IW-3 Light and Shadow

This isn't it...

If things were really so simple, then I would find myself worried about Mr. Liang's eye for talent.

Mr. Zheng, do we know anything about the visitor from Lungmen yet?

He's an old friend of Liang Xun's.

Anything special about him?

We have a few unclear leads, but I can at least guarantee that this affair has nothing to do with Lord Wei.

That's my father's greatest worry taken care of.

True though, considering the sort of methods that Lord Wei of Lungmen usually employs... If he were involved, we wouldn't be sitting here enjoying tea right now.

I've heard many anecdotes about him over the years. It's a shame that I've never had the chance to visit Lungmen to see his exploits with my own eyes.

I'm surprised that you'd show such a keen interest in someone like him.

I walked the world of kung fu in my younger years, and I've heard he's fine swordsman. That's all.

I see. It's true that he's a swordsman... As for his swordsmanship, though, all I know is rumors.

In any case, can we assume it was Mr. Liang himself who chose to involve the Lungmenite?

Undoubtedly.

Hm... He is the only remaining variable, and also Mr. Liang's only trump card.

Mr. Liang should've been on our side. The man he chose should not have tried to deceive me either. It was an illogical move.

Mr. Liang doesn't have much of a choice himself. If only... *Sigh*... No, it wouldn't have mattered.

Isn't her presence in Shangshu the reason everything has gotten so out of hand?

The Three Mounts and Seventeen Peaks... A place graced by the presence of a deity.

In eras past, Shangshu was a place where many dreamed. Not only people but all inanimate things. As the saying goes, all things in the world can be deified with souls, and all words in the realm can be summarized in a sigh.

According to legend, a millennium ago the Yanese towns were scattered all over the country. It was only when our Shangshu forebears all collectively saw the same dream that they chose to settle down on these lands.

The legends of Shangshu have always been so magnificent.

Outsiders may see it as mere legend, but to the locals it is history.

The Operator from the medical company... Kroos, was it?

If it wasn't for your help, she would likely have caught up to me. You have my thanks, Mr. Zheng.

You once saved my daughter from having her hotheadedness lead to disaster. It is only natural for me to come to your aid.

At the end of the day, Rhodes Island is an unknown. What do you think, Innkeeper?

They are not a part of the game.

They are nonetheless standing very close to the table.

Hmm... I rarely see young a woman with such fine techniques, though. Seeing her chase after you gave me a good idea of her abilities.

And what's your assessment?

She may be young, but she's a battle-hardened veteran.

Hoh? Did you arrive at that conclusion as Zheng the Innkeeper or Zheng Qingyue, the Asker to the Frost?

Both.

You haven't once looked away from that fake cup.

I'm only reminiscing... reminiscing about the goblet's original form.

......

When we crossed that wilderness all those years ago... we ran into a group of bandits. None of them spoke Yanese, and we hadn't the slightest idea where they came from.

They blew up the caravan and tried to steal our wares, though our Escort Association colleagues stopped them. Still, there were far too many, all obsessed with our wares, and they followed us for two hundred li.

It was raining. Visibility was low, and there was nary a light in sight. The bandits, who knew the terrain much better, followed us like shadows.

We were afraid to counterattack, lest they have some kind of underhanded trick up their sleeves. We were too afraid to run either, lest we couldn't shake them.

From what I heard, the Sui Regulator once secretly commissioned the renowned Xingyu Escort Association to transport an item, only for it to be lost in an accident en route.

That was my fault.

I'm afraid I'm not very good with comforting words, Mr. Zheng.

I simply never expected that the next time I met a crossbowman of such horrifying prowess would be in my hometown, in the dead center of the city, under a well-lit night, all for the same goblet.

I truly... cannot begin to explain how I feel.

How did you escape then, Mr Zheng?

When do you mean?

Oh... The incident you were just talking about, of course. My father always tells me that I am still young and inexperienced, and should learn from my elders.

If you would continue to share your story with me, I'll gladly listen.

Luck was on my side that night...

Two of my men were hurt. Good men. Neither of them made it.

The Association's rule is to 'save the goods, then the men.' We all knew the risks when we joined the business.

But with the injured dead and the goods threatened, that actually freed us to do as we pleased.

It was pouring that night. Helped to wash the blood off our blades.

So you just need me to find the cup's owner?

Correct.

By owner, you mean a buyer or collector?

Not quite. It would be a much simpler matter if that were the case.

Hm, that's strange. This cup was shockingly cheap, but according to the black market appraisal I stole from the smugglers, it seems...

It's an actual antique, through and through.

Who's the man of the hour then?

I don't know their name... Nor anything else, really. Their gender, their race, their age...

Well... Where am I supposed to start then...? Are you even sure they're in Shangshu?

That much is certain, and only that.

How do you know? Suppose our friend decides to take a trip, wouldn't that make this a huge waste of time?

No, they are in Shangshu. I can guarantee you that.

If they had left Shangshu... I would have been notified.

Strange. So you can monitor them, but you can't locate them?

That's right...

Are they some kind of monster or enlightened deity?

You'll know what I mean once you see them.

So they must leave some kind of indication that they're here... Is this the kind of funny business government officials have to deal with these days?

Fine, I won't probe any further if you don't want to tell me. It's just, that's not much of a lead in a town this big...

They're most likely hiding in one of the Three Mounts.

How do you figure?

Our friend is unpredictable, but every once in a while they show up at the mountainside liquor shops to buy alcohol, with no regularity whatsoever.

But they've never come down to the valleys, nor have they ever appeared in the nomadic cities. In which case, they're most likely somewhere in the mountains.

Very well, then. The Three Mounts and Seventeen Peaks it is. Sounds like a fun trip.

Legend has it that our friend is an appreciator of fine weather and scenery. And they enjoy lounging in pavilions and writing poetry all the more.

Legend, huh?

It is more than mere legend, actually...

So you're familiar with them?

Not exactly.

In the end, you may just have to try your luck, troublesome as it sounds.

Do we have a deadline?

I'd appreciate it if you'd take care of this as soon as possible. As you can tell, a few too many people are already mixed up in this affair. The longer it continues, the greater the chance it will get even more out of hand.

As for the cup... Seeing as someone has their eyes on it, we should keep it in the safety of my estate.

Amazing, Mr. Liang. First you had me bring it to you across thousands of li, then you want me to find its owner, and now you won't even let me hold it?

You're really putting me in quite a bind. Perhaps next time you'll arrange for me to help you from the comfort of Lungmen?

This is a sign of my trust in you.

It's true though that if someone has their eyes on it, then keeping it on my person is asking for trouble.

As for the Xingyu Inn...

We're investigating it. Be careful on your way. If you need help, I can arrange for someone to accompany you.

No need. A bodyguard tagging along would just make me stand out. It's trouble, and you know it.

Are you certain you'll be fine on your own, though...?

Sure, as long as you aren't hiding anything else from me.

I'm looking for someone, not investigating a scary smuggler ring in Lungmen. How much trouble can it be?

At least talk to Master Shen. As a veteran boatman, he can help you get anywhere in Shangshu.

Very well.

Incidentally...

Is there a Zuanjiang Peak among Shangshu's Three Mounts and Seventeen Peaks?

Urgh! Just how stubborn are you, bitch?!

Well, you're the only lead I've got. Not letting you go.

You're all alone, with no lackeys. And are you sure you want to start a fight in a bustling part of town like this?

Hmph...

How much did that thief from Lungmen pay you to cover him like this?

I don't know how things got to this point, but Mr. Lee is one of our most important partners.

Partners? Business then. And you believe him, just like that? You sure he's not swindling you?

I trust Rhodes Island, so I trust him. Simple as that.

Oh...? Seems we won't be coming to an agreement, then.

Looks like.

But Innkeeper Zheng also said not to get you any more mixed up in this than you already are.

......!

Oh... Judging by your reaction, Mr. Lee got it right, then? You're in this with the innkeeper?

You... Playing me for a fool, are you?! You're just some shady girl from who-knows-where! How dare you make a fool of me!

Fine, I'll make sure you pay for this!

So we're doing this for real, huh?

Alright, I've actually got a few things to ask you—Nothing to do with Mr. Lee, but still.

Regarding Miss Du...

She may be my daughter, but I'm ashamed to say she is still very immature.

No, she's your family. I am in no position to meddle in your household affairs.

How many inns and restaurants have you opened here in your town?

Hohoh... I've spent my entire my life savings on this business. Fortunately, my old pals take care of me these days. The connections I made over the years finally came in handy.

*Sigh*... While it takes connections to survive in this business, of course, in the end it's all down to how capable you are. Being a businessman is another thing entirely. It takes skills to start a business, but connections to build it up.

No doubt you are already well aware of that though.

Not at all. My father always tells me what youngsters like me lack isn't persistence or conviction. It's an understanding of everything that surrounds us.

Wise words. Indeed, being holed up in a castle in the clouds is no way to live.

Still, General Zuo is a good father, but it doesn't matter what your father thinks. What is truly important is... what you think.

......

Don't worry about that too much. When you are young, there is no shame in letting your frustration, curiosity, or anger get the better of you.

On the contrary, young man, you don't want to lose your edge too early.

Thank you for your advice.

*Sigh*... My advice wasn't just for you. It may sound simple, but it is no simple matter. I had to hear it for myself, all the same.

My daughter... What a headache she is.

––Hraaaagh!

Hm. Nice moves.

Spare me the act... It didn't even connect.

How come you're like a whole different person when you're fighting...? My mate Mr. Nothing is like that too. Are all you Yanese like that?

I don't want to hurt anyone, that's all.

You called us thieves, didn't you? Aren't you going a little too easy on a thief?

Save it.

That's not going to fly this time.

Heh... How about we stop beating around the bush, then?

Sure thing, I'm all for it. Gotta warn you, though. I'm not exactly speaking for Mr. Lee here.

Doesn't matter. Neither you nor that conman are the honest sort. The sooner we get this conversation over with, the better.

Who did you say you were again?

Codename Kroos, an Operator currently on deployment from Rhodes Island.

So Mr. Nothing is that guy's codename?

Something like that. He's not quite on the job just yet, though.

You work behind fake names, hiding knives beneath your smiles. What a sketchy lot.

Whoa... Never heard that one before...

Someone hired us to take the cup back from the Lungmenite.

Yanese is a tricky language, and I can't say I've had time to master it, but wouldn't you say using the phrase 'take back' here is a little too convenient?

I trust Mr. Lee. If you really had a grievance, or if this were all a misunderstanding, did it really have to come to blows?

This is the Yanese heartland, not Siracusa or Bolívar... violence won't get you anywhere.

I have my reasons to open with hostilities instead of courtesies... That said, do you seriously not know anything?

Oh, so now I'm the one who's getting played for a fool, huh?

......

If you really don't know, you'd best stay out of this and dig no further. I've already spoken with the Lungmenite. If you insist on sticking your nose into this, you'll ruin it for everyone.

Well, aren't a righteous one?

What we are doing is righteous. Naturally, our reasons are righteous too.

Now that I've told you this much, I might as make this clear, whether you believe me or not:

—I didn't rob the Liang estate.

But you know who did.

Perhaps.

You say you've already talked to Mr. Lee... so how about a truce? Can you give us an explanation we'd accept?

An explanation...?

You said the Lungmenite was hired by Magistrate Liang to deliver a goblet from Lungmen—

—So the one who hired the Escort Association could be someone even Liang Xun is afraid to offend.

What?

It's beyond complicated. Don't count on me to explain it to you.

Miss Du!

Benefactor! Are you alright?!

You punk! You here to get in our way too?!

I haven't even said anything yet!

Get him, boys!

Hmph... That's enough chit-chat for one night. Excuse me.

Get out of here. Stop badgering that guy already!

—Alright!

Hey, first you say you'll come get me, and now you don't?! Must you always give me such trouble?

—Hold on!

You ain't half bad, and you know how to listen. So I'll leave you with a piece of advice—

—The mountain rapids are turbulent and steep! Stay out of this!

Benefactor.

I'm fine... Don't worry.

Miss Du, are you okay?

Aren't those two working with the Lungmenite? Why don't we just tell them the truth?

I know what I'm doing.

Oh...

Old Man Zheng wants to dump this on us... Well, that's not going to happen.

I've got a deal with the Lungmenite. The old banner has flown long enough. It's time to switch it out for a new one.

This is no Mount T'ien, but truly, what a fine summit.

How do you suppose they built a teahouse up here in the mountains, when the roads aren't so much as paved?

Hmm. By hand. How else?

On our way up here, we saw a pole-carrier walking down the mountain, didn't we? They do this every day, carrying anything from foodstuffs to bricks up from the base of the mountain.

From what I hear, a single trip takes them a good few hours. It's very toilsome work. Even today, some remote mountains still rely on pole-carriers for their survival...

Can't they build a ropeway for some cable cars or something?

First they'd need a plot of land to build it on, wouldn't they?

Right, not that I know the first thing about building ropeways... Those guys really are amazing, though.

They probably rake in quite a bit dough, don't they?

Not until recently. I saw on the news not too long ago that the Shangshu magistrate thinks very highly of the coolies. The government's even footing the bill for the teahouses' tea... Uhh?

Pardon... 'Scuse me.

Noon tea.

You got it, Master Shang.

Haven't seen you for a couple days. How've you been?

Same old.

What were you up to?

Saw my son.

Oh... It's that time again... I'd forgotten.

If you'd told me sooner, we could've gone together.

Don't worry about it...

He likes it quiet.

*Sigh*... It's been years now... I'm only saying this because we know each other so well, and I mean no disrespect, but well...

We can't be stuck in the past.

You speaking for Zheng Qingyue?

Come on, you know he personally invested in all the teahouses here.

You're on his payroll. You speak for him. No offense taken.

That's half my own opinion too.

Half-offended then.

It's been years already. Just hear me out.

Have some tea and think it through.

......

Isn't that the man we saw go down the mountain earlier...?

I-I think so? It hasn't been that long, has it? He's back already?

He and his buddies must have some kind of relay system so he only has to go down halfway. That's the only plausible explanation.

No good... Can't get through to 'em.

There's no response, which means Nian and Dusk aren't in Shangshu yet... They might not be following the mission directives.

Benefactor...

Yeah, I know what you're about to say.

I'm hardly a clever man, and I certainly can't claim to remember everything I see, but if my eyes did not deceive me...

The case that Mr. Lee handed to Mr. Liang... carried the same pattern as the trinket that Nian had.

Must have something to do with them suddenly breaking off from the team.

What should we do?

Hm... Well, I kind of saw this coming too.

I talked to Lava, you see. Asked her to contact the Operators near Shangshu and have them come get us as soon as she made it to the office.

Oh? So you came prepared?

Nian was acting awfully dodgy the whole way. I figured she was up to something.

Are you suggesting we stay here for the time being then?

We bumped into Mr. Lee. Naturally we have to help him. It's in the contract and everything.

I see. You'll handle this fairly and impartially, while remaining vigilant and conscientious. You continue to command my utmost respect, benefactor.

But Mr. Lee's a smart man... He never bothered requesting Rhodes Island's assistance ever since we ran into him at the inn. Maybe he's been trying to tell us not to get involved.

If this really does have to do with Nian, though... Not to mention Taihe and Zuo Le...

Anyway, we'll check out the rendezvous point when the time comes. Nian's probably gonna be a no-show, but Dusk isn't that kind of girl. We might see her there.

Right. Dusk is likely to drop a hint or two, at least.

*Sigh*.

No matter how I slice it, though, sometimes things are just too—

—Too coincidental?

Nothing, mate, you didn't have any particular reason for choosing that inn, right?

Oh, you jest. Suppose I had an ulterior motive, how could I have counted on a Gloompincer knocking my car over and then us running into each other?

Then just who is it that made everything line up so perfectly?

Oh...

Benefactor... that WAS a jest, right? A joke, a jape? You couldn't possibly be suspecting me, could you? Benefactor?!

Dad.

What's the matter...?

I thought I was in charge of this whole thing?

Someone has to clean up the mess.

......!

If you can do it, then clearly I could too—

Wrong.

Even if you could, you can't. As long as you're still Du Yaoye and not Du, Head of the Escort Association, there is absolutely no way.

Why?!

Do you still fail to realize why I didn't seize the target when he was at the inn? Why I stopped you, even?

It was because of that Cautus with the skills, and that Nothing dude—

It seems you still have much to learn.

What do you mean...?

You have no eye for people.

Dad!

Do you want me to inherit the Association, or do you want me to be the naive Miss Du my whole life?!

An escort has many enemies. You don't understand.

And so I should continue to be the stupid, ignorant daughter of the Association's head?

I'm supposed to let everyone think that Zheng, Head of the Escort Association, is now just an honest businessman, and I'm a successor who's not up to snuff?

You know that's not who I am.

Ye, my girl...

Do you know the size of the bone the young people at the Escort Association have to pick with you?

What do they know?

And what do you know?

......

You're trying to wash your hands of the business, yet you don't even realize how long the younger generation has been unhappy with the current state of the Association.

Then are you telling me, in all honesty, that starting a new association with those inexperienced disciples is what you truly want?

Is that who you are now?

All I know is that you made me do this, Dad. And that if I succeed, not only will they all bow down to me, I'll have a fine new addition to my rap sheet.

I'm worried that you might not have what it takes.

And I'm even more worried that you're actually trying to mess this up.

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

If you've changed your mind, then hurry up and tell me. And if you haven't, then...

Stop worrying about me.

How did it go, Miss...? What did the innkeeper say?

Hmph, how do you think it went?

Zheng got played. They switched it out with a decoy.

At least we don't have to screw this one up ourselves. Sounds like he's already on top of it.

Not necessarily.

He knows what we're up to.

H-Huh?

He knows? What should we do, then? If our masters ground us, we can't do nothing!

Solving a problem like this can take a while, but creating a new one is simple enough.

I had this same thought when I first visited Shangshu years ago, but the people here are really quite something.

From Xinluan to Liuyun, how many wondrous peaks and precipitous paths will we have to cross? The city is dispersed along the mountain chain, and there are settlements scattered all across. What a wondrous sight.

So... have you come to understand why you came to be robbed?

I'm not stupid.

Though I trust Liang Xun, and therefore I trust you, Master Shen.

*Sigh*... Well, you've got smarts, I'll give you that.

Is that what Liang Xun said about me?

I came to that conclusion myself. Where does Mr. Liang come into this?

He once told me that I put up a front and my predictions never come true, but I have a good eye for people.

That's what I meant.

It's all a matter of experience.

Let's go. This is as high as Huntan Peak gets, and we haven't seen any pavilions on our way up here.

Qujiang Peak isn't far from here, but why pick that one? If we're looking for someone, shouldn't we start where more people live?

What did they used to call Qujiang?

Zuanjiang Peak. It was difficult to write, so they changed it when it got turned into a tourist spot.

Bingo.

I had a dream that I was looking for someone on the peak.

Now if that isn't strange... Sure you didn't learn about the old name on your last trip to Shangshu?

Maybe... Or perhaps...

...I have a mountain spirit guiding me.

You know how to use Arts, right?

Think they call 'em Originium Arts now? An inkhorn of a name, I tell you, but they've always been around, and may as well be the gods and spirits you speak of.

Now that's not quite right, Master Shen. It is man who uses Fulu, and thus it is man who triumphs over nature.

'It is man who triumphs over nature'?

I think I like that saying.

......!

Alright, alright. Originium Arts it is. I don't really get these Originium studies... Hm? What are you spacing out for?

Did I... Did I just say something...?

'Man who triumphs over nature'?

No...

Never mind... I was probably daydreaming.

Qujiang Peak... Zuanjiang Peak.

We looked there numerous times, but the search always came up emptyhanded.

Naturally.

Yet the Sui Regulator has nonetheless come to a decision.

Yes.

Has her presence in Shangshu all these years ever proven to be a transgression, though?

......

Why, then, did she lend Yan her strength, defending her borders dozens of times?

Over such a long stretch of time, it certainly defies common sense.

But the situation at hand seems to be going against your wishes, Mr. Liang.

If she is a shadow, then the goblet from Lungmen must be a flicker of light.

Did the light come first, or did the shadow? A difficult, yet meaningless question.

What is truly difficult are the people who try to answer this question.

The Sui Regulator came to me directly, to reason with me in person. Naturally, I understand the gravity of the circumstances.

You promised General Zuo that when the cup arrived in Shangshu, you would feign its theft, allowing it to make its way to his son, Lord Zuo.

All to fool certain individuals.

Correct.

Though I couldn't possibly have explained this all to Old Lee, an outsider.

Then you should not have chosen a Lungmenite to handle this.

Given my status, I can't act rashly. It would do more harm than good if it blemishes the early spring festivities.

And as the magistrate, all matters, both large and small, are of the utmost importance to me.

Is he not a friend of yours?

He is my friend, but he is also an outsider.

We can hardly blame you, there are too many eyes.

What of the cup?

......

As I entrusted my friend with the matter, naturally it is with him.

You wish to have the Lungmenite uncover Ling's whereabouts without lifting a finger yourself?

Correct.

Oh...

Rumor has it that the cup can possess the things around it. Is it true?

Mr. Taihe... I have a question myself.

Please, go ahead.

Let us cast aside our status and speak as equals.

The Sui Regulator bypassed the Ministry of Rites for this matter, far overstepping its bounds. Once the Ministry learns of this, there will likely be quite the quarrel between the two parties.

You are the Deputy Monitor Censor of the Department of Discipline and Supervision. What are your thoughts?

I am indebted to the general, and I am merely repaying the favor.

It comes down to personal feelings, then?

That is correct.

The Department of Discipline and Supervision's Monitor Censor oversees hundreds of officers and champions integrity. It seems to me there should be no place for personal feelings.

......

If the Department of Discipline and Supervision learns of this and finds the Ministry of Rites in the right and the Sui Regulator in the wrong, what will become of those personal feelings?

Garner loyalty and forsake righteousness.

There wasn't even the slightest hesitation in your answer, Mr. Taihe.

Naturally.

It was the general himself who taught me those words.

Truly a fine man, then.

You needn't worry, however.

General Zuo is a Yanese soldier. He would never do anything illegal.

Did something force the Sui Regulator's hand, then? Even if it means bypassing the Ministry of Rites?

Right... Lord Exorcist Zuo Xuanliao is a man who normally gives the affairs in the borderlands his utmost attention. Who could have diverted his attention to a mere goblet?

It's no trivial matter, but hardly a significant one either.

And I am certain you already know who it is.

*sharp exhale*

Please take care, Mr. Liang.

It seems this spring will be colder than expected.

Here we are.

Aside from a few houses here and there, this is the only town near Quijiang Peak.

What kind of place is this?

Before Shangshu City was built, it was near the border. The mountain was full of mineral resources, and many blacksmiths and stonemasons worked here.

What about now?

With the world at peace, the nomadic cities are all parked around the mountain range. Aside from the few forges kept around as tourist spots, the town is mostly bed-and-breakfasts now.

What lies at the top of Qujiang Peak, then...?

No idea.

Hm... Perhaps just a place for wine and chess?

After all, if it were scenic, there'd be no need to go look for them. Most likely it's a remote place no one ever visits.

I know Shangshu's mounts and waters like the back of my hand... Never heard of any pavilions off the beaten path though.

Qujiang Peak has only an empty swath of land. The legend goes that a god, staring into the deep waters there, attained enlightenment by forgetting the waters surrounding it. From then on, everyone called it the 'Field of Forgotten Water.'

I see...

Sounds like our friend won't be easy to find, then... How about we start with the wine shops? Might be futile without knowing what they look like though.

Any ideas, Master Shen?

When seeking a man, there is this one simple trick that has worked since ancient times.

Have them seek you out instead.

True, but a little passive for my tastes.

I have an idea, though—

Hm...

What is it?

Need something?

Miss Ning...

Reading for leisure, I see. Fine tastes as always, my lord.

Reading for leisure enriches the mind.

......

If there is something you would like to ask, please go ahead.

My lord, is something weighing on your mind?

Hm... What do you mean?

Your friend from Lungmen.

There's no hiding anything from you, Miss Ning. There is a minor matter, though it's entirely personal.

What does it concern?

We are looking for someone.

Hm... What kind of someone?

An old friend of ours. A practitioner of the martial arts.

I see. Is that all?

His name is Huai.

It seems a simple thing.

I did say it was a minor matter... You needn't worry.

You should hide no secrets from me, my lord.

And I have none to hide.

Very well, then.

......

My lord, the book you were reading... Is it a historical record?

It's about an old Catastrophe that happened within the bounds of Shangshu's Three Mounts.

You seem to be very fond of that piece of history.

I saw it with my own eyes. I can never forget it.

If I remember correctly... 'Tale of the Three Mounts?'

I'm surprised you remember. It seems I've reread that book far too many times.

I only happened to notice.

May I borrow it? I will be paying Uncle Bai a visit. I can read it in my down time.

As you wish.

Very well... But...

Oh, forgive me...

Let me get it for you. I haven't been able to read it much lately, so I placed it fairly high on the shelf.

Thank you.

So you'll be visiting Bai, the potter?

Yes.

Please give him my regards.

Of course.

I will take my leave now.

'Tale of the Three Mounts...'

My lord, I am sure you never realized, but I have actually already taken a peek at your bookshelf, once when you worked late into the night and fell asleep in your study.

(He's never put this book so high up...)

(There was a new case on the shelf too... What could be inside?)