Chapter 454: D167. Exotic Birds and Beautiful Scenery
After Grandpa finished the narration of the inheritance, night had already fallen.
During this time, no one had come to interrupt, nor were there any footsteps heard in the hallway outside.
Although this was just an ordinary guest room, due to the Hero’s long stay, the air inside carried a hint of sweet fragrance, and there was nothing particularly noteworthy.
However, it was also the highest-standard guest room in the Count Mansion, part of the heart of the entire Border City, a place safer than an ordinary fortress.
The perceptive Count apparently had given prior instructions, giving this seemingly ordinary conversation an extraordinary level of confidentiality.
And maintaining the high intensity of the teaching with Magic Power without any error, Grandpa finally completed the introductory transfer and let out a breath, showing signs of fatigue.
Opposite him, the Hero, who was responsible for listening and memorizing, also showed a dazed expression when the lesson finally ended, slumping in the chair like a boneless entity.
With Intelligence close to Legendary level, even without the assistance of an Extrasensory Perception Skill, she was by no means weak in rote memorization.
But even so, memorizing a large pile of records containing Forbidden Curses all at once left her feeling dizzy.
“You did great. When I forced myself to finish memorizing it back in the day, I fainted right away…” The old man wiped the sweat from his brow, appreciatively praising his granddaughter.
The dictionary definitions of the Moon Language, the records of lunar landings, the Forbidden Curses encrypted and hidden using code methods, and the decryption methods…
All these pieces of knowledge were linked together with the mystery of the Forbidden Curse as a bond, forming a certain incomprehensible vitality imprinted upon the Hero’s—
1. Forehead
2. Hands
3. Abdomen
4. Nape of the neck
5. Between the eyebrows♛
6. Professional Mark
7.1
8.2
9.3
10. Critical Success/Extreme Failure
D10=d10(5)=5
The Hero directed Magic Power to the space between her eyebrows, a faint white crescent moon appearing above it, adding a touch of haziness and mystery to the girl’s aura, as if there were enticing secrets beneath that beautiful exterior waiting to be unveiled.
“This is the Knowledge Seal of the Taboo Knowledge. As you delve deeper into understanding it, the Moon Phase will gradually reach completion, ultimately disappearing.”
At the moment Grandpa gave the reminder, the Hero, filled with curiosity, raised her head and reached out with both hands to touch the space between her eyebrows, her eyes turning in circles trying to see the appearance of the crescent moon.
Seeing his granddaughter’s mysterious aura vanish, Grandpa couldn’t help but chuckle.
“The location of the imprint is beyond control. Yours is somewhat obvious, but there’s no need to worry about it being discovered under usual circumstances. Its essence is intangible knowledge, and even when manifested, only those who understand it can see it.”
Unlike the Professional Mark on her body, this Knowledge Seal, though it can also appear when activated by Magic Power, is actually not composed of Magic Power. It’s more like the Phoenix Magic Pattern behind it, constructed by the peculiar power of a Curse.
The existence of the Moon People is kept secret, and unless it’s a veteran scholar in the Knowledge Hall specializing in lunar studies, even if the Hero reveals the imprint in front of the Count, it might not be recognized.
“Naturally, beings like the Knowledge Hunter can sense the Knowledge Seal. Even if you’ve mastered all the knowledge and let the imprint vanish, it doesn’t mean you can escape their ‘scent.'”
However, remembering the Hero’s mother’s suspected connection with the Moon People, his expression grew serious.
The Hero stopped examining what other peculiar marks had appeared on her body and listened intently.
“But I haven’t fully mastered all the knowledge either. Although I know the effect, I’ve never attempted to decrypt the true Forbidden Curse Ceremony, let alone perform it.”
Grandpa let out a sigh.
Not only because of his inadequate strength, but also due to the pollution of Forbidden Curses being sealed by encryption and the Moon Language. Their clan had preserved the inheritance safely across generations in this manner.
Once an attempt is made to decrypt it without sufficient strength, the pollution from the Forbidden Curse could cause one to cast spells at any cost, eventually transforming into a creature mutated by the Power of Ash.
And if such power were to be handed over to his supremely powerful son… He shook his head inwardly, unwilling to imagine the potential future that might unfold.
[Should I remind the Hero? (The higher, the more direct, 4-No)]
D10=d10(6)=6
“But you’re different. You can fully grasp the knowledge within.” The old man grew solemn, expressing his trust in his granddaughter without reservation.
“Once you have the imprint, I’ve essentially escaped the watch of the Knowledge Hunters because the knowledge has been passed on.
“As long as you’re ready, you can call upon it at any time, conquer it, and break the Cursed Binding on our clan that’s lasted for so long… Don’t rush to do this; whenever you’re ready is fine.”
The gaze of the Knowledge Hunter should be a frightening thing for the Taboo Scholars, implying perpetual unease, with the risk of having even one’s soul harvested if an accident occurs, while the taboo continues to spread afterward.
As a Conceptual Element of the Fantasy Species, there are scarcely any human mages able to defeat a Knowledge Hunter. Yet after witnessing the Hero punch a fallen Phoenix, kick a Demon Scorpion, and personally capture a small Knowledge Hunter, Grandpa, almost unwittingly, stopped being fixated on defeating a Knowledge Hunter.
At least in terms of combat, he didn’t need to worry about his granddaughter.
“On your way home, though, regarding your father and mother…”
Grandpa hesitated, pausing for a moment.
But seeing the Hero waiting intently for him to continue, he bit his lip and spoke.
“…Be cautious not to reveal that you have received the inheritance.”
[Hero’s Attitude (25-resistance)]
D100=d100(67)=67
Under the deep night moonlight, the Hero gazed at the bright moon by the window, gently touching the unmarked space between her eyebrows, her lips tightly pressed together.
Initially thinking that sleep would alleviate the knot left in her heart after the conversation with Grandpa, she had barely slept long before being jolted awake by a too-real Forbidden Curse dream.
A light sigh escaped the girl beneath the pristine moonlight.
She recalled Grandpa’s admonition.
—To definitely keep the existence of the Forbidden Curse a secret.
This was equivalent to advising the Hero not to overly trust her parents. Saying such a thing surely wasn’t easy for the old man either, so the Hero didn’t oppose it and merely nodded quietly.
“Mother, Father…” Turning her gaze to a wooden cabinet in the room, her expression turned somewhat conflicted.
Before leaving home, the traveling expenses provided by her mother were still there, unused.
Now, reflecting on it, she realized she knew virtually nothing about her parents—how they met, how her father became the Military Merit Duke, or where her mother came from… She was utterly in the dark about these things.
However, although her father was cold and unsmiling, he never mistreated the servants, and he was generous with their wages.
The other Nobles in the city respected him, and sometimes military notables would come to ask for his help.
Her mother, while not often displaying a smile, never reprimanded her either. Despite not teaching her Magic, she would patiently answer her questions when she was young and even hired a family tutor for her…
Even her brother, the Hero knew he was diligent in his study of Magic.
She indeed felt suffocated by the family atmosphere and thought of escaping, but on the other hand, the Hero didn’t believe her family members were bad people.
‘It’s precisely because of such awkward thoughts that you’re always so troubled.’
The reproach from her close friend echoed in her heart, causing the Hero to lower her head slightly.
If they knew she had become a Military Merit Duke, would they acknowledge her?
But what if they knew she had acquired the Forbidden Curse… Would they—
The Hero hurriedly shook her head, discarding the negative thoughts from her mind.
Taking three steps as if in two, she quickly dived into the bed, tightly wrapping herself in a bundle.
A mixture of slight hope for the future and more prominent anxiety formed a jumble of difficult-to-untangle thoughts, leaving the girl curled up, sleepless through the night.
[Hero’s Thoughts (The lower, the more inclined to escape, Hero+30)]
D100+30=d100(44)+30=74
“Your Majesty, good morning.”
With rhythmic and appropriately loud knocking sounds, the composed voice of the middle-aged housekeeper traveled through the door.
Having been trained by the Maid Supervisor, the Gleaming Scale Serpent rapidly absorbed the necessary knowledge about human interactions and the duties of a housekeeper like a sponge.
Presently, its demeanor and methods of dealing with people left little to criticize, even in the eyes of the Maid Supervisor who had served the Count’s family for years.
Although, in essence, as an Elemental Spirit, the Gleaming Scale Serpent no longer had a sex, but since its Transformation appearance was male, he observed general manners and no longer entered the Hero’s boudoir without permission.
Back when it was still Big Snake, lying at the Hero’s feet was a time he cherished, but since he aimed to protect Her Majesty throughout her life, some sacrifices were necessary.
Nevertheless, since she often had to spend nights in dangerous wilderness, the Hero didn’t have the habit of sleeping late, typically waking up by herself before breakfast, making his wake-up call unnecessary.
“Breakfast is ready, should I call a maid for you?”
The gentle call entered the room, and on the soft bed, the eyebrows of the small girl nestled within the bedding quivered.
The morning sunlight streamed through the slightly opened curtains, beaming into the room and casting light on the girl’s exposed arm.
As if mutually attracted by this beam of light, the closer it got to the girl’s skin, the more translucent and bright the morning sun became, like invisible particles spreading, enveloping the girl’s whole body in a faint glow.
Under the cover of the Sunshine, the Hero slowly opened her eyes—(The higher, the more energetic)
D100=d100(30)=30
Unlike her usual quick alertness, the girl slowly opened her eyes, with emerald green pupils unconsciously reflecting the ceiling’s pattern, and her expression was a blank, vacant slate.
“Your Majesty, do I need to call a maid for you?”
Perceiving the change in the room’s atmosphere, the voice outside the door fell into a momentary silence, as if waiting for her to awaken, avoiding continuous prompts before confirming with a gentle inquiry.
On the bed, the Hero sat up, her slightly longer dark hair flowing like water as she rose, hanging smoothly behind her and covering that fair neck’s nape.
Her expression turned slightly conflicted.
This was troublesome; initially thinking she had gotten used to the Familiar’s transformed appearance, but after delving deeply yesterday into family matters, it wasn’t merely the appearance—its voice was slightly similar too…
“Your Majesty?” The prolonged silence eventually seemed unusual, and the Gleaming Scale Serpent’s tone assumed some concern.
“N-no need! You head to the dining room first!” With a sudden start, the Hero promptly responded.
Sensing the Gleaming Scale Serpent gradually retreating after receiving her reply, she finally got out of bed to start her day.
While her body is typically in a spotless state nowadays, the Hero still favored the sensation of cool water splashing her face due to her long-standing routine.
However, as she didn’t require much actual cleaning, and her attire was simple, the Hero didn’t need much servant assistance.
Hence, the Hero swiftly prepared herself and appeared at the dining table, greeting everyone.
“As expected, Miss Hero doesn’t even need makeup,” the Fourteenth Princess cast a slightly envious gaze.
[Hero’s Makeup Knowledge (Hero-30)]
D70=d70(20)=20
“Makeup…?”
The Hero tilted her head in bewilderment, evidently not expecting that term to be directed at her.
What’s the use of makeup? Even Goblins didn’t care about that.
The Fourteenth Princess’s smile turned somewhat helpless.