I returned from my expedition just after dusk. He leaves Ilias and the others to go to the Dogbone, and goes to Marith alone.
　In his hand is a bottle of wine in a leather bag given to him by Dogbone. He takes it to a place before heading to the castle. Go through the back alleys, the border between the common and the wealthy. That's where you'll find the person you want.

"Hello, Gazen.
"Hey, it's you.

　Gazen, a homeless man with no home in the Terz.
　He's about forty years old, but he doesn't care about his appearance, which makes him look a couple of years older.
　He usually wanders around the back alleys and collects garbage for a living. He also collects unjustly discarded garbage and receives a small wage from the government.
　If he hadn't been taken care of by the Iliad, it's possible that he would have started out living the same life as this Gazen. If I hadn't been taken care of by Iliad, I might have started living the same life as Gazen.
　Gazen, who usually wanders around the city, knows a lot about the city. I bought him a drink as a test, and he told me some useful stories, so I occasionally buy information from him like this.
　Gazen is a solid guy, and he keeps a give-and-take policy. That's why I give him a drink as payment.

Have you seen anyone new in town lately?
"The only new one is the lady you're hanging out with. I haven't seen anyone else.
You know about the racket? Well, I don't care about that. His identity is clear. Any other changes you can think of?
Yeah, just the same old Taze. It's a big deal for me that I have you to carry my drinks.

　Gazen smiled as he sipped the drink he was given. He's a difficult man who keeps his distance from other homeless people, but he's not a bad guy if you know how to deal with him.
　However, he is not a pawn to be used freely, so it is difficult to handle him.

Gazen, there is a possibility that someone dangerous is lurking in this city these days.
I haven't seen him.
But there's more danger in the city at night. I'd appreciate it if you would refrain from wandering the streets at night for a while.
Huh?　Who the f*ck are you?
Don't be so sure. Gazen is a valuable source of information. I just don't want you to put yourself in harm's way.
I walk this city at night looking for things. Without it, I'll die of hunger.

　I toss a gold coin to the staring Gazen.

What are you doing?
Just for a while. Just keep it to daytime.
"...... d*mn, you're a picky eater.

　Gazen swears and puts the gold in his pocket.

"I'll listen to you until this money runs out.
I'm sorry you're in such a bind. I'll bring you some more good wine.

　With that, he leaves Gazen. Gazen is like air in this town.
　He is not needed by anyone, nor does he need anyone. That is why he is storing up information that he has seen with his own eyes.
　If Gazen doesn't see it, then it must be true for others.
　But will the Yugra cult think they've taken care of it by just sending Lakra? No. Lakra is a decoy, a badly chosen one, that's for sure. We need to get some more information out of Lakra.

　It's just into the night, and Marito and I are being led to a special room in the castle. Needless to say, the goal is to decipher the book.
　According to Lakra's information, the book contains magical power. If that magic were to adhere to your body, it would react to the wards that have been set up in the city. This room was designed to protect you.
　I've also changed my clothes and put on custom-made gloves. I feel like a forensic scientist.
　In the room is Marit and Lord Raggedy.

"Well, I'm nervous for nothing. You're not going to curse me for reading this, are you?
"I couldn't read the words, but I looked it over. You've been rather active lately, haven't you?
Well, you seem to be getting more and more active by the day.
I'm enjoying every day.
With all these problems?

　Well, there's no point in being timid. Let's look into this book as soon as possible.
　I reread the cover of Sample #4, "The Blue Demon King" Investigation Record.
　The title alone gives some idea of the contents of this book. I wonder if I can get any more information than that.

"By the way, should I read it aloud?
"Yes, you should. It's not that I don't trust you, but there's a chance that you'll be so frightened by the contents that you'll abandon your cooperation.


"Thanks to you, I'm prepared, don't complain later.

　Then I open the book, and the writing is definitely in Japanese. But the writing style is a bit old-fashioned.

"It's hard to read. ...... Is that Taisho-era script?
"Taisho?
It's about a hundred years old. How long ago was the Demon Lord?
About five hundred years ago.

　Hmm, the credibility of this book is suddenly diminishing. However, there may be a gap in the way time flows between this world and the world of Earth (here).
　The common sense has died when the world is transferred to another world. Let's keep a flexible mind.
　First, read the contents and compare the facts with the history.

It's not that I can't read. I'll read as much as I can.

　And so begins one of the most dangerous reading sessions of my life.

　--------------------------------------

"So Lakra told the book candidate about the book. ......

　When Ukka reported it, I couldn't help but clutch my head.

It's okay, it's okay!　I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.
If you're going to ask for help from another country's government, you should explain the situation to that country!　Do you really want this to turn into a diplomatic issue?

　The fact that the book on necromancy is sealed in the medis should be kept secret. It's human nature that if there's information about abominations, there will be people who want it.
　However, a man named Docora, a member of the dark side of Mejis, stole one of the books and fled the country. It would be better if we could retrieve it in secret. But since we made a mistake, it is only natural that we should be prepared to suffer a certain amount of damage as well.
　I will disclose the identity of the book to Taze and request his cooperation in the investigation. It's a fact we've kept secret until now. It's inevitable that other countries will criticize us, but we have no choice.
　In the first place, there is no reason for other countries not to consider the possibility that Yugraism is withholding knowledge of the taboos as a countermeasure.
　The question now is whether this will be revealed by themselves or by others. There is no need to think about which will worsen our diplomatic relations with other countries.

Enough. It may be too late for this, but contact King Taze.
"But...
This is no longer just a matter of clearing Taze's suspicions of Maya. As the one responsible for sending Lakra, you're going to tell Taze everything. Is that clear?
Yes, yes!
If it gets out of hand, call me immediately. I'll go to Taze myself.
I don't need the Pope to...
If that's what you think, then you'd better get your story straight!

　Vodka rushes off. If you really care about me, you'll do better than that.
　The current Tarzan has not long been replaced by a young and wise king. I've heard good things about his reign.
　I'm sure we can remain on good terms if we're sincere.
　But he is a young king. If we make him extra cautious, he may start sharpening his claws at us.

"Perhaps we should pay a visit to the Taze apart from this. ......

　I've heard that Taize is rich in herbs and aromatic dishes. I'll make some travel plans while I'm there.

　--------------------------------------

　Panting, he hurriedly prepared to communicate with Taze.
　I've been thinking too much about outwitting Maya of Taze, and I've jeopardized the position of Yugraism, or even the position of His Holiness. We have to make up for it quickly!

I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one who's a fan of your work.

　Contact him as soon as possible, contact him. .......

Who did we send there, anyway?
"Mr. Wukka, what's wrong?
Oh, it's you!　I'm actually in trouble!

　I'll tell you what happened.

Well, I suppose we'd better contact Lakra as soon as possible.
"Yes, and the Dark One, too.
Please wait. Lacla doesn't know about the Dark One. I don't think we need to tell him about that.
No, but...
Lacula is a priest of the Church of Yggra. He owes us a debt of gratitude for concealing his purpose, but he's in a good position. But when it comes to those in the dark, it's a different story. Even if you disclose the information, it will be a problem.
That's ...... right.
Don't worry, the Dark One is still in hiding. We'll contact them and have them come down. Master Ucka, please concentrate on giving orders to Lakra.
That's it, then!

　I think we're clear. Oh, I forgot something important.



"By the way, who was the dark one you sent to Taze?

　I turned around and there was no one there.

I turned around and there was no one there. "......, what was it?　It's not a good time to be doing this! I have to tell Lakra as soon as possible!　

　--------------------------------------

　The book was difficult to decipher. It was hard to read. But more than that, it was because Marith and Lord Raggedy stopped me from reading the book in detail.
　Indeed, the contents of this book are so problematic. In fact, everyone in the room is scratching their heads.

"Do you think Mejlis knows the contents of this book?
"No, I think it's more likely that he only knows that it's a source of necromancy. If the contents of this book are true and he knows about it, then the Yugra cult will do everything they can to get it back.

　Of course they would. This is no time to send a piece of crap like Lakra. They'll probably send someone as good as or better than Maja.
　This book is worth retrieving even if it exposes the fact that they have been keeping the abomination of necromancy secret.

We'll continue to work on the deciphering, but I think Marito should think about what happens afterwards.
"I'm going to do that without being told. Honestly, I think it'll be quicker if I just pretend I don't know what's going on.
That's strange. I was just thinking the same thing.
Both of you, that's not going to happen. ......

　The three of us sigh. I don't want to read this book anymore, but it's so full of information that I shouldn't know that it's really painful. That's why there are still so many pages left.

How much more information do I have to put in my head to endanger my life? ......

　I flip through the remaining pages. A string of letters flowed into my vision. This is what I'm going to put in my head from now on.
　A painful sigh escapes me. Then the book reaches the last page. ...... What the hell is this?
　What was written there was a simple afterword of sorts. It's not complicated, it's just simple information that you don't have to think about.
　However, there was a problem with that sentence which should have been understood at a glance.

It's not like, "Marit, there's a good chance that Yugoslavs don't know about this. They definitely don't know.
What's the matter, did you find something?
Oh, if I knew about this stuff, I'd have burned this book by now.

　Share the information. Their expressions harden.

"Wait a minute. I didn't want to hear that information!
We didn't want to know!　What the hell are we doing?
Calm down, both of you. ......
"Sir Raggedy-doo, you're shaking like a newborn colt!　I've never seen you shake like that before in my life!

　The three of them, the strongest knight, the wisest king, and the otherworldly man, were disgustingly flustered by the unbelievable facts they had obtained.
　They closed the book and returned to Marito's office.

"Your Majesty, I'd rather not keep this book in my pocket.
"Be patient. I don't want Lord Raggedy coming around with that book.
Your Majesty, that's terrible.
But wouldn't it be better for the world if I just returned it to you without telling you?
No, it's true, but ...... then there's the matter of the Demon King. ...... That's right!　I'll pretend that you're the only one who deciphered it, and I'll have you discuss it with the head of the Yugra cult.
"Die?
I owe it to the people of Tarz to take care of their future. ......
Very good, Your Majesty.
I'm gonna tell on you, you hear me?

　It was about to heat up again, so I drank some tea and took a break.

But this is not a problem that can be left alone, is it?
If the book is true, it's going to be very bad.
"Okay, let's postpone the problem for now. Let's just get the deciphering done first.
Yeah, that's right.

　Somewhere, there is a note that says, "The contents of this book are fictional. It has nothing to do with any real person or organization. If not, it will only increase your painful knowledge, right?
　Now, even if we escape the issue of the importance of the content by escaping reality, there are still other issues.

"Marit, is there any kind of darkness in the TARDIS?
"There is. There is, and those who are letting us find out the identity of the book are. I can't give you information about the members for your own safety.
Do it. If they tortured me, I'm pretty sure I'd throw up before they started.
Well, there's nothing you can do once you know what's in the book.
Isn't there some kind of oblivion spell? I'd like to use it.
"That's a good idea, Lord Raggedy!
It's a problem we can't afford to ignore. Give it up and accept it, Your Majesty. I'm sure he'll die with you.


That's why you're going to die with me, my best friend.
I'm cutting you off.

　As expected, I lose my cool when I talk about this book. Anyway, let's get back to the main topic.

What I want to know is what the dark side is. I want to understand what it can do, what it thinks, and so on.
"I understand why you want to do that. I understand why you want to do this, but I think you can leave that to Taze. ......
I'm not mentally strong enough to trust a guy who just said he'd die with me.
"Well, being prepared is not a bad thing. Okay. Let me introduce you to one of the dark ones.
That's great. When can I meet him?
He's right behind you.

　A hand on my shoulder.

"What?

　An inarticulate voice leaks out. A gloved hand was placed on my shoulder.
　You try to turn around in a panic, but Marito stops you.

Oh, don't look back. It's best if you don't know who he is.
"Oh, I see. But at least let me prepare myself. I thought I was gonna die.
I'm sorry, sir.

　The voice on my back, high or low, male or female, I can't tell. I'm guessing it's a man because it says "he." .......

"Sorry I'm late in greeting you. I'm His Majesty's bodyguard, or something like that.
I feel much more comfortable now.
Thank you, sir. If you have any questions, I'll do my best to answer them to the best of my ability.
I know this is a strange question before a question, but are you usually Marito's bodyguard?
Yes, he usually protects you without being seen with magic.
It's no exaggeration to say that he's the most capable man in the TARDIS. He's the most powerful man in Tarz.
Yes, it's no exaggeration, Your Majesty. He's the best.
You're a very confident man. And yet, you belong to the dark side and your name is not known? ...... Did they treat you as a martyr after they found you promising in the past and promote you in secret?
You're a good friend who will be with His Majesty for the rest of his life. You're very wise.
No, I won't.　You won't, will you?
I've been observing you since you first spoke to His Majesty. You're a trustworthy man. I was afraid to kill you the first time you tried to surprise me, but I'm glad I was able to hold back just long enough.
"Stop being so coy and scary.

　I can't tell if you're serious or just joking.

I'm not sure if he's serious or joking.　I've seen a lot of them in this castle.
Yes, the enchanted stone will break the spell of invisibility. However, I can perceive the magic power of the magic seal, so I can basically avoid it.
"I see. I see. So unless you're in trouble, you won't be caught.
If they see me, I'll have to kill everyone present.
Good luck with that. And don't ever show that face again.
I'm confident in my face, you know?　I can make a man swoon.
I don't want to die from it. ...... were you there when I was deciphering the book?
Yes, I couldn't accept the shocking truth, and I even raised my sword a few times to slay you.
I admire your endurance, but let's not kill people just to escape reality, okay?

　That's why it's time for questions. He explained to me about the dark side and what it can do. I'm learning a lot.
　A nostalgic feeling comes back to me that I've forgotten lately because I've been hanging out with straightforward guys like Ilias, Wolfe and Lakra.
　--Ah, the same thought process that I had when I hunted down Docola comes back to me.

You don't want to leave with that look on your face, do you?

　As I was thinking about the future, Marito spoke to me with a straight face.

"Hmm, do I look weird?
"Yes, mainly my eyes are cloudy. If Sir Ratzel and the others saw you, they would be worried.
Really?
Not really.
Do you need a mirror?
Oh, thank you, that's dangerous!

　For a moment, I could almost see the face of the man behind me in the mirror. I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.

I'm sorry for my carelessness.
Put yourself in the shoes of someone who dies from carelessness. Just go away.


That's a terrible thing to say. It makes me want to cry.
Just hide behind your magic!

　I look in the mirror again. It doesn't look that different. ...... Hmm.

Well, let's have a quick chat and then I'll be on my way.
I think that's a good idea. Would you like to hear my best joke?
Maybe next time.
You're gonna die laughing.
Do you really want to kill me?

　He may be a moderately mischievous Mr. Darkness, but he's the real deal. If I'm right, he's even better than the Iliad.
　It's strange to meet the strongest of the TARDIS in this way.
　But I don't want to be in a relationship with a living mine. I'll just have a one-time relationship.

But at the time, I had no idea that this guy and I would have a rotten relationship.
You're a mind reader, aren't you?
You could see it in his face. He was so easy to read.
"I see. Don't stand in front of me without using magic!