With the new addition, there were five people at the table.

Because there were attacks on the Wrights -unknown to all but they were caused by the same person- Pinaca was followed by bodyguards wherever she went. The bodyguards stood behind their wards, Pinaca and Russ. Close enough to react in emergencies but not to the point of becoming obstructions to their daily lives. The bodyguards skillfully erased their presence such that if they weren't in Viers’ field of vision, he would have forgotten about them.

In the first ‘attack’ against the Wrights, Viers stole the Auspicious Butterfly accessory Russ was about to give to his girlfriend. The second was when he sneaked in to meet Paina’s father, Jerrold. It didn't go well.

The conversation flowed smoothly from one topic to another. At first, it was mostly simple matters.

Ciel was a natural. She was raised as an educated noble and her choice of words kept the conversation going without turning boring or going on too long.

Rose was composed and polite. Not by nature but by having a lot of practice. She had many occasions where she had to do public speaking or converse with important people. Although, there was still a hidden nervousness inside her.

She was an orphan and this world’s people were taught that nobles were better. Not everyone was like Viers, nonchalant about other people’s high social status. Rose’s newfound status as an Angel-Blessed changed her standing but she didn't let that get to her head.

Viers was… playing it cool.

He mostly let the other four do the talking and became a good listener. Viers was an introvert by nature and kept things to himself. When silver tongue was needed, the social expert Farley gave pointers about what to say but there was no need for that today.

“Oh my, the wedding day is just around the corner? Many congratulations,” Rose looked like she was just as happy as the young couple.

“A happy occasion,” Ciel said kindly.

“Congrats,” Viers followed with a response of his own.

After the opening topics, the conversation flowed to a more serious subject as they went on. The two shared news they were about to be married. Very fast, considering it was only days since they became engaged.

“Thank you, thank you… What about you three? Any thoughts about marriage?” Pinaca asked.

“Ahaha,” Ciel laughed wryly. “None at the moment.”

“Waiting for the right man?” Pinaca teased. “What about you, Rose?”

“I, uh, I think it’s too early for me to think about marrying. I’m currently focusing on my role and duty.”

“All Angel-Blessed are great people worthy of respect. You got big shoes to fill but I’m sure you can do it,” Russ gave a weighty encouragement then silently looked at Viers. The other three were also looking his way, waiting for his answer.

“Don't look at me. I’m just a simple man journeying through the Path of Power.”

Viers had long decided to put off such distractions until he was super duper strong. Until then, he was content being single. He was already having way too much fun living in this world, slowly becoming a superhuman.

Love was not Viers’ drug, power was.

“Hehehe. My grandfather asked me when I was going to get married the day I turned 15. I’m glad my feelings for Pinaca are reciprocated though. Thank you, for accepting my proposal and making me the happiest man in the world.”

“...I love you too.”

To Russ’ cheesy line, Pinaca grabbed his hand tightly. The lovebirds went to their own little world again until the same bodyguard cleared his throat a few seconds later.

“Members of the Church aren’t barred from marriage, right?” Pinaca asked.

“Not at all. There are many clergies who have a family of their own. The Radiant Lady taught that pursuing love and caring for your loved ones is a noble thing,” Rose replied.

“Indeed. Speaking of which, I have a request,” Russ spoke his thoughts.

He wanted Rose, someone that had an angelic blessing to bless their union during their wedding. His future wife also thought it was a good idea.

Rose was taken aback. A lot of people had been asking her for blessings, thinking hers was more potent. There was no such thing. She didn't really understand the full breadth of her blessing either. The Church and Master Mita wouldn't teach her anything. They said she must find out for herself.

At any rate, Rose refused, thinking it should be Abbess Unem’s role to preside over their marriage ceremony. She was the most senior Church member and Valkut was her territory.

“Why not both?” Pinaca suggested.

So they wanted Rose to bless them privately after Unem finished the official nuptial ceremony. To sweeten the deal, Russ and Pinaca both offered to send reinforcements from their respective houses to help the Church against the ongoing demon problem.

Rose glanced towards Ciel for help.

“There’s nothing wrong with it. You truly wish them to be happy, right? Go ahead.”

And so, Rose agreed to bless the couple on their wedding day, three days later.

The two looked happy and the atmosphere was joyous.

Viers was the same.

Only, he was happy because of a different reasoning. He wanted his opportunity to get his hands on Pinaca and he got it. A major event like a wedding would present ample opportunities for a man skilled in the art of infiltration such as Viers.

He wanted Pinaca not out of lust, but to find out the truth about Paina. Viers only wanted her soul so he could access her mind.

If Russ knew the innocently smiling Viers was having insidious designs on his bride-to-be, the expert water swordsman would have choked Viers to death with his bare hands.

***

After saying goodbyes to Russ and Pinaca, Viers continued his date.

“Tomthur’s shop?”

“Yep. I want to visit him. Got to ask the dwarf something. It won't be long,” Viers answered Ciel.

“Okay then.”

Ciel and Rose did not object. It was out of the blue but Viers got a sudden need. The wedding would be in three days. Viers wanted to upgrade something for the intense battles looming on the horizon.

Why was Viers convinced there would be hard battles ahead? Because almost every third act of every arc climaxes due to conflicts. He was in a world of power fantasy for god’s sake. If he couldn't even think that much, Viers wouldn’t be worthy to call himself genre-savvy.

Even if he was wrong, there were no disadvantages in being prepared.

Along the way, they passed by the park where the blind old woman usually played her music for pennies.

“Let’s pay her a visit,” Viers said.

“Wow, you really care for that woman, huh?” Ciel hid her teasing smile with her fingers. “But I’m glad. Giving alms for the poor is really admirable for you.”

“What are you talking about? I just appreciate her music,” Viers curtly replied.

“There’s nothing embarrassing about giving to those in need,” Rose said. She too was glad. The villain was showing signs of turning back to the light.

Viers found the old woman in the same place as usual but he hesitated in his approach. The reason being there was another person with her. He was an old man wearing a tattered robe. The Level 2 male looked just like any other beggar, a fitting counterpart for the blind old woman.

The two were playing a board game, this world’s equivalent of chess. Like old people, they really took their time before moving a single piece. The blind woman didn't seem to have difficulties playing the board game.

Viers’ mind was racing, the synapses in his brain were like fireworks.

“Viers, what’s wrong?” Seeing Viers’ strange behavior, Rose asked.

“Oh, there’s another person with the music lady. They seem really serious. We caught them at a bad time. Shall we come back later?” Ciel didn't find anything wrong so she spoke normally.

Viers wouldn't blame Rose and even Ciel for thinking it was something ordinary. All Viers’ six senses were telling him that those two people were just ordinary people engaging in an ordinary game on a nice outdoor afternoon. However, Viers’ seventh sense, his Fable-related sense, was tingling.

Viers got two choices. To back away and leave the two old people be or to proceed.

“Viers?”

Ciel saw that Viers was acting unusually.

He decided to be bold and picked the latter. He straightened his shirt with a tense expression before approaching them. The old couple didn't even turn at him, focusing on the board. Likewise, Viers didn't say needless words.

He took out a few items from the Thousand Treasures Casket and put three items beside them. To not affront any of them, Viers made sure he had the exact amount for both sides. He then took a few steps back and politely bowed, maintaining his best behavior.

Before he left, the man stayed unheeding of his presence but the blind woman gave him a nod of appreciation.

Relieved it was not for nothing, Viers bowed again before going away.

Seeing what Viers gave to the old couple and the sweat of nervousness forming on his brows, Rose and Ciel similarly bowed before following after Viers.

The two of them had seen how Viers was not nervous at all against a Level 4 but he was now. Their logic connected the dots.

***

Many minutes after Viers left, the man finally spoke after moving his piece.

“High-grade liquor mixed with dragon blood, silverheart bread with arapenno cheese, and darkstar grapes… Kingly gifts.”

He never glanced at the items beside him but he knew them in detail.

“Impressive lad, isn't he?” The woman put one of the grapes into her mouth. “The boy realized my cover the first time he laid eyes on me.”

The man reached out for the liquor and gave it a sip. The burning sensation of the dragon blood going down his throat was pleasant. It had been at least a century since he'd last had it. “Hmm… I should ask for more. He definitely has other good things.”

“Are you going to drag your family name through the mud, old man? Flaunting your might to rob a Level 3 boy?” The woman followed with a chuckle, then she moved her piece.

The boy gave a nice intermission but it was time to move on to the main point.

“...What are you planning?” The woman’s tone was serious.

The man came to her earlier and sat beside her without saying anything. He then opened the board game without making a sound. The woman accepted the invitation. They played in silence until Viers arrived.

The man gave her a wordless stare.

“...Must we fight?” The woman’s voice was saddened.

“...It is inevitable.”

On the board, the man checkmated the woman.

***

“Who are they!?” Rose asked nervously.

“I don't know.”

“You don't know but you gave them those things? Wait a minute, how long have you realized the old lady is an expert in disguise?” Ciel looked flustered.

“Pretty much from the start. What convinced me was Paina though. She found out that the woman's music is extraordinary. Hearing the tunes was a great learning experience for her.”

“But-”

“Alrighty! We’ve arrived,” Viers cut Rose short and brazenly walked in, opening the door with a big movement. “Pardon the intrusion~!”

“Gwoogyah!” Tomthur said something weird because of the surprise.

“Oh my,” the other person on top of him was surprised but in a more elegant manner.

“Y-y-you!?” Ciel gasped.

“Kyaaaaah!!” Rose closed her eyes and looked away.

“Well, well,” Viers said softly and composedly. “This is a peculiar development.”

Tomthur was with a woman. Their clothes were in various states of disorder. Viers caught them in the act, on the store’s floor. Since the sun was still high in the sky, it was an unusual time. Unusual place too.

“Well don't just stand there, come in,” Lykin the Lighteater smiled.

“Oi!” Tomthur protested.

To her invitation, Ciel and Rose ran out while Viers stepped in through the door.