I rubbed my eyes, confirming I wasn’t mistaken.
The book I’d picked up had Young Lady Liya written on its cover, the sequel to the one I’d read a few days ago.
“Did those two drop it?” I muttered, glancing back.
The two who’d left couldn’t answer.
I’d searched my room’s bookshelf and subtly asked others in the monastery, finding nothing.
Yet today, I’d stumbled upon it.
It couldn’t be a coincidence.
It seemed the first volume left in my room was likely Bemira or Daisy’s doing.
Still, it wasn’t bad for me.
It was like a long-awaited novel update.
Even if it ended poorly, I’d have reason to send the author some “blades.”
But as I returned to my room with the book, I spotted a familiar figure.
“Your Highness, you’re back?” Syl said, leaning against the desk, looking up to greet me before returning to the notebook in front of her, scribbling something.
“Eh, found anything, Syl?” I asked.
I’d thought Syl wouldn’t be back for a while, yet here she was, waiting.
“Please wait a moment, Your Highness.” Syl replied.
Curious, I stowed the novel in my inventory and sidled up to her, trying to peek at her notebook.
If there’s anything in this world you can’t change no matter how hard you try—call it an irresistible force—my biggest one was painfully obvious.
[Yes, height is the ultimate irresistible force.]
Syl, busy writing and revising, noticed the hopping figure beside her.
Seeing her Demon King Highness struggle to reach the notebook, her usually cool, detached face softened with amusement at the adorable effort.
But she quickly regained her composure, as if the smile was an illusion.
Just as I abandoned my dignity, ready to climb a chair to bridge the cursed height gap, Syl reached out, gently pressing me into the seat.
She placed the notebook before me, pointing at the text with her pen. “It’s mostly done. These are suspicious points I’ve compiled about the monastery. First, here.”
Following her gesture, I looked at the circled section.
It read: The monastery seems to have distinct hierarchies.
“That doesn’t seem odd, does it?” I said, tilting my head toward Syl behind me. “Every faction has some kind of hierarchy, right?”
Early factions might lack such structures, but the Radiant Monastery, an offshoot of the Church, had a mature power system.
“No, Your Highness, I don’t mean power-based hierarchies. The monastery’s leadership are all core members under Claire.” Syl said, shaking her head and pointing to her explanation.
I caught her meaning. “So, Syl, you’re saying it’s based on Claire’s approval?”
“Not certain. It could be a collective decision by the leadership, like an empire’s elder council, but Claire likely holds sway.” Syl said.
She paused, then continued. “Also, ‘hierarchy’ might not be the right word. It feels more like… an organization within the monastery.”
“An internal organization, like the monastery’s Tribunal or Trainee Corps?” I asked.
“No, those are public. This organization is completely hidden. I probed several regular monastery members—they know nothing, not even that a hidden group exists.” Syl replied.
I fell into thought. “The monastery broke off from the Church. It might have carried over unique structural traits, like factional ties binding people together.”
That said, I knew a leader-driven, leadership-core organization within a faction was odd, regardless of its purpose or growth.
“Let’s set that aside for now. Anything else, Syl?” I asked, unable to puzzle it out.
Syl nodded, flipping the notebook to the second page. “I haven’t found the organization’s purpose, but I uncovered some clues.”
“There are special towers at three corners of the monastery, supposedly to enhance the central magic array. Their remote locations and anti-interference measures mean only patrol teams should visit.” Syl said.
“Yet I found heavy signs of human activity in each tower. Based on these, I deduce they hold periodic, unclear rituals or gatherings.” She paused, then added, “Since Claire personally guards the tower keys, I suspect they’re their base.”
“Rituals… gatherings…” I murmured, recalling my earlier encounter with Bemira and Daisy.
A realization hit me. “Syl, your guesses are probably right.”
I told her about running into Bemira and Daisy in the corridor.
After listening, Syl nodded. “Yes, Your Highness. I estimate their next gathering is tonight.”
“Tonight, huh? Talk about perfect timing.” I said, stretching and patting Syl’s shoulder. “Great work, Syl. Digging up so much in so little time.”
Combat, scouting, cooking, knowledge—Syl excelled at everything.
Sometimes I wondered if maids were the game’s ultimate class.
“Your Highness flatters me.” Syl replied.
“Hmph, finally getting some dirt on you lot.” I said, clenching my small fist, brimming with enthusiasm.
Beyond curiosity, solving the mystery nagging at me was worth celebrating.
Then something occurred to me. “Oh, Syl, what time’s the gathering tonight?”
“Midnight, Your Highness.” Syl answered.
“…”
“Eh?”