Chapter 363 - Curses and Talismans
Thanks to the arrival of reinforcements, our information gathering and organization proceeded at an incredibly rapid pace.
Even in an unfamiliar land, with Leila-san and my guidance, they acclimatized quickly. For our members, it was a walk in the park as long as they weren't starting from zero.
I had Heidi-san and the others continue their activities while remaining hidden in the shadows. They seemed to have intended that from the start, and it was their specialty.
I met with Thompson of the Blue Coats and Moore, the intelligence officer, to probe them, but they didn't seem to have noticed our new strength. Ideally, I’d like to leave the interactions with Thompson and his lot to the Intelligence Bureau, but for now, I’d keep our allies' presence a secret, as their anonymity was a powerful weapon.
Now then, after finishing my work at the academy today, I had a meeting with Moore. For someone of his status, he was surprisingly easy to meet with.
We met at our usual underground bar, and I listened to him over drinks.
"This information hasn't been made public, but several incidents have occurred that are believed to involve curses."
"...Curses?"
That was an ominous word. Even in a fantasy world, you don't hear about 'curses' very often. Being told about it so casually was bewildering.
"The details are unclear, but it’s some kind of magic. We’ve termed it a curse based on the results, and we believe it to be the handiwork of the Badoo Lott Array."
Badoo Lott was the underworld organization with a hideout in the slums, rumored to be behind the Jienko-Nigi thugs.
There were also rumors that they were linked to the Young Master of the Anastasia Union, but the organization should have been wiped out or crippled in an attack by someone recently. Is that organization now causing incidents?
Moore was aware of the attack on the Badoo Lott hideout. That being the case, it was more logical to think that Badoo Lott survivors were active rather than a new organization using the same methods had appeared.
It was a common story for a group that was supposed to have been wiped out to actually be alive.
"...Huh. Curse-like magic. What kind, specifically?"
"Well, for example, magic that seems to intentionally cause unfortunate accidents. There have been rare cases where a unique magical residue was left on the bodies. It’s a residue so faint that only someone with excellent mana sensing would notice. As we gather information on these incidents, the shadow of Badoo Lott appears in every case."
Magic that makes things look like accidents? It wasn't a direct attack, but magic that invited misfortune. If that was the case, it certainly sounded like a curse.
However, it seemed to lack certainty for an assassination, and it was quite a roundabout method for an organization that took on hits. Were they prioritizing not leaving evidence? Or was the magic much more powerful than I imagined?
"Hmm. But they were supposed to be destroyed. Are you sure?"
"We’ve been investigating, and the corpses you saw might have been a Badoo Lott fabrication. We don't have definitive proof yet, but considering the incidents that seem to use curses, it makes more sense to think the incident was a fake rather than it being survivors. They aren't an organization that’s easily taken down, which also supports the idea of a fabrication. Of course, it’s not certain."
"I see. And since you care about this, it means it’s linked to those forces from outside the continent, right?"
"Most likely."
This man was on high alert for the entry of outside forces into Bertlea and was investigating them. In other words, he believed Badoo Lott was aiding those forces.
He’d already said the Young Master of the Anastasia Union was teaming up with outsiders, so if Badoo Lott was actually alive, that would make sense.
I didn't care about forces from outside the continent, but that idiot Young Master was an enemy. If it would lead to harassing him or weakening his power, I was willing to cooperate. I’d say it was a good chance to put the Berlyza Intelligence Department in my debt, but those kinds of people don't usually feel indebted, so that was debatable.
"If the goal of those outside forces is to weaken Berlyza’s power, they’ve already achieved it to some extent."
The Anastasia Union isn't a state agency, but it’s a hyper-militant organization deeply embedded in the country. If a wedge has been driven into it and it’s aiding the enemy, that’s already a major problem. The top brass must be pulling their hair out.
"It’s infuriating, but you're right. The problem of the Young Master isn't just an internal Anastasia Union matter."
"Can't you just use state power to remove one nuisance? While you're talking about evidence, things will become irreversible."
"If we could do that, we wouldn't be in this position. The Young Master’s personal strength isn't to be underestimated, but if a certain number of the Anastasia Union’s powerhouses become traitors, the damage won't be small. If the country is thrown into chaos, it’ll be exactly what the enemy wants. Oh, though if you were to do it, we wouldn't stop you, and we might even turn a blind eye to some things."
It seemed the state wanted to avoid becoming an open enemy. If they acted forcefully and ignored the organization’s honor, they risked making the entire Anastasia Union their enemy.
"No way. Our group and the Anastasia Union have a friendly relationship. Just because that idiot Young Master is a nuisance doesn't mean I can make a move when he hasn't done anything. If I took his life, it would start a war even in Exembra."
No matter how much of an idiot he was, the Young Master was the son of the previous President, and the current President intended for him to take over eventually. Given that the Young Master had his own faction within the organization, even if the President tried to smooth things over, war would be unavoidable.
I had no intention of letting that idiot Young Master ruin the stable three-family system we’d worked so hard for. Unless one of our members was killed or we suffered major damage, we couldn't even start a fight, let alone kill him.
Even if I were to kill him secretly, I’d be the prime suspect. To avoid that kind of ultimate headache, I might even have to protect him from assassination.
No, no. I’m not going that far, and I just plain don't want to.
"I know. But Berlyza is the continent’s breakwater, and its weakening isn't something other nations can ignore."
"Are you saying there might be an intercontinental war?"
"The probability is high enough that it cannot be ignored. The recent relaxation of magic tool regulations was done with an intercontinental war in mind."
"So that’s it. I was wondering why regulations on communication and offensive magic tools were being loosened."
"You can assume the guild’s rules will be different when you cross the ocean. They decided they had to match the other side or they’d be crushed in an emergency."
As expected of a major power’s intelligence officer. He casually shared information that wasn't classified.
"Well, an intercontinental war is on too grand a scale for me. Anyway, if I’m going to harass that Young Master who’s doing whatever he wants, I guess the shortcut is to deal with Badoo Lott."
"Eliminating them would be the most solid move we can make right now. Based on several incidents, it’s Badoo Lott that’s benefiting the outside forces. Eliminating them would be a common benefit for both us and you."
I had no objection. Weakening the Young Master’s power was more than welcome for me as my sister’s guard. Besides, it sounded bad if they used those mysterious 'curses' on us. I’d rather deal with them before they deal with us.
"Then we first need to find where they are. This is your backyard, so I’ll leave that to you."
"It will take time, but that shouldn't be an issue. I’m counting on the power that defeated the Medek Legisarmo Empire."
I suppose my achievement of dealing a heavy blow to the Empire was why I was so highly regarded.
"Fine, but I won't let you dump everything on me."
I’d receive detailed materials on the incidents suspected to be caused by Badoo Lott later.
"Oh, right. For a fight against Badoo Lott, if you don't have one, you should buy a talisman at a church. It’s unclear if they work, but it’ll give you some peace of mind."
What was that? A charm against curses? He was surprisingly devout. I didn't want to be mistaken for being devout myself, so I just nodded and ignored it.
Once the talk was over, Moore quickly left the bar. An intelligence officer must be busier than I imagined.
After waiting a while, I also left the shop and moved through the shadows to avoid standing out.
The Berlyza Intelligence Department would likely strengthen its vigilance against outside forces and pour more effort into searching for Badoo Lott and watching the Young Master.
However, I was doubtful if they truly intended to cooperate with us fairly. They undoubtedly wanted to use us for their own convenience.
Since it was the state, I’d have to let them lead me to some extent, but there was a limit. To know in advance how much of this was their plan, I’d have Heidi-san and the others move.
This would also be a perfect opportunity to see how our Intelligence Bureau could hold its own against Berlyza’s. If anything, this was the most important part for us. We were going to put up our sign in this city in the near future, after all.
Anyway, as long as we could conduct a seemingly fair trade for our common benefit, it was fine. If our effort or sacrifice became too large, I’d have to demand a corresponding reward. I didn't think I was being underestimated, but I didn't want to lose out.
Even after parting with Moore, I stayed alert for surveillance and tailing, walking aimlessly through deserted streets.
It was better if as few people as possible knew I was linked with the Intelligence Department. As few as possible, anyway.
I walked for a while along a street I’d never seen before, observing the surroundings. These walks were necessary for us, as we still weren't very familiar with the geography.
I’d looked down on this area from high up and had a general idea of the map, but there were many things you only noticed when you actually walked the ground. For example—
"Huh. I didn't know there was a church here."
If it were on the map, I shouldn't have missed it. But could a conspicuous thing like a church not be on the map?
This area, with its few streetlights, was likely a park-like space with a bit of nature, away from shops and houses. It would probably be pleasant during the day, but at night, it was dark and a little creepy.
The church there was a weathered stone building that suggested it had stood for many years. Even in the darkness, the prominent design of water and fire was unmistakably the symbol of the church. The same design was in the chapel at St. Esmeralda’s.
Still, a church. This organization, which had made great contributions in the ancient war against the undead, was still a major force today. There were definitely over a million followers across the continent, but it seemed it was difficult for them to even maintain their numbers, let alone increase them, purely on ancient merit. Apparently, their numbers had significantly decreased over the last few decades. With new religions appearing, I supposed that was only natural.
Since people in the nest of evil, Exembra, weren't exactly devout, their influence there was very small, and I rarely had a chance to interact with them. I already wanted to avoid them, and after seeing the massive swarm of undead in the true Forest of the Underworld, I avoided them even more. According to my research, they were unexpectedly a virtuous organization, which I also didn't like.
It’s usually the case that people who act all good on the outside are actually doing terrible things behind the scenes.
I’d avoided the church as much as possible because of my own assumptions and biases. But Moore had just mentioned talismans. I didn't know if they’d be an effective countermeasure against unknown magic, but it was a good chance to see what they were. I was interested in useful magic tools.
Why not? I might as well stop in.
The gate of the old building was slightly ajar, as if by design, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
Peering inside from the entrance, I saw an interior that was exactly what I’d imagined. A vast space with rows of long benches, red banners hanging from the ceiling, and at the back, a pulpit and a large statue of a goddess. There were almost no gaudy decorations, making the space feel clean. And in that church filled with warm light, there was a single woman.
"Please, come in."
Our eyes met, and she called out to me.
The woman was dressed in plain, sister-like clothing, covered almost entirely in black from head to toe. Her long skirt didn't even show her ankles, and with her gloves and a high collar, her face was the only skin visible. Her only distinguishing feature was a wooden brooch shaped like the church’s symbol of water and fire. Apparently, all followers carried an accessory with that design. It must be their equivalent of a rosary.
Still, the sacred atmosphere the sister-like woman exuded was perfectly suited to this place. And I was the exact opposite. I really wasn't good with this.
"...I’m coming in."
Despite my discomfort, if I turned back now, it would feel like I was running away. So I went in.
Entering as invited, the first thing I felt was the presence of a barrier-like magic tool. I’d heard this was supposed to have some effect in preventing crimes within the church. I suppressed my urge to challenge it and walked toward the woman at the back.
The woman, who didn't exude a hint of malice, was too transparent and pure for me. It was this otherworldly virtue that I struggled with.
My discomfort grew as she welcomed even a villain like me with a gentle smile.
It felt as if my guilt was being triggered, even though no mind-altering magic was being used.
Yeah, I should just finish my business and get out.
"I heard you sell talismans here."
I’d ended up being quite blunt. Walking into a religious facility and asking to buy something without even offering a prayer...
But I wasn't going to pray to a god I didn't believe in. Even if there truly was a god, he’d be too busy to help a villain like me. If anything, if he noticed me, I’d probably be struck by divine punishment. It really was best to finish up and leave.
"Yes, I can provide you with a Goddess's Protection Stone Talisman."
When I said I wanted to buy one, she moved without a single look of displeasure. I liked that she didn't waste time with unnecessary questions.
The woman pulled a large trunk from a shelf in the back and placed it on a workbench, inviting me over.
The trunk contained several pendant-type magic tools with processed gemstones, and each conveniently had a price tag. These were the talismans.
The prices varied depending on the type and quality of the gemstone. Even the cheaper ones were quite pricey because of the cost of the raw materials. But they weren't trying to rip me off, and if the claim that they could nullify curses was true, they seemed quite affordable. If the magical effect was real, that is. I decided to ask.
"Is it true that these can counter curses?"
"The Goddess's Protection Stone is a means of countering evil forces."
Hmm. I didn't care about evil forces. I wanted to know if they were effective against specific magic... Anyway, they were definitely magic tools.
Come to think of it, even if I asked if it could counter a curse, she wouldn't be able to answer unless she’d been cursed herself. And it wasn't as if the sister was the one making the magic tools.
Alright. Even if it’s a disappointment, the whole thing was suspicious to begin with. I’ll just consider this a nice souvenir and buy one to test it out.
Just as a trial, I bought one of the cheaper talismans. Even 'cheap' was eight hundred thousand jhist. Once I put the light blue stone around my neck, I thought it didn't look too bad as an accessory. Feeling somewhat upbeat after my purchase, I left the church.
Well, it’s just one piece of equipment. I can only think of a magic tool with no guarantee as a bit of comfort.
Besides, even if Badoo Lott used some ridiculous magic like a curse, I’d just have to get them before they got me.
Strike first. That’s the key. I’ll find them and crush them!
"...Huh?"
I felt a sudden anomaly. Something rough brushed against my clothes as it fell. It was the talisman I’d just bought.
It wasn't something that would just break on its own. I wasn't so foolish as to buy a defective product, and the church wouldn't be in that kind of business.
But I hadn't felt the presence of any suspicious magic. An unknown attack is a threat that even the strongest must be wary of. This was exactly that.