Lord of Mysteries 2: Circle of Inevitability

Chapter 7 - 7: Naroka

Chapter 7: Naroka

Once Lumian had departed from the Ol’ Tavern, he found himself standing on the uneven road, uncertain of where to go next.

The morning sun beat down upon him, albeit with a slight chill in the air.

As he deliberated his next move, Reimund Greg emerged from the side.

“I was just looking for you.”

Lumian quickly regained his composure and queried, “What’s the issue?”

Reimund appeared taken aback.

“Have you forgotten? Today, we’re supposed to seek out the elderly, around the same age as my pépé, and inquire about the legend of the Warlock.”

Lumian groaned, pressing his hand against his forehead in agony.

“Is that so? Why can’t I recall? Or is this just your imagination?”

Reimund’s expression shifted from one of concern to one of fear. Just as he was about to inquire further and confirm whether he had imagined the events of the previous day, Lumian’s face lit up with a mischievous grin.

“You rascal, you’re playing a joke on me again!” Reimund cursed, unable to contain his annoyance.

“You need to work on your cursing,” Lumian chided, shaking his head in disappointment. “Even Ava can curse better than you.”

Ava Lizier, the beautiful daughter of Cordu Village’s renowned shoemaker Guillaume Lizier, was now a goose herder.

Reimund’s expression shifted as he muttered, “Ava…”

He then looked at Lumian. “She’s our friend, right?”

Lumian nodded with a smile. “Indeed she is.”

The trio, along with Guillaume of the Berrys and Ava’s cousin Azéma Lizier, were inseparable teenagers who often spent their days together.

“Why don’t we bring Ava on board to help us uncover the truth behind the legend?” Reimund suggested. “As you know, her father always said, ‘Why must a dowry be paid when a woman gets married? How many good families have fallen like this?’ It pains her to hear it. She might be relieved if she could get some treasure or reward from the investigation.”

“I’ve also heard the heads of several families in the village say similar things, including our padre,” Lumian added with a sly grin. “They wish their brothers would stay at home forever. Even if they get married, they won’t venture out alone to establish a family. That would require them to split the assets and give them their deserving share.”

Lumian shot a furtive glance at Reimund and continued, “Therefore, many families prefer to let one of their children become a shepherd. This way, he won’t get married and will have a certain income. Most of the time, he can support himself.”

Reimund’s expression gradually darkened as he considered the implications of this issue.

He had never thought too deeply about it before.

This was precisely why he enjoyed spending time with Lumian. Although most people in the village believed that Lumian had a poor character and enjoyed lying and playing tricks, he was actually more knowledgeable than anyone his age. Reimund, on the other hand, felt like he didn’t know much and spent his days in a daze, simply following through with his family’s arrangements.

It’s good that you know…?Lumian thought to himself before skillfully steering the conversation back to their investigation.

“It’s too late now. We must hurry up and ask around. We will get Ava tomorrow. Yes, we can also bring Guillaume-junior and Azéma on board later. Not only will this potentially lead to gains, but it will also be a fascinating activity that can train our abilities.”

“Bring Guillaume-junior and Azéma too?” Reimund grumbled begrudgingly.

The more people involved, the less his share of the rewards would be.

Furthermore, if he included them, he would have fewer chances to win over Ava’s affections.

Lumian regarded him with a touch of kindness and pity in his gaze.

Silly child, do you think Ava will fall for you? Her eyebrows are very high, and she only wants to marry into a good family. She clearly has a certain favorable impression of me, a ‘villain’, yet she can control herself…

In the Dariège region, having “high eyebrows” meant having high standards, and they wouldn’t settle for just any average bloke.

“My sister always said there is strength in numbers,” Lumian explained simply. “Who are the old croakers that we need to visit?”

“You didn’t investigate?” Reimund asked in surprise.

How could I have the energy to investigate after the incident with the Wand card??Lumian smiled and quipped, “Of course I investigated. I am just testing your ability to gather information.”

Reimund had no doubts.