39 - The Victim of the Academy

Life-Changing Event (1) It was all a happy ending. ...If only that were the conclusion, it would have been nice. Unfortunately, reality isn't so forgiving. There are still countless matters unresolved and issues to be addressed. "Good evening." "Ah, hello, Saintess. How do you do?" Late at night. When I arrived at the Cradle, I was greeted by Tylis standing at the main gate. Come to think of it, if I were her, I would do the same. Why wander around unnecessarily when my destination is set? Since she has already absorbed the demon from Koran Rekias, she would target me next if she had any intentions. So, I knelt down for a moment. Could kneeling and begging perhaps suffice? "I am truly sorry for all the trouble caused today..." "Oh, there's no problem with that." I immediately stood up straight. Well, if she says it's fine... "So, what brings you here?" "This." This is the capital of the empire and the Cradle. No matter how powerful Tylis is, I believe she's not foolish enough to turn the entire imperial army and Olga Hermode against her. Besides, she now has a reason not to kill me. Because I possess the Book of Lemegeton. And I haven't signed a contract yet, making her all the more anxious. Demons aren't something you encounter every day, so I doubt she wants to waste this opportunity. "Because of this." As expected, Tylis didn't use violence against me. Instead, she handed over something silver and white from her arms. "Oh, what on earth is...?" I caught it reflexively and was taken aback by its unexpected weight. Upon closer inspection, it was Emily's drone, which I had used as bait. Since it wasn’t moving, it was likely broken or out of power. "Did you come to return this to me?" "No. Please fix it." "Pardon?" "It's not moving." Her actions are unpredictably bizarre. What does she intend to do with it after getting it fixed? More unsettling is how she acts as if it's already hers. "Uh, sure, I'll give it a try." "Thank you." What else could I do? It's best to avoid actions that might provoke her. Although she has no reason to attack me now, who knows how things might unfold later. "Well then, it's late. Take care on your way back, Student Johann." "...Yes." I nodded to her waving hand and passed through the Cradle's main gate. A rather terrifying individual. While I had expected that she wouldn’t harm me, I hadn’t anticipated she could behave as though nothing had happened... Reading her intentions is entirely beyond me. It’s easier dealing with the scheming cultists. Anyway, the biggest danger is extinguished. Now, there's only one thing left to handle. * * * The following day. I found myself leaving the Cradle. Oddly enough, the more I resolve to stay inside, the more reasons I seem to have for going out. Perhaps I should resolve to venture outside more actively? Well, at least I have reliable protection with me for now. "Once we turn here, we’ll reach our destination soon, Senior." It was Dietrich. He was hyper-vigilant, escorting me with exaggerated caution. While I'm grateful for his enthusiasm, I wish he'd tone it down because it's quite embarrassing. "I'm aware of the trouble you've been in recently, Senior. Today, I'll ensure your safety!" "Yes, I appreciate it." His escorting skills are likely genuine. Though perhaps not as strong as Ariel right now, he is much more stable and has greater stamina due to his physical prowess. There won't be a repeat of having to guard Ariel while she was supposed to be my escort. And since Tylis has stopped monitoring me, Yuna should be around too, so there's no worry about an ambush. With solid protection in place, where was I headed... "We've arrived. Senior, this is the Eretikus Marquess’ estate, my home." "Right... Well, it could've been a bit further." The mansion of the Eretikus Marquess. Indeed, I was stepping into the tiger's den. Having made a seemingly backstabbing move against the cult yesterday, it's something I needed to address. No reason to sour relations with someone aiming for neutrality. I had come to keep a promise. "The cult returned yesterday, and they mentioned you're wise." Is that a backhanded compliment nudging me to act wisely if I don’t want trouble? "I knew you two would get along. You have similar traits, you see." "...We're not close." And we’re certainly not alike. All this needless chatter is irritating; it’d be nice if he stopped. "Come right in! I’ve informed them, so there's no need to worry!" "Alright." And thus, I stepped over the threshold of the Eretikus Marquess’ residence. As soon as I crossed it, I felt my chest tighten. Though I knew nothing would happen, it still felt somewhat daunting. As I crossed the beautifully maintained garden of the Eretikus Marquess, we encountered a child. "Oh? Dietrich, who is this person? A guest?" "Oh, Helena. Out for a stroll?" "Yes, the day is bright, and I'm feeling well, so I came out after a long time." She had radiant white hair reflecting sunlight and a sunflower-like smile. She was the kind of child who naturally lifted the spirits of those who saw her. "Senior, this is Helena Eretikus. She’s Kult's little sister. Not a real sister, though... ahem! But she's like a sister." "Oh, I see." I left the stammering Dietrich behind and examined Helena. Upon hearing Kult's name, she smiled bashfully. At least to Helena, Kult seemed to be a genuine brother. "Helena, this gentleman is my senior at the Cradle, Johann Damus of Count Damus’ family. He is a remarkable person." Dietrich then introduced me with ostentatious enthusiasm. Helena widened her eyes as she looked up at me and asked, "An amazing person?" “Well, I’m not sure if I’m amazing, but I do strive to become one.” I knelt to meet Helena's gaze as I spoke. "I’m working on making medicine that can heal those who are sick and suffering." "Wow!" I hope that my seemingly insignificant actions can at least stir a dream in a child who has led a difficult life. "So, can you help my brother, too? My brother's eyesight is poor. He can’t see well. It's such a pity because the world is so bright and beautiful." "...Oh, really? As it happens, I came here to meet him, so I'll take a look." "Thank you! Please take good care of my brother!" "Of course." Maintaining my smile, I stood up. It was about time to meet Kult. Helena isn't aware of Kult’s true nature. Kult, likewise, tries to hide his true self from Helena. Indeed, Helena’s presence itself... "Take care of yourself." "Yes!" ...represents Kult's humanity. *** Guided by Dietrich, I finally came face to face with Kult. Kult welcomed me in his study, sipping tea. "Hello, Johann." "Yes, it's been a while. I didn't expect to see you again." "Please, have a seat." As I sat opposite Kult following his invitation, he poured me a cup of tea. His actions seemed natural yet significantly burdensome. I hope this tea isn’t poisoned. Just to be safe, I should avoid drinking it. "What brings you here today?" "I forgot to give you something yesterday, so I came by." "Oh, is that so? I wasn't aware there was something you wanted to give me." He's a funny guy. Leaving thinly veiled threats through Dietrich to act wisely, yet here we are. "Dietrich, could you step out for a moment? I believe it’s time for a conversation between nobles." "Alright, I'll be just outside." Without any suspicion, Dietrich left the room with a smile at Kult’s words. What should I do with that naive fool? How can he be so oblivious despite having grown up in the slums? As soon as Dietrich closed the door behind him, Kult wiped the smile off his face and spoke. "You're early? Things would have gotten interesting if you had run away." "I mentioned before it was because I had no time. I don't lie. Trust is crucial in dealings." "Wise indeed." Only then did Kult regain his smile. "Now, can you tell me where Elysium’s relic is?" "...However, I might not be able to explain it clearly, hoping you’ll understand that part?" "Your tongue is getting longer, I assume you’re not clueless, are you?" Kult appeared to have a lowered threshold for anger, perhaps due to the exhausting battle against Tylis, revealing a more diverse expression than ever before. "No, I genuinely know it. It's just that explaining it is a bit complicated." "Let's hear it, and I'll decide." Elysium's relic. It's an item that doesn't even exist in the current timeline. That's why Kult and Eden, despite their intense search, couldn't find it. "Elysium’s relic is already close to you." "So ripping out that tongue of yours was the answer after all." "...No, I'm serious. It truly is." "It’s not some nonsense to avert a crisis?" "You must have had some suspicion about it yourself." "Haha." Kult can see the future. But Kult’s vision of the future is limited to what a specific person will experience. In other words, he can't see the future of someone whose identity is unknown. That's why he's searching for the Oracle. It's also why he wasn't aware of the identity of the Arbiter and Safe Clown. Kult had been wondering how he managed to obtain the relic in the future. He might have initially thought it was special because it was a relic. But... "So, rather than me finding the relic, the relic is supposed to find me." "...Yes, exactly." Kult knows what his weaknesses are. Therefore, he must have considered other possibilities. What I did this time was confirm his doubts. Kult should now be able to save resources and manpower. This would give him some leeway. However, I don't know what consequences this action may bring. "Well, that's fine. This information suffices for turning a blind eye this time." Still, I think this move might turn out to be poisonous. Not to Rovelia... "Thanks to this information, it seems I’ll have some breathing room." ...but to Kult himself. Well, we’ll have to wait and see what comes out of it. The arduous journey to find the relic might have been something Kult needed; the outcome will tell. Isn't this what life is about? Most people don't know what will happen in the future. I, too, merely harbor expectations in the same way they do. * * * The deal with Kult was over. Thanks to sharing the information, I was barely able to maintain our prior neutral relationship. Exhausted, I slowly got up from my seat. It's time to head back. "..." It was then, from a crack in the door, I noticed someone peeking at me, and our eyes met. It was Helena Eretikus. Kult, seemingly aware of her presence from the start, gave me a knowing look with a smile. "Ahem, hmm... The aromatic tea is indeed delightful." I sat back down. This was probably his way of asking me to maintain appearances from the outside. After all, I had just promised Helena that I would see to Kult's treatment, so leaving now felt a bit inappropriate. "Does it seem odd?" "Sorry? What do you mean?" "Isn't it strange to see me acting ordinary in front of Helena, despite having taken numerous lives?" "Do you find it contradictory for a criminal to act in such a way?" "People are inherently contradictory. I just think it’s fine as long as my family and I are safe. It’s just ordinary." Well, what's so special about that? I answered honestly. Isn't that just how people naturally are? "However, I am not an ordinary person. You're aware of that, aren't you?" "And so?" "..." What does he want me to say? Is he hoping for insults? I'm certainly not bold enough to do that. Moreover, how could I insult his family with a child watching right in front of us? I scratched my head and asked, "So, do you feel any guilt?" "Yes, I tend to." "That's good." "Is it, though?" Why am I offering counseling to a madman like this? Maybe it’s because of Helena's request to treat Kult. "When you are aware of your actions, it gives them weight, doesn’t it? So, in a way, yes, it’s good." "Indeed." To be honest, this isn't really my own philosophy. I merely reiterated the ideals Kult had mentioned at the beginning. It's always best to revisit the starting point when you’re unsure. Although it feels like I'm condoning a crime... "Now that you have some time, consider spending it with your family and reflect on things." Just as Helena had asked, I scribbled a 'prescription' for Kult. It was more of what seemed necessary for him now: time and reflection. Ah, the skill of a great doctor is truly unrivaled. "Who knows? Maybe your perspective will change." "I wonder? Do you think I will change my way of thinking, Johann?" "No, not at all." Of course, if a patient has no intention of getting better, it's all in vain. I don't believe I have the power to change Kult. If there’s anyone who can, it would have to be someone closest to him, a part of his life. "Brother, may I come in?" "Yes, Helena. We’ve just finished." With a warm smile, I turned to glance at Helena as she entered the room, and then stepped out of the Eretikus Marquess’ mansion.