Chapter 43: The Past of Number 6 Saint Teresa's Square |
"The matter of the unusual pricing, I actually didn’t investigate it myself. It was Father August who helped find the records in the church."
The doctor gestured for the elderly priest with graying hair to speak. The latter nodded, his grayish hair appearing particularly lifeless under the dim gaslight:
"About a hundred years ago, there was a horrifying murder at 6 St. Derain Square. According to the church's records, it was actually a battle between two unidentified Nine-Ring Warlocks who both died almost simultaneously. Subsequent investigations revealed they had lost control after reading numerous ancient texts. Although the church concluded this wouldn’t affect the house itself, every subsequent owner has died there."
"This sounds like the beginning of a horror story..." Shad thought, then realized something:
"Wait, the protagonist seems to be me?"
The old priest paused before continuing:
"The church couldn’t identify any specific issues with the house, so about thirty years ago, they bought it and sealed it off. After repeated inspections over two years, they sold the old house at a low price. However, wealthy individuals interested in St. Derain Square’s property values tend to be concerned about such taboos, while the poor who aren’t concerned wouldn’t inquire about properties in St. Derain Square. Somehow, Sparrow Hamilton ended up buying the house."
It sounded like the former detective had scored a bargain... and then died.
"Did the detective know about the house’s history?" Miss Luisa asked curiously. The writer seemed particularly interested in such tales.
The old priest clutched the pendant around his neck, praying for Mr. Sparrow Hamilton’s soul to find peace.
Shad, who fancied himself too imaginative, was beginning to worry. As an outsider, he had encountered many stories like this:
"So, I..."
"But I don’t think Sparrow Hamilton’s death was due to a curse. This is different from the past cases. Previous owners died suddenly within months, with no discernible cause, whereas the detective lived there for two years, and his cause of death could be identified," Dr. Schneider explained, his blue eyes fixed on Shad.
"Of course, if you find the place uncomfortable, you can sell it. But because of Sparrow Hamilton’s death... the price will likely drop further."
His suggestion was quite reasonable.
"I’m not planning to sell it for now. If the detective agency weren’t located in the city center, no one would trust an unknown detective like me. Plus, selling the house wouldn’t get me enough money to buy a better one in Tobesk. From the newspaper, I know there are cheap houses near the university district, but their prices are more despair-inducing than a relic losing control."
He said this, and Miss Luisa immediately showed an expression of agreement. The single golden-haired lady also seemed to be keeping an eye on such information.
Shad decided to stay for a few months to see if any issues arose before considering moving out.
According to the priest’s information, former owners of the house often heard strange noises and saw suspicious shadows before their untimely deaths. Those who were alarmed and moved out remained unharmed, while those who stayed inevitably perished.
"This is starting to sound more and more like a clichéd horror story, and I’m still the protagonist," he thought and then asked,
"Although the house belongs to Sparrow Hamilton and I have the detective’s will, I haven’t seen any property or land ownership documents."
The old priest waved a hand, looking relaxed:
"Those documents are in my Dawn Church. The detective entrusted them to us, as the church also had its concerns. If you want to retrieve them, just bring his will. The Dawn Church is in the city center of Tobesk, a half-hour walk from St. Derain Square. The tree-lined avenue near the church is lovely, and there are plenty of public carriages.
To avoid raising suspicions in the church and prompting them to reinvestigate the house or even you, I’ll help you obtain a death certificate for Sparrow Hamilton, listing natural causes... This isn’t about faking documents; it’ll be a legitimate one. Consider it a gift for joining us. No charge this time."
And so, Sparrow Hamilton’s death was conclusively closed. With official proof capable of fooling even the True God Church, only Shad and the doctor would ever know the truth.
Before the day’s meeting ended, Shad brought up the Poet-grade relic he possessed, the "Vampire Ring." Unfortunately, none of the three present had encountered this particular relic. However, the doctor offered to query the academy library through parchment, though the results wouldn’t be immediate.
With two high-danger-level relics in his possession, Shad was considered a relatively affluent Ring Warlock. The doctor advised him to master one or two powerful mystical arts and arcane techniques for self-defense before attempting to read The Mad Pursuer of Light.
"No one will monitor your progress in self-study; you’re responsible for yourself."
This was the blue-eyed doctor’s parting advice.
As they left the clinic, Father August reassured Shad about the doctor’s stern demeanor:
"Bill is always like that. He may seem strict, but he’s kinder than anyone."
He spoke while packing tobacco into his pipe, seemingly having refrained for quite some time at the clinic.
"We’ve all experienced his admonishments. Spend more time with him, and you’ll understand."
Miss Luisa echoed this sentiment as she boarded her carriage, while the less affluent Shad and the priest decided to walk.
Shad planned to hire a carriage later to transport his books, as ordinary rental carriages might lack the space.
He noticed Miss Luisa repeatedly touching her earlobe today, though she wasn’t wearing any earrings. She hadn’t displayed such behavior during their last meeting.
He shared his observation with the priest as they walked together. When they parted ways at the next intersection, Father August reassured him:
"Ring Warlocks sometimes act strangely because of the ‘other self.’ As long as it’s not due to relics or ancient knowledge causing them to lose control, such oddities can be ignored."
The priest smiled as they strolled down Lunken Avenue in the affluent district, where people dressed impeccably. Shad and the priest’s outfits barely met the standard.
"Starting a year ago, Luisa has been acting oddly every few days. This is normal compared to last year. In summer, we even suspected her body was possessed by another soul while reading ancient fairy tales."
Shad’s expression froze, and he dared not continue discussing the possibility of soul possession. This further reminded him that even seemingly normal Ring Warlocks might have unknown peculiarities.
Ring Warlocks were never a safe scholarly profession.