55. Employer

Time is of the essence. The sound of fighting has likely alerted Church patrols. Follow me.

But...these people helped the Church and foiled my plans.

We chose to hide our identity, so the responsibility falls on me. And this is no time to assign blame.

Who are you? What's with the commotion?

Your first task is to create a distraction to cover our retreat.

...

(Looks like we have no choice. We'll have to be careful not to cause any casualties.)

It's about time. They'll call for reinforcements if we drag this on any longer.

Let's go! Make sure you keep up!

Alright, we've lost them.

What's this place?

Welcome to one of our safehouses. No one knows that this place is owned by the God Eaters.

...If you're the client, you have our reward, right?

Here, this is the Relic component that you're looking for, right?

Looks like the same type as the ones we've gathered...the reward looks legitimate. What about the mission?

(Nods) Good, looks like we have an understanding. How much do you know about the God Eaters, of which I'm the founder?

How was that? It's just a simulator, but it's enough to give you an idea of what we're facing.

...Does this mean you intend to openly oppose the Church?

We're simply making clear the beliefs we've always held...but it's true that our enemy will consider this an open declaration of hostilities.

That's why we're assigning most of our forces out to maintain security . However, that also means we're short on manpower to ensure my personal safety.

It would be a major setback for the God Eaters if the sermon is interrupted, or any harm comes to its leader.

I see. That's why you hired Teslovik, who operate independently of the four great powers, and are thus the least likely to betray you.

Of course, I've also heard about your exploits in Bifrost. We feel confident about your ability.

And even if you choose to turn down our offer, you would refrain from interfering with our plans because of the chip that I hold in my hand.

...You're being rather frank, Lady Guinevere.

You can drop the 'Lady' title. The sermon will take place within the week. Your mission is to protect me until then. Do we have a deal?

(Doesn't look like there are any traps, very well...)

We accept the job, and commit to performing the mission to the best of our abilities within the contract period.

In that case, welcome to the team. We'll talk about the arrangements later, but there's another matter that requires my attention right now.

Gryph, why did you attempt to assassinate Vivi?

How, how did you know...

I receive reports of every operation. I'm more surprised you thought you could hide this from me. Explain yourself.

...

Assuming the pope does not intervene personally, Vivi represents the greatest threat to our public sermon.

I know full well what her powers are, and we have made preparations. Why did you take action outside of our plans?

(Vivi's magic is powerful, but there seems to be more to their wariness of her...)

That was the only chance we had. St. Jordan is under the Church's watchful eye, and there were no apparent opportunities.

Vivi doesn't bring too many people with her on patrols, and they won't be on high alert. It was the perfect opportunity to assassinate her.

So that was why you took action without consulting me?

Even if we only managed to heavily injure Vivi, the Church would be too busy looking for me to care about your sermon.

...Gryph, I appreciate your sense of duty to the God Eaters, but your actions go against my wishes.

This is not out of any personal emotion, simply objective analysis of the situation. Your actions have seriously compromised us.

I don't understand.

We have avoided direct conflict with the Church because we believe that we're right. The God Eaters will not engage in violence before the Church does. This is how we get the people to listen to us.

If we stray from this path for our own interests, it will invalidate the doctrines and tenets that we have been preaching.

So what you mean is this: The people of the Empire have become accustomed to the God Eaters' passive stance. By actively attacking, it will damage the God Eaters' reputation and cast doubt over the doctrines that you preach.

Exactly. I ask the same of you during your employment with us - you must not be the first to use force.

...Very well, I understand my mistake. But I still can't trust these people.

Let's test them then. Come with me to the simulation room.

Huh? But I already fought them...

(By that expression, it looks like she's itching for a fight...that's unexpected.)

Very good. Looks like we can trust you to do your jobs in the next few days.

Job...? Aren't you hiring us to protect you?

I will assign a few tasks to you, for you to familiarize yourselves with the God Eaters organization. Consider it your break in period.