[NR] Oh, Them Again - Chapter 787 (Patreon)

Ref-ref nods, “Good, then let the scene be examined, let cause and effect be divined!”

The carriage driver stands up straighter as a weave of magic covers him. Then he walks into the crime scene, feet hovering a fingers width off the ground.

As the man goes over the crime scene, Ref-ref focuses back on Tarse, “Tell me of the attempted disruptions.”

Still glowing a steady white, Tarse begins to recount every confirmed instance of someone trying to enter the crime scene. Whether that is simply a person who approached to get a better look or those with clear intent to cause problems. All throughout, the glow doesn’t even flicker for a moment.

Ref-ref sighs, “Truly, this case is bigger than just the crime scene we now investigate. For the record, could you inform us under the Light of Truth, all that led up to this moment?”

Tarse nods and then goes over everything that had happened the night before and this morning. There isn’t anything new to report, but then again, that isn’t what Ref-ref is looking for. Rather, he watches the glow around Tarse like a hawk.

As while normal truth spells are subjective, so if you believe something is the truth, that’s what the spell will detect. The Light of Truth is a divine miracle and spell all wrapped up into one.

As long as the light remains steady, then the person believes they are telling the truth. If the color of the light remains white, then it is also the objective truth as well. A shame that the divine part of the spell only works on clerics of Truth.

So while they can use the spell on others easily enough. The Light of Truth alone can’t reveal more than what they believe. That would require a lot more power and actual setup. Also, Truth was forced to put limits on what they could reveal by other deities.

Whatever the case, for this case, Tarse’s use of the spell should be enough. At least, while out in the field. Given what Ref-ref had heard so far, there was likely going to be a lot of work back in his official court within the city.

At some point Tarse wraps up his retelling of the events, the Light of Truth never wavering or changing color.

Ref-ref nods, “There does seem to be trouble here that extend past the events that took place in the immediate area. Assistant, what have you found?”

The carriage driver at some point, unnoticed by the others had returned to Ref-ref’s side. He bows to Ref-ref, “Honorable sir, the fallen merchants were smuggling both undeclared goods and contraband. Among those goods are ritual components relating to demons. I believe that. Hmm. There is no nice way to put this. We might not want to return to the city right now.”

Ref-ref slams his fist on the arm of his chair. “Demons?! The outbreak a couple kingdoms over is still being cleaned up. How DARE someone bring such vile things here!”

Ref-ref huffs, “Though I will admit. I am not outfitted for fighting Demons. What are the actual chances that any have been summoned?”

The assistant shrugs, “The components are not in and of themselves tainted. Which would normally indicate access to even the most minor of demons. Though given how close we are to an outbreak of them, it would not be weird for their cults to have been exporting tainted components like crazy. I have to assume that they were too focused on causing chaos directly to think ahead.”

Ref-ref sighs, “I’ll have to go against your suggestion. We must return to my court so I can send a message to the capital. If there isn’t an active event going on yet, we may still have a chance to catch it.”

The assistant places a hand over his heart, “For the Kingdom.” and Ref-ref copies his actions.

Then Ref-ref turns to the others. “Well, this has gone well beyond corruption among the gate guards. Though we certainly have enough proof for the Temple of Truth to bring the matter up in the courts. My assistant has already confiscated the undeclared and illegal goods, so your two groups are free to leave.

“As part of my judgement I will grant the Jackel of All Trades merchant group what remains of the fallen’s goods to make up for lost time and goods of their own. While I grant the Odd Ones Out the fallen’s coins.

“As Royal Inspector, I declare this court adjourned!” And the divine bubble pops.

Ref-ref hops off his chair and claps his hands. Though through some magic of his own, the sound expands outwards, reaching the entire crowd. This isn’t an increase in volume. Rather, everyone in range of the sound hears it as if they were standing right next to him.

And this magic continues as Ref-ref begins to talk. “Good citizens of the kingdom and honored visitors. An urgent matter has come up for me, though let it be known! These two groups are innocent victims. Now, I must return to the city with all haste.” He claps his hands again to end the magic.

Ref-ref turns to his carriage, which had been returned to normal by his assistant. “Well, we can’t exactly make good time in this mess. Assistant, set it to return home. We’ll make our way on foot.”

His assistant bows to him, “By your will, honored Royal Investigator.” And he walks over to the horse and whispers in their ears. At which point, they begin to pull the carriage back towards the city.

Ref-ref does a few stretches and laughs, “Now just try and keep up with me!” Before he begins to run back towards the city himself.

Or rather, the first few steps are at a run. Then his run develops a bounce until finally each “step” is more of a massive leap through the air.

Rosha turns to Courtney, “Is that a thing all kangaroo mousekin can do or is he just special?”

Courtney shrugs, “The name would imply jumping is in their wheelhouse, but I’m not sure if the mouse is named for their ability to hop or simply looking like a kangaroo.”