Sisyphe

"Sisyphe!　How come I'm the only one who hasn't been called!

　Novis complains to me about it.
　His voice was so loud that the gaze of the people in the central square of the Republic of Ariadia gathered on us.

'I don't know what you're talking about!

　I say back.
　The time is noon and there are many people. I don't want you to be that loud.
　Novice is upset that I wasn't invited to the dinner last night.
　He didn't even know about the dinner until we met today in the first place.

'I'm sorry, Novi-kun. We just had fun on our own.

　Maddie, who is with me, apologizes. But there's no need for Maddie to apologize.
　In the first place, it's obvious that the party would be ruined if Novice was invited.
　That's why he wasn't invited.
　And I also knew that Novis would be angry if he found out that he was the only one not invited.
　I tried to keep it as secret as possible, but my sister Kayna accidentally spoke up.
　And here he was.

'You don't have to apologize Maddie, you don't have to apologize. My sister Kayna will talk now. ......

　I glare at my sister Kayna.

'Sorry Sizfe, I spoke. Wahahahaha.

　Sister Kayna apologizes, but she doesn't seem to feel bad about this one at all.

'What the hell are you doing here in the first place!　Novice! You didn't come here just to complain, did you?

　If Novis was here to complain, he's a pretty bored guy.

'No ....... Because you say you're going to do something for that brave man who asked you to do something.

　Novis turned away as if he had some difficulty saying something.
　It is true that I will be going to meet with Rage-sama and the others to discuss the investigation.
　But instead of going separately, we decided to gather together and go afterwards.
　That's why we chose this central location as our meeting point.
　I'm sure you'll be happy to know that everyone is here except Leiria-san.

''What's that?'' I don't get it.

　What is the point, really? Novice.

"Ahhh. I'm starting to feel sorry for you, Novi.
Yes. ......

　Maddy and her sister Kayna are arguing about something.
　By the way, Nora is not interested or not participating in the conversation.

'What, you two. What do you know about it?

　I look at the two of them.

'Well - what. Novice wants to help Siszfe.

　Kayna's sister says, looking at Novis.
　Novis turns away sullenly.
　Is it true that Novis wants to help? If so, I'll have to thank you for that.
　After all, the more manpower the better.

'Oh, right, Novis. Thank you, that's very helpful.

　I give Novis a tight hug and thank him.
　Novice isn't great for exploration, but he's strong. He can be relied upon in battle. I'm honestly glad you're coming.

'Oh ....... That means it's okay!

　Novis says happily. It's like he's lying about his earlier huff and puff.

'Wow. It's so fragile.'

　I can hear Maddie make a sound of dismay.

'Well, now all that's left is Miss Leiria.

　I look around to see if the last one is coming.
　I spot someone there.

"Huh?　Who's that guy?

　I met him once.
　What was his name? But I think I've seen him before.
　That's the guy with the package Novis hit.

"Hmm? I don't remember what his name was, but he's one of Master Kyouka's followers, isn't he?

　My sister Kayna follows my gaze and spots a man as well.

'But he's got a woman with him. Who is it?

　Maddy is right. The man has a woman with a hidden face. She hides her face, but her ample bosom bulge is definitely a woman.

'Hou ....... She's hiding her face, but that's quite a beauty.'

　Nora says with a laugh.
　Nora's eyes are sure. The woman with her must be quite beautiful.
　The clothes the woman is wearing are much more luxurious than the man she is walking with. The veil that covers the face is embroidered with beautiful gold thread and reflects the sunlight and shines.
　Is she some kind of lady?
　The lady hid her face and I couldn't tell who she was. But I got the feeling that I knew her.

What's the connection?

　It's not Maddie, but it bothers me.

"You know. From the looks of it, you're like a master and a squire, but there's something intimate about you. Hey.

　Novis looks at the two with a lowly smile on his face.
　The noblewoman is so well dressed, while the man's clothes are not so fine, that one would normally think that their relationship is master and servant.
　However, the lady is walking around with her arms clinging to the man's.
　If it's a master-servant relationship, the two are too close.
　They are walking around the square, looking like they are close friends.

'Speaking of which, Novis. Did you apologize to that man?
Apologize?　What's that, Sisyphe?

　I get a headache.

'Novice!　Come with me and I'll apologize to that man!

　I tug on Novice's hand.

'What?　What the hell!　Sizfe!

　I protest, but he doesn't listen. I take Novis to the man.

"Wait a minute, I'm coming with you.
Oh, me too!
Mm, I'll go with you. I like to see a beautiful woman up close.

　Together, they follow sister Kayna to Maddy and even Miss Nora.

'Um!

　I call out to them both.
　They both turn around.

'What?'　What about you guys?

　The noblewoman looks at us and makes a sullen noise.
　It's a beautiful voice. Her voice sounds like Lady Raina.
　The noblewoman who was called out to us seems to be quite angry.
　As if he sensed our anger, a man hurriedly stepped forward and stood between us and the lady.

''Hahaha, we meet again. How's your head injury?'

　The man looks at me with a laugh and says. It's a stark contrast to the angry noblewoman.
　Then he says I have a head injury and for a moment I don't know what he's talking about, but then I remember.
　Perhaps it's the time I met the goddess Lady Raina.
　This man must have seen where I was carried to Lady Raina's temple with my head injury.
　But I didn't think he was bothered by it.

'Yes, I have been cured by a certain One ......'

　I slurred my words a bit. I can't just say that the goddess cured me. And you won't believe me when I tell you that.

'Oh, that's good to hear. By the way, what can I do for you?

　The man is not angry like the lady. They are very happy to help you.

'No ....... I just thought I'd make you apologize for Novice to you.

　When I say this, the man looks at me quizzically, then looks as if he remembers something.

'Oh, is that what you're talking about? That's enough. I've even had my kneecap done.'

　The man laughs and waves his hand.
　What do you mean by "kneeling"?
　Well, good, I need to make Novis apologize for that.
　I bring Novis forward.

'Look, Novis!

　I put Novice in front of me.

'Yeah, sorry about that,'

　Novis says bluntly.
　Wait a minute! That's not how you apologize.
　He grabbed Novice's head and forced her to lower it.

'I'm sorry. I'll make this guy say more.'

　I bow with him.

'No, no, that's enough.'

　The man really doesn't seem to care anymore.

Hey, brother. Who's that guy over there?　Are you related to the brave man?

　I ask what my sister Kayna is wondering about.
　In fact, I've been curious about it for a while now.
　The man is supposed to be a servant of Kyouka-sama.
　If that's the case, she who is with him is also related to the brave man.
　I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but I'm sure it's a very important person.

''This is ....... That's right. This is ...... my own wife.

　But the words that came out of the men's mouths were surprising.
　From the mouths of all of them, "Oh! I'm surprised.
　I hear Novis muttering beside me that he's lying.

'Yes, it's my wife,'

　The noblewoman puffs out her chest happily. Then her ample breasts sway.
　I feel Novice staring at her breasts.

'Then we will excuse ourselves. I will go with my wife to visit Ariadia.'

　The man bows and leaves with his wife.

"I didn't know you were a wife-beater.

　Novis muttered and Maddy nodded. It certainly didn't sound like he had a wife.

'And yet, you seem to be a pretty close couple. I'm jealous. ......'

　I'm also a believer in the goddess of marriage, so I admire a couple who get along well.

'Oh come on, I'm sure Sizfe will find a good match in no time: ......

　Sister Kayna says, looking at Novice for some reason.

'You're already ahead of me, sister Kayna!　Are you going to marry me?
'I don't think I'll ever get married to you ....... For that matter, Leiria's a slow learner.

　My sister Kayna turns the topic around.
　I let out a sigh.
　Well, I don't want to be talked out of marriage, so I decide to get on board.
　I wasn't ready to get married yet.
　I remember how many arranged marriages my mom had promoted to me before.
　They were twenty or thirty years older than me, and although they weren't flattering, they all seemed rich and sincere.
　I'm not going to say that I don't like them unless they are young beautiful men.
　Even if they are the same rich, young beautiful men are few and far between, and they marry young ladies from better places. Therefore, if you say that, you can't marry them.
　They had to work very hard to become rich when they were young, and they finally got to marry.
　If it's true, I can say that they are a pretty good match. But I refused.
　Sometimes I feel like I'm wasting my time, but I think that's enough.
　I bring up a different subject.
　We were all talking about the postponed opera. Mr. Leiria comes in.

'Ladies and gentlemen. I'm late.

　Ms. Laylia apologizes.

'It's too late!　Mr. Leiria!

　I say jokingly.

'Sorry Sisyphe. Oh. ......'

　Ms. Laylia looks at my head.

'Hehe, how does it look? Now I'm a battle maiden too.

　I say, touching my helmet.
　Now there are wing ornaments on both sides of my helmet.
　The wing ornaments on my helmet are worn by war maidens.
　After receiving blessings from Lord Raina, I officially became a believer and received the title of war maiden from the Temple of Raina. The helmet was given to me at that time.
　I'm also a follower of Lady Feria, but that's not a problem. Lady Raina is Lady Feria's daughter-in-law, and at the same time, she is allowed to be a believer.
　Normally, a war maiden is an angel who serves Lady Raina, but sometimes the temple bestows the same title on special congregations.
　The temple would then bestow a magical helmet on the person with the title of War Maiden.
　These helmets have the ability to detect enemies and also give the wearer courage.
　Incidentally, this winged decoration is not only for those who have the title of maiden of war to wear. There is no particular problem with individuals wearing it on their own.

''Yes, it suits you very well.

　Miss Leiria replies with a laugh.

'Well then, let's go.'

　When I said that, everyone shouted at me.





Dark Knight Kroki.

'Kroki, it's so crowded it's hard to walk. Do you mind if I blow it up?

　How many times do I have to do this? Kuna says things again.

'No, Kuna. If you blow it up or anything, you can't: ......

　Come to think of it, I remember Raina saying the same thing before. Is it because the former is the same, so is the action the same?
　It's noon, and myself and Cuna are walking through the Republic of Ariadia together in the sunshine.
　It's not Kuna, but it certainly feels like a lot of people.
　Perhaps there are many tourists who have come to see the Rage.
　Even if that's not the case, there are many people coming to Ariadia from outside.
　Originally, the Republic of Ariadia is a country on the border between the east and west sides of the central continent.
　For that reason, the number of travelers is much larger than those outside the country.
　I see what appears to be travelers walking through the Republic of Ariadia.
　The ones wearing trousers and sturdy-looking boots are probably from the east.
　The east side of the continent is full of forests and mountains. Therefore, many of them wear trousers so that they don't hurt their skin when they walk.
　On the other hand, in the west, where the inland sea of Caird is located, many of them do not wear trousers, but instead wear sandals on their bare feet.
　There are exceptions, of course. Even in the east, in countries near the sea, people wear sandals and bare feet, and even in the west, where there are many mountains and forests, people will wear shoes and trousers.
　Ariadia where this East and West mix is the crucible of the dress of this world.
　The central square was difficult to walk in because of the large number of travelers from that East and West.
　Moreover, it would be even more difficult to walk because Kuna is wearing a veil that covers her face and body. Perhaps that's why she seems to be a little irritated.
　It's also why she tried to attack when Sizfe spoke to her earlier.
　I might as well get back as soon as possible.

Kuna. "Kuna, do you want to go back?

　Cuna shakes her head when she asks herself.

'No, Cuna would rather walk with Kroki more.

　Kuna squeezes my left arm. I can feel the touch of Kuna's soft breast through my left arm.
　Apparently, I was mistaken. Kuna was irritated by the difficulty of walking, but it's not that she doesn't like walking with you. On the contrary, Coona seems to enjoy it too.

'Right, let's go then.'

　There's a place down the street that sells ice candy.
　This is where we ate with Raina. I start walking towards it.

"Hmm?　Come to think of it, I know this road. It's where I ate the ice candy with Kroki in my dreams.

　I'm surprised to hear that word from Coona.
　What does it mean?
　Maybe Raina and Kuna have something mentally connected to each other.
　Then I realize something.
　If Kuna dreams about Raina, could it be the other way around?
　If that's the case, then I can understand why Raina knew what she was doing.
　Raina knew through Kuna.

'What's going on? Kuroki?

　Suddenly silent and thoughtful, Cuna looks down at her face.

'No, it's nothing,'

　There's nothing I can do about it. I can't imagine life without Kuna now. Even if the information was out of the loop, there's nothing we can do about it.

Well, let's go, Kroki!

　Coona pulls.
　I look at that smile and think, well, that's good. I don't have any particular information that I don't want to be known for.
　In fact, they'll show you!
　With that in mind, he walked with Kuna.




The black-haired wise man Chiyuki.

　It's noon and Rage and I are going to the General's Office together.
　The reason for this is to set up an investigative headquarters in the Shogun's Office for the Chalkinos case.
　The reason there are two of us is because Shirone, Reno and Nao are still sleeping because they were too excited. Sahoko stayed behind to take care of those three. Kyouka and Kaya went back to the St. Renaria Republic to do business.
　Rage was still asleep as well, but he had forced them to wake up and bring them in.
　When they entered the room, Krasus and Decius were already there.

'Come in, Gov.

　A slave goblin who serves Krasus gives me and Rage tea.
　I am about to thank him and stop.
　Do not thank the slave goblins in any way.
　From what I've learned, the slave goblins were created by a sorcerer named Hovadis.
　This is why slave goblins are hobadis goblins. They are often called hobgoblins in shortened form.
　The sorcerer Hovadis was often away from home due to his busy schedule. So, he sought out servants to faithfully guard his house while he was away.
　He turned to the goblin and created a loyal "house elf" by casting a spell that implied he was a slave.
　The hobgoblin is enchanted with the implication that he is a slave. Therefore, if you act unworthy of being a slave, the spell may be broken.
　That's why they must be fed with leftover bread, milk, etc. They should not be given fine clothes to wear.
　If you don't give them fine clothes that don't look like slaves, they might say, "Well, maybe I'm not a slave, then I quit being a slave," and go away.
　So you can't thank them poorly. They're doing what they deserve as slaves.
　The hobgoblins serve the tea and eventually leave.

'This is our future policy: ....... To be honest, I'm not sure what to do about it.

　Decius says apologetically.
　I can see Rage's disappointment beside me.

'I see. ....... Then we'll have to be steady. General Krasus-dono, how much manpower do you think you can devote to that side?

　I look at Krasus.
　The reason we set up the investigation headquarters in the General's Office in the first place is because we want to rely on the personnel for the investigation.
　The number of law knights in the Temple of Odis is small. We can't count on them when we need the manpower.

'Chiyuki-dono. If it's soldiers, we can provide as many as we want. And if you call on the freedom fighters of Thessia, any number of them will come.

　Krasz replies with a laugh. We've got the manpower now. Now what do we do?
　As I think about it, an official from the General's Office announces the visitors.
　It's Sizfe and the others who have been ushered into the room.

''I'm sorry I'm late,''

　Siszfe bows his head.

'No, it's fine. We're just here, too.

　When Rage replies with a laugh, Novis' face turns grim in contrast to the delighted Siszfe and the others.
　Apparently, he has come too.
　The reason is probably to protect Sizfe from Rage's clutches.

''Oh, Sizfe. Where's that helmet?　Did you become a follower of the goddess Raina?

　The helmet Siszfe is wearing right now is similar to a war maiden's helmet.
　The holy swan of Lena is a swan. Many of the war maidens, as well as their congregations, wear swan wing ornaments on both sides of their helmets.
　As an aside, the warrior maidens are sometimes called the Swan Maidens, and the temple knights of St. Renaria are sometimes called the Swan Knights.
　The wing ornaments of this congregation of Raina are also on Sisyphe's helmet.

''Yes, I received a blessing from Lady Raina.

　Sisyphe says with a smile. She looks very happy.

'Well, you look good in it. Sisyphe,
'Thank you. Master Raige. Oh, yes. I met the squire's man earlier.
Squire's men?

　I don't know what I'm talking about.

'I don't know the man's squire. 'Do you know, Chiyuki?'
'I don't know about that either, Reigi. I wonder if Kyouka-san has hired a new one.

　Kyoka works with Kaya in business.
　Sometimes they hire people for that. Basically, they only seem to hire women, but that doesn't mean they don't hire men.

'I see. ......?　I've heard you've known Master Syrone for a long time?

　Siszfe tilts his head.

'Silone's?'
'Yes. I was walking with your wife.

　I'm confused. I'm a wife-beater and I don't know any of Cyrone's old acquaintances.

'I don't know. I've never heard of a man like that in Syrone.

　Rage says a little grimly.
　I agree with him. If we've known each other for a long time, does that mean we met in the St. Renaria Republic? I haven't been in this world for many years. Would you still say it's been a long time?
　When did you get to be with that man in the first place? And he's a married man?

'Mr Sisyphe. What's the man's name?

　I ask Sisyphe.

'I'm sorry. I had heard about this before but I couldn't remember. ....... Its ......

　Siszfe looks at his friends.
　All of Siszfe's friends shake their heads. Apparently none of them can remember his name.

'Well, if you can't remember his name, that means he's not that important. You just happen to know the guy Kyoka hired.

　Rage says curtly.
　Surely Rage is right. He must have just happened to know the man Kyoka hired.
　It's confusing because you exaggerate the fact that you say you've known each other for a long time.

''Well, I suppose you're right. Let's move on from that.''

　I decide to forget about the man.

'So that's the plan going forward, but for now, I'm going to go through all the people who were there that night.

　I say as I look at them all, and Krasus and Decius chuckle.
　Naturally, the number of people in attendance is large. It would be quite a few if you check out the guests as well as the guards and waiters. That's why we need the personnel.

'Well, it would have been nice if there were other clues: ....... For the men, I'd like to ask for Sir Decius and General Krasus' soldiers. And for the female attendees, Siszfe and the others and we'll look into it. Is that alright?

　I said and Siszfe nodded. Most of the soldiers are men.
　Therefore, there are few manpower to examine the women. That's why I asked Sizfe and the others to do it.

''Leave it to me!　I'll be the one to check on the woman, bougie!

　Siszfe feeds Novis an elbow iron in the middle of what Novis is saying.

'I'm sorry. We'll be monitoring this guy to make sure he doesn't go off the rails. ......'

　Sisyphe apologizes.
　Oh, I forgot to mention that this guy is here. Well, if Sisyphe is there, the problem ...... probably won't be there.

'Ha, well, good. I'll go to ...... then.

　It was time for me to say something more. The official announces a new visitor.
　The visitor's name is Midas. He is the leader of a theater company, apparently.

When you say "Commander Midas", it must mean something about your sister, Shenna. You have something to do with me, don't you? May I leave the room for a moment?

　Decius tries to leave his seat.

'Wait. 'When you say Shenna, you mean the dancer from that time, right?　If it's about a kid who was at the scene of a crime, maybe we should hear about it too.

　Rage's words remind me of that.
　That's the name of the dancer who was on the scene when Kalkinos showed up, I believe. I think I remembered it well, even though we only saw each other for a little while. That's Raige indeed.
　But I'd certainly like to hear what he has to say.

''It is indeed. Sir Decius, would you be willing to let us talk with you as well?

　I said and Decius nodded.

'...... Okay. Let's bring him over here.

　Decius agrees with a slightly troubled look on his face.
　A man comes in. A man walks in, a large man.

It's nice to meet you. I'm Midas, the head of the donkey's ear. I'm Midas, the head of the donkey ears.

　Midas's voice was unique.
　For a man, there was something odd about it. Rage also frowned as if he felt it was strange.

'Rage-dono and Chiyuki-dono. Commander Midas is an ardent follower of the goddess Ishtia-sama.

　Decius, sensing my doubts, explains to me.

'Oh, I see: ......'

　I realize what the discomfort is.
　Men who are ardent followers of Ishtia, the goddess of love and beauty, offer their genitals to the goddess in a sacred ceremony.
　Having offered their genitals, they continue the ritual all night long. They show their worship of the goddess by a barrage of drums, beating of swords and shields, dancing, singing and shouting.
　In other words, Midas is a castrated man of his own volition. No, I should say a woman, since it is said that she is treated as a woman in the Ishtia cult.
　That's what the discomfort is all about. Midas is a woman in the form of a man.

"Commander Midas. What's wrong with you?

　Decius asks, and Midas says with a troubled look on his face.

'Master Decius. Actually, Shenna went out last night and hasn't come back.'
Shenna?

　Midas nodded.

'I don't care if it's another member of the group, but Shenna will always call you when she's running late. That's why she went out last night and didn't come back. Seeing that he didn't come back by noon, something must have happened. So I thought I'd let Master Decius know: ......

　Midas says, making a thick voice chin up. The men, with the exception of Decius, look disgusted by the gesture.

'Oh no, Shenna is ...... gone ....... Could it be that ......

　Decius thinks about something and takes something from his waist.
　It was a long, thin object wrapped in cloth.

'What's that?'
This is something Shenna gave me to keep after it happened.

　Decius explains to Krasus' words.

'What is in it, Lord Decius?'
'I don't understand, Chiyuki-dono. Shenna asked me not to look at the contents of ....... But it might have something to do with Shenna's disappearance. So I will look at the contents.

　Decius looked troubled and unfolded the cloth.
　What appeared from inside was a single long, thin tube.

''d*mn!　It is!!!!

　Commander Midas lets out a panicked voice.
　They all look at Midas.

'What's wrong, Commander Midas?'
'No. ....... It's nothing. ......

　But Commander Midas' face was blue.

'This looks like a flute,' he said. But there is a sorcerer's crest here. Chiyuki-dono, would you like to see it?

　Decius hands me the whistle.
　Rage, who was sitting beside me, also comes to my side and looks at the flute.

'It's definitely a sorcerer's crest.

　Rage is right. The flute has a pentagram on it, the emblem of the sorcerers.
　The pentagram is the sacred seal of Totona, the goddess of knowledge and books, and is the emblem of the Society of Magicians.
　The pentagram is also the emblem of witchcraft in this world. In Japan too, the pentagram is called a seimei crest and is used as the emblem of magic and witchcraft.
　But the one drawn here is different.

It's not true, Reigi-kun. From the direction of the letters, this is probably the top one.

　I shake my head and turn the flute upside down.
　Then the upside-down pentagram becomes an inverted pentagram.

The Inverted Pentagram ....... The Black Goat's Head Emblem ....... The mark of a demon king worshipper.

　The one who muttered to me was a girl called Maddy, a sorceress. As a sorceress, she must know the meaning of this sigil.
　I nodded.
　The inverted pentagram is called the Black Goat's Head Coat of Arms because of its shape. And it is the coat of arms of Lugus Satunakia, the evil god under the Demon King.
　When we attacked Nargol, the evil god did not appear, but his servant Lesser Damon fought against us with this banner.
　Also, this crest is often preferred by not only the worshippers of the evil god, but also by human demon king worshippers. In other words, the person holding this flute was most likely to worship the Demon King.

''Nonsense!　Why would Shenna do that?!

　Decius stands up loudly.

'Calm down, Sir Decius. Lord Chiyuki: ....... 'What do you mean by that?'

　Krasus asks.

'I can feel the magic in this flute. And it looks like it's a tool for manipulating something. ...... If this whistle was at the scene, then maybe Kalkinos was revealed by the sound of this whistle.

　The faces of all of us are colored with surprise when I say, examining the flute with my magic detection.

''Why would Lord Decius' sister, you, have such a thing in your possession? Don't tell me she's the one who did it?
General Krasz!　Shenna is not the killer!

　Decius immediately denies it.

'I don't think she's the culprit either. 'Then she wouldn't have entrusted her brother, a knight of the law, with such a thing. Perhaps she picked up the flute at the scene. And then she left it with her brother.

　Rage agrees.
　Rage is quick about covering for the woman.

'I don't know if she's the culprit, but I think she's involved in the case. And this flute, I believe this flute is the one that the man dressed as a satyr was blowing during the incident?

　I look at the flute.
　This flute is two tubes in one. The flute requires the player to puff out his cheeks when he plays it, which makes the player look funny.
　For this reason, it is often shunned, unlike the lyre, which is enjoyed by the aristocracy and the upper classes as a hobby. Therefore, this flute is mainly played by professional players.
　The flute is mainly played by professional musicians, who play it at parties.
　This flute may have been played at the time of the incident.

'Yes, ....... It certainly looks like the flute the satyrs were playing.

　Klassus agrees.

'As I recall, the satyrs at the banquet were at .......'

　I look at Midas. As I recall, Shenna called one of the drowned satyrs her companion.

The satyrs at the ...... banquet were supposed to be our troupe members. ......

　Midas says, as if in contemplation.

'I see, she realised that the satyr who was blowing this whistle was the culprit. But she tried to solve the case on her own, protecting the troupe. 'I left the flute with you as an insurance policy in case you needed it, I suppose?'

　Rage reasoned.

'If that's the case, then Shenna's in danger!　We have to hurry up and help!
'Sir Decius, please calm down. It's not yet decided that it's dangerous.

　I know how Decius feels. I wouldn't be able to keep my head above water if my people were in danger. But we should all be calm now.

"Commander Midas. I would like to investigate your troupe, if that's alright?

　I look at Midas.

'Yes ....... I don't have a choice.

　Midas reluctantly agrees.

'Change of plans. Looks like we won't have to check everyone in attendance.

　I look at everyone in the room. I'm sorry Decius, but I think it saved us a lot of extra work.
　We were going to investigate the playhouse.