Stinky Fish Town was not a large town.
The somewhat unpleasant name of Stinky Fish Town came from a local specialty—here, the people would take river fish caught from the waters and ferment them using a special method.
The result was an ingredient that smelled terribly foul but, surprisingly, paired well with bread.
Thus, the name Stinky Fish Town was born.
At this moment, inside the town’s only tavern, armored human soldiers were meticulously inspecting their weapons.
“The target for this mission won’t be easy to deal with. I’ve received confirmed information from our superiors. Our objective is our fallen former Saintess,” the Paladin sitting at the counter, casually wiping the blade of his sword, spoke quietly.
“Regarding this task, all I can say is this—whatever the bishops up top order us to do, we do. No more, no less. Don’t concern yourselves with anything extra.”
Within the Church, many still doubted the Saintess’s fall from grace.
The clergy who had worked closely with her knew her situation well.
To many, it was inconceivable that the Saintess had truly fallen.
Few among humans could match Saint Cecilia’s willpower.
Because of this, from the start, this expedition faced considerable skepticism.
This crusading force was composed of Paladins, Judicators, and many elite warriors.
Especially the Judicators—the Judicatory Court’s direct agents tasked with assassination and similar duties.
Each Judicator was a humanoid monster, most having undergone physical modifications.
That such powerful beings were gathered here spoke volumes about the Saintess’s strength.
“Since the Saintess entered Saint Anso City, she hasn’t come out. Our orders are simple: storm the demon territory and kill the fallen Saintess. Do not give her a chance to survive.”
“Is that really right? She’s the Saintess. If not for Miss Saintess back then, my family would have…”
“Even if there’s a possibility she fell, it can’t have happened all at once. Honestly, the orders from above feel off to me…”
Some participants whispered among themselves.
Their voices were low, however, for the Church’s power was well-known. If any ill-intentioned ears overheard, what seemed minor could quickly become accusations of disloyalty.
“In any case, the Saintess’s fall is an indisputable fact. His Holiness the Pope himself announced evidence of her betrayal, ordering us Paladins to strike her down. Although Cecilia once did much for humanity, now she’s merely a demon’s lackey.”
Most humans now harbored bitter hatred toward Cecilia.
The once-radiant symbol of humanity, the Saintess had been publicly controlled and toyed with by the Demon Lord, like an obedient dog.
This was utterly different from the image everyone had once cherished.
“Yes, even if the orders are flawed, Cecilia’s alliance with the demons is a fact. Just because the bishops issued questionable orders doesn’t mean Cecilia deserved to side with demons.”
Under the Paladins’ condemnation, the crowd grew increasingly outraged.
They didn’t care what Cecilia had been through, nor the resistance she made against the demons.
They did not know the truth, and likely no one cared to.
While the Paladins and Judicators were in heated debate, in a corner at a small, inconspicuous table, two plain-looking girls quietly drank the tavern’s signature liquor.
Upon overhearing the comments about Cecilia, one of the smiling girls glanced at the Paladins with interest.
“Look, they’re talking about you.”
Veya whispered silently to Cecilia.
“It’s clear the Church has put much effort into making everyone believe I betrayed them,” Cecilia said, looking at the heavily disguised Veya across from her.
She couldn’t help but admire the succubus’s adaptability.
After all, with her natural succubus disguise skills, Veya had managed to infiltrate this human city.
At this moment, none of the humans present suspected that outside the town, a large demon force lay in ambush. Should the demons choose to fight to the last, their troops would storm the town immediately.
As for the two who had infiltrated alone, their true purpose was to gather intelligence. They hadn’t expected the Paladins to talk so freely, spilling secrets as if pouring out beans.
“Let them talk. After all, to them, I’m just a shameful traitor now. That fact won’t change,” Cecilia said, somewhat relieved by their discussions. She once believed Paladins were loyal guardians embodying justice and order, but now, their private conversations left her deeply disappointed. “I can’t very well stop them from calling me a ‘traitor.’”
“Do you need to take revenge yourself? Are any of them people you know?”
Via asked softly.
Among the crowd, many were Paladins.
Via thought, since they were discussing the beloved Saintess’s betrayal, why not do them a favor and have the Saintess herself deal with them?
That might give her some satisfaction.
“No need. Since you came personally, you’ve probably already arranged for their handling, right?”
“Spot on,” Via winked.
“Oh, and by the way, the drinks here are really quite good. A pity it’s not a demon tavern.”
Via stood up as she spoke.
Though disguised plainly, neither girl tried to hide her figure.
To the Paladins, Via’s body was not exactly dazzling but still drew their attention.
The moment she stood, all eyes converged on her.
The succubus smiled, then gently clapped her hands:
“Ladies and gentlemen, pardon the interruption. I am Via—yes, the very Demon Lord you accuse of defiling the purity of your once-revered Saintess Cecilia.”
She showed no regret; instead, a trace of pride gleamed in her eyes.
“Today, I come specially to dine and thank you for your hospitality.”
Instantly, the tavern’s atmosphere froze.