30 I'm here for the time being.

Early the next morning, Lakra came to my house.

She told me that she had received an urgent message from Mejis. The message was to explain the situation to King Taize and ask him to help in the search for the book.

At first, I tilted my head at the sudden change in the Yugra cult's behavior, but as I heard the details from Lakra, the reason became clear.

To my surprise, Lakra had foolishly reported to her boss in Mejis that she had requested the cooperation of someone who was a candidate for the high priest.

I agreed to keep quiet about it, but I didn't keep quiet about it myself. Well, now that he knows about our relationship, he has to be reasonable.

Incidentally, Lakra told me that there was a gap of about a day between the report and the instructions. It is safe to assume that a different person from the one who is giving instructions to Lakra ordered this decision.

The person currently giving orders to Lakra is the archbishop called Ukka, and the person who can give orders to Ukka is Pope Eupharo.

Now we can see the position of the Yugra cult, or more precisely, those who are giving orders to Lakra. They only understand the book as a book that contains information on necromancy. That seems to be the natural way of thinking.

At the same time, however, a problem arises. The book currently exists in Tarz Castle.

In the end, the book was to be found in Lakra's ward and returned to her in a transaction. I had hoped to finish deciphering the book in the meantime, but this is a problem.

Since I was asked to cooperate directly, I had to choose between revealing the existence of the book and returning it immediately, or hiding the existence of the book. It is possible to hide the book, but then the timing of the return becomes difficult.

It would also deceive Mejis, who had honestly offered to negotiate with him. Taze is not trying to pick a fight with Mejis. He wants to confirm the danger of the book.

And even at this stage, the danger of the book is very great. It's beyond dangerous.

Well, there's no point in worrying about it alone. Marito has the final say. I am sure that Marito will make a responsible choice. As soon as the situation arose, I went to the castle by myself.

I thought that when I approached you, a candidate for the position of librarian, to help me, that you would have been asked to do so by your superiors.

"That's true, I suppose.

How long do you think it will take to decipher it?

Well... I'll need two more days to read the whole thing to him.

Given the amount of time left, yes. Do you think one day will be enough for a rough deciphering?

I think we can do it.

It's not that I want to completely decipher the methods of necromancy. If we can just figure out what it says, we'll be fine.

He decides to accept Lakra's request for help. And later, he returns the book that was kept in the treasury as if he had found it. That's how it went.

Since Lakra is able to detect lies, he uses people who don't know the situation to tell the truth. Lakra's questioning style is sometimes very sensitive, and I was afraid that it might come out at some point, so I was saved.

"I'm just curious about something.

"Let me guess. It's about the other searchers, isn't it?

Yeah, I asked Lackla about it, but she said she didn't know. Well, I'm sure whoever chose Lacla understands that it's not a good idea to explain things to her.

"But there's no explanation for that, is there?　Is it simply her, or is she going to keep it under wraps because its existence is not public knowledge?

I think it's the latter. If it's someone who can work in secret, there's a good chance it's someone from the country's dark side. If you've been sending people to other countries, it's inevitable that there will be friction between the two countries even if you confess.

I'd like to start by saying that I'm sure he's here, but I don't want to come on too strong if he's hiding a book that's crucial.

I'd like to tell you that I'm sure he's here, but I don't want to be too tough on him since he's got the book hidden away." "But I'm pretty sure he put the discovery of the book and his relationship with Taze ahead of clearing up his suspicions about Maya. If she would just disappear on her own, there would be no need to poke around in the bushes.

That's all for now. I'll decipher the book roughly and return it to Mejis. I'll deal with the threat later.

I guess I didn't need to warn Gazen not to go out at night.

He has a life of his own and should withdraw it quickly. So I leave Marito and head for the alleyway.

"Gazen, you there?

Hey, I haven't spent all my money yet.

Gazen was reading a book while sipping on the sake I gave him yesterday. He's savoring the drink. It was recommended by Godz, so I can't help but understand his feelings.

The book Gazen is reading is ....... From the title, I guess it is a book on agriculture.

"Well, yesterday's story seems to have been unfounded.

"Well. But even if you ask me for my money back, I've spent a lot of it.

The book. I'm not gonna ask you to give me my money back when I've already given you what you want.

That's very generous of you.

Are you trying to grow a crop with that book?

I was thinking maybe I could get some soil from outside, put it in a box, make a little garden.

A vegetable garden in a planter, that's not a bad way to grow food. I'll recommend it to Wolfe, it'll be good for his education.

"Make a hole in the bottom and fill it with pumice. It'll drain better and be less prone to root rot.　

Oh, you know a lot about that stuff, huh?

"I used to know a guy who grew plants for fun. That's all I ever heard of it.

"Plants don't talk too much and they don't avoid people. That's good for a guy like me.

They don't complain, that's for sure, but if you don't take care of them properly, they'll die without saying a word.

That's right. You have to take care of them at least that much, right? I'm going to go pick up some rocks like you asked me to.

Gazen stood up slowly and walked on. A planter in a back alley. There might be some complaints if you only grow food.

Maybe it would be better for Gazen to consider the landscape and give some advice so as not to create friction with the people around him.

It's my money. If you have a good harvest, you should share some of it with me.

"Only a little. Heh.

After separating from Gazen, I had lunch and met up with Lacla. It seems that Marito acted quickly while we were taking a detour, and a messenger had already arrived to tell Lacla that he agreed to help.

As long as he requested the country to search for the book, he should be able to explain it to the Iliad.

"That's why Lakra came to Taze in pursuit of the book Docola is said to have stolen.

"I see. So that's why you've been guiding him around the walls and climbing the mountains with him.

The only reason you didn't explain it to Ilias was because Lakra made you keep it to yourself. It's top secret.

I'm sorry, sir. I'm sorry, but we have our own reasons. ......

No, it's enough that you know why. I'm sure the Yugoslavs would like to keep the fact that you kept a book on necromancy a secret.

"By the way, as for why you knew about it before we did, when we went around the village...

"Whoa!　Whoa!　Whoa!

Shut up!

He explains to Ilias about his relationship with Lakra. I'll explain to him how the spell was cast.

But don't tell him that Marito has the book. This is because it is information that Lakra cannot know. I'll only share the same amount of information as Rakura.

"Master Shosho, you promised to keep this a secret. ......

"I guess I don't have to weigh the damage to my relationship with the Iliad against the damage to Lakra's appearance.

Ugh. ......

Oh, I see. Well, I'll keep my mouth shut, so don't worry.

"How sweet of Mr. Iliad. ......!　On the other hand, ......

"Someone stupidly reported it to the top, and now we've got the whole country involved.

It's important to report, communicate and consult.

Ilias listened to the whole story and began to think. He must be remembering Docola's memory. Then, of course, that topic will come up.

"Didn't Docora tell you to check out the base as a parting gift?

There you go. Ilias is a brainy guy, but not a birdbrain. He's a brilliant type who's mastered all kinds of magic. He's also the type of person who will say anything that comes to his mind.

He's not inflexible, though, as he'll go along with you if you agree with him beforehand.

I just don't like the idea of having Ilias lie or hide things from me.

Yeah. The next two days, the bases were searched and the stolen goods and valuables were recovered. There's a good chance it's in the castle.

You knew it was likely to be in the castle, so you had it warded from the outside. ......

The most likely reason for this is because the castle is the most likely place for the money and stolen goods to flow from the country to the city. Should I have asked him if he wanted to ride into the castle, since that was the most likely scenario?

That's ...... hmm.

I'll stop you from doing that.

I know.

It looks like we'll be finishing our survey of the treasury tomorrow, so let's just prepare the wards today.

I can't say it will be in vain. I'm sorry to say that you've got the motivation, but let's hope you don't overdo it.

...... Now that you mention it, why did Docola say something about a parting gift to Master Shosho?

"It's because he cornered Docola. And Docola recognized him.

What?

Don't bother with ........ I didn't want to get in trouble, so I didn't tell you I was having an affair with Docola.

I was just lucky enough to know where he was going. I believe it was Ilias who defeated Dokora by cleaving the entire forest with his undead.

That's true, but...

If that was the case, you should have told me.

That's not good. How can I excuse myself? ...... I must answer without lying. I did this, I did that, I did this.

I don't like to stand out. I've been working with Lakra, but I didn't want Mejis to know who I am. That's why I didn't want him to know that I was involved in defeating Dokora. I'm sorry.

"I see. ...... No, don't worry about it. I can't help but feel that way because my position requires me to answer all questions without concealment.

That's nice of you to say.

Lakra returned to Maja's church and began to prepare the tools for warding. She will also take care of Wolfe for me.

Ilias will go back to work, and I will go to the castle with him to finish deciphering the book. Of course, I only told him that I was called by Marito.

I suppose I owe Ilias an apology, too.

Me?

"Well, you're his roommate under his protection. You could've at least talked to him about it.

Lacla kept you in the dark, didn't she? I've missed you, but it's better than having you break your promise.

Did you miss her?

No, no, what can I say? I mean, I knew you two had a secret in common, but I felt so left out that I couldn't join you. ......

You're lonely.

It's not just me. And it's not just me, Wolfe was wondering about it too!

Wolfe can be quite perceptive, too. But in the case of Wolfe, I think he was concerned about Iliad. Seeing someone close to you in distress makes you uneasy. Wolfe is that kind of girl.

She then resumed the deciphering process with Marito. He changed course and roughly explained the contents of the document. He then proceeded to delve into the details that Marito and Sir Ragdoll had pointed out.

However, it still took a long time, and as the sun was setting, we had to stay at the castle. He asked Ilias to pick him up from Wolfe and had dinner at the castle.

This is the first time we have eaten together like this. It's refreshing to work all night!

When I was underage, I could stay up all night and still have energy, but it's hard. ......

You don't look very strong.

Not just physically. It's not just physical, it's mental too. Concentration is not supposed to last all night.

But I'm only reading, and understanding is something I'm doing on my own.

It is Marith and Lord Raggedy who actually understand and remember. Oh yeah, you too, Mr. Darkness.

The work continues through the night, gobbling up Lord Ragdoll's evening meal, a priceless item that Godz or Cyra would display on their foreheads.

--------------------------------------

I'm not sure what to say.

I walk through the city at night humming. I'm feeling good today. It's natural to be in a good mood on a day when things are going well.

I'm out of booze. ...... I'll be good for two days.

I clutch my empty leather bag. It was a good drink. I wonder if that kid will bring me some more.

I can buy it with the money I have on hand, but there's nothing like a drink given to you.

But then again, some people like to drink. He's an odd one. He's a bit of an oddball. He's always acting like he doesn't care about me and giving me looks. .......

Give me a drink, give me money, and talk to me as a single person. If he had just given me the money, I would have given him the information, but he's too lax in his treatment of the homeless.

I'll give you an extra ...... thank you if you make some good vegetables.

I close my eyes and enjoy the lingering effects of the barely there alcohol and move on.

The alleyway is my garden, so I can walk through it with my eyes closed. All I can hear is the faint sound of people talking in the night.

Oh, that couple over there is having another boring fight. Are you obsessed with chopping vegetables today? Just take a bite.

The old lady over there is still mumbling to herself. Her grandson's coming to check on her in a few days. Get some sleep.

It's ...... from here. I've never heard that voice before.

Open your eyes and look at the house where you heard the voice. The old man here died six months ago. It's strange that there's someone inside.

I remember what the kid said. He said some strangers were coming from outside. Is that them?

I'm too lazy to use an empty house, you bastards.

There's a window in my line of sight. I step forward and peer inside. ...... What the hell are they?

There are several men covered in black robes talking about something. It's a good idea to stay away from them. I move away from the window and away from the empty house.

I wonder what I should do, if I can get some money from that kid.

Yeah, I'm sure he'd pay me. That'll help me with my vegetable plot.

What?　What's with the sudden vision...

Hey, hey, did you kill him?

I was peeking in the house. From the look and the smell, I'd say he was a homeless bum.

Oh, my God, you broke his neck so good. They'll know you killed him.

Look what he's holding. Liquor.

Uh-oh, so I get him up like this: ...... and then I squeal!

Who's gonna make a sound?

Sorry, sorry. But now it looks like an accident, right?　Let's get out of here.

--------------------------------------

It's now morning. Finally, I've finished deciphering it to the point where I can return it. I was allowed to go home.

If I hadn't told Ilias that I was staying at the castle, I would have given him an unnecessary misunderstanding by now. If I've been indisposed lately, I'm sure Ilias will look at me harshly. I'm worried that Wolfe might try to copy me.

Whenever I hear a rumor like that, I see Ilias. There's someone beside him.

His body is sticking out of the alleyway, but he looks familiar... a guard, I think. I think it was an apprentice knight being trained by the Ragdolls.

...... This is not the usual Iliad. I wonder if something happened to him.

"Iliad, you look uncomfortable. What's wrong?

"You. No, no, I've had a bad morning. ......

What's going on?

Two guards come out of an alleyway. In their hands is a stretcher draped with cloth.

It's unnaturally raised, and someone must be on it. Someone has died, and I don't want to see a dead body in the morning.

The body on the stretcher is entirely covered with cloth and cannot be seen.

Well, I don't want to see it. But as I looked away, I found something on the ground by the alley and I was speechless.

It's a leather bag for holding liquor, something I've seen before. He rushed to the stretcher, ignored the guard's restraint, and lifted up the cloth.

"Hey, what are you...

There was the corpse of Gazen, who until yesterday had been alive and smiling ironically.

"...... Gazen, no.

Did you know him?

...... Yeah, he's a man without a home who lives in a back alley around here.

We didn't know each other very well. We were not close friends. But not a complete stranger.

I know what he likes to drink. I know what he was going to do. And yet .......

I can't help but feel that it's too easy.

He had been drinking too much and fell down. He fell and hit his head on the wall. ......

Well, ......

He was drinking in the daytime too. The wonder is ...... No, wait. I gave him this drink the day before yesterday.

Pick up the fallen leather bag. It's empty inside. The smell inside is ...... definitely the liquor I gave you.

It's a rare brew in Tarz, though it was prepared at God's discretion. It's unlikely that he bought more.

This is the only liquor that Gazen drank between the evening before last and last night. And we know from tasting it that this sake is not that strong.

What did you see of Gazen yesterday? He was certainly drinking, but his gait was .......

You go into the alleyway where Gazen may have fallen and find a wall where he seems to have hit his head.

There is blood. There is blood on the wall. This is definitely where Gazen died: ......, but ....... I look around and notice the strangeness.

"Ilias, where are we taking Gazen?

"There's already a lot of traffic out there. We don't want to attract too much attention. We'll take him to Maja's church.

Well, we're not strangers. Do you mind if I follow you?

Uh, yeah.

Gazen's body will be taken to Maja's church.

It's better here. Whisper in Ilias' ear.

I need you to take a closer look at his body. There's something suspicious about it.

What do you mean?

We think this man may have been murdered.

What do you mean?

First of all, the liquor he was drinking was on him the day before yesterday. He drank it over the course of a day and showed no signs of drinking anything else. He was still drinking yesterday, but his gait was steady. Secondly, where he fell, there was nothing to trip over. It's not the kind of place where you can fall if you're not wobbly.

That's ...... a concern, but it's not impossible that he fell by accident.

Yeah, but I hit my head to death. I hit my head so hard that I left a solid bloodstain on the wall. You fell with such force and yet your hand was uninjured. If he was conscious, he would have protected himself with his hands immediately.

"...... Okay. I'll do some research.

Ilias then went to the place where Gazen's body was kept and started examining it. He watches from behind. Eventually, Ilias speaks with a grim face.

The bones in his neck are broken. ...... This can't have been caused by a hard blow to the head. It was probably broken directly.

"...... Okay, okay.

The speculation has become real. Then I must act.

I turned on my heel and left the room. The Iliad sees me and follows.

"Wait a minute. Where do you think you're going?

The castle. I could talk to Marito about it.

"You're not going to talk to me?

He stops, turns and looks at Ilias. He was looking straight at me.

He paused for a moment to think. She paused for a moment and thought about the matter she was about to face, and the existence and position of Ilias.

She's not suited for this kind of path. That's why you should push her away.

But not ambiguously. It must be done with a firm intention.

It's a touchy subject. I don't want the knight Iliad involved.

He's already involved.

I don't want Ilias to have to bear the burden of hiding things from ...... others.

If you want me to sit back and watch you carry it, then no. Let us bear it together.

...... You'll regret it if you get involved.

I'll regret it more than you'll regret it alone.

d*mn, you're hot. Don't be so quick to answer.

You can't just rip off .......

You really think it's worth it? I'm not sure.

"I decide what you're worth. You don't get to decide.

Scratch your head. No. It's going to take a lot to make me give this up. You have to be ready to say you'll never have anything to do with the Iliad again.

But can you do that? ...... No.

I'd say, "If you really want to get involved with him, let him give in. ...... He'll kill me in seconds. ...... No, wait, don't draw your sword in no time. It's a metaphor. Wait.

I'm sorry. I'm sorry, but I think you should give up.

That's what I'm trying to tell you. ...... I can't help it. I'm not taking responsibility.

Don't worry. I'll make sure of it.

Can you please stay out of this?

This is my fault for letting my emotions get the better of me. It's our fault.

I'm the one who screwed up and I can't get it back. At least there's nothing we can do about it.

If he knows what's going on and Marito tells him, he might relent. We'll have to take her.

Let's go. We need to get to Lakra before they send an errand.

Oh, yeah.

--------------------------------------

He's changed since he saw the man called Gazen die.

I remember this, it's very similar to his mood when he hunted down Dokora.

But it was darker, darker than anything I'd felt from him before.

It switched completely when I examined the body as he asked and told him that it was most likely murdered by a man named Gazen.

He's changed. ...... No, no. I saw a side of him that he'd been hiding from us.

I had mistakenly thought that being with me and Wolfe meant that he was moving towards our side.

He is on both sides. He's on both sides.

It was not difficult for me to hold the reins of his life when I was protecting him from the bandits.

But now it is you who holds his reins. I don't know how you will lead him. But you're a king, not a knight. He doesn't know which side to take.

He must not be left alone. It's a knightly instinct I've had many times while dealing with him.

That's why the words came out so quickly.

"You're not going to talk to me?

He turns around and looks at me. Oh, that eye. No, not those eyes, I don't like them. I don't want you to look at the world that way.

It's a sordid tale. I want no part of the knight Iliad.

He throws words at me to keep me away.

He's already involved.

Don't back down. If I let him get away from me here, I can be sure that he won't be able to get away from me again. So I say what I think immediately.

I can see that he's frustrated. I think he has already gone beyond the realm of what is acceptable.

"I don't want the Iliad to have to bear the burden of hiding things from ...... others.

"If you want me to sit back and watch you carry it, then no. Let us bear it together.

I'm afraid it's the end of our relationship.

"If you get involved with ......, you'll regret it.

"I'd rather regret it with you than have you regret it alone.

I am afraid that he will give up on me. I'm afraid he'll give up on me if I keep repeating his words of rejection.

......, but suddenly the quality of his words changed.

He said, "Do you really think it's worth it? I'm pretty sure it's not.

He had been trying to use my position as a weapon to pull me away, but now he showed me his own weakness.

He's wavering, too. Don't back down. Slash him with your words.

"My value to you is determined by me. Don't decide for yourself.

I feel the venom drain from him. Oh, thank God. He's back to his normal self. A reflection of me in his mind.

I quickly draw my sword as he tells me to bend him over. Oh, it was a metaphor.

He seems to have given up trying to push me away. Thank God, I've won him over. ...... I wonder how long he thought it was a game. ...... Mmm.