Chapter 158: Male Lion (4)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 158: Male Lion (4)
The reason I brought up the holy relic at the meeting was simple. Except for the part where it was closely related to me and concerned me, there were many advantages.
For now, it'll help with my whole mysterious vibe.
Wasn't it only proper, after Clown had established the right atmosphere? Rather than suddenly mentioning the labyrinth, this seemed like a better choice.
You were curious about this earlier, right? Here, let me tell you. Your reward.
If I framed it like that, I judged that the other members who were also anticipating what I had to say would have nothing to complain about. And indeed, my prediction was correct. Far from being disappointed, I could see at a glance that their expectations for me had climbed even higher.
"...Could it be that you also know where the Master is?"
I shrugged at Fox's words, which said, If you bring me something interesting, there's nothing I can't tell you. Thankfully, she understood, and Fox squeezed her small hands together in apparent determination as she made up her mind to hear that information.
I'll tell them it's no fun no matter what they bring me, though...
My pang ran through my conscience, but I quickly brushed it off. Wasn't this just a business relationship conducted while wearing a mask, anyway? It only made sense to care solely about my own gain.
Still, I think that bit of motivation worked well.
This was the second advantage I had predicted. Structurally, the Watchers of the Round Table made it difficult to guarantee complete anonymity. Having information others didn't know meant you somehow had to have access to that information.
Crescent Moon has talked about elves a lot, and Fox seemed more up-to-date with the latest information about people and events than the hidden elements of the labyrinth.
Of course, unlike Goblin (whose identity as a paladin had been exposed), the other masks seemed to stay in their lanes. But in order to bring me interesting information, they would have no choice but to reveal their cards. If I played this right, it would be of great help to me in inferring their identities.
I don't know about the others, but I'm curious about Clown.
To that end, this was a good opportunity. I was sure they were curious about my identity as well. Since I would have no choice but to continue revealing information about the labyrinth, I couldn't pass up an opportunity to look impressive. I didn't know about the first few times, but if I continued like that, they might get suspicious that I was actually an amateur who just knew a lot about the game.
Anyway, here was the third advantage.
"I want to buy information on who the blessing was given to."
Clown had already shown a strong interest in the blessing, and I decided that it was reasonable to use information like that which would come out anyway. Of course, I had no way of knowing how much he could find out on his own, since I didn't know how tight-lipped the people at the temple were.
Rather, I can confirm that through him.
If this ended up being information Clown, who was considered high-level even in the Watchers of the Round Table, was unable to find out, then I could rest easy. That would mean that my secret was well kept. I was turning the gears while resting my chin on my hand.
"Now then, shall we do one more round?" The second round started under Fox's prompting.
Goblin went first once again, but there were some hiccups from the start. After receiving a red light, they just barely managed to receive the green light on their next attempt, but the members all objected.
"The saint's real name? I'm sure that might be useful in some places, but..."
"You're free-loading."
"Maybe that would have been enough before, but it's going to be difficult to let something like this slide now."
In the end, Goblin had to bring out new, useful information that the other members approved of, and it moved to the next person after that bit of chaos was resolved. The information was temple-related, as expected.
The second Captain of the Paladins is the woman who was beside Krovitz during the blessing, right? To think that woman is gay.
This was more a scandalous piece of gossip than anything else, but surprisingly, the members did not object to its use. I could understand their general thought processes. They probably thought this was important information that, with proof, could give them an upper hand against the captain. Homosexuality was classified as a great sin in this world.
"Now, me next." Fox revealed what the double-digit Numbered Item that would appear at the Sky Auction House was.
"You're using the same information twice." Deer expressed his dissatisfaction but did not go so far as to object. He must have known that the double-digit Numbered Item was worth that much.
The round continued like that, and secret information spilled from the members' mouths. Deer told us information about palace politics, and Crescent Moon mentioned that the successor to the elves' tribe committed a mortal sin and had been stripped of their title.
"Hmm, is it my turn now?" Clown, who had dropped the bomb of the six-person bonding spell last round, relaxed a little this time and spilled some normal information instead. Well, I guess it couldn't really be called normal. "The masks we are wearing were not chosen at random."
"What do you mean?"
"The Master said that when you first choose a mask, you choose the one that most closely resembles your destiny."
That was a very interesting statement. It was a little too vague to be called useful, though.
"That's why I treat Mr. Goblin as lesser. It means that despite his weakness, he is fated to be cunning."
Goblin trembled in anger at being Clown's no-fucks-given example. But I wondered if they did seem a bit pitiful.
"I don't know about Goblin, but Clown, I can see why yours is like that since you're such a douchebag," Deer muttered caustically. Clown did not seem bothered by this and just laughed.
"But this doesn't sound like very important information."
"Yes. It's a bit fascinating that the Master said that, but..."
"Bring forward something more useful."
Clown clicked his tongue at the backlash. "Tsk. Even after I gave you clues about your fate... This is why they say not to give pearls to swine," Clown grumbled, casting a quick glance at me. I once again didn't answer, staying put. Silence would always get you halfway to wherever you wanted to go. "Then I suppose I should talk about something more on your level."
Soon, Clown pulled out new information. It was about the Adventurers' Guild, and this time it passed without objection. Then it was my turn again. I revealed one of the things I had picked out beforehand. It was advanced information, but so advanced that it was useless to have.
"The Stone of Revival exists."
As soon as I finished speaking, everyone's eyes focused on the Round Table. The moment the jewel at the center emitted a green light, silence fell.
"The saint's real name? I'm sure that might be useful in some places, but..."
"You're free-loading."
"Maybe that would have been enough before, but it's going to be difficult to let something like this slide now."
In the end, Goblin had to bring out new, useful information that the other members approved of, and it moved to the next person after that bit of chaos was resolved. The information was temple-related, as expected.
The second Captain of the Paladins is the woman who was beside Krovitz during the blessing, right? To think that woman is gay.
This was more a scandalous piece of gossip than anything else, but surprisingly, the members did not object to its use. I could understand their general thought processes. They probably thought this was important information that, with proof, could give them an upper hand against the captain. Homosexuality was classified as a great sin in this world.
"Now, me next." Fox revealed what the double-digit Numbered Item that would appear at the Sky Auction House was.
"You're using the same information twice." Deer expressed his dissatisfaction but did not go so far as to object. He must have known that the double-digit Numbered Item was worth that much.
The round continued like that, and secret information spilled from the members' mouths. Deer told us information about palace politics, and Crescent Moon mentioned that the successor to the elves' tribe committed a mortal sin and had been stripped of their title.
"Hmm, is it my turn now?" Clown, who had dropped the bomb of the six-person bonding spell last round, relaxed a little this time and spilled some normal information instead. Well, I guess it couldn't really be called normal. "The masks we are wearing were not chosen at random."
"What do you mean?"
"The Master said that when you first choose a mask, you choose the one that most closely resembles your destiny."
That was a very interesting statement. It was a little too vague to be called useful, though.
"That's why I treat Mr. Goblin as lesser. It means that despite his weakness, he is fated to be cunning."
Goblin trembled in anger at being Clown's no-fucks-given example. But I wondered if they did seem a bit pitiful.
"I don't know about Goblin, but Clown, I can see why yours is like that since you're such a douchebag," Deer muttered caustically. Clown did not seem bothered by this and just laughed.
"But this doesn't sound like very important information."
"Yes. It's a bit fascinating that the Master said that, but..."
"Bring forward something more useful."
Clown clicked his tongue at the backlash. "Tsk. Even after I gave you clues about your fate... This is why they say not to give pearls to swine," Clown grumbled, casting a quick glance at me. I once again didn't answer, staying put. Silence would always get you halfway to wherever you wanted to go. "Then I suppose I should talk about something more on your level."
Soon, Clown pulled out new information. It was about the Adventurers' Guild, and this time it passed without objection. Then it was my turn again. I revealed one of the things I had picked out beforehand. It was advanced information, but so advanced that it was useless to have.
"The Stone of Revival exists."
As soon as I finished speaking, everyone's eyes focused on the Round Table. The moment the jewel at the center emitted a green light, silence fell.
"Um, what is the Stone of Revival...?" Goblin was the first to speak.
At their careful question, Fox answered, "It's an item that can resurrect someone. Well, those are the rumors, at least."
Even in the game, the Stone of Revival was only ever spoken of as a legend. That made sense. To consume it, you had to meet some crazy conditions that bordered on divine intervention. The first time I got my hands on it was pure coincidence, and I wasn't able to obtain it again afterward even though I knew the conditions for acquiring it. There was no way these guys who had beaten the cheat version of the game could possibly know it actually existed.
"Th-then can you really bring the dead back to life with it?" Crescent Moon asked carefully. They couldn't hide the excitement that dripped from their voice. Could it be that they had someone they wanted to save?
"Yes." In exchange for hearing lots of useful information today, I threw in a little extra. "With the Stone of Revival, it is possible to resurrect the dead." There were complicated requirements attached to it, but its effects were as rumored.
But was this not enough to satisfy them? "Then who has the item—"
"Enough." I cut off Crescent Moon's words coldly. If they wanted to hear more, they would have to bring me information worthy of it.
Crescent Moon soon came to their senses. "Then at least tell me what kind of information interests you. I need that item."
Hmm, I didn't expect that. I thought about it for a moment. An oddball in a male lion mask who was bored and tired of everything, and who attended these meetings looking for amusement... how would a guy like that answer here?
Before long, an appropriate line came to mind. "I don't know what I'm interested in."
The lion didn't even know. It was kind of a cringey character set-up, but aside from that it was a pretty good concept. If I framed things like this, not only would they bring me a wide range of useful information, but it would make it easier for me to dismiss whatever they told me as no fun.
"It won't be easy to please someone like you." Crescent Moon let out a long sigh. Their eyes were filled with the determination to find out, though. That pricked at my conscience, so I averted my eyes to stare out into space, my chin still propped up.
Did I look solemn like that? A moment of silence ensued, with no one speaking.
After, Fox assumed the role of moderator again and led the conversation, "Ahem! So, what do we do now? If everyone is okay with it, shall we do another round?"
Goblin raised their hand. "I'll stop here. I have no more information that will satisfy you all."
"I will stop too. I prepared several more just in case, but I'm not very confident considering the quality of the information today." When Deer announced he was backing out like Goblin, the meeting naturally came to an end.
Ha, again?
However, everyone stayed put and quietly watched me. Come to think of it, the same thing happened at the last gathering. They all pretended not to be but were curious to hear what I had thought, I guess. Well, it probably hurt their pride a bit. Last time, I had shown my disappointment by asking, "That's it?"
So what should I say this time?
After a moment's consideration, I made a decision. I scanned the various masks one by one and smiled as if to say their efforts were at least praiseworthy. "I'll look forward to the next one."
Thanks for the information.
***
After Lion left, Goblin blurted out the question they had been holding back, sounding drained. "Who... the hell... is that man?"
"Um, what is the Stone of Revival...?" Goblin was the first to speak.
At their careful question, Fox answered, "It's an item that can resurrect someone. Well, those are the rumors, at least."
Even in the game, the Stone of Revival was only ever spoken of as a legend. That made sense. To consume it, you had to meet some crazy conditions that bordered on divine intervention. The first time I got my hands on it was pure coincidence, and I wasn't able to obtain it again afterward even though I knew the conditions for acquiring it. There was no way these guys who had beaten the cheat version of the game could possibly know it actually existed.
"Th-then can you really bring the dead back to life with it?" Crescent Moon asked carefully. They couldn't hide the excitement that dripped from their voice. Could it be that they had someone they wanted to save?
"Yes." In exchange for hearing lots of useful information today, I threw in a little extra. "With the Stone of Revival, it is possible to resurrect the dead." There were complicated requirements attached to it, but its effects were as rumored.
But was this not enough to satisfy them? "Then who has the item—"
"Enough." I cut off Crescent Moon's words coldly. If they wanted to hear more, they would have to bring me information worthy of it.
Crescent Moon soon came to their senses. "Then at least tell me what kind of information interests you. I need that item."
Hmm, I didn't expect that. I thought about it for a moment. An oddball in a male lion mask who was bored and tired of everything, and who attended these meetings looking for amusement... how would a guy like that answer here?
Before long, an appropriate line came to mind. "I don't know what I'm interested in."
The lion didn't even know. It was kind of a cringey character set-up, but aside from that it was a pretty good concept. If I framed things like this, not only would they bring me a wide range of useful information, but it would make it easier for me to dismiss whatever they told me as no fun.
"It won't be easy to please someone like you." Crescent Moon let out a long sigh. Their eyes were filled with the determination to find out, though. That pricked at my conscience, so I averted my eyes to stare out into space, my chin still propped up.
Did I look solemn like that? A moment of silence ensued, with no one speaking.
After, Fox assumed the role of moderator again and led the conversation, "Ahem! So, what do we do now? If everyone is okay with it, shall we do another round?"
Goblin raised their hand. "I'll stop here. I have no more information that will satisfy you all."
"I will stop too. I prepared several more just in case, but I'm not very confident considering the quality of the information today." When Deer announced he was backing out like Goblin, the meeting naturally came to an end.
Ha, again?
However, everyone stayed put and quietly watched me. Come to think of it, the same thing happened at the last gathering. They all pretended not to be but were curious to hear what I had thought, I guess. Well, it probably hurt their pride a bit. Last time, I had shown my disappointment by asking, "That's it?"
So what should I say this time?
After a moment's consideration, I made a decision. I scanned the various masks one by one and smiled as if to say their efforts were at least praiseworthy. "I'll look forward to the next one."
Thanks for the information.
***
After Lion left, Goblin blurted out the question they had been holding back, sounding drained. "Who... the hell... is that man?"
Deer clicked his tongue. "Certainly not a regular person."
Goblin let out a long sigh.
All I wanted was to infer his identity. Why am I always treated like this?
Soon, Goblin confessed what they were thinking. "...He might be someone from my side."
"Keke, what do you mean, Goblin?"
"There are less than ten people in the church who know about the blessing. Each one is at least a high priest or a captain. If that man is one of them, that might explain—"
"Ha, is that what you mean?" Clown fired back irritably, abruptly cutting Goblin off. "This is why everyone looks down on you. Why are you thinking so small? That man is a cardinal? A captain? That's the best you can think of?"
"But there's no other explanation! It hasn't been more than two weeks since the blessing was received..."
"Tsk, how pathetic. You don't think there could be a spy among them?"
"That's nonsense..." Goblin trailed off, finding the thought absurd. After all, they knew how faithful the temple's dignitaries were. They were absolutely not people who would work for outsiders. But what was this? "Wait, do you all think that way?" Everyone except for Goblin was accepting this nonsense.
"There is no other explanation."
"To be honest, I had thought he would be kind of an isolated hero. But that doesn't seem to be the case, either..."
"Perhaps we have made a connection with a figure more powerful than we could ever have imagined."
At this point, even Goblin started to have doubts. Could it be that that man's influence had even reached the core of the church? Of course, they didn't know anything for sure yet, so Goblin focused on the conversation that followed.
"Then let's put our heads together for the remaining time. We may not be able to discover his identity, but we can deduce what kind of person he is, right?"
"Good idea. Maybe we can find out what he's interested in."
At Fox's suggestion, they pooled their collective intelligence together to investigate. The goal was to find out the identity of the lion.
"I'll go first. That man wasn't even interested in the double-digit Numbered Item. That must mean he's powerful enough to not be intrigued by an item like that."
"The same goes for the plans for conquering Noark. He didn't even flinch after hearing it. It's clear he has eyes and ears on the palace."
"Kekeke, I can't be sure, but he's probably killed at least thousands of people. He doesn't even know what he's interested in. Even I haven't seen someone that broken."
Each time they brought up their observations, they essentially participated in group brainwashing. The finishing stroke was Crescent Moon's assumption. "Perhaps... he knows all of our identities."
"What do you mean, Crescent?"
"When he first brought up the Stone of Revival, he was looking right at me. As if he already knew my story."
Goblin unknowingly scoffed. Lion may have been extraordinary, but wasn't that too much of a leap?
It seems more likely to be a coincidence... He was sitting right across from him.
Of course, Goblin did not say this out loud, because everyone was taking Crescent Moon's words seriously.
"Hmm, I was wondering why he suddenly brought up the Stone of Revival, but that explains it." Clown was completely convinced, and the others believed the possibility was worth considering. Gradually, Goblin also grew unsure. Hearing all of these smart people say the same thing, they started to think it might be true.
"Oh!" Just then, Fox clapped her hands and shouted. "Masks! We have masks."
"Masks...?"
"Yes. Maybe we can get a sense of what kind of person he is based on his mask."
"Hmm, if Clown's words are true, there's a possibility we might be able to figure out his personality."
"A lion, huh?"
One by one, the members listed the things that came to mind when they thought of a male lion.
"Umm, when I think of lions, I remember the story that they drop their cubs off a cliff as soon as they're born."
"You mean the story that they only raise the survivors? Those are all just myths. Though, to become that strong, he must have gone through something worse than falling off a cliff."
"Keke, nothing comes to mind other than the king of beasts. Could it mean that Mr. Lion will become king one day?"
"Hmm, he certainly didn't look like someone who would work under anyone."
"I heard lions are symbols of emperors in the East."
"A symbol of an emperor! How exciting!"
Goblin just listened quietly as they spoke. A thought came to mind.
I've heard lions are polygamous... Maybe this just means he's fated to have a lot of luck with women.
Of course, once again, this thought remained unspoken. They knew for a fact that if they said it out loud, the others would look at them like they were pathetic.
Deer clicked his tongue. "Certainly not a regular person."
Goblin let out a long sigh.
All I wanted was to infer his identity. Why am I always treated like this?
Soon, Goblin confessed what they were thinking. "...He might be someone from my side."
"Keke, what do you mean, Goblin?"
"There are less than ten people in the church who know about the blessing. Each one is at least a high priest or a captain. If that man is one of them, that might explain—"
"Ha, is that what you mean?" Clown fired back irritably, abruptly cutting Goblin off. "This is why everyone looks down on you. Why are you thinking so small? That man is a cardinal? A captain? That's the best you can think of?"
"But there's no other explanation! It hasn't been more than two weeks since the blessing was received..."
"Tsk, how pathetic. You don't think there could be a spy among them?"
"That's nonsense..." Goblin trailed off, finding the thought absurd. After all, they knew how faithful the temple's dignitaries were. They were absolutely not people who would work for outsiders. But what was this? "Wait, do you all think that way?" Everyone except for Goblin was accepting this nonsense.
"There is no other explanation."
"To be honest, I had thought he would be kind of an isolated hero. But that doesn't seem to be the case, either..."
"Perhaps we have made a connection with a figure more powerful than we could ever have imagined."
At this point, even Goblin started to have doubts. Could it be that that man's influence had even reached the core of the church? Of course, they didn't know anything for sure yet, so Goblin focused on the conversation that followed.
"Then let's put our heads together for the remaining time. We may not be able to discover his identity, but we can deduce what kind of person he is, right?"
"Good idea. Maybe we can find out what he's interested in."
At Fox's suggestion, they pooled their collective intelligence together to investigate. The goal was to find out the identity of the lion.
"I'll go first. That man wasn't even interested in the double-digit Numbered Item. That must mean he's powerful enough to not be intrigued by an item like that."
"The same goes for the plans for conquering Noark. He didn't even flinch after hearing it. It's clear he has eyes and ears on the palace."
"Kekeke, I can't be sure, but he's probably killed at least thousands of people. He doesn't even know what he's interested in. Even I haven't seen someone that broken."
Each time they brought up their observations, they essentially participated in group brainwashing. The finishing stroke was Crescent Moon's assumption. "Perhaps... he knows all of our identities."
"What do you mean, Crescent?"
"When he first brought up the Stone of Revival, he was looking right at me. As if he already knew my story."
Goblin unknowingly scoffed. Lion may have been extraordinary, but wasn't that too much of a leap?
It seems more likely to be a coincidence... He was sitting right across from him.
Of course, Goblin did not say this out loud, because everyone was taking Crescent Moon's words seriously.
"Hmm, I was wondering why he suddenly brought up the Stone of Revival, but that explains it." Clown was completely convinced, and the others believed the possibility was worth considering. Gradually, Goblin also grew unsure. Hearing all of these smart people say the same thing, they started to think it might be true.
"Oh!" Just then, Fox clapped her hands and shouted. "Masks! We have masks."
"Masks...?"
"Yes. Maybe we can get a sense of what kind of person he is based on his mask."
"Hmm, if Clown's words are true, there's a possibility we might be able to figure out his personality."
"A lion, huh?"
One by one, the members listed the things that came to mind when they thought of a male lion.
"Umm, when I think of lions, I remember the story that they drop their cubs off a cliff as soon as they're born."
"You mean the story that they only raise the survivors? Those are all just myths. Though, to become that strong, he must have gone through something worse than falling off a cliff."
"Keke, nothing comes to mind other than the king of beasts. Could it mean that Mr. Lion will become king one day?"
"Hmm, he certainly didn't look like someone who would work under anyone."
"I heard lions are symbols of emperors in the East."
"A symbol of an emperor! How exciting!"
Goblin just listened quietly as they spoke. A thought came to mind.
I've heard lions are polygamous... Maybe this just means he's fated to have a lot of luck with women.
Of course, once again, this thought remained unspoken. They knew for a fact that if they said it out loud, the others would look at them like they were pathetic.