Chapter 266.5: Inquisitory Division (3)

Joshua reached the door of Grana's private office.

Knock, knock.

Ka-cha!

He knocked twice before opening it.

"Please excuse me," he said as he entered and then closed the door behind him.

Grana was sitting behind her desk and signing multiple documents. Joshua made his way to her and then placed the two folders on the side of the desk.

"Here is the report for today's applicants. There were no potential applicants today. And here are the compilation reports from Brother Ezekiel that you asked me to review and make some follow-ups. I slipped in some notes about the discrepancies I've found."

Grana put down her pen and raised her head.

"Brother."

"High Sister," Joshua said and smiled.

"Sit down."

He sat at one of the chairs in front of the desk.

"How many times have you spoken to Sister Vivian?" Grana asked.

Joshua thought about it for a moment.

"Three times."

"Have you noticed any difference between her and the reports?"

"Yes, it's there on the notes I've --"

"I want to hear it directly from you."

Joshua cleared his throat.

“As you wish, High Sister.

"Based on Brother Ezekiel, Sister Annabelle, Sister Criselle, Sister Lorei, Sister Melissa, Sister Lily, Sister Airie and also my testimony, it matches with the people we interviewed here in Luxen City. However, compared to the people we interviewed at Siera Village and also based on the records during her stay there, that's where a few discrepancies.

"First off is her Magic Art Affinities.

"According to the records of the Temple of Thieves, she was registered as someone with only two Magic Art Affinities: Fire and Poison.

“When she became part of our Temple, she first underwent an Awakening Ceremony for her Light Affinity here in this building.

“A few days later, she mentioned to Sister Criselle that she has Light, Fire and Wind, and then underwent an Awakening Ceremony for her Fire and Wind Affinities at the Training Grounds Gym in front of many people. However, she didn’t show any proof that she opened her [Fire] and [Wind Mastery].  

“And when she joined the Holy Crusade, at Basic Training, she revealed to have Light, Lightning, Wind and Poison.

"As for the records of the Branch Chapter Temple at Siera Village, although it is confirmed that Sister Vivian was born and raised there, her name wasn't recorded as one of the people who has Light Affinity, not even on the False Light Affinity list. She didn't even attract the attention of anyone.”

"And the other discrepancies?" Grana asked.

"There was also about how the people here in Luxen City and Siera Village describe Sister Vivian.

"First off, she didn't show any outstanding qualities, whether it was her fighting abilities or intelligence --"

Grana held out her hand.

"I want to know if you're fully aware of Vivian's background. Give me a short review so that I know we're in the same boat."

Joshua nodded.

"Yes, High Sister.

"Sister Vivian's father, Drake, was a 42-year-old Commoner from Siera Vilage. He had blue hair, no last name, he was part of the Temple of Hunters, and had True Poison Affinity and False Fire Affinity. He worked as an Adventurer at Siera Village from 15-18 years old and reach Silver I Rank before quitting. He then worked as a porter for various shops in the Market District of Seira Village. 

"Sister Vivian's mother, Ferna, was a 40-year-old Commoner from Siera Village. She had purple hair, no last name, wasn't part of any Temple, and she had False Dark Affinity. Before meeting Drake, Sister Vivian's father, she used to work as a waitress at an alehouse called The Drinker's Kiss from 13 to 16 years old. She married Drake at the age of 16, quit her job and then gave birth to Sister Vivian.

"Sister Vivian only has one sibling, a young brother named Dirk. He was 21 years old, he had purple hair, he was part of the Temple of Warriors, he had True Fire Affinity and False Dark Affinity, and he was part of the Luxen Knights Chapter where he worked as a Guard in Siera Village. He wasn’t married but there was a brothel at Siera Village named Maiden’s Lounge that he frequents and was supposedly pursuing one of the prostitutes there named Tana.   

"Sister Vivian's husband, Treant, was a 28-year-old Commoner from Siera Village. He had black hair, he was part of the Temple of Hunters and had True Fire and Earth Affinity. He worked as a Mercenary and was part of a Mercenary group called Widow's Wail who was mostly active in Siera Village, especially after he married Sister Vivian. There is nothing special about this group, their Physical and Magic Force was only Mithril.

"Sister Vivian met Treant when she was 16 years old and he was 20 years old. She worked as a waitress at a tavern called Molly's Tavern for 3 months. But before working at that tavern, she used to work in different alehouses since she was 13 years old. But after marrying Treant, she quit her job and focused in being a housewife.

"And as for Sister Vivian's children…

“The eldest was an 8-year-old boy with black hair named Vern. He had the Fire and Poison Affinities.

“The second was a 6-year-old boy with purple hair named Tren. He had the Dark Affinity.

“No information can be found if their Affinities are True or False. None of them were reported to have the Light Affinity. And they also didn't showcase anything remarkable that would attract the attention of people.

"Sister Vivian's family appears not to have any outstanding qualities. Even her extended family, both alive and deceased, are the same. However, upon checking the records of the bloodlines of the Priest and powerful families… 

“From her father’s side, the closest Priest or powerful family she’s related to one of the sons of Brother Tiarnan.

“Brother Tiarnan was born in Marsus 3, 2853 from a Commoner couple that had no last name and was running a small butcher shop in Sierra Village. He was also born with the True Light Affinity and False Fire Affinity so he was able to join the Temple of Priests.

“At the age of 25, he met his wife, Doireann O'Finnegan, one of the daughters of a Mid-Tier Commoner Merchant family at Siera Village. They got married and she bore him 2 sons.

“The first son was Keelan and he was born with True Light Affinity and True Poison Affinity. Meanwhile, the second son was Jayden and he born with False Light Affinity and True Fire Affinity.

“Keelan joined the Temple of Priests and his current direct Priest descendants today is Brother Ezekiel G. Tully of the Tully Family. He is part of the Luxen Chapter Temple and is assigned at the Mission Room of the Temple of Priests Office Building in the private compound here in Luxen City.

“Jayden, on the other hand, because he had False Light Affinity and the True Fire Affinity, wasn’t able to join our Temple. According to records, he tried to pursue a merchant career but he got lost with gambling, alcohol and women. His gambling and alcohol problems got so worse that his family eventually disowned him. He also fathered a lot of bastard children.

“Sister Vivian’s paternal side comes from one of Jayden’s bastard children.”

“I see,” Grana said. “And her maternal side?”

A slightly expression flashed across Joshua’s face.

“For this part, High Sister, the details aren’t complete yet because the records are from the Iron Kingdom, specifically from the S’tern Village under the domain of the Countess Karsten S. Fal’len, and they date back around 2,700 A.M.

“To be specific, there was a red-haired woman named Larissa born and raised in S’tern Village, she had Poison and Darkness Affinities, and she was part of the Temple of Herbalists but didn’t really pursuit the life of a fighter. Instead, she who worked as a maid from 15-18 years old in one of the properties of Count Dieter S. Fal’len, the ruling Count at that time.

“No details can be found why she quit her job. But one day, she decided to quit her job and migrated to the Luxen Kingdom, specifically, Siera Village.

“And according to the records we’ve managed to obtain…

“Larissa left S’tern Village on Junus 4, 2075 at 8:00 a.m.. She travelled with a group that consisted of 4 carriages, 3 wagons, 8 Karfaxes, 1 Noble Merchant, 2 Commoner Merchants, 2 Nobles, 9 civilians, 15 Adventurers, and 6 Mercenaries.

“She and her group arrived at Ster’ne Village, the domain of the Viscount from the Iron Kingdom’s Count’s Faction, on Junus 6, 2075, 11:13 a.m. No missing persons or deaths were reported.

“She left Ster’ne Village on Junus 15, 2075, 8:00 a.m. She travelled with another group that consisted of 3 carriages, 2 wagons, 9 Karfaxes, 2 Merchants, 8 civilians, 8 Adventurers, and 2 Mercenaries.   

“She and her group arrived at Re’gen Town, the domain of the Viscount from the Iron Kingdom’s Count’s Faction, on Junus 17, 2075, 10:33 a.m. No missing persons or deaths were reported but they mentioned that they were attacked by 5 Rogue Settler bandits and captured all of them.

“She left Re’gen Town on Junus 21, 2075, 9:00 a.m. via a Rhonea monster courier service offered by the Temple of Tamers and arrived at Siera Village at 10:48 a.m.

“And there was something peculiar mentioned on the record of the Temple of Tamers.

“According to the report field by the Tamer who coached the Rhonea, Larissa vomited in the middle of the flight and suffered from a fainting spell so the Tamer had to land on the ground and checked if she was fine which caused the slight delay.

“And while the Tamer was giving her some medicine, she confessed that she was 7 weeks pregnant and apologized.

“At that time, the Tamer or anyone who read the report didn’t think anything strange of it. As far they knew, she was just another traveling passenger from Re’gen Town who happened to be 7 weeks pregnant.

“And a couple of months later, on Decus 27, 2027, she gave birth to a son at Siera Village and named him Oswold.

“Oswold was born with True Dark, True Poison and False Lightning, and he was also born purple-colored hair, a feature uniquely common only in the Iron Kingdom’s Count Faction.”

Grana raised her eyebrow.

“Aren’t you assuming too much? Larissa was born and raised in S’tern Village.”

Joshua nodded.

“That’s a valid critique. However, Aristocratic Nobles, especially from the older kingdoms, are very protective with their bloodline. Have you ever been to S’tern Village, High Sister, or anywhere within the Iron Kingdom?

“The Royal Family and the families under the Duke Faction believe they’re descendants of Gods or some kind of Snake God so they’re very picky of who they share their bloodline with.

“The Marquis Faction, although they’re the closest allies of the Holy Kingdom, behind those friendly smiles of theirs, they hold a lot of pride from being one of the oldest Aristocratic Noble Families in their entire continent.

“The Count Faction, they’re literally 6 families sharing a common Lore Magic but just with enough distinctions from each other. And one of the physical manifestations of the their Lore Magic is their purple hair and they’re quite proud of it.

“Did he have any of their Lore Magic?” Grana asked.

“Oswold?” Joshua said and then shook his head. “I couldn’t find any report about that. All I found was that he joined the Luxen Knights Chapter at the age of 15 and was stationed in various places. He reached the Guard Lieutenant rank at 21 years old and then faced True Death at the age of 22 while he was stationed at one of the barracks located in the the Great Plains of Stanza. However, he had a daughter with a woman who only had True Fire and wasn’t his wife.”

Grana removed her glasses and massaged her eyes.

“Another bastard child? I swear to the God of Light that men and commoners really can’t control themselves.”

Joshua didn’t say anything and simply waited.

Grana wore back her glasses and returned her attention to Joshua.

“Continue.”

Joshua nodded.

“Unfortunately, the descendants continued to not maintain or improve their bloodline. However, despite all the odds, they still managed to produce Sister Vivian.”

“Are there any other discrepancies?”

 Joshua nodded once more.

“Yes, High Sister.

"As I mentioned earlier, back when Sister Vivian was in Siera Village, she didn't show any special traits that would make her stand out, like having the Light Affinity, that number of Magic Art Affinities she possesses, or even her intelligence. In fact, the people who knew her when she was still at Siera Village that we were able to interview would describe her as someone who loves drama, to gossip, and could barely read and write. She also knew how to count but just with simple numbers."

There was no official general school system in this world. So for the commoners, those who would learn to read and write are Merchants, Adventurers, Mercenaries, Guards, and people, mostly from rich commoner families, aiming to hold a position that requires reading and writing. Only the Royalty, Aristocratic Nobles and Nobles would invest by default in teaching their children how to read and write.

"The only thing that made Sister Vivian stand out was her looks which allowed her to land a waitressing job at the age of 13 at an alehouse called Lofty Dreams where only good-looking women are allowed to become waitresses. However, she only lasted for a year there before getting fired. According to the records, she got into a physical altercation with a fellow waitress after she was accused of seducing her fellow waitress' lover. She then worked for different alehouses until she finally landed a waitress job at a tavern called Molly's Tavern at the age of 16 where she met her husband, Treant.

"There was also an incident when she was 21 years old. She worked as one of the shopkeepers for a boutique shop but only lasted there for a week. She was accused by a female Noble customer of trying to seduce her husband. Based on the records and the follow-up interview done with the husband and wife through [Halo], there's a 90% chance that Sister Vivian did seduce the husband. But nothing physically intimate happened between them because one of Sister Vivian's co-workers tipped off the wife immediately. And the next day, the wife rushed over to the shop to confront Sister Vivian."

"Anymore?" Grana asked.

Joshua thought about it for a moment.

"There is one more but I'm not sure if it's worth mentioning."

"Say it."

"The people who knew Sister Vivian from Siera Village and Bridge Town described her as someone with purple hair. No one has described her as someone with purple hair and red highlights. I tried to confirm if she likes to color her hair or if she bought any hair-coloring products, but I couldn't find any."

"And what's your assessment?"

Joshua cast his gaze down on the floor and a hesitant expression flashed across his face for a moment before he returned his gaze to Grana.

“If I were to be honest, High Sister, I’m not sure.

“One side of me is confused because there are two many discrepancies.

“Meanwhile, another side of me believes that the Sister Vivian from Siera Village and the Sister Vivian we have might be two different people.

“I could ignore or dismiss almost everything except for one thing -- her Magic Art Affinities.

“As I mentioned earlier, according to the records of the Temple of Thieves, she was registered as someone with only two Magic Art Affinities: [Fire] and [Poison Mastery].

“When she became part of our Temple, she first underwent an Awakening Ceremony for her [Light Mastery].

“A few days later, she mentioned to Sister Criselle that she has Light, Fire and Wind, and then underwent an Awakening Ceremony for her Fire and Wind Affinities at the Training Grounds Gym in front of my people. However, she didn’t show any proof that she opened her [Fire] and [Wind Mastery].  

“And when she joined the Holy Crusade, at her Basic Training, she revealed to have [Light], [Lightning], [Wind] and [Poison Mastery].

“I could understand people lying or trying to cover the Magic Art Affinities they possess. But to this extent, combined with the other discrepancies? I don’t know.”

Grana thought about it for moment before finally answering.

“Do you think she’s also like Brother Samuel?”

“You mean she has 5 Magic Art Affinities?”

Most people with 3, 4 or 5 are born from rich and powerful families who carefully and strategically plan the breeding process of their offsprings.

However, once in a while, an unexpected miracle could happen.

One of those people are the former Supreme Captain of the Luxen Kingdom Ronaldo and the old Gold Cloak Priest of the Luxen Chapter Temple Samuel.

“3 super gifted and talented beings from humble backgrounds in the span of less than 100 years and in one kingdom…? High Sister, if that were the case, then I would say that something very catastrophic is about to happen in this world. Forgive me if I’m going sound like a heretic, but I don’t think the God of Light and the rest of the Elemental Gods would bless our kingdom like that for no reason.”

“You said that there’s a possibility that the Sister Vivian from Siera Village and the Sister Vivian we have might be two different people, correct?”

Joshua nodded.

“I did.”

“Could it be a new Lore Magic? But from who? The Iron Kingdom?”

“High Sister, please allow me to explain myself more about why I think the Sister Vivian we have might be a different person.”

“Go on.”

“First off, I will start with the counter-argument why I could be wrong.

"Sister Vivian was so traumatized by what happened to her family in Sierra Village that she decided to change. It's a common occurrence for people who have faced great tragedies to switch to a different personality. In fact, during the three occasions that I conversed with her, she looked quite healthy when I first met her. But each time I see her, she only got thinner and paler.

“That’s the best logical explanation I can give on why I could be wrong that Sister Vivian from Siera Village and the Sister Vivian we have might be two different people.

“Now I going to explain why I believe on the possibility that they might be two different people.

“Assuming that all the information I’ve read about her background is true, forgive me for saying this, and I don't mean any disrespect, but she doesn't seem to be the type who would choose to live a normal and humble life.

"In the three occasions that I interacted with her, even when I first met her, she never struck me as someone from a very humble background. Just the way she carries herself, her mannerisms, even the way she speaks -- although she seems strange sometimes -- was definitely not someone from a humble background. However, she also didn't strike me as someone from the Nobility. In fact, I remember finding my first encounter with her a bit refreshing because it's been a while since I've spoken to someone normally outside the Temple of Priests without any of the subtle social cues."

Grana knitted her brows.

"So even you noticed that. I wasn't sure at first because I only met her once and it was only a brief interaction and I believe I was with you and Sister Gillian.”

“It was the day after the former Supreme Captain Ronaldo attacked and kidnapped the Her Royal Majesty and the Royal Prince, right?”

Grana nodded.

“Yes. Anyhow, after you mentioned that, it made me recall my impression of her. When she saw my Red Cloak, I didn't see any of the usual fear or reverence that people would give me. All I saw were annoyance as if I was being a nuisance and curiosity."

Joshua didn't say anything.

Grana leaned back in her seat and an amused smile appeared on her face.

"But I'm surprised by your assessments. Didn't you give a speech last time about legendary heroes with humble beginnings? How authors like to paint this image to the public that as long as someone is hard working, no matter what their background is, they will eventually rise up while deliberately hiding the fact that those supposedly legendary heroes with humble beginnings had a natural-born talent or gift to begin with?"

Joshua nodded.

"It was a rash and foolish mistake on my part. I let my pride get the best of me. Please forgive for that mistake, High Sister. "

Grana returned back to her usual serious expresison.

“Continue investigating her connection with the Iron Kingdom’s Aristocratic Nobles or any powerful family, including the ones from the Holy Kingdom. 

Joshua nodded.

“Yes, High Sister.”

“I also want you to continue investigating the details about Siera Village, especially that monster attack.”

“Yes, High Sister.”

“I had Brother Matel do some digging and I can’t help but sense a slight possibility that Count Forrest and his family may have played a hand during the monster attack in Siera Village.

“Yes, High Sister.”

“And one last thing. I remember the Inquisitory Division helping in investigating when the incident first happened. What was his name again?”

Joshua tried to recall it.

“I don’t know what his name was but he called himself Inquisitor Lease. From the description of the people who met him, he was a Gold Cloak, he appeared to be in his 40s, he was about 5’10” and had the accent of someone from the Azatea Kingdom.”

“Anyone can learn how to fake their accents.”

Joshua shook his head.

"I'm sorry, High Sister. You’re correct about that.”

“So the only thing we can rely on his age, height and color of his cloak.”

“You suspect that the Inquisitory Division may have also played a role in it?”

Grana’s eyes turned to slits.

“When the incident was still fresh, there were a few things I noticed but I chose to turn a blind because of the political and economic relationships. But ever since the issue with Sister Vivian came up, now it’s starting to make a bit of sense.”

“But High Sister, how is that possible? The Luxen Chapter Temple Investigative Unit, the Holy Kingdom's Holy Crusade, the Twin Kingdom's Special Investigative Unit, and the Adventurer's Guild all point to the Noble who used a special Summoning Ritual and also a special potion to let those monsters loose under the guidance of an unknown Necromancer.”

“Let’s wait for Brother Matel until he returns.”

***

Octus 9, 3023 A.M., day of Monar, 8:56 a.m.

Inquisitory Division Headquarters, Holy City, Holy Kingdom.

The next day.

Ka-cha!

Vivian entered a private office room and turned her gaze to Pen who was wearing his Inquisitor Full-Mask and Gold Cloak and sitting behind his desk. She made her way to him and then saluted.

"Brother Inquisitor Pen!"

Pen nodded.

"At ease, sister, and please take a seat."

Vivian sat on one of the chairs in front of the desk.

"Before I make my decision, can we go about the final details?"

"About that," Pen said and took out a piece of paper from one of his drawers before handing it over to her. "Here's a list of the things we talked about yesterday. Feel free to review it."

Reminds of that time I made a deal with Pana…

"Do I have to sign this, have witnesses and also touch a Magic Crystal?"

"No need to do that any of that. We are Inquisitors, we work in the shadows. That's just something so that we have a clear understanding on the things we agreed upon. You can burn it, keep it, whatever. It's up to you. But I suggest you destroy that and keep the details inside your head."

Vivian read the paper on her hand.

Hmm…

Okay, that's good…

Yeah…

I guess that's fair…

Okay…

Okay…

And okay…

She flipped the paper and checked the back.

Figures…

It was blank.

She put down the paper.

"I agree with these terms. But what happens if one of us betrays one another?"

"You would betray the Inquisitory Division?"

"No, I just don't like to blindly trust anyone."

Pen nodded.

"That's a helpful mindset in our profession. About your question, truthfully, there's really nothing I can do. At least for me, as long as you adhere to our agreement, I will never betray you. And even if you betray me, I still won't send any brother or sister to a suicide mission. That is an oath I have always kept ever since I became a Priest."

Vivian hesitated for a moment before finally answering.

"Okay, I agree," she said and then got up on her seat.

"Sister, wait. Before you go, I still have one more thing to discuss with you."

Her brows knitted together and she returned to her seat.

"About what?"

"Are you aware of the DG International Laws?"

"Just the basics or at least the one taught me to during the Training Course."

"Are you aware that once a person's Physical and Magic Force reaches Spirit Steel, they must register their name on the DG International Laws' database?"

"Yes."

"Is your name listed on the DG International Laws' database?"

Vivian hesitated once more before finally answering.

"No."

"Just as I expected."

"Is there a problem?"

"Considering your strength, you should be careful in using it, sister."

Vivian's brows knitted tighter.

"What do you mean? Didn't you say yesterday that you won't be sending me to ordinary Field Missions because it's pointless? So you're just going to send me to do investigative work? Or am I not allowed to use my strength?"

"If you're facing demons, demon-kins, and the Cult of Infinity, you can use your full strength without any restraints. However, when it comes to heretics, that is where you should be careful.

"If you're dealing with a normal heretic, then no problem. But if the heretic happens to be a Priest or Priestess, a Knight from a powerful Noble family, an Aristocratic Noble or Royalty, as much as possible, try to arrest them without killing them. Because, sister, given your strength is already at least Spirit Steel, the victim or the family of the victim could file a case against you under the DG International Laws. And if they find out that your name isn't listed on the DG International Laws' database, you're going to face a lot of problems.

"As a matter of fact, what you did at Plano Town with Lord Ferdino was very dangerous. Although Lord Ferdino and Lord Alejandro were definitely at fault, it's always best to avoid killing an Aristocratic Noble, especially if it's from an independent kingdom."

Vivian raised an eyebrow.

"Huh? So what do you want me to do, wait until the last second before they lay their hands on me? And when they finally laid their hands on me, I'll just push them away and beg them to stop?"

"Sister, remember the lessons you've learned in the Training Course of the Inquisitory Division. Learn how to use words and diversions. If you're smart enough to pass with above-average scores, you're smart enough to figure things out without using your fists."

"What if I just register my name in the DG International Laws?"

"You can. But considering your Magic Art Affinities and the Physical and Magic Force you achieved at your age, your Chapter Temple would want to make a spectacle out of it."

"What about you? Wasn't our agreement you would protect me from anyone who tries to contact me, regardless if they have good or bad intentions because the Inquisitory Division is supposedly the best place for me to hide or keep a low-profile? However, not only are you telling me to not use my strength, but you're also going to send me to Field Missions that aren't ordinary. So what's the point of all of this then?"

"Sister, what I'm telling you is not to rely on your fists too much. Be better than those from the Infantry Division who only knows how to throw a punch. I believe in your talents and what you're capable of, that is why I'm doing all of this. Or did I overestimate your abilities?"

"You did."

Pen coughed while Vivian didn't say anything.

He cleared his throat.

"Anyhow, by the end of your contract, you're free to register your name in the DG International Laws' database if you want. But for now, take this current situation to learn."

Vivian squinted her eyes and then answered.

"Fine."

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Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed this chapter!

By the way, I’ve posted this chapter at WebNovel, Royal Road and Patreon. However, the main is P-a-t-r-e-o-n (Immortal_Shades) because I want to post pictures and videos there without any restrictions.

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Chapter end