Elder Kaines—we still haven't found her whereabouts."

——

The Funeral of Frieren.

"Oh? So you want to ask Saifeier to deal with Kaines?" Xiutaerke's eyes lit up instantly, "Perfect, Kaines is still the killer who murdered Aglaea—let's just take this as revenge for Aglaea!"

"Hah... Kaines herself even knows she's provoked public outrage." Fulilian's eyes sank, "But that's good; it seems she won't dare show her face for a while. However I can't figure out why she went to such lengths to kill Aglaea, only to end up hiding—does it really worth it for her?"

Not having killed Aglaea, she could still enjoy wealth and power as an elder. Now, for her own selfish desire, seeking a moment's pleasure, she has made herself hated by heaven and man, not daring to show herself... I truly don't know what she's thinking.

"Maybe she's still scheming something in the dark?" Filien said, resting her chin, "Or maybe she's waiting for the limelight to fade before reappearing, in case Bai'e encounters some mishap during the campaign against Aigele..."

"Even if Bai'e really met with some mishap, it's impossible for Kaines, the executioner, to succeed to the Holy City's authority." Zan Yin tilted his head back, took a swig of ale, wiped his mouth, and said, "After the Aglaea incident, the people of Aohema have basically seen through these elders' true faces, heh... if there's another citizen assembly, the people would absolutely never vote for them again."

——

"Oh, I get it. You're afraid she'll lash out in desperation, right?"

"Yes." Bai'e nodded, saying, "KefaLe's holy flame has always been enshrined above the council theater; I think it will be the opponents' last trump card to hinder the Golden Heirs. In a few days we'll set out to conquer Aigele. The Golden Heirs' time away from the Holy City is their best chance to strike."

"You're afraid those ragged stray dogs will steal the holy flame while you're away—so you want me to help, to sniff them out during your absence, right?"