44 – People, Lions, Bulls, and Eagles (1)
『(…) The detailed information is documented in the official report, but summarizing the situation:
(1) The Pope intends to venerate the seven heroes as ‘saints.’ Believing in the seven heroes more deeply is expected to unite the world, ensuring peace and hope. They are even dispatching agents to bring suspicious evidence to the Southern Kingdom’s Papal Office. Officially, it’s stated as a meticulous ‘review,’ but there is no mention of returning the evidence after the review.
While it’s clear they are taking evidence to the Papal Office, it’s still unclear whether they intend to eliminate it afterward or if there is another motive.
(2) The church has not made any decisions other than (1). There seems to be a serious internal conflict between the Papal Office and the church. It’s evident that they are divided, but who supports whom and who opposes whom is unclear.
Due to this, the support promised to us by the church has not arrived. There is no dispatch of personnel or provision of information.
Some high-ranking inquisitors from the Magdeburg Heresy Inquisition Headquarters have, ‘personally,’ provided information and support based on their free beliefs and conscience. However, it’s hard to consider that as the official stance of the church. (Detailed information is recorded in the official report.)
Therefore, I have decided it’s better to proceed with independent investigative activities than wait for the church’s support.
(3) The new companion, Inquisitor Maria, is undoubtedly a member of the church and does not seem to be working for the Empire. Her loyalty is to the gods, not the Empire.
She is a highly unique, difficult to understand, and uncontrollable person, but as an investigator, she is top-notch. Her unusual birth and complex background seem to be the cause. She is as deep in flaws as she is in strengths, so I will observe her carefully.
(4) Lilly is performing her duties well. Even better than I expected. It’s behavior close to abuse of authority, but I promoted her to an official agent.
In preparation for any issues with my safety, I have disclosed almost everything I know to Lilly. However, I do not know the methods and procedures of approaching the Imperial Guard’s branch headquarters.
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If there is an issue with me, Lilly will follow the Security Bureau’s evacuation procedure and flee to the main headquarters.
However, the fact that she seems to be gradually breaking free from control is worrisome. She stubbornly insists on certain aspects like a child…
It’s not a problem with handling missions, and it’s difficult to point out regarding the human-to-human attitude. Even if mentioned, she doesn’t listen. This is the first time, and it’s quite bewildering.
I am still observing, but if her spontaneous behavior hinders mission performance, I plan to immediately recall her to the headquarters.
(5) Archbishop William’s sordid diary consists of three volumes, all written in code. Inquisitor Haspel identified it as the Bizner method, but the code key remains elusive.
From the first to the midpoint of the third volume, it seems to be records of women the Archbishop himself targeted.
The format is consistent, labeled as Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3… and so on. The dates are written in ordinary numbers, not as code, and in the middle, there are hair strands stuck with glue, and towards the end, there are discreet hairs from intimate areas.
However, from the midpoint to the end of the third volume, there are attached letters. Though the handwriting is different, it appears to be written in the same coded format.
It is uncertain with whom these exchanges took place. However, the Seven Heroes, thinking they could decipher it, are on their way to meet Lady Ariane, the ‘Humble Inquisitor,’ who is closest to Magdeburg.
The three of us are now headed to Emmao. (…)
– Excerpt from a coded letter sent by ‘Cain,’ Head of Security Department 4, to ‘Anna Commudus,’ a history professor at the Capital Academy.
* * * * *
From Magdeburg to Emmao is a week’s journey by carriage.
If it were an ordinary road trip, it would have been quite troublesome. Bandits occupying narrow passages. Wolves, sometimes covertly, sometimes openly moving in packs. Greedy lords or farmers demanding tolls more voracious than wolf packs.
There were rumors about some places where villagers intentionally blocked the road, not clearing obstacles until paid. It was said that even calling the guards was futile, as they would simply take a bribe and let you pass.
But there was no need to worry about such things on the Imperial Central Road. The road is straight, well-maintained, and patrol units regularly remove any hazards.
Cain, however, did not hasten his steps.
The road ahead was longer than the one traveled so far, and dealing with the ‘Shadows’ would require substantial mental and physical strength. So, he judged there was no need to rush already.
Fortunately, there were many cities where they could stay for a while.
Magdeburg, being the heart of the southern Empire, witnessed significant logistics and people traffic. The cities erected along the road to Magdeburg also benefited from this.
But it’s not just a simple symbiotic relationship. The cities along the Imperial Central Road have long served as trade routes, meeting places, and intermediate stops between nations.
Originally, the concept of the Imperial Central Road was a path that originated from inter-nation trade routes. The Empire is a country situated among several nations, making it the optimal location for intermediary trade.
So, from the Empire’s perspective, managing the trade routes is crucial. Strict control, safe passages, and even comfortable lodgings are familiar concepts in the cities near the Imperial Central Road, which may seem unfamiliar to ordinary Imperial citizens.
Of course, it wasn’t as grand as Magdeburg, where high-ranking officials could comfortably rest, but with enough money, one could enjoy a decent meal, quality drinks, and even secure a room.
The principle of “eating well and sleeping well for effective work” was Cain’s work mantra, and both Lily and even the sharp-tongued Maria didn’t object to that.
The problem, however, lay elsewhere. The two women were not keen on sharing the same room.
Cain needed his solitary time desperately. He had to review the coded report for Anna and decipher the diary code left by Haspel based on the clues he provided.
Fortunately, Maria knew of a reasonably good inn. She mentioned it as a place she always visited during various business trips. The first floor offered drinks and simple dishes, while the second to fourth floors served as accommodations. Despite its slightly untidy exterior, the inside was surprisingly occupied by decent individuals, which was quite surprising.
Perhaps due to the region’s prosperous grain cultivation, there was a diverse selection of beers. The veal dish, coated in flour and egg batter, was also commendable. Mixing lemon juice and honey with the savory beer sauce made it a delightful way to unwind after a tiring day.
“Do you handle a fork well? I thought folks from the northern villages couldn’t use such things.”
However, Maria was astonished at a somewhat unexpected aspect. Cain skillfully wielded the fork and knife, and Lily, while casting glances at Cain, also followed suit quite adeptly.
“We’ve traveled to various parts of the empire. Been to foreign lands too.”
“Heh. Carried like baggage on a modified postal carriage, I suppose.”
Maria was surprised to learn that Cain and Lily were affiliated with the Security Bureau. She found it astounding that many of the postal facilities scattered throughout the empire were, in fact, undercover Security Bureau institutions.
Nevertheless, now that they had to move together, they couldn’t conceal everything. On the other hand, it was a kind of expression of trust in its own way. Regardless, the first impression wasn’t particularly favorable.
“That aside.” Maria downed a gulp of beer. “They say you two aren’t really a married couple. It’s a superior-subordinate relationship, right?”
“That’s right.” “Yes.”
“Weird. Does the Security Bureau usually assign male-female pairs together? And if, by any chance, something were to happen?”
While Lily contemplated the question, holding her beer glass thoughtfully, Cain furrowed his brow. “Is it okay for an inquisitor to throw around baseless words like that?”
Maria, dressed casually, seemed unfazed. “As long as you keep your mouth shut, no one would know if I’m an inquisitor or a street girl.”
“But you don’t seem like a girl to anyone, I guess.” Cain tilted his head. “Seems like you lack a conscience.”
It was an attempt to change the subject, but Maria just laughed and persisted. “So, did you two or didn’t you?”
I couldn’t say those words in front of the child. Lily blinked her eyes.
“What are you talking about?”
“Don’t worry about it. She seems a bit drunk…” Cain’s attempt to divert the conversation was in vain as Maria chuckled, lowering her voice.
“Why. The. Two grown-ups seemed to hit it off…”
Lily’s face brightened at whatever Maria was saying.
“Oh! Is it about s…ex?”
Fortunately, Cain was able to feed Lily bread in time. Maria covered her mouth and bowed her head, pressing her forehead against the table. There was a sound of wood breaking. The urgency here was such that it rushed forward hastily.
“If you need something, please let me know! Don’t break the table!”
“Sorry.” Cain placed a silver coin on the table. “Could we have more of this drink?”
Quickly, the server took the silver coin and returned with three more glasses of beer and additional meat snacks. Maria rubbed her wrinkled forehead.
“Wow, it’s amazing. Doing that in a crowded place…”
“Don’t ask weird things to the child.”
“Not that kid!”
“This is delicious. Have more of this.”
Lily seemed annoyed by the sudden treatment, but still didn’t refuse the smoked ham from the pig’s hind leg that Cain had skillfully sliced. The flavor of well-melted fat and the unique aroma of properly fermented food seeped between the fat and the meat, making it excellent.
Still, the night seemed to pass somehow. The two women entered the double room, and Cain, in the solitary room, scratched his forehead and wrote a report to Anna. The letter, once written, was placed in the gap between his clothes and pinned to ensure it wouldn’t fall. The next morning, when he woke up, the letter was still there, undisturbed.
In the third city they visited, there was a contact point for the local guards. Cain planned to send the report and two indecent diaries through that person. The third diary would be sent after decoding the contents of the letter.
Anyway, evidence of the corruption of innocence would be sufficient with the first and second diaries alone.
Making a decision, Cain staggered down to the first floor. After a while, the two women came down with expressions as if they had seen ghosts.
Cain couldn’t understand why Maria looked at him like he was a rare animal.
“What are you looking at like that?”
“Are you by any chance upset?”
Cain felt irritated. To hear such words before even exchanging the morning greetings was rude. But Maria seemed genuinely serious.
“Well… You just let go of such an amazing kid, and that too, a kid who’s running after you. Seriously?”
“It’s not like that. She’s just a colleague, not a wife or a lover.”
“Ha. Huh. That’s a great saying.” Maria tilted her head.
“People in this world don’t only bother with wives and lovers. Our father and uncle should have engraved this saying in their hearts. Wait a moment. Are you perhaps into really skinny people?”
Before Cain could say anything, Lily with a vacant expression approached. She only nodded in response to the question about sleeping well, showing no lively reaction.
Cain wondered if she hadn’t slept well, but he didn’t say anything. However, seeing her morning eating habits, something was indeed off.
Lily had barely eaten a quarter of the bread. She cut it as if it was never hers to begin with. Instead, she chewed her portion slowly and meticulously, then looked at Cain and Maria with envious eyes as they finished their meal.
“Why are you like that? Upset stomach?”
On the way to the carriage, Cain asked Lily casually. Lily tilted her head.
“Digestion is fine.”
“Is it because you have no appetite in the morning? It seemed like you ate very little.”
“Well…” Lily lowered her voice, looking at Maria ahead.
“You need to be honest. Without personal emotions, just objective facts. Can you do that?”
“What’s this about?”
“Well… Aren’t you a bit chubby?”
Cain slightly opened his mouth. He had never once thought Lily was chubby, even though she was about half an inch taller. With a small face and head, long legs, good proportions, and a well-toned body from training, he considered her body elastic and healthy.
“Maria said that? That I’m fat?”
“No. She didn’t say that. But yesterday, when I tried to change clothes, I caught a glimpse of myself…and I felt pathetic. Maria, on the other hand, is so slim. I feel like a whale hanging upside down.”
Cain sincerely regretted putting the two women together. Lily’s following words only fueled that regret even more.
“By any chance, if I wear clothes like that…”
“What did you wear underneath? Armor?”
“She was wearing a full-body leather harness. It was equipped with all sorts of gear and weapons that she could easily pull out at any time. It felt like she was walking around with an armory. And…”
“And?”
“There were words written on the leather straps. They seemed like verses or prayers, but they were written in such a sloppy handwriting that I couldn’t make them out.”
It was becoming an increasingly incomprehensible story. Even if wearing such armor on the body was understandable, there was no reason for there to be writing on it. Lily’s envy of the irrelevant details only added to the headache.
“…If I wear clothes like that, I’ll definitely feel like a trapped whale. If by any chance I also walk around wearing such clothes…”
“That will never happen.” Cain quickly interrupted. Just imagining it felt like committing a sin.
“Did you notice Maria’s strange movements? She can’t walk confidently and wavers cautiously. It turns out she has something like that inside her body. Wouldn’t it be extremely uncomfortable?”
“…I think so.”
“And you’re a detective. You know, a detective who ties their entire body with leather straps. I’ve never seen such a thing in the world, even if you might be different.”
“Actually, I’ve never seen it either. Sometimes equestrians wear such clothes to wear armor, but that’s about it.”
“And clothes like that won’t just come off easily. If you lose weight just by wearing them, I should open a clothing store in the imperial capital right away. And…you don’t look bad.”
Lily’s face brightened.
“Really?”
“Yeah.” Cain sighed. “So, later, eat some dried fruits and nuts that I got from the carriage. I asked the owner for them. It’s strange that you haven’t been eating much lately.”
Lily happily hooked her arm with Cain’s. As Maria, who was standing first, looked at them with a smirk, Cain’s face flushed slightly, but he didn’t pay much attention to it.
“A leather strap tightly wrapped around her body, with letters written on it.”
When Maria fainted, she seemed like a completely different person. Cain was secretly curious if she, being the witch’s daughter, was under some specific spell. But he also knew that she knew how to use divine miracles.
Magic and miracles. Can they coexist in one person’s body?
Two days later, in the city Cain visited, he could understand the meaning a little.