Lord Of Doom!Reincarnated Into a Novel as the Strongest Side Character-Chapter 74: Eve Department

After waking Toki, the three made their way outside. Gojin bid farewell to Averyl, promising to return soon. He had thoroughly enjoyed her company and hoped they would meet again in the future.

***

The three of them approached the carriage waiting by the curb. The driver, a man dressed in a long, weathered coat, greeted them with a nod as they climbed aboard. Gojin, with his modern sensibilities, took a moment to observe the situation. The carriage was plain but robust, its wooden frame sturdy and its wheels creaking as the two strong horses pulled it forward. It rocked gently as they settled into their seats, and Howl adjusted his cloak, his keen eyes swept over their surroundings.

The driver, known as a ’carter,’ gave a low whistle, and the horses began trotting away. The carriage rattled and swayed along cobbled streets, taking sharp turns and winding through narrow alleys. As they passed several buildings—some half-timbered and some made of stone—the atmosphere felt distinctly medieval to Gojin, with the scent of earth and the clatter of metal ringing in the air. The streets were bustling with traders, merchants, and townsfolk, all dressed in the fashion of the day.

After what seemed like an age, the carriage finally came to a halt. They had arrived in front of a towering five-storey building, a striking difference to the smaller, simpler structures that surrounded it. The building was a grand affair, made of dark stone with arched windows and intricately carved stonework around the door. The upper floors seemed to stretch high into the sky, their windows framed by elegant stone cornices, while the ground floor was adorned with large wooden doors and columns.

Gojin, having hail from the modern world filled with towering skyscrapers and advanced architecture, wasn’t particularly shocked. He had grown accustomed to seeing impressive buildings from his time. However, he was not blind to the craftsmanship; it was clear that this was a significant achievement for the time period.

Toki, however, couldn’t take his eyes off the building. His mouth was agape, and his wide eyes sparkled with awe. He was completely enchanted, as though the structure was a vision from another world.

"It’s... magnificent!" he exclaimed under his breath, unable to contain his admiration. He was fascinated by the concrete used in its construction, as wood and shoji were commonly used in his homeland.

After a moment of silent admiration, the carter tipped his hat and the three disembarked. Howl paid him in the local currency—coins known as ’pennies,’ which came in various denominations. A single penny was the smallest coin, while larger ones were referred to as ’shillings’ and ’crowns.’ The exchange rate was simple: twelve pennies made a shilling, and twenty shillings made a crown, the highest denomination in daily use. The coins were made of silver, and the weight and design of each coin reflected its value.

As Howl handed over the correct amount, Gojin noted the simplicity and practicality of the currency, each coin stamped with the image of a monarch or a symbol of the kingdom. It was a straightforward system, and he was pleased it was so easy to understand this ancient form of money. He also found himself enjoying this glimpse into history.

The young boy, Toki, tightened his grip around the large, heavy backpack he carried. Gojin, noticing how Toki had completely immersed himself in the grandeur of the building, reached over and slapped the back of his head lightly.

"Come on, Little one," Gojin chuckled. "We need to move."

Toki snapped out of his daze, blinking rapidly as he realised they were about to enter. With a quick shake of his head, he followed Gojin and Howl towards the grand entrance of the building.

"Welcome to the Eve Department."

As they stepped inside, the atmosphere was hushed and solemn. The entrance hall of the building was dimly lit with torches mounted to the stone walls, with tall stone columns stretching up to the high, vaulted ceiling. The air was thick with the smell of old parchment and incense. Few people were present, and the silence was only broken by the soft sound of footsteps echoing through the vast space.

Howl led the way, his voice low as he began to explain the functions of the department. "This is the Eve Department," he began, "the hub of the exorcist network in the city. Exorcists from across the Kingdom come here, drawn from distant churches and places far and wide. They are trained to deal with the growing demon threat." He paused, his eyes flicking to the shadows as if measuring their presence. "The demons have become more numerous and aggressive lately, far more than when I first started."

As they moved deeper into the building, Howl continued, "Most exorcists live scattered throughout the city, staying in rented lodgings. They don’t stay here permanently. They report in once a week, to present their progress—tallying their kills and recounting their encounters. It’s a solitary existence for many of them." His gaze grew thoughtful for a moment before he added, "It’s rare for the demons to be dealt with in groups; each exorcist often faces them alone."

Gojin agreed with that. In fact, he rather liked that theory.

The trio walked past several desks, some with parchment scattered across them, others completely abandoned, as the staff appeared few in number that day, a Saturday. The building, despite its size, felt eerily quiet.

Just then, a young woman rushed towards them. She was a striking figure—a maiden in her early twenties, with long auburn hair tied neatly in a braid that cascaded over her shoulder. Her skin was fair and smooth, her features soft yet defined, with emerald green eyes. Her dress, a deep shade of green, contrasted beautifully with the pale stone around them, and the faint scent of lavender followed her as she hurried toward Howl.

"Master Howl," she greeted him with a slight curtsy, her voice light. She turned towards Gojin and Toki with a friendly smile. "And welcome to you both," she added, giving them a polite nod. "I am Eliza, at your service."

Howl nodded in return. "Eliza," he said, his tone casual, "Grumpy Mason is asking for me, I presume?"

At the mention of "Grumpy Mason," Gojin and Toki couldn’t help but stifle a chuckle. The name was simply too amusing, and they shared a brief, quiet laugh among themselves.

"Indeed, Master Howl," Eliza confirmed, her lips curling slightly as if she, too, found the name humorous. "He’s been waiting in his old attic."

"Grumpy Mason," Howl muttered under his breath, shaking his head. "Very well. Eliza, could you take these two to my office? They can wait there for me."

"Of course," Eliza responded, a smile playing at the corners of her lips. "Follow me, please."

She led them up a narrow staircase to the second floor, the stone steps creaking slightly beneath their feet. At the top, they turned down a long corridor, with doors on either side, each leading to various offices and rooms. Eliza stopped at a door towards the end of the hall and pushed it open, revealing a modest office with a large wooden desk, papers scattered across its surface, and a large window overlooking the city.

"Please, make yourselves comfortable," Eliza said, her smile warm as she stepped back. "Master Howl won’t be long."

She left the room, closing the door quietly behind her as Gojin and Toki settled into the chairs. The faint sound of footsteps grew quieter as Eliza disappeared down the corridor, leaving the two of them alone to wait for Howl’s return. The two of them each took a seat on the elegantly crafted wooden chairs.

After Eliza left, Gojin and Toki sat in silence for a moment, taking in their surroundings. A few moments later, Eliza returned, carrying a small tray with a delicate teapot and two porcelain cups. On the tray were also a few biscuits—short, round, and golden brown, with a slightly crumbly texture. They looked simple but inviting, with a light dusting of sugar on top.

Food? Finally, someone knows how to treat guests. Gojin commented inwardly.

Eliza set the tray down on the small table between them. "I thought you might appreciate a bit of refreshment while you wait," she said with a warm smile.

Gojin smiled, nodding in appreciation as he reached for a biscuit quickly with Toki. He couldn’t help but think how much the English seemed to love their tea and biscuits. It was a combination that, no matter the time of day, was always offered in any home or establishment across the land. The pairing had become an almost sacred tradition—comforting, simple, and perfect for any occasion.

As Gojin and Toki dipped the biscuit into their tea, he took a moment to savour the moment. It was indeed a pleasant little indulgence while they awaited Howl’s return. Of course, they had been taught a little about the Kingdom before arriving, so they were somewhat familiar with its culture and way of life.

After what felt like an eternity, Howl finally returned. The seats Gojin and Toki had been sitting on had already started to cause them discomfort.