In the outskirts of Empress Borough, in a racetrack that occupied a large area but had no spectators.
Audrey Hall led a maroon filly to a corner and pretended to discuss something with Viscount Glaint.
She wore white trousers and knee-high black boots. Her upper body was in a simple lady's blouse, paired with a black jacket-style riding jacket, and a protective helmet of the same color. She looked exceptionally valiant and beautiful, unlike her usual self. The golden retriever, Susie, was obediently squatting by her feet. She seemed to be carrying a small leather bag.
Xio, who was disguised as Viscount Glaint's attendant, glanced enviously at Audrey's long and straight legs and subconsciously tiptoed.
Glaint sized up Audrey and said half-jokingly, "Horsemanship alone is meaningless. Only when it's combined with hunting will it have life. Of course, I'm talking about male horsemanship. No matter what a beautiful lady does on a horse, it'll be a sight to behold."
Audrey replied with a faint smile.
"There are still a few months before the next hunt."
Every year from June to the new year, the nobles of the Kingdom of Rouen would follow tradition and come to Baekeland to participate in all sorts of banquets, balls, and salons. This was a very important event to them, and many things would be settled in the next few months. As the years passed, this tradition gradually gained a fixed name. It was called the "Baekeland Social Season."
And after the new year, the nobles would return to their fiefdoms one after another. They would return to their luxurious castles, country manors, and large plantations to spend a leisurely and wonderful time. During such times, the most popular game was hunting.
The nobles would invite guests of equal status to enjoy the fun of running on horseback and chasing prey. As long as their financial situation allowed it, they would not be stingy with the purchase of hunting dogs.
The most famous of the hunting dogs was the foxhound.
"I already miss that kind of life. Baekeland is a place that makes people feel restrained. Its air is indescribably terrible. Of course, I still like its prosperity and extravagance." Viscount Glaint put on his gloves and took a step back so that Audrey could converse with Xio and Fors.
"Honorable Miss Audrey, why have you summoned us here?" Xio retracted her gaze and took the initiative to ask.
Most of her recent income came from Audrey. Audrey was honest and generous. She was a rare good employer.
I seem to smell the scent of ink from banknotes again … I hope it's not a difficult mission … Miss Audrey is perfect in every aspect, except for one thing. Every mission is surprising and extremely dangerous … Xio thought with anticipation and trepidation. She couldn't help but turn her head to glance at Fors and realized that her companion, who was disguised as a maidservant, was looking at her.
The expressions reflected in their eyes were so similar.
Audrey held her gloves and smiled in a reserved and elegant manner.
"It's a simple commission this time."
As she spoke, she gestured with her eyes for Xio and Fors to open Susie's leather bag.
Xio, who had always been known for her mobility, immediately took two steps forward, bent down, and reached out with her hand.
During this short process, she had wanted to stroke Susie's head to express her goodwill, but just as she extended her right palm, Susie had already turned her head and body halfway, sending the leather bag to her.
I'm usually very popular with animals … For example, mosquitoes … Xio maintained her expression as she unzipped the bag and took out a stack of paper from the leather bag.
She stood up straight and opened it to take a look. She realized that it depicted a young man with an ordinary face, but his neatly combed hair, round glasses, and brown eyes that contained a mocking smile made him look abnormally familiar.
I've definitely seen him somewhere before! Xio looked down and saw the corresponding text.
"Former name, Lanevus. Wanted swindler."
I know where I've seen him! Xio immediately came to a realization and nearly slapped her forehead in an inelegant manner.
Before she met Audrey, one of her main sources of income was flipping through newspapers and researching wanted posters. With the help of her connections in the East Borough's gangs, she would be able to find valuable criminals.
I once thought of looking for this Lanevus. His bounty is 100 pounds, and he took away more than 10,000 pounds in cash! However, I was busy with Miss Audrey's commission and forgot about this matter … Xio and Fors looked at each other and frankly said, "How much was the commission?"
How much was the commission?
How much was the commission? Audrey was taken aback.
She had completely forgotten about the payment, because from her point of view, this was a test from Mr. Fool.
How could a test give money to the other party?
"Uh … 100 pounds?" Audrey deliberated and gave a number.
"Deal!" Xio and Fors replied in unison.
If they could capture Lanevus, not only would they receive Miss Audrey's 100 pounds, but they would also receive a bounty of the same amount … What a good mission! Xio's eyes lit up as she casually asked,
"Why are you looking for this swindler? Did he cheat you of your money? "
I don't even know who he is … It's indeed a simple commission, and it's done for 100 pounds … There's no need to tell Mr. Fool about this … It's only 100 pounds … With a polite smile, Audrey ignored Xio's question and mentioned, "I received news that he's in Baekeland.
I received news that he's in Baekeland. "
"Ah yes, there are more than a dozen portraits here, different portraits. I considered that Lanevus would definitely disguise himself, so I gave him a portrait of him without glasses, a beard, and a changed hairstyle. Hmm … I guessed it."
I'm also very good at sketching and oil painting! Audrey raised her chin slightly.
Xio immediately forgot her doubts and said in pleasant surprise,
"That's really good news!"
She could almost see the 200 pounds bounty waving at her.
The mysterious person she had met at Mr. A's gathering had yet to establish contact with her, so she could only continue her business of earning money.
Audrey nodded indiscernibly and pondered.
"Are there any clues about Psychological Alchemy?"
Fors combed her long curly hair and glanced at Viscount Glaint, who was listening by the side.
"I recently joined a new Beyonder gathering. It's said that the Spectator and Telepathist potion formulas appeared there. I suspect that there are people from that gathering who specialize in Psychological Alchemy."
"When there's another gathering, I'll make an application to bring you along."
"Alright." Audrey deliberately didn't hide her joy.
She had just read Xio and Fors's true state of mind from their aura, body language, and subtle expressions. From there, she determined their enthusiasm for the mission, and they hadn't lied about Psychological Alchemy.
Viscount Glaint mumbled, "Audrey's matter is about to succeed.
Audrey's matter is about to succeed. Where's my Apothecary formula?
"There really aren't any clues for now. The Apothecary pathway is mostly in the south, in the Feynapotter Kingdom." Fors made a gesture of deep regret.
"Alright, I'm still young. I'm only in my early twenties. I still have time to wait," Glaint replied humorously.
"Alright, thank you for your help. See you next time." Audrey bowed gracefully, put on her gloves, mounted her horse, and rode along the track.
Susie followed behind happily, as if she had found a way to play.
…
As he had stayed up all night doing experiments, it was already 9: 34 on Tuesday morning when Klein woke up.
He ate a piece of bread with butter in his mouth, put on his coat and hat, and hurried out the door. He wrote on the guest book hanging beside the bell's drawstring:
"Master is out and will be back after five in the afternoon."
Actually, he didn't have anything to do. It was purely to guard against Mr. Miller Carter's sudden visit.
If the other party were to discover that the detective hired for a total of 50 pounds wasn't busy searching for information, organizing manpower, or confirming the layout of the building, but was instead leisurely drinking tea at home and reading newspapers and novels, he would definitely revoke the commission and not pay the remaining 40 pounds!
I really don't have anything to do. I'll just wait for Miss Justice's information … Klein stood at the end of the street, looking at the haze in the sky as he muttered to himself helplessly.
He had already decided last night where he would spend the day.
In the morning, he would go to the Quelaag Club to practice shooting, read the newspapers, and get a free lunch. In the afternoon, he would take a nap and train his body through squash and other sports. When the Bravehearts Bar opened, he would take a bus there and see if he could learn more about Beyonder gatherings from Kaspars.
Klein didn't plan on looking for Marić. Although he definitely had more than one Beyonder circle, he was afraid that Miss Bodyguard belonged to one of those circles.
It wouldn't be convenient for him to sell the potion formula as it would arouse a high degree of suspicion.
Since the True Creator gave me the ability to divine and a strong body, would he also give me a potion formula that I can't use? It's impossible just thinking about it! Klein filled in the blanks with his imagination as he boarded the public carriage to Hillston Borough.
More than half an hour later, he entered the Quelaag Club and saw an acquaintance.
It was the equestrian teacher, Talim Dumont, who had recommended him to the club. He was a good friend of Mary Gale.
Talim, who was wearing a black woolen coat and had short, curly brown hair, came over. He sized up Klein and said with a strange smile, "Good morning.
Mary and Doragu are in the midst of a divorce. "
Is he suspecting why I joined the club? Relying on his Clown powers, Klein easily made a surprised expression.
"Is that so? That's really surprising! "
Talim gave him a deep, suspicious look and suddenly smiled.
"I have a friend who has been troubled by something recently. I want to know how good your marksmanship and combat skills are."
A commission? It's only asking about marksmanship and combat skills, and there's no mention of reasoning. This is a commission that involves violence … Klein smiled.
"I happen to be planning on going to the shooting range to practice my marksmanship. You can follow me and take a look, but combat requires an opponent to see my level."
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