Chapter 41
Chapter 41
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 41
Chapter Title: God's Shadow: Creighton Lukebart (2)
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The formal wizard of the Blue Tower, Lua Polaris.
She was currently seated on the second floor of the massive magical library, with a wide table before her laden with all sorts of desserts.
To Lua, this grand library was a place where she could indulge her hidden desires without restraint.
Where in the world could there be such a luxurious spot?
With thoughts like that, Lua made a habit of enjoying splendid tea times here every single day.
"Today's tea has a nice aroma too."
Moreover, today Lua had a partner to share this lavish tea time with.
Naturally, the companion was another member of the secret society.
The eldest daughter of the Alferatz marquisate, Peria Alferatz.
The noble lady of the marquisate was sitting across from Lua, pouring her tea.
Slide, swish—.
As Lua's hand set down the cake plate in front of her, Peria promptly handed her the tea, as if she'd been waiting.
"It's tiring to study every day. Don't you think it's good to give your mind a rest like this once in a while?"
"Yes."
Nod, nod—.
Lua vigorously agreed with Peria and picked up her fork.
It was to mercilessly slice into the strawberry cake placed before her.
Of course, it wasn't that Lua hated studying even in her dreams and had easily fallen for Peria's temptation.
She simply agreed with the noble lady's notion of a "proper rest."
After all, you had to rest adequately to study or work efficiently, didn't you—?
That was why Lua Polaris had accepted Peria's suggestion.
'Everyone seems relaxed today anyway, so it should be fine.'
Lua thought that as she quietly surveyed the library.
The number of members staying in the Illusory Archive Celestia, including herself, was only five.
Among them, the only one who looked busy was Johan, who pored over magical tomes every day.
The rest were in much the same boat as Lua.
That made sense, since in one corner of the library, the Doctor and Creighton were quietly conversing.
'Hmm... I wonder what those two are talking about.'
Lua's eyes, filled with curiosity, turned toward them.
They seemed to be having some serious discussion, but from the second floor, Lua couldn't make out their voices clearly.
On top of that, the Doctor was letting out a somehow unpleasant laugh as he listened to Creighton.
Ziiing—.
Watching them, Lua began speculating about their conversation in her head.
Were they having some heavy talk among men, comparable to her own tea time?
As Lua started to ponder that.
Peria, seated across from her, spoke up to her.
"Hasn't Lua been here longer than me?"
Flinch—.
Hearing Peria, Lua snapped out of her thoughts and turned her gaze back.
A question about how long Lua had stayed in Celestia.
She nodded as if it were obvious.
"I've been here a bit longer."
Though it wasn't a huge difference.
After answering Peria's question, Lua scooped up some cake with her fork and stuffed it into her mouth.
As the sweet strawberry cake flavor spread in her mouth.
Peria, gazing at her black tea, posed a second question.
"Lua. What kind of person do you think Johan likes?"
Peria's second question.
Lua stared at her with a blank face.
The kind of person the master of the Illusory Archive liked.
Lua herself hadn't expected such a question at all.
Hmm—.
Hearing it, Lua slowly fell into thought.
"You mean the kind of person Johan likes...?"
"Yes. I thought you might have some idea."
"W-Well..."
It was such a difficult question that Lua quickly racked her brains.
To be honest, Lua didn't know much about Johan.
She only knew that he was the master of this grand library and a fearsome archmage sealed away for centuries.
Everything else came from their interactions over the past few months.
"Hmm... In my opinion..."
But she couldn't just bluntly say she didn't know.
As a senior member of the secret society, shouldn't Lua show some seniority here?
With that in mind, Lua began carefully recalling Johan's behavior over the past few months.
Did Johan like her, Lua herself—?
He always showered her with criticism and complaints, so she was definitely out.
Next, Creighton's image came to mind.
Creighton seemed to have a somewhat businesslike relationship with Johan.
It might even be a coldly rational one.
As for Peria right in front of her, Johan showed almost complete indifference.
It probably had a lot to do with her not being a trained wizard.
So, who was the person Johan cherished and trusted the most, whom he liked more than anyone?
At this point, only one figure remained in Lua's mind.
"Maybe... the Doctor...?"
"Yes? You think Johan likes the Doctor?"
Right after Peria expressed doubt at Lua's answer.
Kaboom—!
A bolt of blue lightning struck down over Lua's head.
"Hgyaaaah—?!"
A vivid bolt of lightning pierced Lua's crown.
Faint white smoke began rising from her hair, which had flowed down to her waist.
Her disheveled hair stood up in spikes.
Lua's eyes fixed intently on the translucent text floating before her.
—Do not spout such nonsense again.
Blink, blink—.
Lua stared at the text for only a moment.
She soon bowed her head deeply and replied.
"Y-Yes, got it—."
Puff, puff—.
Grayish smoke drifted out in front of Lua again.
Formal wizard, Lua Polaris.
For the rest of her half-day in the library, she resolved to be a wizard who obeyed her master's words well.
* * * * * *
A few days after the proposal from the lead wizard, Kevin Rayent.
Creighton Lukebart, chief wizard of the Magic Corps, had to head to the spot where a carriage bound for the marquisate was prepared.
Clop, clop—.
The northern streets blanketed in pure white snow.
Creighton stood there quietly smoking a cigarette.
Fwoosh—.
Dense tobacco smoke blurred Creighton's vision, and last night's conversation flitted through his mind.
—'Tracking down traces won't be that easy. There are too many people in the Empire sucking up to the Magical Research Society for scraps.'
—'How do you think we should handle it?'
—'A suitable prey will walk right into our trap on its own, so you just stick to your role, won't you?'
Kekeke—.
An eerie laugh echoed in Creighton's ears.
Recalling the unpleasant chuckle, Creighton shook his head to dispel the lingering echo.
A suitable prey.
The Doctor had told Creighton that resolving this incident wouldn't be too difficult.
However, Creighton still couldn't fully grasp what the Doctor meant.
Resolving an incident of that scale wouldn't be difficult?
How could things unfold so easily?
Swirl—.
Pale tobacco smoke spread before Creighton's eyes.
He gazed quietly at the snow-covered street, lost in thought, for only a short while.
Soon, an unfamiliar pair of lovers appeared in the corner of his vision.
"Haha, Mary! No need to worry. You know better than anyone how strong I am!"
"Still, I wish Sir Austin wouldn't go."
"Mary, this trip isn't dangerous at all. It's just a simple investigation."
Creighton looked toward the man approaching the carriage from among the lovers.
A pure white cloak draped over his shoulders.
A brooch symbolizing a holy knight pinned to his chest.
From the looks of it, he was clearly a paladin from the White Order.
Tsk—.
Creighton clicked his tongue quietly as he eyed the paladin called Austin.
Creighton disliked the Order.
Especially greenhorns who seemed more interested in women than doctrine.
"Ah, you're the wizard from the Magic Corps!"
But the heavens apparently didn't consider Creighton's feelings.
Austin approached Creighton, who stood before the carriage, and spoke to him.
Swish.
Austin, bringing his lover along, politely extended his hand to Creighton for a handshake.
"I'm Austin Rainer. I've joined the investigation team on the orders of Archbishop Matthias, who manages the diocese."
"I see. Creighton Lukebart."
"Honored to be working with you, Lord Creighton!"
Ahem, ahem—.
After a short cough, Creighton's eyes turned to the girl standing behind Austin.
"You planning to bring that woman along too?"
"No way. Mary just came along because she was worried about me."
"That's right, wizard! I'm just here to see Sir Austin off because I'm worried... Sniff...!"
The girl called Mary said something to Creighton, then pulled out a handkerchief and began dabbing at her tears.
Seeing that, a hollow smile involuntarily crept onto Creighton's lips.
Didn't she get tired of it in front of the investigation leader?
The paladin dispatched from the Order was putting on this melodramatic show with his lover.
"Oh, no! Mary, why are you so sad!"
"But I'm scared something might happen to you, Sir Austin... Sniff, sob...!"
"As expected, your heart is as beautiful as your face. Oh, Mary... my lovely Mary!"
Sigh—.
A sigh escaped Creighton's lips as he watched the two.
Even if the Order didn't force celibacy on paladins, this scene was too much.
At this point, he couldn't even fathom how this guy had passed for paladin.
As Creighton sighed, the paladin before him went even further.
"Mary... When this investigation is over, let's go to the flower field together."
"Oh my... Sir Austin...!"
"There, I'll make you a bracelet with flowers that suit you. It'll be the most beautiful bracelet in the world."
"......"
"So, just trust me and send me off for now."
Squeeze—.
As the two lovers embraced before his eyes, Creighton began to feel a headache coming on.
Couldn't he just ditch this guy and go?
Such a thought was starting to bud in Creighton's mind.
Just then, the long embrace ended, and the lovers parted.
"Take care, Sir Austin!"
The girl called Mary finally began to leave the street.
Only then could Creighton relax and look at the paladin before him.
Pat, pat—.
After brushing the dust from his lapels, Paladin Austin bowed to Creighton once more.
"Sorry for making you wait, Lord Creighton. Even though Mary seems like that, she's just very worrisome by nature..."
"You'd be better off staying here instead of coming along."
"As a paladin, I can't neglect my duty. No need to worry!"
Tsk—.
Creighton clicked his tongue as he looked at Austin.
The epitome of everything he hated was right here.
Creighton spoke to Austin, pouring in his true feelings.
"You seem unaware, but I don't particularly like the Order's clergy. Especially types like you."
"Many wizards feel averse to preaching theology. But no need to worry too much!"
"How could I not worry about you?"
"Lord Creighton, I'm not that oblivious!"
Austin thumped his chest toward Creighton as he spoke.
He seemed like the most oblivious guy around.
Should he just leave this fool and board the carriage first—?
Such a thought arose in Creighton's mind.
"Lord Creighton... Actually, once this matter is done, I plan to propose to Mary."
From beside Creighton, standing before the carriage, came Austin's voice, thick with sentiment.
Thud—.
Creighton's staff unconsciously struck the ground.
A somehow familiar line.
Creighton looked at the paladin before him.
"Sir Austin. Handle that on your own."
With that, Creighton promptly boarded the carriage.
A few people he'd encountered on the battlefield flashed through Creighton's mind.
What ends they had all met—.
Creighton alone knew that fact.