Chapter 13: Trouble

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"Oh…" Bianca didn't know if she should feel sad or happy about the piece of news. On one hand, she kept herself pure, but on the other hand; she'll suffer more under the hand of Hicks. "Wh-What do you want from me then?" She asked.

"Information." He replied.

"But… I don't… never mind. May I know what it is you want to know?"

"Tell me more about Hicks."

That startled Bianca, for a stranger to suddenly ask for information on Hicks of all people? The last thing she wanted was to be hounded by the Knights in assisting a potential assassin. Not when she still had her father to save and repay the debt!

"I-I'm sorry sir, I can't divulge information on any other customers. Please underst—Cling~" Another gold coin was flipped on her lap. Her words got stuck to her throat as she watched the coin with wide eyes.

"I have way more of these… you just need to talk and you'll get rewarded each time. Do not worry about people finding out about you feeding me information; I'm a professional."

Bianca picked up the gold and stared at it for a while with a conflicted face.

"Who… who are you?" She asked after gathering enough courage.

She was afraid of him, he could clearly see it.

"Look, there is nothing to be afraid of. I give you my word that no one shall know of your involvement in any way shape or form." They won't know it's her even after he "bought" her service in the middle of the street, because they wouldn't know the culprit, to begin with.

Cling~

Another coin landed on the bed near Bianca. At this point, she was convinced that this man was some sort of noble or rich merchant from somewhere outside Ken. Who else could toss gold coins so casually!?

And that fancy clothing with black metal armor just reinforced that idea in her head.

.

.

.

"Alright, I'll talk…"

Archer nodded his head, "Good, then tell me."

The last bit of hesitation was pushing her back, but looking at the golden coin and the possibility of being given more was too enticing to ignore.

It was a gamble she was willing to take.

"Hicks… is one of Vault's two Co-Dragons or Co-commanders—the second one being Kin—and field leader when the leader isn't around. He is a dangerous and cunning man, unlike Kin who is always occupied with his research and barely interacts with the public; Hicks can be considered the second image of the Kuroinu. He is one of Maia-sama's most trusted friends and former comrades. They fought side by side with Vault, he had been granted nobility and land by the Princess Knight." She explained his general background to Archer. But the red bowman still found some missing points.

"This is interesting and all, but what makes him so dangerous?" If Vault was described to be an unstoppable warrior and Kin to be the genius Magus; then Hicks could be considered similar to an assassin. Lurking in the shadows and striking at any moment. At least, that's what Archer found out to be more likely after seeing the history of the weapon and how it was used.

"Asides from being a skilled fighter. Hicks is heavily intertwined with the Church of Lucross and nobility of the Kingdom. He is influential enough to have even barons at his beck and call. With Maia's support, he can do anything wants." Then no wonder he acted so openly vulgar in public. He is protected by the church and authority Maia intentionally or unintentionally gave him on a silver platter.

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