Hearing footsteps coming from the basement, the three people in the upstairs living room immediately stood up.
Before long, Shade appeared at the top of the stairs with a solemn expression. It was already six in the evening; outside the living room window, St. Delan Square was shrouded in the autumn sunset, but Shade had no time to appreciate the beauty of the falling sun.
Picking up the cat that ran toward him joyfully, Shade signaled for everyone to sit down and talk
"I did indeed reach Midhillburg."
Shade spoke directly. Since he hadn't returned all afternoon, the Doctor, Dorothy, and Luvia had more or less expected this result.
The four of them sat on the sofa and listened as Shade recounted his itinerary for the day. The nuns of the House of the Blind had told him not to mention them to others, so Shade omitted the identity of the Ring-casters who had provided him with help, but no one cared about such details.
"A Grade 0 Relic?"
Everyone present was familiar with the concept, and thus they feared such power even more.
"Doctor, that was just a guess by the local Ring-casters; in reality, it's hard to say."
"Even if it isn't Unknowable-grade, the threshold between life and death is absolutely no simple place."
Luvia frowned deeply
"What is the next step?"
Regardless of whether it was an Unknowable-grade relic, it wasn't something they could resolve on their own.
"In a moment, I'm going to find a high-ranking Ring-caster living in Tobesk. She might have some ideas."
Luvia and Dorothy both knew he was referring to Miss Galina. Since this was to save Priest Augustus, Dorothy said nothing.
"Then I shall head back first and try to probe the progress of the Academy's investigation. If they aren't aware of these circumstances yet, I'll find a way to pass the information along reasonably. Shade, you really move fast," the Doctor remarked.
"My friend still has some influence in Midhillburg; I'll get in touch with them. For the upcoming actions in Midhillburg, we might need the support of secular powers," Dorothy said. Shade nodded; if he could have the cooperation of the police or even the army in an unfamiliar city, his next moves would be much more convenient.
He was simply curious as to how Lacia still had influence in Midhillburg.
"A Grade 0 Relic... I'll try to see if the Seer's Association has any relevant records."
Luvia closed her eyes
"I hope the priest can hold out until our help arrives, or that the Academy can provide a solution."
Shade tried to comfort her
"The Ring-caster friends in Midhillburg were very generous; they opened up some secret files regarding the missing persons to me. Based on past experience, a low-ranking Ring-caster like Priest Augustus can probably wander the boundary for about a week. If he still cannot find his way out after a week..."
He pursed his lips and did not continue.
Although the four of them were gathered together, no one was in the mood to suggest dinner. Thus, after agreeing to meet again at Shade's place tomorrow afternoon, they departed individually.
After a very worried Shade had dinner with Mia, he finally waited for the carriage that stopped downstairs.
It wasn't Miss Galina who had come; rather, the carriage was there to take Shade to the Duchess's manor in the suburbs.
Preoccupied with his thoughts, Shade only noticed he had forgotten to leave Mia at home once the carriage started moving. However, he didn't want to waste any more time, so he continued thinking while holding the cat.
Mia, on the other hand, was very dissatisfied with this unexpected trip. Compared to acting with Shade, she preferred waiting at home for him to return.
"Look who's here? Isn't this the King of the Rhode deck from 1853?"
As soon as he entered the manor's study, he heard the Witch teasing him.
She was sitting on the sofa, holding a small book with a closed red hardcover. If Shade wasn't mistaken, the title seemed to be *The Art of Power*.
"Shade, you really are busy. You've only just finished the Big City player event and haven't even collected your rewards yet; how did you suddenly become interested in Midhillburg?"
The Witch waved her hand, and the maids in the room went to prepare tea and snacks. Tifa stood behind Miss Galina, nodding with a smile at Shade.
"I've encountered a very troublesome matter," Shade said distressedly, then sat down while holding Mia. Because he needed to rescue Priest Augustus, he explained the current problems in as much detail as possible.
Throughout Shade's explanation, Miss Galina remained expressionless. Once he finished, she hesitated for a moment before asking
"The edge of life and death, the final region before death... Shade, are you sure you really want to involve yourself in such a thing? I don't think I need to tell you how dangerous that is."
"Priest Augustus is my friend; I cannot simply ignore it."
Shade gave a firm answer. The Witch shook her head
"I knew you'd say that. Then let's first discuss this so-called 'boundary between life and death.' I suspect the knowledge you currently possess hasn't reached that level. How should I describe it... it is not a physically existing location, nor is there a defined space to regulate the living and the dead. But because living people always believe there should be a boundary between life and death, such a place manifests. Do you understand?"
Holding the cat, Shade thought for a moment
"I think I understand."
"It's not just Midhillburg; actually, similar phenomena can appear all over the world, though Midhillburg is the most severe case. Fortunately, in the distant past—even further back than the Fifth Epoch—transcendents of the material world sealed those eerie edges of death, or rather, edges of life, across the globe. Even through the passage of time, the change of epochs, and even though the one beneath the Sical Mountains became a Relic, the seal still exists."
"If the seal exists, why did an exit abruptly open in the Midhillburg region?"
"The reason is unknown. All we know is that with the arrival of the Sixth Epoch, similar seals have become increasingly unstable. Nothing has changed in the material world, so it's likely that death itself has undergone a change," the Witch replied. Shade frowned in thought, unable to comprehend what "death has undergone a change" meant.
"Beyond basic knowledge, I can provide you with more practical help, but you must pay a price yourself."
"I still have—"
"No, that's not what I mean. Do you think I lack the few coins in your pocket?"
She mocked him. The maids brought teacups for the two of them and even prepared food for the cat in Shade's arms. The "proud" cat did not leave Shade immediately, waiting until the maids departed before jumping onto the coffee table.
Shade ignored it
"Then you mean..."
"A Great Witch resides in Midhillburg. Yes, a Great Witch. Lady Zina Cassandra, who holds the twelfth seat among the thirteen seats of the Council. She is 184 years old this year, though she looks to be in her fifties. Although she is only Tenth Ring, she is an expert in demonology and the knowledge of xeno-species. She is also the oldest among the existing Great Witches."
This meant that Lady Cassandra was the earliest among the current Great Witches to have joined the [Witches' Council].
"We usually call her 'Grandmother Cassandra.' During the incident with Darkness a while ago, most of the Council's data regarding the Pus-of-Man demons was provided by her. But unlike Sylvie—Sylvie and I have been good friends for a long time, so even if you are exposed before her, I can protect you. However, I cannot say for sure what Grandmother Cassandra's attitude toward an existence like yours would be."
"Cassandra?"
Shade thought for a moment
"I think I've heard that surname somewhere... I've seen it on a lamppost!"
"The Cassandra Auction House, specializing in antiques and art auctions. You should know the Ford Auction House in downtown Tobesk, right? That is one of the local branches of the Cassandra Auction House. It's considered one of the largest auction houses in the world. And unlike Sylvie, who inherited her family business, Grandmother Cassandra earned everything through her own struggle. She had a great teacher."
The Witch's golden eyes gazed at Shade
"Shade, for various reasons, it is impossible for me to go to Midhillburg to help you. Therefore, if you want to obtain effective help locally, Grandmother Cassandra is the best choice, but also a risky one. Regardless, I will find a way to probe Grandmother Cassandra's attitude toward your kind. If you wish to see her, I can write you a letter of introduction and inform her within the Council beforehand. It's best not to reveal that you can enter and exit the Council."
"What does Lady Cassandra think of men?" Shade asked curiously, scratching Mia's chin.
"The Witches' attitudes toward men are basically consistent, though the internal reasons differ. Sylvie truly likes pretty girls and believes the Witch's curse is a reasonable price for power. I am..."
She glanced at Tifa
"When I joined the Council, Grandmother Cassandra was already very old. I couldn't possibly ask her such a question, but it's obvious we are members of the Handkerchief Enthusiasts Association."
She said with a smile. Shade nodded in understanding
"Besides seeking help from this Great Witch, are there any other organizations in Midhillburg that can provide me with support?"
"Aside from the Witches, you could seek help from the [Spirit Cult]."
Shade had promised to keep secrets, so he hadn't revealed the matter of the "House of the Blind" just now.
"The [Spirit Cult] has a stronghold in Midhillburg?"
He pretended to know nothing, wanting Miss Galina to mention the House of the Blind.
"Not just a stronghold; the headquarters of the [Spirit Cult] is in Midhillburg," Miss Galina said, wagging her finger. Shade raised an eyebrow. Although somewhat surprised, he could understand why Ms. Michelle of the House of the Blind hadn't mentioned it. After all, he was just a stranger Ring-caster of unknown origin. Even if he had gained some trust because of Priest Augustus, the other party clearly couldn't trust him completely and immediately.