Regarding the current situation of "Lady Greed," Closfia had privately informed Ebner, including the fact that she was a member of the Jacob family, without holding anything back.
However, although he had unexpectedly gained a "reliable" "lover," along with the secure trading "channels" of the "Psychological Alchemy Association" and the Jacob family behind her, Ebner didn't have many plans for the time being. His current focus was on creating the "Bone Dragon" to elevate his actual combat power to the level of a demigod.
Therefore, after setting up the "teleportation" altar at the hot spring inn, Ebner reunited with the lion, Leon, and returned to the "Fragrant Estate" in Bayam.
—Leon had decided to stay by Ebner's side for the time being, at least until the promised Trier newspaper was delivered.
As for Jane, she had already received news from the "Admiral of Stars" that the "Future" was currently exploring the Fog Sea, so she had no choice but to bid farewell to Ebner and head alone to the coastal province of Manneswick in western Feynapotter.
"Lady Greed," also known as the so-called Countess of Laus, stayed at the hot spring inn on the surface, claiming to oversee the renovation of the inn into a full-fledged hot spring estate.
Of course, to outsiders, this was just an excuse for the Countess to spend time with her lover.
In reality, Closfia hadn't restricted her freedom, and she could continue living her life as usual.
"Lady Greed" had no objections to this. She had always claimed to live a reclusive life in her castle in Laus, and now she was simply changing locations…
At most, her alias's reputation would take a hit, but what did that have to do with her true self?
It had to be said that although Miss Sloth hadn't deliberately deepened the hypnosis, her resistance threshold had inevitably lowered somewhat.
…
Bayam, Fragrant Estate, underground workshop.
Ebner took out the card that sealed the dragon skeleton and loudly recited its true name: "Bones of Sophia."
—This card had been obtained from the Giant Lord of the Twilight Castle and was crafted by Roselle. It could seal any object that could be lifted.
With a flash of light, the dragon bone pattern on the card disappeared, leaving only the intricate designs around the edges. At the same time, the massive skeleton nearly filled the entire workshop space!
Ebner activated his "Pure White Eyes," refining his plan for crafting the Bone Dragon while pondering:
"The Bone Dragon isn't an ordinary mystical item. It involves knowledge of the Underworld and the domain of creation…
"Even though this knowledge is only basic, and I've already learned it through the Necronomicon, I might still encounter issues during the process…
"After all, crafting something equivalent to a demigod is no simple task and comes with significant risks.
"Moreover, according to my calculations, the entire process will take at least two to three weeks. While I won't need to focus on it continuously, my spirit will need to maintain a constant resonance with the Bone Dragon.
"At the very least, my spiritual body must remain here, or it might lose control midway and transform into a truly terrifying monster…
"So… I probably won't be able to attend the next few Tarot Club meetings and will have to take a leave of absence… Otherwise, by the time I return, everyone in the estate might have been killed by the monster… except for that lion…
"Well, maybe this is for the best… The current Tarot Club is much stronger than in the original timeline, with the addition of me, Xio, and Sharon as mid-sequence Beyonders. Mr. Fool has already been struggling a bit, and the meetings have been shorter than before…
"Now that I've advanced to 'Mysticism Magister,' he might not be able to keep up…
"In that case, taking a leave of absence might actually be a way to 'lighten the load' for Mr. Fool."
"As for the Beyonder gatherings in Bayam and the daily appearances of the 'Hero Detective,' I can ask that lion for help… With Helene's assistance in covering things up, it shouldn't be a big issue…
"It's just that the lion's sense of morality is far from trustworthy. After his help, the reputation of the 'Hero Detective' might truly be beyond saving…
"Hmm, it's best to keep him busy with something…"
As his thoughts raced, Ebner formulated a preliminary plan. He sealed the skeleton back into the card and then left the basement.
During dinner, Ebner brought up his request to the lion. Unsurprisingly, Leon wasn't very interested…
But when Ebner exaggerated the influence of the Beyonder gatherings he organized at the Amyris Leaf Bar and subtly suggested ways to spread Roselle's "dark history," Leon's eyes lit up, and he agreed.
After dinner, Ebner called Helene over and instructed her to coordinate with the lion, as well as to leave meals at the basement door every day…
When Helene heard that she wouldn't have to boil water for the next two or three weeks, she became visibly excited!
Seeing Helene's barely contained joy, Ebner felt a bit speechless and began to reflect on whether he had been overworking her…
Of course, he quickly put the matter aside and returned to the basement.
He decided to craft a few mystical items before asking Mr. Fool for a leave of absence, and then entrust Xio with selling them… After all, although he didn't know the exact cost of an Intis newspaper company, he was sure it wouldn't be cheap.
…
In Tingen City, a grand ball was being held at Baron Hoy's estate.
The ball was nominally a celebration of Baron Hoy's coming of age, but in reality, it was a gathering of the New Party factions from the northern counties of the kingdom.
At the same time, it was also a clear signal that Baron Hoy had officially aligned himself with the New Party.
Before this, he and his stepmother, Madam Sharon—primarily his stepmother—had been widely popular among the nobility and the newly wealthy merchants. They were socialites who could receive invitations to both Conservative and New Party events. Coupled with the fact that he was still a minor, Baron Hoy had been able to play both sides.
However, this delicate balance could no longer be maintained after Madam Sharon's identity as a Witch was exposed, and she was killed by the Night Watchers. The newly eighteen-year-old Baron Hoy had no choice but to side with one faction.
This ball was also a symbol of his formal acceptance into the New Party's circle.
To show their support, one of the New Party's leaders, Count Hall, sent his heir and eldest son, Hibbert, to Tingen, demonstrating the importance of this event.
Hibbert was also the target of Miss Daly's current mission. Disguised as his companion, she accompanied him to the estate where the ball was being held.
"Miss Daly, you seem to be in a much better mood… Did something good happen?" The handsome, golden-haired man sipped his red wine and glanced at his companion and protector with a smile.
The ball hadn't officially started yet, and guests were still arriving. Since Hibbert hadn't been formally introduced to everyone and had few acquaintances in Tingen, he found himself with a rare moment of leisure at the ball.
This would have been unimaginable in Backlund.
Wearing a purple gown, Daly smiled and replied, "My lord, such conversational tactics won't work on me… I think you should aim them at the young ladies instead."
Although I am indeed happy, I don't feel like telling you why.
With that, she pointed to two young girls in the corner who were sipping juice and whispering to each other.
…
Outside Baron Hoy's estate, in a carriage, "Witch" Bianca, disguised as Mrs. Panis, looked at Baron Larry, who was hiding inside the carriage, and pretended to hesitate before asking, "Darling, I heard that the eldest son of the Earl of East Chester will be attending the ball… Would you like to meet him?"
Baron Larry, however, shook his head decisively. "If it were Count Hall himself, I would definitely meet him and ask him to appeal to His Majesty on my behalf… But Hibbert is no good. His temperament and capabilities are far too lacking, and contacting him would only bring me danger."
"I see… So, we don't need to do anything at this ball?" Bianca asked.
"Just enjoy the ball to the fullest and don't do anything unnecessary… If I want to successfully appeal my case, I'll have to return to Backlund!" Baron Larry hugged his lover and spoke earnestly.
Bianca's lips moved, but she didn't say anything more. Her orders were to cooperate with Baron Larry as much as possible and only handle minor tasks to fill in the gaps.
After Bianca left the carriage and entered the estate, Baron Larry quickly changed into a set of clothes that concealed his face and quietly slipped out of the carriage, heading in the direction of a certain bar he remembered.
Afraid that his lover, who knew little about the mystical world, might slip up, he hadn't dared to ask her to help him purchase potions. As a result, the injuries he had sustained in Port Enmat had yet to heal.
Now, using his close connection with Bianca and relying on a certain item he possessed, any divination or prophecy targeting him would likely be misdirected to the ball. This was the perfect opportunity for him to visit Tingen's trading venues to purchase materials and treat his injuries.
Truth be told, the item had been instrumental in helping him escape the grasp of the Loen military and various other forces.
…
In the bustling and noisy "Dragon Bar" in the dock area, where cheers rose in waves, Xio and the disguised Princess Viera sat near the boxing ring, watching the match while chatting in low voices.
"Your Highness, were those people who just entered members of the Psychology Alchemists?" Xio glanced at the three men in black who had entered the bar's trading market through the billiards room and asked.
"Yes… And judging by their attire… they're from the Tamara family…" Princess Viera paused for a moment before nodding.
(End of Chapter)