Chương 20: Chapter 19

It had been quite some time since Elias had begun speaking with Mr. Hemmensway. Nearly two incense sticks had burned to ash, amounting to roughly five hours of conversation. During that time, Elias had managed to gather a considerable amount of general information about the world. Excluding the broader history of the surrounding nations and the finer details that Mr.

Hemmensway still needed time to investigate, the overall history of the Holy Nation largely coincided with what had been written in The Fake Saintess's Revenge. That alone was enough to reassure him that, despite his unusual circumstances, the world's history had not diverged from the novel, at least not in any significant way. There had, however, been one unexpected discovery. The Main Empire ruled over every nation on the continent.

Although each kingdom governed its own territory and possessed its own royal family, they all ultimately remained beneath the Empire's authority. More importantly, the Empire was home to the Hero's Party, with the Imperial Crown Prince serving as its leader. According to the information he had obtained, the Hero's Party was currently staying within the Holy Nation. Upon hearing that, Elias frowned before asking about the remaining members of the Hero's Party.

After learning that they too had already arrived within the Holy Nation, his expression only became more complicated. Everything was proceeding exactly as it had in the novel. Only after confirming that did he move on to the question he had truly wanted answered.

"And the Saintess?" Elias asked.

"Has she begun selecting her attendants yet?" That event would mark the true beginning of the story. Mr. Hemmensway remained silent for a moment before shaking his head.

"Not yet. However, it should happen soon. It is tradition for every Saintess to choose a head attendant shortly after her coming-of-age ceremony. The position is usually filled by someone from the nobility." His gaze drifted over Elias.

"Though I'm unsure whether a young man such as yourself would qualify. It is a rather... personal position." He paused before continuing.

"Although there have been rare occasions where a commoner has been selected. In such cases, that individual is granted a surname."

"A surname?" Elias repeated.

"What do you mean by that?" Mr. Hemmensway smiled faintly.

"Surnames are highly sought after in this world. Possessing one generally signifies that you belong to a noble family. Even fallen nobles retain their surnames, while successful merchants or individuals who have rendered exceptional service may be granted one by a high-ranking noble or even His Majesty himself. A surname is more than a name. It represents status, influence, and recognition."

"I see..." Elias thought quietly before asking another question.

"Is it possible to track someone through their surname?"

"Generally, yes." Mr. Hemmensway nodded.

"A surname leaves behind a trail. Families possess histories, territories, and records. Finding someone with a surname is considerably easier than finding an ordinary commoner." The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Elias looked toward the darkness concealing the shopkeeper.

"Mr. Hemmensway... is that your surname as well?" For a brief moment, the shadows became perfectly still. Although Elias could not see the man's face, he could make out a row of white teeth slowly appearing through the darkness.

"... I see." A small smile appeared on Elias's face.

"So that's how it works." Tilting his head slightly, he asked,"My identity has been concealed this entire time, hasn't it? We wouldn't want people recognizing me now, would we? Or did you neglect to hide me? That would be rather troublesome." Mr. Hemmensway shook his head.

"No. The moment someone steps into my domain, their identity is automatically concealed from everyone else." He paused.

"Though I can still see it."

"Touche." Elias chuckled softly.

"That's perfectly acceptable. As long as everyone else remains unable to recognize me, our arrangement remains beneficial." After a brief silence, another thought crossed his mind.

"Oh, one more thing."

"Do you happen to know whether the Empire's Crown Prince arrived together with the Empress Dowager?" Mr. Hemmensway slowly shook his head.

"I wouldn't know. If the Empress Dowager herself had arrived, there would have been celebrations throughout the capital. Her standing is considerably higher than that of the Crown Prince. I cannot confirm nor deny whether she has entered the nation, but if she had done so publicly, everyone would know."

"I see." That answer was sufficient.

"Well," Mr. Hemmensway asked, "is that all?"

"For now." Elias nodded.

"When Her Ladyship the Saintess chooses her attendants, let me know. Once that happens, I'll return." As he walked toward the exit, he suddenly stopped before reaching the doorway. Turning back, he looked toward the man hidden within the shadows.

"I do hope you remember what I said earlier." A small smile rested upon his face.

"Information is worthless unless you choose to do something with it." Without waiting for a reply, Elias stepped outside. The moment he left the domain, his gaze shifted toward the corner of his vision. The Divergence Meter remained exactly where it had been. Not even a single point had changed.

"... Quite disappointing." Still, he wasn't particularly concerned.

"It is only a matter of waiting." Following the navigation system, Elias quietly made his way back toward his small house. As he walked beneath the clear blue sky, he silently organized everything he had learned. We're still at the very beginning of the novel. A great many things are still capable of changing. Aside from earning money, the quickest way to increase divergence would be to interfere with major events. But doing that now would only create unnecessary variables. He slowly shook his head.

It is better to allow the story to proceed along its intended course while making only small adjustments around the edges. The less I interfere with the opening of the novel, the safer it will be. His destination never changed. I'll return home and remain there for at least two months. That will be enough time for the Saintess to choose her attendants. Nate Monet will eventually take the Saintess's place and join the Hero's Party on their expedition.

Then, roughly a month after the expedition begins, the Empress Dowager will be assassinated while the Crown Prince is too far away to return in time. Everything would continue exactly as it had in the novel. For now... Waiting was the correct answer. Without wasting another second, Elias quickened his pace toward his home. The longer he remained outside, the greater the chance of creating unnecessary variables. At this stage of the story... That was the last thing he wanted.