<Episode 24>
"Isaac, do you remember the area where the plague started 16 years ago?"
Theodore stopped thinking and opened his mouth. Even if unpleasant, he had to verify what needed checking.
"Pardon? Ah, the plague. It's in the records."
"Order a thorough search from nearby villages to the foothills. Investigate suspicious abandoned houses, soil contamination—everything."
"It was all investigated back then. And it's been 16 years—"
"Even so. Do it. From the reported starting point to all areas within 60 kilometers ahead."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
His sharp tone seemed to reflect Theodore's discomfort in detail. Isaac nodded obediently without further rebuttal.
"Search every nook and cranny."
Theodore ground out the order.
If the Saintess was right and the plague truly stemmed from abuse and neglect, traces would remain from the investigation.
Yet the investigation found no signs of abuse or neglect.
And it was from an imperial investigation team dispatched by the palace, not the Temple's, leaving no room for tampering.
No matter how corrupt the Temple, they couldn't reach the imperial team.
Thus, if the Saintess spoke truth, the reported starting area wasn't the real origin.
"If nothing, expand to 80 kilometers."
Transporting patients from too far risked spread before faking the origin.
The basis of plague tracing was pinpointing the start.
To conceal it, the real origin—patients loaded in carriages for isolation—would be within a distance reachable in a day without rest.
So Theodore surmised.
"Isaac. Search the High Priestess again. There might be a secret vault."
"The High Priestess... we've searched thoroughly for ages. Nothing turned up."
"Find it."
Theodore issued the firm order at Isaac's troubled expression.
"Yes. Understood."
Isaac nodded again. Arguing thrice might cost his head.
"If you can't find it—"
"Yes."
"...Never mind."
Theodore nearly threatened 'It'll prove your incompetence' but shut his mouth.
Wasn't he assuming it existed unconditionally?
If not, the woman simply spouted nonsense.
End of story.
Yet why.
'To request alliance with Your Majesty, I thought truth was needed.'
Did that persuasive drivel feel real?
Her clear amber eyes held no tremor.
Even Theodore, gifted at discerning lies from truth, found it surprisingly hard to tell.
Of course, she might believe it sincerely. Truly think the vault existed.
But her belief didn't make it 'fact.' She could be asserting wrong info as truth.
Whether true, Theodore had to verify himself.
Knowing that, why did he keep leaning toward accepting it as truth...?
"Sigh."
Theodore exhaled deeply. Isaac flinched at the wary glance.
Anyway, the irritation persisted.
The Saintess was right. Her existence was useful.
So he had to investigate facts and seriously consider allying with the real Saintess.
Setting aside irritation and personal feelings.
Theodore closed his eyes, trying to erase the flaxen hair and those amber eyes shifting emotions.
"...Isaac."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Rest today if no afternoon schedule."
"Yes, I'll arrange it."
No chance of none, but Isaac replied affirmatively.
Rest for Theodore meant holing up with documents or swinging his sword madly at the training grounds anyway.
Another exhausting day, as always.
* * *
[Dorothy. Lately, our mood feels off.]
[Pardon?]
[Power's surging, maybe... Vision's wider than before.]
[Divine power returning a bit? I sent supplies with promo lines.]
[Maybe...]
[Try lifting me! Easiest way to check.]
Agatha agreed and floated me up high.
Suddenly nearing the ceiling, I screamed unwittingly.
"Ack, wait—!"
[Sorry!]
Agatha halted in surprise.
[Whoa, overflowing power?]
[Yeah...? Definitely. I could hold higher for 5 minutes now.]
[5 minutes...!]
Flying days near!
After Agatha set me down, we continued.
[Newspaper presidents?]
['Imperial Newspaper' to smaller ones—all have weaknesses, but 'Empire's Morning' president seems tough.]
Empire's Morning and Imperial Newspaper. Empire's top papers.
This novel was in an industrial transition era.
Meaning steam locomotives existed.
Newspapers reached remote edges in under a week max.
Influence spanned capital to whole Empire.
Buy newspapers.
For me, future Empire celeb wooing nobles, essential step.
[Why 'Empire's Morning' president?]
[No way but money. Doesn't see weaknesses as such...]
Toughest type.
[Money? We have none...]
Alliance with Theodore would bring funds, but not yet.
Buying papers to appeal to him—waiting defeats purpose.
[What now. Need money source.]
I racked my brain, recalling original work.
Usually, catch trends early or remember goldmine land.
I read this novel funnily, multiple times. But focused on 'Supporting Character Theodore's Manpelline Empire Reforms.'
Honestly, little interest in leads' romance. Only cared how Theodore crushed Temple.
No way I'd know money paths.
Of course, that let me recall Theodore details minutely, handling encounters. Blessing or curse...?
[Um, Dorothy.]
[Yes?]
[One big score... More is...]
[Big score?]
[...Gambling...]
Agatha cautiously suggested a welcome idea.
[Perfect! Great idea. Agatha!]
I jumped up, clapping.
Couldn't say it, minding justice-upholding gods' eyes.
Casino thrill lingered in fingertips. Winning gold each bet...!
[Sigh. Is this okay?]
[Funds to save world! Righteous gambling, stripping corrupt noble funds for citizens!]
[Th-that word 'gambling'—]
[First, find noble gambling den.]
I sprang up.
Gods excelled reading nearby lives, secrets—but pinpointing spots broadly was hard. Divine range limited.
'Got the guy for this!'
I dashed out, walking briskly.
"Hello, Saintess!"
"You seem cheerful, Saintess!"
"Saintess, our child—"
Many called en route. Now most Temple folk knew my face.
'Annoying.'
[Agatha. How well can you blur my presence? Much divine power?]
[Not much. Could make them forget your face before.]
[Please.]
[But now everyone knows you, looks... Eye-catching actions will register anyway.]
[Just no talking to me.]
[Done.]
Indeed. A couple recognized and greeted, but no prior crowds.
Deciding on hoods henceforth, I reached destination.
「Administration」
Confirmed sign, boldly entered, heading straight to First-class Administrator Leon.
Bursting into his spacious inner office, his sharp voice rang.
"Who dares barge in so rudely—agh?!"
Voice faltered immediately.
"Long time no see!"
A week passed—long time indeed. I beamed at him.
He paled, trembling.
"I-I completed your task perfectly! Ch-checked with staff back from trips!"
"Yes, looks good!"
Divine power returning confirmed it.
"Did 100 bunny hops too!"
"I know!"
First-class Administrator bunny-hopping Temple rounds—naturally buzzed, reached my ears.
His face looked haggard too. Not my concern.
"S-so, what brings you."
Leon eyed me quivering.
I grinned.
"Know the gambling den with most money?"
"...Pardon?"
"Do. Don't."
"High-rollers' spot... right?"
"Location. Name. Entry. Spill."
"Saintess, sorry, but... why...?"
"Why else."
I gleamed eyes. Excuse for Saintess at casino? Ready.
"Saving lost souls, my duty."
"Gasp."
"Shh. Can't leak. Administrator."
"Y-yes...!"
First-class Administrator Leon urgently detailed the den.
Smooth sailing.
Leaving office cheerfully, I spotted a small shadow peeking at Grand Temple entrance.
