Chapter 734: The Hidden Secrets of the Castle of Separation

"Don't casually inquire about others' missions. Don't ask what shouldn't be asked."

What Shinji is doing now is precisely inquiring about others' missions, asking what shouldn't be asked—at least on the surface. Although from the standpoint of the Dark Hand, this could be considered within the scope of Shinji's mission, he couldn't possibly actively confirm this.

"Is that sarcasm or a warning?"

"Neither. It's simply stating a fact."

"Forget it. It doesn't matter which it is. What's important is that there's a contradiction in what you just said. Everyone in the Clock Tower knows the style of that Queen. She loves talent and is confident in her ability to subdue even the most rebellious. I've never heard of her using schemes and traps to eliminate people in advance just because they might be difficult to control in the future."

The questioned woman didn't panic. She smiled and explained:

"True talents wouldn't fall for such a crude trap. If they can't even tell whether I'm dead or not, those people hardly deserve to be called talented."

"Playing dumb isn't a good habit, Miss Adashino. You should know I'm not talking about the result, but the method and philosophy—not everyone can reach the Queen's level. In most magus' eyes, Mr. Heine and Miss Luviagelita are already standing high enough to lead a corner of the magical world."

"Hehe, Mr. Smith seems to hold the Lord in high regard?"

"Many people admire her—don't try to change the subject with such a clumsy tactic. Whether I'm the Dark Hand or not, your answer will determine the outcome of this gamble."

"The answer is very simple. Apart from specific targets, I didn't deliberately target anyone in particular. The invitations were distributed specially. For example, the one in your hand was initially sent to Lord El-Melloi, then changed hands several times before ending up with you. It's quite an interesting result."

As she said this, a hint of amusement appeared on Hishiri Adashino's face.

"Is it targeting? Or helping? Either way, Professor Velvet's choice proves he's a smart person. You should know that only willing ones take the bait.'"

"Of course I know."

Shinji nodded, his eyes also showing amusement.

"Does Miss Adashino want to be bait?"

"That lord could fish with a straight hook, while I'm at most throwing out an enticing bait. I'm not sure which fish will take it."

"Not only planning to catch specific fish but also wanting extra gains. Isn't that a bit too greedy?"

"It's not greed."

Hishiri Adashino shook her head, her amusement turning to resignation. "It's that without this method, it's hard to ensure the success of the mission."

"Oh? What fish is so formidable?"

"Orlocke Caesarmund."

"Now that's a big fish indeed. Others are at most future stars, but this one is a real power holder. What did he do to offend you?"

"He didn't offend us. He offended the owner of this castle—Geryon Ashborn. Ashborn didn't die naturally; he was murdered by Orlocke Caesarmund."

"I see. Geryon Ashborn was an associate of the Department of Policies. He was killed, and you want revenge."

"No. We just received a commission that Geryon Ashborn had prepared in advance. The Department of Policies has always been responsible for handling inheritances."

Hishiri Adashino corrected, but Shinji, knowing the truth, didn't believe her at all.

"Does inheritance handling include avenging the deceased?"

"If the reason is justified and a certain price is paid, it's not impossible."

"Such a wide jurisdiction~"

Shinji said sarcastically, but Hishiri Adashino didn't mind. The Department of Policies had received too much criticism; they were used to it.

"Besides Orlocke, are there any other targets?"

"No, but I don't know if the remaining magus will be affected. After all, I'm only responsible for sending invitations and faking deaths. The rest is left to Ashborn's inheritance. Its appetite seems to be bigger than I thought—I'm a bit worried it might get out of control."

"Are you worried it will get out of control, or that it won't get out of control?"

Faced with Shinji's sharp question, Hishiri Adashinoi answered solemnly.

"The former. If possible, I hope Mr. Smith can help me."

"How can I help?"

"Help me deal with that beast. It has a special ability to stop magic crests. Only a warrior like Mr. Smith, who can fight without relying on magic crests, might be able to handle it. As a reward, I'm willing to share part of Ashborn's inheritance."

"Including Ashborn's secret techniques?"

"Including those, but I don't recommend choosing them."

"Why? Is Ashborn's reputation as a Tuner false?"

"No, the restoration is real. The problem is the materials used in the restoration."

"What materials?"

"Magic crests. Other magus' magic crests."

Hearing Hishiri Adashino's answer, Shinji showed a thoughtful expression.

Hishiri Adashino asked curiously, "Isn't Mr. Smith surprised?"

Magic crests are like human organs; they can't be transplanted casually. Combining unrelated magic crests is simply a fantasy.

However, Shinji's answer surprised her.

"Butterfly Magecraft—it seems Orlocke and Ashborn had a deep relationship. No wonder the Department of Policies needs to cover up, using magic crests as raw materials."

"Mr. Smith... you're terrifyingly perceptive," Hishiri Adashino praised.

"Still far behind Miss Adashino."

Shinji wasn't being modest; he had known the answer all along and was just following along with her words.

"Then I don't want the crest restoration technique. I want the relevant materials on Butterfly Magecraft and hard currency."

"Deal."

"Time is of the essence. I'll go now. Where is it?"

"In..."

Hishiri Adashino closed her eyes, seeming to activate some kind of spell, "...the front courtyard, fighting with Mr. Heine."

"Then one last question, the answer to the riddle—'Ask the name of the angel.' That riddle was set by you, right?"

"Ara~."

Hishiri covered her mouth as if to say, I thought it wouldn't be exposed.

"Because it was too complex, so complex that it deviated from the original Kabbalah system's principles. It felt like it was deliberately difficult, not something an old man nearing the end of his life would do. And your 'way of dying,' pierced by Michael's sword. Michael defeated Satan with a sword, Satan is a serpent, and you're comparing yourself to a snake hiding in the dark. It's very symbolic, but the playfulness is too strong."

The woman twisted her body slightly, indeed looking like a snake, a beautiful snake woman.

"So that's where the problem was—the answer is Aladiah. Do you need me to explain the origin of the answer?"

"No need. I'm not interested."

Knowing the answer he had forgotten was enough.

"Congratulations, Miss Adashino. You won the bet. I hope there won't be similar incidents in the future."

"I hope so too. I wish Mr. Smith good luck in battle."

Having obtained the answer he wanted, Shinji no longer hesitated. He released the dagger and turned to leave.

Watching the back of the young man who had engaged in a battle of wits with her disappear into the darkness, Hishiri Adashino gently touched her pierced chest and whispered, as if murmuring.

"Magus dance with deception and mystery. Everyone knows they can't reach the Root, yet they all aim for it. Only we don't participate in that foolish dance. Will you be one of us, Johnny Smith?"

A roar that didn't belong to humans came from outside the corridor, seeming both near and far.

Hishiri Adashino stood behind the door, listening intently, quietly waiting for the outcome.

She hadn't lied. She was only responsible for throwing out the bait. What followed would be the fish that took the bait fighting among themselves. She could accept either outcome.