He closed his eyes, then leaned back in his chair. “Your concern is certainly justifiable. After hearing what you’ve said, I find myself thinking the whole situation is quite suspicious as well. However...” Claus trailed off. It was easy enough to guess what he was thinking.
“Without proof, we can’t even begin to do anything about it,” I finished.
“Indeed. There are criminals behind this, but flushing them out won’t be easy. Especially not in a town as busy and developed as Canna.”
“I have a hunch on some people, at least. Though I admit it’s not much more than that.”
“The Erebos acolytes, I take it?”
“Oh,” I gasped, surprised he guessed so readily. He was right on the mark too. “How did you know?”
Claus grinned, his smile radiating confidence. “It’s simple, really. Supposing that your estimations were correct, then someone must be benefiting from the spread of the curse. And who else but the Erebos acolytes could claim such profit when their healing is likewise spreading their name?”
“I should’ve known you’d figure it out, Lord Lycoris.”
His guess was the same as mine had been. Apparently the followers of Erebos were plainly shady to everyone.
“I’m glad you think so highly of me,” Claus said with amusement in his eyes before dropping his voice to a low tone. “But even should we look at them under a lens of suspicion, we cannot inquire any further without proof. They keep themselves well guarded.”
“If they really are the criminals, then I doubt they’d leave any obvious tracks. But I think I have a plan.”
“Do tell,” he prompted.
“They’re trying to make their name a household one with their healing, which is done through godcraft. I can stop them from attaining their goal by diverting people’s attention to me instead. To tell the truth, I’ve already healed around ten people at the church.” I sighed, recalling their reaction, before I continued. “The priests and townspeople who saw me using godcraft started pestering me so much...”
“What?!” Claus exclaimed. “Weren’t you trying to keep a low profile? Are you certain you’re okay with this?”
I nodded. “If we can catch the people spreading this illness around, then I don’t mind sacrificing some of my privacy. If we don’t handle this well, then my sisters and Lady Rose might get caught in the cross fire.” A knock at the door came the very moment I mentioned them. “Lord Lycoris, is Hisui in there with you?”
“Ah, Miss Armeria. Yes, he’s here. Do come in.”
“Pardon us, then.” Opening the door, the three girls filed in. After Armeria entered, next to join us was Rose—whose presence caught Claus by surprise. His eyes widened.
“Rose?”
“Hello, father. I’ve heard Hisui has something important he wanted to share with all of us, so I’ll be joining the conversation.”
Claus turned to me. “You’ve asked Rose to come too?”
“Yes. I believe the curse is relevant to Lady Rose as well.”
“What curse?” Rose looked at me quizzically. Armeria and Cosmos likewise looked so confused, I could practically see the question marks hanging over their heads.
I gave them the rundown of what I had just discussed with Claus, wrapping it up with a warning that there might be someone dangerous lurking in town who was almost certainly going to be difficult to deal with. After I finished, they each offered their opinions, having come to very similar conclusions.
“A curse...” said Rose thoughtfully. “For the past few days, I’ve gone out a few times, but I haven’t seen a single sick person.”
“They seem to be mostly in the eastern quarter,” I explained. “I’m guessing that’s where we’ll find patient zero.”
Cosmos gave me a pat down, checking for injuries. “Are you okay, Hisui? You’re not in pain anywhere, are you?”
“I’m okay,” I replied. “I can resist curses. Besides, I could use godcraft to heal myself anyway.”
“That’s true... Well, don’t push yourself too much, okay? I’ll get angry if you do.” Her last comment came out in a low threat. Upon hearing it, I struck a quick salute as I replied.
“I-I won’t!” I’d never been able to defy my sisters. By now, I’d developed a habit of agreeing to whatever they said basically by reflex.
“Very good. Still... This news is such a shame.”
“Is something wrong?”
Cosmos’s face clouded over with disappointment at my question. “Actually, we had plans to all go shopping tomorrow. Lady Rose invited us.”
“But considering the curse, we’d best be careful and stay home.” Similarly disappointed, Rose hung her head in defeat. Still just eight years old, she must’ve wanted to go out and play like any other child—but she still strove to keep her feelings at bay to keep Claus from worrying.
Upon seeing her distraught face, however, Claus must’ve felt it a waste to force her to stay indoors. “I suppose a little shopping will be fine.”
“Huh?” Rose looked up.
“The curse is currently on the wane. Furthermore, it isn’t extremely contagious—if it were, then the entire town would be cursed by now. I see no issue with some shopping so long as I and the guards accompany you,” he explained, smiling gently.
“Oh, father! Thank you so much!” Rose shouted.
Cosmos likewise squealed with excitement, her eyes shining. “Thank you, Lord Lycoris!” Following Rose’s lead, she bowed her head. Claus couldn’t retain his usual professional demeanor either, heart warmed by two adorable girls thanking him. Armeria was also overjoyed with the prospect of going shopping, seeing as it presented an opportunity to buy some books. I’d give her some money later.
“What about you, Hisui? Will you also be accompanying us?” asked Claus.
“I still have a task I need to take care of for the adventurer’s guild, so maybe next time.” I’d only remembered on the way home, but I still hadn’t found the missing cat. I’d make use of Dandelion’s power tomorrow to find it as soon as possible. The situation in the town being what it was, I didn’t have the luxury of trying to complete the job on my own.
Wait, hold on a sec. Now that I thought about it, why hadn’t Dandelion told me about that man who collapsed on the street? Considering how powerful his detection ability was, he should have noticed the man when he’d located the cat.
Maybe he was just distracted? Or he couldn’t sense that poor man for whatever reason? Or did he direct me to that general area from the very start because he wanted me to find him?
The question stuck in my mind, I couldn’t help but continue thinking it over. I decided I’d ask Dandelion directly once my chat with Claus ended.
“Aw, you’re not coming, Hisui?” Cosmos sighed dejectedly.
“Sorry, Cosmos. I have leftover work I need to take care of, but if I finish early, I’ll come meet up with you guys.”
She immediately brightened up. “Really?! That’s a promise, then!”
“Yeah,” I nodded.
That was a hard if, though. I still had to deal with the Erebos acolytes, which didn’t leave much time for fun and relaxation.
After chatting a bit more with Cosmos, who was aglow with happiness, and mentioning a few more things to Claus that I thought he should be apprised of, I led our little procession out from the study.