Chapter 9 – Schemes, Trickery
“Well done.”
While stroking his well-groomed beard with satisfaction, Gardekier spoke encouragingly to the water mirror.
“What? …Well, that’s fine. But don’t waste too much time on that. Your mission is to defeat the Demon King—otherwise, there can be no real peace for the people.”
On the other side of the mirror, the Hero was making a report while a ravaged village could be seen in the background. Gardekier could observe all of their achievements here. In fact, he had a habit of showing them off to others.
And this was in spite of the fact that he had often mocked Zephalus for caring so much about appearances. The others had to hold back their laughter.
Once the report was finished, he dismissed the mirror and turned around.
“I won’t talk about it for too long. But this is the kind of fighting we expect from our Heroes. A fight to kill monsters and defeat evil.”
The gods listening had expressions of annoyance. Of course, it was never very interesting to see others succeed. That being said, the fool was not one to notice or care about such things.
“Listen! To what I am about to say to you, gods!”
His beard swayed as he turned his head and gazed at them. His god seat resembled a circular arena, which made it perfect for such assemblies.
“There is no time to waste. The Seeker of Knowledge has gathered his cavalry, and intends to cross the sea and conquer the land of Morania!”
His solid build and commanding presence made him stand out in gatherings like this.
“When that happens, we will move to subjugate the evil god! And with our own hands, we shall punish the evil goddess who slayed her own brother!”
The people cheered at these words from the storm god. There were not quite a hundred people there, but most of the gods who had Heroes in Morania were present.
“Kill the monster, punish the wicked, and kill those who have sinned! That is justice!”
There was no justice in this war.
In the first place, Zephalis was an enemy they wanted to kick down eventually.
He had been too proud and boastful. However, they pretended to want revenge for his sake, because they felt shame.
For a single kobold, they would use a large group and surround him. There was only one reason for this. They didn’t know what kind of blessing Saliashe would use to retaliate. If they weren’t careful, they might be defeated. However, if the Heroes worked together, the risk could be distributed.
Of course, everyone was trying desperately to protect their own gains, and draw out as much profit as possible. But at the same time, the enemy was so small that they dared not show it.
And so they spoke of it as a battle to defeat an evil god.
“That is fine, Gardekier. But I hear that the goddess’s subordinate has gone into hiding, and no one knows where he is.”
“We know that he went through the Anoshtat plains. After that… Well, leave it to me.”
Declared the storm god with a look of superiority. It really was humorous to look at him. It was clear that he did not know how to use the information about Saliasha or the Hero, that was provided by Evacus.
As the rat had already offered to cooperate with the gods, he could not avoid these situations, where he alone had information about the kobold’s location. As everyone here pretended to be on the same level, any boasting would lead to ill feelings and splits in relationships.
That was why they looked at him with annoyance and dissatisfaction. It would not take long for it to turn to hatred and betrayal.
“Well, leaving it to you, Gardekier, should be fine. You would never do anything to bring shame to your title, like giving all the glory to your own Hero alone.”
Said the blue sea god. It was good timing. A flash of anger appeared on Gardekier’s face, but he quickly nodded and smiled with agreement.
He was probably the one who was holding everything together here. He was not very friendly, but was sensitive to the atmosphere of the work. He could manipulate the storm god and make an impression.
“More importantly, I am not sure about this. Having only Heroes fight in the next battle.”
But when it came to his own gains, he suddenly became less perceptive. That was too bad. It was his only flaw.
“We already settled that matter! Weaver of the Waves!”
The other gods were annoyed, and someone else chimed in.
“If one of the other party members killed it, then they would not gain as much experience. On top of that, if the participants are to split the rewards, it would be best to limit it to the Heroes alone.”
“However, there are some Heroes who specialize in a fighting style that requires the support of others.”
“That is why they will be in a group! As long as that Hero notifices the others, they will be able to cooperate!”
In the end, the sea god was forced to be silent. He would likely step back for now, pretending to yield, while secretly plotting to outmaneuver the gods with whom he formed alliances with. And in the end, he’ll even try to outwit their Heroes.
It was because such feelings were evident, that many kept their distance. He may not be as disliked as the storm god, but in the end, he would likely have no friends.
“So when will the actual trap be set?”
“The monster is active in the forest, which is its base. It should not be too difficult to find his location from there. I will send word as soon as I do. But if possible, I would like for the Heroes to advance to the cities near the center of the continent.”
“However, how would you manage to communicate with such a large group? If we clash heads in the council, Saliashe will surely learn of our actions.”
“As for that, you can leave it to me.”
The other gods glared at him. Still Evacus crept out of the shadows.
“What do you mean by coming here? Plague god.”
“I have come in order to be of use to all of you.”
“You?”
“If you were to use me in order to contact each other, I could prevent her from knowing. And you can all continue with the plan in your god seats.”
The rat didn’t miss the change in their eyes.
“However, they say that you are taking pity on Saliashe. Perhaps you mean to betray us and tell her all about our plans.”
“If Saliashe had one of the pillars allied with her, I might have considered it. But look at yourself, and the other gods present here.”
Being small was a disadvantage. Both for fighting and intelligence.
But that was only if you did it in a straightforward way.
“Grand, dignified, and powerful gods. What would someone as small, weak, and unreliable as myself gain from defying such a crowd?”
“You are a braggart with empty words.”
But even in the eyes of the god who voiced his doubts, there was a hint of relief. No matter how cautious they believed themselves to be, they judged something as ‘not a real threat’ simply because it was small.
They were unaware that was the very essence of ‘complacency.’
“Please take these parts of me with you. If there is anything you cannot show, just place them in a covered basket. And should you give the word, I will assist you immediately.”
And then his small rats were making their way towards the gods.
“Now, that will be all for today. From now on, you will communicate from your god seat, through Evacus. Understood?”
The storm god declared, and the gods started to disperse. And then it was just him, and the lord of the god seat who remained.
“Well done.”
“Yes. Now all of the information shall be in your grasp, Lord Gardekier.”
“Indeed. Only in a situation like this, would you be able to hide your subordinates among the gods who are participating in the games.”
God seats were completely sealed off in order to stop invaders from the outside. So it was difficult to make connections and contact each other. If it was someone you trusted, you could do it through subordinates, but in most cases, they just gathered in a meeting room.
“Perhaps your lowly status has worked to your advantage then. My own advancement is just around the corner.”
The storm god seemed to believe that he had gained the upper hand through his own schemes, completely forgetting who actually brought about the ‘Seeker of Knowledge’s’ movements and who devised the strategies.
“If you learn something, contact me immediately.”
“Yes. By the way, about the matter of the land division after everything is accomplished…”
“Yes, yes. You don’t need to nag so much. I haven’t forgotten.”
And so Evacus made his way out of the god seat.
It was just words. If somehow, everything went wrong, and that fool won everything, he would not pay a single coin to Evacus.