Name: Yuridika Al Britanoia
Soul Order: Transcendent
Main Talent/s: [Natural Comprehension (?)], [Sacred Mind (Divine)], [Lunar Body (Divine)], [Lunar Spirit (Divine)], [Lunar Swordsmanship (Divine)], [Book of Spells (Divine)], [Soul Form (Divine)], [Eye That Fathoms (?)].
Authority: [Eternal Secrets], [Stillness].
Mana Level: 99 (Transcendental)
Specialization: Divine Archmage
Observation: [Feeling deep gratitude towards ’you’; masochistic Princess; occasionally trying to establish the lost connection with the Moon Goddess].
Utilizing the [Eye That Witnessed Heaven and Hell], I occasionally observed Yuridika’s status. Particularly, I wanted to see what the observation function of this [Talent] would show me at the moment.
After all, whenever it’s used to the same target subsequently, the random observation would sometimes change—if there’s a downside, though it was not mentioned in its entirety, the ability would be temporarily strained if utilized three times on the same person a day.
Unlike with Alana, whose status even in the beginning was already monstrous, that caused the privileged [Talent] I had to black out for some time. That being said, returning to the territory with Yuridika after entrusting Class Mu to Professor Ragnar, causing such an unexpected reunion for the ’kidnapped’, I eventually presented a draft.
In the dining hall, which also served as a convention room since I returned to this place after dropping out of the prestigious Hero Academy, my nod was well-received by Yuridika, who was prompted to act as she comprehended my gesture.
Sitting on the other side of the long, mottled table, initially from being ten people (10), but now sixteen (16) with the addition of the Five Squad Leaders and the former spy of Golden Crown, Yuridika, as the 17th figure of this convention, swiped her hand across the table.
One moment after that, a bluish detailed projection of the Northern Divinia laid bear to the eyes of everyone. It contained the intricate and precise details of Eshu County’s location and its surrounding neighbors such as the enriched mountain ranges, barren plains, scorching deserts, shallow swamps, and deep lakes.
Then, to the Northeast of Divinia, past one noble territory diagonally positioned to the Eshu County hundreds of kilometers away, a powerful noble county was freely doing what they thought they could just because they’re powerful and no one dared oppose them.
Pointing at the comprehensive projected map, thanks to Yuridika’s variation and enhanced Illusory Magic magically stored in her fraudulent Talent: Book of Spells, I spoke strongly, "In two months, we will launch an attack on Count Othenwald."
It was an abrupt declaration of war.
It was also the prelude to the Operation Clairvoyance... especially after I finished my business with the Imperial Princess, Rosanna Quinn-selah Al Divinia.
"Y-Young Master! A-are you sure this is the right choice...?!"
As expected, the first one to voice rational concern was Butler Wilfred standing behind me, whose face quickly produced beads of sweat.
Even if they could not understand when such a change in me happened, as the original Lugh’s entire being had already vanished from existence, they could at least know at this moment that whenever I declare something, it’s ultimately final.
"Yes, but don’t get the wrong idea. If we confront Count Othenwald with our current forces, it will be suicide and meaningless deaths. That’s why it will be a large-scale covert operation simultaneously operated on many fronts."
I heard some involuntary swallowing, more so from the maids, including Beatrice. Looking at her, albeit for a moment, I continued, "Regarding the objectives of the operation, it’s to gradually chip away at Count Othenwald’s resources... and if possible, we will save the former head maid of the family."
"Miss Sonia...?!" Beatrice couldn’t contain her emotions as she failed to resist slamming the table; the five maids with us also had their breaths ragged with anticipation.
"Yes, and... Beatrice, I want you to come with me when it happens."
I glanced at Yuridika, who proceeded to address everyone.
"Uhm. For everybody in this room, I’d like to apologize first... So let’s proceed." With another swipe of her hand, as though it resembled the common sci-fi projection technology, the map shifted to layers of information, where each one’s eyes were drawn to.
Apart from marveling at the Illusory Magic that seemed to use the same mechanism as any communication artifact, Kaya, the first one to notice, couldn’t help but stutter in confusion.
Yuridika’s [Authority of Eternal Secrets] allowed her to know everything about something, which included but was not limited to the history of anything she touched. However, it’s also the bestowed’s autonomy whether such information would be unearthed.
That being said, after easily collecting the information about everything that precisely happened in this mansion, Yuridika chose the memories of Eshu County’s former lord, particularly the ones about his heated conversation with Count Othenwald, whom Butler Wilfred was aware of aside from the letters the late lord privately scrutinized.
"H-how is this possible..." Yena, who rarely let out her thoughts, muttered.
It was because it’s a seemingly infinite layer of privacy intrusion from the present to the past. In other words, as the information was flowing along with the simulated yet real-life event of Lugh’s and Kaya’s father reading a document, Yuridika also managed to access the memories of the projected figure.
It’s like she had access to the projection itself of an entire mansion, then to those who walked this projected place, and to the memories of those who lived in this projection.
What a truly criminal authority.
But the fact that Yuridika perceived me as an enigma, though her instincts were telling her that something was amiss with me, and she could not see any of my memories before I transmigrated could only mean that...
What... or whoever’s responsible for my transmigration couldn’t be overridden by the Authority of Eternal Secrets.
"Huh? A relic of the Crimson Truth? What the hell is that man saying?!"
Kaya’s outburst snapped me to reality as I also read Count Othenwald’s letter being projected to one side of the long-mottled table while on the other side, my father was reading the letter that originally contained the message.
All this time, Kaya and I were never aware of the true cause of territorial war. Glancing at Butler Wilfred, whose expression was grim, I asked,
"What do you think, Butler? Did father... harbor a relic from the Church of Crimson Truth... unauthorized?"
Divine Relics—as unfair as it might seem—were sacred items that were strictly controlled by the Orthodox Churches, every Imperial Family throughout the continent, and the Seven Hero Bloodlines. Of course, there were conditions for someone unaffiliated to own one or two.
But the number one would be... It was a considerably low-tier relic upon appraisal. That or if the relic was secured through an independent labyrinth expedition.
However, these conditions might be undermined if, and only if, upon the relic appraisal, the said item was found to have a [description] that directly mentioned the deity’s identity.
With this in mind, Butler Wilfred answered, "That man, Count Othenwald’s a liar, Young Master! I, along with the late Matriarch and Miss Sonia, are the only other people who had access to and records of relics possessed by the family aside from the Patriarch...
What we had were only two low-tier relics, which were all looted after the territorial war!"
"So it’s a sabotage, huh?"
It’s more likely the case.
Sensing my contemplative state, Beatrice interjected.
"B-but how did the territorial war get approval from the Royal Defense Ministry...? It’ll only mean that–"
Every territorial war between two or more noble families would need a proper and verified ’justification’ and approval by the Royal Defense Head of the Holy Empire—that’s the common tradition.
But that’s trash, and I didn’t need that crap.
That’s why I raised my hand, prompting Beatrice to halt her next words, "It doesn’t matter since an appeal won’t be possible at this point. What will we do from now on... just as I said earlier, will be highly covert.
"Count Othenwald will be ruined."
Preemptive strike was the best defense.
After that, the meeting continued, and plan after plans were set into motion, dubbing the [Initial Phase] of Operation Clairvoyance.
Before it ended, I addressed Yena, "My sister found at least some people among the batch of new slaves who have potential handling administrative tasks. Train them the basic principles of merchantry as they will have separate missions."
Wondering with my abrupt addition of order, Kaya asked, "What is it this time?"
"We will establish a stockpile of food. No matter the quality, buy wheat and jars of honey of any bee species."
"Young lord, may I?" At that moment, Yusbel raised her hand, prompting me to nod in question.
"If it’s okay, along with Azrabel, let us guard the people that Yena will train. Well..."
Fearing that these new slaves would run away with the funds, these two squad leaders volunteered, which I approved of. Other than that, the meeting ended with them going back to their usual tasks.
In the balcony of the manor, my usual spot whether I wanted to be alone or watch the midnight heaven, my mouth moved, "I don’t know if I was tricked or since it’ll eventually happen anyway, that’s why I accepted Ravelle’s offer."
The Golden Crown didn’t want war with Count Othenwald—at least not the confrontational kind. It’s because Ravelle would get nothing out of it, only losses.
But it didn’t mean she would not do a thing or two, knowing that the movements of her business operations were being watched by a noble for some reason.
"That merchant girl, huh? It seems this era also has talented geniuses." Yuridika smiled as both of us leaned on the balcony’s railings, seeing the lively lights of the streets that were previously dim and dark, just like these people’s hope before my arrival.
"Speaking of talented, do you think your precious student, Morgan, is one?" I looked to my side, seeing her side profile.
"Why do you talk as if you didn’t become classmates?" She glanced at me, meeting my gaze, and chuckled.
I scoffed and remained silent.
However, her eyes blinked quickly, and as if momentarily distracted, avoided mine.
Why is she feeling embarrassed right now?