Chapter 85. What does your search for Akasuna no Sasori have to do with my Troupe?
Inside Sumeru City, a seven-person squad of Matra was making its way swiftly toward the Grand Bazaar, accompanied by a member of the Fatui.
They were the Matra assigned to investigate [Akasuna no Sasori].
However, none of their expressions looked particularly pleasant. Although the Great Sage was the second most influential figure in Sumeru City, second only to the Dendro Archon herself, he held no authority to interfere with the Matra.
The Matra existed to oversee the Scholars' use of knowledge and to preserve order within the Akademiya. In theory, even if a Sage committed a crime, the Matra possessed the authority to apprehend them.
Yet the current situation was entirely different.
Ever since Sumeru City began enforcing the policy requiring everyone entering the city to wear an Akasha Terminal, the Fatui had repeatedly come to them with reports, claiming that certain individuals possessed dangerous knowledge or even forbidden knowledge.
When asked what made such knowledge dangerous, the answer was invariably the same.
They did not know.
They simply knew about it.
At first, the Matra paid little attention to these reports. However, after carrying out investigation after investigation, they discovered that none of the accused individuals had committed any crime whatsoever.
Most of them had merely refused to wear an Akasha Terminal upon entering Sumeru City. A minor dispute would arise because of that refusal, and shortly afterward, they would find themselves reported by the Fatui.
Did the Fatui truly believe the Matra were fools?
After investigating more than a dozen such incidents over the past few days, the Matra had long since understood what the Fatui were trying to accomplish.
They had attempted to report the matter to the Sages and even to the Great Sage himself. Yet without exception, the response they received was always the same.
"It does not matter. They are merely Desert folk."
And even if they were merchants from other nations, what of it? A group of people who cared only about making Mora—who could say whether they might take risks in pursuit of [knowledge]?
Such responses left the Matra feeling profoundly disheartened.
The reason they had joined the Matra in the first place was because they wished to uphold the integrity of the Akademiya.
Yet now, the work they carried out as Matra was scarcely any different from that of the [Thirty].
It was not that they looked down upon the [Thirty]. Rather, the two organizations had entirely different responsibilities.
The [Thirty] were responsible for maintaining Sumeru City's security and public order. They were Eremites officially recognized by the Akademiya, handling matters both large and small throughout the city. In many ways, their role resembled that of Liyue's Millelith.
The Matra, however, were different.
Their duties involved investigating dangerous experiments, tracking forbidden knowledge, monitoring the illegal sale and distribution of knowledge, and dealing with matters that could threaten the very foundation of the Akademiya.
Yet ever since the disappearance of the General Mahamatra, Cyno, everything had changed.
Not only had the Matra begun handling an endless stream of miscellaneous tasks, but nearly every person they were ordered to investigate turned out to be completely innocent.
Originally, they had intended to refuse such orders.
However, whenever the Fatui produced the Great Sage's token, the Matra found themselves left with no choice but to carry out these assignments with grim expressions and reluctant hearts.
To them, it felt deeply humiliating.
If only the General Mahamatra, Cyno, were still here.
This sentiment was shared by many Matra throughout Sumeru City. In their eyes, Cyno's authority stood on equal footing with the Great Sage's—and perhaps even above it.
After all, Cyno personally handled every matter entrusted to him. The Matra witnessed it with their own eyes.
As for the Great Sage—
Heh.
Once, the Matra had respected him. Regardless of anything else, he was still the Great Sage—the highest-ranking Sage in all of Sumeru.
But after being ordered around by the Fatui day after day, after repeatedly carrying out tasks that contradicted the very purpose of their organization, that respect had gradually eroded.
What remained now was resentment.
And DISSATISFACTION.
Before long, the Matra and their entourage arrived at the Grand Bazaar.
Through the Akasha, they already knew that Futsu Mitama and the others were somewhere near the Grand Bazaar. As for their exact location, however, the Akasha was not yet so miraculous as to pinpoint it with absolute precision.
"Let's split up and begin the search. If we find Akasuna no Sasori, apprehend them first."
The Matra leading the group spoke with a trace of displeasure in his voice. However, those words were not directed at his subordinates, but rather at the Fatui Mirror Maiden standing beside him under the guise of "supervision."
As for Akasuna no Sasori, the Matra himself felt somewhat helpless.
He did not know where things had gone wrong, nor did he understand why the Fatui had suddenly set their sights on this group.
Nevertheless, they still had to be apprehended.
Whenever the Matra carried out an operation, their first priority was always to take control of the suspects.
After all, if Scholars researching dangerous knowledge were not apprehended immediately and were given even a few more minutes of freedom, then the evidence might already be completely destroyed.
Over time, this approach had gradually become the Matra's standard operating procedure.
In fact, it had led to a rather peculiar situation.
If the Matra arrived to apprehend someone and the suspect remained calm without attempting to flee, then the level of suspicion against them would often decrease significantly.
On the other hand, if the suspect attempted to run, then they were essentially finished. In the eyes of the Matra, such behavior was nearly equivalent to an admission of guilt.
"Yes."
The other Matra nodded and quickly dispersed, preparing to search for Akasuna no Sasori. The leading Matra glanced sideways at the Fatui Mirror Maiden behind him.
As expected, she seemed intent on following him.
"Sigh..."
He let out a quiet sigh, his expression filled with resignation.
There was little he could say.
All he could do was hope that he would not actually find Akasuna no Sasori. Because if he did, then this woman would undoubtedly remain by his side the entire time, watching him perform his duties.
To be honest, being monitored while enforcing the law was an exceptionally unpleasant feeling.
Thus, the Matra began his search.
Or rather, he conducted a rather casual search.
Most of his attention was directed toward the vendors scattered throughout the Grand Bazaar. He had heard that there was a Miss Nilou here, a dancer renowned throughout Sumeru.
He wondered whether he might have the chance to see her today.
With such thoughts in mind, he stepped into the Grand Bazaar. Then he noticed a group of people dressed as Eremites standing quietly within a secluded corner, as though they were waiting for someone.
"?!"
The Matra's eyes widened instantly. He had never expected his luck to be this good today. Unfortunately, he would have greatly preferred not to possess such damned good luck.
"It's them."
Sure enough, the Fatui Mirror Maiden beside him spoke immediately.
Her gaze settled upon the group dressed as Eremites as she recalled the intelligence reports she had reviewed.
There was no mistake.
This group was Akasuna no Sasori.
Just as the Akasha had reported, they were indeed present within the Grand Bazaar. Judging from the situation, they appeared to be operating together as a group.
That was actually convenient.
If things went smoothly, they could all be dealt with at once.
Hopefully Faruzan would not interfere.
At the same time, however, the Fatui woman remained cautious. If they truly were connected to Futsu Mitama's group—
A trace of unease surfaced within her heart.
Logically speaking, the probability was extremely high. Yet according to all available intelligence and analysis, Futsu Mitama's group had only recently arrived in Sumeru. They should not have possessed enough local connections to obtain identities for so many people.
The only reason this operation had reached the stage of involving the Matra was because of Faruzan's unique status.
But—
What if?
The moment the possibility crossed her mind that she might actually encounter Futsu Mitama, the Fatui woman maintained a calm appearance on the surface while quietly retreating a few steps inwardly.
If something truly went wrong, she would execute a tactical retreat at the first available opportunity and take the intelligence back with her.
"Sigh..."
The Matra sighed once more. He glanced at the Fatui woman before striding directly toward Futsu Mitama's group.
"They've arrived."
Futsu Mitama watched the approaching Matra with complete calm.
Not long ago, Dunyarzad had already regained consciousness.
Nahida "Katheryne" and Dehya had brought her away to a concealed location nearby. The three women were now observing from the sidelines, waiting quietly for the situation to unfold.
Dunyarzad remained somewhat nervous.
Although she still did not fully realize that the "Katheryne" standing beside her was actually Nahida, the mere sight of the Matra approaching Futsu Mitama's group filled her with unease.
The deterrent power carried by the Matra was considerable.
In the eyes of ordinary citizens, Akademiya Scholars were already figures of great prestige.
The Matra, meanwhile, were the ones responsible for overseeing those Scholars.
But... why were they coming for Futsu Mitama? Had their identities been exposed?
While Dunyarzad remained lost in thought, Nahida beside her emitted a faint emerald-green radiance, seemingly engaged in some unseen task.
Meanwhile, on the other side, the Matra had already arrived before Futsu Mitama and the others.
"Are you Akasuna no Sasori?"
The Matra reluctantly stepped forward and asked the question.
"No."
Futsu Mitama shook his head, indicating that he was not Akasuna no Sasori.
"Oh, then I apologize for the disturbance."
The Matra nodded in understanding. Then he turned and prepared to leave.
"Ah?!"
The Mirror Maiden froze. At that moment, she almost wanted to shout:
'Are you blind?! Their appearance matches perfectly! They are Akasuna no Sasori!'
Without hesitation, she immediately stepped forward.
"Wait!!!!!"
'Annoying.'
The Matra cursed inwardly.
He had known this would happen. The Fatui woman walked directly between the Matra and Futsu Mitama. Staring at Futsu Mitama, she spoke in a stern voice.
"When you entered Sumeru City, wasn't the name you submitted Akasuna no Sasori? Why are you lying? Do you have something to hide?"
"Or... have you truly brought unspeakable secrets into Sumeru City?"
Her tone was severe, as though she herself were the law enforcement officer of Sumeru City.
"No. It's simply that the title 'Akasuna no Sasori' has already been abandoned by us."
Futsu Mitama answered earnestly.
"After a collective discussion among our group, we decided to discontinue the name 'Akasuna no Sasori.' We have now changed it to Faruzan Troupe. Since we serve as Lady Faruzan's bodyguards, using her name seems perfectly reasonable, doesn't it?"
"Reasonable."
The Matra nodded immediately. Then he turned and prepared to leave once more.
Yes. It was perfectly reasonable.
After all, what did apprehending Akasuna no Sasori have to do with Faruzan Troupe?
Unless a superior authority issued a new order, he had no intention of making an arrest. Although, strictly speaking, he probably should have detained them first before asking questions.
However… for some reason, a gentle female voice continuously echoed within his mind, warning him not to offend this group.
Otherwise, unimaginable consequences would follow.
The feeling resembled a subtle psychological suggestion, causing him to unconsciously overlook several suspicious aspects of Futsu Mitama's behavior.
"Wha—?! What?!!!"
The Fatui woman's breathing instantly quickened.
Her chest rose and fell sharply.
Had she heard correctly? Reasonable?! What part of this was reasonable?! Could it be that even the Matra were afraid of Faruzan?
Then again, considering Faruzan's status, it was understandable that they would hesitate to provoke her. But if they truly refused to act because of Faruzan, then what was she supposed to do?
Without hesitation, she blocked the Matra's path.
Pointing toward Futsu Mitama and the others, she raised her voice.
"Have you forgotten the Great Sage's orders?"
"I have not forgotten."
The Matra looked at her with remarkable patience.
"It's simply that the target you requested us to apprehend was Akasuna no Sasori, not Faruzan Troupe. If you wish to alter the order, then a higher authority must issue a new command. Otherwise—"
Before he could finish speaking, he prepared to leave again. The Fatui woman immediately produced a sky-blue feather.
Holding it aloft, she declared sternly:
"This is the Great Sage's token. To see this token is to see the Great Sage himself. I am ordering you to apprehend them. Whether they are Akasuna no Sasori or Faruzan Troupe, it makes no difference!"
"Unless you intend to openly defy the Great Sage's authority!"
The moment those words were spoken, nearby vendors and passing citizens all turned their attention toward the confrontation between the Fatui Mirror Maiden, the Matra, and Futsu Mitama's group.
"This is bad."
Nahida frowned slightly. She had not expected the Fatui woman to produce the Great Sage's token at such a moment.
Did she truly possess political awareness?
Doing this was practically equivalent to openly opposing the Matra while trampling upon the dignity of the Great Sage.
Had they already confirmed Futsu Mitama's identity and decided to burn all bridges regardless of the consequences?
"This person—"
Dehya, however, saw something deeper.
The Fatui did not care about the Matra. Nor did they care about the Great Sage. Perhaps, in their eyes, only the orders issued by their Harbinger truly mattered.
The Matra? The Great Sage?
This was Sumeru, not Snezhnaya.
What consequences could there possibly be for offending them?
At worst, they would simply leave Sumeru after completing their mission. As long as the Harbinger's objective was fulfilled, nothing else mattered.
Indeed.
Just as Futsu Mitama and the others had said. The Fatui were truly troublesome.
At this moment, Dehya finally understood how difficult they were to deal with. If Futsu Mitama had not prepared contingency plans beforehand—
She would already have taken Dunyarzad and urged her family to flee Sumeru City immediately. Because once Futsu Mitama's identity was exposed, an Archon-level battle would become highly likely.
And such a conflict was no joke.
According to what they had said, once that battle began, it would not matter who emerged victorious.
Sumeru City itself would likely become history.
The Matra's expression darkened considerably.
Meanwhile, his companions also gathered nearby, their gazes toward the Fatui woman filled with obvious displeasure.
Using the Great Sage's token to openly command them.
The feeling was indescribably humiliating. As though they had been stripped bare and thrown into the middle of the street.
Yet the Fatui woman remained unmoved. Within her heart, there was only one objective:
Complete the Harbinger, Lady La Signora orders. Even if it meant becoming an enemy of both the Matra and the Great Sage.
SO WHAT?
Once this mission was over, she would simply be transferred elsewhere.
"Oh?" At that moment, a pleasant female voice rang out. "Using the Great Sage's token, are we?"
Faruzan approached with her twin ponytails swaying behind her. A trace of displeasure appeared on her face as she looked toward the Fatui woman.
"Since when did the Akademiya become something that the Fatui can command at will?"
Behind Faruzan stood several Akademiya Scholars. And judging from their expressions, they were not pleased in the slightest.