31 For the time being, I'm sure.

"So, why is Lord Ratzel here?

Naturally, Marith's first words were not one of welcome to the Iliad.

This is the last bulwark we have to keep the Iliad out of. I'd like to see you try a little harder.

"I brought him here because you asked me to get involved. I couldn't convince him to stay.

You could've easily pushed him away.

Yeah, I could. But I chose to involve him rather than cut him loose.

You're weak.

I don't remember you being strong.

Marito muttered and turned to face Ilias. That's not the kind of face you want to see on a knight. It's the look a king gives a knight.

"Sir Ratcliffe. The problem you have with him now is a very troubling one. If you get involved in it, your relationship with Maja of Yuggra and the Ragdolls, with whom you are very close, may be shattered. You'll be weighing up his new acquaintance with those who have been with him for a long time, and at worst you may lose both.

If that happens, it's only because you're of that caliber.

It's not love at all, is it? What made you go that far?

...... I don't know. It was just determination.

You can't argue with that if you don't know why.

Marito turned to me and let out a sigh. You're responsible for that.

You're the one who has to take the blame, remember?

Seriously. I was going to leave it to the king.

"It's not clear why Lord Ratzel wanted to get involved, but it's clear it was you. You should be sorry for the inadequacy she saw in you.

That hurts my ears. ....... That's fine. I'll start talking then. Iliad, raise your hand if you have any questions.

All right.

First, I want to talk about Lacla being killed.

Hands go up immediately.

That was fast, man. You scared the shit out of me.

I'm surprised you even brought up the subject at all!

Well, Lord Ratzel hasn't been told anything, so you'll have to explain everything step by step.

That's right. Well, I'll start at the beginning.

Yes, please.

"By the hands of the followers of the Demon Lord within the Church of Yugra...

You'll get your hand raised immediately.

It hurts. Ilias, it hurts.

Do you really want to make fun of me at this point? Is that so?

I have no choice but to explain from scratch. But Marito's not going to stop for a second.

If you want to explain from a point that the Iliad can understand, you'll have to start from the very beginning at ....... --It's too much work.

I can hear your last words clearly, even if you're whispering.

You're talking about the day after you defeated Docola. You and Grandpa Kara retrieved the parting gift Docola left for you. That's the book Lakra was looking for. That's the story of the day Ilias was sitting alone on the porch, sulking.

"Since that time, ......

"I had left it with Lord Raggedythe without reading it, because the title suggested it was a dangerous book. But later, at a dinner party, Marito asked me to decipher the book. He had started out by attending the castle as a court clown or a candidate for the high priest's office, because he didn't want to be noticed by Maja, the archbishop of Yugra, who hates taboos. That's how it's been until recently.

I didn't know that was possible ......, but deciphering necromancy books was .......

"At first we didn't even know if the book was kept by the Yugra religion, but it was highly likely that it was kept in one of the countries. So it was more like a way to find out the threat level of the hidden book.

"Indeed. If there are other countries involved, it's not something we can overlook.

Just as we were about to start decoding, Lakra came to Taze. Thanks to her amazing clumsiness, it turned out that the owner of the book was Mejis. I couldn't keep the book hidden forever, so I started to decipher it.

I don't need to tell you that I had a serious debate with Marito about whether that clunker was a trap.

I don't need to tell you that I had a serious debate with Marito about whether that clunker was a trap. "So you were stalling for time against Lakra. ...... No, no, wait, Lakra had the same ability to see through lies as Maja, right?

I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that. I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.

It's so easy to ......

"But since Lakra reported truthfully, the high priest of the Yugra religion instructed Lakra to reveal her identity and ask for help in finding the book. From there, the Iliad knows.

"So the reason for your stay was to decipher the book. ....... But wait, why are you helping to decipher it?

Then Lord Raggedy took out the book and put it on the desk.

"Because it was written in the language of Earth, which is, incidentally, my home country of Japan.

"Indeed, ...... is a language I've never seen before.

Ilias stopped talking for a moment and began to sort out the details in his mind. In the meantime, I'm going to go over the details with Marito.

All right, I've got it all sorted out. But I still can't get to the beginning. ......

"Even without fully deciphering the book, I'm pretty sure it contains information on how to obtain necromancy. The goal of the Yugra cult is to resolve the suspicions of Maja, who reported that she could not find such a dangerous book. And it is the opinion of all here that they would not leave that to a single clod like Lakra.

That's ...... right, that makes sense.

I'm sure you'll agree. Even the Iliad can be persuaded!

It was believed that there was a high possibility that another searcher was hiding in Taze, using Lakra as bait. But there was no mention of that when I asked for your help the other day. One possible reason for assuming that there is such a person is that the identity of the searcher must be kept secret. Considering that the person is capable of searching for the book with certainty, he is probably a member of the dark side of Mejis.

"Right. That's the kind of person they would use if they wanted to retrieve the book in secret. If that person is able to ...... retrieve this morning's man, it's highly likely.

Ilias has a good understanding of the situation. But here's where things start to get a little dicey.

The one giving orders to Lakra is Archbishop Ucka of Mejlis. And those instructions were changed a day after Lakra's report. That is to say, after receiving Lakra's report, Archbishop Ucka asked for a decision from his superior.

"And above the Archbishop is ...... Pope Eupharo?

Yes. I think it's safe to assume that Pope Eupalo ordered Lakra to reveal the identity of the book so as not to aggravate his relationship with Taze.

No, no, no, wait. So the man this morning--

"Yes. Pope Eupharo's order came the day before Gazen was killed. The murder happened after the head of the organization gave the order to proceed peacefully.

How is that possible?

Gadsen was a man who usually wandered the streets at night. Perhaps he was unlucky enough to find the dark side. And he was killed to keep his mouth shut. If we respect Pope Eupharo's wishes, it's only natural to immediately withdraw the sleeper cells. The reason for using them is to get under Ms. Maja's nose. Now that it's out in the open, there's no need for it.

It went into hiding and even killed one of our own. ......

What I can think of is that there's someone else who's giving orders to the dark side. Someone who is a member of the Juglar religion and yet defies the will of Pope Eupharo.

"But it was Archbishop Ucka who sent Lakra. Then wasn't it also the Archbishop of Uca who sent the dark one?

No, it was probably someone else with ties to the Archbishop of Ucka.

How can you be so sure?

As I said before, Archbishop Ucka, the one who sent out Lakra, has expressed his opinion to Pope Eupharo, who is friendly to the Taze, and has been faithfully following his instructions. However, those who are giving orders to the dark side are disdaining the will of Pope Eupharo. This difference in thinking is a contradiction in terms for the same person, and if he were in the position of the aforementioned Archbishop Ucka, he would have had to have withdrawn. So, even though Archbishop Ucka is directing the main operation, it is safe to assume that the dark arrangements and communications are being done by someone else.

What is the purpose of this person?

He's after the book, of course. And who has access to the book at this point?

That would be Lakra, of course. ...... So we're finally connected.

Good work. Are you running a fever?

Yeah, the reason we're hiding the dark side isn't to get the book back to Medicine.

Now we're getting into something a little more dangerous.

"Oh, yeah.

The reason why the dark guys are after the book is because they know what it contains.

I've been wondering about that. Isn't the content necromancy?

"I have roughly deciphered the contents of the book. This book is not about necromancy. It's about a Demon Lord.

The Demon Lord's ...... greatest abomination, resurrection magic!

Even the Iliad is understandably upset at the mention of the Demon Lord.

"Yeah, but there wasn't much information about reanimation magic. The content describes the birth and observations of the Blue Demon King, one of the Demon Lords born from resurrection magic.

"Observations of the Blue Demon Lord." ......

I'll explain the details later. The book is full of information that is important to the Dark Lord.

I don't really want to know.

It would have given me an excuse to get rid of him, but that's too bad. And this book, Eupharo and the Pope probably haven't deciphered it. We can't afford to use Lakra to leak information about the greatest abomination of all.

"Right. They'll either ask for help with the necromancy book from the start, or they'll have the dark side search it in secret.

But the book was originally in Mejlis. There is a book that is known only to the people in Mejlis or Yugra, and only a few people know the true contents of the book that even Pope Euparo does not know. The existence of people within the Yugra cult who are knowledgeable about the situation of the Demon King will come to light.

Ilias nodded and huffed. I think I need a drink of water.

"So that's the faithful who went before us?

"I don't know if he's a believer. I don't know if he's a believer or not, but he's been ignoring the Pope's orders, hiding his dark side in Taze, and watching vigilantly to steal the book on the Demon Lord from Lakra. He's not a very nice guy.

Can I have a word with you, by the way?

What?

It's a long story and it's complicated. Can you summarize?

There's a guy in Yugra who's running the dark side, and he wants the book. We have to do something about it.

Okay, okay. Why didn't you just say that from the beginning?

You should have said that from the beginning. - I'm giving you back the effort you put into breaking it down so I can understand the details.

If I hadn't known the degree of danger of the book, my guesses would have been nothing more than forced conjectures. But now that I have deciphered the book, I can judge that this guess is correct.

The knowledge of the dark side that the Dark Lord has taught me, and the knowledge of history that I have gained from reading the book, all tell me that there is an unseen enemy.

There is an unseen enemy out there, sharpening its fangs and hiding in plain sight.

"So, today is the day I'm supposed to give Lakra the book I found in the treasury. What are you going to do?

"If we return the book, it will be under the jurisdiction of Mejis. If you're just escorting Lakra, there's no problem. ......

The dark side that killed all those people could be undone.

It wouldn't be good for Mejlis.

So what do we do?

It's not that I don't have an idea. ...... Well, with the Iliad around, I think we have a better chance of success.

Me?

I'll get a few people together and we'll whisper our thoughts.

Hmm, I don't mind, but do you?

"Yeah, to be honest, I'm more than a little angry about the murder of someone I knew. I have to at least avenge him.

All right, all right. I'll leave you to it.

......

The Iliad. It's a tough job. You think you can handle it?

Don't underestimate me. I'll take the sword if you want me to. And I will exceed your expectations.

I thought you wanted a safe life. .......

No, if you want to be safe in the true sense of the word in this world, you need to make a certain investment upfront.

In spite of my poor condition, luck was on my side. I have an understanding king and an excellent knight on my side. How fortunate I am!

If I am so blessed, I should respond with gratitude.

I have to help protect not only my own peace, but also the safe future of others.

Okay, that's it. I'll expose them for what they are.

Come on, let's stand out for the future.

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

After that, I left the castle, parted ways with Ilias, and summoned Lakra to a square in the city.

"What's the matter with you all of a sudden, Master?

"I thought I'd tell you where the book is. It's in the treasure room of the castle.

My goodness! You guessed right, it's in the castle!

Lakra jumps up and down with joy. Don't look so happy.

Even if you're prepared for it, it still hurts your conscience.

"Lord Raggedy, who knows a lot about that sort of thing, says that it does indeed contain the information necessary to learn necromancy.

Oh, so you've looked inside .......

The language inside is not of this world. The language inside is not of this world, and has not yet been deciphered in Medis, has it?

Yes, that's what I've heard. However, it is possible to learn how to construct necromancy through diagrams and other information.

Oh, I remember those illustrations.

You can't remember that!

This reaction to the abstinence, I guess those who value the teachings of Yugra have a stronger sense of aversion to abstinence.

"I won't go out of my way.

...... So you'll give me my book back, right?

"Yes, the book was originally kept by Medis. He's going to have a say in the management of it, but he has no intention of claiming ownership of the book.

I'm glad to hear that!

But first, there's something I want you to tell Archbishop Ucka.

That's fine, but what exactly does ...... you want me to tell him?

"Tarz has the potential to decipher the words in the book. Tell him I'd be happy to share it with you if you'd like.

For a moment, Lakra froze in a daze, as if she didn't understand the meaning of the words.

But little by little, he understood the meaning and the danger of it.

It's ...... no good! You shouldn't know anything about necromancy!

"If you only knew about necromancy, you wouldn't be making these suggestions. The book contains more contraindications than that. I was convinced when I read it again.

"Why is Mr. Shosho a ......

"That's why I'm a Shosho candidate. I'm hired by Marit as someone who can decipher this kind of language.

You're not lying about ......?

Yeah. If the Jugularists think that the contents of the book are nothing more than necromantic knowledge, then they should accept this proposal. It's the only way to prepare for further abominations.

But sir!

You can tell by looking at her. Lakra really cares about us.

Oh, it stings. I'd better get this over with.

"I'm not going to listen to Lacla's decision. Just tell Archbishop Uca. And if he refuses to cooperate, the book will be returned immediately.

Are you sure?

"You'll hear the answer here at midnight today. I'll bring the book regardless of your answer. You don't have to worry about that. I've discussed it with His Majesty.

"Yes, sir. All right. Then I'll contact you as soon as possible.

The clergy can detect a lie, but on the other hand, they can easily gain your trust.

That's why they don't doubt. They don't guess what you're thinking.

"Yeah, but tell that to Archbishop Ucka. But I want you to tell Archbishop Ucka that this is something that could affect Pope Eupharo's position.

"...... Yes.

Lakra's usual optimism had faded from her face. I'm sure he'll get the errand done.

I'm sure he'll get the job done.

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

The urgent call from Lakra was a proposal from Taze's side.

When I heard the proposal, I froze, trying to reject it.

It's true that the book you keep as a countermeasure against necromancy will be of greater value if it contains even more contraindications.

There are only a limited number of books that are more forbidden than necromancy. Some of them include reanimation magic, which has produced some of the worst history.

Can't I just decide on my own to prepare for them? No, you can't.

I just got in trouble with the Pope the other day. I think we should discuss this.

I'll tell Lakra that I'll make a decision by nightfall and hang up.

"We must hurry and tell His Holiness...

"What is it, Master Wucca?

He stopped me again. He's always around me.

Well, who was it?

Oh, yes, it was the priest Raheit.

You're too young to be talking like that, Master Ucka.

You're right. I don't usually forget people's names, but I tend to forget this guy's name.

He's a beautiful-looking priest, but I'm not likely to forget his face.

If I'm going to remember, I'd prefer a pretty girl. I'd rather have a pretty girl.

...... I wonder what his first name is, I'll remember it next time.

I'll try to remember. There was something I had to tell His Holiness urgently.

Oh, is it about the book you're having Lakra look for?

"That's very perceptive. ...... Well, I can't blame you for talking about it a lot lately.

I don't know. I don't know if I told you that much. I think you're forgetting something important. .......

I'm not sure what to say, but I'm sure you'll understand.

No, this is ...... fine with you, I suppose.

Yeah, I'm sure there's something you'll notice.

Actually, you know...

I'm just going to tell you what Lakra told me.

"Well, well, well.

It must be difficult for you. That's why we have to tell His Holiness as soon as possible.

That's a funny thing you say, Master Utka.

"What?

Raheit is chuckling. You laugh like a child. I don't mind that kind of laugh.

You've already 'spoken to the Pope' about it, haven't you, Master Utka?

What are you ...... Oh, yeah, that's right, and the Pope's opinion--

"He said, 'Don't believe the nonsense of the unknown, break off our cooperation and get the book back,' didn't he?

"Yes, that's right. I'll have to tell Lakra as soon as possible.

Yes, that's why you're in such a hurry, isn't it?

Oh, my God!　Yes, yes!　Now if you'll excuse me, Raha...

What was the name of that thing again? Uh, hey, was I just talking to someone?

No, no, no, there's no one here. Ummm, are you getting blurry?

I don't think so.

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

A man called Raheit activates a crystal in a room.

Shortly after, a man's voice begins to echo from the crystal.

Do you have any additional orders?

"At midnight today, Lakra will acquire the book.

Wow, that's great. I didn't even know where the book was.

I guess the book was in the castle.

What the hell, Taze had it hidden away, didn't he? So when do you want me to get it?

"I was planning on doing it on my way back, but we'll have to reschedule. When Lakra gets the book, kill him and take it right there. There's a deal to be made with Taze right there. It'll be good cover if we make it look like he did it.

That's a big deal. But what about the negotiator?

Kill him, of course. I'll forgive you if Lakra lives, but I won't allow him to live. Bring the body back to us.

I don't know what's going on, but I don't want to know. Understood. Can you dismember the body for easier transport?

Yes, but don't destroy the brain. The rest you can use to play with the beast on the road.

Just the neck. Okay, okay. You like that, don't you?

We've lost contact. Raheit exhales.

I'm pretty sure my collaborator looks like a ...... man with black hair and dark eyes. It'd be interesting to see if he's a Chicuki.

Rahite puts his hand on the crystal again and activates it.

I'm not sure if you've seen this before, but I have.

"Raheit, what do you want?

"I've located the book Docora took. He's going to get it tonight. He wants a report.

You'll have to wait till I get it.

No, there's something else I think you should know about. ......