Chapter 26: The City That Doesn't Close Its Eyes (2)
It wasn't that long ago.
When Abel had confirmed Felix as a reactionary.
The professor of the Department of Swordsmanship, Felix Christian.
A man who boasted a sturdy build in defiance of his age, and who had captured the students' attention with his characteristic heartiness. Abel's suspicion towards him had persisted ever since their first meeting. Abel began to report the evidence he had gathered so far to Iris.
- Dante Marchisio, that sword is an artifact.
He could tell at a glance.
Felix's personal disciple, Dante Marchisio, possessed an artifact. It was no ordinary artifact. The artifact that Dante possessed was a Cursed Artifact, refined from the Core of a monster.
- No. It's an, an ordinary sword.
Epezeria belonged to a world where the distribution of cursed artifacts was suppressed. The direction of civilization was similar in each world, but the degree was different, and in the case of Epezeria, where the Papacy held power, the control over cursed artifacts was being thoroughly carried out.
- Can you swear it.
- ……Yes.
The reason why Abel had seen through the identity of the sword was because he had experienced cursed artifacts while traversing countless worlds.
Conversely, the reason why the insiders of CIAR had not suspected was because they lacked a knowledge base on cursed artifacts.
- Then I'll be on my way…….
Abel kept a close eye on Dante.
The corpse of a monster is used as a material after its core is purified. Monika's prosthetic arm was also like that. The core of a monster is the center of a malevolent thought, and a cursed artifact woven with it as a main material was nothing more than another monster feigning to be a piece of iron.
In exchange for granting great power to the user,
It takes away their free will, or makes a part of their body rot, and so on.
At a certain point, it inflicts fatal harm.
- Will you help me with my training?
- Y, yeah! I'll help. If you're okay with it…….
- Thank you very much, senior-nim.
Fortunately, there were not a few opportunities to observe. Since Dante had come to help with Monika's swordsmanship training.
Thanks to that, he was able to draw a conclusion. Dante Marchisio was a war orphan, just like Monika. He was not a boy who would have a clear malice. He didn't even know the identity of the sword he cherished so much, and had approached Monika based on good will.
Then another question follows.
Why does Dante possess a cursed artifact.
Was it a coincidence? It couldn't be.
Abel tailed Dante to find out its source.
- It's a sword I used to use.
The conversation that Monika and Felix had.
Abel had been observing from a distance.
- It's an item with not much life left in it. I was originally going to throw it away. But that Dante fellow kept pestering me to pass it down.
No, that can't be.
The reason why Dante's sword, Felix's sword, looks old is not because it's old.
For an artifact to wear down, a time longer than an elf's lifespan was needed. Felix's sword, which was as worn as Ion Blanche's bastard sword. It was not old at all. It had just melted due to the Malignity contained in the monster's core.
“But I couldn't step in right away.”
Abel said to Iris.
It was because of the side effects. Abel could not confirm the side effects that were affecting, or would affect, Dante. The side effects of a cursed artifact were truly diverse, and were divided countless times depending on which monster's core was used.
“Dante Marchisio must be close to a hostage secured by Felix Christian.”
The sword that Dante regarded as a treasure was aimed at Dante's own neck. Subduing Felix was not a problem, but there was a lack of clues to prepare for the adverse effects that would affect Dante.
“Felix Christian……, must have had a situation like this in mind.”
If someone who suspected him were to appear,
He might have been certain that they would also notice the identity of the sword given to his personal disciple.
It was a valid plan.
If he were to rashly confiscate it and purify it, it would attract attention. And what's more, Dante always carried Felix's sword, and frequently accompanied Felix. The existence of the cursed artifact was making the unpleasant search continue.
“That is precisely why. The reason why information on Felix Christian is needed.”
The resume of Felix known to CIAR was neat.
A former officer who participated in the Mirror War.
The document proving it was also clear.
- Do you understand, Monika Lohengrin. To this Felix Christian, the Mirror War is not yet over.
The possibility of a professor who was a former officer obtaining a cursed artifact is not high. It would be difficult to even find out the refining method, and those who are knowledgeable in such forbidden knowledge are in the end……,
“Only apostates.”
So it's time to move.
After clearly grasping Felix's identity,
I must approach cautiously.
So that an innocent boy is not swept up.
──And so,
Abel's story was concluded.
* * *
<I see.>
Iris's low voice was heard.
<You're right. A child shouldn't be swept up in an adult's war. We have experienced wars that have occurred in countless worlds…….>
All ends of war are tied in the name of peace,
But the children who have lost their parents will cry out.
We must have saved a few children with our own hands. There must also be children who have been saved by other adults. There will also be children who have succeeded in saving themselves……,
<Even if we add up the numbers of all those children, it wouldn't be able to catch up to the number of dead children.>
Very well, and.
Iris's voice was transmitted to Abel's mind.
<Let's begin the work of adults now.>
Iris kept her silence and was wary of her surroundings. Abel was also the same. Both of them had their faces covered with white masks, and were exchanging their opinions using a communication spell. Because countless eyes and ears, and magic devices installed for the purpose of surveillance, were surrounding Abel and Iris.
“The night is short. Let's move.”
Iris said in a stern tone.
The clacking of Iris's shoe-clad feet.
“Understood, Your Highness.”
Abel's reply that followed.
Iris looked back at Abel at an angle.
“Your voice is not clear. If you have no strength in your throat, even the taste of cutting will be foul. Were you a knight of only that much.”
“……No.”
“Good.”
I'll believe you, and.
Iris's whisper and playful laughter were heard separately. The whisper in his ear, the laughter in his head, at that moment, Abel let out a sigh and showed the courtesy of a knight. The escort knight of Duke Orléans. Abel's identity here was just that.
‘It seems like a place that has meticulously simulated the imperial palace.’
Abel thought, following Iris.
Not only the structure of the building, but even a single line of the pattern engraved on the walls seemed to have been moved from the imperial palace of the Holy Numeros Empire. But the differences were also clear. Beyond the window where a garden should be seen, only darkness lurked, and the ceiling painting where the successive emperors had been was concealed in white.
‘And above all…….’
It was serene, as if looking at the imperial palace of centuries ago,
not the imperial palace of the present day, which had been extended from time to time.
<No one knows exactly where this place is.>
Iris's voice was transmitted to Abel's mind.
<The inside and outside are completely isolated by a barrier. It's impossible to get in or out. Unless you pass through the Dimensional Door with a mark.>
<It seems divine power is also being restricted.>
Abel looked down at his hand.
He tried to concentrate divine power in his palm, but it was not easy. Only a little bit of divine power gathered in Abel's hand.
<It's not just divine power. The flow of magic is also unstable. For me, using a communication spell is the limit. The ones who could make such an absurd barrier are probably……>
<The Ancients.>
<I think so too. It's highly likely that the Celestials were involved.>
The Ancients, or the Celestials.
The messengers dispatched from the Pantheon to constitute the world.
The floating island where CIAR was located was also a work made by the Celestials. The Celestials would build the necessary natural principles in each world, and after establishing the starting point of civilization, they would stop operating. The noun ‘Ancient’ was just a tentative name designated by the archaeological community, and the truth about the Celestials would only be revealed in the distant future.
<How strange.>
Abel communicated, looking up at the ceiling painting.
<There would be no reason for the Celestials to design such a space.>
<I agree. I requested an oracle, but no clear answer was heard.>
While communicating with Abel, Iris took a step, maintaining a seamless strength.
The faces that tilted towards such an Iris. They were all covering their expressions with masks, but it was not difficult to notice the wariness that must be lurking within. Those with fancy clothes were nobles. Those wearing armor were escort guards. Abel distinguished the status of the crowd and then kept an eye on their movements.
<The White Night Ball must be……, a union of only the nobles who do not settle for the imperial authority.>
<Nobles and the royal family are bound to keep each other in check. Isn't it the same in any world?>
<I suppose so. But I am curious.>
Abel stared at a noble standing nearby. A man dressed in fancy attire was glaring at Iris. Iris's identity was not something that could be concealed by a mere mask, and to be staring at Duke Orléans so intently, he must not be of a low status…….
<The union of nobles is bound to be endlessly loose. Factions are divided according to their interests, and they are bound to be dismantled. There's no way the secret of this social gathering has been maintained until now…….>
“You bastard, how dare you fix your gaze.”
At that moment, a shadow that blocked Abel's front.
A huge knight was looking down at Abel.
“Your gaze has defiled my lord's jade body. How do you intend to take responsibility?”
“If it's defiled, take him and wash him.”
Abel said, tilting his head to one side.
“Surely your lord doesn't hate bathing.”
“What!”
──Chaeng!
The huge knight drew his sword.
“You bastard……, how dare you insult my lord!”
Good!
I shall fill my lord's bathtub with your blood!
Just as the huge knight was raising his sword, shouting so,
“Stop.”
<Calm down, Abel.>
Iris commanded coldly.
At the same time, she communicated in a gentle tone.
“This man is a pervert who lusts after body odor regardless of gender. I ordered him to accompany me because of his extraordinary skill, but I'll have to revoke his title as of today.”
<The noble you were looking at is Grand Duke Marchand. We need the Grand Duke's help to achieve our purpose. I'll take care of the rest, so please apologize appropriately.>
Abel swallowed a sigh.
He had heard of Grand Duke Marchand.
An elder of the empire. An old fox of the imperial family.
That was why he knelt on one knee and bowed his head.
“I apologize. I lusted after Your Highness's jade body despite my lowly status. I am a damn pervert and a creature that should not be alive.”
There was no high or low in Abel's tone.
Iris, ignoring Abel, stood facing Grand Duke Marchand.
“I also apologize.”
Iris's tone was as gentle as a Saintess's.
But as long as it was pronounced in the name of Duke Orléans, it was just considered a sneer.
“Would you be so kind as to pretend you didn't see today's rudeness.”
“Ah, it's fine. No need to apologize.”
Grand Duke Marchand waved his hand.
Behind the mask, the sneer that must have been on his lips was buried in his voice.
“I should be the one apologizing. My knight is too thorough. The part about being a pervert must be just a joke, right?”
A cute antic, Iris.
Just like your father……, and.
Grand Duke Marchand muttered with his arms crossed.
“By the way, you have a good knight.”
Grand Duke Marchand's gaze shifted towards Abel.
“It was a spirit befitting a knight. If someone who could threaten one's lord were to appear before them, it is only right to be wary, even if that opponent were the emperor.”
Is he metaphorically referring to his own position as the emperor?
Abel silently perceived Grand Duke Marchand's intention.
“Rise.”
Iris commanded Abel.
Abel slowly stood up and stood in a straight posture.
“How strange, Duke Orléans. To think you would attend the White Night Ball. You must be so busy assisting His Majesty that you have no time to breathe……”
Grand Duke Marchand shrugged his shoulders.
It was an exaggerated motion, as if on a stage.
“May I ask the reason? The fact that you have graced this place today must mean that there is a matter that must be shared in secret.”
“You are correct.”
Iris smiled.
“Tonight, I……, would like to request the help of the nobles present here.”
<I will give you a directive from now on, Abel.>
Iris's voice was divided into two and transmitted to Abel. Abel took a step back and looked at Iris. Iris, while opening her mouth to Grand Duke Marchand in a careful tone, was communicating with Abel with a cool-headed momentum.
“I have recently received intelligence. The remnants of the 2nd Prince's faction are gathering under the surface of the capital. The capital's outlaw, Tarkan Espoke, who was arrested a few weeks ago, was also a member of the remnants.”
<Keep this in mind, Abel. The use of spells is restricted here. I cannot support you in a magical way. Instead, I intend to help you by using my status as a duke.>
Iris looked back at Abel once, then tilted her head towards Grand Duke Marchand.
“Grand Duke, this matter must be resolved in secret.”
Iris whispered in a polite posture.
“Now that the aftermath of the Mirror War is hidden under the name of the end of the war, if the capital's army were to move publicly, the imperial authority would be looked down upon.”
“That is a valid point.”
Grand Duke Marchand nodded his head.
“Distrust of His Majesty the Emperor is prevalent in noble society. It can't be helped since he was a young man from the 4th Prince's line. No one expected him to be the winner of the Mirror War.”
“Please help me. I am still young, so I cannot lead the opinion of the White Night Ball. If you would preside over a meeting in the Grand Duke's name, I will report your service to His Majesty.”
“My, my. Iris……”
Grand Duke Marchand stepped back from Iris.
“You are making a deal with me now. The Iron-blooded Maiden, to this old man. As if your influence represents the imperial family……”
The sound of laughter heard through the mask.
Grand Duke Marchand was mocking Iris.
“Let me think about it for a moment. I need to reconsider my trust in you.”
“……Understood.”
While Grand Duke Marchand stroked his beard for all to see, Iris bowed her head and waited for an answer. It was a flawless performance. Iris's tense expression was just an act, and inwardly, she was communicating in a relaxed voice.
<You were suspicious of why this gathering is ongoing, right, Abel? Even though the union of nobles is all a disorderly crowd……>
That is because.
It's because of information.
Iris explained so.
<To remain a member here, you have to reveal your own shame. From a series of scandals to wicked hobbies, and secrets that should never be known, you have to input them into a magic device. And the information accumulated inside the magic device is……>
It was classified and preserved.
The authority to view it created a hierarchy. The more secret a secret one provided, the deeper the depth of information that could be viewed. That was the very benefit that bound the White Night Ball together. At the same time, it was serving as a security to suppress betrayal.
‘It's like they're holding a knife to each other's throats.’
Abel understood Iris's meaning.
To those in power, the only thing precious is themselves. The lives of those around them could not guarantee anything. Because nobles were those who would aim a blade even at their own siblings, the only hostage to protect the secret of the union had to be the weaknesses of the members themselves.
<……I am convinced.>
Abel communicated to Iris.
<So that's why you are leaving the White Night Ball alone. Some of the information sleeping here must never leak outside.>
<It doesn't matter if my weakness is revealed. But the secrets preserved here will cause social chaos. The Holy Numeros Empire is not yet at a stage to achieve a revolution. The power of the nobles is too great. Even if the people were to take up swords, they would be quickly massacred.>
Regrettably……, and.
Iris communicated with a sigh-laden voice.
<In any case, Abel, Grand Duke Marchand will not be able to refuse my proposal. He's just pretending to think about it to tease me.>
“……Good, Iris. I will cooperate.”
<See. He's a really witty old man.>
At the same time as Iris was explaining, Grand Duke Marchand opened his mouth. Iris, who was politely greeting the Grand Duke. Abel stroked the hilt of his beloved sword.
“I will convene a meeting right now.”
“Thank you, elder.”
While Grand Duke Marchand moved forward with strength, Iris nodded at Abel.
<I will be conducting a meeting from now on.>
While taking the attention of the nobles,
to prove my alibi.
Iris communicated with a tired voice.
<In the meantime, please infiltrate the lowest floor. The magic device operating there……, the information provided by the members will be stored inside it. That is our objective. Even if we can't find a concrete invasion plan, clues will be preserved in some way.>
Abel turned around without delay.
In the distance, the sound of a bell being rung by Grand Duke Marchand echoed.
<Keep this in mind, Abel. You must minimize your traces. At least so that you are not discovered tonight. Do you understand? Please view it quickly and then return.>
In addition……, and.
Iris's voice reached Abel's mind.
<It's not that I'm particularly worried about your body, but the escort guards guarding the magic device are truly strange.>
<What do you mean?>
<You'll know when you see. You can look forward to it.>
<I'll check it out.>
Grand Duke Marchand's shout, commanding the gathering of the organization members.
The nobles, murmuring at this. Iris's voice, standing out.
Abel pushed through them and stepped on the carpet.
“Wait.”
Just then, a huge shadow that blocked Abel.
It was Grand Duke Marchand's escort guard.
“You, where are you going alone?”
Abel, who was letting out a sigh.
He answered, gripping his hilt.
“I'm going to smell the bathroom.”
“……What?”
The huge knight tilted his head.
Abel took a step without hesitation.
“Your lord seems to have a bad eye for people. The part about me being a pervert is not a lie. I like the smell. It's driving me crazy. I feel like I'm going to lose my mind.”
Sniff, sniff, and.
Abel brought his nose close to the huge knight.
“Your smell is also quite good.”
Abel's tone was as awkward as an actor on his first stage.
Rather, that was why it was creepy. The huge knight trembled and stepped back from Abel.
“Y, you madman……!”
The huge knight, growling at Abel.
Abel did not mind.
‘……The smell of sweat is strong.’
He just moved on, thinking so.