Revelations and Rules

After a cup of tea, Sophia’s eyes finally cleared a little.

Sophia clutched her head, cautiously asking, “I… last night? What did I say after I got drunk?”

“Well, about that,” Iordera said tactfully, “you said everything you should have, and everything you shouldn’t have.”

The teenager’s expression instantly became incredibly vivid.

“So, you already know…”

“Yes, I know, but it’s fine,” Iordera patted her shoulder. “We’re in the same boat, don’t worry.”

Even with that reassurance, Sophia remained uneasy. “Then, then…”

“Truly, don’t worry. Who doesn’t have secrets these days?” Iordera pondered for a moment, then performed a theatrical 360-degree head turn. “Look at me; you wouldn’t think I’m a normal person, would you?”

Then she watched as Sophia tilted her head, closing her eyes once more.

“Hey? Little sister? Sophia? Wake up, Sophia!”

Honestly, it’s one thing for a young loli to be frail and easily startled, but how could a beautiful, vibrant teenager with exceptional martial prowess have such poor mental fortitude?

Never mind. It was daytime anyway, and for Sharp’s Workshop, daytime meant closing hours.

Iordera pulled down the rolling shutter of the shop and locked the door.

Sleep a little longer.

****

In the Headmistress’s office at the United Academy administration building, Louisa gazed with a mixture of nervousness and excitement at the paper in Hecate’s hand.

More precisely, at *the* paper Hecate held.

“The first chapter of the Hundred-Year Manuscript,” Hecate announced, placing the paper down. “It’s been deciphered.”

Louisa eagerly picked it up to read.

[Day 1, Clear]

[I still remember that day, the weather was beautiful, and my mood was excellent. I was walking along the path to the Grand Hall.]

[It was a special day, one where I could never have imagined I would make a decision that would cause me immense pain.]

[Over these two hundred years, it has been a journey from hope to doubt, then to despair, and finally to endless regret.]

[All my well-intentioned plans stemmed from this.]

The words on the single sheet were few, yet they left Louisa utterly bewildered. “What does this mean? I don’t quite understand it.”

“Esteemed Headmistress,” Hecate said with a smile, “the Hundred-Year Manuscript isn’t a diary Sheila wrote for a hundred years. In fact, she compiled that period of history as a memoir sometime recently.”

“Then what does ‘Day 1’ signify?” Louisa inquired.

“It’s likely the first day a certain plan of hers was put into motion,” Hecate explained with conviction. “Since it begins with ‘Day 1,’ it suggests this plan spanned at least a century.”

So that was it.

Louisa grew excited, feeling as if she were but a single step away from a top-secret piece of history.

“What about the rest?”

“The rest will need to be gradually deciphered. This is only the first chapter; the next one will take at least ten days to half a month,” Hecate replied gracefully. “Headmistress, please don’t rush; good work takes time.”

Louisa handed the paper back. “Then make it as quick as you can.”

“Of course.”

****

Hecate exited the Headmistress’s office, vanishing from the spot only to reappear in a room on the library’s rooftop.

She lifted her hand, picking up the *Saroyan Night Market Evening Post*, and glanced at it.

[Many people have recently arrived in Saroyan, and the night market has seen a significant influx of new task-takers. This increase in manpower has further boosted the night market’s prosperity, which is undoubtedly exciting news.]

[However, a few newcomers remain remarkably mysterious. They have not contacted any intermediaries, yet they are frequently seen searching for something in the streets and alleys. This disregard for established rules is equally unsettling.]

[Our resident bard invites readers to share their thoughts on such behavior. We look forward to your letters, which will be featured in our next issue…]

Hecate lowered the newspaper, a slight curve gracing her lips.

‘Some things, it seems, are finally about to begin.’

****

“Breaking the rules? What does that mean?”

Iordera sat in the tavern, looking bewildered at Cat Head.

That day, as usual, she had come to the tavern to see if there were any suitable tasks, but unfortunately, she hadn’t found any. Feeling a little apologetic, Cat Head struck up a conversation with her, which naturally led to the topic in the newspaper.

“It means newcomers to Saroyan who don’t understand the rules, bypassing the night market and intermediaries to operate independently,” Cat Head explained. “Such individuals are unsettling because we know nothing about them.”

He slid a glass of wine across to her, then continued, “A young beauty like you, on the other hand, is a positive example. Though new, you abide by the rules, coming to the tavern at night to seek tasks. This way, those of us in the circuit generally know your identity and approximate strength.”

Iordera paused, surprised. “So, you know all that about me?”

“You’re an upright individual from the United Academy, skilled and just, aren’t you? After all, you haven’t deliberately hidden your tracks,” Cat Head said, swirling his glass.

Iordera did not deny it.

Cat Head went on, “But those who don’t follow the rules are different. They’ve never come to the tavern, nor have they sought me out. No one knows where they come from, which faction they belong to, or what they intend to do.”

Iordera tilted her head. “That makes people uneasy?”

“Of course. For example, like your first task, which was snatched away at the last moment,” Cat Head scoffed. “A team operating in the shadows, unknown, well-equipped, and effective—no one knows how much trouble they might cause.”

‘They had caused him to lose a substantial sum in intermediary fees.’

Iordera suddenly understood. “Ah, I see.”

Indeed, having her last task snatched away had angered her for quite some time.

‘Hopefully, it won’t affect my daily life.’

Iordera’s current life was quite pleasant. She had borrowed 100 gold coins from Hecate, only spending 25 on cake, leaving her with plenty of funds.

So there was no rush to take on tasks. She spent her days leisurely in the library and her evenings checking on the beast-eared lolis in the cellar. Life was truly wonderful.

Upon discovering their new clothes, the two maids were overjoyed.

“Young Miss, this fabric isn’t cheap, is it? And it’s pure handmade, wow!”

Iordera puffed out her small chest, utterly proud. “It’s not cheap, but I didn’t spend a single coin.”

Nina paused, slightly stunned, then involuntarily lowered her voice. “Young Miss, did you… steal them?”

“Saroyan’s laws are quite strict,” Yuna said, setting the clothes down, and offered a suggestion. “Perhaps we should run?”

Iordera couldn’t help but laugh and cry at the same time. “What are you thinking? I helped someone, and they showed their gratitude.”

“Such a thing happened?”

“Of course! That’s why I say, always do good deeds. As the saying goes, ‘what you seek will seek you,’ and good deeds always bring good fortune.”

Nina and Yuna, relieved, picked up the clothes again and held them against themselves.

Nina replied casually, “There’s no need for us to do good deeds; Young Miss will do them.”

“Exactly! With Young Miss around, why would we need to do it ourselves?”

‘Good heavens, even accumulating good karma can be outsourced? Should I eat your meals for you too?’