Chapter 400 - Berliza's Troubled Past
After leaving the Anastasia Union Headquarters, I immersed myself in thought as I moved along. The story I heard from The Matriarch keeps nagging at me.
What could be the reason behind secretly collecting those seemingly worthless magical artifacts? They can't just be junk... But what exactly are they for? The mysterious runes carved into them are likely the key.
However, with the effects of those runes unknown, it's hard to guess the purpose. It's unsettling and even a bit creepy not knowing what they're for.
Given that The Matriarch once dismissed them as junk, they must be cleverly hidden or have no obvious value on their own. It's also possible that they have no meaning or value to anyone except those who stole them. People have all sorts of values, after all.
If the church was behind the theft of the magical artifacts, it might have been for religious reasons. These old artifacts probably have no monetary value, so it wouldn't be surprising if they had some incomprehensible reason for outsiders.
It's not as if the stolen artifacts are so crucial that we absolutely need to get them back. Without considering our pride or Anastasia Union's reputation, it might be best to just leave them be.
They weren't being used by anyone anyway, so if someone wants them, we could just give them away. If the thieves have achieved their goal, there might be no further trouble.
Still, thinking back on all the trouble in Berliza, I can't help but feel uneasy.
"This way, President," someone called out, interrupting my scattered thoughts.
We arrived at what appeared to be a vacant storefront that was once a bar, located in a back alley of the bustling district.
The underground location is discreet and the light doesn't leak outside, making it an ideal place for confidential discussions. This temporary hideout was found by the Intelligence Bureau members.
"You did well finding such a place," I said.
"We have a few other places secured. We're using them without permission from the owners, so they won't be available for long, but they should serve our needs for now," Layla-san replied.
Layla led the way down the narrow stairs and opened the magic authentication door matter-of-factly, gesturing for me to enter.
Inside, six people were gathered around a table, spreading out documents. They were the members of the Intelligence Bureau, including Heidi.
With a wave of her hand, Heidi motioned for us to sit and continued the discussion.
"Well, we've summarized the documents, so let's go over the key points and make sure we're all on the same page," she said.
"President and Assistant Layla, you can take a seat here," another member added.
I watched as Layla took a seat at the table, then I sat at a nearby counter.
"I'll stay here. Proceed as usual," I said.
Today's meeting wasn't primarily for my benefit. They were just going over the situation, and I thought I might as well listen.
Reflecting on it, there have been too many mysteries since coming to Berliza.
Hearing the summary from Layla and the others might help solve some of these mysteries. Even if they don't, it might provide some useful insights.
"Let's start from the beginning. Layla-san, would you mind going first?" Heidi asked.
Layla nodded, glanced at the documents, and made eye contact with me before beginning.
"As the documents show, the first trouble started with the thug gang, Jienko Nigi. It began when a student from the Academy got involved, and the President stepped in. It turned out that Badoo Lot was behind the thugs."
Yes, Badoo Lot was mentioned during that incident.
Through that event, we met Thompson from the Bluecoats and connected with the Phantom Thief Guild.
"That's what I find strange. Badoo Lot was an organization so secretive that even we struggled against them and the Berliza Intelligence Department had difficulty uncovering their details. It seems unlikely that they would protect a group of thugs. The loose-lipped thugs would have exposed them otherwise."
Layla had quickly tracked down the hideout of Badoo Lot, which turned out to be in a slum. When we found it, the hideout was a gruesome scene of decomposing bodies, all killed by someone. The building was rigged to collapse, erasing all evidence.
"Looking back, it seems they were set up as a front or a decoy to gather funds and information. Once Jienko Nigi was eliminated, they were no longer needed and were disposed of by Badoo Lot."
At the time, it was confusing, but now Layla's theory seems plausible.
"Later, the Berliza Intelligence Department informed us that Badoo Lot was still active, thanks to some incidents involving curses."
"Thanks to the President bringing in the Bluecoats, the connections with the Bluecoats and the Intelligence Department will be valuable for future operations."
"Yes, exactly."
While investigating the slum, we accidentally discovered a warehouse full of smuggled weapons and magical artifacts at the port. I gave that information to Thompson, which led to a connection with Moore from the Intelligence Department, and we learned that Badoo Lot used cursed killings.
"We then encountered several incidents that might have been curses. Whether it was retaliation for crushing Jienko Nigi or a separate contract, these attacks clearly showed hostility. The initial, incomplete curses seemed to be a preliminary probe."
Finding this annoying, we decided to take down Badoo Lot properly.
Berliza was under various plots from foreign and imperial forces. The involvement of corrupt nobles hinted at links with Badoo Lot. We received information from Count Cleados, a powerful noble in Berliza, about suspicious nobles and acted on it.
"As we moved forward, we began to seriously clash with them, eventually defeating them and handing over the captured members to the Intelligence Department."
"However, the Intelligence Department hasn't shared much information from their interrogations of Badoo Lot members. That's right, President, correct?"
"Indeed. There are still many unknowns."
One particularly unsettling incident was when we took down the corrupt nobles. In the gem store we raided with Gradena, we encountered many mysteries. Just thinking about it brings back a lot of unanswered questions.
Frozen bodies in the cold room, people imprisoned in a state of unconsciousness, the mysterious blue magic potion, and the noble who drank it and impulsively committed suicide—what were all these things? Does Badoo Lot know what they were?
"It seems the church might be involved. Considering that, new possibilities emerge."
"One of them is the artifact," Layla added.
She was referring to the short sword held by the noble who committed suicide. The intricate design on it suggested an old church pattern.
"The noble calling out to the divine in his last moments and the church-related engraving on the dagger seem to be connected to the central mystery."
While it could be a coincidence, the church's involvement is too evident to dismiss as such.
The most concerning part is the blue magic potion. The remaining potion was collected by the Intelligence Department, but the investigation hasn't progressed much, or at least we haven't received any updates.
"By the way, have you determined the effect of the artifact?"
"It was a purification spell. It could purify whatever it cut, making it powerful but not dangerous for humans."
"So, it might have been used to fight undead? It seems to be quite old."
"Selling it might fetch a high price. Heidi, you're getting sidetracked," I noted.
It might be useful in the Forest of the Underworld, so I have no intention of selling it. It will come in handy eventually.
"I apologize. Moving on, despite thinking we had wrapped things up with Badoo Lot, a church-related magical artifact theft occurred. This is the current situation. There are many details I've omitted, but in general, the church seems suspicious. Have you noticed any unusual activities from the church in Beltoria? We haven't had the resources to monitor them."
"The Anastasia Union is investigating. I should hear a report from them soon, President."
The attackers who assaulted the Anastasia Union members guarding the Academy left a piece of cloth with a pattern similar to those seen in the church. The Anastasia Union, having been attacked and failed to capture the assailant, is likely to investigate further for their pride.
"...Yes, I think I'll visit The Matriarch again."
I want to resolve these issues as quickly as possible, regardless of whether they involve the church.
If the Anastasia Union can handle it, we can move on without dwelling on it.
My current priority is guarding my little sister and working as a temporary lecturer at the Academy. Everything else is secondary, especially anything unrelated to the Kikyo Society.
"I'll leave it to you, Yukari-san. What should we do? Do we still need to monitor the Anastasia Union?"
"I don't think so... President, I want to investigate the movements of the hidden forces. The Intelligence Department is looking into the forces opposing Berliza, but there might be church-related suspicious activities mixed in."
"That sounds quite challenging."
"If it's under the command of Director Josephine, I believe we can do it. Even with my limited capabilities, I'll do my best."
I appreciate her determination. It's good to see her stepping up without hesitation.
"Alright, I trust you. You can use as much funding and equipment as you need. Even if it doesn't connect to the church, it's important to gather as much information as possible. It will be useful for the future."
"Thank you, President."
If successful, Layla and the others will gain valuable confidence. Even if not, the experience will be beneficial.
"Layla-san, do you have any specific plans? Do you have any leads? Should we ask for help from the Phantom Thief Guild?"
"I'll contact the Phantom Thief Guild. Heidi and the others can investigate the smuggling lines."
"Spies operating from abroad might be caught if we stake out the port. From there, we can investigate their hideouts and transportation routes. If we can connect them to corrupt nobles or merchants, we might find someone related to the church."
Even those hiding in the shadows need food and shelter. Spies would need supplies for their operations, which wouldn't be ordinary transactions and would be handled cautiously.
If someone tries to do something covert, there will always be some suspicious points, and my team won't miss them.
"President, I'll head to the Phantom Thief Guild right away. I might be pushed into some unpleasant tasks as part of the deal. Be prepared for a delay of a few days."
"I trust you. If it doesn't seem worth it, don't hesitate to back out."
"I'll negotiate for a fair deal. I'll be off."
Layla quickly got to work, and Heidi and the others followed. They're all hardworking, even at this hour of the night.
"I'll contact the Intelligence Department now. I'll send you an update if I learn anything."
"Thank you, President."
Layla left first, and Heidi and the others were packing up the documents and supplies in the safe house.
I declined to see them off and stepped outside, walking down the back alley while pulling out my communication device.
"This is Yukareed Evilbanshee, do you read me?"
After a brief pause, a response came.
"Perfect timing, I was just about to contact you. Can you meet me now? I have a place in mind."
"Now? What time do you think it is? Can't we just talk here?"
It was late, past midnight. I had no means of transportation and didn't feel like going anywhere.
"We can't talk over the communication. Are you outside? If you need transportation, I'll send someone to pick you up."
"What for?"
"How about the blue magic potion? You said you used it. I want to hear more about it."
The blue magic potion. That must be what he's referring to. I can't forget how the noble who was forced to drink it committed suicide. If they've learned its effect, I want to know.
"Alright. I'm in the bustling area near the Academy. Head to... the main street on the south side."
After giving the location, there was another pause.
"...I have a subordinate nearby. Are you wearing your usual eye patch?"
"Of course."
"Then there should be no mistake. My subordinate will call out to you. It won't take long, so just wait."
He ended the communication abruptly. Oh well.
The whole situation with the noble was suspicious. If this clears up one of the mysteries, that would be great.
Come to think of it, I'll be visiting an Intelligence Department hideout soon.
I wonder what kind of secret base they'll show me. It's a bit exciting.