Chapter 37

Episode 37

“I was born and raised in a region called ‘Al-Tulu’. Have you heard of it?”

“Never.”

“It’s a new one for me too.”

The fact that this world was based on a game often gave me an advantage in understanding it.

The name ‘Al-Tulu’, with its foreign-sounding elements, suggested a region in either Northern Europe or the Middle East.

The prefix ‘Al’ pointed towards Arabic origins.

“It’s a distant land to the east. It’s not easily accessible and not well-known. But it’s a place with a unique and fascinating culture, a blend of Western and Far Eastern influences.”

“So there’s some trade.”

“It’s not frequent, but there’s occasional trade. People travel by ship. It’s a prosperous region, at least for the people of Al-Tulu. But it’s a foreign land to most.”

I refilled his empty beer glass. Jericho wasn’t just intelligent he was also a skilled storyteller.

“You know my last name is Ashikoff, right? It’s an alias. My real last name is ‘Tulu’.”

“So your first name is an alias as well.”

“Yes. My real name is Nasir. I didn’t intend to deceive you.”

“We’re not the type to hold grudges.”

I had thought his last name sounded Russian. So he had a secret identity.

Nasir Tulu.

He suddenly sounded like a powerful archmage.

“The Tulu region is a city-state ruled by my family for generations. It might seem like an ordinary city, but our family has a secret. As you’ve guessed, Inspector, we’re demon hunters. We travel the world, eliminating evil and bringing peace.”

“A noble calling. So you came here to rid the Western Continent of evil?”

“No, not exactly. It’s more of a training journey. I wanted to improve my skills and learn about new cultures.”

That was a bit anticlimactic.

But I decided to hear him out.

“I was the weakest in my family. I was sickly as a child and faced many challenges. My siblings are all strong, but I was always lagging behind. I felt like a burden, so I left home, leaving only a letter behind.”

“You should have asked for permission.”

“Our family is quite independent. They wouldn’t have minded. Well, my eldest sister might have been sad. She’s always been fond of me.”

So Jericho was the youngest child. He seemed mature and responsible, but this story revealed a hint of childishness.

“Selendis, what do you think? About Jericho coming here, graduating from the academy, and joining the Lady’s service?”

“He’s seeking strength. We should respect his decision, especially since he’s fighting for a noble cause.”

“I suppose eliminating evil and upholding chivalry are similar goals.”

Lady Lucia seemed even more impressive now.

I couldn’t imagine the skills and resources required to recruit someone from the distant Tulu family.

And people with strong convictions weren’t easily swayed by wealth or power.

There had to be a shared belief, a common goal.

‘Perhaps the Lady is planning something far grander than I can imagine.’

What was the ultimate mastermind’s true goal?

I turned to Jericho, my curiosity piqued.

“If you’re considered weak, how strong are your family members?”

“Strength… Inspector, what do you consider ‘strength’?”

“It’s simple. It’s the ability to overpower your opponents. What you did today was a display of strength. You overwhelmed Nielsen with your power.”

Jericho grinned, pleased by the compliment. His face was flushed from the alcohol.

“That’s not the kind of strength I’m talking about. High-ranking demon hunters possess an incredibly strong mental fortitude. I might be strong in your eyes, Inspector, but I’m nothing compared to my family.”

“Is this ‘mental fortitude’ different from magical power?”

“Of course. Magical power is just a tool. It’s the human mind that controls it.”

“That’s philosophical.”

“Oh, you’re perceptive, Inspector. You’re right. The most respected members of my family were also philosophers. They wrote many insightful texts, but they’re family secrets, so they’re not widely known.”

Jericho’s abilities seemed to be a blend of Western magic and Eastern mysticism. His emphasis on mental fortitude and the fact that his family was located at the crossroads of East and West supported this theory.

“I guess you can’t judge a book by its cover.”

“Exactly. When we return to the office, please lecture Chloe. She keeps making fun of my belly.”

“She’s not wrong.”

“Hahaha! That’s true. She’s a cute one. Hahaha!”

He seemed relieved to have shared his secret. He drained his beer glass.

He glanced at Selendis.

She wasn’t drinking, but she seemed lost in thought.

Knowing someone’s secret was a burden, especially if you were risking your lives together. I had learned that the hard way since possessing this body.

And my recent experiences with the Inspection Unit had reinforced this belief.

“Selendis, you seem troubled. Is something bothering you?”

“No, Master. I’m just a bit tired.”

Perhaps I could learn about her past in this relaxed atmosphere.

But I decided not to push it. I didn’t want to cross a line, even though she was my subordinate.

And I was trying to forget the image of Selendis from the illusion.

She was probably doing the same.

“Get some rest if you’re tired. I can handle this drunkard.”

“No, Master. I’m interested in hearing more about the Tulu family.”

“Who’s a drunkard? This is top-secret information, known only to Lady Lucia!”

“Alright, alright. Continue your story. How about the origins of the Tulu family? A family with such a long history must have some legendary tales.”

“You’re a scholar, after all. You’re right. The history of the Tulu family dates back to the beginning of time! Our founder was blessed by the gods…”

Jericho’s story continued until dawn.

***

“It wasn’t dark magic? Oracle, what are you talking about?”

“It’s exactly as I said. The incidents at Viscount Cliff’s estate were caused by the head steward, Nielsen. That’s the Inspection Unit’s conclusion.”

Hylix frowned.

It was absurd. He had received reports suggesting that the castle was corrupted by dark magic.

“What about the ebony wood? There were reports that it was used for dark magic rituals.”

“Apparently, it was filled with a hallucinogen called ‘Pailophone’. He was smuggling it. The Inspection Unit submitted evidence. Viscount Cliff accepted their explanation. He’s coming to the main castle to report the situation in person.”

Oracle waved a letter. It was from Hamilton.

She broke the seal and read it. It confirmed her statement.

“This is ridiculous… It can’t be that simple. What about the black orb? Didn’t you say it might be corrupting people?”

“It was just a guess. It was a suspicious object.”

“What happened to it?”

“I don’t know. We’ll have to ask the Viscount when he arrives. Relax. This is good news.”

Hylix realized he had overreacted.

“I suppose you’re right. We avoided involving the Church.”

“It’s a political win. He’s your supporter, and it wouldn’t be good for him to be embroiled in a scandal at such a crucial time.”

Oracle smiled subtly. She wasn’t finished.

“How about offering O’Brien some praise? He handled a difficult situation quite skillfully.”

“I don’t understand. If he’s loyal to Lucia, he should be trying to make things difficult for me… What’s his game?”

“Perhaps he’s trying to switch sides. Ambitious men are often tempted by power.”

Oracle was subtly provoking Hylix. But it didn’t work this time. He stroked his chin, lost in thought.

She was acting boldly because she had no intention of serving Hylix in the long run.

She was intelligent and knew that she was expendable. She knew that Hylix trusted her but saw her as nothing more than a tool.

Their childhood friendship was just a convenient facade.

And she wasn’t ambitious enough to rule the Dukedom.

So she had made a decision. She would replace Hylix with someone else.

She hadn’t chosen a candidate yet, but she would find a suitable replacement among the Kalisto family members.

It wasn’t a gamble it was a survival strategy.

“Oracle, I want to know your assessment of this situation.”

“It’s a stretch to assume that he’s trying to make things difficult for you just because he’s loyal to Lady Lucia. Think about it from his perspective. Perhaps he simply wanted to resolve the situation quietly, as a loyal servant of House Kalisto.”

“I’m not sure… But one thing is clear. I need to meet O’Brien.”

“It’s not a bad idea if you’re planning to recruit him.”

“He’s proven his competence. I just need to assess his character and his ambition.”

Hylix looked at Oracle, seeking confirmation. She usually had the right answers, but her expression was unreadable today.

“Why aren’t you answering?”

“It won’t be easy.”

Hylix chuckled, incredulous.

“Are you suggesting that someone would refuse to work for House Kalisto?”

“He might work for you, but his loyalty lies with Lady Lucia.”

“That won’t last long. The envoy from the Imperial Capital will arrive soon, and the marriage will be expedited. I’ll show him the true meaning of power.”

Hylix opened the curtains and looked outside.

A carriage carrying Inspector O’Brien was entering the castle.