“S-st Telis Cathedral… What’s the meaning of this, Maximillian?”

“Why, we’re in Catorrem City, of course. While it cannot compare to the mighty spires of our homeland, the artistry is still quite a sight to beh-”

“Don’t play the fool with me, brother! This is supposed to be the Office of Passage.”

“Indeed Milady, and as agreed, the refugees are currently at the Lysium Embassy. However, from all that I’ve gathered, neither you nor your friends are seeking refuge. You’re here to accompany Enbos who is here to provide his account at a secure location. And what better place can there be than within the presence of our Lord?”

“I object to your intentions, brother! You brought him here where your judicial powers are at your strongest. J-just what do you intend to do him?”

“Now, now, Lili, I don’t plan to do anything to him. I swore I would treat Enbos in a hospitable manner, and so I shall, as a man of the Path. While it is true I am bestowed certain “privileges” in His presence, I’m sure the hero of Kasseus would have no reason to fear. Isn’t that right, Enbos?”

Damn it, he got us good. Despite his airy tone and Lili’s objections, it seems Maximillian has flipped into “serious mode”. I’m standing on enemy territory and the stinging pain from all this hallowed ground isn’t helping my concentration. Sen and the others seem to have caught onto the implications and are looking at the surrounding clerics like a circle of wardens. Looking away from Lili, Maximillian stands before me like a sheriff awaiting my surrender.

“Now then, Enbos. If you may?”

I rise from my bench, and upon doing so, Maximillian nods in approval and begins heading towards the door. However, he quickly stops mid step and turns to find I’m not following. Instead, I’m pointing my open palm towards him, gesturing to stop… and listen.

“Sir Maximillian.”

“Yes, Enbos?”

“You said you would hear me at a secure location?”

“Indeed, I did.”

“And by secure, you mean free from external influence or observation, correct?”

“… What are you getting at, Enbos?”

“Then, I regret to inform you Sir… but this place has already been compromised.”

“… Care to explain?”

“I will, but I fear what I have to share may prove… unsettling.”

Despite Maximillian’s piercing gaze, I keep silent and look towards the clerics and mages watching our tense standoff. After a moment of contemplation, he gestures to everyone but his lieutenant and my companions to depart the room.

“Well?”

“Telis Cathedral has been infiltrated by Tascus’ men. There are spies amongst your brothers in Catorrem.”

“… Enbos, I do not take allegations of heresy lightly, especially those directed at others on the Path.”

“It is not mere allegation but established fact. When Lili and I reached you with the beacon, we had no idea who received our signal. However, Tascus was well aware it had not reached Catorrem. Sir, there is an agent informing him of our every move.”

“Hm, a sound conjecture, but one I cannot act upon. Unless you can substantiate your claim-”

“Excuse me Sir Iudico,” Sen interjects, “but we all heard Tascus confess as much himself. When we were at that dastard’s mercy, he explicitly said he had somebody in this very cathedral. While he didn’t mention a cleric per say, it’s definitely somebody who could be here at all times.”

“I can affirm my companion’s words, Sir Iudico,” adds Minna, “for everybody who was held captive at Tiel Plains heard him as well. While I will admit we are partial to our friend Enbos, you can verify our words with any number of survivors from the ordeal.”

“…”

Although Norf doesn’t say a thing, his stalwart expression portrays as much as Sen’s and Minna’s words. The inquisitor looks between the faces of my friends, but upon noticing Lili’s shock upon hearing this revelation, he softly nods his head.

“I will take your word. An investigation will have to be performed at a later time, but at this moment, I must acknowledge Telis Cathedral may indeed be unsuitable. Sister Agnes, can we prepare another location in short order?”

“I’m afraid there are only small churches on the outskirts of the city, which are hardly defensible.”

Or containable…

“Hmmm... Then, can we prepare a sealed chapel on the premises and continue under the highest level of secrecy?”

“You cannot, brother,” interrupts Lili. “In neglect, the undergrowth shall encroach on your Path. What is road and what are stones amongst the green? Such is no Path to Eden, nor to Him... If you wish to continue while wilfully knowing there is a cultist on hallowed ground, you cannot invite God onto your Path. I believe there is a precedent, Sister Agnes?”

“… Indeed, there is, Sister Liliana. “The Tale of Inquisitor Marris and Dorian Kee”, Volume 84 of the Lysium Records of Righteousness, fifth year of Pope Michael the Third. Inquisitor Marris was ruled unable represent God whilst knowing the rural church which was his base of operations at the time had incorporated pagan practices that compromised its sanctity. By that reasoning, as long as there is a heretical element at St Telis Cathedral, it is no longer a house welcoming of God.”

“I see…”

“…”

“*Sigh* Very well. For the sake of security, I suppose we have no choice but to borrow the facilities of the city garrison.”

YES! Take that you underhanded inquisitor!

“Do you wish to say something, Enbos?”

“No, nothing at all, Sir Iudico.”

“Good. Let us depart immediately. As boorish as it may be, we’ll have to procure a suitable room on site. Please follow us, Enbos, Lady Liliana. The rest of you are free to leave.”

Slam.

“… And there they go.”

“By the spirits, that inquisitor is really fixated on Enbos. He didn’t even care about hearing my account anymore.”

“I’m sure he would have loved to, but Lili’s presence must have put some checks and balances. Sadly, Enbos is just too conspicuous to be overlooked. It’s all up to Lili now.”

“I really wish we could do more. By the way Hachirou, what was that gesture Enbos made behind his back, right as he left?”

“Ah, you mean when he clenched his fist and stuck out his thumb? I-I’m not sure if it’s the same, but within my clan it is a sign for “good” or “good job”.”

“Are you serious? He was thanking us for covering him? With an inquisitor trying to put him under a guillotine, he still… Damn it, this isn’t right! He fought harder than any of us, longer than any of us, and in the end, he’s rewarded an audience with another cold-hearted zealot.”

“I know what you mean, Sen, but it’s easy to forget that to anybody who doesn’t know him he looks like a monster in a black cloak.”

“I-I can’t deny your words, Minna, and sadly, Enbos has done little to address his unfortunate image. His brand him and his “art” isolates him. I-I wish there were more people who can see past his intimidating visage, like all of you.”

“So do we, Hachirou, but not that inquisitor, and I fear his impression of Enbos will only get worse. After that battle with Tascus, many are now afraid of Enbos’ ferocity and might, and in turn, he is reluctant to face them. I worry even fewer people will ever get to know the real Enbos.”

“…”

“Sen?”

“Minna, Norf, Hachirou… I want to prepare something for Enbos once they let him out of custody. Until then, we’re going to be busy chasing up people. Norf, do you still remember the names of-”

“Wait, what are you intending, Sen?”

“To be honest, I’m not really sure, Hachirou. However, it’s high time Enbos deserves a real reward.”

“… Ah. I think I know where you’re going with this, but I can’t say it’s going to be easy. How are we going to get him out of the Holy Knights’ grasp? Even if Lili manages to defend him, I doubt Maximillian will let Enbos out of his sight so quickly.”

“Woah, that’s, like, totally drake. How ‘bout I lend you all a hand?”

Four stone walls and a smooth tile floor. A cast iron door bolted on the other side. A heavy oaken table between me and the only way out. There are no windows save for a small gap at the top of the left wall for ventilation, or perhaps a view port to peer in from the next room. Alone, I sit in a stained chair and await my interrogation with all the confidence of a mob boss… knees shaking like maracas.

Damn, I can’t calm down at all. It has been half an hour since Maximillian brought me here and the tension is continuing to mount. Here I am, sitting in a locked room while those Holy Knights are plotting some elaborate trap. All I’ve got are three pieces of advice and a pseudo attorney in Lili, who I can’t even see until the time is nigh. All it would take is one of any number of damning things about me to send me an instant trip to the World Stream, and I worry he already has all the evidence he needs. The survivors from that battle all heard Tascus call me “brother”, and they are all deathly afraid of me to boot.

Should I break out of here and escape? No, that’s impossible. Maximillian and his knights seized this entire wing from the city guard. All I can do is wait in the uncomfortable company of myself… and it.

“…”

“…”

For heaven’s sake, that presence is still here and I think it’s only getting stronger. Of course, I’m well aware that it has no physical nor spiritual body, and that it’s messing with my head. However, that shouldn’t be possible. I should be immune to all mind-altering effects thanks to , and yet it feels as if the spectre of death is sitting just across the table. Invisible, waiting, watching…

Several moments pass before the door swings open again and I’m almost grateful for the new company. The first to enter is Maximillian, then Lili and finally Agnes. On the other side of the door, I hear a resounding click followed by a loud clunk. The inquisitor takes a seat across the table and places two small boxes on the table. One is made of polished metal with a small magical lock, while the other is made of dark, ancient wood with the symbol of the Path of Eden etched on its lid. Neither of which can bode well judging by the dogged look in his eyes.

“Enbos, are you well?”

“I’m fine, Lili. Nothing happened since they left me here.”

“I apologise for the lengthy wait, but procurement of these artefacts proved more troublesome than I thought.”

“And these artefacts are?”

“You will know soon enough. Lady Liliana, please take the seat over here. Lieutenant Gregoria, if you will.”

At Maximillian’s behest, Lili does indeed take the chair beside him, only to move it to the furthest corner in the room. Meanwhile, Agnes sits at the end of the table and produces a blank scroll and a magic quill. It appears she’s the stenographer, which explains why she has . Hopefully that means all I have to worry about is the inquisitor staring me down right now.

“Tenth hour, twenty-seventh day, fifth month, sixteenth year of Pope Othniel. I, Inquisitor Maximillian Iudico, sit before the subject who identifies as Enbos Novuseus. Our location: the Catorrem City garrison. Our intent: to inquire of the events at Kasseus Village and on the Tiel Plains, and of the cult called “The Order of the New Dawn”. Nothing more.”

Lili nods in approval to this final part, and I have a sneaking suspicion she was responsible for limiting his scope. Of course, that won’t stop him asking so long as it’s remotely related. I’ve seen enough serial crime dramas to know how this works. Worse, according to Lili’s second tip, I basically have no right to remain silent so I need to avoid getting swept up in his line of reasoning.

“Enbos Novuseus, over the course of this hearing, you are not permitted to speak nor inquire without due prompt from myself. The only person allowed such privileges is the upstanding Liliana Ascleson, who has elected to speak on your behalf. Are you ready?”

“I am, sir.”

“Do you swear to our Lord that you shall answer truthfully and cooperate to the best of your ability?”

“I do, sir.”

“Good. Then, let us begin with having you show your face.”

Forget reasoning, he’s going straight for my damn throat!

“Brother Maximillian, did we not just establish you would only inquire about matters regarding the incident?”

“Please don’t give me that look, sister. Basic etiquette aside, I can’t very well proceed with someone who can barely be identified outside his possessions. At the very least, we need a basic description of his face for the records.”

“I’m sorry sir, but I cannot oblige your request. For medical reasons, I must not remove this mask.”

“Hoh. And what, pray tell, is the nature of your malady? Will you break out in hives when exposed to others?”

“My skin is severely and permanently marred. It breaks easily and is sensitive to light and temperature,” I say as I uncover the first layer of my glove to show my grotesque “flesh”. “It is for that reason that I coat myself in dark mana. If you want verification, then you can ask Lili. I’ve shown her my condition before.”

“An unfortunate case, but I’m not asking for a diagnosis, and I will not accept third party identification. All I need is a mere glimpse of your face, like you have just done with your hand. Besides, Agnes and I are qualified healers and this room is sealed from the elements. If you so wish, we can prepare-”

“I’m grateful for your consideration, sir, but I must decline. I will have no one but Lili to examine my form.”

“Why? Because she is the only one you can trust? Look Enbos, I can clearly see this is a sensitive matter for you and I sympathise with your distress,” he says in a flat voice, “however, this is not a matter of inquiry but of protocol. There have been incidences such as “The Tale of Inquisitor Jerva and Larry Hanson” where even a simple handkerchief over their face had undermined the investigation. Leaving this ambiguity will only threaten the integrity of your entire account… especially given that you’re using magic to talk.”

Damn it, this is going nowhere. I could come up with a hundred more excuses, but he’s not going to buy any more. If I don’t think of a loophole soon, Maximillian may try something direct. Come to think of it, Lili has been awfully quiet recently. What is she-

Huh? Is she preparing a spell? Wait, don’t tell me…

Keeping my silence, I anxiously watch Lili as she casts her spell on the unsuspecting duo around the table. There is no mistaking it; she’s using , presumably to create an illusion of my face. After a moment, she meets my gaze and gives a firm nod.

A-are you kidding, it worked!? More importantly, are you seriously suggesting that I take off my mask in front of them!? No, no, no, that’s impossible! There are a million ways this could go wrong. Yes, I know that they can’t see your pointy ears, but we’re talking about an entire head here!

“Well Enbos?”

Damn it, here goes nothing…

I slowly reach for my mask, and inch my inch, I reveal my pale face to the everybody in the room. My hands tremble incessantly throughout the simple motion, but Lili’s silent encouragement pushes me past the last, agonising stretch. Finally, my wooden façade slips from my fingers, and for the first time, Maximillian’s eyes go wide while Agnes seems to have forgotten how to breathe. I can feel every inch of my skull, both inside and out, shudder with anticipation.

Oh my god, d-did Lili fail? No, they’re not reaching for their weapons, so I can only assume that the spell is working. I have no idea what they are seeing, but it appears Lili has crafted some masterpiece of unsightly design. I mean, just look at their reactions! What did you make that could unsettle even an inquisitor!? Wait, why do you look ready to gag as well!? You’re the one who gave me this face!

“E-erm… Thank you for complying, Enbos. Please cover- Ahem, you may wear your mask once more. I swear to our Lord we will respect your confidentiality.”

“T-thank you, Sir Iudico.”

“Hm? Are you alright, Milady? You look rather… winded.”

“N-no, it’s just… Even knowing, I still find his appearance upsetting. I’m sorry, Enbos.”

Oi, was that about me or the monstrosity you created!?

Nevertheless, I can’t believe how powerful Lili’s really is. On top of tricking two high-level knights, she also disguised the activation of her spell and is currently hiding her level of mana. It’s no wonder she was so surprised when I revealed I could see right through her skill. I seriously owe her my life for this, and I find it ironic that the cleric who was once so eager to unmask me is now trying her best to disguise me.

As I plop my mask back onto my skull, Maximillian now looks genuinely apologetic. He gives a nod towards Agnes, which is when I notice her using the feather of her magic quill to erase something on the parchment. Curiously, there is another sheet adjacent to her transcript, and the only things on it are a column of three circles. A horizontal line has been drawn across the first circle, but she seems to be in the middle of erasing said line. I have a bad feeling.

“Brother Maximillian, what is the purpose of that second document?” asks Lili, obviously noticing the object of my concern.

“Oh, those? They’re nothing important, Milady. Just meaningless scribbles.”

“I-I very much doubt that, brother. After all, that document still bears the mark of the Order. Enbos has the right to be informed of any procedure he is unfamiliar with during questioning.”

“My answer still stands, Milady. Those markings are not part of any procedure, and if they end up being submitted to the Order, so be it.”

There is no way that can be true. If it were, he wouldn’t have gone out of his way to have Agnes erase one of the lines. It seems to resemble a blank checklist or counter. If I have to guess, it’s probably some kind of strike system which tracks the number of times the subject has disobeyed the inquisitor. It’s the only explanation why she had marked the first circle in the brief time since the interrogation began. Is such a dubious system normal in this world? What will happen once all the circles are marked? It probably won’t lead to an instant conviction but I have no intention of finding out.

“Now that is sorted, I believe we can proceed with your account.”

“Indeed.”

“Good. Now, before I ask for your tale, there are a few details we need to address. While I’m aware I should only concern myself with the threat at hand, after reading all the transcripts from the villagers and adventurers, I must say their accounts paint a fascinating picture. W-well, not of your appearance, per say, but-”

“*Ahem*”

“Thank you, Agnes. Anyway, nearly every report has made detailed mention of you, although said details have come in many facets. In some, you are an adventurer, a friend and a saviour. However, in others, you are an outsider, a berserker, and a menace…”

“…”

“… but only to cultists and villains, so far as I can tell. Believe me Enbos, I know better than to judge others by the confused recollections of the distressed and the vulnerable. Fear can cloud the mind and make the most righteous of saviours appear as demons. Nonetheless, no tale is without their grain of truth, and I have gathered enough to forge an arrow of glass. By all rights, I should be locking you up for extended investigations if I were to solely believe their word. I hope you realise how precious this opportunity is to clear your name.”

“Thank you, Sir Iudico. You are most merciful.”

Ever conscious of Lili, he momentarily turns away to cast a smile to her, only to be greeted with an even colder look than before. No, wait. Lili’s expression seems rather… grave. Watching from the side, the corner of Maximillian’s mouth seems to drop a notch, but he quickly regains his pretentious cheer.

“Now, I’m afraid in cases such as now where a majority has put forth condemning evidence, it is remarkably difficult for the accused to prevail. Fortunately, I have just the thing to “help” you.”

As he says these words, he takes the small metal box and materialises a key out of mana to unlock. He then pushes the container to the centre of table and, after a moment of hesitation, I take it. Opening the lid, I find a thin silver-plated chain lined with high-quality magic cores. While not it’s not enchanted with holy magic, I am loath to touch it.

“This is…?”

“You're speaking out of turn, Enbos, although I was going to tell you anyway. It’s called the “Chain of Sincerity”, and with it, I have lent your words a thousand times more worth. It is enchanted with a powerful spell that compels its wearers to speak only the truth.”

“Wha-! You’ve gone too far, Sir Iudico!” exclaims Lili in a rare display of rage. “The Chain of Sincerity is powerful enough to compel even you, and by the decree of the Church of Eden, it should only be used for the inauguration of an archbishop! This is clearly a misuse of divine property and an affront to Enbos’ character.”

“While that would normally be true Sister Liliana, this one item is yet to be blessed by His Holiness Pope Othniel. It is but another magical artefact under the Church’s possession, and I intend to use it to clear our friend’s good name.”

“Maximillian, you-!”

“I will comply. Thank you for your consideration.”

“Huh?”

Lili watches with a dumbfounded expression as I wrap the chain around my palm. The magic cores light up with a white glow and I look up to see Maximillian smiling in response.

“Thank you, Enbos. Let us proceed with your account. But first, may you introduce yourself?”

“I am Enbos Novuseus, an official mage of the Novuseus bloodline. I am a C-rank adventurer and a wandering mage.”

… Oh, this is going to be easy.

“… And then he retreated after hearing of our attack?”

“That is correct. The moment he learnt his forces were being assaulted by your Holy Knights, he conjured a portal and left with his men to prepare an evacuation...”

Half an hour has passed since I equipped the Chain of Sincerity and the pair are none the wiser. From the Vivian Forest to the Tiel Plains, I seamlessly slide my alibi into his collection of events, doctoring any parts that may cause contention. Really, I can’t thank him enough for giving me this artefact, and it just goes to show that trust and unconditional belief are two very different things.

As Agnes quill comes to a stop, Maximillian takes a moment to process everything I have said. Lili’s initial surprise is now largely replaced with disguised relief while I resist the urge to slouch back in smug satisfaction. I’ve finished telling my account and all three circles on the second sheet are still empty. Nonetheless, I’m well aware this is just the lead up to the hardest part of the interrogation: the part where he starts picking holes.

“You have been through quite the ordeal, Enbos the Black. I find it unbelievable you and your friends managed to stumble into the dragon’s lair and emerge alive.”

“We were rather fortunate, Sir Iudico.”

“Perhaps… but I wasn’t exaggerating. Your narrative could easily be mistaken for a heroic fable. So, let us discuss the most incredulous part of this epic: the part where you emerge victorious. In all honesty, if this “Tascus” was truly as powerful as you imply, then you should not be here at all. Please excuse my frankness, but how are you still alive?”

“As I have said, he retreated when he heard you attacked his outposts.”

“Yes, yes, but the battle was not brief, and my brothers have noted vast tracts of devastated land. The kind of destruction and lingering magic you would find after a dragon attack. While I acknowledge it is most likely the work of Tascus, the other adventurers have equally described your strength as monstrous, even ungodly. What do you think?”

“I think it is a gross exaggeration of my abilities, Sir Iudico. Their estimation has obviously been tainted by their distress.”

“Or so you say, but they also claim you fought neck-to-neck with the cultist leader. Regardless of perception, it doesn’t change the fact that you traded blows with someone equivalent to an S-rank adventurer. How did a C-rank mage manage to best-”

“Best? I never stood a chance at all…”

“…”

“Ah, please forgive me for speaking out of turn, Sir.”

“I do not mind, but are you implying all that your efforts were in self-defence? That you only survived by prioritising your protection?”

“*Sigh* No, I’m saying that he never showed his true strength at all. No matter what I tried, no matter how many times I struck him… he would take my attacks, belittle my efforts and demonstrate the chasm between our might. The only reason I’m alive is because I managed to impress him with my paltry abilities. So much so that he wanted me to join him.”

“Hm, is that why several of the accounts say he called you “brother”?”

“Indeed. Whenever I was at his mercy, he would attempt to convert me with his delusional ramblings instead of dealing the finishing blow. In the end, we were saved by his overconfidence...”

As I answer his questions, a hint of bitterness prevails through all my words. Although I am being reserved, my frustration and powerlessness are plain for all to see.

… Or maybe not. While most of the things I’ve said are true, I’m deliberately dramatizing my distress to downplay my abilities. Maximillian nods in understanding, although his pale eyes say otherwise.

“I see. You did well to resist their heretical teachings on the brink of destruction. Not many outside our faith could demonstrate such resolve. The villagers and adventurers truly owe their lives to you.”

“…”

“Is something the matter, Enbos?”

“Are you not going to ask why I endangered my peers?”

“… No, I’m well aware you could not afford to lose focus before such a heretical foe. Collateral damage is to be expected, and you are fortunate to have avoided taking an innocent life. What I will ask however is: do you know why Tascus was there?”

“He was searching the ruins of Tiel, if I recall.”

“Perhaps, but I believe there is more to it than that. Do you know the story of Tiel’s fall?”

“I do, sir. Everybody does.”

“Yes, and according to legend, Tiel was destroyed by history’s first recorded Undead Ravager. A monster of near cataclysmic power, repelled by our ancient predecessors but never found… until now. Although now but rubble, a stone protrusion resembling a giant skeletal hand was reportedly at the site. Moreover, the cultist’s hierarch, an elusive figure for almost a decade, suddenly appeared in person. Something sinister is afoot and it is all approaching some unspeakable crescendo… and all while you and your friends were at that exact place, at that exact time.”

“How disturbing.”

“Indeed. There are many implications about these details, but the most alarming is that the monstrous stone hand… was holding a small gem. Although it is too early to say, I have every reason to believe it is that infamous monster’s core. However, when my men searched the area, there was nothing.”

“…”

“Enbos, I don’t think I need to explain how vital it is we secure this artefact, so I will ask: do you know where it is?”

“… My apologies, but I know nothing of the elder lich’s core. I’m afraid it’s possible the cultists have already recovered it.”

“Is that so…”

Oh shoot. I-is it just me or did Maximillian’s eyes just narrow by a few millimetres? Should I have thought of a more ambiguous lie?

“Pardon me Enbos, but may I examine your possessions?”

Ah, hell…

“I’m still cursed, Sir. There is a chance-”

“Of no concern. I have a high resistance to curses, even more so towards secondary corruption. Now, please.”

Handing over my bag and my sword, he empties the contents across the table… and finds nothing. Well, nothing dubious, that is. Just a wood carving set, my magic extender, Lili’s spell book, and several other harmless effects.

What, you thought you were going to find an elder lich’s core or some other necromantic item? Well think again! I’ve already taken all my most questionable items and stuffed them into my stomach bag!

Nevertheless, his actions confirm that he’s on to my ruse, or at least started to suspect it. Damn it, I have no idea what gave it away but if I don’t find a way to dispel his suspicion, my entire account will be- No, wait! That’s not how these things work. He has no evidence that I’m circumventing the Chain of Sincerity, otherwise Agnes would have checked one of those circles. All I need to do is keep confronting his critique until he has no choice but to swallow my story.

“Hm, for a wanderer, you travel awfully light. And if I’m not mistaken, this book belongs to the Church of Eden.”

“Lili lent it to me out of goodwill.”

“Ah, yes. Truly, she is a benevolent soul. It’s quite fortunate you managed to earn her trust, wouldn’t you say?”

“I’m sorry, sir, but I do not know what to make of your question.”

“I’m saying that it is uncharacteristic of you. To be honest Enbos, I have heard of your name before this entire incident occurred. You’re infamous for being a lone adventurer, and yet, for your first collaboration, you happened to work with the lady of the Ascleson House.”

“I have only ever known her as Lili Iranor, not Liliana Ascleson. It was pure chance, or perhaps divine providence, that our paths should cross.”

“Iranor? Ah, I see. You used your ancestral name…”

“Besides, you can also say her appearance piqued my interest.”

“Heh, I think you are being a bit too honest there, although I wholeheartedly agree. Still, this means you are without a spell book of your own. Quite a conspicuous absence for a mage, wouldn’t you agree?”

“Unfortunately, it was damaged beyond repair during my ordeal in the Vivian Forest. I have every intention of replacing it in future.”

“How inconvenient. Moving on, I can see you have the emblem of the Novuseus family. It’s also embedded on the hilt of your sword.”

“Naturally, Sir Iudico.”

“Hm, how strange. The emblem looks almost brand new. I’m surprised there is so little wear…”

Oh, goddamn it.

“… Still, they appear genuine, but I am no expert and forgeries can be remarkably well made nowadays. Wouldn’t you agree Enbos?”

“Who knows? I would not have the faintest idea.”

“It is not uncommon, especially for a family as large and renowned as the Novuseus lineage. Skilled architects. Masters at reading the flow of the World Stream. They excel at designing magical constructs and mana grids that can distribute power across entire cities, just like Catorrem. Many illegal mages have used their good name to gain free entry and sell cheap wares.”

“Brother Maximillian, do you dare accuse Enbos of being an imposter?”

“No, no, I wouldn’t so far as to accuse Enbos, Milady. I’m sure he would say that it was recently replaced and that I’m reading too deeply into this. But if he were really a Novuseus mage… then surely he would know what his family was contracted to build in Port Profligo?”

Oh, you cunning son of a troll!

“But sir, I established my identity whilst wearing the Chain of Sincerity. Outside of checking my pedigree, is this question not irrelevant to the matter at hand?”

“Sadly Enbos, while that reasoning is sound and the Chain of Sincerity is undoubtably working, it is still an unorthodox measure that cannot supplant established procedure. As such, I have every right to initiate a test of confirmation where you are unable to provide sufficient proof. If you would like, I can prepare an express letter to the main house instead?”

“N-no, there is no need.”

If he sends that letter, the Novuseus house will definitely issue a death penalty once they cross check with their family register. It will only delay the issue and Maximillian will definitely keep me in the city until then.

“Well Enbos?”

“Hmmm, let’s see…”

Come on, think Enbos, think! I have to answer quick, but at this point it’s a total shot in the dark. Heck, I even know where Port Profligo-

Huh? What is Lili doing now? It doesn’t look like another spell. Instead, she’s shaking her head and mouthing some words.

It’s… a… tramp? No…

“How odd. I don’t recall the family announcing anything for Port Profligo…”

As I say these words, Lili continues to gesture behind the inquisitor and lieutenant’s backs. Wait, I know those hand signs. They’re the same ones “Mr Kell” taught us when we traversed the Vivian Forest. Left? No, west…

“… and in the first place, we operate mainly in the Reinsol Kingdom and along the east border of the Lysium Theocracy. It’s unusual for us to perform construction on the west side of your country.”

“I suppose. It is a widely known fact among the nobles and mages… but no longer.”

My marrow runs cold upon as he reveals this damning revelation with a piercing gaze. Lili turns deathly pale, clearly unaware of the fact and feeling deeply ashamed of her assumption. With a stroke of her quill, Agnes marks a black gash across the first circle. However, the implications are far more severe.

“The Novuseus family are, indeed, working on a project in Port Profligo: a new lighthouse, announced not a season ago. It is an unprecedented undertaking in their long list of achievements, which they proudly announced it to all their kin… so why do you not know when even I have?”

“B-brother Maximillian, I am sure the news simply didn’t reach Enbos. As he has established, he is a wandering mage, so he rarely convenes with others of his house. P-please be-”

Scratch.

I almost cry out in shock as I turn to find Agnes has crossed out another circle. Damn it, I should have known that Lili’s words were just as unprotected as my own, and it seems Maximillian has had enough of hearing our excuses. Lili has lost all strength in her voice along with her confidence. However, more than despair, I feel a great swell of anger as I come to fully realise my situation.

What the hell is with this three-strike system!? It’s no wonder they have such a terrible reputation. Maximillian could ask any number of questions for an indefinite amount of time, meaning he can essentially victimise anybody he so much as suspects. With my lie undone, I’m now at the complete mercy of this antagonistic executioner… if I let him.

“Sir Iudico.”

In a curt and distinctly confrontation tone, I address the inquisitor with crossed arms and a level gaze.

“My family is not building a lighthouse at Port Profligo. I’m afraid you are dearly mistaken.”

“…”

Stunned, Lili is now looking at me with her mouth half-closed. Even Agnes has stopped writing to examine my unflinching stand. Maximillian’s stern expression hasn’t changed, but he seems hesitant to refute my words.

“… Is that your final answer?”

“It is not mine, but in the name of my entire glorious house. I shall say it again: there is no such lighthouse.”

“I trust my sources, Enbos. Do you still refuse to confess?”

“The only thing I confess is my annoyance towards your obstinance. I take offence to your implication that I’m anything but a proud mage of the Novuseus house. And that is why I can say with absolute certainty… You. Are. Wrong.”

“…”

For what feels like an hour, we continue to glare at each other in tense silence. This is no longer a matter of truth, but a battle of sheer stubbornness. I can scarcely hear the spectators breathe as an invisible clash of wills rages over the table.

“… *Sigh* If that is your “truth”, then so be it. Let us not upset the ladies any longer.”

“… Thank you.”

And thank god…

I almost fall back into chair out of stress-induced exhaustion as all the tension comes crashing down. Likewise, Lili takes a long and withdrawn breath of relief. I can’t believe my bluff worked. There was every chance he could have one-sidedly declared I was lying, but in the end, my assuredness undermined his argument. Still, he hasn’t asked Agnes to clear the two circles. Maximillian seems set on getting on three, and although I still have no idea what the consequences will be, I can’t afford to mess up.

However, as I’m basking in the success of my dangerous gambit, Maximillian unsheathes my cursed blade, raising an eyebrow at its insidious edge.

“If I am not much mistaken, this weapon bears a rather potent curse. A completely different kind from the one currently lingering on your form. Do you mind explaining why you have this?”

“T-that’s-”

“Brother Maximillian,” interjects Lili, “while it is illegal to possess a cursed item in the Lysium Theocracy, I must remind you that does not apply in the Reinsol Kingdom. After all, the only functional magic items to be recovered from ancient times are those that have part of a soul attached. Official mages are allowed to possess cursed items for research purposes.”

“Really? Do you sincerely believe Enbos is using this sword for “research”?”

“I would say, but I’m afraid that is classified,” I answer.

“Spoken like a true Reinsol mage. However, that still begs the question,” he says as he sheathes my sword and throws it back into my hand. “How are you unaffected? My may be basic but I could clearly feel it’s influence from every inch of that weapon, including the grip and the hilt. And lest we forget you currently bear another, much stronger curse, yet you conduct yourself with seeming grace. Not even the holiest of knights or the vilest of necromancers could manage such an incredible feat.”

Ah shoot, how do I answer this? Looks like I will have to go with that…

“It’s quite simple, really. If no one else can do it, then it’s because I possess something that no one else has.”

“… No. Could it be… Are you implying you possess a Unique Skill?”

“Indeed. It is a skill called…”

Hrm, I have to think of a different name for . Otherwise it might be used as an identifier in future…

“… . The skill renders me immune to any and all curses.”

“…”

Huh? Well that’s unexpected. While I had no idea what revealing my Unique Skill would do, I didn’t think it would evoke another round of silence. Are Unique Skills holders really that rare? Don’t tell me it’s one of those once-a-century type things.

“D-do you really have a unique skill, Enbos?”

“I do, Lili. Why do you look so surprised?”

“T-that’s because… No, it would be best we move on. Wouldn’t you agree, brother?”

“You are wholly correct, Lady Liliana. If we continue to pursue this topic, we will have to escalate the investigation and involve the Novuseus house, which would overshadow our true objective. In fact, I think it is about time we bring this to a close…”

With foreboding movements, Maximillian takes the second mystery item and places it before me. I can tell that despite its small size it’s crammed with dozens upon dozens of magical safeguards. It’s enough to give the lich’s core a run for its money, except its enchanted entirely with holy mana. I slowly move my hand towards the container, and with a quick flick of my fingers, I flip open the searing lid to reveal…

“… Nothing. It’s empty.”

“Of course. That’s because the case IS the relic. It’s explicitly designed to safely contain the most dangerous and unholy of relics.”

“Wait, what are you-”

“Enbos… Please put the undead ravager’s core in the box.”

Damn it, so he’s convinced I have it after all.

“I d-”

Before I can say another word, before I can even finish the sound of my last syllable, I seal my voice upon spying the cold glint in his platinum eyes. They’re not the eyes of a suspecting man, but a hound who has found his prey. A cold wave rushes over me as I think back to the beginning of the session and come to a horrifying conclusion.

Why else would he resort to something as extreme as the Chain of Sincerity? Why else would he bring a container of the perfect size?

It’s because he knows. From the very beginning, he already knew...

“There is no need to be so distressed. After reviewing all the information available, I have finally discerned the truth of the incident. You recovered the core without knowing of its true nature, and due to your Unique Skill, you did not suspect it at all. It’s quite fortunate it fell in the hands of somebody who could carry it safely to Catorrem.”

Like hell you believe that. You’re basically asking me to hand over the core in return for that alibi. In the end, the Chain of Sincerity had achieved its purpose of coercing me. Damn, did he plan all this from the beginning, knowing I was immune to the relic’s effect? No, that’s impossible. His true goal was never to condemn me but to secure the elder lich’s core, which he succeeded the moment he somehow saw through my lie. Everything afterwards was just a bonus to convict me. However, he couldn’t weaken the protections provided by Lili and the Novuseus name, which is why he’s offering this compromise…

Moment pass as I stare silently at the oaken box, but eventually, I reach into my robe and produce the ancient artefact. Maximillian’s expression darkens at the sight of the unassuming gem, glaring at it like it’s an unforgiveable existence. Likewise, Agnes seems fixated on the unholy core although it’s hard to tell her emotions from her impassive face. Lili, however, is not looking at the core but at me. An air of disappointment is mixed in her surprise, and I almost turn away because of it. With a heavy heart, I stare intently at this capsule of secrets and steel my resolve.

“…”

“Enbos, just to be clear, I will absolve all charges laid against you, including possession of a high-level forbidden item. All I ask is that you relinquish ownership of the undead ravager’s core.”

“…”

“Enbos?”

“I… refuse.”