The world controlled by dice [Western Fantasy]

"You're back." Qin Duo waved a letter in his hand, with a kind of interest in his eyes, "I want to talk to you about this."

"What?" Siles walked to Qindo's side.

They are now in the study on the third floor.Today, Qin Duo still stays at home to deal with some work - such as the exam papers to be given to the students this semester and so on.However, judging by the expression on his face while holding the letter, one could tell that this matter might have nothing to do with work.

"Remember those killers? The guys who took Hurd Dreyson's grandmother to find him." Cinder said.

Siles froze for a moment before remembering.

In fact, that is not so far away.Almost ten days ago, the group of killers had arrived at Hurd's location, and Qin Duo had personally handled the matter at that time.

...Although it was only ten days ago, when I think about it now, it seems like a lifetime ago.

The killers were handed over to the Praia family.

Siles asked, "What came out of their mouths?"

While he was talking, the No. [-] doll crawled out of his bag, and trotted to stand beside the other dolls.

Qin Duo cast a curious glance, probably because he thought the puppet's movements were quite interesting.He replied: "Yes." He considered it for a while, "It should be considered useful news."

Siles was a little surprised. He glanced at the time and said, "You should go to the second floor to change clothes, Qindo. We have to go out."

"Okay, okay, I'll tell you while changing clothes." Cindo said, he got up, kissed Celes, and then held Celes' hand contentedly, and the two went to the cloakroom on the second floor .

"...The Praia family spent a little time asking these killers, their purpose, Hurd's related matters, etc." Qin Duo took off his home coat and rummaged in the closet for what he wanted to wear Clothes, "...do you think I should dress more formally?"

Siles paused, and then said with a little amusement: "It was just an ordinary dinner. Didn't you meet Bertram and Irene?"

Cinder occasionally goes to the Geisha grocery store, where he has already met the Finn family.

Qin Duo muttered something in a low voice, probably because he didn't agree with Siles' idea, so he said, "Then I'll wear a shirt."

Of course, generally speaking, when he was wearing a shirt, he was wearing a Celeste shirt.Because Qin Duo himself never took the initiative to buy shirts.

"It's all right." Siles said, "So what did the killers say?"

"Uh..." Qin Duo thought for a while, "By the way, about Hurd. As you guessed, they really didn't want to kill Hurd directly, but planned to use Hurd's grandmother as his determination to join the organization." prove.

"They want Hurd to kill their grandmother. This is probably the definition of this group of people... determination? Will? Or loyalty. They want to test Hurd... What do you think of this? "

Cendo took a shirt out of the closet.

Siles looked up, and then said honestly, "I think all the shirts in the closet are pretty much the same."

Qin Duo showed a subtle expression, and he shrugged: "Okay, then this one." He put it on, and before buttoning it, he said thoughtfully, "Do you think I should wear it?" ..."

Siles hooked the chain of the pocket watch with his index finger, and shook it.He reminded Qin to pay more attention to time.

Ginto shut up.

Siles put the pocket watch in his pocket, took two steps forward, and buttoned Cendo's shirt: "They want to test Hurd's will...and then?"

"...I think you are testing my will." Qin Duo murmured in a low voice, "Well...they count on Hurd to be their guide in Lamifa City."

Siles was a little surprised to hear this.

"Unfortunately, I couldn't find out from their mouths what those people were planning to do when they came to Lamifa City. However, these killers did say that they originally wanted to start with Hurd's identity. After all, De The Layson family has some contacts in Lamifa City." Qin Duo said.

Siles said thoughtfully: "They are not familiar with the city of Lamifah. Even though Ebenezer Const was once the heir to the Principality of Const, he has been away for 14 years after all.

"At this moment, Hurd is the right person ... to help them understand Ramifa City."

"So they do intend to do something in Ramifa City," Cindo said, buttoning his cuff buttons, "but we still don't know exactly what they're going to do."

Siles helped Cindo button the shirt, and then adjusted the collar of the shirt.

"Thank you." Qin Duo said affectionately, "Can I thank you with a kiss?"

"Is that a thank you to me or to you?" Siles laughed softly, but he still kissed Qindo.

"...can't... go deeper?" Qin Duo protested indignantly, "I even changed my clothes in front of you just now...but you just posted it!"

Siles is still unmoved, he knows Qin Duo too well.He just said, "Who just said I was testing his will?"

Qin was at a loss for words.

"And we're going out," said Siles. "At night?"

"...I was just thinking about a kiss, but when you say that, my mind is full of things for the night." Qin Duo murmured softly, "You overestimated my will."

Siles looked at Qindo thoughtfully.He thought of Qinduo's big failure in the determination of will - indeed, Qinduo's will attribute of 99 points was still vulnerable to Siles.

He couldn't help smiling.

Qin Duo also laughed. He rubbed Siles' cheek and said in a low voice, "However, I already feel very happy—as long as I'm with you."

"Me too." Sirius kissed him again.

The change of clothes made Cendo's hair a little messy, so Siles re-braided it for him.Of course, he can only tie, not make up.In the end, Qin Duo braided the slightly longer hair by himself.

When they were ready, they went downstairs together.

"...By the way, I have prepared a gift." Qin Duo suddenly remembered, "Wait a minute, I'll go get it."

Siles was a little surprised, he felt that Qin Duo's attitude seemed too serious.But... this feeling is quite ironic.

He waited patiently, thinking about something.

When Cinder came downstairs with a gift bag, he noticed Sirius' thoughtful expression.He asked, "What are you thinking?"

"When I was just at the Historical Society, I got an inspiration." Siles said.

Qin Duo asked curiously, "What is it?"

"I can't tell yet," said Siles.

Qin Duo: "..."

Although he knew the identity of Siles as the "Keeper of Secrets", but...

He said indignantly: "Then you obviously don't need to mention this matter—so you are still keeping a secret!"

Siles laughed, and he reached out to touch Gyndo's cheek to reassure his partner."Just not in the real world. I'll tell you later," he said.

Qin Duo became even more curious because of these words.What things can only be said in a dream?

... He had to admit that this curiosity even diluted his anticipation for something tonight.

When they arrived at the restaurant that they had agreed with the Fein family, Qin Duo thoughtfully and suspiciously crossed a thought: His beloved god couldn't deliberately arouse his curiosity, right?

But he didn't think about these things anymore.He felt a little nervous.

Siles was talking about some things in the city with Bertram. He held Qindo's hand under the table without any trace, and then felt that Qindo beside him seemed to calm down in an instant.

He glanced sideways at Qin Duo to confirm that his feelings were not wrong.This change made him feel a little dumbfounded.

Qin Duo handed the gift he had prepared to the Finn family.Bertram, Irene, Anthony, he has prepared gifts for these three people.

The gift Bertram received was an exquisite smoking pipe; Irene's gift was a set of sweater needles that had recently been put on the market and were said to be more convenient for knitting; Anthony's gift was the latest collection of adventure novelist Arvid Norton. works.

Not particularly expensive, but quite in line with their respective preferences.

They talked about everyday topics for a while, and then they talked about the Geisha grocery store business, the progress of the Ernestine Fair, the changes in the West Side, and so on.These topics seem quite commonplace.

"Lamifa City seems to be slowly getting on the right track of development." Bertram sighed and said, "It would be great if the followers of the old gods stopped making trouble, or if they never appeared again."

Both Siles and Cendo were silent on this hypothesis.

Bertram didn't ask too much, he just smiled wryly and said, "It's unlikely, is it?"

"The three of you all seem so pessimistic." Irene said slightly dissatisfied, "But things have to be done step by step. Look, aren't we already a little better than hundreds of years ago in the Fog Age?"

Everyone else nodded.

Anthony pretended to be deep and said: "Live every day, and life must continue."

Several adults turned to look at the boy.

Anthony coughed and whispered, "School is about to start, and I'm reviewing what I've learned before."

Several adults then discussed Anthony's grades.This almost made Anthony angry.

The topic related to the followers of the old gods seemed to slip away lightly, but Bertram still asked afterward.He said, "Professor, did something happen to Never Embers?"

He knew that in the past period of time, Sirius and Qindo went to the land of no embers.

Bertram Finn has not been to the Land of Never to trade for a long time. It should be said that he has turned the focus of his life to his family, and his current assets are enough for this family to live well.

However, he couldn't help but feel worried because of Siles' silence just now.

Siles thought for a while and said, "This May...do you know about the Graves family?"

The Graves family was a well-known real estate developer in Lamifah City, and Bertram naturally had some dealings with them.

After the incident with the Graves family, the principality only said that the family was involved in some illegal activities, but if people are willing to investigate, they will definitely hear a lot of rumors, for example, this family may be the old god follower or wait.

Bertram obviously heard something from other merchants, so his expression changed immediately.

"This matter doesn't seem to be completely over yet." Siles said, "Afterwards, there may be some chaos and changes in Ramifa City...you should pay attention to safety."

Qin Duo added on the side: "In the land of no embers, the actions of the followers of the old gods will be more crazy and radical, and that's why we noticed the clues of their actions."

Bertram couldn't help frowning.He said: "The Graves family... If you need it, I can help you investigate. Is there any fish in this family who slipped through the net, or is there a close friend?"

Siles thought for a while, and didn't reject Bertram's offer, he just emphasized: "However, we still have to be careful."

"I understand," said Bertram.

Irene said from the side: "The Graves family... Then after this family's accident, where did their family's assets go?"

Bertram thought for a while and explained: "Part of it should be handed over to the Duchy of Constance... Of course, specifically, those nobles and businessmen. They may buy those assets at a relatively low price .

"If there is no accident, it is mainly the ownership of the house, management rights, etc. After all, the Graves family's industry is mainly real estate.

"The other part is the assets of the Graves family itself, wealth owned in private name, collections, land deeds, personal items, etc. This part may be temporarily contained and inspected, and those without problems may flow into the auction market.

"Of course, if some people have connections, they will definitely buy some of the things they want in advance. After all, Graves is also a big family, and they probably have some interesting collections.

"Many merchants are actually looking at these things. After Jonathan Bryant's accident, some collections of the Bryant family made several merchants a fortune. They can resell these things, and someone will always be willing to buy them.

"...If the news from my side is correct, the investigation and handling of this matter has come to an end. Maybe after a while, these things will enter the market, or be bought by someone in advance."

Erin nodded thoughtfully.

Anthony said carelessly: "Is there any problem with these things?" He thought for a while, "Just like Grayson before..."

"We're eating, Anthony," Irene whispered.

Anthony shut his mouth immediately.

However, his idea inspired several adults.

"It's a cause for concern," Cindo said. "However, there is a premise that official investigators don't find out about these items and allow them to enter the market. ... This is also possible."

"Besides... what if the Graves family still has accomplices in Lamifah City?" Bertram pondered, "They may rush to buy some specific and special items to hide their existence."

Irene said suspiciously: "In other words, those items of the Graves family can help us identify this group of accomplices? Are they really so careless?"

"But people didn't know about the problems with the Graves family before," Siles said. "If this kind of 'thing' really exists, it may be ironclad evidence after the East Window incident at a later date. Some people may be guilty and can't wait. to buy it."

As he spoke, he thought about it.

According to Siles' understanding of this group of shadow believers, these "hidden people" who were "stocked"—these, like the Dreyson family, lived in the city of Lamifa and were not noticed by others. Slowly move away from the belief in "shadow".

Of course, this crazy belief is still in their blood, just waiting for a moment to be awakened.

However, before they are awakened, they are still considered normal people; even if they are really on the verge of madness, it may not be impossible to stop their madness and decline.

At least for now, they are considered normal people.

The reason why the Dreyson family left Lamifa City after the incident in May was because Hurd Dreyson failed to complete the expected plan, so the entire Dreyson family would be punished—even though This punishment did not materialize.

However, some similar families still lurking in Lamifa City are still in a "hidden" state.

They may have dealt with the Graves family without knowing each other's true colors, considering the power of the Graves family in Lamifa City.

After the incident with the Graves family, they may not know that this family has the same beliefs as themselves. After all, there is not much information about what happened in May from the outside world.

But now, more and crazier shadow believers are coming to Lamifa City.

Like the Dreyson family, this group of shadow believers may have sent "workers" to notify these families in Lamifa City before arriving.

Their original target may have been Hurd Dreyson.But Hurd accidentally escaped, so they may be counting on other "hidden people" to be their guides in the city of Ramifah.

At this juncture, things may appear a little clearer to these "hidden ones."

That is, they might learn about the existence of the Dreysons (as a proof of their existence), and the existence of the Graves (as a warning to them not to act rashly).

However, this group of families who have been at ease in Lamifa City for a long time (although it is not sure how many there are), how many of them can keep calm under the sudden news?

The current situation is not the same as that faced by the Dreyson family.Back then, the Dreyson family only needed to sacrifice Hurd alone, and they made this choice quite easily.

However, now this group of "hidden people" must gamble their lives and family honor for hundreds of years on this matter.

This determination has a completely different meaning from the determination made by the Dreyson family.

Furthermore, if some families have a flexible and rapid news network, they may still know that not all members of the Dreyson family are actually dead.

This further weakens the deterrent power of shadow believers to this group of "hidden people".

... After all, 400 years have passed since the period of the fog.Things are not the same as they used to be.

These aristocratic families in Lamifa City, especially those families with the belief of the old gods, even intentionally or unintentionally began to exclude young people.

For example, the Harrison family, the Grant family, and the Dreyson family. In these families, the elders understand the beliefs and past of the family, but for the young, they only know some of the past stories of their own family.

None of them knew that their family actually had certain beliefs in gods—in fact, young people today feel that the old gods are quite far away.

And what was the original living environment of these shadow believers rushing towards Lamifa City?

They live in Middleton, a country that is still conservative and has always maintained the belief in Amois; a large part of them may have lived on an isolated island in the Folio Sea, surviving in an unimaginably harsh environment.

They knew nothing about this group of noble families living in the gentle village of Lamifa City.They thought that this group of "hidden people" could still maintain a fairly pious belief...

... Indeed, the group of "hidden people" in the oasis in the mist are like this; but the city of Ramifa is not an oasis in the mist.The living conditions and economic environment of the two are very different.

Ebenezer Const probably knew something about Ramifa City, but that was also his knowledge 14 years ago.After the development plan of the withered wasteland and the reconstruction plan of Lamifa City are in full swing, the thoughts of the residents of Lamifa City have also changed.

In other words, the cognition of shadow believers seems to be quite inconsistent with reality.

... This kind of thinking error is similar to the situation faced by the "shadow" of their beliefs.Siles thought.

As for these "hidden people"—these families who hide in Lamifa City like the Dreyson family, are they really as loyal as the shadow believers imagined?

Consider the Dreyson family.

When they were in the oasis in the mist, those three people could barely rely on their willpower to ensure that they did not step into the scope of the village.Although Siles' judgment also helped, but in the end, they were also struggling.

As for Hud Dreyson, he has even completely shaken off the shadow of family beliefs.

... Siles was surprised to realize that when they were struggling to find a breakthrough, someone who might be able to help had already appeared in front of them.

"These ... possible associates of the Graves family," said Siles, "could appear to be quite weak and indecisive.

"They may force themselves to participate in this operation under subjective and objective pressure; they may also have the idea that if this operation fails, they may be able to retreat unscathed.

"...So, they may want to destroy their connection with this matter. For example, they may have information about contacting, exchanging and even cooperating with the Graves family."

The plot of the Graves family stretched on for two full centuries.In the end, they even chose to use the Darrow family from the same origin as their experimental subjects.

Under such circumstances, is it possible for those families hiding in the dark to know some clues and even provide help secretly?

The Dreysons probably didn't, but what about the other families?

Clues to this situation had indeed not been found in Siles' previous investigations; but that might have been because the assistance they had provided was rather veiled, or some kind of trivial exchange.

For example... this kind of help happened in that mysterious artist department?

In this way, it is of course impossible for others to investigate.

The Graves business is over.As Bertram said, the family's assets are going to be auctioned off.But in case this conspiracy that will happen in the future is revealed, the situation will be completely different.

As Siles said, "It's a guilty conscience."

Siles thought for a while and asked, "Bertram, will you participate in the auction of the Graves family's assets?"

"I have an invitation, but the date hasn't been set yet," Bertram said. "I wasn't particularly interested... now it looks like I'll have to go."

"Just observe the situation of those buyers. You don't have to buy anything yourself." Siles reminded, "And those things...may not be safe."

Bertram nodded earnestly.

Siles thanked him.

He thought to himself, if someone really chooses to do this, then he can try to get something out of him.Even if you can't be too radical in reality, you can try it in your dreams.

The problem they are troubled with right now is that they don't know what this group of shadow believers are going to do.

However, when this group of shadow believers might use the traitors from the Dawn Apocalypse, Siles also wanted to look for the traitors among the shadow believers.

In this struggle, information will always come first.Siles is perhaps the one who knows this best.

The topic of followers of the old gods came to an end.Irene talked about some ordinary daily topics in a timely manner, which gradually eased the solemn atmosphere.

After dinner, they said goodbye to each other and went home.

"...Do you think this is a breakthrough?" Qin Duo turned the topic back to the previous matter.

The Fein family was not aware of the existence of the "shadow", nor did they know many details, and it was not good for the two of them to discuss those dangerous and terrifying information in front of the family.

However, this matter is indeed worth paying attention to.

"Yes." Siles said, "The shadow believers may have gone completely mad, but the members of these families may not have."

In the dark, they walked arm in arm along the boulevard back to 99 Kelly Street.The cool breeze of summer night dispels the sweltering heat of the rainy season, but it also hints at the scorching heat to come.

Cindo whispered, "At least it's worth a try."

Siles agrees with this.

After returning home, they tacitly did not mention the followers of the old gods.There are other things--something more light-hearted--that are worth their while.

The next morning, Siles received a letter from Ramifa University.

"I thought this letter would arrive a little later." Sirius whispered, staring at the name of the sender on the envelope—Nolan Hurst.Dean of the Faculty of Arts and History of La Mifa University.

"But school will start tomorrow." Qin Duo leaned on Siles and said lazily, "If you don't send it over, I'm afraid it will be too late."

Siles did agree with this statement.School will start tomorrow, and he has no real feeling yet.

But this letter from Dean Nolan Hearst just rightly drew him into the affairs of La Mifa University.

According to what Professor Bright said before, the ancestor of Dean Hearst, Absolon Hearst, was a scholar from Tauchtia, the capital of the Sardinian Empire. It was he who established the Ramifah University.

So Nolan Hirst organizes a secret gathering on campus to share some ancient and mysterious documents.That seems to be only available to professors at the professional director level and above.

After Siles took over as director of the Department of Literary History, he never heard anything about it.until now.

He had anticipated the content of the letter.

"...

"Dear Professor Sirius Noel:

“I am very glad to hear that you have become the dean of the Department of Literary History. I am happy to see some young professors gradually occupy important positions in the school, which means that we have gradually completed the inheritance of knowledge. Any era needs such a process.

"I am very much looking forward to your performance in this position, and I am more than happy to provide you with guidance or assistance in any sense, if you are willing.

"I will be waiting for you every Sunday morning at nine o'clock in the west reception hall on the basement level of La Mifa University. There are some other old guys with me. This is one of our usual gatherings, and now I am very You are cordially invited to participate.

"I think your novel academic perspective and excellent academic background will bring new insights to us old guys. I am very much looking forward to the gathering next Sunday.

"Nolan Hirst.

"By the way, don't be too nervous, Siles. You can treat this as an ordinary academic exchange meeting, although the topic may be a little esoteric."

Dean Hearst's letter outlined his intentions succinctly, and it happened to be exactly what Sirius had in mind—an invitation to that private party.

Qin Duo was a little puzzled and said, "There is also a basement floor at La Mifa University?"

Siles thought for a while, and replied: "There should be... Doesn't the library have an underground area? However, there seems to be no stairs leading to the underground in the main castle."

After thinking for a while, Qin Duo said, "A test?"

"But since the invitation letter has been sent, there seems to be no need to embarrass me on this matter." Siles said a little doubtfully, "Maybe I can ask Professor Bright later."

Qin Duo also nodded.

"Lessons are due tomorrow." Sirius whispered, and he put the letter back in the envelope.

Qin Duo suddenly fell into deep thought, and after a while, he said in a tactful tone: "Although I don't know whether I should say that, but...do you remember your thesis?"

Siles: "..."

He was silent for a moment, then sighed."I'm going to the school library tomorrow morning," he said.

"Okay, okay. I am happy to accompany you." Qin Duo said with a smile.

In the morning they were still working on their work.Siles wrote several letters, including to Langmere (referring to the Graves family), to the Church of the Past (in the capacity of Mr. Xia), and to other acquaintances he knew.

After all, he returned to Lamifa City after a long journey, so besides business, he should also say hello to some acquaintances.

In the afternoon, Siles sent a letter, and then went to Bain's bookstore alone to attend a novelist gathering.Rather, he just arranged for himself a period of rest.

"Good afternoon, Professor. Have you returned to Ramifa City?" Ms. Antonia Cumming, a detective novelist, greeted him with a smile.

Still a familiar trio.Detective novelists Antonia Cumming and Maynard Daves, and adventure novelist Arvid Norton.

Mond Goldsmith, Doreen Lucas, and other novelists whom Siles met are not here today.

"Yes." Siles sat down, "I just came back not long ago. Ramifa University is about to start."

"...I almost forgot that you still have the status of a university professor." Maynard said to himself.

Arvid laughed at him and said, "You can't think of what to write in your new novel, so your brain is almost dry."

Maynard rolled his eyes at him: "You published a new novel quietly. Arvid, look at you, you are out of tune with us!"

Arvid was at a loss for words, and he looked around—Antonia: It is said that he directly rejected the publisher's reminder letter; Maynard: he has no clue about the new novel; Siles: busy, no time to write.

In the end, he couldn't help being silent for a moment, and he said a little puzzled: "I really seem out of place... Wait, shouldn't it be you who come to reflect on it?"

Antonia thought for a while and said, "I do have some inspiration recently."

"Oh, what are you going to write?"

"Several detective novelists were discussing the idea of ​​a new novel, and it turned out that someone actually killed people according to their idea." Antonia said, she thought for a while, and added, "I'm not sure whether these events happened here. within a group of novelists, or to other people.”

"Sounds very interesting!" Maynard's eyes lit up, "This feeling of interweaving reality and fantasy is quite fascinating!"

Arvid also thinks this idea is quite interesting, he said: "However, it is unlikely that such a thing will actually happen in reality."

"How many of the crime methods in mystery novels can be reproduced in reality? They are just fictional ideas." Antonia said gently, "These methods are because of their exquisiteness and uniqueness, which make people's eyes shine; not Because of its authenticity."

"Indeed." Arvid nodded.

However, his expression seemed to be saying, "How can someone feel that their eyes are bright because of the exquisite way of committing crimes?"

Maynard said with a bit of disdain: "In reality, is there really anyone who takes risks according to your adventure novel? You don't even know anything about Everland, let alone those explorers of Neverember.

"Detective novels, mystery novels ... even romance novels, the same. People are just looking for the excitement that they can't get themselves. It is impossible for anyone to believe that the stories in the novels are true.

"Illusion is its charm."

Antonia added: "I have heard an interesting story."

The rest looked at her.Siles also withdrew from his own thoughts and listened quietly.

Antonia said: "There once was a criminal...a murderer, or something. He escaped the law, but before he died, he thought he had done something so well that no one knew about it, and he felt very sorry for it. Pity.

"So, he wrote a novel and wrote his own story in this novel. Readers only thought this book was a wonderful story, until a keen detective discovered the hidden truth in this story, Terrible truth."

Maynard opened his mouth in surprise, and said, "This is really... a crazy move. There is a real secret in the book that no one knows!"

"It wasn't until he died that people found out about this?" Arvid asked a little uneasily.

"No, if I remember correctly, he ended up dying in prison," said Antonia.

"I like the ending," Maynard said. "Evil comes around...don't look at me like that, Arvid. Don't think I'm a murderer just because I devised some bizarre killing methods."

Arvid smiled mischievously.

Siles commented: "It would be wonderful indeed if the story ended like this."

Everyone else was taken aback.

Siles explained: "I mean, the story starts with No. 1, falsely claiming that the story is a memoir. 'I' is the criminal, and it's done in a reminiscent tone, with some smug narration that can be added.

"When everyone thinks that the protagonist has escaped legal sanctions, the last chapter can be a very rigorous investigation report, or a police detective's dictation.

"This part tells the story of a police detective who stumbled upon this memoir, investigated the identity of the real murderer, and arrested the 'me' in the previous story."

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