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"Mastermind" Volume 4 Epilogue part 2
🕑 Added 2023-06-05 11:10:48 +0000 UTCAlthough it was a sudden invitation, Ren thought that there must be something to discuss.
"It's okay. Where should we talk?"
"What about the room we used as the executive committee?"
"Okay, got it."
Licia, who had been listening to the conversation, suddenly noticed Fiona. Fiona also noticed Licia and approached, nodding when she saw Radius here. After exchanging a silent conversation with Licia, she spoke aloud.
"Licia-sama, would you like to have tea together? I heard that the new cake in the cafeteria is delicious."
"Definitely. I've been curious about it too."
The two of them said that and moved away from Ren and Radius.
It was probably because they wanted to be considerate and thought they could hear the conversation later. Before leaving this place, they looked at Ren and, with only their lips moving, showed a gentle smile that said, "See you later."
Ren appreciated their thoughtfulness and looked at Radius.
They headed to the room they used as the executive committee.
After a few minutes of walking, they arrived and set foot in the room for the first time in several weeks. It was unchanged inside, with the documents they used as the executive committee still left on the table.
"Only a few people know the truth about what happened in Roses Caitas."
As expected, it seemed that Radius intended to talk about the recent incident.
Due to the seriousness of the situation in Roses Caitas, the number of people with whom they could share information was limited.
In particular, the fact that Ren and Licia were involved in the time cage and the battle with the Sword Demon was especially sensitive.
"The time cage fulfilled its purpose, so it is believed that the seal was lifted. The sudden collapse of the mountain was likely because time started moving again."
"Does that mean..."
"The time cage was suppressing the tremendous power of the Demon Lord's army. That is evident. It is also assumed that there was an entity like the Sword Demon, so it is unnecessary to reveal that you two fought and defeated it. It won't be a concern from a national defense standpoint. We are already taking action."
For example, even the Emperor and Estelle have heard about such facts. It was a story that only a limited number of people knew about the fact that Ren and Licia were involved.
"The knights of Leomel have also been mobilized for investigation. The conclusion is also likely to be that the time cage disappeared because its ancient purpose was fulfilled. It will align with the old stories."
"So, there is no tension between Leomel and the Elfen Church?"
"Fortunately, no. Honestly, personally, I would have many complaints... but..."
"...It's probably better for us if we don't."
"Yeah. If there's a possibility of unwanted investigations targeting you two, it's best not to mention it."
The time cage simply fulfilled its purpose and disappeared. The collapse of the mountain was because time started moving. If the story ended here, it would be convenient for Ren and LIcia. Although Radius may have thought about things he could mention, it was better to keep quiet because there were more important matters.
"Because of that, these past few days have been difficult."
"Did you investigate?"
"No, it was about restraining Ulysses."
Radius seemed to feel strong resentment about Ren and Licia being involved, so he had been worried and observing the situation. However, they knew that it would be better for Ulysses to remain silent, so he probably didn't take any significant actions.
"Besides, I've looked into other things. To put it bluntly, there doesn't seem to be any indication that the Elfen Church was hiding something within Roses Caitas. For example, intentionally concealing the Sword Demon."
"So, you're saying there's no possibility that Licia and I were set up?"
"That's right."
Strictly speaking, there was no implication of the Sword Demon's existence.
Leomel asked many questions to the Elfen Church, looking for any suspicious points, and assessed the answers for their truthfulness. If they were intentionally hiding something, it would lead to a confrontation with Leomel, so the possibility was initially low.
The conclusion of Radius, who conducted numerous investigations, was as stated.
"I also confirmed with the knights who were guarding around Roses Caitas. It seems there was no sign of them using any magic to deceive visitors on that day. It would have been difficult to use magic specifically targeting only the two of you in that situation."
The possibility that the Elfen Church deliberately targeted the two of them is extremely low. The reason why the two of them were involved in the Time Cage lies elsewhere. The problem lies in not knowing that reason.
"Ren, do you have any idea about the reason why you were involved?"
Since then, Ren had been considering two possibilities.
There were some clues to investigate the reason for their involvement.
(――――But I still don't know.)
The first possibility was that because the Time Cage was unable to completely purify the Sword Demon, they sought the power of the 'White Saint'—that was the reason Ren got involved in that turmoil along with Licia after gaining power from her magic stone.
The second possibility was that Ren was influenced by Fiona, the 'Black Priestess,' in the Baldor Mountains. That power was related to the Demon Lord, and since there was still a trace of it within Ren, there was a possibility that he was involved as a target that needed purification.
However, even if there were such reasons, it was unclear whether they had any effect on being trapped within the seal. In the second conjecture, the reason for Licia’s involvement was unknown.
Of course, there could be other possibilities, but at the moment, these were the two possibilities Ren was considering.
(So, there's a possibility that both of them combined.)
When Ren and Licia first approached Roses Caitas, the Time Cage sensed the two of them and made them see strange dreams. Thinking that way, it seemed to fit well with Ren.
Since the Time Cage was a special seal, Ren thought it wouldn't be strange if something like that happened.
"Hmm... It seems like you have some clues."
"Well... a little."
"Then, please let me know soon. It's just my intuition, but I think it has something to do not only with your power but also with the 'White Saint.' If that's the case, please tell me after you've sorted things out."
Ren smiled wryly and expressed his gratitude for Radius' concern.
It was difficult to bring up the fact that it had to do with Licia and Fiona's special constitutions. Ren couldn't simply talk about it without asking them or their fathers.
Radius didn't want that either. He was fine with hearing about it later, when they were closer.
Ren also thought about telling Radius about the summoning of the Magic Sword when the time came.
"By the way, is there anything you want to say, Ren?"
"From me?"
"Yes. As someone involved in being trapped within the Time Cage, if there's anything you want to investigate, please let me know. I'll also cooperate with the investigation."
"I'm already indebted to many people... Hmm..."
When I think about what needs to be investigated, it feels like a mountain of tasks. However, I was able to prioritize among them.
"I want to investigate Sacred Magic."
"I see. What do you want to do? Honestly, I don't feel like recommending the Imperial Grand Temple to someone who was caught up in a seal."
"Well, we don't want that either."
"In that case... Is there any place where we can gather good information?"
Ren expressed his interest in investigating Sacred Magic because he couldn't stop thinking about the wings that appeared on Licia's back. It had been bothering him since that time, so it could be considered a top priority.
Therefore, he had hoped to find some information to investigate.
"By the way..."
Ren hesitated to interrupt, feeling sorry for the interruption.
"Yes? What is it?"
"Have you ever heard the term 'Goddess's Descendant?"
"Goddess's Descendant... Sorry, but I don't recall ever hearing that term. What about this Goddess's Descendant?"
Ren wasn't sure if the term "Goddess's Descendant " mentioned by the Sword Demon referred to the Ashton family or to Licia. But he decided to explain the matter to Radius. Ren had previously talked to Radius about the ancestors of the Ashton family, so it was easier to discuss this topic as well.
"Before the Sword Demon died, he said that either Licia or I was a descendant of the Goddess."
"Goddess's descendant... I'm not familiar with that either. However, judging from the words, it might be a good idea to ask someone knowledgeable about Sacred Magic. The academy's dean could be helpful, but it might also be worth asking someone else who is knowledgeable."
"In that case, could you introduce me to someone who would keep what they hear a secret...? But I guess that's asking for too much, right?"
Surprisingly, Radius responded quickly, saying, "I might be able to help."
Ren, filled with hope, waited for him to continue.
"To hear the information, you will have to leave the Imperial Capital, but I should be able to fulfill your wish."
"Really!? So, where should I go to meet them?"
"You should understand if I mention the 'White Crown.'"
"Huh... The White Crown... Could it be...?"
Ren was surprised, his lips hanging open and unable to form words.
He pictured that famous metropolis in his mind.
"The City of Water... Euphemia!"
It is the territory of the strong-armed Ulysses Ignat, and a large city second only to the imperial capital.
Inside Ren's room, the black invitation that Edgar had left with Clausel in the past is still kept in the desk.
