SGB: Episode 158

Episode 158: Lion (4)

The reason I mentioned the sacred relic at the gathering is simple.

Leaving aside the fact that it makes me feel a bit uneasy since it’s information related to me, it has many advantages.

‘First, it helps maintain my mysterious persona.’

It’s right after the Clown hyped up the atmosphere.

It seems more plausible than suddenly bringing up a labyrinth-related topic.

It was the information you were curious about, right?

Here, I’ll tell you. It’s a reward.

If I just say it like that, even the members who were expecting to hear what kind of information I would share will be speechless.

And that judgment was correct.

I could even see their expectations for me increase, far from being disappointed.

“…Do you happen to know where the Master is?”

I shrug at Fox’s question.

It means that I wouldn’t mind telling her if she brought me something interesting too. Fortunately, she seems to understand as she clenches her small fist.

As if she’s determined to find out someday.

‘I’m going to say it’s boring no matter what she brings…’

Although I feel a pang of guilt…

…I quickly shake it off.

It’s a business relationship where we meet with masks on.

It’s only right to focus on my own benefit.

‘Still, it seems like it motivated them well.’

That was the second advantage I considered.

It’s difficult to guarantee complete anonymity in Watchers of the Round Table due to its structure. The very fact that you know information that others don’t means that you have access to that information because of your status.

‘Crescent Moon talked a lot about fairies, and Fox seemed to be well-versed in the latest information about people and events rather than hidden pieces.’

Of course, unlike Goblin, whose identity as a paladin was revealed, the other masked figures seemed to be staying within the line.

But to bring interesting information, they’ll inevitably have to reveal their hand.

If I use this concept well, it will be a great help in deducing their identities.

‘I’m especially curious about the Clown’s identity.’

In that sense, this is a good opportunity.

He’s also curious about my identity.

Since I can only share information about the labyrinth in this situation, I can’t miss the chance to appear knowledgeable.

If it were just the first few times, it might be different…

But if I keep doing that, they might start suspecting that I’m just a nobody who knows a lot about the game.

Anyway, the third advantage.

[I want to buy information about who received the oracle.]

The Clown already showed a strong interest in the oracle, and I judged that it would be more rational to use it like this if it’s information that will be revealed anyway.

Of course, I’m not sure how much he’ll be able to find out. I don’t know how tight-lipped the people in the temple are.

But…

‘I can actually confirm it through him.’

What if the Clown, who’s considered high-level even among the Watchers of the Round Table, can’t find out?

Then I can relax.

It means that the secret is being kept well.

Just as I’m racking my brains, maintaining my chin-on-hand posture…

“So, shall we go for another round?”

The second round begins, led by Fox.

This time, it’s Goblin’s turn first, and there’s a slight mishap from the start.

He received a red light and then barely managed to get a green light on his next attempt…

…but the members all objected.

“The saint’s real name. Although it might be useful if we look into it…”

“You’re trying to take the easy way out.”

“If it were before, it might have been different. But it’s going to be difficult to get away with this now.”

In the end, Goblin had to come up with new information that the members would find satisfactory, and he barely managed to pass the turn to the next person.

Ah, for reference, the information was, as expected, related to the temple.

‘If the 2nd Paladin Captain is the woman who was next to Krovitz when the oracle was given… don’t tell me she’s a lesbian?’

Although it was closer to a scandal, the members didn’t object.

I think I understand their thoughts.

They judged that it’s valuable information that could be used as leverage against the 2nd Paladin Captain if they could just find evidence. After all, homosexuality is considered a grave sin in this world.

“Well, then it’s my turn.”

Fox, who was next, revealed the identity of the Double Numbered Item that will be auctioned at the Celestial Auction House.

“You’re using one piece of information twice.”

Although Antler expresses his dissatisfaction, he doesn’t raise an official objection.

He knows it too.

That the Double Numbered Item is worth that much.

Anyway, the turns continue, and secret information is shared from the members’ mouths.

Antler talks about royal politics, and Crescent Moon mentions a story about a fairy successor who committed a grave sin and was stripped of their position.

“Hmm, it’s my turn now?”

Even the Clown, who dropped the bombshell about the 6-person Bonding spell, shares ordinary information this time.

Well, is it really ordinary?

“Actually, the masks we’re wearing aren’t just random choices.”

“What do you mean?”

“The Master said that when you choose a mask for the first time, you choose the one that most resembles your fate.”

It’s a very interesting statement.

Although it’s a bit ambiguous as useful information.

“That’s why Goblin seems so pathetic to me. A weak but cunning fate.”

The Goblin Mask, who became the target of the Clown’s blunt example, trembles with anger.

But did he feel a bit sorry for him?

“I don’t know about Goblin, but Clown, I think I understand why you’re so unlucky.”

Antler mutters sarcastically towards the Clown.

However, the Clown just chuckles without any sign of offense.

“But this doesn’t seem like very important information.”

“Yeah. It’s a bit interesting since the Master said so…”

“Tell us something more useful.”

The Clown clicks his tongue at the three’s objections.

“Tsk, I even gave you a clue about fate. Is this what they call casting pearls before swine?”

He mutters and then subtly looks at me.

I just stay silent again this time.

Silence is always the safest option.

“Then I guess I’ll have to tell you something that’s on your level.”

The Clown then shares new information.

It’s about the Explorer’s Guild, and this time, it passes without any objections.

And so, it’s my turn again.

I share one of the pieces of information I prepared beforehand.

It’s high-level information, but it’s the kind of information that’s useless even if you know about it.

“The Stone of Resurrection exists.”

Everyone’s gaze turns towards the center of the round table as soon as I finish speaking.

And the moment the jewel emits a green light…

“…….”

“…….”

…silence falls.

__________________

“Um… what’s the Stone of Resurrection…?”

Goblin is the first to speak.

Fox answers his question, which he asks cautiously,

“It’s an item that can revive people. No, I should say that’s how it’s known.”

The ‘Stone of Resurrection’ is an item whose existence was only known through rumors even in the game.

It’s understandable.

You need insane luck and to fulfill ridiculous conditions to obtain it.

I also obtained it purely by chance the first time, and even after learning the conditions, I couldn’t get it again. But how could these guys, who cleared the cheat version, possibly know about it?

“So, so… if you have that, you can really revive dead people?”

Crescent Moon asks cautiously.

His voice is filled with unconcealed excitement.

Is there someone he wants to revive?

“Yes.”

I decide to offer a bit of service in return for the useful information I received today.

“With the Stone of Resurrection, you can revive the dead.”

Although there are complicated requirements, the effect itself is as it’s known to the outside world.

But was he not satisfied with that?

“Then do you happen to know who—”

“Stop.”

I cut off Crescent Moon coldly and mutter,

It means that if he wants to hear more, he should bring information that’s worth it.

Crescent Moon then comes to his senses.

“Then at least tell me what you’re interested in. I need that item.”

Hmm, I didn’t expect this…

I contemplate for a moment.

Lion, the eccentric who’s bored with everything and even participates in these gatherings just to find something interesting.

What would he answer here?

A suitable line soon comes to mind.

“I don’t know either.”

Lion doesn’t even know himself…

“What I’m interested in.”

It’s a slightly chuunibyou setting, but it’s a decent concept.

If I make excuses like this, they’ll bring me useful information from a wide range…

…and it will be easier to judge anything they say as boring.

“That’s going to be a difficult task. To entertain someone like you.”

Crescent Moon lets out a long sigh.

His eyes are filled with determination to find out. I subtly look away, resting my chin on my hand.

Could it be that I look lonely?

A moment of silence follows as no one speaks.

“Ahem! So, what should we do now? Shall we go for another round if everyone’s okay with it?”

Fox takes the role of a moderator and leads the conversation, and Goblin raises his hand.

“I’ll be leaving now. I don’t have any more information that would satisfy you guys.”

“Then I’ll leave too. I prepared a few more things just in case, but seeing today’s level, I’m not confident.”

As Goblin and then Antler declare their non-participation, it’s naturally decided that the meeting will end here.

But what’s this?

‘Ha, again?’

Everyone is just looking at me without leaving.

Come to think of it, it was the same at the previous gathering.

They’re pretending not to, but they’re curious about my evaluation, I guess?

Their pride must have been hurt last time.

Because I said, ‘Is this all?’ and acted disappointed.

‘…Then what should I say this time?’

I contemplate for a moment and then make a decision.

And I glance at each of the colorful masks and chuckle.

As if to say their efforts were commendable.

“I look forward to next time.”

Thanks for the great information.

__________________

The round table room where Lion left.

Goblin blurts out the question he’d been holding back in a dazed voice.

“…Who the hell is he?”

“He’s definitely not an ordinary person.”

Antler answers, clicking his tongue, and Goblin sighs deeply.

He just asked to see if they could brainstorm together.

Why is he always treated like this?

Goblin then reveals what he’s been thinking about alone.

“…Maybe he’s one of us.”

“Pfft, what are you talking about, Goblin?”

“Less than ten people in the church know about the oracle. And each of them is at least a High Priest or a Captain. If he’s one of them, everything would make sense—”

“Ha, so that’s what you were thinking.”

The Clown cuts him off and snaps irritably.

“This is why you’re always underestimated. Why are you so simple-minded? You think he’s a cardinal? A captain? You think he’s just that level?”

“But! It doesn’t make sense otherwise. It hasn’t even been a fortnight since the oracle was given…”

“Tsk, pathetic. Can’t you even consider the possibility that he’s someone’s pawn?”

“That’s ridiculous…”

Goblin trails off, as if it’s absurd.

He knows how devout the high-ranking officials of the temple are.

They’re not the type to submit to an outsider.

But what’s this?

“Wait a minute, are you all thinking the same thing?”

Everyone except for him is readily accepting that ridiculous statement.

“Because there’s no other explanation.”

“Honestly, I thought he would be a lone wolf type. But to think he’s not…”

“Maybe we’ve made a connection with someone much more powerful than we imagined.”

At this point, he’s starting to wonder.

Could it be that the man’s influence really reaches the core of the church?

Of course, he can’t be certain yet.

So Goblin focuses on the following conversation.

“Then let’s put our heads together during the remaining time. Even if we can’t figure out his identity, we might be able to get a sense of what kind of person he is.”

“That’s a good idea. Maybe we can even find out what he’s interested in.”

The brainstorming session begins at Fox’s suggestion.

The goal is to figure out Lion’s identity.

“I’ll go first. He wasn’t even interested in the Double Numbered Item. It probably means that he’s strong enough not to need something like that.”

“It was the same with the Noark subjugation plan. He didn’t even flinch when he heard about it. He definitely has eyes and ears in the core of the royal family.”

“Pfft, I don’t know for sure, but he must have killed at least a few thousand people. To not even know what he’s interested in, I haven’t seen many people that broken.”

Every time they share their observations, I wonder if they’re all hypnotized or something.

And the highlight is Crescent Moon’s guess.

“Maybe… he already knows our identities.”

“What do you mean, Crescent?”

“When he first brought up the Stone of Resurrection, he was looking directly at me. As if he knew about my story.”

Goblin can’t help but laugh.

He’s not an ordinary person, that much is clear, but isn’t this a bit of a stretch?

‘It’s more likely to be a coincidence… In the first place, he was sitting right across from me.’

Of course, he only thinks that inwardly.

Because everyone else is taking Crescent Moon’s words seriously.

“Hmm, I was a bit curious about why he suddenly brought up the Stone of Resurrection, but that would explain it.”

The Clown is completely convinced, and the others also think it’s worth considering.

Goblin is starting to feel confused.

He’s starting to think that it might be true since all these smart people are saying the same thing.

“Ah!”

That’s when Fox exclaims, clapping her hands.

“Masks! We have masks!”

“Masks…?”

“Yes. Don’t you think we might get a sense of who he is if we think about the mask?”

“Hmm, indeed, if what Clown said is true, we might be able to figure out his personality.”

“Lion…”

The members then take turns talking about what comes to mind when they think of a lion.

“Hmm, when I think of lions, the first thing that comes to mind is the story about them throwing their cubs off a cliff.”

“You mean the one about only raising those who survive? That’s all just a rumor. Well, he must have gone through something much more difficult than being thrown off a cliff to become that strong.”

“Pfft, I can’t think of anything besides the king of beasts. Could it be that Mr. Lion will become king someday?”

“Hmm, indeed, he doesn’t seem like the type to work under someone.”

“I’ve heard that lions are used as a symbol of kingship in the East.”

“Symbol of kingship! That’s interesting!”

Goblin just listens to their conversation.

And he suddenly has this thought.

‘Lions are polygamous… Could it just mean that he’s destined to be popular with women?’

Of course, he only thinks that inwardly.

Because they’ll just look at him pathetically if he says it out loud.

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