Chapter 125: Jacques of Aldeburgh

"Books and Scrolls" is the largest and most well-stocked bookstore in the vicinity of Hierarch Square. Its manager, Marcus Hodgson, is a middle-aged man with a gentle and calm demeanor, known for wearing spectacles, sporting a goatee, and favoring double-breasted wool coats.

Half a month ago, a mysterious young man first stepped into the shop. Marcus, a man with a profound appreciation for poetry, quickly grew acquainted with the youth, Victor, establishing a harmonious and purely transactional relationship.

...

Amidst the dust-laden shelves and stacks of old paper, Victor let out a long breath. He closed "Biographies of Northern Luminaries" with a sense of satisfaction and stretched his limbs, working out the stiffness.

This book was a restricted item at "Books and Scrolls," and spending his afternoons there for the past three days had finally allowed him to finish it.

The book reviewed many outstanding figures of the past, such as Raffard the White, who mediated the wars between the six kingdoms; Queen Biafrenie, the paragon of queenly rule; Radovid III the Stern, who declared Novigrad a Free City; and the brave and battle-hardened Queen Calanthe, the "Lioness of Cintra."

The content did not merely offer praise; it also contained critiques. For instance, Queen Calanthe's stubbornness and her refusal to honor the Law of Surprise—by handing Princess Ciri over to a witcher—were cited as the primary reasons for the fall of Cintra.

Another example was Raffard the "Refuser of Crowns," who was characterized as a stubborn and corrupt worshiper of monarchy, with his death described as an insidious assassination carried out by the Temerian royal family in collusion with other mages.

It was truly Novigrad; here, one could find many books forbidden in other nations. While the content might not be entirely factual, these perspectives, which existed outside of official narratives, held significant reference value.

As Victor returned the book to its place on the shelf and began searching for the next piece of knowledge worth reading, someone else entered the reading room, their footsteps sounding out with a rhythmic and steady "clack, clack."

The aisle between the shelves was narrow. The young man pressed himself against the shelving to let the newcomer pass, but the footsteps stopped right behind him.

"I didn't expect you to have an interest in history as well, apprentice. But the past is the past; we must focus on the future. I recommend you read 'The White Frost: Mysterious Calamity or Natural Phenomenon.' Its analysis of the Ithlinne Prophecy has many unique insights."

The voice behind him was low and gentle, but the moment it reached his ears, Victor’s body stiffened.

Since arriving in the Witcher world, he had encountered many ferocious monsters and numerous powerful figures. Yet, relying on the bombs in his herb pouch, Victor had always been confident that even if he lost a fight, he could make his opponent pay dearly.

But the presence of this one man made him feel truly hopeless. The wolf medallion under his shirt vibrated violently, and the thumping of his racing heart sounded deafeningly loud in the silent sea of books.

Jacques de Aldersberg, Grand Master of the Order of the Flaming Rose. He was not only a knight of formidable combat skill but also an immensely powerful Source.

The thick, viscous magic saturating the space was enough to make one feel as if breathing were difficult. Only the identity of a "Source" could explain this, and judging by his ease of movement, he could even command some of that volatile power—or at the very least, coexist with it.

Victor turned and bowed. "Greetings, Grand Master Jacques."

The aisle was narrow, and this was the first time Victor had been this close to him. Jacques was a head taller, forcing the youth to look up slightly.

"I didn't expect to run into you here. You caused quite a stir in Vizima. I hear Thaler has sworn to scour the heavens and earth to catch you." The Grand Master’s tone was relaxed, as if he were discussing something trivial and amusing.

Observing his expression, the youth’s mind raced. Thaler could not possibly command Jacques, and the Grand Master would not waste his time on a youth like him.

As a devout follower of the Eternal Fire, Jacques’s routine pilgrimage to the Holy City was a far more natural explanation.

This was merely a chance encounter in a bookstore. Whether he chose to make an arrest was entirely up to him, but based on his words, he was even sharing reading recommendations.

Having reasoned this out, Victor remained calm. "There was a misunderstanding between me and the head of the intelligence agency. I am not the criminal he believes me to be."

Jacques chuckled. "The crux of the matter is whether you were an active participant in the bank robbery or an unwilling pawn. Don't be nervous; I am inclined to believe the latter. You must be familiar with Yaevinn's modus operandi?"

Victor nodded to signify his understanding.

"Utilizing the sewers—the blind spot of mankind. A brilliant concept. When the Order investigated afterward, we accidentally discovered that a Bruxa had once resided there.

"I went to see it myself; it was a remarkably powerful creature, one that no non-professional could contend with. Yet, the suspect Thaler gave us was nothing more than a witcher apprentice.

"With no other options, he was slotted into this puzzle of a crime. I must say, you surprise me. Even without having undergone mutations, your combat prowess is worthy of higher praise."

Regarding the Grand Master's praise, although there were some discrepancies—such as the intervention of the School of the Viper—the youth had no intention of explaining in detail.

"Now, the question returns to the start. Tell me, Apprentice Victor, did you help the elves clear that criminal path intentionally or unintentionally?

"If it was unintentional, then as a witcher, your actions are beyond reproach; the City Hall should even be awarding you a medal. But if it was intentional, then I must arrest you."

Victor looked at Grand Master Jacques. His eyes were gentle and upright, yet seemingly flexible. His words made it clear he intended to let him go. What the youth didn't understand was... why?

Someone of his standing had no reason to help him. They had had few opportunities to interact, and they knew nothing of one another.

Yet now, he was clearly stating that regardless of whether it was intentional or not, as long as Victor said it was unintentional, the matter would be dropped.

"It was unintentional. I did not know their plans before the incident," Victor answered firmly.

Jacques patted the youth's shoulder. "Then, you did well to eliminate that Bruxa."

"Why are you willing to believe me?"

"Because I like what you do. I heard not long ago that you solved the problem of a Grave Hag in Lindenvale. Humanity needs more talented individuals like you.

"Leaving the whirlpool of Vizima for a while is for the best; it allows you to stay away from trouble you shouldn't be involved in."

After speaking, the Grand Master turned to leave. Before stepping out, he paused. "Let me see... the first time at the Order's headquarters, the second time at the White Hall banquet. This should be our third face-to-face meeting, right?"

"I previously encountered you giving a speech in the square, Master. For me, this is the fourth time."

"That is enough. It is incredible that I have only seen you three times. Every small difference is precious."

Jacques's words were strange, and Victor did not quite grasp their meaning.

He heard him continue: "Remember, I appreciate you. When you are able to return to Vizima—you will know when the time is right—I hope you will come to assist me."

After saying this, Jacques did not stop again. Long after he disappeared from sight, Victor still felt as if he were in a dream.