Mistress Of The Evil Forest-Case 212: Investigation.

If I were to believe Chloe's words, the winning condition for this act, as well as the final goal, is to defeat Buezrith and return the world's orders to their original state.

Realistically speaking, the chances of finding that guy across this vast continent are abysmal. Yet, if the game's portrayal of this world is even remotely correct, there has to be a way. After all, it is a game, and people have to be able to beat the game somehow.

The methods to achieve those results... I should have already heard from Chloe. Strangely enough, I can't seem to remember it. It can be reasonably assumed that my mind has been altered. I even tried to interact with the holy sword, but that did nothing.

Just what is going on...?

''Phew...''

My eyes instinctively fall onto the gaping rift in the sky. As long as I look at that, for some reason, I feel like I belong in reality.

Right. Merely sitting here doesn't solve anything. I need to investigate.

So, for a while, I discuss with the heroine the available clues. This time, Skylar also joins us.

''Hm... according to you, Buezrith has changed the world many times before, right?''

''It appears so. Using the holy sword, the past heroines all had to trace back and correct history at some point.''

''Why doesn't the sword work now, then?''

We all stare at the holy sword. It lies amply in Claire's hands, unmoving, unchanging, seemingly useless. At my question, Skylar lets out a helpless sigh, ''...I'm not too sure either. It has been like this since the beginning. When Buezrith first descends, it'll fall into a hibernation state, then after a while, its functions will return gradually.''

''That's... lame.'' Claire unknowingly mutters. ''I mean, do you really not know why...?''

''I'm sorry...''

''...''

That's a rather strange point. Optimistically, we can say that the demon's power fades with time, or the holy sword just needs some time to adapt to its abilities, but no matter the reason, it's... too easy.

We only need to wait for a while, and things can be solved? No way. There has to be something else.

''...To begin with, if we let this go on, exactly what will happen?'' I voice my thoughts to the naive-looking two. ''There has to be something it wants to accomplish, delaying our measures like this.''

''O-Oh, I guess so...?''

''Skylar, got any clues?''

''Um... honestly, nothing comes to my mind...''

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...I guess we'll have to put in more effort.

First of all, Chloe's notes.

Upon realizing that she is a transmigrator, Chloe naturally records everything she remembers about the original. Those papers are stored quite safely in Amelia's room, but when she switched back to her old body, she must have brought them into the Backrooms.

''That's weird... where did I put it?''

''...''

I guess Buezrith also confiscated those notes. How meticulous.

Rather, aren't we in trouble if that guy gets his hands on them? I suppose it's not too big of a deal, considering we're already in the final acts of the game. There's little to change now.

If anything, now that it knows what kind of method the game's Claire used to defeat itself, Buezrith might be more cautious.

Either way, I need to think of what else to look at...

''Aurora, how about...''

''Claire?''

Tugging my sleeve, the heroine captures my attention with a somewhat shaken expression, ''...The incident involving my birth. How about we start there?''

...Right.

The fact remains unchanged that Claire's birth, even her childhood, has been fabricated. For all I know, she still struggles to accept that truth until this day—that the family she cherishes is nothing but an illusion.

And it seems she finally has to courage to face it all now.

''Like I said, Buezrith can't seem to manipulate objects as it can do the minds. There might just be some evidence of your birth left somewhere, Claire.''

''But... what about Chloe's notes earlier? Didn't they disappear?''

''Who knows? Maybe it controlled Chloe and had her destroy them herself. Either way, Buezrith's ability isn't omnipotent, that's for sure.''

Nodding reluctantly, Claire follows me across the endless hallways.

We're heading to the grandmasters' living quarters to meet Ivan Apollo, the Apollo Duchy's current head. If it's him, I'm sure he can give us some leads.

''...Birth records?''

''Yes.''

''...''

Unexpectedly, when I ask if I can access that information, Ivan falls into deep thought. For some moments, his gaze lingers on Claire, who reacts quite nervously.

''Is it something related to this lady?'' Ivan voices his question. ''I understand that she is an important person, still, such confidential information is...''

''U-Um! Actually, I'm your... daughter...''

''...What?''

''...Or so I've heard...''

Awkward.

In the awkward silence, the two stare at one another, neither having the courage to break the ice. In the end, to properly make sure everything proceeds, I softly call, ''Skylar.''

So, the guardian appears.

''W-What??''

''...''

No, why are you also speechless? Do I really have to explain this...?

Feeling somewhat irritated, I patiently explain to Ivan the circumstances surrounding Claire. Although initially skeptical, the grandmaster is eventually convinced... hopefully.

''That explains the familiarity I feel from her.'' He sighs. ''Still hard to believe, of course.''

''Oh...''

Perhaps the heroine's reaction to that seems almost too pitiful, Ivan quickly interjects, ''But I'm open to spending more time with her... so we can find out the truth, yes?''

Like a naive deer, an honest smile blooms on Claire's face.

''Thank you...'' She says. ''It'll be nice if we were a family. I mean, the one I have in my memories... is fake, after all.''

''I hope so... Claire.''

''Hic... such a tearful reunion! Family is the best!''

You useless woman...

Nonetheless, Ivan finally opens up about the birth certificates of Apollo's children. Apparently, it is stored in a high-security study in the main mansion.

''The study is protected by an ancient formation,'' Ivan adds. ''I'm afraid even I won't be able to force myself through. But of course, as the head, I have clearance.''

''Having you guide us there seems risky... Buezrith might do something to you outside this place. Are there people with clearance beside you?''

''Only my children. Aaron and... Janet. Since Janet is missing, there's only my son left.''

Solemnly, the man's gaze sharpens, ''I understand that it is urgent, so even if it's by force, I allow you to take Aaron with you. Just... don't hurt him too much.''

...That sounds annoying, for sure.

But... whether fortunate or unfortunate, we don't have to assault Claire's brother in the first place. The heroine and I soon exchange knowing gazes.

''I'll take care of this safely. Thanks for the cooperation, Duke Apollo.''