The world controlled by dice [Western Fantasy]

Among the materials about Atkinia that Dorothea brought from home was a book that Siles had never found in the library of the University of Ramifa, and two other manuscripts.

The book is a history of art published by a private publisher, and the manuscripts are part of the notes of a little-known representative of Atkinya, and part of the notes of a biographer writing a biography of the representative (The biography was never published).

Most of the privately published collections are more candid and outspoken, and may contain references to some lesser-known events in history; the latter is the more surprising to Siles, who is, after all, Atkinya's agent.

Each god has a greater or lesser number of agents.

These agents are existences between humans and gods. Some agents are indeed human beings, but some agents come out of thin air, such as Cynthia to Akamala, and the early Mr. Xia to Antina. m.

Atkinya's agent, named Justus Chitty, is indeed a human being, just like Mrs. Debliss, the former agent of Menawaka.

Although one of these two agents lived in the middle of the Silent Period and the other lived in the late Silent Period, another thing they have in common is that they both witnessed, or experienced, the fall of the gods.

There is no doubt that Menawacca fell in Tauhetia, the capital of the Sardinian Empire, and many of the inhabitants of Tauhetia at the time witnessed the scene of the scales tipping.

However, the fall of Atkinya is another story.

Indeed, all his followers heard that inhuman scream; to this day, people can stumble upon Atkinya's stardust in every corner of Fischer's world.

However, under the circumstances at that time, who could guarantee that Atkinya's scream would mean his fall?

Therefore, in a short period of time, Atkinya's believers had to take the initiative to prove that the gods they believed in had really fallen.Do they want this answer?

"...

"I think we're the closest to him.

"There will be no other believers as blessed as we are to receive the 'inspiration' He bestows. When we face those works and see the concepts hidden in them, we feel that we have been sleeping in His arms .

"...

"And it makes us worry and panic. The painful thing is, we've become addicted to this 'inspiration' and we can't quit ... we can't quit this belief.

"...

"Of course I know that believers of other gods are different from us. The more we believe in him, the more sensitive our nerves become, and the more frightened we want to control this 'inspiration', but the more he torture us like this.

"Do we believe in gods, or, 'inspiration'?

"...

"One thing I know is that the reason why many artists believe in Atkinya is very utilitarian.

"You can say, of course, we just want to create a piece of work, we just want to be famous in history, we just want to be famous... and we can't do without Him if we want to achieve this result.

"...But, the thing is, why does it have to be like this?

"The gods have fallen one after another, and this world has become something we don't know. And why... wouldn't Atkinya be one of them?

"Perhaps, many people, many of his believers, are cheering for his fall.

"Because, that means...our 'inspiration' is free.

"...

"You'd think that was ridiculous, wouldn't you?

"One thing I really agree with is that we do have a pure appreciation for Him. Exactly.

"However, it's as if He robbed us of all our money, and then gave us some pocket money regularly. At this time, we still have to thank Him...yes, thank Him, thank God for his kindness.

"thank you very much.

"...

"Does my saying that make you think we're blasphemy.

"One of the things that's interesting is that 'blasphemy' is a concept that's used a lot in art. I say that in a very objective sense. That's what art is, and everything, good or bad, exists in art. among.

"So, objectively speaking, no one will deny that there is indeed such a thing as 'blasphemy', and even gods and their believers will be annoyed by it.

"Then the question is, will Atkinya be offended by 'blasphemy'?

"It's very interesting—maybe you won't believe it when you say it, but there is indeed a devout believer who once received an 'inspiration' about 'blasphemy'.

"...

"Don't look so surprised, sir. I'm very grateful that you want to write a biography of me, so I want to say what I really think... or what no one dares to say.

"I am His agent, yes. Some people think that I am the implementer of His 'will'. However, I would be curious, does He really have a 'will'? A will like a human being?

"People would feel that He must have.

"People will think, since gods are more powerful than humans, why don't gods have the will and self-awareness of humans?

"But... sir, think about it the other way around, what is human will? Are people proud of it? But people always think that gods are superior to others. Since gods are superior to others, why do gods have human will? Woolen cloth?

"Is the will of man necessarily noble and great? Does God have to have this kind of 'will'? Maybe the gods don't care about it?

"God or man, which one is more arrogant?

"Man defines God, or does God define man?

"...

"We can't help thinking about these questions. As I said before, we are so close to Him that we have to think about these questions.

"I'm getting closer to him.

"Now I'm older too. The shock of the earliest awareness of his fall has worn off. Sadly, I've accepted it with great equanimity, realizing that sooner or later we'll meet this day.

"Because, sooner or later, he will fall.

"His fall is not because of our lack of pious beliefs, not because of the terrible and bottomless black abyss and blue sky, not because the age of gods is slowly passing.

"It's because it is impossible for a defined 'art' to exist forever.

"...

"He will fall sooner or later, by his own hands."

These were the last words uttered by Atkinya's representative in his conversation with the biographer.

The biographer was evidently horrified by Justus Chitty's outbursts.He is probably thinking, even if Atkinya has fallen, you, the agent, shouldn't be so offensive to the gods, right?

As a result, the plan to publish a biography of Justus was put on hold indefinitely.Only a part of the manuscript and the transcript of the conversation survived, and it has been read by Siles until today.

He was surprised that this manuscript would be collected by the Grant family—after all, didn't the Grant family believe in Thaddeus?

These followers of Thaddeus used their belief in Atkinia to cover up the essential secrets, but they did better one by one, and even such top-secret manuscripts could be collected.

. . . No wonder, however, that Dorothea had not read the manuscript.

This is a conversation that happened in the middle of the Silence Period!For people of that era, Justus's ideas were too advanced.Even the people in the Mist Age, most of them are unlikely to agree with this idea.

But Siles does agree with some of them.

The relationship between gods and humans in Fischer's world gave Sirius a weird and deformed feeling.

Believers do not sincerely believe in gods, and gods do not sincerely respond to believers.Of course, that may have been the case in the beginning, but things quickly changed.

... It's hard to say what exactly caused this situation.

Perhaps it can be said that Antinam's method of dividing power was not very wise, or it could be said that the power of these old gods came from humans after all, or it could be said that the invasion of "Shadow" changed everything in an instant. all.

...The Age of Shadows.Siles thought.That era that was forgotten by all, that blank and bloody 1000 years.

He was suddenly interested in what was really going on in this era.

It's a secret.

And first of all, he knew that this secret was covered up by Anti-Num, and secondly, he didn't seem to have the ability to understand this secret.After all, the Shadow Age is simply forgotten, not non-existent.

Through the long river of time, he can still go to the Shadow Period to see for himself the style and scene of that era.

...Perhaps this matter can be arranged for tomorrow night.

This is just based on his curiosity about the history of the Shadow Era, not to solve the "shadow"... Well, maybe it can help him solve the "shadow", but first of all, it is not entirely for the "shadow".

While thinking, Siles sorted out the few books and manuscripts in front of him, then left the study and returned to the bedroom to rest.For him, this is a rare night where he can give his attention completely to his interests.

...Of course, there is also Qin Duo.

The next morning, Siles went to La Mifah University to meet with the two apprentices. They didn't get any new news about the Fillmore family, which was expected by Siles.

Dorothea mentioned the painting of the painter Leon to her grandfather Adolphus Grant, and got the expected answer-he actually felt that keeping this painting and keeping this secret, Quite troublesome.

So, if something happened, he might be eager to throw the trouble away.This made Sirius feel helpless.

In addition, Dorothea also mentioned the Kermit family to Sirius.

"When we were discussing this family yesterday, I thought that I had heard something from my grandfather. After I got home last night, I thought about it carefully and recalled it, and I also asked my grandfather." Dorothea said.

The Kermits were investors behind many theaters and troupes, and the Grants were always related to "art", so it was not surprising that Dorothea heard about the Kermits from her grandfather.

The point is, when the Kermits are linked to a murder, what message does Dorothea have in mind.

Dorothea paused, and then said: "Recently, the newspapers are still full of reports about the murder in the theater district, so I took this opportunity to mention the Kermit family to Grandpa.

"Then he talked to me about the family too...and I wondered what I'd heard before...namely, 'theatre district rules.'"

Sirius' eyes moved slightly.

He had heard about this rule not long ago at Carlos Ranmier's.

Twenty or thirty years ago, the same death happened in the theater district...an accident, to be exact.

An actor with the qualifications of a revelation accidentally reproduced a murder scene in history on the stage, so the originally harmless prop sword really released awe-inspiring murderous intent, killing the actor who played with him on the spot.

This incident caused a terrible impact on public opinion at that time. The two actors died and the other went crazy. The ending can be said to be quite tragic.

From this came the so-called "Rules of the Theater District."

The content of this rule is that the theater area should try to avoid similar accidents from happening again, and prevent the power of the revelation from appearing on the stage as much as possible; if a similar accident does happen, then everyone must unite to prevent leakage information.

... In fact, this rule has always been in effect. At least Siles has never seen any news in the newspapers mentioning that the weapon used by the murderer is actually a prop knife. It appears that a batch of props has been stolen from that theater.

All in all, the murder that happened in the theater district today is almost the same as the accident at that time: the same ceremony, the same props, and the same happened on the stage.

However, one was indeed an accident (at least according to the news he heard now), and the other was a brutal murder.

Therefore, Siles suspects that the shadow believers are indeed using the "rules of the theater district" to set off a storm of public opinion and intensify the conflict between ordinary people and the apocalypse.

Although their plan has not been realized, on the one hand, it may be because of Siles' decisive countermeasures, and on the other hand, it may be because public opinion has not really fermented, but the plan itself is already very disgusting.

When Dorothea mentioned "the rules of the theater district", Sirius couldn't help feeling a little curious.What did Adolphus say to her?

"My grandfather said that 34 years ago, there was a case similar to today's in the theater district," Dorothea said. "A man was killed on the stage, in front of the audience."

Jules couldn't help but stared wide-eyed in astonishment, and he stammered, "That is...while the show is on?"

"Yes." Dorothea nodded, "...my grandfather was the audience of that show."

Siles couldn't help but be surprised by this statement.

Dorothea recalled, she said slowly: "I was not born at the time, and my parents were never married... My grandfather, my father, and my deceased grandmother, the three of them went to the theater together. It seems that there are still many At least other nobles were also present, so this matter made a big fuss.

"That play seems to be related to history, adapted from a well-known historical event, but Grandpa can't remember exactly what the play is about."

Jules said: "Of course! There's a murder drama going on ... it's really scary."

Dorothea nodded first, then shook her head and said: "It seems that it was not a murder, but an accident. The murderer accidentally used the power of the revealer on the stage, so the prop sword became a murder weapon .

"... This incident shocked everyone present. It was only at that time that people realized that the power of the Revelator could be used at this time.

"The actor claimed that he did not take the potion, but many people didn't believe him at the time. My grandfather said that there was chaos inside the theater at the time, and some people suspected that the actor had a personal vendetta against the deceased, so he deliberately used it on stage. After completing the ceremony, kill the other party like this.

"...It sounds very likely, but the investigation is still going on. Grandpa said that the Kermit family contributed a lot to this matter. The family took out a lot of money and items to bribe some parties, including witnesses like them.

"The purpose is to calm the storm of public opinion and let people still recognize the safety of the theater district.

"Ordinary people don't really understand the cumbersomeness of using the power of the revelator. They think that if it is possible to kill another actor on the stage, it is certainly possible to kill the audience present.

"So, the prevailing opinion at the time was that the accident was the actor's own fault, that he forgot the length of the potion ritual, so when he got on stage, he was actually still in the ritual time.

"...The reason why I heard my grandpa mentioned the Kermit family was because, when I became a revealer, I happened to be going to watch a play in the theater district at that time, so my grandpa told me by the way' Rules of the Theater District'.

"He said that they are quite sensitive and resistant to the power of the revelator, and told me not to show that I have the aptitude of the revelator there. But I didn't care at the time.

"... 34 years ago, it was the Kermits who established the 'theatre district rules'. Now, wouldn't it be weird if the Kermits had the theater owner call the dead or the murderer to that theater gone?"

This question is indeed quite embarrassing.The Kermits seem to want to keep the theater district afloat, as they did 34 years ago.Why did you change your mind now and take the initiative to make waves?

However, this is also well explained.

"Because, 34 years ago, these followers of the old gods hadn't appeared in Lamifa City." Siles said in a low voice.

Dorothea was taken aback.

Jules made a rather subtle expression.

Siles said: "Perhaps it is precisely because of the appearance of this group of followers of the old gods that the Kermit family had to do such a thing."

Dorothea was silent for a long time, and at last she couldn't help sighing, and said, "This sounds really sad. To be honest, I quite like the shows invested by the Kermit family."

With a thought in his heart, Siles asked, "What plays does the Kermit family usually invest in?"

At this point, he certainly didn't have the understanding of a noble like Dorothea.

Dorothea thought for a while, then said: "I don't know very well, as far as I know, their investment is divided into three aspects, theater, troupe and playwright.

"In terms of theaters, the theaters in the theater district have basically received investment or sponsorship from the Kermit family. As for theater companies, the Kermit family seems to be more inclined to the old theater companies with rich experience and the small theater companies that have just been established. Especially the latter.

"As for the playwrights...they used to lean towards historical playwrights, such as the works of Mond Goldsmith. However, perhaps because of what happened 34 years ago, this kind of historical stories will basically be adapted, more like It's fiction.

"For this reason, Mond Goldsmith seems to have fallen out with the Kermit family. He insists on writing historical novels and doesn't like the Kermit family's adaptation method. In recent years, the Kermit family Neither worked with this writer.

"In addition, they prefer to invest in some fictional works-this category covers a variety of scopes. Generally speaking, as long as it is the production of theaters and troupes invested by the Kermit family, they will be willing to mix it up. foot.

"The other thing is... uh, the script related to the nobles?"

As she said that, Dorothea showed a slightly embarrassed smile: "Some older nobles would like this type of script: traditional concepts, praising nobles...it is not very popular among young people."

Siles nodded thoughtfully. On the whole, the situation is similar to what he imagined, but...

He reviewed Dorothea's account and noticed two subtleties.

The first is that the accident on the stage happened "34 years ago"; the second is that "Mond Goldsmith".

34 years ago.The victim of the attempted murder at the Ernestine Fair happened to be born 34 years earlier.Is this a coincidence?Or, did something notable happen in that year?

...Well, he can try Qiuqiu later. 34 years ago, that was the 367th year of the Mist Age.

He can try to talk about the number 367 in front of Qiuqiu.

As for Mond Goldsmith, he had met the historical novelist several times at Bain's.It was a serious, prim, middle-aged gentleman, and it shouldn't have surprised Sirius that he had fallen out with the Kermits because he didn't want his novels to be misrepresented.

But...But, another person he knew unexpectedly appeared at this time.he thinks.

He couldn't help being stunned for a moment, then lowered his eyes and rubbed the space between his brows.He reminded himself, don't be entangled by the power of fate again.It would be nice if Monde Goldsmith could provide some useful information, but it could just as well be a coincidence.

After thinking for a moment, Siles looked at the two apprentices in front of him.The two were still discussing things in the theater district.

Siles glanced at the time: it was already ten o'clock.

He said, "We should get to the point."

Jules and Dorothea couldn't help being taken aback for a moment, as if they were a little dazed: what's the point?Aren't they discussing a murder in the Theater District?

Siles was speechless for a moment.

Yesterday and today, they were all discussing the things that happened in Lamifah City—these things caused by the shadow believers, but...but, this is Lamifah University.

"Have you finished your dissertation?" Siles reminded his two apprentices, "Don't forget, you are graduating soon."

Dorothea, Jules: "..."

There is no need to remind them at this time, Professor Noel.The two looked at each other, similar emotions leaking from their eyes at the same time.

Siles said: "It's time to get back to the topic. Does dealing with the followers of the old gods save you from writing your graduation thesis?" He made a small joke.

These words made the two apprentices suddenly show heavy expressions.

"Why not..." murmured Dorothea.

"Yeah, why..." Jules went on.

Siles: "..."

His bad joke career can be said to be a complete failure.

Then they really got down to business, talking about Dorothea and Jules' studies.Their term papers are actually progressing well, and they are planning their graduation thesis.

After about an hour and a half of instruction, Siles noticed that the two apprentices showed obvious relaxed expressions in unison.

He couldn't laugh or cry in his heart, and said goodbye to them calmly.

Not long after the two apprentices left, Qin Duo walked in from the door.He said with some doubts: "What did you do to those two apprentices? They seem to have encountered a hailstorm in summer."

Siles was silent for a moment, and then said: "Just to remind them to pay attention to the situation of the paper during the busy investigation process."

Qin Duo blinked and said clearly: "Oh, are you talking about yourself?"

Siles: "..."

He stared at Qindo for a while.

Qin Duo then laughed, and he leaned in front of Siles, flatteringly said: "But your progress is already quite good, your apprentice is definitely not as good as you."

Siles sighed and said, "Yeah, that's true. Except they hand in their graduation thesis by June next year, and mine by December this year."

Qin Duo: "..."

Well, when it comes to making fun of Professor Sirius Noel, no one is as busy as himself.

Because of this, Qin Duo said a very weak and comforting word: "At least there are still more than three months."

Siles couldn't help but shook his head helplessly. He said, "Forget it. Compared with academic papers, our focus now is on the side of the shadow believers." He asked instead, "Have you eaten yet?"

"I've already eaten." Qin Duo said, "I also brought the doll."

In the afternoon, Siles had a meeting at the Academy of Literature and History.But he had left the matter to the puppet and the ghost.

Therefore, his own actual plan is to go around the city of Lamifa with Qindo, such as going to the theater district, to see the location of the Saturday auction, and so on.

Of course, this can't be called a date, it can only be said to be some gaps and omissions, trying to find some clues that have not been discovered.

Besides, what Siles uses today is still the body of a doll.It is impossible for him to show up in Lamifa City swaggeringly while one of himself is in a meeting.That's still too ostentatious.

...Although he can use Mr. Xia's identity, after all, he wants to go with Qin Duo... In essence, this is barely a date, but it happened in various suspicious places.

So Siles packed his things and went downstairs with Qindo.He planned to go directly to the meeting place, and then turn his attention to the puppet that Qin Duo carried with him.

In fact, Cindo didn't need to come to La Mifa University, but he wanted to stay with Siles—to be precise, the soul of Siles—and it happened that he had nothing to do in the morning, so he stopped by trip.

The conference hall is on the first floor of the main castle of La Mifa University. Here, Siles and Chendo accidentally met Dr. Chester Fitzroy.

"Good afternoon, Professor, Mr. Qindo." Doctor Chester raised his hand to greet them.

"Good afternoon." Siles said, "Going to the cafeteria for dinner?"

"Uh, it's not." Chester shook his head. He said, "Today is my birthday, and I'm going to have a big lunch with Aunt Elizabeth. Although I'm too lazy to celebrate my birthday, Aunt Elizabeth is very happy Take this day seriously."

"Is today your birthday?" Siles said with some surprise, "Happy birthday, Chester. I'll give you another birthday present later."

"Happy birthday, doctor," Cinder said too.

"Thank you." Chester smiled. "No.30 has four birthdays. To be honest, I'm not happy at all. This reminds me that I'm already a middle-aged man... What's wrong?"

The doctor looked at Siles suspiciously, who showed a slightly startled expression.

"...No. 30 four birthdays?" Siles said hesitantly, "Doctor, were you born in the year 367 in the fog?"

"Yes." Chester shrugged, "...60s born. Oh, I'm really old."

They stood in the corner of the main castle to communicate.

Siles was silent for a moment.He thought, it seems that there is no need to say the number 367 in front of Qiuqiu... He seems to have got relevant clues.

He then said slowly: "That's a bit complicated to explain..."

"Then don't explain." Chester said decisively, "Professor, when you know the truth, just tell me, I believe you."

Siles looked at the doctor dumbfounded.

"Although this birthday reminds me that I am getting older every day, at least it also reminds me that I am still alive." Chester said, "So, wait until the day has passed before mentioning those unpleasant things. "

Qin Duo couldn't help laughing, he said: "You are an optimistic person, Chester."

"I'm always like this." Chester spread his hands, "...Besides, it sounds like it has something to do with my birth. I'm going to see Aunt Elizabeth later, I'm not sure if I can hear about it After the message, remain calm in front of Aunt Elizabeth."

"It does make sense," Cinder said.

Siles nodded, and said, "See you later, Doctor."

"See you later." Chester waved to them and left the school first.

Siles and Cendo continued to the conference hall.On the way, Siles briefly told Cindo what happened.

"...So, was the case 34 years ago really an accident?" Qin Duo had this doubt, "It seems that it really has something to do with the doctor's birth."

Who is the doctor's father, and why his mother, Josephine Hosier, gave birth to this child in the Principality of Const... These two things made Celes very upset.

Up to now, it seems that there is a ray of hope to solve these two problems, appearing in front of them.

He thought for a moment, then said: "But, maybe this is just a coincidence..."

"A coincidence that happened around you?" Qin Duo muttered, "I don't believe it."

Siles glanced at him and said, "If there is a relationship between these two things, what do you think it is?"

Qin Duo thought for a while, and then said: "The doctor's birth is unlikely to be the product of love. Since Josephine Hosier was once the bishop of the church in the past, she should always remain celibate like other bishops.

"So, either it was an accident, or it was intentional... Forget it, I can't think of any possibility."

Qin Duo spread his hands with a headache, and he said: "A stage accident that happened in the theater district, and a child who was born inexplicably... sounds irrelevant. Maybe it's just a coincidence."

He came to agree that it might just be a coincidence.But Siles fell into deep thought instead.

It just so happened that they came to the empty conference hall at this time.Siles found a place inside and sat down, pretending that he was resting with his eyes closed, and then turned his attention to the puppet that Qindo carried with him.

Qin Duo put the doll on his shoulder.

Siles thought for a moment, and then used the ghost floating beside the doll to whisper to Qindo: "Perhaps, this accident made Josephine Hosier have to give birth to this child?"

Qin Duo couldn't help but startled.

"If it's really an accident, it's true for everyone, including Josephine Hosier, and her enemies." Siles said slowly, "So, an accident The accident brought another accident."

Qin Duo thought for a while, then said: "There is indeed such a possibility... But why did this accident affect Josephine?"

"That's another question." Siles said helplessly.

Their views now seem to be the exact opposite of what they were not long ago.But that's exactly the atmosphere the discussion needs.

There are still many people in the main castle of La Mifa University. Even if they lower their voices, they may be noticed by others.Therefore, Siles stopped communicating with Qinduo.

They left Ramifa University, and then merged into the summer crowds of Ramifa City.

It's a sunny day.Although it is already mid-August, theoretically speaking, the hottest time will be over, but the scorched land seems unwilling to accept this.

Cindo muttered, "We should drill two holes in the potion bottle, so that we can string the bottle up with a rope and hang it around our neck...then [Flowing Wind] can walk Blow it!"

...a very creative idea.Siles couldn't help thinking.

They discussed the destination.The next places they thought they had to go: the theater district, the Fillmore Family Museum, the site of the auction, and, Ernestine's Tavern.

The Theater District and the Fillmore Family Museum are very close together, both further south of Atherton Square.The private club where the Graves family property auction was held was not far from Ramifa University, so they went to this place first.

Siles was able to go to this auction because Bertram Finn's invitation letter could bring one more person.Siles had also seen the address of this private club on the invitation: 1 Erskine Street.

That's a little south of Lowell Street.

Cindo used to rent at No. 32 Lowell Street, and they were also very familiar with the situation in this neighborhood.South of Lowell Street is a lively neighborhood with restaurants, shops, and more.Siles had dined here once with the Finns.

1 Erskine Street is at the end of the block.Not far away is a small city park.There are several schools near the park.If Siles remembers correctly, the Marshall High School where Darrell Hobbs attended is here.

Walking here from La Mifa University, Chen Duo was already sweating.He took out a handkerchief and wiped himself, standing under the shade of a tree and looking at the building in front of him thoughtfully.The puppet was sitting on his shoulder, also staring at the building in front of him.

Surprisingly... or not surprisingly, that building looks very ordinary, even unremarkable.

In the invitation letter and any relevant information about this auction, people did not mention the relevant situation of this private club. It seems that the officials of the Principality of Const just randomly found an open space to hold this auction.

It was an ordinary two-storey building with an unremarkable appearance.Next door to it, across a small alley, is No. 2 Erskine Street, which looks more ordinary