Chapter 98
Haina’s Request
Although Eivass had taken leave, he only intended to skip classes that morning.
Previously, he had obtained a permit from his mentor through his position as a teaching assistant and borrowed a copy of “Ordinary Ritual Studies” from the school library. Now that he had free time, he could read it in his dormitory for a while.
He had to admit, the level of knowledge in a university was high.
The “secret knowledge” that the Noble Red Society had sent him through letters before was merely common sense in this book. The knowledge within, including various common rituals up to the Second Energy Level. Although the book’s original intention was for priests to identify and counter the various evil rituals used by those on the Transcendent Path…
Eivass had no problem learning how to use ritual magic in return.
After breakfast, Eivass was engrossed in his book in the study on the second floor.
Until an unexpected yet logical guest arrived.
“Senior Haina?”
Eivass put down the book in his hand and teased the girl who was invited into the study and sat on the sofa to one side, “You see, this time you didn’t make an appointment in advance, and you came at a very appropriate time.”
It was ten in the morning outside.
She could finally visit Eivass at a reasonable hour… which made Eivass feel relieved.
“Actually, when I attended classes before, I wasn’t always late? I don’t know what’s going on…”
Haina sighed somewhat helplessly and casually brushed off the topic, “Never mind that. I came to find you for three things this time.”
“Three things?”
This surprised Eivass. “Are they related to yesterday’s club?”
“Yes, one of them is related.”
Haina nodded and replied, “Director Kent said he wanted to give you another grimoire as thanks for this incident.”
She said this, glancing at “Ordinary Ritual Studies” on Eivass’s desk, paused slightly, and added, “Even one from the Transcendent Path is fine. This book will be fully processed… If you plan to give it to someone, it’s best to provide that person’s name as well. The Inspection Bureau will vouch for you. Foreigners are also acceptable.”
“Thus, if that person has not broken the law, they will not be arrested by the Inspection Bureau for studying the knowledge in the grimoire… even if it’s a grimoire of an illegal path.”
“‘Thanks’?”
Eivass raised an eyebrow. “I thought it would be ‘commendation’ or ‘appeasement.’ I was already mentally prepared for another award ceremony.”
Haina gave an awkward laugh, unsure how to respond. “You can consider it a token of appreciation…”
The Inspection Bureau dared not invite Eivass to another “award ceremony.”
Logically speaking, an award ceremony had little to do with Eivass, who was not part of the three major organizations and was not a soldier.
The last award ceremony was actually a cover-up for the Inspection Bureau’s incompetence, an attempt to share some of Eivass’s honor and merit with the Inspection Bureau through such means. And the previous grimoire was meant to be hush money to bribe Eivass.
—Eivass didn’t have to say anything; as long as he said nothing on the award stage, it would be fine.
This time, fortunately, no one died. What was supposed to be a major disaster turned into a great victory by chance.
However, the Royal Family was not foolish, especially since Princess Isabel had personally participated in this incident… Although the outcome was good, it didn’t mean the process was correct.
Therefore, the Inspection Bureau was to be commended publicly and even praised heavily in the newspapers.
But in reality, all ministers who could be remotely connected to this incident were summoned by Her Majesty the Queen last night. Even at this moment, an emergency meeting was still underway in the Round Table Hall—they usually didn’t hold meetings on Friday mornings, but this was an exceptional situation.
Under these circumstances, the Inspection Bureau certainly would not dare to cause any more major disturbances. They would rather hope the public would quickly forget about this matter.
Director Kent had already told Haina this. But she found it difficult to convey it directly to Eivass.
—But Eivass knew that this was indeed a “thank you” with considerable sincerity.
Perhaps Haina didn’t understand what Director Kent meant, but Eivass did.
The true sincerity of the Inspection Bureau was not simply giving a grimoire—that was something that could be bought with money and connections, completely disproportionate to Eivass’s achievements.
What they actually meant was to allow Eivass to privately recruit a subordinate Extraordinary. No examination would be required, and they didn’t even need to be on a legal path. The Inspection Bureau would even help Eivass provide identification… If Eivass’s subordinate ran into trouble, the Inspection Bureau would not hold him accountable but would take responsibility themselves.
The Inspection Bureau’s intention was that since Eivass had helped them solve a problem this time; in the future, the Inspection Bureau would help Eivass solve a problem.
This was quite a good reward.
This calm and steady demeanor… obviously not a promise that Director Kent dared to make.
Had this alerted those above?
The highest-ranking administrator of the Inspection Bureau was the Grand Guardian, one of Avalon’s rare Fifth Tier powerhouses. It was probably only he who dared to give such a guarantee, which clearly violated the kingdom’s laws.
Eivass’s heart settled, knowing that Lily’s identity could now be officially cleared—she wouldn’t need to hide even if she stepped onto the Path Adaptation.
With a relaxed mood, Eivass chuckled and casually teased, his low voice like that of a devil charming the soul, “But, Senior Sister… since you immediately thought of a grimoire from the Transcendent Path. Does that mean you’re actually curious about it instinctively and want to explore it?”
“—Don’t talk nonsense, I’m not, I haven’t!”
Haina stammered frantically, as if her butt had been burned by the sofa, and instantly stood up, “At most, I’m just interested in Alchemy…”
“Don’t rush, don’t rush. It’s just a joke, I know.”
Eivass soothed Haina.
This somewhat naive senior sister was genuinely amusing; she’d jump at the slightest provocation.
Given this almost completely guileless state, it was no wonder she could become the head of the student council. Apart from her good grades, it was probably because her supporters far outnumbered her opponents.
Now that their relationship had gradually become more familiar, Eivass’s occasional teasing wouldn’t anger Haina. But her reactions were so strong when she was slightly startled, which made Eivass even more inclined to playfully tease her from time to time.
To appease Haina, Eivass casually pulled a dark red book from beside his desk and handed it to her with a smile, “Here, what’s this?”
Haina sat up straight on the sofa and took the book, realizing it was the “Alchemical Cipher” she had been longing for.
“We agreed on this—see, I’ve kept my promise. You don’t have classes today, do you, Senior Sister? Then feel free to read it here.”
Eivass invited, “You can sit next to me, and if there’s anything you don’t understand, you can ask me.”
Haina’s heart was clearly moved.
Holding the “Alchemical Cipher,” she subconsciously sat down slowly beside Eivass.
Eivass casually asked, “Speaking of which, when can I pick up my ‘token of appreciation’?”
“Tonight or tomorrow is fine. Come pick it up after you get home. You set a time, and I’ll take you there then.”
Haina said readily, not hiding anything and even adding proactively, “Because you need to go to the White Queen District to get it. The Red Queen District is still in chaos, and both Gordon and the new director are at the Round Table Hall for the meeting.”
“…Let’s not set a time, I’m afraid.”
“Afraid of what! I promise I won’t be late this time!” Haina said, somewhat annoyed and embarrassed.
“How about this, Senior Sister. After your class this afternoon, why don’t you accompany me home?”
Eivass invited, “After Lily escorts me home, let her go with you to the bureau to choose a grimoire.”
“You’re giving it to Miss Lily? That’s fine… I’ll take you home, and then I’ll bring Lily back after she’s chosen the book.”
Haina thought for a moment, “How about I protect you the entire day? Otherwise, if you get injured, Inspector Edward will definitely blame me.”
“That’s not necessary, is it? Those Demon Scholars failed once yesterday. Even if they want to make a move again, they shouldn’t choose this time.” Eivass said with a smile.
“This is related to the remaining two matters…”
Haina became serious, turned around, and earnestly bowed her head to Eivass, “Please help me, Mr. Eivass!”
“What is it?”
Eivass turned back in surprise. “Just tell me if something’s wrong. If I can help, I will definitely help.”
This was not social politeness; he was serious. This was Eivass’s habit of handling matters.
Since a friend had come to him for help, and the attitude was so serious—as long as Eivass could do it, even if it was a bit troublesome or dangerous, he would help.
Then, Haina explained to Eivass the trial proposed by Head部长 Meg and the matter of the “portable Alchemical Bomb.”
“Head部长 Meg?”
Eivass was surprised. “Is she going to take you as a disciple? She’s the strongest in Avalon!”
“…Is Head部长 that strong?”
Haina’s eyes widened too.
She knew Head部长 Meg was strong, that she had single-handedly quelled a war, and that the next principal was also Meg’s student. But she really didn’t expect Meg to be the strongest in Avalon!
“Of course.” Eivass nodded.
…Not only that, but that old lady was also known for her sharp judgment. She also possessed the arrogant spirit unique to the Path of Authority.
Although the old lady appeared amiable and cheerful, Meg smiled at everyone. Her smile did not represent friendliness—no matter how much someone flattered her, if Meg looked down on them, they would never gain anything. Her heart was as fierce as a lion or a tiger.
The fact that Meg took a liking to Haina indicated that Haina had at least the talent to reach the Fifth Energy Level… which was on par with that assassin lady.
Of course, Advancement Rituals had a lot of randomness, and talent alone didn’t guarantee success… but without the corresponding talent, one absolutely couldn’t advance. Some people, even after studying extraordinary knowledge for ten years, could hardly obtain their first professional level. For instance, Mr. “King” whom Eivass encountered in his first Advancement Ritual was in his late thirties or early forties and was still trying to advance to the Second Energy Level.
—And he failed!
Judging by Mr. King’s proficient act of giving up, it probably wasn’t his first failure.
“Since Head部长 Meg favors you, you cannot disappoint her.”
Eivass resolutely replied, “I’ll help with this.”
Helping others was like helping oneself. This was also a form of investment, and it was guaranteed to be profitable.
After all, he was going to solve this problem anyway; he was just giving Haina a little credit. Reputation—having some was vastly different from having none, but having too much could become a burden… This thing also had diminishing marginal utility.
If Haina could become Meg’s disciple, then he might also have some influence with Meg.
After all, one of the direct causes of Avalon’s destruction was Meg’s death.
If Eivass could persuade that stubborn old lady to temporarily refrain from performing her Advancement Ritual, he would have truly changed history. And Eivass would have more time to develop.
“…But, Mr. Sherlock?”
Eivass was interested in another point. “Didn’t Head部长 Meg also ask you to call him?”
Last time in the Ritual Dungeon, Sherlock’s information was insufficient, and he couldn’t play a significant role. Now that it was Sherlock’s turf, Eivass was quite eager to see how sharp Sherlock’s mind would be when he went all out.
But unfortunately, this wish was likely to remain unfulfilled in the short term—
“This is the third matter,” Haina replied mournfully, “Mr. Sherlock was attacked last night.”
