Wooo—
The deep wail of long horns startled a flock of birds into the sky, followed by twelve volleys of celebratory fireworks soaring into the air.
As the conductor brought down his colorful baton, drums and music resounded together across Crown Square.
Dressed in colorful uniforms, the honor guard lined both sides of the entrance, striking up welcoming music. Amidst the spirited melody, a grand motorcade drifted along Crown Avenue, heading toward a majestic five-story building laid out in a square courtyard layout.
Medea Hotel, adjacent to Crown Square and facing City Hall, was the most luxurious and expensive hotel in Rhine City.
Duke Vane had booked the entire hotel for two months exclusively to accommodate representatives from various nations.
It was midsummer, and the central courtyard garden bloomed with clusters of flowers, filling the air with sweet fragrance. Dozens of impeccably dressed waiters lined the pathway from the garden to the hotel entrance. Each waiter was meticulously selected, closely matched in height and build. Standing in two neat rows, the moment the lead carriage appeared at the entrance, all the waiters bowed in unison with striking elegance and precision.
“The little prince of Friedman has arrived.”
“The Lande people are far too impolite! Why treat us so differently? We might be a small country, but their welcoming standards are worlds apart—back when we arrived, they just dumped us in two random carriages!”
“He arrived alongside people from the four major god churches. Anyone can see this spectacle is meant for the gods! Who did you arrive with? Your wife?”
Muttering and whispering echoed around.
The explanation was sound and undeniable. These earliest arrivals were representatives of small neighboring nations, and their dissatisfaction was quickly quelled. They now watched with keen interest as the carriage door opened and the young prince stepped down, supported by an attendant. He tipped his hat to the surrounding crowd in greeting. Yet no one noticed his eyes constantly wandering toward a single direction—where a man and two women stood in a secluded corner. The man was taking off his hat, waving a gentle farewell to him.
The three had stepped down from the carriage ahead of time, but they had not given Prince Louis a definitive answer.
The matter involved a foreign monarch and sounded thoroughly concerning. They couldn't be certain whether it was real, nor could they be sure if this was just another trick played by the Shadow Alliance.
As such, they could offer Prince Louis no promises, only agreeing to meet again in Norin. The little prince wasn't disappointed; in fact, he was very satisfied. After reluctantly bidding them farewell, he proceeded with his duties, leaving the three standing in the corner of Crown Square.
“Why don't you go discuss it with your precious princess?” Officer Natalie teased. “She should be quite familiar with the affairs of that nation.”
“There's no need for that,” Lynch said without hesitation. “If what the little prince said is true and the Shadow Alliance's infiltration runs that deep, even Princess Sophia might not be entirely reliable. Even if she has no ties to them, there's no guarantee the people around her aren't moles. Aside from you two, everyone else must be viewed with suspicion.”
“Hmph, so dramatic. Do you really think a police officer is going to fall for your smooth talking?”
As the officer spoke, the corners of her mouth curled up slightly, though she soon frowned and gestured toward Miss Diana with her chin.
Lynch noticed it too. The young countess was ignoring their flirtatious—or rather, serious—discussion, looking deeply lost in thought instead.
“It's nothing. I don't know much about the rest, but that buzzing sound he mentioned... I think I've heard it before as well,” Diana said, trying hard to recall. “It was back when I was in Norin. It's been too long, so I can't remember clearly.”
“Emperor Rudolph II?”
“No, it wasn't that severe, but it was very likely someone among his close courtiers,” Diana said. “Not only was there a buzzing sound, but that person's speech was indeed noticeably slow. So I don't think Prince Louis's concerns are unfounded.”
“Did that person undergo drastic changes before and after as well?”
“I don't remember that. It was too long ago. I only recall that such a person existed, but I don't know who specifically, let alone whether their behavior changed,” the countess said apologetically. “At the time, I just thought the sound was strange, but I never considered what it might signify, so I didn't pay much attention. I'm sorry.”
“Who could have predicted something like that? There's nothing to apologize for,” the officer consoled her. “At least you've made the boy's story far more credible. Perhaps the Shadow Alliance really does have a way to influence figures of real power?”
‘Neighbor, is there really such a method?’
【Yes. In the world of the occult, anything is possible.】
“Then that means the radical shifts in Friedman over the past few years were likely orchestrated by the Shadow Alliance,” Miss Diana said, feeling somewhat uneasy. “What on earth are they trying to achieve?”
“War, most likely.” Lynch hesitated briefly before deciding not to keep it hidden any longer. “Lately, I've come to realize that ever since the night I first stepped into the world of the occult, they've been using me... No, using everything they can leverage. First they created a plague, then war. If nothing goes wrong with their plans, the next steps will be famine and inescapable death.”
Miss Diana instantly realized. “A great catastrophe?”
“Yes. According to my hypothesis, they want to re-enact the complete process of the great catastrophe at the end of the First Age. I suspect they intend to use it to trigger destruction and bring a complete end to the Fifth Age.”
This was the first time Lynch had laid out the truth so plainly to the two ladies, and their expressions changed dramatically.
As natives of this world, the two had a far deeper comprehension of an era-ending catastrophe than Lynch, a transmigrator. Society collapsing, nations perishing, civilization virtually reset, and not even one in a thousand living beings surviving.
Aside from a tiny handful of completely insane cultists, no one wanted to see such an outcome.
“Though I don't understand what grudge they hold against this world, I believe there's a very high probability this is indeed their goal. I still can't wrap my head around why they believe recreating these events will bring about destruction, yet they seem entirely certain of it. Given that there's a deity hiding behind them, I suspect their judgment is correct.” Lynch let out a sigh. “I'm not in the habit of taking hits without striking back. Right now, I really want to figure out why they're so convinced this can induce a great catastrophe. Understanding that might help us grasp their true purpose. But unfortunately, history from the First Age is murky to begin with, and the details surrounding the great catastrophe are choked with mysterious filth. Try as I might, I haven't been able to find a solid lead.”
“If you truly have such intentions, why not ask the professionals?” Miss Diana countered. “Your background comes with resources of its own, doesn't it? The Archaeological Association has plenty of historians, and President Olei specializes in the authority over history.”
“I've already accidentally gotten a few professionals killed, like Master Klin from the capital's Watchers. I'm a little hesitant to ask professionals for help now,” Lynch said with a bitter smile. “Besides, when it comes to secret history and forbidden knowledge, why would anyone feel obligated to share that with me when we have neither grievances nor close ties?”
“It seems you still lack a clear understanding of your own current standing, Sir Levive,” Miss Diana said, rubbing her temples with a slight headache. “Right now, several of Rhine's major factions actually owe you favors. Haven't you noticed that very few people ever refuse your requests? Besides, aren't you underestimating the capabilities of a rank eight expert a bit too much?”
Lynch hesitated for a moment. “Should I... go ask, then?”
Rate on N.U.
