The Symphony of Secrets and Suspicions

As Mr. Tule’s words faded, a group of individuals clad in tailcoats and adorned with various masks ascended the stage. Each held a musical instrument. While these instruments differed slightly from those Domu knew in his former world, he could discern the purpose of most based on their shapes.

Domu watched the masked figures on stage with keen interest, mentally labeling them ‘masked men’ for now. Given their masks and attire, he couldn’t distinguish their genders. Some masks bore smiling faces, others sorrowful expressions, and still others, angry visages. A total of twenty-three performers stood on stage, and remarkably, no two masks displayed the same emotion.

The masked figures on stage remained utterly silent. The entire hall, after erupting in a burst of applause as they first appeared, had fallen into a profound quiet. The venue was exceptionally still until the masked figures stood perfectly aligned in their designated spots on the stage.

Having already finished his meal when the masked figures first appeared, and with the duration of [Lilian’s Makeup Kit] nearly expiring, Domu had put his helmet back on. He now sat in his seat, watching the masked figures on stage with eager anticipation.

Mofimod, seeing Domu don his helmet again and no longer having to contend with that feminine face, had managed to compose himself. Yet, perhaps still affected by the recent feeding incident, Mofimod now focused his attention on the stage, no longer scrutinizing Domu beside him.

However, as Domu’s attention was fixed on the masked figures, he failed to notice Soronna, who had been sitting beside him, clutching his arm. Upon seeing the masked figures, she frowned, her body seemingly stiffening.

“Domu, I’m going to the restroom to freshen up. I’ll be right back!” Soronna rose from Domu’s side, then leaned in, whispering softly against his ear.

“Are you sure? But Soronna, the performance is about to begin. Go quickly and come back soon!” Though puzzled why Soronna would need to go to the restroom just as the performance was starting, Domu attributed it to some feminine secret. He nodded to Soronna.

Soronna embraced Domu lightly once more, then stood and walked towards the exit. She seemed intimately familiar with the venue, for in a blink, Domu could no longer see her. He reluctantly turned his gaze back to the stage, intending to watch the upcoming performance.

“Is something amiss with Lady Soronna? The performance is about to begin, and the ‘Despair Symphony Orchestra’ is a rare sight indeed. Is it something important?” Although Mofimod’s attention was no longer solely on Domu, he had certainly noticed Princess Soronna’s actions. She had exchanged a few words with Domu before leaving, prompting Mofimod to inquire casually.

“Mr. Mofimod, I appreciate your concern for Soronna. However, Soronna is a young lady, and it seems she has some personal matters to attend to.” Hearing Mofimod’s question, Domu thought of him as a genuinely good person. Despite this being their first meeting, he showed such care for both Soronna and him. It seemed the Legion Commander wasn’t as intimidating as Mr. Philavman had suggested, but was actually quite approachable.

“I see… In truth, I am quite curious about you, Lord Domu.” With Princess Soronna momentarily absent, Mofimod felt this was an opportune moment to speak with Domu alone. This would be Mofimod’s final probe.

“Hmm? Curious?” Domu asked, not quite grasping his meaning.

“Indeed, curious. For instance, I’m curious as to why Lord Domu appeared in the Velsen Forest, how you encountered Lady Soronna, and even… why, with such formidable strength, you are so eager to establish a reputation as a mercenary. With your power, Lord Domu, you could command a far more esteemed position and treatment in any nation.”

Mofimod took a sip of the tea on the table, his eyes still fixed on the symphony already performing on stage. His fingers tapped a rhythmic beat on the table as he questioned Domu in a calm voice.

“Mr. Mofimod, I believe you must have heard of my deeds before you arrived. I am an adventurer who travels far and wide. By chance, I encountered a demon performing some evil ritual in the Velsen Forest, and I intervened…” Domu didn’t quite understand Mofimod’s intent, but he already had a well-rehearsed answer for such questions. He had barely begun speaking when Mofimod interrupted him.

“No, Lord Domu, I am not a child, and I have no desire to hear stories meant to deceive the ignorant masses. However… if Lord Domu is willing to grant me your trust, I would be delighted to become your friend. Otherwise…”

Mofimod shifted his gaze from the stage to Domu, his eyes sharpening immensely, his voice becoming exceedingly formal. At this moment, Mofimod was speaking from the heart. If Domu chose to trust him and reveal his true intentions, Mofimod might forgive all that Domu had done and offer him equivalent trust and generous rewards—perhaps even the position of Legion Commander, and he would even strive to secure Princess Soronna’s lifelong happiness with Domu before Her Majesty the Empress.

“Mr. Mofimod…” Domu, too, shifted his gaze to Mofimod in surprise, looking at him with a hint of astonishment. Domu indeed sensed sincerity from Mofimod. However, Domu himself was unsure whether he should trust the other party. While Domu held a favorable impression of Mofimod, he felt he should remain cautious in this unfamiliar world. Yet, as someone who considered himself emotional, Domu felt Mofimod might be trustworthy. Thus, Domu decided to reveal a few details about himself to Mofimod. After all, in this unknown world, having a demigod friend would always make things easier. Since befriending Mr. Tule, Domu had maintained a high degree of anticipation for making friends, even if Mr. Tule had seemed a little strange just now.

“Indeed… due to some personal reasons, I cannot fully disclose my situation to you, Mr. Mofimod. However, what I can tell you is that I did defeat a demon performing a summoning ritual. I learned from Soronna that the demon’s name was Soron Nemost.” Domu spoke to Mofimod with profound sincerity.

“Hmm… Soron Nemost, an ancient demon from a millennium ago, known as the Lord of Demons. Lord Domu, for you to have vanquished him, you truly possess an undeniable and absolute power. Even I would not be confident in facing him in battle.”

Mofimod sensed that Domu’s words were truthful. However, the impact of hearing something from a third party versus hearing it directly from the person involved was significantly different. Even as a demigod, Mofimod felt genuine admiration upon hearing directly from Domu that he had slain the ancient demon Soron Nemost. Although this man and the princess were indeed… his personal strength was absolutely beyond question. However, Mofimod’s statement wasn’t entirely truthful; Mofimod alone might not be confident in defeating the Lord of Demons, but it would be a completely different story for the Second Legion Commander of the Norachi Kingdom, possessing the Rotten Dragon Blade.

“My encounter with Soronna also happened in the Velsen Forest. Later, I heard that Soronna’s mercenary group had accepted a special mission, which led them to the heart of the Velsen Forest. It was precisely because of that encounter that Soronna and I became good friends,” Domu continued.

“Indeed… that is correct…”

It was true that Princess Soronna had actively gone to the Velsen Forest before encountering Domu, which temporarily ruled out the possibility that this man had deliberately approached Princess Soronna. However, one point still puzzled Mofimod: he had learned from Lord Baro that the mission to investigate the center of the Velsen Forest was not issued by the royal palace, but rather, Princess Soronna had entrusted General Baro to issue it in the name of the royal palace. This seemed fraught with contradictions. Could Princess Soronna have known all along that she would meet this man in the Velsen Forest?

“As for… why I need to make a name for myself as a mercenary… in truth, I am searching for someone… someone incredibly important to me…” As he spoke, Domu thought of Na’er again. He wondered how Na’er was doing now. During this time, Domu had tried to communicate with Na’er every day, but even though Na’er’s icon remained lit on his friends list, there was never any response, which made Domu increasingly worried.

“Searching for someone? Perhaps you could tell me more; I might be able to help. By the way, about the person you’re looking for, could I ask what their relationship is to you, Lord Domu?” This answer surprised Mofimod. He hadn’t expected Domu’s purpose in gaining fame to be for finding someone. But… why use this method to find someone? And who exactly was this person Domu was so intent on finding? Mofimod grew curious.

“They are my relative, and currently, my only remaining relative in this world apart from Dora. Haha…” Domu did not tell Mofimod Na’er’s name, not because he didn’t trust him, but because Domu no longer placed his hopes on others. After all, Na’er was just his sister’s name in a game; how would anyone in this world know Na’er’s name? Domu chuckled, a hint of self-mockery in his laugh.

“Relative… Dora…” Mofimod, who had just begun to trust Domu’s words, suddenly jolted as if awakened. Dora, that sounded like a little girl’s name… That’s right… this man… he had a daughter. So, the only relative he was searching for… could it be his wife?!?