Brainwashed Then Woke Up To Find My Childhood Friend a Hero

25. A Discussion with the Great Sage?

Under the guidance of the Great Sage, we arrived at an inn. It wasn’t a famous establishment, located at the edge of a main street, but it was finely crafted with the comfort of its guests in mind. The dark wood gave it a somewhat quiet and serene atmosphere.

The sign read “Dove’s Garden,” adorned with a whimsical carving of doves and flowers.

We entrusted the carriage to the stable, while Wide and Ayla inquired about room assignments from the innkeeper, who appeared to be a burly figure, likely a former adventurer, exuding a considerable presence. Afterward, we decided on our plans moving forward: the elite of the resistance would guard our belongings, while the women, perhaps unaccustomed to the constant travel, would sleep in a large room designated for them.

Now, I find myself gathered around a table with Wide, Ayla, and the Great Sage.

Why was I called here?

“Now then, what is it you wish to discuss with me?”

The Great Sage begins, maintaining his relaxed demeanor.

“Don’t play dumb; you must know who we are. So why did you go out of your way to help us?”

Wide questions him.

“Well, that’s a bit difficult to explain…”

The Great Sage responds thoughtfully.

“To put it simply, I was curious, I suppose?”

“Huh?”

We are taken aback by his response, and Wide seems exasperated.

“Well, you see, I built that fortress, and I was quite proud of it. So, I never imagined anyone would escape from it.”

The Great Sage answers with a nonchalant attitude.

“That’s why I have high expectations for you all. If it were to become known that those who escaped my prison were caught merely at the border checkpoint, it would be a significant loss for us.”

While his reasoning seems somewhat logical, if that’s the case,

“Then! Why not just capture us all yourself? You should be able to do that!”

—

Wide speaks, slightly sweating.

I watch it with Ayla, our hands clasped together.

However, the Great Sage responds with a defiant smile.

“Well, I have my own plans, you see.”

At those words, Wide and Ayla’s wariness visibly heightened. And in the brief moment I averted my gaze from the two,

In that instant, the Great Sage looked at me, those same sticky black eyes. Was it an illusion? After I blinked, they were only deep green eyes.

“Well, you must be tired from the long journey, right? I’ve covered the cost of rooms for everyone. Now, disperse, disperse!”

The Great Sage said this, clouding the atmosphere. Wide, who seemed to want to say something, couldn’t retort strongly. It was simply because the Great Sage was stronger than anyone else in this place, both socially and in terms of power.

◇◇◇

Afterward, we were guided by the inn’s staff and arrived at our room. My room is for two. It’s probably because it’s better for me and Eg to be together.

I sighed, looking down, feeling tired.

I opened the door and entered the room.

“Hey, I’ve been waiting for you.”

My body stiffened at that voice.

I raised my face.

There was Celt sitting in a chair, looking this way.

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The moonlight peeking through the window illuminated him, and his green hair reflected it, making him look very mystical.

However, his eyes were fixed on me with a sticky gaze.

They were the eyes of a hunter targeting its prey.