TFWSDW 67

~Chapter 67~

He took my casual question and threw the bait right back at me.

Well, he is the main character’s top companion after all — nicknamed “Dog Who Finds Fanatics.”
Already trying to start an investigation.

“…Actually, hic, at first I thought that no matter who I told, it would either never be passed on properly or would just be brushed aside.”

I narrowed my eyes.

Oh, he understands the Church better than I thought.

That was the correct answer.

On the surface, the Church seemed to focus on exposing undercover fanatics, but in truth, it was tangled with countless politics and personal interests.

It meant the most important information could sometimes be hidden.

So I didn’t think a report from Bennett — who had no backing — would cause any change. Everything went exactly as expected.

“My steps… felt heavy all the way. I felt like I was committing a wrong against the Candidate…”

Just moments ago he had looked at me like a wildcat, and now he was bawling again.

…Was he always this much of a crybaby?

“Ah, Dad, do you have a handkerchief? Hand…shu…chief?”

“…I do, but it’s your personal one.”

Is that what matters right now?!

Dad hesitated, then put me down and brought over a clean cloth.

“First stop crying, wipe your face, and then talk.”

I blinked calmly.

He looked like a big dog showing he was wronged. His drooping eyes made him look even more pitiful.

“Well, let me say this first — I’m not going to scold you. After all… this was bound to happen at some point. I even expected it.”

“…What?”

I told the dumbfounded Bennett the truth. I had never trusted him from the start.

“I expected you to talk. I even expected you to betray me.”

Well… maybe betrayal wasn’t the right word. There had never been any trust to begin with.

“I didn’t betray you!!”

Whoa — I opened my eyes wide because Bennett suddenly shouted so loudly.

Dad only furrowed his brows but had already lifted me up in his arms.

“Lower your voice. Do you know before whom you dare to raise it?”

“I-I’m sorry…”

“No, Dad, don’t be like that.”

You’ll scare him and make him cry again. Then I can’t get any answers.

“Well… hic, you might not believe me, but… I don’t even know why I told Sir Tatum…”

His voice weakened, as if even he realized it made no sense.

I was surprised.

Wait… is he saying he really didn’t say it himself?

Not remembering properly meant Usher had used some ability to draw it out of him.

I had assumed Bennett told everything willingly before Usher used his power. And if Bennett had reported everything, I didn’t think Usher would have spared him.

That’s why I had been worried for his safety…

But he didn’t speak voluntarily?

I thought hard.

[Forum – Off-topic]
[Main Character Companion List 1]
Bennett Satein
◆ Direct Subordinate: Vice-Captain of the Holy Knights of Blue
◆ Traits: Very good intuition, highly suspicious, great at finding fanatics — nicknamed “Dog Who Finds Fanatics.”
Also has exceptional investigative skills and, most importantly, a very high “Mental Strength” stat.

Which means… he’s resistant to mental attacks like “Brainwash” and “Faint.”

What does this mean?
It means he could be a perfect counter to that cursed Usher everyone hates.

“Tell me in more detail.”

“Huh?”

“Why do you think you can’t remember? Do you remember anything at all?”

I knew his mental resistance and intuition made him a top recruit, but… abilities usually matured by adulthood. I hadn’t expected much now.

But to think he’s already this sharp as a kid…

“Uh… I really don’t remember much, but… ah! I do remember one thing.”

Bennett hesitated, then said, “It was, ‘It doesn’t work.’ I don’t know what it meant.”

His gaze met mine.

“I think Sir Tatum… did something to me.”

Oh-ho.

This is better than I thought.

It felt like an unclaimed winning lottery ticket had walked right up to me.

I asked Dad to put me down and leaned toward Bennett.

“Going within an enemy’s attack range is dangerous.”

“It’s fine. It’s fine. Dad’s here.”

“….”

Bennett’s eyes went wide at the sudden close distance, unsure what to do.

I grinned. Time to turn a crisis into an opportunity.

“Okay, I understand everything you said. So… you think you owe me, right?”

Bennett blinked, then slowly nodded.

“Yes… you actually saved my life, and this time too… I didn’t want to talk. Really.”

“Then, can you do one thing for me next time, no matter what it is?”

Even if he said no, I’d understand. Maybe he had only come because Usher had messed with his head and he wanted to get rid of the bad feeling.

But I had already thought of a way to use his mental resistance. Usher had caused me more than enough trouble lately.

Now let him suffer for once.

“Yes, I’ll do anything.”

Oh, he agreed.

“Even if I have to give my life.”

I froze for a moment.

Uh… it doesn’t have to be that serious.

I scratched my cheek. Bennett glanced at me, then spoke carefully.

“And… I want to serve Candidate Nemesia.”

Huh?

“…Only the Pope’s attendants can serve, you know?”

“No, I mean… I just want to follow you!”

Flustered, Bennett’s face turned bright red. It was cute, but confusing.

All of a sudden?

The fierce little dog who once glared at me even after I saved him was gone.

“Of course… I’m still a useless rookie with no achievements… but I know how to judge.”

When I didn’t reply, Bennett became more desperate.

“You will be the one to truly lead the Church, Candidate!”

Then, glancing at me, he quickly corrected himself.

“Well, I don’t know who will be Pope in the end, but still!”

…Look at this guy. He hasn’t even explained why he was acting like a fanatic underground, and now just because I saved him, he’s throwing away all suspicion?

That was when—

[Congratulations! You have moved someone with love! A ‘companion’ who will save the world with you has appeared!]

What the—

[Will you recruit ‘Bennett Satein’ as a companion?]

Why is this popping up…?

Nothing in this game was easy, and that included recruiting companions. You needed at least 80 affinity points.

What did we even do to get here!?

I stared at the prompt and rubbed my chin.

Well… he was the top-priority main character companion, and he had rolled right into my lap.

I didn’t think too hard about it.

I smiled brightly at Bennett.

“No, you can’t.”