Chapter 79: The Unrestful City

“…Huh? There’s really nothing wrong! As expected of someone recognized by Lady Vilyric! Amazing, Lord Xī!”

Mr. Mouse waited anxiously for a while, finally realizing that Miss White Fox’s earlier assurance of “you’ll be fine” was no empty boast. He couldn’t help but exclaim in astonishment, and even the title he used for someone else became more respectful.

“Such a fuss… Alright, the information you provided is quite valuable. I’ll remember this contribution. Since the goods have been delivered, you may leave. When I see Vilyric again, I’ll hand this over to her… And just a reminder, that name of the God of Subversion and Paradox—if I’m not around, it’s best not to call out carelessly.”

“Uh! Yes, yes, of course… Then I, Little Mouse, shall take my leave?”

“Mm.”

Without saying much more, Miss White Fox simply dissolved the twin barrier in the room and waved her hand, signaling him to leave on his own. Seeing she was eager to send him off, Plakaka didn’t dare linger and hurriedly took his leave, dashing out as if he had just released a held breath.

After Plakaka made his exit and the door had been closed for some time, a certain blonde girl suddenly appeared beside Vilyric as if she had teleported.

“Master, that guy just now…”

While slowly tearing open a tea bag on the table, Vilyric was brewing herself some early morning tea with hot water while picking sugar cubes from a sealed box beside her, softly murmuring.

“That was probably a God whose true form isn’t in this world. That mouse called him the God of Subversion and Paradox, Exmont…”

Confirming that no abnormalities had appeared after waiting for a moment, the Priestess tossed the sugar cubes one by one into a glass cup filled with steaming tea, producing playful “plop plop” sounds.

“If I’m not mistaken, Plakaka, being a high-ranking member of the Throne of Immortality, probably formed some sort of… resemblance to a pact or familiar bond during the process of transforming into the Undead, which is why it can’t casually mention that name.”

“Otherwise, if anyone could just call out to him, that God would be too busy running around, right?”

Finding that image amusing, Vilyric momentarily removed her mask, revealing a pleased smile, and continued, “So, you fought against him, right, Xiao Guang? How was the strength of that God?”

Receiving the still steaming red tea from the Priestess, Little Dragon Daughter didn’t mind the heat. She cupped it with both hands and took a small sip, then pondered aloud.

“Hard to say. That opponent probably isn’t the type to confront head-on. Their laws had a faint familiar feel to them, but after just one round, that guy ran off immediately. So it’s hard to gauge his true strength. Um… But I’m pretty sure he’s stronger than Lucas!”

“Comparing Lucas with someone else seems a bit harsh on both sides… Seems like he’s indeed a God from another realm. I wonder if he’s truly an Outer God or just someone who escaped from here…”

Not dwelling too much on that question, Vilyric continued, “Xiao Guang, you just mentioned that his laws felt faintly familiar. What does that mean? Can you elaborate?”

“Well, familiarity is just familiarity…”

Seemingly not knowing how to explain, Little Dragon Daughter scratched her head for a while before finally having a moment of inspiration.

“Oh right! Master, do you remember the meatball in the mirrored world at the center of the Dead City? It was somewhat similar to that!”

“Dead City? Meatball…?”

After recalling for a bit, Vilyric realized that what Little Dragon Daughter was talking about must be the “Desecrated Cocoon,” formed by Ulysses, the last city lord of the Glorious City, found in the Forgotten Land of the United Kingdom.

Hmm… Considering that, it’s true. That thing had been using a simulated law similar to “Reversal,” but since its strength only reached that of a Pseudo-God, it had many limitations in application.

“Reversal,” huh.

Extending that thought further, it seems the blood tribes in this world are also skilled at creating mirror images or reversing the world. Could they possibly have some connection to this God of Subversion and Paradox?

In any case, it’s best to remember this lead, as it could prove useful unexpectedly in the future.

Having wrapped up their brief discussion on this matter, Vilyric was ready to take her leave.

“Master, do you really not need me to accompany you?”

After sending the girl, who had turned back into Miss White Fox, to the hotel’s first floor and grabbing some breakfast, it seemed Little Dragon Daughter was still a bit worried about Vilyric going out alone, so she gently advised her to reconsider.

“I heard from Leila and the others that there was a very serious incident in this city last night. The curfew has tightened quite a bit, and many Temple Knights are scouring the city, seemingly searching for something.”

“Hmm? Incident? What incident?”

Stuffing the last piece of buttered toast under her mask, Miss Vilyric looked up in surprise.

However, it was clear that Little Dragon Daughter was only repeating hearsay, using this excuse to try to follow Vilyric outside.

“I’m not very clear on the details either; they only said some Temple Knights were attacked by unidentified creatures, with several dead, and one… seemed to have gone missing.”

“Roar…? Sounds pretty mysterious, kind of interesting…”

Though slightly intrigued, priorities must be established; they couldn’t just dive into anything. At the moment, it was more important to keep the appointment.

Besides, no matter how confidential the information, it wouldn’t escape the notice of the highest authority in the city, the head of the Summerfield Family, the Saint of Bright Light, Miss Yuna. Since she’d see her soon, they could inquire then.

“Don’t worry, I’ll be careful. You have to understand that my identity is now Xī; we can’t be as inseparable as before. At the very least, we need to avoid drawing attention in crowded places. Um… How about this, Xiao Guang, later you can help me with something…”

Leaning closer, Vilyric whispered a few bits of information to Little Dragon Daughter, who looked somewhat downcast.

“I see! Since it’s the Master’s order, I’ll handle it all!”

Watching the girl perk up immediately, her eyes sparkling with excitement, almost wagging her hidden tail in the air, the Priestess couldn’t help but feel a bit helpless.

Really… It’s just like a puppy afraid of being forgotten by its master. This child’s dependence hasn’t changed a bit…

After arranging everything, Miss Xī set out alone again, heading towards the Lingyin Merchant Association she had visited yesterday, as agreed.

However, this time, a small problem arose halfway there.

“Please hold on, Miss. The Temple Knights are currently conducting a search for heretical individuals. Please remove your mask for inspection.”

Having only walked for about ten minutes outside the Bright Hotel, an armed squad equipped with priests, arbiters, and holy knights stopped a bewildered Miss White Fox.

In her confusion, she immediately chose to protest.

“Uh… Wearing a mask doesn’t seem to violate the teachings or laws of the Holy Kingdom. Why the sudden inspection?”

However, the young holy knight in charge wore a serious expression, insisting with unwavering authority.

“Miss, there was a very serious attack last night in the western city, and three Temple Knights have already been killed, one is missing. According to the survivors, the attacker was wearing an unusually strange mask, so we are conducting a citywide search. Please comply. If it involves privacy, you can also choose to follow us to the temple headquarters for a confidential investigation.”

The fully armed young man produced a golden paper with writing stamped with a seal from his pocket, displaying it in front of Miss Fox.

“This is the highest holy order signed by Her Highness Yuna Summerfield, the Saint of Bright Light. Any suspicious individuals are to be treated without exception!”

“…Huh?!”

   

---