Chapter 13

Hikaru stood at the entrance of the classroom, took a deep breath, and firmly held the letter containing the secret that his mother had given him.

After being thoroughly disturbed by the cat-ear receptionist, Hikaru finally calmed down once he realized, "Ah, this is the one who will be replaced from now on..."

"Really now..."

After placing his luggage in the private room, Hikaru left the hotel. At the front desk, the cat-ear receptionist was waving, saying, "Have a nice day!"

The sun was still high. His destination was the temple.

The "Assassin God" and "Stealth God" that appeared in the "Occupation" on the guild card. He wanted to resolve the simple question of how many gods there were and why they were so finely categorized. Roland's memories didn't provide much information on this topic.

Incidentally, Roland's occupation was "Broad Noble Bloodline Salvation God: Nobles." It seemed that most noble children had this occupation. In fact, if this occupation didn't appear, they would be suspected of being illegitimate children from affairs.

Hikaru's visit to the temple was coincidental, but he would hear information he couldn't miss here.

The temple was located in the center of the town. It seemed to be quite prosperous, and as he approached the temple, the traffic increased, and more shops appeared.

It was a circular structure that could be entered from any direction. It was made of a special combination of wood, stone, and iron. The framework was iron, the foundation was stone, but the overall tone was wood. It had a shape like a giant circus tent. There were many windows, each carved with various gods.

There were entrances in eight directions. It didn't matter which one he entered, so Hikaru followed the line of people entering.

"Wow..."

As soon as he entered, he saw a huge wall. A god was carved on it, half-raised. It was about five meters tall, towering high. It was a profile, wearing a robe, holding a pen in the right hand and a crystal ball in the left.

"God of Wisdom"

was written there. In front of it stood a preacher.

"——Ladies and gentlemen, it is said that the Soul Cards you use were created by researchers who received the blessing of this 'God of Wisdom.' The blessing is powerful, and even now, the mechanism of Soul Cards has not been fully understood. However, unfortunately, the researcher passed away after establishing the Soul Card system—"

Hikaru nodded in agreement. He had thought that the Soul Card and Guild Card systems were quite advanced. It seemed that the "God of Wisdom" occupation was related.

The preacher spoke of a story from "ages ago."

Next to the "God of Wisdom" stood the "Sun God," and next to him, the "God of War." There were preachers for each, but Hikaru noticed the weapons the "God of War" held and the weapons carved beside him.

(Sword, greatsword, dagger, spear, halberd, bow, throwing knife, shield, armor... nine types)

The "Weapon Proficiency" skill on the Soul Board also had nine types. They matched. It couldn't be a coincidence.

The preacher's explanation about the "God of War" was aimed at martial artists, essentially saying, "If you work hard, the God of War will see it. Keep it up!"

However, soldiers and adventurers listened seriously to the preacher's words. The information Hikaru wanted didn't come up, so when the preacher's speech ended, he approached and asked.

"Oh, oh, young man. Is there something you want to ask this preacher?"

It was rare for someone who didn't look strong, like Hikaru, to come and ask, so the preacher welcomed him with open arms.

"I want to ask about the nine types of weapons."

"Hmm. You mean the 'Nine Paths of the God of War.' Which martial art are you practicing, young man?"

"..."The 'Nine Paths of the God of War'?"

"Hmm. That's where you start. ——They are said to be the nine types of weapons the God of War established when he mastered martial arts."

"Established by the God of War... Did the God of War say, 'These nine types are the main path, the others are the side paths'?"

"He didn't exclude the others, but it might be similar. As you know, the martial arts schools in the city are one of these nine types, right?"

Hikaru nodded nonchalantly.

"In this town, there is the 'Sword Saint' Ravebrigg Sword School and the 'Heavenly Spear' school, which is the best in the continent for the halberd."

"..."So, if someone uses other weapons, they don't get any benefits from their 'occupation'?"

"Hmm. You mean the guild card, right? Indeed. This preacher has never heard of a blessing manifesting for weapons other than the 'Nine Paths of the God of War.'"

"I see. Then, for my last question, why did the God of War choose these nine types?"

The preacher said "Hmm" again.

"God's actions have no reason. There is only the result."

Hikaru thought it was quite profound.

After touring the temple, it seemed that only gods with "one character" or "two characters" were enshrined here. There was a sign about the creation myth, but it had a disclaimer saying, "There are various theories," so it seemed that the core system of this world—the mythology—was spoken of in speculation.

(...But the gods do exist. You can receive benefits from your 'occupation.')

That "occupation" seemed to be a declaration of, "I worship this god!" The guild card didn't activate the blessing; it was a way to "reach the god" through the guild card. As a result, in Hikaru's case, the "Stealth" skill was enhanced.

(The person who created this system... a god, perhaps? I'm interested. My curiosity is itching.)

While thinking about this, he was about to leave the temple.

"—Is it true? Has it been decided?—"

"—It seems so. We are also relieved of our duties—"

"—I can't accept it. That's not an investigation—"

Two men were talking as they left the temple. Hikaru recognized their voices.

(They were the knights patrolling the Morgstadt mansion!)

He couldn't help but follow them.

"—Saying the first discoverer is the culprit is too simplistic—"

"—Idiot, keep your voice down. What if someone hears?—"

"—It will be known soon anyway. It's a big catch—"

(...Huh? The culprit was caught? From the context, it must be about the murder of the Morgstadt Baron...)

The culprit was right here.

(No, wait... They said "first discoverer," right?)

The first person to appear when the Morgstadt Baron died was—

(The girl)

Silver hair, blue eyes, and skin as white as snow. She looked very thin in her pajamas, as Hikaru remembered.

(That girl is the murderer? No way...)

He was shaken. She had essentially taken his place.

"—In any case, they will be transferred to the capital. Our job is done—"

"—What a joke. Did you come to the temple for that? To confess or something?—"

"—It's not a confession. We just did our job—"

"—That's what's ridiculous—"

"Hikaru-kun?"

Called from behind, Hikaru jumped about five centimeters. He wasn't using his "Stealth" skill because he was walking in a crowded area.

"—Jill-san—"

She was wearing a grass-green dress tied with a leather cord at the waist. Her scarf at the collar was beige and lively. She held a bright white bag.

Jill was standing there in civilian clothes.

"To meet you here. Oh, did Hikaru-kun follow me? You're so naughty!"

"...You're the one who called out, right..."

"Still, I feel bad for treating you. Oh, waiter! I'll have a peach honey parfait and reishi tea!"

"Oma—"

"Eh? Is that okay? You can eat anything?"

"...Yeah"

Hikaru ordered water. It cost 10 gil. They were at a cafe. When Jill called out to him, he realized he had lost the two knights. They were probably around the Morgstadt mansion, but he wanted to hear more of their conversation. Hikaru intended to ask Jill for information, treating her as a favor.

Jill led him to an open-air terrace cafe that she recommended.

"Hmm, hmm, hmm!"

Hikaru wanted a quid pro quo, but Jill seemed to be in a good mood for some reason.

(Well, if she's in a good mood, it might be easier to get information...)

Hikaru thought. For that, the "peach honey parfait (120 gil)" and "reishi tea (30 gil)" Jill ordered were cheap... cheap... definitely...

"I have two questions."

"Huh?"

"Not 'huh.' Didn't I say that beforehand?"

"Eh, wasn't that just an excuse to invite me for tea?"

Hikaru closed his eyes and pressed his temples with his thumbs. He was getting a headache.

"...What? I thought it was strange. Hikaru-kun suddenly inviting me for tea—"

"Why are you suddenly in a bad mood?"

"Nothing in particular? Oh, waiter! Add a 'green apple pie' too."

"Add? What do you mean by add!?"

"Isn't it the information fee?"

"Ugh..."

90 gil more was spent.

"So, what do you want to know?"

She was clearly in a bad mood. Hikaru, who couldn't understand her emotional shifts, remembered that Jill was the type to change her mood quickly.

"About Unken—Isn't he the guild master?"

"Oh. Did he say that?"

"He insisted he was a 'dismantler.'"

"Then he's a dismantler, isn't he? I'll get scolded if I say anything."

"So, Jill has that much influence over him. He must be the guild master."

"Stop with the bargaining-like talk. I don't like it."

Hikaru shrugged.

"So, Hikaru-kun wanted to know who the guild master is?"

"No... not exactly. From what I saw, he seemed to be a very capable person. What kind of person is he?"

"Hmm. My information is second-hand, but—"

"That's fine."

He drank the water that was served. It was warm. The male waiter who brought it glared at him as if to say, "What are you doing with a beautiful girl, you brat?" Adventurers and men in general seemed to be short-tempered. Hikaru sighed.

"Unken wasn't an adventurer."

"...What?"

"He worked for a more official organization."

It was an unexpected answer. Hikaru had thought that the adventurer guild was a step up from being an adventurer, and the guild master would be even more so. Given that he could dismantle animals, it made sense.

"But he finished a 'big job' there, retired, and then started working at the adventurer guild—something like that."

"No, no, who is he? What kind of job did he do?"

"...I don't really want to say this, but—"

While saying this, Jill pointed to a menu item. It was "Twin Tornado Juice," priced at 150 gil.

"Fine, order it..."

At this point, he regretted paying for three nights in advance at the inn. He should have taken 7,500 gil from Unken beforehand. He didn't even want to read the fine print. Just let her drink.

"Really!? For real!? Really, really!?"

"A man's word is his bond."

"Great, you're so cool! I've always wanted to try it!"

Jill happily ordered the additional item, and the waiter glared at her as if to shoot her. What was with him, really?

"So, Jill. Continue the story."

"Oh, yeah. This is strictly confidential, okay?"

"Got it."

"It's a promise, okay? If you tell, I'll secretly add a penalty to your guild card."

"I promise. ...Can you even do that!?"

"Unken, I think—"

Jill lowered her voice even more.

"...He was probably a direct agent of the king, or an assassin..."

"Okay, and?"

"..."

"And?"

"...Hey, your reaction is so weak! I was really nervous when I said that!"

"No, I kind of imagined that. But there must be a reason why you had that intuition."

"Right—"

Jill started eating the "peach honey parfait." The peach was jelly-like, and it seemed to be all "honey." The honey peach was cut into cubes and mixed with whipped cream. The "reishi tea" was a light green tea, which looked like green tea.

(So sweet... How can she eat it?)

Hikaru felt like he was seeing something unbelievable.

"—Unken came to the guild about 50 years ago."

"Oh, he's pretty old. He's a mannoom, right?"

"Yes. So, if he finished his 'big job' before that, it would have been about 50 years ago."

"Hmm."

"About 50 years ago... In the neighboring country, the Quinbrand Empire, there was a change of emperor. At that time, the emperor of the empire was called the 'Evil Emperor' Balthazar. According to rumors, Balthazar was 'assassinated.'"

"..."

"If that was the only information, I wouldn't have thought much of it, but Balthazar had publicly declared that he would destroy Pawnsonia. At that time, Pawnsonia was suffering from a plague and its national strength had declined. The one who wanted to assassinate Balthazar the most was undoubtedly Pawnsonia."

"...The circumstantial evidence is perfect."

"Yes. And... When I delivered documents to Unken's room, I saw an old document on his desk. It was... a letter of thanks from the king. He had left it out and went out for a bit, and I saw it when I glanced. He came back and saw me, and he looked really scary, like 'Did you see that!?'"

"I see. The king doesn't give letters of thanks lightly. Usually, they are issued by the prime minister, heads of various organizations, or nobles. The king would issue one in cases of significant victories in war."

"That's right! ...Why does Hikaru-kun know this?"

"I used to know a noble."

"Really..."

He wasn't lying. Jill didn't seem too interested in that.

(However... Jill's speculation might not be entirely off. Roland's memories contain some information about the neighboring country. The current emperor is a very good person and has built friendly relations with the Kingdom of Pawnsonia. The previous emperor was the evil emperor.)

"In that case, Unken is a 'hero who saved the country'..."

"Right. Isn't that amazing?"

Jill finished the peach honey parfait and started on the "green apple pie."

"Mmm, delicious! When you're stressed, sweet things are the best!"

"...I'm glad you enjoyed it."

Hikaru thought he could never finish it.

(A 'hero who saved the country'... with those skill levels? No, 50 years ago, he would have been 151 years old. With that much knowledge and experience, maybe it's possible? My 'Stealth' skill is higher than Unken's, so maybe the 'assassin' style is better for me— but to assassinate an emperor...)

He thought that understanding Unken's position would help him understand his own level, but now he felt even more confused.

"Anyway, I have one more question."

"Hmm. Ask anything. Oh, but not my address or anything like that?"

She seemed to be in a good mood after eating.

"...I wouldn't ask for that."

"Eh? You wouldn't?"

"Do you want me to ask or not? —Anyway, what I want to know is—"

Hikaru hesitated but decided to ask directly.

"Has the culprit who killed Baron Morgstadt been caught?"