108. Visit the Library

, After that, we ran into Aurora at the restaurant and took her advice to get information from the chiefs.

After we finished talking about the ruins, we were so engaged in conversations with several chiefs that we almost forgot we were on a mission!

I see. So am I right that you've now found a lead?

Yup, something called ''the Book of Falco'' seems to be the key... Anubis, have you heard of it?

Hmm... The Book of Falco? I've heard of it... but it's almost like an urban myth. There have always been rumors about it around here.

The so-called Book of Falco is basically Oracles. It's an interpretation from God of this world... Some said it was originally a book, but there's no telling whether it's true.

From time to time, some people would find books titled the Book of Falco, but so far, they have all been ruled as forgeries for different reasons.

Such as the text didn't match the era, or the paper wasn't old enough.

So... the Book of Falco Fenriru read was also...

I can't judge until I see the real thing, but it's most likely fake.

I've heard that the fake ones are often sold on the black market at high prices to foreigners who were not aware of it.

Yet the Lieutenant is so smug and didn't know she had been scammed... Well... It's very embarrassing but very comical.

Well, everyone knows about these little tricks in Nebu.

I'm not sure about what it was like in the Middle Ages for the Book of Falco in the letter the Stannum Tribe Chief showed you. But nowadays, if anyone claims to have the real book, at least no one in Nebu would believe them.

Very true. Even I know that.

But... you mentioned that Lord Horus had offered to make a deal using the Book of Falco, is this true, Awakener?

It's true. We don't even know what the Book of Falco is. Why would I lie to you?

This is even more puzzling if that's the case. The Lord would surely have heard of the forgeries of the Book of Falco.

... Could it be that there is indeed a real copy of the Book of Falco, and Lord Horus had seen it...?

No, this can't be. It'd be absurd...

Anyway, it makes things a lot easier if Horus knows something about it! Let's go ask her now!

You guys want to have a direct conversation with Lord Horus...? Forget it. Unfortunately, that won't work.

W-why?!

Listen. This investigation is top secret. And Teslovik isn't an official guest of Nebu.

You are still fugitives hiding from Eastrise. Don't you all forget this.

So we can't have an audience with her, of course, we know that...

But, what do we do next? It does Nebu no good if we can't find the relic, right?

I will report to Lord Horus on your behalf. I will let you know if there's any information. How does that sound?

So what are we going to do while we wait for your news? Should we take a break, which is long overdue?

No, I believe you have no time to waste. Please continue to investigate the Book of Falco with your own means.

Even if you want us to continue the investigation... the Book of Falco is just an urban myth. You said it yourself. Everything knows this in Nebu.

Yes. But this reminds me of someone. She may have some information others don't have.

Her name is Toph. Despite her eccentric personality, she is a talented historian Nebu is proud of.

She once sparked off a controversy by publishing a paper on the Book of Falco in academia.

Toph is currently working as a secretary at the palace library. If you go there now, you should be able to meet her.

I'll write an introduction letter for you. Please give me a moment.

We need an introduction letter to meet a secretary? Who on earth is she?

The introduction letter is only for your convenience to ask her for information. She is a very vigilant person.

This is probably unnecessary given that Taweret will be with you, but it's always good to be prepared.

I don't know if it's because of my loud voice, I often get scolded by Toph. So I think it'll be safer to have Anubis' introduction letter with us!

Why do I get a feeling that... you seem to have suddenly become very cooperative, Anubis? It scares me...

How rude. It may not be obvious, but I've always been supporting you guys as best I can.

... Done. Give this to Toph when you see her.

Once she knows I introduced you, she should be willing to share with you some research results that no one else can know about.

Thank you. Awakener, can you keep this introduction letter for now?

What? Are you sure?

If she is vigilant, I think you will be better at negotiating with her than I am. You're good at getting people like you, aren't you?

Getting people like me''... Is this a compliment?

... Okay, let's hurry up and meet this Toph.

Sigh! We've been running around all day. I know we have to, but...

I know! We didn't even get to eat at the restaurant after a long day and ended up filling our stomachs with snacks. Let's hope we can meet that historian this time.

Toph! I'm here!... Oh?

Yikes! Can you please keep it down... What now?

Nothing. It's just that normally I would be able to see Toph as soon as I come in. Then she would give me a disgusted look and tell me off for being too loud...

But there's no one here? Please don't tell me it just so happened that she went out.

Huh? Have we come at the wrong time? Could she have just gone out for a short time?

Maybe she just happened to be in the back organizing the books. Hello, ! Toph! Are you there?

Well... There's nothing to do even if we go back now. Why don't we just wait here?

, Hey! How could you make such a stupid mistake?! Didn't you estimate that there would be a few more minutes before they reach the library?! I could've just left quietly, now they're right in my face!

... Stop! I told you it wasn't my fault! I know I've done the calculations, but it isn't accurate to the second!

Is this why they say ''reality is stranger than fiction?!'' Anyway, let's switch to plan B... although we don't have a plan B!

Wh-what's going on...? It sounds like someone is arguing in there?

Anyway, a fight is inevitable! I'll let you be at the front!

Shut up!

The footsteps sound closer and closer...?! Everyone, brace yourself for a fight!