Chapter 1252: Chapter 1252: Burning Sky
The flame scorched the pebble, and on the second pebble were two different runes, which meant [99.7% – Mixed-breed domestic cat] and [0.3% – Son of the Sun].
“According to ancient legends, the Sun God once bestowed the scorching Sun Divine Power upon his familiars, creating a new race called the [Sons of the Sun]. This cat’s ancestors can probably be traced back to one of them.”
Grace worried that Shard might not know, so she introduced it in advance. Although such situations are rare, it’s not entirely impossible to encounter. Furthermore, since Mia can be considered a symbol of the “Sun” at the [Gadis Library], such a result is rather normal.
“In this case, I wonder if Mia might have some supernatural power…”
“Even the appraisal of this relic has its limits. Sir, if you want to continue the investigation, we can look for other relics.”
Seeing Shard showing a contemplative expression, Helen whispered a suggestion. However, this time Shard refused:
“We’ll discuss Mia’s matter later. As for me, I think there’s no need to test the lineage anymore. Other relics probably won’t yield any results either.”
Helen and Grace couldn’t leave the boundaries of Midshire Fort. If they left, they could only stay by Shard’s side, so they couldn’t help him with other investigations.
The Red Butterfly Maidens noticed that Shard seemed preoccupied, so they didn’t say much but instead talked to him about the banquet of the Butterfly God that took place during the Fifth Era.
Today is Sunday, and according to the plan, Shard is to make his final visit to the autumn of the Fifth Era 4791, where he helps one of the individuals – Witch Blanchett, Sister Perry, or Mr. Fred Lehman – to gain the favor of the Butterfly God’s familiars.
Last time, he had already sung hymns to the Deity with his companions, and this time they were to present poetry. According to Helen and Grace’s estimates, the last offering should be a story. However, with only thirty minutes left, it seemed there was too much to accomplish.
Grace and Helen helped Shard analyze the various possible scenarios, so Shard stayed in Midshire Fort the entire Sunday morning.
After having lunch with Granny Cassandra and the others, he went to Randall Valley. Initially holding the photos of the cleaned stone statue, he intended to visit the local Stonemason Guild with Luviya. But as soon as he arrived at the Abundant Land Inn, Luviya brought Shard some news:
“Someone sent you a letter. Ston Osenfort invites you to meet him at Mittil’s Warehouse outside the city this evening.”
Shard left the contact address at this inn for the people he knew in Randall Valley, and he even rented the cheapest room here for this purpose. The so-called “warehouse” refers to buildings that combine storage and lodging, located along the river area outside the city. These are common in Randall Valley. It’s only because it’s now the frozen winter season; during the flood season, Randall Valley is much more bustling.
“This evening? What’s the occasion? If it’s not important, I’m not going; that person is quite strange, and I was planning to have dinner with you, Miss Benanis recommended another restaurant last time.”
“But I believe you most certainly have to go, or rather, you have no choice but to go.”
Luviya handed the letter to Shard. Since it was delivered by a servant, there was no stamp on it:
“Mr. Osenfort said he has clues about [Genesis: Earth], and he thinks you might be interested.”
“Hmm?”
This was probably the most surprising news of the day:
“[Genesis: Earth]?”
“I told you, you would definitely go.”
Luviya said with a smile:
“Even if not for the Roder Card, every time you encounter an [Impermanence Card], it indicates that The Chosen One is quite close. Although this time it’s just clues, at least there’s a possibility. Of course, I’m quite doubtful about whether the other party is truthful, but you should make the trip regardless.”
“Yes, this evening… I understand. Then you wait for me at the Abundant Land Inn, and we’ll have dinner together tonight.”
Shard suggested, and Luviya gently shook her head:
“I have things to attend to tonight as well. The local church has found a location of Crazy Earth and is going to perform purification tonight. The association received some tasks, and I have to help with matters there. More importantly, I need to keep an eye out for the possible appearance of Mr. Thomas Granger’s soul, which is also important work.”
“Where did the church find the Crazy Earth? In the city or out?”
“Outside the east suburbs, but the exact location is still uncertain. Divination is quite difficult, so it can only be checked manually.”
The entire afternoon, Shard spent with Luviya in the room at the Abundant Land Inn. Of course, they weren’t engaged in any physical activities but were discussing the identity investigation of the correspondence students mentioned by the doctor yesterday.
Meanwhile, because on Friday Luviya learned that the Elf Girl Emilia had connections with the local Circle Sorcerer group, she specifically contacted the local Saint Byrons group on Saturday to gather some information, although there has been no progress yet.
Shard left Luviya at four in the afternoon and headed over to Wilder Opera House to borrow a horse from the Golden Dawn. Miss Benanis was not in this afternoon, so Miss Lathis was the one who received Shard and prepared a horse for him.
Hearing that Shard was going to see Mr. Osenfort again, Miss Lathis appeared exceptionally uneasy:
“Mr. Hamilton, you should avoid having too much contact with such people.”
The young lady led Shard to the stables in the opera house’s backyard to fetch a horse:
“There are many strange rumors about Osenfort, he is not a good person.”
The young lady said worriedly.
Shard understood her concern, but he couldn’t explain the matter of “Genesis: Earth.” So he changed the topic:
“The local church has discovered new Crazy Earth and plans to take action tonight. Has Miss Benanis heard about this?”
“Yes, the miss has heard. However, she doesn’t plan to take action. She will be at the opera house all evening, and I have to handle some matters for her.”
The female sorcerer turned to look at Shard:
“You won’t be participating in the church’s action tonight, will you? The church can handle this, there’s no need for us to get involved.”
“Oh, Miss Lathis, do I look like someone who meddles?”
Shard asked amidst “her” laughter. Miss Lathis also smiled, saying no more, and led Shard to saddle the horse he had ridden twice, then watched as he left through the opera house’s back door.
“I forgot to ask Miss Lathis if she knows anyone from the Stonemason Guild. Or, perhaps she knows that stone statue.”
Shard thought as he led the horse out of the alley, but there was no need to turn back now. He could ask when he returned the horse in the evening, and perhaps during the investigation of the stone statue, Miss Lathis could provide some help.
Mittil’s Warehouse was located not far from the eastern outskirts of the city, and even if Shard wasn’t familiar with the local map, he could easily find it by following the main road. He rode out from the city, taking about half an hour to reach the location. Yet after passing through a patch of woodland, he unexpectedly noticed the sunset-painted sky seemed unnaturally red.
Once through the woodland, he discovered that the courtyard and warehouse near the dock in the distance were on fire. A raging blaze engulfed everything as several horses, tied temporarily to safe fences outside the burning courtyard, stood uneasily. Several men laughed merrily around the burning warehouse, occasionally throwing prepared flammable items into the fire.
The flames, like a monstrous beast, devoured the buildings, and the crackling sounds of the blaze made the cold winter evening feel somewhat scorching.
Mr. Ston Osenfort didn’t partake in the arson but stood at the warehouse’s front gate, immediately spotting Shard riding in.
Shard hesitated but dismounted directly at the woodland exit, tying his horse in the woods before walking the last stretch:
“Good evening, Mr. Osenfort, what is happening here?”
Shard asked, though the current situation was peculiar, it wouldn’t affect his purpose here.
Ston Osenfort was somewhat surprised by Shard’s fearless approach, but merely raised his eyebrows slightly. Recalling his message mentioning “Genesis: Earth,” he felt it was quite normal, as no Roder Card player could refuse cards from the Genesis series.
“Someone stored a batch of goods here, and Prince William doesn’t want them to exist, so I brought people to destroy them. Such matters should not trouble His Highness.”
Mr. Osenfort spoke lightly, and Shard looked at the burning building, reminiscent of a fiery cavern:
“Prince William… arson is illegal.”
“It’s fine, there’s no one inside.”
Mr. Osenfort replied. Today, his attire was even less like that of a wealthy merchant. The coarse drawstring trousers and the short-sleeved brown lightweight outerwear revealed his muscles, although it was winter. He wore five different rings across ten fingers, and with his arms crossed over his chest, a circle of silver hoop-like decorations was visible on his waist belt.
“Actually, Mr. Watson, there’s another matter I need to address with you.”
The conversation continued against the backdrop of the fire, and Mr. Osenfort removed an obsidian ring from his right ring finger, holding it in his palm with lines unusually clear, as if countless scars crisscrossed his palm:
“Mr. Watson, is this ring what you returned to my wife?”
Though posed as a question, Shard understood the assertion in the statement. The crackling flames cast shadows upon the ring, and within the black gemstone, it seemed flames flickered.
Osenfort’s blue-gray eyes looked at Shard, who frowned slightly, examining the ring before nodding:
“Yes, I found it while fishing on the Elon River early last week, retrieved it from a fish’s belly. I planned to return it during Earl Granger’s banquet, but you left promptly.”
He didn’t shy from admitting this point, as he merely performed a good deed, holding no intimate relationship with that lady. If Shard were sinister, he could keep the ring and sell it for money.
“The Elon River… what a coincidence… it could return this way…”