Akatsuki Translations

In the heart of the country, there once stood a castle.

Now, at the center of the city lies a temple.

A place where people gather and offer their prayers. A sanctuary and core for many, the essential pillar sustaining the city. Every city dweller is expected to visit daily, offering prayers to the spirits and the Sun God, hoping for the continuation of their current peace. And the priests deliver these prayers to the spirits, bringing back the blessings bestowed upon the city.

But what about the Nameless? The wandering people who do not reside in the city, the “Nameless,” have little to do with the Temple. It’s not their duty to maintain the city. Their prayers are “lighter” compared to the city dwellers because their connection with the spirits is weak. Although they consistently offer prayers to the Sun God, they hardly visit the Temple to pray to the spirits.

Ur was standing in such a place, seemingly unconnected to him.

“…The pressure is incredible.” -Ur

“It’s huge.” -Shizuku

Shizuku commented casually beside him.

The temple before them was immense, both vertically and horizontally. In a city-state where land is scarce, it’s natural for buildings to be tall, but only a few have a wide surface area. In the City of Sin, Lust, this privilege is allowed only to a few, such as the Lautaro Magic Academy and here.

Looking up, the top of the white outer walls couldn’t be seen, filling the entire view. Thick stone pillars, which three adults couldn’t encircle with their arms, lined up supporting the great “dwelling of the spirits.” In the clear weather, the temple shone even more brilliantly under the sunlight, illuminating its majestic form at the heart of the city.

This is indeed the center of the country. However, Ur’s reason for visiting was not to offer prayers.

“We’re to be interrogated here.” -Shizuku

“…I really don’t like this.” -Ur

They were there for an inquisition regarding the matter of the dragon.

If involved in a crime against the city’s laws, it’s natural to seek the 【Knight’s Order】, the guardians of law and order. But what Ur and his company got involved in was a dragon. If entangled with dragons, this is the place to go. As Gronzon and Diz pointed out, encountering a dragon of sin is not something that can be brushed off as mere ‘bad luck’.

As predicted, a summons was issued from the Temple to the Adventurer’s Guild, requiring them to appear and explain the details.

“I’m sorry for dragging you into this, Ur-sama.” -Shizuku

“I’ve heard that at least ten times today.” -Ur

With a resigned wave of his hand, Ur began to ascend the temple stairs. There was no point in running now; they should have nothing to be guilty of – probably.

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Even if he says he has no connection, it’s not like Ur has never set foot in a temple before. He has indeed entered the temples of smaller satellite cities. However, he had never been to a temple in a city-state of sin.

The place of prayers for the city dwellers was beautiful even in this magical nation, seemingly intolerant to any impurity that might diminish the fervor of faith. Even the most irreverent person would tighten up upon stepping in.

But Ur and his company’s purpose lay elsewhere. They proceeded down corridors not used by the city dwellers, areas only accessible to the temple’s priests and attendants. Eventually, they reached a large door.

“Wait here,”

instructed a knight guarding the temple—a 【Sun Knight】. Ur and his company were left waiting by the door. Soon, Ur was called first for the interrogation. Shizuku was told to wait. It seemed they would be interrogated one by one.

“Take care,” -Shizuku

“Don’t worry, I’ll just make sure not to slip up.” -Ur

He entered, trying to alleviate his anxiety with light banter. Inside was a vast, spacious hall. The ceiling was high, and sunroof panels were fitted on the top, allowing sunlight to beam down onto the central podium, as if the Sun God was overseeing everything.

Surrounding the area were mid-level floors where priests lined up, looking down upon them. Each wore the emblem of the 【Spirit of Truth & Lies, Judge】 on their priestly robes. Before them, lies could never be told.

…No, the pressure really is immense.

Ur felt it for the second time. He felt as if he were a criminal. He vowed again to be careful with his words.

To the left and right of the Judge priests, there were additional aides, seemingly external support staff. Among them, Ur noticed the familiar figure of Guild Master Aransa.

She didn’t look at him but gave a slight wave when her eyes met his for a moment, offering a bit of reassurance.

The others were mostly strangers to Ur, but he could make some guesses based on their appearances. There was an elderly man with a large beard dressed in knightly armor, likely an official from the knight’s order. Next to him stood an unusual elf, probably affiliated with Lautaro due to the distinct red-black uniform. And

“…Hmm?” -Ur

“…”

A woman in platinum knight armor was there, flanked by priests, conspicuously staring—rather, glaring at him.

“A bit different in color, but it looks like the Sun Knight armor I saw outside the temple…?” -Ur

Ur discreetly averted his gaze. It was unclear why he was being glared at, but he decided it was best not to dwell on it.

Looking around further, he saw the mid-level floor for the inquisitors and above it another tier, probably the gallery. There, he could see priests who had come to observe the proceedings, along with knights. They weren’t numerous, but they watched with either keen interest or a mix of disdain.

It seemed the priests had either a lot of free time or the matter of dragons was of significant importance to them.

――just answer properly, and it won’t get too serious.

Ur recalled Diz’s words and relaxed his shoulders. There was no use getting tense now. Surely they wouldn’t be too harsh on a mere adventurer like him. With that thought, Ur stood at the questioning stand.

“A Nameless, and even one bearing the dragon’s curse in the temple… How lamentable!!”

The moment Ur stood, the platinum knight woman, burst out.

Starting off with a fight, are we?

“Could you keep it down a bit, Sun Knight? Nothing has started yet.”

“Silence! It’s precisely because the knights of Lust are ineffectual that dragons do whatever they please!!”-Sun Knight

“Exactly! It’s your failure to fulfill your duties that we have to intervene. Shame on you!”

A fight began over Ur, without considering his thoughts. Ur felt overwhelmed. He wanted to leave as soon as possible, resisting the urge. He tried to gather the information unfolding before him.

Ur was familiar with the Sun Knights.

The 【Temple’s】military power, different from the city’s knights, they are the sword of God. They mainly handle issues beyond the capacity of regular knights, including dragon affairs. The king of the City of Sin, Proudia, the 【Wise Heavenly King】, is their leader. The organization is similar yet distinct from the knight’s order.

Thus, there’s often friction between each country’s 【Knight’s Order】 and the 【Sun Knights】.

The city-serving knights and the Temple-serving Sun Knights fundamentally differ in ideology and objectives. Clashes between them are not rare. The knights, mostly city dwellers, take pride in protecting their nation with their hands. They see the Sun Knights as outsiders who meddle and give orders from above.

Of course, the Sun Knights don’t intervene in other nations out of preference. They have their duties under the great 【Wise Heavenly King】, traveling the world and taking necessary actions. Yet, the misunderstanding and resistance of the city’s knights are frustrating.

The result was the scene before Ur. He understood a bit of the situation, though it didn’t resolve anything.

“We summoned them here to hear about the dragon incident! How else are we supposed to discuss without inviting them to the temple?”

“Should have thrown them in jail!! Bringing the dragon’s filth into the temple is unacceptable!!” -Sun Knight

“What crime would you imprison our guild member for, pray tell?”

“How dare a mere guild interfere!!” -Sun Knight

Aransa intervened. Usually cheerful, her tone was now calm but firm. Ur, having interacted with her, could tell she was quite angry.

“Ur’s visit to the temple was out of goodwill, despite suffering severe aftermaths, for the sake of the world. Disregarding that goodwill is unacceptable.” -Aransa

“The victim? He might well be the instigator of the dragon’s awakening!” -Sun Knight

Sparks flew between Aransa, the Sun Knight, and the priests. Ur wondered if this was hell as another voice chimed in.

“Ultimately, this is an inquisition to verify the facts of the incident. Stalling the situation before it even begins, what exactly do you hope to achieve?”

A deep, resonant voice, belonging to an elf in Lautaro’s uniform, echoed. With just those words, the previously noisy atmosphere quieted down. The Sun Knight seemed to want to retort, but her words were quelled by the elf’s gaze, and she eventually fell silent.

The elf then shifted his gaze, briefly catching Ur before turning to the central priest.

“The servant of Truth & Lies. May we begin soon? I have duties to attend to as well.” -Krolow

“Understood.” -Inquisitor

The central inquisitor bowed, and then they turned back to Ur.

“Let us begin the inquisition of Ur. In the name of the Sun God and the Spirit of Truth & Lies, Judge, speak only the truth without deceit.” -Inquisitor

Ur silently nodded, bowing his head and sighing deeply.

It won’t turn into anything too serious.

Is that really the case?

He wished he could shake Diz’s shoulder, who wasn’t there, and ask her. And with that, Ur’s inquisition began.

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Compared to the initial commotion, the questioning of Ur was carried out in a very calm and detached manner. The inquisitor, endowed with the “authority” of the Spirit of Truth & Lies, asked questions, and Ur answered. It was just that simple. However, should Ur speak any falsehoods in response to the questions, the inquisitor would detect it instantly. Therefore, Ur answered carefully to avoid any mistakes.

The questions delved deeply, not only about his recent encounter with the dragon but also about how Ur came into contact with Shizuku, how they started acting together, and even why he became an adventurer, going back to his very origins. He was made to answer truthfully to all of these questions.

In the process, Ur naturally talked about Shizuku’s purpose, “the reinstatement of an evil spirit,” which he had discussed and agreed upon with Shizuku beforehand as an inevitable disclosure.

“…Then, this concludes the inquisition.” -Inquisitor

After the final question, the inquisitor quietly declared. The faint light that seemed to envelop the priest’s body converged. They offered prayers towards the light. The Spirit of Truth & Lies, Judge, must be there. Ur could only see it as a faint, vague presence.

He watched as the light suddenly vanished towards the sky, and Ur sighed.

“I’m tired…” -Ur

Being scrutinized for any falsehoods. Of course, he had no intention of lying, but the pressure of being seen through everything made even just speaking exhausting.

“—The woman named Shizuku will be taken into the custody of the Sun Knights.” -Sun Knight

And then, Ur choked. It was the loud Sun Knight woman from the beginning who had said this.

The attending priests nodded in agreement, looking quite satisfied with the decision.

“The evil spirit’s priestess, an anti-dragon weapon, is not something the Adventurer’s Guild can handle. It’s decided.” -Sun Knight

Ur wanted to question what exactly was decided but held his tongue as Aransa glared sharply at the Sun Knight woman. He knew he would be in danger if he carelessly stepped into the fray.

“She is a member of the Adventurer’s Guild. Isn’t taking her into custody of the Sun Knights synonymous with imprisonment?” –Aransa

“It’s a necessary measure for the order of mankind!!” -Sun Knight

“But spirits represent the natural laws of the world. Even if it is an evil spirit, isn’t it a part of nature and the world’s order? Doesn’t this contradict the Temple’s teachings?”-Aransa

“SILENCE!! You speak carelessly without understanding how dangerous evil spirits are!!!” -Sun Knight

As the two exchanged heated words, Ur carefully observed, knowing that silence would not protect him from having others’ decisions imposed on him. He realized he must not be passive.

Understanding the situation was the first step. The Sun Knights’ proposal to take Shizuku into custody was troubling, not only for the sake of maintaining order but because her absence would be detrimental to Ur’s objectives. Losing Shizuku would inevitably mean losing Rock, significantly hindering their future activities. Moreover, he couldn’t accept the Sun Knight’s decision to detain Shizuku, disregarding her will.

He needed to either retract, compromise, or distort the Sun Knight’s proposal. This was the immediate task.

Observing the current tumultuous scene, Ur recognized that the main issue was the Sun Knight’s insistence on handling Ur and Shizuku. She seemed to be the immediate “enemy” to deal with, but not one to attack outright.

“…Hmm,” Ur mused, looking intently at the Sun Knight.

The Sun Knight continued to argue vehemently with Aransa. Her voice echoed loudly in the high-ceilinged inquiry room. Occasionally, the knight commander would shout angrily, and the elf from Lautaro would calm things down. The priests behind the Sun Knight echoed her words but didn’t take an active stance.

It appeared as if she was somewhat isolated in her stance, indicating that her arguments might not be as rational as she believed.

Considering the nature of “evil spirits” as a threat, if it were as severe as the Sun Knight claimed, Shizuku would have been taken away without question. But since that wasn’t happening, it might indicate that the threat wasn’t as dire as portrayed, or perhaps she was desperately trying to convey a crisis only she perceived.

“In the first place, a repulsive existence such as an evil spirit shrine maiden should be eliminated! You should be thanking me!!!” -Sun Knight

Ur pondered her position, but before he could conclude,

“Excuse me,” Ur raised his hand, and the room momentarily quieted. The Sun Knight looked at him with obvious irritation. Ur faced her directly.

The woman, with ears pointed, seemed young, perhaps not much older than Ur, accompanied by subordinate-like knights. Ur processed this information and continued,

“Actually, we are accompanying the 【Hero】 of the Seven Heavens. If it’s about managing Shizuku, wouldn’t entrusting her to them be most appropriate?” -Ur

At that moment, the Sun Knight’s face contorted dramatically. Had he touched a nerve?

“The【Hero】?!” -Sun Knight

“Is that not the issue?” –Ur

“…That’s not the point!!” -Sun Knight

Ur didn’t voice his questions.

“How foolish. What difference does the 【Hero】 make? Such a useless being.”

“Hah, a priest, despite being a filthy “mixed”!”

The Sun Knight’s followers laughed derisively at Diz, but Ur ignored them as noise. Instead, he continued to scrutinize the increasingly agitated Sun Knight.

Ur felt he had struck or grazed an essential point. But he knew that being too direct might provoke a dangerous response.

“I may not be well-versed in Temple affairs, but Diz, as the 【Hero】 is undeniably a priest. If it’s about overseeing Shizuku, the discussion would flow more smoothly. Currently, we are accompanying her on her request.” -Ur

Ur hadn’t discussed this with Diz, and it felt like a bit of a stretch, but it seemed the most efficient option and not entirely wrong. But still, the situation remained tense.

“IMPOSSIBLE!!!” -Sun Knight

“Why not?” -Ur

Ur was met with refusal. He had anticipated this but wondered why.

“IT’S JUST NOT POSSIBLE!!! WE WILL TAKE HER INTO CUSTODY! THAT’S THE FINAL DECISION!” -Sun Knight

Ur wished the woman would provide a logical explanation. Yet, he sensed something off in her refusal. Despite both being part of the same organization, the temple, she was against Diz, another 【Temple】 affiliate, taking custody of Shizuku. She kept repeating “protection,” suggesting that safety might be a pretext. Was the Sun Knight personally interested in Shizuku?

“I hear it’s quite serious. The city cursed by the Dragon of Gradol.” –Krolow

The elf spoke up, his voice deep and resonant. At his words, the Sun Knights turned sharply to him with a changed expression.

“Echelle Loine Raleigh. I’ve been wondering why a Sun Knight of 【Gradol】 would come all the way to 【Lust】.” –Krolow

“You—” -Sun Knight

“【The City of Sin, Gradol】 has always had a tense relationship with Proudia. I know it’s a difficult position to seek help from the 【Seven Heavens】, but I didn’t expect you to jump on the rumors of an ‘anti-dragon weapon.’” –Krowlow

“…What are you trying to say?” -Sun Knight

“Simply suggesting you calm down. For a sword of the Sun God, you seem too agitated.”-Krolow

The elf continued calmly while the Sun Knight glared at him. It seemed this man had a good grasp of her intentions but was provoking her for some reason, which could be advantageous for Ur.

Could this be support? Though Ur didn’t know why.

Glancing at the elf, he saw no recognition or indication of alliance; the man’s expression was stern and inscrutable. Perhaps he was consciously avoiding direct contact.

Silently, Ur offered internal thanks and tried to piece together the situation:

– The【Sin City of Proudia】 and the Seven Heavens are at odds with the【City of Sin, Gradol】.

– The noisy Sun Knight is dealing with trouble originating from her city-state of Gradol.

– She intends to use Shizuku to resolve it.

In essence, Shizuku’s situation is being manipulated due to circumstances beyond her. Ur felt an overwhelming desire to leave.

However, the fact that Shizuku was entangled in various issues and that the Temple had its reasons to assert authority was undeniable. So, what to do?

“Excuse me, pardon the interruption.”

Then, a familiar voice came from behind Ur.

It was Shizuku.

“…Wow.” -Ur

“Yes?” -Shizuku

Shizuku smiled sweetly at Ur, who looked exasperated.

“Don’t just walk in here! Your inquisition is next!!!” -Sun Knight

“I heard that Ur’s inquisition has already finished.” -Shizuku

Shizuku responded cutely, tilting her head to the shouting priest. Indeed, Ur’s inquisition was over, and the Spirit of Truth & Lie seemed restless, probably eager to leave. Ur also wished to go.

“Shizuku.” -Ur

“I was about to be taken somewhere while waiting.” -Shizuku

So, the inquisition had also served as a stalling tactic. Someone had tried to take her away forcefully. It was a brazen plan. Aransa was visibly annoyed, and Ur avoided looking at her.

“So I persuaded them to let me come here.” -Shizuku

“You persuaded them, huh…” -Ur

Ur decided not to delve deeper into the matter.

Shizuku then stepped forward, facing the Sun Knight.

“Sun Knight, I have heard everything up to now. Please allow me to respond.” -Shizuku

The Sun Knight was visibly flustered at Shizuku’s appearance, likely because she had expected Shizuku to be already taken away by her subordinates or colleagues.

“No, but…” -Sun Knight

However, regaining her composure, she took a haughty stance, chest out, voice raised, pointing at Shizuku.

“Good, Shizuku, you will cooperate with us!” -Sun Knight

“Understood.” -Shizuku

Shizuku nodded, which left the Sun Knight momentarily speechless before uttering a bewildered sound.

“Cooperation for dragon countermeasures, yes, of course. No one living in this world can ignore such a threat. Please tell me what I can do.” -Shizuku

“Ah…uhhh, of course…?” -Sun Knight

The Sun Knight, who had been belligerent moments ago, was visibly confused by Shizuku’s cooperative response. Aransa was about to say something, but a glance and a shake of the head from Ur silenced her. They crossed their arms to observe.

The Sun Knight, seemingly pleased with the unexpected support, smiled.

“O-of course! Then you’ll use your abilities under our direction!?” -Sun Knight

“Of course, but I have one condition.” -Shizuku

Before the Sun Knight could finish, Shizuku interjected, causing her to frown slightly.

“What is it?” -Sun Knight

“I would like to continue traveling with Ur and the others.” -Shizuku

“That is—” -Sun Knight

Shizuku continued firmly but gently, not allowing any interruption.

“My ability as an anti-dragon weapon isn’t that strong. I can only interfere with dragons to a very limited extent.” -Shizuku

“But you did interfere with one of the Seven Sin Dragons, didn’t you?” -Sun Knight

“Yes, and the retreat was successful thanks to Ur and Lynne, a user of the White King Formation. It wasn’t solely my doing.” -Shizuku

The room murmured, and all eyes turned to Ur, who felt uncomfortable and almost wanted to scold Shizuku for exaggerating. But she wasn’t entirely lying; Ur had indeed contributed to repelling the dragon, even if only as a small part of a larger effort.

“Without Ur and the others, I don’t know how much I can contribute to the Sun Knights’ efforts. Please allow me to accompany them.” -Shizuku

“Hmm… but…” -Sun Knight

Shizuku’s argument was sound, but the Sun Knight hesitated. Then Shizuku clapped her hands.

“—-Ah, are you concerned about the 【Hero’s】movements?” -Shizuku

When she mentioned the “Hero,” Shizuku’s voice took on a disdainful, almost disgusted tone, echoing the Sun Knight’s sentiment, which elicited a strong nod from her.

“Yes! That woman might use your power for her own ends!” -Sun Knight

“My relationship with her is strictly that of a guardian and employer. I have not sworn allegiance to the 【Hero】. Don’t you trust me?” -Shizuku

Shizuku lamented with a deep, sorrowful voice. Ur noticed his own heart swaying with sadness and felt an uncomfortable sweat break out, even though it wasn’t any form of magic.

“N-no, it’s not that, but…” -Sun Knight

“Then, may I proceed? Of course, I will ensure that the Hero does not interfere in any way, contributing my modest efforts.” -Shizuku

“W-well… if that’s the case…” -Sun Knight

Ur was confident that Diz wouldn’t actively interfere with him or Shizuku, not out of loyalty but simply because such trivialities were unlikely to concern her. But of course, he kept quiet about this.

“Then, I thank you! Sun Knight, let us work together from now on!” -Shizuku

“A-ah, yes… okay.” -Sun Knight

Shizuku’s radiant smile elicited a hesitant nod and agreement from the Sun Knight. Essentially, the agreement meant that everything would continue as it was, with Shizuku cooperating with the Sun Knight, but no one there seemed inclined or able to challenge this outcome.