Chapter 10 - A hidden Brew

The sun was getting ready to end the day, the sky was still blue showing we had time.

Me and Layla made our way through the empty streets. Some stragglers remained, whether it be they were still packing their wagons or weren't ready to abandon the city.

Making it to the church’s grand staircase I could still see the foot imprints from Gideon’s dragon. Those who remained loyal worshipped at the Goddess's statue.

I overheard some questionable prayers as the men idolized her undergarments, while the women passively expressed their disdain for her womb. Some of the women glared over their shoulders at me, staring daggers.

I guess the genders have their divide of opinions.

Entering the main church, I was impressed by the architecture. This was my first time in here, but the craftsmanship was ablaze in here. From its pearly white marble finish to the pillars of water raining down from above. There also was another statue of the Goddess, with more moderation to her appearance, even appearing to be a maiden in awe.

I looked downwards, seeing the Goddess’s glow below this floor.

Another was of a muscular man, flexing her abs and biceps in showmanship.

“I always wondered who this might be representing but... Did Lard anticipate your arrival with this statue?” Layla stated, now making her own conclusions.

I stared dumbfounded. “Maybe...” I feigned my ignorance, seeing the glasses self-inserted onto the statue made my opinion of Lard shrink. I’m now seeing the Goddess’s statue reaction of blushing more telling.

Making our way past the pews with only a few residents taking seats, we made our way to the back.

Layla knocked onto a wooden door, garnering the attention of whoever was inside.

“Come in.” Lard's voice greeted.

“Oh. It’s you.” Lard was displeased by my presence.

We entered his office, various clay figures and tapestries scattered. I dared not to let my eyes wonder unless I wished to see potential fanfics the fatty has smudged across these pages.

It appeared we were right over the Goddess. I brought my gaze back up as I could feel Discordia’s eyes.

The Lard and Discordia sat behind a wooden desk, while two big chairs were occupied the space between us.

“It seems we had no reason for your training today as we have found our champion.” Lard was smug. Gesturing to a brolic man sitting in on of the chairs, Layla was surprised.

“Conrad!? I thought you chose to leave?” Layla smiled in surprise.

“I thought so too but... You really helped on the boar hunt, and I couldn’t abandon this place so soon.” He rubbed his head in admission. “I sadly could convince the other two, they have too much respect for Gideon.”

Is Gideon popular among adventures? I questioned.

“With your help, I only fear the other challenger's wellbeing.” Layla praised.

“Hm-Hm.” Lard nodded in arrogance. His smugness etched into his face. “We’ll have you Conrad stay at the church overnight. I would prefer tomorrow's winner in a place of comfort. You two are excused.”

“Wait Priest Lard.” I interrupted his hand wave. “You may need to extend your room services.”

“Huh?” Lard let his face distort. “Why the hell do you think you are deserving to stay the night?”

I let my crafted smile out. “For devising a brilliant plan.” I gestured to Layla, garnering their attention.

“Go on.” Lard seemed keen to listening with Layla as a part of the discussion.

“With her abilities, which I cannot disclose. Would certainly assist in our battle with Gideon-”

“I accept.” Lard stated.

“Y- You accept?” I was confused. “Uh... Great then. We will make ourselves useful and find a spot to rest-”

“I accept her stay. But you are free to go.” Lard waved me off.

“Huh!?” I was in shock. “I prompted this plan, you don’t even know what it is!”

“I don’t need to know. With our brilliant receptionist and her talents.” He let his lewd gaze looked her over. “We have no need for your insight. Begone!”

Layla looked to me, not knowing how to handle this situation.

I sighed.

“Without me you have no plan. I implore you to overlook you-” Lard teleported in front of me, calmly gripping my arms. “-Your fat ego and-”

The front entrance doors appeared in front of me, Lard had let go of me as he proceeded to disappear. “-Let me use one... Of your... Beds...”

I stood, talking to a door. Those at the statue peered over, concerned for my lack of conversation partner.

Fuck! That damn cheat of his!

Frustration brewed in my chest. I took a deep and calming breath, letting my arms expand, and cross in one stretch.

“I’m calm.” I lied to myself.

I chose to forgive Lard. Besides, when the night falls, I should be long gone.

I let time pass, giving the sun time to cast its twilight. With the residents concerned for Gideon’s arrival tomorrow they gathered at the square, passing around food and occupying themselves in song and activities.

Noting that most of the citizens, outside from those in the church, were here I set off.

Keeping to the base of the church, I glared high to its immense size. Lard seems to have built the structure on a hill side, giving more space down here on a lower plane.

I navigated to a door, noting where I remember Discordia entering from.

Where is it? This is the spot.

I kept mental note of the entrance she had used, but it was a blank wall. No signs of activity here.

Wait... My itch made itself know.

A faint immanence of magic was on the wall. It was box like, almost as if it was a-

“Ack!” I yelped.

Pushing into the magic box frame, I fell through, landing on a cold hard floor. The cobble-made magic door slowly closed behind me, scrapping against the floor.

Can Lard make invisible doors!?

I questioned his building ability or material. But I am thankful for this sight of mine, I wouldn’t have been able to guess or at least been accurate.

Glaring upwards I found my target. A golden glow sat above, a beacon for navigation. I spotted centipedes and bugs crawling along the ceiling, as if they too were guided to the Goddess.

I studied the dark room I found myself in. The barrels and boxes suggested storage, but I was confused. The wooden pillars and overhangs suggested this was just to hold the floors above, not being a functional room in itself.

“This is more like a brewery.”

I noted the barrels resembling a warehouse, the aroma of alcohol filled the room. There was a brick stove with a big crockpot. Grains filled the open barrels and foam rested on top.

I noticed an out of place cabinet in the corner, syringes could be seen from this distance.

“What the hell is Lard doing down here?” I couldn’t keep it internal. But the suggestion that this is where the town’s alcohol comes from fills me with one question.

Why hasn’t Lard made his alchemist skills in part of the church’s reputation?

I also pondered if this is where the church gets the blue healing potions.

Before I could investigate, I heard the scrapping of cobble.

Hiding away, I spotted the opening. Another magic door, opposite of the one I arrived in appeared.

Discordia?

I kept my surprise internal as she entered, the door was wide open. She began to wander over to the out of place cabinet.

My itch was buzzing.

I couldn’t investigate further, my only way into the church was closing, scrabbing along the ground as Discordia was distracted.

Now!

The cobble door sealed behind me. It left the same faint magic as the one outside, this room was really made to be hidden.

I sighed relief, hoping Discordia didn’t see me. Dusting myself off, I made my way onwards.

Transitioning from the basement cobble to the marble hallways was an experience. The floors almost reflected with their shiny reflections.

No one was awake it appears. Lucky, I know approximately where Discordia is so if I can make this quick, I shouldn’t get caught. I followed the Goddess’s light, making my way down the long hall.

I found her. A single room emitted her golden glow, just on the other side of the door.

I opened the door, keeping its squeak minimum as I suspect to find a certain Lard creeping over.

An empty room with a lone bed. Shadows casted off the moons light, making it hard to see. Large purple curtains were left open, giving an ambiance to the space.

“Phew.” I exhaled, seeing only the Goddess occupying the room.

I wandered over, studying the layout. The bed was big with extravagant features fit for a Goddess. It’s deep purple hue sheets screamed esteem status.

“Goddess.” I whispered to the red hair on the bed. “Goddess...?”

I could now see her face in the moonlight. The shadows revealed a withered face once beautiful. Her arms thin to the bone, her veins were a strong blue river.

“What... Happened?” I asked in all manners of surprise.

“T... Toshiro...” Her voice was weak, barely able to speak my name.

“Elvire!” I rush to her side, not catching to the name I had called out. “What did they do to you?”

I felt genuine concern. Lard had made no mention of her current state, and I saw no signs of abuse as there were fresh fruits laid by her bed side.

“Tosh... I’m so glad... You’re okay...” A tear rolled down her cheek.

“Yeah, I’m okay. But what’s wrong? How-” Before I couldn’t get anything from the Goddess, the doorknob made a noise.

Opening the door, the unexpected Priestess made her appearance.

What is Discordia doing here this late? I questioned, after rushing to hide behind a window curtain.

“Tosh... Where are you...?” The Goddess questioned.

“I am here to help you, Goddess.” Discordia’s voice was cold and calm, uncaring the Goddess’s delusion. “Toshiro is not here.”

Discordia had brought in a small bag, leaving it on the small table before making her way to the bedside, comforting by grabbing the Goddess’s hand gently.

“But... I saw him... He was here...”

Discordia's eyes deepened in pity, more than I have ever seen before.

“That isn’t possible Goddess as...” She paused, a peek of a grin hid her neutral lips. “As Toshiro is dead.”