The Devoured Mesmeris and Cultist Shadows
The moment Lote, devotee of the evil god, swallowed the gem, the room froze as if encased in ice. The baron stood with his mouth agape, petrified. Liandel's eyes widened in shock. Levy covered her mouth, her face a mask of surprise. Shai nearly tumbled off his chair. Lote returned to orbiting around me after gulping it down, resuming its usual path. But its bluish metallic surface now gleamed more brilliantly than before, and it trembled ever so slightly. Was it happy?
Ah, this must be its first meal since we left the labyrinth.
Starved for so long, it pounced the moment it spotted something mineral-like... But that seemed like some weird ore. Hope it's okay. Eh... it'll be fine, right? Nis upgraded it!
The baron still stood there, utterly flustered, his hands trembling as he asked me, "What in the world... just happened? That gem..."
Mes...meris? That's what it's called.
"It was Mesmeris. A highly dangerous mineral that drains the life force from its surroundings."
Unlike what I'd planned to say, the words flowed out fluently. Liandel suddenly straightened up, his expression grave.
"Truly Mesmeris? Are you certain?"
"Yes, I confirmed it with my authority. No doubt about it."
"Dr...dragon's authority..."
Shai muttered something odd under his breath, but Liandel's face darkened even more. Gravity weighed in his eyes.
It was Michael's authority and the status window, but whatever—a status window counts as an authority too, right?
The key info was Mesmeris anyway.
"C-could you tell us more about this Mesmeris?" the baron asked in a quavering voice.
I don't really know...
"Liandel."
I called his name and instinctively jerked my chin. The trait that never lets me admit ignorance! I'm pretending to know everything!
"Yes. Mesmeris is... an ancient essence that absorbs life force. It's known as a mineral used by certain mage circles or secret cults in their rituals."
Liandel began explaining in a low voice.
"Secret cults?"
The baron asked, and Liandel hesitated before replying, "It's said to be used by followers of evil gods."
"Evil gods? Which ones?"
Liandel cleared his throat. "There are many evil gods in the Demon Realm. Abraksas, Zargavas, Necror... and countless others. Likely a group devoted to the prominent one, Abraksas."
Evil gods? This world has those too?
"Hmm..."
I wondered if this was why Michael chose me as her apostle—to deal with these evil god cultists. Sanctus Judicium, right? The authority that judges sin and malice. Perfect for times like this.
"Abraksas..." the baron murmured. "That name rings a bell..."
"Indeed," Liandel nodded. "About two hundred years ago, a massive ritual by Abraksas followers was uncovered in the northern Heshet Empire, leading to their mass execution. It's recorded in several history books."
The baron's face drained of color. He slumped into his chair, muttering, "Why... why would something like this come to our family..."
I pitied the baron's shocked expression. I needed more details on what was going on.
So, what kind of family sent it?
"Baron, what kind of family is the Birdan house?"
"My apologies for the rudeness."
The baron seemed to slowly regain his composure at my question.
"The Birdan family is one of the kingdom's wealthiest noble houses in the capital. They deal in mines and trade, handling vast amounts of gold bars and gems. They've been involved in the royal treasury for over a century."
"Mines?"
Liandel suddenly perked up with interest. "Do you know what kinds?"
The baron pondered for a moment. "Mostly gold and iron mines. And... yes, two years ago, there were rumors of a new mine discovered in the eastern mountains. Rare minerals, they said..."
"Could those rare minerals have been... Mesmeris?"
Levy asked cautiously, and silence fell. Everyone seemed suspicious of that mine now. Liandel especially had closed his eyes, deep in thought.
Finishing his deliberations, he asked the baron, "Where exactly is that mine?"
"I'm not certain, but I believe it's near Geomun Canyon."
"Geomun Canyon..."
Liandel frowned, murmuring to himself.
Geomun Canyon? Where's that?
"Liandel, any guesses?"
"Yes. Three years ago, monsters began spawning en masse in Geomun Canyon. There've been sightings of demons there too. The Golden Tower believes the two are connected. This Mesmeris might be linked to demons as well. Evil god cultists are usually tight with them."
"Demons..."
The baron's voice cracked, and Liandel nodded. "If even a noble house like this has an evil god follower, a significant number of demons must already be infiltrating the royal palace."
More importantly, why'd we even get this ring?
"What reason did that family give for sending this ring? Close ties?"
"Well... we barely had any dealings. House Silverbrook is a border barony, so we lack deep connections with capital nobles. That's why the sudden birthday gift was so odd."
"Birthday gift?"
"Yes, they said it was a birthday congratulations gift. But my birthday was two months ago."
The baron carefully picked up the envelope from the table. "See here—it's signed by Count Birdan himself. But strangely, it was sealed not with the count's crest, but another."
Another crest?
"Hmm."
The baron handed me the letter. Examining the wax seal closely, I saw a snake biting its own tail, with three stars arranged in a triangle inside.
This isn't the Birdan crest?
"Hmm."
Agh! Why does "hmm" keep coming out! Let's just ask!
"The Birdan crest is originally a golden shield with a silver hawk..."
Thankfully, the baron cleared it up. Meanwhile, Liandel peered closely at the seal.
"This is... the Uroboros emblem. Known as a symbol of eternity, but in certain occult rituals, it carries other meanings."
Sigh... what's that now?
"Liandel, explain it to the baron."
"Yes. It's the image of a snake eternally devouring itself, symbolizing endless cycles and rebirth. But in dark rituals, it signifies the end of the world and the birth of a new one."
It was getting more suspicious by the minute. I was planning to swing by the capital anyway to get revenge on the knights, so maybe check this out too? Plus, seeing how terrified the baron and Shai were, I kinda wanted to help.
I'll check it out myself!
"I was heading to the capital anyway. Might as well investigate this."
The baron's face lit up. "Really? Thank you so much!"
"In exchange, prepare a carriage to the capital."
"Of course! I'll ready my finest carriage and provide all the information you need."
Should we head out right now?
"Baron, how long to prepare the carriage?"
"Leaving immediately? I can have it ready now, but it's late—why not rest here tonight and depart tomorrow?"
"Ricoris," Liandel interjected cautiously. "It doesn't seem urgent. We could plan carefully and take it slow."
I wanted to leave right away, but everyone looked exhausted. Levy especially was stifling yawns. And Shai's eyes pleaded don't go.
"Fine, tomorrow it is."
After all that camping over Set Hanryeong, a fluffy bed sounded nice.
"Levy, go to the adventurer guild and fetch Glessia."
Levy's face twisted subtly, and she hemmed and hawed. "Y-yes... got it..."
"Huh? Scared of Glessia?"
"N-no... not that..."
"Miss," the baron said to Levy. "Take our carriage to the guild. We'll prepare it right away."
"Thank you!"
Levy's face brightened. So it was just laziness...
As Levy rode off in the carriage, the baron guided us to our rooms. "This is for you, Ricoris."
Opening the door revealed a luxurious, spacious chamber: massive bed, elegant furniture, grand windows—all opulent.
"Ring the bell on the desk if you need a servant."
Whoa! This is awesome!
"Mm."
Mm? What's with the mm!
I'd expected a muted reaction, but this was too cold! Still, the baron seemed pleased by my response, smiling happily. Haha...
"Glad you're satisfied. I'll compile the documents I mentioned—could you come to my study in two hours? Same for Liandel and Miss Levy."
"Got it."
The baron bowed deeply and left.
The instant he was gone, I bolted to the huge bathtub in the room. "Whoa, this is the life!"
With the baron out, my voice finally matched my mood. The lavish tub was already filled with steaming water, magically replenished endlessly—like an eternal hot spring! No worry about me draining it either!
"This is noble life!"
I stripped quickly and sank in. The warmth melted away my fatigue. Miel and Cecilia fluttered happily nearby.
Soaking comfortably, I spotted Lote. "Lote, come here."
Lote approached over the tub. Its sheen was sharper, movements a tad quicker.
"You okay? That weird thing didn't hurt you?"
Lote paused, then bobbed up and down slightly—like nodding.
Huh? First time reacting like this.
"Really okay?"
It bobbed more deliberately. Much clearer intent than before.
"Good. If anything goes wrong, we'll get Nis to fix it under warranty—so be careful with weird stuff next time?"
Bzzz!!
Lote shook violently. Hates that idea, huh...
As I luxuriated, someone knocked. Hm?
Miel startled like an exclamation mark appeared, then flew out to the door. Pressing the knob with tiny legs—adorable.
"Hey! Wait, I'm naked here!"
I scrambled out to dress, but Glessia barged in.
"Oh, Glessia!"
Miel flapped at Glessia, seemingly tattling. Glessia's vibe turned furious.
"Wait, is it ratting me out for ditching you to eat without sharing...?"
Glessia zoomed straight at me in the bathroom.
"Hold on!"
Her massive tongue targeted my weak spot.
"Po-Polymorph!"
Slurp slurp!
I hastily bloomed into flower form, but couldn't root in someone else's bath, so I flopped on the floor. Glessia latched onto the petals, guzzling nectar—venting or feeding, who knows.
Heehee... sorry... didn't expect you here.
After a long suckle, Glessia finally retreated lazily.
All done now...?
I quickly polymorph-ed back to human. Glessia just flapped sluggishly to a corner, back to her lazy self.
"Phew, calmed down now."
Sitting on the bed, I realized two hours had passed. "Oh right, the baron wanted me in his study!"
Heading to the hall, Glessia stayed put—lazy or sulking. Fine, guard the room.
Where's the study...?
Spotting a servant by the stairs. Hey, where's the baron's study?
"Please guide me to the baron's study."
"Ah, Ricoris! Yes, this way."
Following the servant, we reached the second-floor end. Knocking brought the baron's voice: "Come in."
Inside, Liandel and Levy were already there. Documents and a map lay on the table.
"Ricoris, welcome. These are the materials I prepared."
Scanning them: Birdan family info, capital map, list of missing nobles.
"This is everything I know. You'll find more in the capital."
Thanks, this is plenty.
"Mm."
"Yes. And... one more thing."
The baron's expression turned serious. "Recent Birdan activities seem deeply tied to Count Walter's house."
Ugh... investigate that one too?
"Mm."
"House Walter is a court noble without lands, and info on them is scarce. My apologies."
"That does sound suspicious. Maybe they're the ringleaders?"
Levy said, and the baron nodded anxiously. "I think so too. But no proof..."
We talked a bit more in the study before returning to my room. Changing into provocative black lace nightwear, I lay on the bed, lost in thought.
This seems way more complicated than I thought... Maybe I should've woken Owner first... But as Michael's apostle, I can't just ignore it...
It was long dark outside, deep into the night when all should be asleep. These tangled thoughts made sleep elusive.
Knock knock.
Mid-brooding, tiny footsteps approached, followed by a knock. Who at this hour? Sounds like Shai...