The world controlled by dice [Western Fantasy]

"Good afternoon." Siles greeted the Marchioness of Austin.

Siles needed to follow the Marquis to the dinner venue, so he came to the Marquis of Austin's estate in the northern suburbs ahead of schedule.He was wearing a suit, with a heavy overcoat over his suit jacket.

Even so, the ankles not covered by the coat were still stiff with cold.

He somewhat admired the courage of the ladies in wearing long skirts in this weather.

There weren't too many people in the Austin Marquis Manor at the moment, and the overall atmosphere could even be called calm.

Although the Marquis of Austin has died, because his death is still under investigation, it is now in a state of secrecy, and not many people know about it, except for those who witnessed it that day.

The condition of the Marquise seems to have improved a lot. Although she still looks haggard, her gaze has become very calm.She whispered, "Thank you for coming, Professor Noel."

Siles nodded towards Millicent beside her - Angela and Dorothea were not here, they would follow their families to the dinner party.

Later, he said: "Miss Austin is my student, which is what a professor should do."

"Because of this, I am even more grateful to you." The Marchioness said, "In the past month, I have already understood the face of this group of nobles. I am not afraid of your jokes. In the past, I looked down on common people.

"My family and my husband's family are both aristocratic families that have been passed down for hundreds of years. The same is true of the nobles and ladies who interact with each other on weekdays. This is the style of the upper class of the Principality of Const. Our relationship is closely connected. network.

"In reality, no one was willing to help me and my daughter when my husband went crazy.

"Because my husband is so powerful, they think my husband has the right to go mad, and I should be the 'price' for his madness, and even die with him. So does my poor Millie.

"They are afraid of my husband's power, afraid of the mysterious power, and think we deserve it, and we deliberately provoke these weird things... But we are just ordinary people, who would have thought that all this would happen to us suddenly."

Siles comforted her and said, "Now you are far from the shadow of the original."

The Marchioness smiled palely, and said: "Indeed."

While they were chatting, another guest came, Detective Jon.He was also invited by the Marquis and was going to participate in the evening banquet.He looked at Sirius and nodded with a slight smile.

According to the Marquis, the former Elder David will also participate in the evening banquet.In addition, Angela and Elder David seem to have found other assistance from the Historical Society.

The Marquise obviously knew about the existence of the Revelator, but she was not so clear about the structure of the Historical Society, so she did not clearly say who those helping hands were.Regardless, the night seemed to be one of stealth and covert confrontation.

Siles and Jon followed the Marchioness and Millicent to the palace.

Siles noticed that in just a few days, a large number of servants in the Marquis Austin's manor had changed, and even the housekeeper had changed.From the side, the Marquis is indeed becoming the real power holder of the Austin family.

Before departure, the Marquise specially told the two guests some precautions for the dinner party, such as trying not to make noise while eating, and being careful not to break into places that are not allowed to enter.

Of course, the Marquis also said that the two of them were invited guests, so the nobles usually show a more "tolerant" attitude and don't care much about their abnormal behavior - after all, they couldn't come here .

When she said this, her tone was rather sarcastic. She thought it was because of her late husband that she had been pissed off by these nobles recently.

The dinner officially started at seven o'clock in the evening.They arrived at Atherton Central Square at about 05:30, and then entered the Royal Palace of the Principality of Const.

Along the way, Siles noticed that the atmosphere in the eastern city of Lamifah seemed to be very lively, with the crowd rushing and cheering—tomorrow is the birthday of God, which is normal.However, maybe his nerves are too sensitive.

He always felt that under such a warm and jubilant atmosphere, there seemed to be something frightening and disturbing hidden.

Even when he arrived at the palace, Sirius couldn't shake off this feeling.

He had seen the appearance of the Const Palace from afar.It was a beautiful, quiet castle group.The main castle is majestic and tall, with steep spires, while the ancillary buildings are very delicate and unique.This time they will go to the main castle.

It was getting dark.It was a cloudy day, and there were no beautiful fire clouds, so Siles could only see dark clouds from a distance, pressing heavily on their heads... just like the painter's painting on the central square of Atherton.

Yes.Siles suddenly thought.Almost exactly the same scene.

"...Professor, it's our turn."

Millicent reminded softly from the side.

It's time for them to come in.

Siles could only restrain all his thoughts, and then quietly followed the crowd.He had a bag in his hand—and apparently there were no security checks in this day and age.So, Siles successfully brought his potion and time track in a backpack.

Servants separated the guests by family and took them to different lounges.They can store their belongings here, organize their clothes and make-up, and go to the hall from here to wait for the subsequent dinner in an atmosphere of conversation and dancing.

Siles noticed the almost resplendent decoration in the castle, as well as the exquisite makeup of the surrounding guests.This is an almost confusing Vanity Fair, full of hypocrisy and self-indulgence and luxuries with hidden knives behind their faces.

The embroidered cushions in the lounge have an expensive and heavy feeling.

Siles felt a subtle unease in his heart, but it wasn't very obvious.He quickly shook off the thought - this is the palace of this era, as it should be.

They waited in the lounge for a while, and soon, Angela, Dorothea, and Elder David came over.They converge.

Siles looked at the six people around him and thought, except for the people from the Church of the Past and the Historical Society who had disappeared, this was all they had.

He took the choking potion out of his bag and shared a bottle between Mrs Fuller and Millicent.

Angela looked at the liquid in the bottle curiously, and asked, "What is this, Professor? Potion?"

"A potion that can cause suffocation." Siles explained in a low voice, including its effect and method of use. He didn't say that it was a potion. "If something happens later, you can use it accordingly."

Detective Jon played with the small glass bottle with great interest, and said thoughtfully: "Professor Noel, you surprised me very much."

Siles looked at him with calm eyes and didn't respond to anything.

Ladies carried choking potions in their handbags, men in the inside pocket of their suits.Siles adjusted the brooch on his chest that symbolized the [Silent Heart], and then put on the [Akamala's Spectacle Frame] hanging on his chest.

The blue radiance of the Revelators around them became a little more pronounced.

Siles was a little surprised to find that this special spectacle frame and his "cheating perspective" seem to... complement each other?

He vaguely felt that he was "seeing" more clearly.In the past, he could only know what kind of pure potion they drank by observing the blue light on the bodies of other enlighteners.

But now, he seemed to be able to comprehend how much time was left for the ceremony.

For example, the mysterious Detective Jon, he could tell that the other party drank a 10% pure potion, and the ceremony would last for six hours.

From this perspective, the feeling of "game" becomes more and more obvious.

If he tried to make a judgment while using this frame, would he be able to learn more information as a secret keeper?Siles thought about it.

"We should go to the hall." Dorothea reminded, "If there is really a problem with the materials provided by Grayson, then there may be problems with the desserts and drinks in the hall. Be careful not to eat those things. "

They all nodded.

Afterwards, they left the lounge one by one and walked towards the central hall along the long corridor covered with luxurious carpets.Siles saw the appearance of Atherton Square outside through the window, and he noticed that there seemed to be a lot of people gathered there.

The surprise in his heart disappeared in a flash, and he quickly walked through the corridor and came to the hall.Therefore, he couldn't hear—of course, it was impossible to hear that familiar curse.

"Damn it!" Dominic cursed, "How could there be so many people!"

Beside him stood several other investigators from the Church of the Past, struggling to maintain their balance at this moment.Someone responded to his doubts: "I don't know either... Grayson Company..."

Yes, what they were dealing with—the crowds in Atherton Square—was the work of Grayson Foods.

Siles went to church in the morning to inform them that Grayson was up to no good.Dominic and his colleagues started the investigation non-stop.

Soon, they found more detailed relevant information - Grayson Foods launched an incredible discount in its stores on the eve of God's birthday, half selling half free, claiming that it was to celebrate Antinam birthday.

This matter has been publicized in newspapers, leaflets and advertising cards of various shops a few days ago, including the gourmet town, the stalls in the October market, the butcher shop and dessert shop in Xicheng, etc., all of which are included within the range of activities.

In addition, Grayson Foods will be distributing free bulk ingredients and ready-to-eat meals at Atherton Central Plaza on the evening of God's Birthday.

That's why Atherton Square is so crowded now.

"The scene will get out of control." Dominique desperately used his legs to squeeze a way out of the crowd, while muttering in a low voice, "The distribution has not started yet, and people are already so crazy. When the event officially starts, people are trying to grab food. ..."

He looked at the distorted and crazy faces of the people around him almost incredulously.

The believers of the church in the past had their own sources of food supply and would not buy food outside. Therefore, they did not know how terrible and obsessive emotions these people who had tasted Grayson's food would fall into.

Siles knew, but he wasn't here now.If he had been here, he might have seen a few familiar faces—Lorenzo, the Finns, the Colenses, the waifs of the West End...

They huddled in the crowd, drowsy, and worked hard to compete for the food that was about to be sold or distributed for free.

Dominic stepped back calmly and came to a slightly open corner.The rest of the investigators are gathered here.

One of them reported what they found in the city: "There are more people on the other side of the arcade than here! And that circus over there..." The investigator almost subconsciously, almost fearful—or based on other Feeling emotional, he swallowed dryly.

Dominic glanced at him and didn't let him continue, he just said: "Then control that too, don't let the situation continue to deteriorate!"

The investigator nodded slowly.

Dominic called out to other investigators: "Let the police officers come here to maintain order, and find all the people in the third and second corridors of the Historical Society, and let them use whatever rituals they have!"

"Then what are we going to do?" his companion asked aloud.

Dominique said almost angrily: "Damn it! Of course we need to find the culprits! Find their company address! Go and burn those weird foods and their processing plants!

"Also, we have to send out a group of people to destroy the damn torture seminar and find the Dwight family members! They may also be mixed in with these people, ready to move!"

His companion stared at him blankly.There was a lot of people around, and everyone was so anxious.

Dominic took a deep breath and said, "Let's go, it's time for us to set off. [Trace Tracking]?"

"It's ready," said his companion.

Dominic nodded and was about to take a step when he stopped suddenly.He frowned and looked at the people who were still hurrying over, noticing that some of them seemed to be holding a book in their hands.

……Book?

Confusion flashed through his heart, but he had no time to pursue these matters at the moment.The figures of those people quickly disappeared into the crowd, Dominic shook his head, put the matter behind him, and followed the footsteps of his companions.

Siles saw the book too—his own book. "The Revenge of the Rose".

The familiar binding suddenly made Sirius understand something.When he was at the October Fair yesterday, he looked at Grayson's sweet shop through the blurred window.There, his books are placed.

Siles couldn't see clearly at that time, the glass of this era is really not transparent enough.But now, Siles suddenly understood.

...Greyson's shop actually sells his books?

In the hall, an aristocratic girl was chattering and selling the book to the people around her.The almost frenzied light in her eyes caused some people to discuss something in a low voice.

"what happened?"

"Who's talking about a... novel? What novel? Love...?"

Siles heard someone say that.

The noble girl mentioned the hero Ludwig in the book, and her face flushed instantly, revealing an expression almost obsessed.

There were guests who had also read the book and joined her conversation. It was a young man who naturally mentioned the heroine in the book, and there was also a very inappropriate look in his eyes.

They talked to themselves, but suddenly more people joined their conversation.They mentioned the love of going to freedom in the book, and the incredible act of revenge, and they all showed longing behaviors.

Siles frowned, feeling something very wrong.He took two steps closer and was about to join their conversation.

Suddenly, the aristocratic girl who first mentioned "The Revenge of the Rose" reached out and took a sliced ​​cake from the dessert table, then opened her bright red mouth painted with lipstick, and bit down.

Siles, as well as the eyes of the others, almost instinctively followed her movements, staring intently.

Through [Akamala's glasses frame], it was the first time that Siles saw the appearance of the cake so clearly - white cream, yellowish cake embryo, cold and sweet fruit...

No.No no no, that's not the case!

Rotten soil, stinky fat, white maggots wriggling among the yellow fat... She bit down and chewed.The maggots shuttled between her white teeth, and then they were bitten into two pieces.

Siles closed his eyes almost subconsciously, and opened them after a while.He clearly heard the sound of people swallowing saliva around him.

He gasped, looked at the dessert table in shock, and then suddenly noticed that the desserts, which looked completely normal at first glance, were made of horrible and disgusting materials.

But people just ate it without changing their faces.

Siles even saw a nobleman with blue radiance, smiling and chewing a piece of "red velvet cake" that was obviously made of fresh blood and meat, and showed a very satisfied and comfortable smile.

He still smelled the sweetness of the cream, but all he could see was this crazy stuff.

He looked at the drinks again—waste water, dung water, dried rat soaking water.The nobles held glasses in a personable manner, talked and laughed happily, and tasted them from time to time.

... Siles took two steps back expressionlessly.

By now, he naturally understood.He was able to see this scene because of [Akamala's Spectacle Frame] - to see through reality.Therefore, he can see the true colors of these desserts and drinks.

Presumably, those foods that are sold at low prices also use some means and special "ceremonies" to transform these "everywhere" materials into "delicious" foods.

...that strange portrait of a man in a chef's hat posted on the ceiling?

Should he be thankful, Siles thought, that he'd never eaten Grayson Foods?

……never mind.

Seeing this picture, he should be glad that his will attribute has not decreased.

Although it solves a question that has been on my mind for a long time-why is Grayson's food cheap and delicious?Because of the "power of ritual"—however, the reason why Sirius approached this group of people in the first place has not yet been resolved.

Why do they speak of his novel "The Revenge of the Rose" with an uncharacteristic fanaticism?

The aristocratic girl swallowed the cake, licked her lips, and then recommended to others to taste such a "delicious" cake.Siles was listening, hesitated to speak, and finally chose to take off his glasses.Out of sight is pure.

Their mental state obviously has an abnormal frenzy.Siles didn't want to cause too much trouble at this time, so he just stood aside and listened quietly.

"Professor Noel is worthy of being a professor at Ramifa University."

"Yes. I like his novel very much."

"No wonder it's so widely recommended..."

"Indeed. It seems that a food company has specially recommended this novel, right?"

"Ah! What a coincidence, that's how I found out. When my servant went to buy ingredients, he noticed that a dessert shop had purchased a large amount and put them in the shop specially, which also attracted many young female customers. .”

"This really kills two birds with one stone! Dessert and "The Revenge of the Rose" sound like a perfect match!"

Siles: "..."

Perfect fit?

He glanced at the desserts on the dessert table...then silently looked away.

After hearing the ins and outs of this matter, he could no longer bear such a weird conversation atmosphere, and walked away with a blank face and cold eyes-Grayson Foods is promoting his novel?

Siles never noticed this.

This is not surprising, after all, he has not stepped into the Grayson Foods store for a long time, and those who might have stepped into these stores may not have noticed that the novel on the side was written by Cilles.

Why would Grayson do this?

Siles only thought for a moment, and suddenly realized that his novel seemed to cater to some needs of Grayson—or, the followers of Themian Law.

That's enough to trigger some primal human impulse—love, isn't it?

How many aristocratic girls dream that they will become a young girl like Miss Gwen, meet a mysterious and powerful man, and have a thrilling love story and adventure.

How many young men hope that they can become Ludwig's avengers, with gentle female companions, strong strength, lonely and mysterious past stories and thrilling adventures.

People want what is described in the book; excessive hope equals greed.

The followers of Temia method obviously magnified the greed in people's hearts in some way.Any desire is artificially magnified at this moment: appetite, love, greed, thirst for knowledge...

At this moment, Siles thought of countless topics related to "violence" that he had neglected.

Blight Wasteland Development Plan.Countless people tried to grab the benefits, from nobles to merchants to prostitutes, and no one was spared.They reached out desperately, trying to hook what they wanted.

And tomorrow, the Grand Duke will officially announce the contents of the plan.All the exchange of interests will be settled tonight.The desire for money and fame in their hearts is boiling.

In fact, of course, there are all kinds of ambitions in the gathering place of human beings.However, right now there are a pair of invisible hands secretly fiddled with, intending to make people even more crazy and extreme.

...no matter what they actually want to do, it all comes down to a "ritual".A recurring fragment of the past.This is the only supernatural power left in this era.

What would it be?

Siles was thoughtful, and fell into the memory of the known information.He stood quietly in a corner of the hall, leaning against the edge of the window sill, thought for a while, and put on his glasses again, but tried not to let himself notice the terrible food.

Suddenly, an old figure glowing blue appeared in front of him.

He took a closer look and couldn't help being surprised: "Director Bello."

Standing in front of him was Bello, the director of the Research Department of the Historical Society.

"I am no longer the director of the research department." Edward Bello said to Siles, "I have quit the Historical Society. You can just call me Edward, Siles."

Siles wanted to say something, but in the end he just said, "I hope you get what you want, Edward."

Edward smiled.Instead, he said, "Some old friends of mine at the Historical Society told me about what's going on today - this dinner party. So I'm here to join in the fun and maybe I can help you out."

Siles nodded and looked at the guests who were talking in low voices.The sound of soft music always lingers in their ears.If it weren't for those weird things on the dessert table that Sirius wanted to mosaic them, everything would seem so normal.

Siles asked: "What kind of ritual do you think they will use? In order to resurrect the god..."

There are many legends related to the gods, but which part this group of crazy believers will choose is crucial.Searching for possible rituals from the vast and endless data...it's like looking for a needle in a haystack.

Edward said: "Temiafa? I don't know much about this god. However, I heard someone say that there are followers of Brancani involved in this matter?"

"Yes," said Siles.

Edward nodded thoughtfully, so he said, "Do you think... that has something to do with Clarence Dwight?"

Sillies said frankly: "I guess so." He asked back, "Edward, do you remember that you once told me that Clarence Dwight personally led some subjects?"

At the moment when he met Director Bello, Siles realized that the first time he heard the name Clarence Dwight was from Edward Bello.

Edward once said at that time that Clarence had personally led some projects, and he had a very close relationship with the Research Department of the Historical Society.

But what are those subjects?

Edward showed a rather subtle expression.He said: "Clarence's subject...the most famous one is probably related to the sealed item."

Siles was taken aback, and couldn't help asking: "Is Clarence leading the topic related to the sealed item?"

"Leading...in fact, it can't be completely described like this." Edward said, "But it was indeed he who first proposed...or in other words, he was the first to notice the existence of the Sealed Artifact."

Siles hesitated and said: "But... as far as I know, isn't the sealed item first used by the followers of the old gods, and then the Historical Society will follow up and study it?"

Edward gave him a look, and then said, "So, Clarence's reputation..."

Sirius nodded thoughtfully.

He thought, this does not mean that Clarence's reputation within the Historical Society is equivalent to that of followers of the old gods.But at the very least, one wonders why he knows so much about the items used by followers of the Old Gods.

However, Siles thought again, since the Dwight family has already invested in the torture seminar, can't they study sealed artifacts there?Why do you have to do the same thing at the Historical Society?

Clarence's behavior...

Edward sighed and said: "Sealed items related to the research department...I will tell you that for a while, the members of the research department were very crazy. They didn't understand why such sealed items appeared, so they were very excited. Experimenting frantically.

"To this day... I think you may have heard people say that some researchers are close to madness. I can't deny this. They are indeed in a bad mental state due to long-term mental pollution.

"That's why I looked forward to your subject before.

"However, I have left the place now. There is no need to think about it any further. I trust Ms. Aston to study the subject well."

Siles nodded as well.

From Edward's words, Siles thought of a possibility - what if Clarence did this on purpose?If his intention is to arouse the crazy and strong thirst for knowledge in the hearts of these researchers...

He thought, this seems to be part of the power of Temiarfa.

... This city is surrounded by gluttony and violence.

Edward continued: "In addition to the sealed item, there are also some scattered research topics, such as copying the time track... Clarence seems to hope to use a certain method so that the time track can... copy?

"This is a topic proposed by Clarence at the beginning of this year, but they failed to develop a reasonable solution, and then it was abandoned. You may not know that the Research Department has many such projects that end without a problem every year. .

"Besides... Siles, I don't know if you know, 14 years ago, there was a young man who proposed a strange subject, intending to restore the power of the gods to the revelator."

Siles came back to his senses and whispered, "I know."

Edward said: "It's good that you know. Although this project failed, for a period of time after that, the discussion on the power of gods within the Historical Society was quite popular for a while.

"In the past, in the Faith Chronicle or the Empire Chronicle, there were records in the history books about the deeds of the god's 'agents', and they were the god's messengers on land.

"From this perspective, human beings can indeed 'borrow' the power of gods, just like the former agents."

Sirius nodded slowly.He couldn't help saying: "That's true, but I'm afraid the conditions are different? At that time, the gods took the initiative to borrow power, but now it can only be performed by humans."

"Ritual..." Edward whispered, "Yes. That's exactly what it is."

Siles was taken aback.

Edward said: "Do you think that human beings offer sacrifices to the gods, and the gods respond with power and fulfill human wishes, is this a ritual?"

Siles frowned involuntarily."Anyone trying to reproduce the process?" he said.

Edward said meaningfully: "Indeed."

Clarence Dwight.Siles thought.This is probably what Edward said, the subject that this elder once led.

Humans held sacrifices and prayed to the gods to give them strength-yes, humans did do this once.And when the gods still existed, many sacrifices were successful, even though they were bloody, backward and primitive.

Edward said: "That project seems to be dead, at least I haven't heard of any definite results. But... I think you know what I mean."

Siles nodded.

Edward said in a low voice: "If this ceremony is really the case—if they really try to reproduce the past sacrificial process in order to awaken the gods, or the power of the gods...or at least get a response from the gods, then they definitely need an altar .”

A possibility appeared almost instinctively in Siles' mind: "The kitchen."

The hearth is the altar of Themiafa.Siles thought.

Edward nodded in agreement.

Siles said: "Can they really... be able to sneak into the back kitchen of the palace?"

This possibility made Siles feel a little incredible.He thought again, this is the palace.Could it be that Grand Duke Const knew nothing about their plot?

"I'm not sure." Edward said, and then he said, "I think, I can try to find out. At least I am also a nobleman, and I know where the palace's kitchen is."

His eyes flicked to the brooch on Sirius' neckline.

He said, "Be safe, Sirius."

Siles nodded and said, "I will."

Edward smiled and said goodbye to him.The older, former head of research, after leaving the Historical Society, has a... weird, refreshed feeling instead?

Siles watched his back, thinking, maybe it just untied the knot in his heart.

He took his pocket watch out of his pocket and glanced at the time.There is still half an hour before the dinner at seven o'clock.

Siles felt a little nervous.

At this time, another person appeared in front of him.

It was Dorothea Grant.

The young apprentice's eyes were a little cold at the moment, and she quickly came to Sirius with an elegant but brisk footstep.She said, "Professor! I see something is wrong."

"What?" Sirius asked.

Dorothea said in a low voice, "I came to this dinner with my grandpa. My grandpa is old and gets hungry easily. I just didn't notice, and he ate a piece of cake from the dessert table, and then... "

Dorothea's voice gradually became softer, as if she felt fear.

"He ate a lot of desserts one after another as if he couldn't control himself at once." Dorothea said anxiously, "He shouldn't be like this. He is old and always pays great attention to the food he eats. He doesn't Should eat so much at one go...

"Obviously I have reminded him not to eat those desserts, but he still can't control himself... This shouldn't happen, Professor, I think it's weird, in this damn dinner hall..."

Sirius frowned, noticing Dorothea's unusual agitation.Something seemed to affect her too, Sirius thought.

"Calm down, Dorothea," said Sirius calmly. "Where's your grandfather?"

"I asked the servant to take him to the lounge to rest." Dorothea took a deep breath, "I don't think he should continue to attend the dinner...I don't think anyone should. The food at the dinner must be Too……"

Dorothea seemed to be thrown into chaos suddenly because of the accident of her relatives.

Siles thought for a moment, then said: "You don't have to worry about the dinner party, we will pay attention to it." These words were only used to comfort Dorothea, after all, there are hundreds of guests here, and it is impossible for them to pay attention to each one.

But Silas said it anyway.

He went on to say: "Go and accompany your grandpa, pay attention to his body, after all, these desserts are very likely..."

He did not elaborate, nor advised Dorothea to remain here in the hall.

Dorothea seemed to have noticed something wrong with her emotions, and her complexion became even paler.After a moment's hesitation, she said, "I'll be back soon, Professor."

Sirius nodded and watched her leave.

He thought, Dorothea's grandpa?Was that the name he had heard from Professor Calverley... Adolphus Grant?

He guessed so.But now is not the time to worry about it.

After Dorothea, Siles took the initiative to observe the demeanor and expressions of the guests present.He himself didn't feel any problem, but considering his will attribute plus the effect of [Quiet Heart], it has reached 95 points...

It was strange that he could sense any problem.

He had already noticed the excitement of the young aristocratic men and women who talked about his novels.

But now, when he carefully observed the situation of the glamorous people in the hall again, he suddenly found that the whole hall was like a pot of boiling water that was about to boil, and the noise and restlessness had already begun.

Someone keeps eating cake piece by piece