<p>Chapter 51 Xivista: Where are my high heels?</p>
<p>“Swoosh…”</p>
<p>A bright yellow magic lamp burned in the study, and Mevis sat at the desk, carefully writing a letter.</p>
<p>Large shadows were cast from a nearby table.</p>
<p>At one moment, she suddenly stopped writing, furrowed her brows, and somewhat uneasily shook her shoulders.</p>
<p>She wasn’t sure if it was just her imagination, but at that instant, she felt a cold, slippery sensation wash over her body, giving her goosebumps.</p>
<p>At the level of a Sorcerer, one has high inspiration and sometimes does catch fleeting, difficult-to-interpret insights.</p>
<p>Perhaps, it was time to do a divination soon?</p>
<p>Mevis thought to herself.</p>
<p>After a while, she finished writing the letter. After signing her name and applying her seal, she took out an envelope and stuffed the letter inside.</p>
<p>After sealing it with wax, she placed the letter on the desk and shook a bell beside her.</p>
<p>Moments later, the study door was pushed open.</p>
<p>An elderly butler-like man bowing slightly walked in: “My lord, is there anything you need me to do?”</p>
<p>“Take this letter to the Church of Light’s Heretic Tribunal and deliver it to Judge Nidro. I’m sure he will be interested,” Mevis said, leaning back in her soft chair.</p>
<p>The letter, of course, was about Shaya.</p>
<p>“Yes.”</p>
<p>“By the way, how is Angelica doing now? What were the results of the investigation you conducted last time?”</p>
<p>Mevis asked proactively.</p>
<p>The old butler bowed again: “Miss Angelica indeed appears to be affected by some kind of mental branding, which closely aligns with the state you described.”</p>
<p>“Hehe.” Mevis smiled slightly as if she thought of something, “It seems that the little brat named Shaya does indeed have deep ties with the ‘Red Moon’. Mansfield even taught him such magic.”</p>
<p>Others might not know, but the unassuming butler knew very well.</p>
<p>Mansfield was the cult leader responsible for the “Blood Moon Massacre,” one of the most wanted men on the Empire’s list, hated deeply by the Church of Light.</p>
<p>During that incident, he crazily pursued and massacred senior clergy members from various dioceses, even sacrificing over a hundred thousand devout followers of the Goddess, severely wounding the Church of Light.</p>
<p>Though in the Hiren Empire, the power of the royal family and nobility generally overshadowed divine power, the Church’s authority diminished even further after that incident.</p>
<p>Thus, the Church’s pursuit and hunting of the Red Moon cult had never ceased over the years.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, those cult members were extremely cunning, always elusive, leaving little substantial leads—at most they would catch a few peripheral members that were of no significance.</p>
<p>“I remember that in the past ten years, the Heretic Tribunal handled no less than three major cases involving the Red Moon cult, all of which involved core members.”</p>
<p>A thoughtful expression appeared on Mevis’s face.</p>
<p>“Yes, the three Red Moon members were ultimately judged by the Holy Light in front of the Faith Pillars in the Church’s square.”</p>
<p>The old butler answered.</p>
<p>Putting it delicately, in fact, after the public judgment, they were directly obliterated by the Holy Light.</p>
<p>Hearing the butler’s response, Mevis’s lips curled into a slight smile.</p>
<p>“To be elevated to Extraordinary Knight at the age of 16, grasp the rudiments of the field of understanding, and possess the core capabilities of ancient knights—such an unprecedented genius must be expected by many, right?”</p>
<p>“But if in the end, they discovered that this was merely a lie from a cult, and that the so-called ‘genius’ was ultimately burned to death on the Faith Pillar by the wrath of the people… how amusing would that be?”</p>
<p>The old butler did not reply.</p>
<p>“By the way, how has Naya been doing these past few days?”</p>
<p>“No abnormalities; she is gradually transforming into the ‘Vessel of Birth’ as you anticipated.”</p>
<p>“I said, temporarily refrain from using that term. We’ll discuss it… afterward.”</p>
<p>“Yes.”</p>
<p>Once the butler left the study with the letter, Mevis gazed at the flickering candlelight in the magic lamp, gently narrowing her eyes.</p>
<p>In fact, for that plan, she had been intentionally suppressing Naya’s training progress; otherwise, given her abundant resources, she might have already promoted to a Mage.</p>
<p>“However, can a rural viscount family truly give birth to such monstrous offspring? Is it merely a coincidence?”</p>
<p>“Or is there a hidden truth?”</p>
<p>…</p>
<p>When Shaya comfortably emerged from the consciousness space, he found his body still quietly lying on the bed.</p>
<p>Looking out the window, it was already nearing noon.</p>
<p>It seemed that the time flow in the Sea of Consciousness was different from the outside world, just like sleeping and dreaming—he felt as if only a brief moment had passed when the annoying alarm clock rang on time.</p>
<p>Recalling the scene from earlier, Shaya couldn’t help but chuckle.</p>
<p>The process was horrifying, and in the end, the Invisible Demon was rolling its eyes, drooling, and unable to speak coherently.</p>
<p>After forcing it to sign a series of unequal treaties, Shaya finally left satisfied.</p>
<p>Although compared to the group of Evil Gods surrounding the Abyss Palace at that time, Smelly Mud seemed somewhat beneath notice, it was still an ancient existence close to divine power with a long lifespan; its knowledge and experience were a precious asset.</p>
<p>By the way, just to mention, “Jin” is its name.</p>
<p>Walking into the living room, Shaya saw Deyora cleaning. After thinking for a moment, he seriously instructed, “For the next few months, try not to leave the Academy casually. If you need anything, I will bring it back for you when I go out.”</p>
<p>The current situation was that the “sun” was in the dark while he was in the light.</p>
<p>If it were just him alone, everything would be fine, but Deyora, being a defenseless girl, needed protection.</p>
<p>And within the central Norton Academy in the Royal Capital, her safety could be best assured.</p>
<p>Seeing Shaya in this manner, Deyora didn’t ask further; she nodded obediently and then pointed to a letter on the table: “Young master, a letter has arrived from St. Fly Publishing.”</p>
<p>A publishing house?</p>
<p>Shaya felt puzzled.</p>
<p>The third issue’s royalty share had just been received not long ago, and the manuscript request was already mentioned in the last letter—what could this be about?</p>
<p>Holding a bit of curiosity, he picked up the letter, which had some thickness.</p>
<p>Opening it, he immediately saw a gorgeous invitation card, with golden violet flowers embossed on the surface.</p>
<p>Oh.</p>
<p>Shaya suddenly understood and took out another piece of paper to glance at.</p>
<p>[Dear Lord “Cain”:]</p>
<p>[Due to the inability to locate your personal information, our company received the entrustment of Lord Count Ratuzos yesterday to deliver this invitation to you, hoping you can attend the masquerade ball on the 23rd at 8 PM held at the Violet Manor.]</p>
<p>[According to the count’s description, a Book Fan wishes to meet with you.]</p>
<p>The signature was from St. Fly Publishing.</p>
<p>In the Royal Capital, professions such as best-selling authors, pianists, or top painters are usually highly sought after by the upper class and hold a high social status.</p>
<p>Shaya was one of them.</p>
<p>In the past, similar ball invitations frequently arrived at his apartment.</p>
<p>“Young master, should we decline?”</p>
<p>While sweeping, Deyora leaned over to take a look.</p>
<p>In the past, when faced with such invitations, Shaya would typically choose to decline, hence she instinctively asked.</p>
<p>“No, I will go.”</p>
<p>Shaya gently shook his head.</p>
<p>Although he had already promised Selly’s invitation, Shaya was prepared to bet on both sides.</p>
<p>This invitation provided him with inspiration.</p>
<p>At the time, Selly hadn’t clarified that this was an entertainment-themed masquerade; he had only learned about it from the invitation.</p>
<p>This meant that the guests attending would all have to wear masks that obscured their faces.</p>
<p>This opened up significant operational space.</p>
<p>He aimed to infiltrate the ball under dual identities.</p>
<p>Thinking this, Shaya placed the invitation back into the envelope.</p>
<p>“Knock knock—”</p>
<p>Just then, there was a gentle knock on the apartment door.</p>
<p>Deyora proactively walked over, opened the door, and looked somewhat surprised at the visitor.</p>
<p>“Miss Xivista?”</p>
<p>“Deyora, may I ask if Shaya is home?”</p>
<p>“He is, in the living room. Please come in!”</p>
<p>“Ah, thank you, but no need. My carriage is downstairs, and I will have to leave shortly… um, if it’s convenient, could you please call him for me? I just need to say a couple of words and I’ll be off.”</p>
<p>This conversation reached Shaya’s ears.</p>
<p>So he walked over to the door and said to Deyora, “You can go back to your work now.”</p>
<p>“Mm.”</p>
<p>Deyora glanced at him meaningfully before stepping away from the doorway.</p>
<p>Today, Xivista wore a pure white dress, and her golden wavy long hair was tied in an intricate braid draping over her shoulder. She wore a silk sun hat, giving her a look that was less noble and more like a fresh girl from the neighborhood.</p>
<p>Seeing her for the first time, Shaya recalled the moment in the Abyss Palace when he helped the Witch Miss put on her shoes.</p>
<p>He instinctively glanced at Xivista’s slender legs, imagining her in black stockings paired with delicate high-heeled sandals.</p>
<p>Indeed, this deliberately seductive style didn’t quite suit her.</p>
<p>By the way, did this girl really have such a preference?</p>
<p>However, all of Shaya’s expressions fell into Xivista’s eyes; her inherently shy demeanor turned her cheeks vivid red.</p>
<p>She was indeed discovered!</p>
<p>Shrinking her small feet in wedge sandals back, Xivista blushed deeply, lowering her head.</p>
<p>After a long while, she uttered in a voice barely above a whisper, “Can… can you return my things to me?”</p>
<p>“The dimensional ring? Oh, I can right now—”</p>
<p>“No, no, it’s that box.”</p>
<p>Summoning all her courage, Xivista looked up at Shaya red-faced, speaking with a tone of slight anger.</p>
<p>“I lost it, I’m really sorry.” He thought for a moment and sincerely said, “As compensation, would you like me to buy you a replacement of the same style?”</p>
<p>Lost?</p>
<p>How could something in the ring be lost?</p>
<p>Xivista looked at him with some suspicion.</p>
<p>She had read in some books that some boys at this age were fascinated by those things and would even secretly collect girls’ worn items.</p>
<p>But… she hadn’t even worn those high heels and stockings yet?</p>
<p>Thinking this through, Xivista took a deep breath.</p>
<p>In fact, this wasn’t her main purpose for coming today; however, since Shaya had mentioned compensation, she might as well follow up on his words.</p>
<p>She gently bit her lower lip, then twirled a strand of hair on her shoulder, seemingly casually saying, “Then I’ll bother Shaya. I’ll join you next holiday.”</p>
<p>“Eh?”</p>
<p>…</p>
<p>After sending off Xivista, Shaya did not stay in the apartment but instead went out to take a carriage to the street to buy two sets of differently styled evening gowns.</p>
<p>Before long, night fell.</p>
<p>At the entrance of the Violet Count’s mansion, people were coming and going, and luxurious carriages were driving into the estate under the guidance of servants.</p>
<p>The banquet had begun.</p>
<p>“Swoosh…”</p>
<p>A bright yellow magic lamp burned in the study, and Mevis sat at the desk, carefully writing a letter.</p>
<p>Large shadows were cast from a nearby table.</p>
<p>At one moment, she suddenly stopped writing, furrowed her brows, and somewhat uneasily shook her shoulders.</p>
<p>She wasn’t sure if it was just her imagination, but at that instant, she felt a cold, slippery sensation wash over her body, giving her goosebumps.</p>
<p>At the level of a Sorcerer, one has high inspiration and sometimes does catch fleeting, difficult-to-interpret insights.</p>
<p>Perhaps, it was time to do a divination soon?</p>
<p>Mevis thought to herself.</p>
<p>After a while, she finished writing the letter. After signing her name and applying her seal, she took out an envelope and stuffed the letter inside.</p>
<p>After sealing it with wax, she placed the letter on the desk and shook a bell beside her.</p>
<p>Moments later, the study door was pushed open.</p>
<p>An elderly butler-like man bowing slightly walked in: “My lord, is there anything you need me to do?”</p>
<p>“Take this letter to the Church of Light’s Heretic Tribunal and deliver it to Judge Nidro. I’m sure he will be interested,” Mevis said, leaning back in her soft chair.</p>
<p>The letter, of course, was about Shaya.</p>
<p>“Yes.”</p>
<p>“By the way, how is Angelica doing now? What were the results of the investigation you conducted last time?”</p>
<p>Mevis asked proactively.</p>
<p>The old butler bowed again: “Miss Angelica indeed appears to be affected by some kind of mental branding, which closely aligns with the state you described.”</p>
<p>“Hehe.” Mevis smiled slightly as if she thought of something, “It seems that the little brat named Shaya does indeed have deep ties with the ‘Red Moon’. Mansfield even taught him such magic.”</p>
<p>Others might not know, but the unassuming butler knew very well.</p>
<p>Mansfield was the cult leader responsible for the “Blood Moon Massacre,” one of the most wanted men on the Empire’s list, hated deeply by the Church of Light.</p>
<p>During that incident, he crazily pursued and massacred senior clergy members from various dioceses, even sacrificing over a hundred thousand devout followers of the Goddess, severely wounding the Church of Light.</p>
<p>Though in the Hiren Empire, the power of the royal family and nobility generally overshadowed divine power, the Church’s authority diminished even further after that incident.</p>
<p>Thus, the Church’s pursuit and hunting of the Red Moon cult had never ceased over the years.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, those cult members were extremely cunning, always elusive, leaving little substantial leads—at most they would catch a few peripheral members that were of no significance.</p>
<p>“I remember that in the past ten years, the Heretic Tribunal handled no less than three major cases involving the Red Moon cult, all of which involved core members.”</p>
<p>A thoughtful expression appeared on Mevis’s face.</p>
<p>“Yes, the three Red Moon members were ultimately judged by the Holy Light in front of the Faith Pillars in the Church’s square.”</p>
<p>The old butler answered.</p>
<p>Putting it delicately, in fact, after the public judgment, they were directly obliterated by the Holy Light.</p>
<p>Hearing the butler’s response, Mevis’s lips curled into a slight smile.</p>
<p>“To be elevated to Extraordinary Knight at the age of 16, grasp the rudiments of the field of understanding, and possess the core capabilities of ancient knights—such an unprecedented genius must be expected by many, right?”</p>
<p>“But if in the end, they discovered that this was merely a lie from a cult, and that the so-called ‘genius’ was ultimately burned to death on the Faith Pillar by the wrath of the people… how amusing would that be?”</p>
<p>The old butler did not reply.</p>
<p>“By the way, how has Naya been doing these past few days?”</p>
<p>“No abnormalities; she is gradually transforming into the ‘Vessel of Birth’ as you anticipated.”</p>
<p>“I said, temporarily refrain from using that term. We’ll discuss it… afterward.”</p>
<p>“Yes.”</p>
<p>Once the butler left the study with the letter, Mevis gazed at the flickering candlelight in the magic lamp, gently narrowing her eyes.</p>
<p>In fact, for that plan, she had been intentionally suppressing Naya’s training progress; otherwise, given her abundant resources, she might have already promoted to a Mage.</p>
<p>“However, can a rural viscount family truly give birth to such monstrous offspring? Is it merely a coincidence?”</p>
<p>“Or is there a hidden truth?”</p>
<p>…</p>
<p>When Shaya comfortably emerged from the consciousness space, he found his body still quietly lying on the bed.</p>
<p>Looking out the window, it was already nearing noon.</p>
<p>It seemed that the time flow in the Sea of Consciousness was different from the outside world, just like sleeping and dreaming—he felt as if only a brief moment had passed when the annoying alarm clock rang on time.</p>
<p>Recalling the scene from earlier, Shaya couldn’t help but chuckle.</p>
<p>The process was horrifying, and in the end, the Invisible Demon was rolling its eyes, drooling, and unable to speak coherently.</p>
<p>After forcing it to sign a series of unequal treaties, Shaya finally left satisfied.</p>
<p>Although compared to the group of Evil Gods surrounding the Abyss Palace at that time, Smelly Mud seemed somewhat beneath notice, it was still an ancient existence close to divine power with a long lifespan; its knowledge and experience were a precious asset.</p>
<p>By the way, just to mention, “Jin” is its name.</p>
<p>Walking into the living room, Shaya saw Deyora cleaning. After thinking for a moment, he seriously instructed, “For the next few months, try not to leave the Academy casually. If you need anything, I will bring it back for you when I go out.”</p>
<p>The current situation was that the “sun” was in the dark while he was in the light.</p>
<p>If it were just him alone, everything would be fine, but Deyora, being a defenseless girl, needed protection.</p>
<p>And within the central Norton Academy in the Royal Capital, her safety could be best assured.</p>
<p>Seeing Shaya in this manner, Deyora didn’t ask further; she nodded obediently and then pointed to a letter on the table: “Young master, a letter has arrived from St. Fly Publishing.”</p>
<p>A publishing house?</p>
<p>Shaya felt puzzled.</p>
<p>The third issue’s royalty share had just been received not long ago, and the manuscript request was already mentioned in the last letter—what could this be about?</p>
<p>Holding a bit of curiosity, he picked up the letter, which had some thickness.</p>
<p>Opening it, he immediately saw a gorgeous invitation card, with golden violet flowers embossed on the surface.</p>
<p>Oh.</p>
<p>Shaya suddenly understood and took out another piece of paper to glance at.</p>
<p>[Dear Lord “Cain”:]</p>
<p>[Due to the inability to locate your personal information, our company received the entrustment of Lord Count Ratuzos yesterday to deliver this invitation to you, hoping you can attend the masquerade ball on the 23rd at 8 PM held at the Violet Manor.]</p>
<p>[According to the count’s description, a Book Fan wishes to meet with you.]</p>
<p>The signature was from St. Fly Publishing.</p>
<p>In the Royal Capital, professions such as best-selling authors, pianists, or top painters are usually highly sought after by the upper class and hold a high social status.</p>
<p>Shaya was one of them.</p>
<p>In the past, similar ball invitations frequently arrived at his apartment.</p>
<p>“Young master, should we decline?”</p>
<p>While sweeping, Deyora leaned over to take a look.</p>
<p>In the past, when faced with such invitations, Shaya would typically choose to decline, hence she instinctively asked.</p>
<p>“No, I will go.”</p>
<p>Shaya gently shook his head.</p>
<p>Although he had already promised Selly’s invitation, Shaya was prepared to bet on both sides.</p>
<p>This invitation provided him with inspiration.</p>
<p>At the time, Selly hadn’t clarified that this was an entertainment-themed masquerade; he had only learned about it from the invitation.</p>
<p>This meant that the guests attending would all have to wear masks that obscured their faces.</p>
<p>This opened up significant operational space.</p>
<p>He aimed to infiltrate the ball under dual identities.</p>
<p>Thinking this, Shaya placed the invitation back into the envelope.</p>
<p>“Knock knock—”</p>
<p>Just then, there was a gentle knock on the apartment door.</p>
<p>Deyora proactively walked over, opened the door, and looked somewhat surprised at the visitor.</p>
<p>“Miss Xivista?”</p>
<p>“Deyora, may I ask if Shaya is home?”</p>
<p>“He is, in the living room. Please come in!”</p>
<p>“Ah, thank you, but no need. My carriage is downstairs, and I will have to leave shortly… um, if it’s convenient, could you please call him for me? I just need to say a couple of words and I’ll be off.”</p>
<p>This conversation reached Shaya’s ears.</p>
<p>So he walked over to the door and said to Deyora, “You can go back to your work now.”</p>
<p>“Mm.”</p>
<p>Deyora glanced at him meaningfully before stepping away from the doorway.</p>
<p>Today, Xivista wore a pure white dress, and her golden wavy long hair was tied in an intricate braid draping over her shoulder. She wore a silk sun hat, giving her a look that was less noble and more like a fresh girl from the neighborhood.</p>
<p>Seeing her for the first time, Shaya recalled the moment in the Abyss Palace when he helped the Witch Miss put on her shoes.</p>
<p>He instinctively glanced at Xivista’s slender legs, imagining her in black stockings paired with delicate high-heeled sandals.</p>
<p>Indeed, this deliberately seductive style didn’t quite suit her.</p>
<p>By the way, did this girl really have such a preference?</p>
<p>However, all of Shaya’s expressions fell into Xivista’s eyes; her inherently shy demeanor turned her cheeks vivid red.</p>
<p>She was indeed discovered!</p>
<p>Shrinking her small feet in wedge sandals back, Xivista blushed deeply, lowering her head.</p>
<p>After a long while, she uttered in a voice barely above a whisper, “Can… can you return my things to me?”</p>
<p>“The dimensional ring? Oh, I can right now—”</p>
<p>“No, no, it’s that box.”</p>
<p>Summoning all her courage, Xivista looked up at Shaya red-faced, speaking with a tone of slight anger.</p>
<p>“I lost it, I’m really sorry.” He thought for a moment and sincerely said, “As compensation, would you like me to buy you a replacement of the same style?”</p>
<p>Lost?</p>
<p>How could something in the ring be lost?</p>
<p>Xivista looked at him with some suspicion.</p>
<p>She had read in some books that some boys at this age were fascinated by those things and would even secretly collect girls’ worn items.</p>
<p>But… she hadn’t even worn those high heels and stockings yet?</p>
<p>Thinking this through, Xivista took a deep breath.</p>
<p>In fact, this wasn’t her main purpose for coming today; however, since Shaya had mentioned compensation, she might as well follow up on his words.</p>
<p>She gently bit her lower lip, then twirled a strand of hair on her shoulder, seemingly casually saying, “Then I’ll bother Shaya. I’ll join you next holiday.”</p>
<p>“Eh?”</p>
<p>…</p>
<p>After sending off Xivista, Shaya did not stay in the apartment but instead went out to take a carriage to the street to buy two sets of differently styled evening gowns.</p>
<p>Before long, night fell.</p>
<p>At the entrance of the Violet Count’s mansion, people were coming and going, and luxurious carriages were driving into the estate under the guidance of servants.</p>
<p>The banquet had begun.</p>
