Section 5: Those Who Pray, Those Who See, and Those Who Speak

He's here...!

Guten Tag. Bonjour. Hello. How are you?

My deepest apologies for my rudeness yesterday!

I had no idea you were Mr. Voyager, the famous boy appraiser!

It's okay. I already forgot all about it.

I did my best to find every article I could about you after our unfortunate encounter yesterday.

I was amazed to learn that you've single-handedly uncovered ancient ruins, verified the authenticity of countless famous paintings, and even recreated techniques from a civilization thought to be lost forever!

(Do you think they may have laid it on a little too thick?)

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May I ask what you think of our exhibits?

Well, um... Most of them are genuine, but there are a few counterfeits.

I'm not surprised. Counterfeiting has been a problem for museums ever since the first one was built.

I don't suppose I could ask you to tell us which ones are the counterfeits, could I...?

Sure, I don't mind. Let me see...

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...There.

That Japanese sword, the Masamune.

Could I take a closer look?

Of course. But do be careful.

...Yup. I knew it.

The color of the blade is all wrong.

It's probably titanium that's giving it this blue tint.

It's very pretty, but it's not the Masamune.

I-I see!

... ...

I'm so sorry! It was actually the curator who insisted on displaying that katana to test you.

Oh, I see.

(I already knew that, but he doesn't need to know I knew.)

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Still, at least now I can see for myself that you truly do have an appraiser's eye.

Please, come with me. The curator would like to meet with you in person.

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Okay, Big Brother.

You're Mr. Voyager's brother?

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Then are you an appraiser too, like your brother?

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Oh. I see.

He's the best big brother in the whole world.

...Good day. I'm the curator of this museum. It's a pleasure to meet you.

Hi. I'm Voyager.

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Allow me to get right to business, Mr. Voyager. How much do you know about Eastern weaponry?

Umm... A decent amount, I'd say?

Come now, don't be so modest. Only a true expert could have picked that fake Masamune out at a glance.

Okay, no modesty. I know lots.

...I see.

Well, the reason I ask has to do with the dagger that almost took Qin Shi Huang's life

You have it here!?

N-no, not exactly.

We have a guest claiming to have the dagger in her possession.

My question for you is this: Is it possible that such a dagger could actually still exist today?

...Ahem, ahem.

The historical record does suggest Jing Ke's dagger was stored in Qin's treasury after his attempted assassination.

So, we know that it was being kept there even after the fall of the Qin empire, up until the start of the Later Han dynasty.

Beyond that point, I would have to do some more research to figure out how it was preserved.

Hmm...

That said...

If that dagger IS the genuine article, I'd like to buy it myself, whatever the price.

I think it would be worth every penny.

I see. Well, I'm afraid the dagger's owner said she has no wish to sell it.

Really? That's too bad.

Thank you for your time, Mr. Voyager.

If the dagger's owner brings it back again, could I ask you to appraise it?

Sure. But I want to do some more research first.

If my theory is right, then it must have been preserved somewhere nobody would have guessed.

...I understand. Then I look forward to seeing you again once your research is complete.

...Phew.

Do you think he bought it?

Yeah, I'm not worried about that.

Really? Thanks. It was really hard.

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Good work, team.

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Maybe so, but that curator was still pretty intimidating, right?

...Hehe, I guess you have.

That makes sense. Yours has been a long and difficult road.

I suppose you would have to have the courage to stand tall before kings to make it as far as you have.

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Well done, you two. Here. I made you some hot chocolate to help you relax.

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Thank you.

...Oh, right. I suppose I should report in on my day of pretending to be a doctor, too.

There weren't many people in for heat exhaustion today, but there were a surprising number who collapsed from anemia.

There were also a few who were hit with magical energy near the Holy Grail room.

Though at least they recovered quickly after a short rest.

It sounds like their Servants are on high alert then. Good, good.

How is that good?

Servants may not wear out physically, but they do wear out mentally.

Calling card or not, keeping your eyes constantly peeled for an enemy who you're not entirely sure will show up at all has got to be exhausting.

Hehehe, it almost makes me feel sorry for them... Hehehehe...

That's...an exceptionally evil look, Amakusa...

I think your inner Moriarty is showing.

Really? Ahem. My apologies.

Now then, who else has a report to make?

Oh, I guess I haven't gone yet either.

Just to make extra sure, I DON'T have to offer to sell the dagger, right?

That's right.

Selling the dagger would be a business matter, and business relies on trust.

And as Lin Ziyu, you have nothing trustworthy to offer.

But won't they find it strange that I'm asking them to hold onto the dagger rather than buy it?

Yes, they will. But there's no such thing as a perfect being in this world.

Particularly for us humans, our emotions and eccentricities are a key part of what makes us, well, human.

Huh?

Now that they suspect you're keeping something secret, they'll try to figure out what that secret is.

And whatever they find, will be the truth as far as they are concerned.

We humans need convincing before we can commit to a decision. In that sense, trust and doubt are two sides of the same coin.

The more we doubt something, the more convincing we find it when we learn the "truth."

So, please continue to be enigmatic.

Got it.

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Yes, it is.

It was something of a rush job, but I think it should do the trick.

This is Watanabe-no-Tsuna. I'm all set. Go ahead whenever you're ready, Lady Mash.

Understood! Initiating simulation now!

...All right. This should work.

(Huff, huff, huff...) I must say, that turned out to be quite the close call.

Ahh, God in heaven. Please, tell me: Did I do something to deserve this!?

... ...

I mean, I can think of a few things, but still!

If you know what you may have done, then I suggest you make your peace with it. In the meantime, I thank you for your assistance, Lord Shakespeare.

You're quite welcome! Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm about to collapse from exhaustion! Good night!

...Oh well, I suppose I have no choice.

I'm sure he'll wake up eventually once I toss him in his study.

I daresay, can't you carry me a bit more gingerly!?

Would you rather I carried you by the scruff of your neck, like a cat?

I have reconsidered! This is perfectly fine!