The Sorceresses were once called Magi, and conducted research related to premonitions and divinations. Currently, they live in the ruins of an old mine called the 'Jeweled Cave', making a living by predicting people's futures. One needs to pay quite a lot of money to obtain a divination from them. 'Hexaorb Sorceress' is within a room in which everything is hexagonal, and tells of the "known future". She holds a reputation as the most outstanding sorceress, with some even willing to pay double her asking price.
[Unit Story] 012 Hexaorb Sorceress[]
Yes, there was indeed two of that witch.
No, why whould I lie to a knight like you?
I definitely saw them.
There was indeed two of that witch.
And the witch provided a magnificient prediction...of my future.
At the northern end of the Longhorn Mountains, east of the holy city of Sacred Albion, lies the Jeweled Cave.
Even I had heard rumors about the sorceresses who had settled in the site of the old mine and that they could foresee the future of any person in exchange for a high price.
"Faith. I have one request of you, whom I trust more than anyone."
It was about ten days ago when I received summons from my master.
"I want you to visit the Jeweled Cave and see what the best sorceress has to say about my future."
As you know, my master was one of the wealthiest merchants in the Holy City.
Meaning he was one of the wealthiest men in Keter Sanctuary.
"Actually, we're facing a great business opportunity right now. Should we take it up or let it go? We have to make a decision."
"I really want some good advice from the future. Be sure to pay double the asking price without being stingy. Hurry up and get ready."
Without a moment's delay, as ordered, I set off for the Longhorn Mountains.
In search of the sorceresses, who are said to be able to see the future.
In relation to business, I have never doubted the significance of borrowing the power to see into the future. I even draw fortunes at the beginning of the year and carry a talisman from the temple with me. I thought that it must have been a very important matter for my master, who always made decisive business decisions, to dare ask for the use of a sorceress' foresight.
In regards to the best sorceress, the people who I talked to in the towns along the way all mentioned the 'Hexaorb Sorceress', so I had no worries in choosing her.
When I had arrived at the Jeweled Cave after a leisurely journey through the countryside of the Sanctuary region with the sword at my side remaining sheathed while looking up at the Heavenly Floating Islands of Ketergia, I was greeted by a woman,
"I am Tri Connect Sorceress. I have been waiting for you, Faith of Sacred Albion. I will guide you in."
I was terribly surprised to be announced and also confused.
The Jeweled Cave ──I had imagined that it would surely be like an abandoned mine shaft── but it was like Ketergia, well maintained, clean, and sparkling, as if it were a town.
Tri Connect Sorceress led me to a building near the entrance, offered me a seat, and spoke.
The room was, as her name implied, filled with triangle decorations. The sorceress looked young, but her eyes, looking straight at me with her staff in hand, held great wisdom. I remember that as I talked with her, I began to feel calmer.
"Yes, your name is Faith. You are from the city of Sacred Albion. Your parents are still alive. Your father runs a Kenjutsu dojo. You are the second son, and since you were a child you have been serving in the house of one of Keter's wealthiest merchants, Perricheu. Your skill with the sword and earnest work that assists management have earned the trust of those around you. ...Ah, I am 'One who sees into the past' so it's no wonder you are surprised."
It was a series of surprises from here on, so I will omit my reactions.
"Unfortunately, it is forbidden to tell the future of those who are not here in person."
"However, we can see the future for you, Faith, that will be an answer for your master, Perricheu. How about that?"
I was conflicted. But up to this point, there was no need to pay, so in the end I proceeded to the next building as recommended. I was told that there was no need to pay for anything up to this point, so I followed the recommendation and went on to the next building. I did not know why, but at that time, she wished me good luck.
"Tier Square Sorceress..."
The next person I was introduced to was a taciturn sorceress.
I was impressed by how the room was square, the tip of her staff was square, and also her hairpiece was square.
"You there, don't be distracted by unnecessary things!"
I was scolded. But for some reason, I didn't feel so bad about it. A girl who was one of the servants of the Perricheu family gave off a similar impression. She was terribly shy, though.... No, I'm getting off topic.
"You are currently burdened by a problem. The key to the solution lies in both the past and the future."
As expected Tier Square Sorceress spoke gravely about the 'present'.
"See, what you want to ask is already showing on your face. Don't be impatient. Also, this is about you, not your master. So listen carefully. Should you be using your head right now, as opposed to a fine sword at your hip."
Tier Square Sorceress hit my head with her staff.
"As you have not obtained your answer from the 'present', there is no need for payment yet. Pentagleam, take this person with you."
With those enigmatic words, the next sorceress was called upon. Needless to say, I wanted to know the future, so I chose to follow the next sorceress.
I could not forget what Tier Square Sorceress muttered when we parted.
"Do your best..."
"I'm Pentagleam Sorceress! Nice to meet you!"
I don't know why. But as soon as she started talking, I felt my mood lift.
She looked even younger than the previous two. But....
"Please be careful on your journey home. Don't go off the main road. I see wasteful spending and injury for you. So be very careful. To avoid this, purposely stay at the inn for two more days to delay your departure, and ask the third caravan you meet to accompany you. A red-feathered ornament will mark them out. Always walk beside the leader of the caravan."
In line with the precedents, we were within a pentagonal room, as she started talking about the 'near future' in great detail. But there was something more I wanted to ask. Desperately.
"That will be for later. Mistress Hexaorb will follow up, so don't worry about the payment. More importantly..."
"Let me give you a piece of advise. What we tell you are the 'possibilities that could occur'. The choice is yours. Keep an honest heart and believe in yourself."
Pentagleam Sorceress' eyes were full of enthusiasm as she squeezed my hand and told me to do my best, to which I replied, "Yes!".
And finally, I was able to meet the Hexaorb Sorceress.
At the far end of the Jeweled Cave, there was a place.
It was completely different from the rooms of the previous sorceresses. She stood at the end of the cave, on a section elevated like a throne, with a "gate"-like monument behind her that looked to be both rock and metal. From the shape of the room to even her hat, they were hexagonal.
And for some reason, from the moment I entered this place, an image of 'machinary' was stuck in my mind. Even though there was no smell of oil nor operating sounds.
"Welcome to the Jeweled Cave. Faith."
How could I describe the depth and profundity of her voice? I shuddered, it felt as if I was floating in midair, being played around with by a giant hand.
Encouraging my trembling knees, I told her about the purpose of my visit and the conditions of my fees. Her answer was this.
"I am aware of everything. It is the duty of a Sorceress to convey the 'known future'. We are more proactive in our approach to the world, differentiating ourselves from the Magus."
Hexaorb Sorceress' words were beyond my understanding, but my instincts told me that now was the time to achieve my goal. While holding down my throbing heart, I asked.
"I would like to know what the future holds for my Lord, Master Perricheu. Should my master take ahold of the great opportunity that awaits him now or not?"
"Very well. I will show you by teaching you of your own future. Now then..."
Aah right, about there being two sorceresses there.
Even now, I still do not know if that was real or not.
Hexaorb Sorceress told me that I had two paths.
One was to devote myself to the prosperity of the Perricheu Family together with my master.
The other was to see through the dream I had been holding onto for so long and become a part of the greater flow of the world.
Both had their own trials and hopes.
Both had their own paths to follow and obstacles to overcome.
"Advance forward to your dreams, turn back and a path to your master will open up."
I heard the voice come from in front of me and behind me at the same time.
Turning around, I saw another Hexaorb Sorceress, exactly the same, appear behind me.
I was surprised. For some reason, I knew they were not a twin or anything, but a mirror image of the exact same sorceress.
It was time to make a decision.
Yes. I advance onward.
The next time I woke up, I was in a bed at the inn.
Exactly twice the amount of the fee had been taken from my wallet, and the innkeeper told me that I had come to the inn and taken the room myself. I had no memory of it.
In great fear, I did as I was told by the sorceresses and returned safely. I could not imagine what would have happened to me if I had not obeyed. Unlike the outbound route, bandits and demon beasts were frequent outside the main roads.
Then I informed my master of the good omen (for the revelation had told me that there was hope in either of my choices), and begging for leave, I left the Perricheu family. I heard that the business negotiations went well.
I had a dream.
However, I really admired my master, who had been my benefactor, and no matter how busy I was, I did not find it hard to spend my time with like-minded people. My seniors and coworkers also strongly encouraged me to stay, so the pain I felt still torn apart at me.
But my master's last words of appreciation, hit the hardest.
He said, "You listened to your other self. You should have done so much sooner."
The sorceresses of the Jeweled Cave all gently pushed my back. Finally, I made up my mind.
My dream, it was to dedicate myself to the stability and peace of this country, and to be of help.
To become a knight.
Just as commerce enriches people's lives, I want to protect people's lives with my sword on the ground.
The above is how I, Faith, came to apire to become a Gold Paladin.
All of this is a request for me to leave behind my other identity as a merchant.
I would appreciate it if you could hear me out, Division Commander.
《Notes about Terminology》
Sorceress
Formerly known as Magus, they are sorcerers that make their living through the study of prediction and foresight.
It is said that in ancient times, it was the Magus who created the 'Keter Engine', the prophecy machine with its own will.
The prophetic function of the 'Keter Engine' was lost when all blessings and magic were weakened in the Godless Era, but the Magus used it as a power mechanism and greatly contributed to the realization of the concept behind the Heavenly Floating Islands of 'Ketergia'.
Even in the Chakrabarthi Divine Era, many sorceresses live on the floating islands and are responsible for the restoration and improvement of the 'Keter Engine'.
However, some of them are said to be on a special mission to realize the "Ideal Future".