You seem familiar with who I am, said Joshua, unconcerned.

Youre the most talked-about person in the Empire. If I didnt know that much, Id be out of a job.

That was both good and bad in equal measure. A lot of planning had gone into keeping his arrival secret: his small company was divided into smaller groups before they arrived at Arcadia, and Joshua was prepared to act as a member of Viscount Fredericks family if anyone asked. Yet, despite his best efforts, this man already knew his identity.

From a clients perspective, its a warm welcome. It implies that theyre credible. But, on the other hand, that information could be sold at any time.

Its almost certain that someone else knows my whereabouts.

Joshua shook his head. He didnt want this to happen, but it was inevitablehe just couldnt control all the information on his own.

I think I know what youre thinking. A comfortable smile danced on the mans normally harsh features. Let me tell you one thing At this point, the only people who know your true identity are me and a few of my subordinates. Incidentally, no one has yet to approach us for information about the Young Master.

Can you just tell me that? It seems like valuable information. Joshua laughed. I cant even pay right now because Im a powerless punk.

You came without money?

Is that a problem?

Its a real pity The man scratched his head. Im not sure the guy in front of me is really a nine-year-old kid. It feels like youre an old man whos seen it all, yet

Ill take that as a compliment, said Joshua.

Well, as I said before, I wont take any moneyits a token of appreciation for our first meeting.

I appreciate it.

...I had no intention of even presenting myself, at firstbut I suppose I should, for the Young Master. The man stood up from his seat. My name is Jero, branch manager of the Moon Gate in Arcadia. It is an honor to meet the future of the Empire.

Youre going to admit youre the branch manager just like that?

The branch managers are an open secret. Jero shrugged. Its not publicly available information, but its not that much of a secret.

And keeping it a secret hasnt helped me obtain information, so it doesnt seem like a business loss from my point of view.

Jero sat back down and rubbed his chin.

That was a long introduction. So, lets get down to businessMay I inquire as to why you approached our organization in this manner?

Before we discuss my objective, Id like to ask you a question. Would it be fair to say that this room means youre only allowed to pass information up to level 3?

That was correct at the time, however Jero looked deeply into Joshuas eyes. I will supply you with the highest level of information permissible, up to level 1 information.

..Why are you giving me so much information on my first time?

The same as previously. Jero shrugged. Its a long term investment. It would be a shame to let you walk away when your genius will soon leave its mark on the Empireor even the continent at large.

Joshuas eyes narrowed as he listened to Jero. It might be a gamble, but there were no such things as unpaid favors. If he supplied first-rate information, his demands would be monumental to match. All information handled by the Moon Gate was renowned both for its exceptional quality and its outlandish price.

But that doesnt imply I need to reveal my weaknesses right away.

With a pseudonym like Jero, I would have thought I could obtain at least Earth-level information. It seems like thats not the case, however.

... Youve impressed me once again. Jeros face stiffened. How in the world did you know that? He was starting to think one of his personnel was a mole. Otherwise, an outsider wouldnt know so much about the organizations internal affairs.

You supply the customers information, no questions askedwasnt that the Moon Gates iron rule?

Jero grimaced and bowed his head.

...I apologize for my mistake. Tell me what information you need.

Joshua chuckled.

Im looking for something.

An object? What might?

Its an heirloom from the family of Count Orbis, who were wiped out ten years ago. I want to know who owns the item now.

The Orbis family Jero worked his jaw while he thought. Its not difficult. Most of the Orbis familys property landed in the black market. If we focus there

Joshua knew it wouldnt be as simple as it appeared. The confidentiality and security of the black market are its primary appeal, such that the public is completely unaware it exists at all. Jero could only be so nonchalant because he worked for the Moon Gate.

Do you think itll take a long time?

A week is plenty.

Good. Joshuas grin widened.

Do you require any other information?

Joshua hesitated; his next inquiry was extremely sensitivesensitive enough to provoke a reaction from Duke Agnus.

The Moon Gate appears to be a multinational intelligence agency with no national roots on the surface. Im not saying anything right now, but Joshua squeezed his eyes shut and grumbled to himself. theres no such thing as a well-kept secret.

If what I know reaches someones ears, it could cause a lot of problems. Joshua unconsciously drummed his fingers against the table. It would be good to start by just observing to not draw suspicion. Ill just say I know nothing if anyone presses me.

If his plan worked, he could get two birds with one stone.

May the moon bless whoever discovers the red coin buried in the Raulf River

Hey, whatHow did you know?

You dont ask customers for personal information

This is completely different! Only a few people in our company know that myth! What is your real identity!?

Whoever seeks the Moon Gate will find it, am I right? Well, not for an outsider like me. But it is what youre looking for right now?

Joshua raised three fingers.

Three years. Three years, and Ill find it. There are, of course, conditions.

...Are you certain?

Didnt you say I was a long-term investment? Joshua smiled. Believe me or not, I will find it.

Jero pondered for a brief moment before slowly opening his mouth.

...To be honest, the successors competition finished a year ago. Its an item that no longer needs finding.

I thought the succession battle would be drawing to a close around this time, but I didnt expect it to already be over. Maybe it was only naturalthe new leader of the Moon Gate possesses such incredible talents, after all.

...But. That mark is a symbolic object that our organization has sought for decades. Perhaps he is eager to find it too. Jeros eyes glittered. Lets start with your conditions, then we can judge the value of the investment.

Great. My conditions are simple: from now on, you will never disclose the information Im about to ask for to anyone. Thats my condition.

Our organization never sells customer information Jero clapped his mouth shut when Joshua shot him a baleful stare. You dont think Im telling the truth?

I dont trust anyone.

But why?

Arent you doing this as an investment? Id like to make an investment as well.

... Ive worked for the organization for decades, but Ive never met anyone like the Young Master. Jero shook his head helplessly. So, what is your request?

Draxia Bell Grace.

Draxia Bell Grace! Jero leapt up from his seat, staring at Joshua with wide, terrified eyes. Draxia Bell Grace, the War God!