The next day, Lyon went to meet up with Carlson in his office. Ives wasn't present since he agreed to rest. Carlson was suspicious about Lyon's claims that a prisoner could be a spy, but he could only believe Lyon since he has no other clues at the moment.
Since Lyon knew from the simulation that Ray would deliver the letter the next day, he decided to practice magic for the rest of the day.
Magic training increases mental strength, which in turn increases simulation length. Lyon decided to go to a library, or meet up with the Mage of Ives's party to learn other attributes of magic.
The goal for the day is to get familiar with different elements of magic except for summoning magic. The bonus goal would be to understand the principle of magic, which would be difficult for Lyon, since he only got to learn magic the day before.
Setting his day's goal, Lyon set out from the Garrison and walked to the Adventurer Guild, they only place for common citizens to get the most information about the city.
Walking in, Lyon got some heads turned, but they were only quite a few, since he was here two days prior.
Lyon walked straight to the reception, where he found the receptionist he got acquainted with, Anna.
"Hi~"
Anna kept a polite smile on her face and asked Lyon, "What can I do for you, Adventurer?"
"Can I borrow some money from you?"
Lyon really was short on money. He didn't meet a tailor on his way to the city and certainly didn't get offered some gold in exchange for his clothes. Though Lyon didn't intend to sell his clothes. They act as a remainder for him, where it all began.
Alright, goal 3, make money. Although I can get some if I give another idea to the merchant and ask for advance payment, but who in their right minds wouldn't want to be an adventurer after coming to a fantasy world, especially someone who watched a lot of isekai.
Anna's smile didn't change, "We do have credit services if you are referring to them."
"Yes, can you get me a starter pack with that?"
"Starter Pack?"
"You know, the basic gear an adventurer novice would need before setting out for his first mission."
"Hmm . . . That's quite a novel idea. I can apply for armor, a weapon of your choice and a helmet with the money you can apply, though they wouldn't be as durable as you would expect."
"Can't you get me something better?"
"It costs money. And the guild cannot lend you much without some guarantee."
"Ok."
After a while, Lyon got his gear. Nothing commendable. A leather armor and helmet, along with a short sword. Lyon requested a weapon for magic, but they are expensive.
Satisfied with what he has, he asked Anna about a library.
"There is one four streets across, but you can't enter without a permit. The library has books from all over the Empire, so the access is restricted. However, there is a task to help the librarian in sorting new books received, but no one volunteered yet. Since it's a simple task, you can take it."
Lyon thanked Anna and took the task. He went to the library according to the address and found a 3 story building. With the task permit, Lyon went inside and met the Librarian.
He explained to the Librarian about his purpose, and he agreed to let Lyon read in the Library for the rest of the day after finishing the task.
So Lyon went to do the task in full vigor. After he finished the task, he was exhausted. He picked up a book about introduction to the world of magic, sat at a table and began to read it.
Lyon was immersed in the book. He began to have a new understanding of magic. But before he could finish it, he heard a bell. Apparently, the library is to be closed.
Dejected at wasting such an opportunity, he walked back to the Guild to submit the task. Anna was shocked when she saw Lyon.
"You're done already?"
"Hmm? Yeah, I finished it. Unfortunately, I didn't read much about what I wanted."
Lyon explained his situation to Anna.
"Couldn't you have done most of it today, and the rest tomorrow, so that you can have more time to read?"
"Could I?"
"Didn't you read the Task sheet when you had it? It states you have 3 days of time to finish the task."
". . ."
Well, at least I got the money.
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The next day, Lyon woke up feeling refreshed. He didn't simulate the last night since he dedicated himself to practicing magic. He had a better grasp at the basics, but still had a long way to go if he wanted to use it in combat.
(A/N: One of the twins was a genius in magic, yet it took months of practice for her to reach the level where she could use it fluently. Not everyone has a god body.)
Lyon was feeling quite good after waking up. This was the day he was going to catch the spy, and the first step to having an identity in this world.
Lyon freshened himself up and walked to Carlson's office.
"Good day, Carlson."
"You look refreshed. Are you truly confident in catching the spy?"
There is something weird about Carlson. . . Nevermind.
"Well, it's not certain, but I am mostly sure. I don't think we can find any more suspects if we fail this."
"Hmm, you're right. I've looked through the reports on all the people in the garrison. None ticked the boxes. Either the spy has lurked for quite a few years, or . . ."
". . ."
Yes, all of this is becauseLyon had convinced Carlson there was a spy in the garrison. By this point, the letter from some Viscount must have arrived at the Baron's table about the Spy, but he could be anywhere in the Town.
Seeing Lyon's silence, Carlson didn't push him. He picked up a letter on his desk and showed it to Lyon.
The letter is sealed by wax, and there was a stamp on it, a wax seal. On the front of the letter, there was a sign on the bottom right corner. On the top left, it was addressed to Ray.
Lyon looked up at Carlson, motioning for him to continue. Since the wax seal was still in place, Lyon cannot read the letter.
"The letter is written by the current head of the Gemphar family, Ray's father and Baron Gemphar. It's possible that this letter might be the cause for Ray to send the Spy's letter to the merchant. I think the letter will be sent very soon."
Lyon realized the situation, but he also started to feel anxious in his heart. No matter what, it would soon be known that he was the centerpiece in finding dirt on the Gemphar family.
Carlson seemed to know what Lyon was thinking, so he stated "Don't worry. Your help would not be mentioned in the entire report. You will not be a part of this spy hunt on paper."
"Thank you."
Lyon felt grateful for Carlson's help. Soon, they discussed their next steps. Carlson would get an expert to open the letter without any damage to it. Lyon wasn't interested in what was described in it.
After making a copy, the letter will be resealed. Apparently, this 'expert' is sure to make a replica of the stamp with about 80% accuracy. Lyon was amazed by the skill, but also was puzzled.
"Why not use magic? Does this stamp have some anti-magic properties?"
"Most nobles use such a method, especially the deeper rooted families. The secrets they need to hide in order to stay in power is not something we can even guess about."
Lyon walked out of the Office and went to look for the Mage of Ives's party. He was supposed to meet him the day before, but he took too much time in the library.
After meeting up, he learned more about magic from him, and he also requested the other party members to spar with him. Lyon knows himself. He sucks at physical things, especially in this world where there are monsters everywhere.
As a former NEET, he wants to stay away from that kind of lifestyle after coming out of it.
Lyon trained until evening, changing between magic and physical as necessary.
The mage gave Lyon a book after he learned that Lyon had read the basics of magic in the library. The book described more advanced spells not generally known to the public. It's redundant to give it to Lyon who could barely use the basic elemental magic, but it gives a wider perspective.
The physical training is to get exhausted, pretty much it. And some sword training. When the Tank of the party looked at Lyon's body shape, his expression was very strange.
He asked Lyon how it was possible to have such a body as a commoner. Even if you just did the chores, you would have a basic shape. Lyon's body was way out of shape.
So Lyon started to train with the basics, running. He ran around the block, getting some strange looks, but he kept running.
Just after midday, he went back to his room to wait for the right time. Close to sunset, a soldier knocked on Lyon's room and asked him to meet up with Carlson.
Lyon went to the Office, but couldn't find him. He realized that Carlson probably followed Ray and rushed out immediately.
After about 10 minutes, he caught up with Carlson walking slowly behind Ray.
Carlson looked at Lyon and nodded at him, and both of them began tailing behind Ray.
After a few minutes, Ray arrived at the merchant's estate and delivered the letter to the guards stationed outside.
Lyon spoke to Carlson and told him to meet up in the Office and made his way back.
Carlson looked at Lyon's back as he walked away and went inside the estate to meet up with the merchant.
"Carlson! To what do I owe this visit for?"
"The letter, Simon. I need the letter you just received, or a copy of it. I need it for investigation."
The merchant, Simon, hesitated for a few seconds before replying,
"Well I can't just give you a letter just because you said so. How about we do it this way. I just want to do a quick rush of this new game I just found, and I want you to keep an eye closed for a few days."
"I know what it is. He came to you with MY recommendation letter. But the letter is crucial to find a serious criminal, in the King's name. Moreover, the news of the game has been sent to the capital before you even knew about it."
Carlson knew what this man was thinking. He wanted to make quick money before the Emperor declared this game to be fit for gambling, effectively nullifying the chance of poker gambling.
"Tch~. You can have it. It was just a favor anyway."
Carlson didn't take the letter given by the servant and asked Simon to give him a copy.
Before leaving, he also told Simon to notify him before the convoy leaves the town.
Back in the office, Lyon looked at Carlson who arrived and asked him about the situation. Carlson didn't say anything and handed him the letter. Apparently, he had already finished reading it on his way.
Lyon read the letter. The more he read it, the more normal it appeared. The letter was basically about the prisoner being wrongly accused and asking his brother not to worry about him, that he is fine, and to request his brother Steven to look for a way to prove his innocence.
He even gave a few methods, but Lyon wasn't sure if he was being sarcastic. Asking the noble who accused him to issue a pardon? or maybe even the Emperor's pardon.
Shaking his head, Lyon reread the letter. Now he just wants to find clues about this being a message. Unfortunately, Lyon couldn't figure it out, so he asked Carlson's opinion. Carlson also told him he has no clue.
So both of them went to meet up with Ives. The Silver ranked party leader is indeed worthy of reputation. He told them about the concept of strokes.
Lyon also looked at the letter and realized the differences. The letters, for example L, can be written without lifting the pen, but sometimes, L was written using 3 lines. If you didn't know it, it would be hard to understand.
Although they found the hidden message, they didn't understand it. However, Carlson stated that the Capital might have some method for translating this.
However, this also means that the Spy has truly been found. Lyon couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.
"Someone, bring Jeffery to the torture chamber."
". . !!"
The name struck Lyon's mind, and he realized what had happened.
No wonder the earlier simulations had so many troubles, and I would always be convicted as a spy. Who would think that the Spy would infiltrate as a prisoner.
"You alright?"
Perhaps feeling Lyon's mood, Ives asked him.
"Fine."
Soon, Jeff was brought to the torture chamber. Looking at the man in front of him, Lyon wanted to ask the simulator, What part of him looks like kindness?
Lyon didn't stay any longer inside. He wasn't a fan of torture, or violence for that matter. He prefers to deal with things without them if possible.
Soon, Lyon got to know the full story. Jeff was a spy sent to lurk in the Belfast Kingdom. However, during a royal gala, while he was looking around to find a way to make more connections, he spotted a young girl surrounded by many wanting to impress her.
When he went towards her, the girl ordered his arrest. The king quickly arrived at the scene and after listening to the girl calling him evil, immediately ordered his arrest. Lyon knew that this was probably because of the Magic Eyes possessed by the princess.
He was later arrested in the Empire, but the Empire didn't believe the Kingdom's claims without any investigation, which gave him time to prepare for escape. And the rest was history.
Catching the spy who was supposed to help Jeff is not Lyon's duty. He has done his role, and it's time for a good rest.
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4 Days passed by Quickly.
Lyon spent these four days doing quests, only the ones requesting help in the city, practicing magic and physique, and simulating before sleep.
However, Lyon's mental strength didn't increase exponentially, and he didn't make it past 12 days. The interesting thing is, Lyon felt that his mental strength was comparatively much higher but it's just the simulator draining a lot.
In the simulations in the past four days, the result was quite the same. Lyon would be taken to the capital, his identity was exposed but he was pardoned. The king offered him a job in the palace, but he refused, and he died a few days later through assassination.
He tried several ways to escape, but was always killed. The only way for him to survive would be to join the Castle, but Lyon really, really didn't want to.
This morning, Lyon freshened himself up and put on his disguise. Time to meet the Pig Baron.
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Although Carlson was surprised by Lyon's disguise, he didn't say anything. Lyon looks slovenly, with black hair reaching his eyebrows and a beard.
Aboard the carriage, Lyon had a pleasant conversation with the Baron. If he didn't know, he wouldn't associate this man to what he had seen in the simulation. He also knew why this man looked so horrible. Apparently, his ancestors tried hard to keep their bloodline pure.
The 2 days of journey got Lyon and the Baron to start a new friendship. The Baron, from what Lyon had seen, is genuinely trying to develop his Town. Sometimes it made Lyon think that the Simulation might be wrong, since what Lyon perceives in the Simulation is under Raj's control.
But the Pig-like laugh whenever the carriage passed by some teens made Lyon apologize to the simulator for ever doubting it.
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Throne Room.
Grand is an understatement if it was used to describe this piece of art. It was just magnificent. Of course, Lyon didn't just gawk at them like a bumpkin and paid his respects to the Emperor.
The Emperor sat in silence for a few seconds before motioning to the minister standing beside him to explain the situation with formality.
After the briefing, the Emperor rewarded the Baron with an increase in territory, and reduction of taxes for the next 5 years. He rewarded Carlson with a promotion, and presented him with a medal of honor. He then rewarded Lyon with . . . . . A cold stare.
"Who are you"
Lyon just repeated the lie once again, claiming to be an accountant. Of course, he knew his cover was blown, but he had no other choice.
The minister beside the Emperor answered that they have already confirmed with the Lord of Helerot about Lyon's status.
"Besides, the Letter you saw in the morning of the day you found Jeffery was a spy was, in truth, signed by the Lord of Helerot himself, and you didn't recognize it."
". . ."
The key to a perfect lie is to tell the truth mixed with a hint of a lie.
"Your Majesty, I am a Seer. Unfortunately, I cannot look into the future accurately, which led to me being excluded. Weak in combat, I have learned the art of accountants to provide me with coin. One night, I was shocked to find myself in the future accused of being a spy, so I set out to help catch the spy."
This is what Lyon had found while simulating on the way to the Capital.
The Emperor gasped, "No wonder you seemed to know many things without a reason."
The court was instantly filled with murmurs, ranging from discussing Lyon's value to calling him a Liar.
The minister coughed slightly to calm the unrest. He then declared, "Lyon, you have been found guilty of impersonating another kingdom's messenger. You will be punished by-"
"A Job!"
The Emperor's Voice, although low, was very powerful.
The Emperor continued, "You will be hired to look into the future of the empire. In the meantime, you will also teach the . . . 'art of accountants'."
Many voices of opposition rose, asking the emperor not to take in a person inside the castle without enough credibility. But the Emperor took a firm stance.
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A lot of things happened after that. The Emperor gave Lyon some time to adjust. He also forgave Lyon for appearing to the Courtroom in disguise. But Lyon continued to put on the disguise since the Baron decided to stay in the capital for a while.
Lyon also got to know his Son, who after being introduced kept calling Lyon Uncle.
Lyon didn't mind it at first, but the title soon spread around the Noble circle, of course by someone's malicious intent. Lyon also figured out that the Gemphar Family really had a connection to the spy, and now they don't want him alive.
Lyon was used to being called 'Uncle' when he was in China whenever he was Unkept, But the worst part is that the young princess 11 years old and also a heroine had also picked up the title.