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“There’s not a single thing intact.”

“Indeed. It’s like a garbage dump.”

“They should’ve just run away quietly instead of leaving this mess. Might as well have burned everything.”

“Burning it would’ve been cleaner, but they probably did this to avoid suspicion from you, Judge.”

Ian drew his black blade, using its sheath as a makeshift stick to sift through the wreckage. Eor looked on disapprovingly.

“I may not be an examiner, but is it really appropriate to use a sword like that?”

“No reason not to. We’ve got kindling right here, after all.”

“That’s an entirely different use.”

“True, but at least it’s not a holy sword.”

“If it were, I’d have filed a formal complaint to Berger immediately.”

“And on what grounds?”

“Blasphemy.”

“My, you say such terrifying things with ease.”

“I’m not joking.”

Ian couldn’t help but suppress a wry smile. It seemed his decision to draw the black blade was a misstep. There was no need to engage in behavior that might make his companion uncomfortable, but Eor’s mood was already soured by the mere action.

“Weapons imbued with sacred power must be used for their intended purpose. Using them for impure reasons is unacceptable, so I’d appreciate it if you refrained in my presence.”

“Hmm. Got it.”

Ian replied without stopping his search, continuing to poke through the trash heap with the sword sheath. Eor nodded and asked,

“So, what exactly are you looking for so intently?”

“Would you like to help?”

“Not really, just curious. Judging by what’s here, it’s not like anything extraordinary would turn up. If you’re looking for an important clue, you might want to check under the tents.”

Ian picked up a relatively intact part of a broken wooden crate and tossed it toward Eor.

Thud.

“…”

“…”

Eor didn’t catch it, instead stepping back to avoid it. He bent slightly to inspect the item that had fallen to the ground. On the splintered wood was an insignia—unmistakably the mark of the Silverwave Trading Company.

“You don’t need to emphasize it; the Silverwave Trading Company is already under investigation.”

“Even without concrete evidence for now?”

Eor let out a dry laugh.

“No one is entirely clean. That applies to organizations too. If people can’t avoid flaws, why would groups be any different? No matter how well they hide, the truth always comes out eventually. And the fact that they have close ties with the White Owls is more than enough reason.”

“Is the Pantheon planning to launch a formal audit?”

“Yes. But we can’t just audit anyone at will. This is imperial territory, after all. Everything must move with the emperor’s permission. Of course, there are exceptions, as in this case.”

“Wise words. Exceptions are necessary. Good to hear—I was worried I’d have to spend all day digging through this mess. You asked what I’m looking for, didn’t you?”

Ian pulled out a small wooden box and handed it to Eor. This time, he didn’t toss it, perhaps wary of the previous incident. The box, not something salvaged from the trash heap, was clean—perhaps the cleanest thing here. Eor, suspecting it to be significant, accepted it without hesitation and opened it.

Click.

“…This is…”

“A part. Specifically, one that fits into this pocket watch that led us here. You’ve heard of Dara, haven’t you?”

“Of course.”

No matter how much he was a priest of the Grand Pantheon, he was not entirely cut off from the world. Especially with pocket watches, which were quite essential items for those outside. As such, there were naturally many places that manufactured pocket watches. The only reason they were rare was that not many possessed the necessary technical skills. The demand, however, was overwhelming.

“I didn’t mention this earlier, but this one isn’t genuine.”

“Are you saying it’s a counterfeit?”

“Yes. And a very finely crafted one at that. While I can’t vouch for its performance, its functions are identical. That’s how we were able to find our way here.”

“Hmm.”

“In fact, this isn’t the first time I’ve seen one of these.”

Previously, during a mission with the Red Spear Knights, Ian had encountered a Dark Mage carrying one of these.

He had been shocked that a mere mercenary, not even a noble, possessed a pocket watch from Dara. However, upon learning it was a counterfeit, his initial astonishment turned into disappointment. Ian briefly recounted the events from back then.

“So, this is the second time. A Dark Mage and now the White Owl Mercenaries. Could it really be a coincidence that we’ve found Dara’s pocket watches in their possession?”

He didn’t think so. There had to be a connection.

“And not just any pocket watch—Dara’s pocket watches are traded at exorbitant prices. They’re considered the pinnacle of luxury goods. Even those who suspect a counterfeit wouldn’t question its authenticity. The technical skills required are simply beyond most people’s reach. Slight imperfections would just be overlooked as typical for handmade items.”

The watches were crafted by none other than the Golden Tower. If someone were to tarnish their reputation, they might face annihilation by the next day. People often joked that dealing in drugs would be safer. No matter how lucrative, there wasn’t a single noble in the empire foolish enough to gamble everything they had. But if it were the Dark Mages, the story might be different.

“What are you trying to say?”

“What if—just hypothetically—the Silver Wave Trading Company is involved in replicating and selling Dara’s pocket watches?”

“They would make a fortune.”

“Exactly. That’s the point. Even selling just a few genuine-looking pieces could bring in thousands of gold coins. Of course, they wouldn’t distribute the counterfeits themselves. As a high-ranking mage of the Golden Tower, Dara produces only a limited quantity. Suddenly flooding the market with watches would immediately draw suspicion. So, they would likely control the supply carefully—or sell a batch when in dire need of funds. Given the overwhelming demand, it’s a viable strategy. And the money they’d gain would be incredibly useful.”

“I suspect that the Silver Wave Trading Company might be one of the Dark Mages’ funding sources.”

“…You don’t have any personal grudge against them, do you?”

“Of course not. I bear no ill will. I’m merely following the evidence. But we should act quickly. The ones who fled may have already informed the Silver Wave Company in Gaum about what happened here.”

If they destroyed the evidence, things would get complicated. The cunning Dark Mages wouldn’t leave loose ends. They were likely already prepared. The best plan would be to strike before they could react.

“Agreed.”

Eor closed the lid of the small box he held and pulled something from his pocket—a telephone. It looked identical to the one Flaming’s Semid had used to contact Verdan. Ian hadn’t expected a judge to carry one, let alone use it with such ease. Dialing with practiced motions, Eor made a call.

“Judge Eor Al Democia here. I’ve found traces of heresy. I will begin an investigation into the Silver Wave Trading Company and the White Owl Mercenaries operating in the eastern region of the El Carda Empire. Requesting immediate deployment of support troops to Gaum.”

Apparently, no special procedures were required. The faint voice on the other end responded without hesitation.

“Understood.”

After ending the call, Eor turned to Ian.

“Let’s go—to Gaum. We can confirm everything there.”

***

City of Gaum.

From the Green Tower, where the warp gate was installed, holy knights poured out in formation. Their golden and white armor gleamed, with helmets covering their entire faces and crimson capes draped over their shoulders. They stood in orderly ranks, exuding a heavy, oppressive atmosphere. Nearby, the citizens instinctively backed away, sensing trouble.

“What’s going on? Is something happening?”

“Wait a second—something feels off.”

“No ordinary knights—they’re Inquisitors!”

“Is there a heretic in Gaum? Why are they here?”

The murmurs of those who recognized the paladins spread through the crowd. Soon, the knights, who had been standing stoically like statues, moved into two groups. One group headed out of the city, while the other proceeded into its depths. Leading the latter was not the Inquisitor Eor but Ian, naturally drawing the attention of passersby. The stares were unsettling. Should he pull out a wooden mask to cover his face? Feeling the heat rush to his cheeks, Ian led Eor and the knights toward the alleyway where the Silver Wave Trading Company was located.

“Is this the place?”

Eor stopped in front of the store and asked. The Silver Wave branch was still open and bustling with customers. However, upon spotting the knights, the patrons hastily set down their goods and left. The paladins surrounding the store didn’t stop them; instead, they stepped aside, as if urging them to leave faster. Before long, the store was deserted save for two White Owl mercenaries guarding the entrance. Their unease was evident, even behind their masks.

“What the hell?”

“Why are paladins here…?”

Their hands rested on their sword hilts, but they didn’t dare draw their weapons. Despite their reputation as reckless and crazed fighters, even they knew better than to act against this many paladins. Doing so would mean certain death. They gulped nervously, trying to gauge the situation. Moments later, a merchant burst out from inside the store.

“Oh, my goodness! What brings such distinguished guests to this humble place?!”

The merchant, feigning ignorance, bowed so low his head nearly touched the ground. No—he even dropped to his knees, prostrating himself. Eor looked down at the groveling man with cold indifference.

“I’ll ask. Is this the Gaum branch of the Silver Wave Trading Company?”

“Yes, yes! That’s correct!”

“Did you hire the White Owl Mercenary Corps for security?”

“Y-yes, Inquisitor. T-they may have caused some trouble recently, but it was purely a mistake. Heh heh. We apologized to the affected superhuman and resolved the issue.”

“I see. Then this is rather unfortunate.”n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

“Pardon?”

The merchant raised his head, confusion plain on his face. Realizing that the situation was taking a dangerous turn, he began trembling, his eyes darting about. Pitiful. Then, like a thunderclap, Eor’s words struck him.

“The White Owl Mercenary Corps has been declared heretical. It’s been revealed that they’ve colluded with Battle Wraiths beyond the defensive line.”

“B-Battle Wraiths…?”

“And as for the Silver Wave Trading Company, which has been sponsoring them under the guise of contracts, we also find you suspicious. Therefore, we will now conduct an investigation. I trust you will cooperate without resistance. Do you have any objections?”

“This is… unjust! Of course, cooperation is the right thing to do, but proceeding without any prior notice is a violation of imperial law! If you’re not challenging the authority of His Majesty the Emperor, you must adhere to proper procedures!”

Eor crouched down to meet the merchant’s terrified gaze.

“You know one thing but not the other two. I am not challenging the Emperor’s authority. As a Scourge Inquisitor, I am merely exercising the powers vested in me. Now, Michael.”

A priest accompanying the knights stepped forward.

“Yes, Inquisitor.”

“Let’s begin. Go inside and check for anything suspicious.”

———-