Chapter 228: The Riddle
The Queen Dowager’s villa was situated not far from the sea. Nearby, a fishing village thrived, home to around a hundred inhabitants. The two-story brick structure, built atop a hill, appeared forlorn, almost unrecognizable as the residence of the once-mighty Queen Dowager.
“Is this where Her Majesty resides…?”
“Indeed, she was revered as a local dignitary, reportedly sacrificing her wealth for the sake of the nearby fishing village,” Celestine explained to Rest as they gazed up at the moss-covered, vine-draped building.
“She provided fishing boats and nets free of charge, and during poor harvest years, she offered financial assistance… It seems she was deeply cherished by the villagers. Thanks to her generosity, this villa has remained untouched even after her passing.”
Celestine approached the entrance of the villa and gently brushed her fingers against the door. Suddenly, faintly glowing letters began to shimmer on its surface.
“However… it’s possible that its preservation is due to this. A magical defense mechanism.”
The door bore an inscription in the common language of this world, one that Rest recognized.
“A beast with the head of a rat and the tail of a lion. What is it that cannot mingle with beasts?”
“…A riddle?”
“Indeed… It seems we must answer this question while touching the door to gain entry into the villa.”
Celestine looked up at the two-story structure.
“The magicians from the Crocus Duke House have examined it, and they confirmed that entry is impossible without answering the door’s question. Attempting to force entry would cause the building itself to collapse. It appears that magic utilizing barrier techniques has been inscribed into the walls and pillars.”
“It looks dilapidated, yet it has solid security…”
Indeed, upon closer inspection, Rest could see the intricate markings of barrier techniques etched into the walls and door. It was a highly advanced magic formula, one that Rest was unfamiliar with. Perhaps Jalana Meitis, the supreme Barrier Mage, could analyze and dispel it, but for Rest, it was an impossible feat.
“The Master is likely busy and won’t come to help us… It seems we have no choice but to solve this riddle.”
“Yes… However, despite my efforts and those of others, we could not find the answer.”
“If you, Lady Celestine, can’t solve it, then I doubt I can either…”
While it might be tempting to guess animal names at random, this was a magical security measure. There was a possibility of incurring some penalty for failure. Understanding this, Celestine had been hesitant to act recklessly.
(A password-protected door… The fact that a riddle is inscribed means that if we solve it, we should be allowed entry, right?)
If the intention was simply to keep everyone out, there would be no need to write the riddle. They could simply withhold the password from everyone.
(That means this riddle must be solvable… But who could possibly solve a riddle that even the top student, Lady Celestine, cannot?)
No… Perhaps it was a riddle meant to be solved only by a specific person. If that were the case, the key to solving it would be…?
“Oh…”
An idea suddenly struck Rest. If the Queen Dowager was indeed a reincarnator from Japan, then it was possible that the riddle was designed to be solvable only by another reincarnator.
“Rat… lion… I see!”
Rest arrived at the answer, a triumphant smile spreading across his face as he stepped past Celestine and placed his hand on the door.
“~~”
Then… he spoke the answer he had just realized.
“Oh…”
Celestine gasped softly. The once tightly sealed door swung open effortlessly.