Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 773

"No, no, I can still understand it having high historical value and being national treasure-class. But saying it could be used for political negotiations is going too far, no matter how you look at it."

I shook my head in surprise, but Capella and Tink's serious expressions didn't change.

"Ridd-sama. You are aware that Chief Amon-sama, Chief Sekhmet-sama, and the other tribal leaders are troubled by the territorial issues Toga is provoking, aren't you?"

It was Capella who spoke up in a calm tone.

"I know that. But I can't imagine Toga backing down on territorial issues just because of the contents of this one book."

"Indeed, Toga probably won't back down. However, it's entirely possible that it could shake Toga's justification and become the trigger for other countries to support Zubera's claims. After all, Toga has designated documents written in Ancient Martel as 'Holy Books' and is preserving and storing them on a national scale."

'Ancient Martel' is an ancient language passed down in Toga, and it seems it once permeated the entire continent.

But for some reason, it apparently fell out of use on the continent throughout history.

Nowadays, even in Toga, it's only recorded in past books designated as 'Holy Books,' and as Capella said, they seem to be carefully preserved in the national treasury.

"I understand that Toga places importance on the 'Holy Books.' But even so..."

"Ridd-sama, for the Mystina Faith, books written in 'Ancient Martel' hold special significance."

"Huh...?"

I tilted my head at Tink's words, and she continued.

"There are few existing books in Ancient Martel, and considering the literacy rate of that time, it's highly likely they were written by someone in a high position... someone close to the Saint Mystina. Being designated as a Holy Book means it's certified as a 'document conveying the teachings of the Goddess Mystina Martel to the world,' and it will be treated strictly as a true Holy Book."

"W-well, I see. If it's valued that highly, it might be usable as a bargaining chip."

"That's not all."

As I nodded in agreement, Capella spoke up again.

But his tone was a bit intense.

"What do you mean, not all?"

"The fact that Greas-sama hid this so carefully might mean it contains inconvenient truths about the Goddess Mystina Martel that Toga has buried in the darkness of history."

"Inconvenient truths? Like what, for example?"

When I asked back, Capella intensified his gaze.

"...It might even overturn Toga's claim that 'historically, Zubera is part of their territory' from the ground up."

"What...!?"

My eyes inadvertently widened at the unexpected revelation.

At the same time, the world situation from my previous life's memories flashed through my mind.

Amidst various countries engaging in territorial disputes with their own agendas, what was emphasized was the outward 'justification and legitimacy.'

It was 'history' that was brought up for that 'justification and legitimacy,' and I think there were countries that poured enormous budgets into archaeological investigations to settle territorial issues.

If, as Capella said, the contents of this 'Holy Book teaching the doctrines of the Goddess Mystina Martel written in Ancient Martel' fundamentally overturn the claims Toga is currently making, what would happen?

Naturally, Toga would deny it immediately, but the characters written are in Ancient Martel, which they hold sacred.

They'll probably claim it's a fake, but if that happens, it could become the trigger... the first crack in the 'deification of Ancient Martel.'

Without a doubt, for Toga, this is a 'Pandora's Box' and a 'Treasure Box' that must not be opened.

Finally understanding the potential of this 'book,' I was turning pale when Tink spoke up.

"Ridd-sama."

"Although Toga has established the Mystina Faith as its state religion, among the bishops and priests supporting the Pope, there are hawks and doves regarding other religions. The current Pope seems to hold a neutral stance, so I don't think it will immediately become an inter-state issue, but if the hawks learn of this book's existence, they might make some move. They can be a bit extreme."

"A bit extreme? Tink, do you know the hawks?"

"During my adventurer days before meeting Cross, I was in Toga for a time. At that time, I learned the hawk faction was kidnapping children, so I took the captured children and crossed the border."

"Eh!? Is it okay to talk about that?"

I asked back in shock, and she nodded calmly.

"It's been over ten years now, and I had my face hidden, so I doubt anyone remembers. But please keep this between us."

Seeing Tink wink with one eye closed, I couldn't help but burst out with a "haha."

"Got it, of course I won't tell anyone. You too, Capella."

"Understood."

As he bowed, I took a deep breath and looked down at the letter.

Why did Greas hide the diary and this book under the floorboards and even set up mechanisms on the box?

Probably because he thought that if Gareth or Erva knew of their existence, it would cause domestic and international chaos.

But depending on the content, it could become material that throws a stone into the territorial dispute between Toga and Zubera.

Whether disposing of it or preserving it, the risk is high.

And Greas chose to entrust it to the future by hiding it under the floorboards, is that it?

Even though it's something beyond my capacity to handle.

"...I'll read the rest with due care."

After muttering that, I followed the second letter from the beginning with my eyes again.

'The second book is a valuable document I found during my hobby of historical research.

It is a document of unknown authorship written in the ancient Martel language of the Holy Nation Toga, but it is not the sanctified, deified stories or teachings found in the scriptures of the Mystina Faith.

It describes the character of Mystina Martel, who is now revered as a goddess in the Mystina Faith.

What she actually accomplished, what she brought, what she did... these are written without embellishment, as a single human being.

When I found and held this book, my heart leaped.

However, translating all of the ancient Martel script will take time.

Unfortunately, I was only able to decipher the beginning of this book.

I pray to you, the one who finds this letter.

Please decipher this book in secret and find a clue to guide Zubera and Toga.

Although I am of the Fox tribe, I am also of the bloodline of a chieftain who should protect Zubera.

Without the people, a leader cannot fulfill their role.

Please, grant the wish of one who worries for the future of the nation.

If the one who finds this letter lacks the power, give it to Amon or Rafa mentioned at the beginning.

If that is difficult, seek the neighboring territories' Tanuki tribe or Horse tribe.

Though farther away, you can also rely on the chieftains of the Cat tribe and Rat tribe.

If you give them my name and this book, they will surely recognize its value immediately.

I pray that this letter reaches someone with clear eyes and heart.

Greath Grandark'