There was one more thing that Yuuri was concerned about.
She had previously spoken twice with Iris in the consciousness space. If she could also pull Brol’s consciousness into that space for a conversation, then there would be no need to worry about him making a fuss in the real world and attracting the nearby knights in ambush.
If that didn’t work, then she could only do as before: pretend she couldn’t find what she wanted and force Brol to bring out something truly interesting.
As long as he took her into that hidden room, she could quickly make her move and subdue him.
Of course, that would mean things needed to be settled swiftly. Otherwise, the knights lurking nearby would surely notice something if she stayed too long in that small room.
“Iris, can we pull other people’s consciousness into the consciousness space where we spoke before?”
Walking into the shop, Yuuri pretended to look for goods on the shelves. Brol, sitting behind the counter, seemed not to notice anything unusual and was busy polishing something.
“That’s your consciousness space. If you want to pull others in, it shouldn’t be a problem. Why do you ask…”
Iris glanced back at Brol behind the counter. “What, you want to drag that guy in?”
She nodded. If she could, that would naturally be the best.
“The consciousness of a little merchant like him? Of course that’s possible. However, since you’re not in full control yet, Yuuri-chan, with your current strength, you’ll only be able to keep him in for a few minutes at most.”
A few minutes, huh.
As long as she could get him to reveal the reason behind all this, a few minutes would be more than enough.
Even if there was someone orchestrating things behind him, if she bluffed him a bit in the consciousness space, he’d probably spill everything in one go.
“By the way, Iris, once he’s in the consciousness space, will he be able to see you?”
“He should be able to. Why, you want me to help scare him?”
“If I can’t get anything out of him, maybe.”
“Eh… so you’re just taking for granted that I’ll help you out? When did I ever say I’d keep helping you?”
“This is a perfect chance to scare someone. You wouldn’t want to miss out, right?”
As soon as Yuuri finished speaking, she noticed Iris fell silent for a moment. Judging by her changing expression, the little Evil God really did want to seize this opportunity.
Seeming to have made up her mind, a sly grin curled at Iris’s lips.
“Well, since Yuuri needs my help, I’ll just barely agree to lend a hand this time.”
So, she was clearly the one who wanted to scare people.
As for how to pull Brol’s consciousness into her own consciousness space, normally, she wouldn’t be able to do it. So, she had to use the power she obtained from her deal with Iris.
Feigning frustration at not finding what she needed, Yuuri approached the counter. Brol was still polishing the item in his hands.
“Is there something you need?”
He looked up, and seeing her masked and cloaked appearance, Brol couldn’t help but stare a moment longer.
But soon, he withdrew his gaze.
Looks like he hadn’t recognized her as the person he swindled the other day. Yuuri’s lips curled into a cold sneer.
Time to settle the score.
“Shopkeeper, do you have anything truly interesting?”
“What is it you’re looking for?”
“For example, an assistant named Kaf, who’s gone missing.”
The moment those words left her lips, Brol’s face twisted into a grimace.
He was about to make a move, only to find he couldn’t move his body at all.
“You… Who are you?!”
Everything around them quickly faded, vanishing like peeling paint. Darkness replaced everything in his vision. In the pitch-black void, he saw a blurry figure gradually becoming clearer.
It was the cloaked girl who’d stood before the counter moments ago. Now, she was the one dragging him into this darkness.
“It’s you!”
“Long time no see, Shopkeeper Brol.”
She spoke in the same voice as when they last met. For the first time, the eternally unflappable Brol revealed a hint of panic.
“Where is this? What are you… What do you want? I’m telling you, there are knights nearby—”
“Shopkeeper Brol, perhaps you should worry about yourself first.”
A muffled thud sounded behind him. Turning, he saw a huge, nightmarish monster had appeared right behind him. As he turned, it let out a furious roar.
Having spent years in business, Brol had seen plenty of strange things. But being dragged into a dark space and seeing a terrifying monster behind him—this was a first.
Cold sweat dripped down his forehead as he stiffly turned back, his voice trembling.
“Who… Who are you? Where is this?”
“Shopkeeper Brol, my patience is very limited. If you keep dodging my questions, I can’t guarantee what that thing behind you will do.”
She’d thought Iris would do something elaborate to scare him, but this crude, straightforward approach was surprisingly effective, judging by Brol’s ghastly expression.
That little Evil God must be delighted inside.
“This…”
“I hold a grudge, you know. Those knights came looking for me with such clear intent that day, Shopkeeper Brol. Tell me, what was that about?”
“I didn’t—”
“So, nothing good to say?”
Yuuri gestured to the nightmare—embodied by Iris—to come closer. The huge figure loomed up behind Brol, lowering its head and opening its maw wide. Sticky, saliva-like fluid dripped from its mouth, landing on Brol’s forehead.
The real sensation made him shudder. At first, he thought this was just an illusion, but the palpable touch of the liquid convinced him he had truly been dragged into some alternate space.
What kind of terrifying being could wield such power?
“My patience is running thin. Next, I can’t promise what the thing behind you will do.”
“I’ll talk, I’ll talk! Ask me anything, I’ll tell you everything!”
Brol looked ashen, realizing he was well and truly done for this time.
Good.
As for whether real harm could be done in the consciousness space, Yuuri didn’t actually know. But as long as she could intimidate Brol and threaten him, it would be enough.
“First, Shopkeeper Brol, those knights—you called them, right? I don’t recall ever offending you. So tell me, why?”
“I was forced.”
As expected, there was someone pulling the strings.
Given the current situation, Brol probably didn’t dare lie to her. After all, when people lie, they tend to display unconscious movements. If she caught on, the monster behind him might devour him on the spot.
Under such psychological pressure, those actions would be even more obvious.
Naturally, he didn’t dare lie now.
“I’m just responsible for baiting the hook. It’s the knights who do the catching.”
“Enough, that’s not what I want to hear. Or are you trying to stall for time, Shopkeeper Brol?”
“No, no, I wouldn’t dare.”
“Then, who’s the one behind all this? What do they want?”