Chapter 58: A Brilliant Move? Was There Such a Thing? (3)
Clink.
The crystal glasses clinked, making a clear sound. Even that was soon buried under the music that began to play. He and I each took a sip of our drinks.
The cold alcohol felt like it was bursting into flames in my esophagus and stomach. The contrasting sensations of coolness and heat ran through my entire body. It was like the man sitting in front of me.
“Oh, this is good alcohol. It’s a shame to serve it in a place like this.”
“They serve it because it makes money.”
“Of course. Now, what should we talk about first? Normally, we should start with the weather and talk about our families, but as you said, let’s put that aside. Shall we jump straight into politics? I think we could have a heated debate.”
“How about we talk about security instead? Or social circles. I think that would be more fun for both of us.”
“Oh my. Straight to the point from the beginning? Well, alright. The atmosphere is better than before.”
Artshever shrugged and dipped a cracker generously into the cheese sauce. Judging by his expression, it seemed to be a favorite snack of his. We have that in common.
I picked up a piece of fruit and opened my mouth.
“How’s Philip doing these days? Has he recovered?”
“Ah, I’m a little worried about that. He’s determined to attend your masquerade, even if it’s out of sheer will, but his body isn’t up to it. We’re trying to fix it somehow, but honestly, he was too badly injured in the duel with you. It’s the price he pays for neglecting his training. This is also karma, isn’t it……”
“It would be nice if he could attend. But, how did you do ‘that’?”
“Well, it wasn’t that difficult. His body just surpassed its limits. In fact, it’s just a simple ‘technique’. The only problem was his mental strength. To think he’d surrender right away just because a sword was at his throat. But if he hadn’t, the young master would have been humiliated and defeated by your sword.”
Artshever gave a rather harsh assessment. However, in the end, I couldn’t figure out how Artshever had strengthened Pilledvan’s strength in that duel.
Despite the barrier that blocked all magic and holy power except for healing, Pilledvan had displayed terrifying strength. Surely, that was Artshever’s doing. He just admitted it himself.
“I’m not saying you should reveal your secrets. But if an assassination had taken place in the Imperial Palace, I would assume it was either the Black New Moon or you.”
“They’re much more likely than me. The common denominator is that both are capable of assassinating the Emperor.”
“That’s a lot of confidence. Or bravado.”
“Confidence and bravado are just a sheet of paper apart.”
“A very thick sheet of paper. Like the cover of a hardcover book.”
He talks about assassinating the Emperor as casually as borrowing salt from a neighbor. Generally, one should consider it bravado. And ridiculous bravado at that. But my gut feeling told me he was telling the truth.
It’s not that he can’t do it.
He just doesn’t do it because there’s no reason to.
Artshever finished his snacks and took a sip of his drink. He smiled with a rather satisfied expression.
“By the way, how are the preparations for the masquerade going?”
“I won’t answer that because you already know the answer.”
“Surely not. How would I know about such matters? I don’t know. That’s why I’m asking.”
“Lies.”
Strangely, when I talk to Artshever, I get a feeling right away.
Truth or lie.
I feel something that I haven’t felt with anyone else. Really, if I talk to him for too long, I feel like I’ll go crazy.
He shrugged and said,
“Whew. As expected, you’re unbeatable. You have great insight. I’ll stop beating around the bush. Actually, I love masquerades. That’s why I really want this one to be held. Well, anyone familiar with the political situation would know right away. That Duke Orknesia, with the highest authority on security, would launch an investigation into the serial murders. And unlike other nobles, Duke Orknesia doesn’t like it when the atmosphere in his house is divided. Suffering and joy should be felt equally by everyone. So, postpone the masquerade.”
It’s different from what my father said, but the meaning is roughly the same. My father hates anything halfway because of his strictness. Artshever reached for the fruit and said,
“Many people are worried and curious. How complicated Sir Arisein’s mind must be, since things have been messed up from the beginning. It’s obvious that the masquerade will be postponed, so why hasn’t there been an apology? But I thought a little differently than others. I thought that a challenging and spirited knight would rather run into and crush obstacles than avoid them. You’re looking for the murderer, aren’t you? To catch him before the masquerade and ensure that it goes smoothly.”
“That’s right. It’s the right time. If we wait until the Security Bureau catches him, then we’ll be busy preparing for the New Year. Our family won’t have the resources to spare for a less important masquerade.”
“And from your perspective, now is the best time. You’ve gained fame, so you need to make it completely yours. That’s also an important ability in social circles. And……”
I lightly raised my hand. I hate to admit it, but what Artshever said was frighteningly similar to my own thoughts. Listening any further would just be hearing my own thoughts in different words.
“Alright. Let’s stop the situation analysis here. So, what does the person who was looking forward to the masquerade want to talk about? Let’s skip the things we both know and talk about the things we don’t. I have some questions too.”
“Good. I prefer that too. Go ahead, ask away.”
Artshever clasped his hands, placed them on the table, and leaned slightly forward. It was the desirable posture of someone actively engaged in conversation.
Now, what should I ask? If the conversation drags on, Jay and Lucy will definitely call a bunch of hostesses and start a drinking party. I need to ask only the necessary questions accurately.
After thinking for a moment, I asked shortly,
“How did you know about this place?”
“I heard rumors from the Patrol Unit. So I wanted to meet a hostess named Maria……”
“Lies.”
“Yes, yes. I understand. Don’t make such a scary face. It’s complicated to explain, so let’s just say it’s a secret. It’s not that important in the current situation anyway.”
He waved his hand and said nonchalantly.
Surely, he must have used some method to be here at this time. I’d like to know that method since I think he’ll be a threat to me in the future……But I’ll find out later.
Right now, I need a question that gets to the heart of the matter.
“That serial killer……You ‘prepared’ him, didn’t you? For me.”
Artshever looked at me for a long time with a playful smile. But his eyes, those two emerald pupils……weren’t smiling at all. Unlike his light expression, he was looking at me with seriousness.
Clap, clap, clap.
His hands clapped lightly. Then, unlike before, he spoke in a much lower voice.
“It seems you’re not too happy about it, just like with Pilledvan. Well, that doesn’t matter. I’m truly grateful for your generosity in accepting a ‘gift’ you didn’t have to. However, this serial murder wasn’t my intention. I’m being honest. It’s truly a coincidence.”
He’s being honest. He’s feeling coincidental.
Why can I feel these things?
Artshever said with a somewhat deflated expression,
“Originally, we wouldn’t have had to meet in a place like this. The masquerade was supposed to go smoothly, and my gift was supposed to arrive after that. But somehow, plans don’t always go as planned. It couldn’t be helped. I wanted to take my time and be meticulous, but the beauty of the lovely High Priest kept flashing before my eyes.”
Namias?
She did something, and because of that, Artshever’s plan went awry.
I don’t know anything other than the fact that she’s doing something. I wasn’t in a cooperative relationship with her. She’s just borrowing the position of my guest.
“So? Did your hand slip while you were distracted by her beauty?”
“Shamefully, that’s the correct answer. Ah, don’t say ‘Lies’. If you’re going to be so serious about jokes, life will just feel terribly bleak. You know?”
I don’t know why I have to argue about this part, but he’s being sincere. He’s surprisingly absurd, this Artshever.
“Anyway, what should I call this……I can’t think of the right word. Whether it’s interest or attention……Anyway, while that was slightly diverted, the gift, like a raging bull, moved on its own. Tsk.”
He clicked his tongue and expressed sincere regret. You wouldn’t need my intuition, just that unconcealable bitter and empty smile to know. He shrugged once and said,
“Now, I can’t do anything about it. But it’s a shame to just get rid of it……So, although it’s a little early, I’m giving you the gift. Think of it as a trial to train yourself.”
“Ah, yes. Thank you so much, you damn bastard.”
“You’re too kind.”
Even if we investigate after the murderer is caught, there will be no connection to Artshever. It would be strange to even try to connect him, it’ll be that clean. It was the same with Pilledvan.
If he hadn’t revealed it himself, if I didn’t have my intuition, I would have considered him a new – or variant – type of common madman.
I bared my teeth and said with a forced smile,
“Yeah. You feel sorry for just handing out this unfinished gift, so you’re trying to soothe the recipient’s feelings first? If you were a woman, I might have let it slide with some appropriate aegyo, but I don’t want to receive that from a man. You have something to say, right? Spit it out, you damn bastard.”
“As expected, you should have been born a woman to live an easy life. That would have been quite interesting too. Ah, yes. Don’t make such a scary face. Anyway, take a look at this.”
He pulled a neatly folded paper from his pocket. The white paper, without an envelope, boasted a fragile presence.
“If you’re going to give it to me, put it in an envelope and seal it.”
“Wouldn’t that leave a trace? Haha! You’re being picky for someone who knows everything. Look. It’s quite important. You’ll be in trouble if you lose it.”
I snatched the paper and unfolded it. The lighting was dim, so I had to squint a little to see what was written on it.
Is it a prescription? A map? At this size, it must be a map.
A map depicting a part of the Imperial Capital was drawn on it. Roughly nine blocks, if you count them as blocks. Assuming these wide lines are main streets.
“What is this?”
“It’s a map.”
“I know it’s a half-assed map. There are no place names, just directional symbols. What’s the point of this? And what’s this circled 13? Wait? 13?”
“I thought this would be enough for you to understand.”
It wasn’t just enough, I understood it perfectly. This is a map of nine blocks somewhere in the Imperial Capital, and it indicates that the serial killer will appear in this area at dawn on the 13th.
The day of the ultimatum I received from my father.
Damn it! That’s cutting it close!
“For your information, that’s your first and last chance. If you miss it, I can’t do anything about it. Originally, since it’s a failed task, I should take care of it, but I have important things to do lately. It was actually a bit of a stretch for me to take time out like this today. So, I guess I’ve done everything I can. Please bear with this for now.”
“This time? So there’s a next time?”
“Well, what do you think?”
Artshever said slyly, and I gritted my teeth and put the paper in my pocket.
He’s completely toying with me, this Artshever.
This is a challenge. I don’t know why he’s picking a fight with me, but he’s provoking me. Asking him why now won’t get me an answer.
Because he’s the ‘enemy’ of me, Arisein Pen Herduke.
If I don’t accept this challenge……I won’t be able to carry out my plans as I wish. The masquerade will disappear across the Sair River along with my reputation.
Just like with Pilledvan, he’s holding a perfect hostage situation. He’s throwing obstacles, using my plans as hostages. He’s hoping for my failure!
Ha! Fine! Do you think I’ll let you have your way?!
I gritted my teeth and said,
“You really are a damn bastard.”
“You’re too kind. Then, I’ll be going now. I’m busy.”
He bowed his head good-naturedly and got up from his seat. Seeing him as if he were about to hum a tune made my stomach churn.
I really can’t stand it if I don’t say something.
I called out to him.
“Hey, Artshever.”
“Yes? Is there something else?”
I said with a sullen expression,
“Pay the bill before you go.”
“Excuse me?”
And so, for the first time today, I saw Artshever’s flustered expression.
Hmm, I feel a little better now.
While I was away for a moment, Jay and Lucy were doing what I expected. One of them was holding flowers in both hands and enjoying the drinking party excitedly.
Sigh, you useless bunch.
“Hey! Boss, over here!”
“Mwahahaha! This is fun!”
“Oh my, Boss, come here!”
“Oh my! What a nimble figure! Kitty! You’re the type I like!”
“Oh, Unni!”
“But you look a bit young. Oh my! My mistake!”
They must be among the top hostesses in the establishment. They were all incredibly beautiful. I don’t know why such women are working as hostesses in a place like this, but I’m not the type to be swayed by beauty.
I sat on an empty sofa. I politely declined the hostess who came to serve me and said in a low voice,
“Jay, we have work to do.”
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