Lord of Mysteries: Starting As A Reader

Helene followed Ebner into the dimly lit herbal shop. With a quick glance, she noticed a frail girl crouching beside a bucket near the counter, carefully brushing the feathers of a plump owl perched on the bucket's edge. The owl cooperated actively, even lifting one wing to make the task easier.

Behind the counter stood a round-faced man in his thirties wearing a rural witch doctor-style black robe. His hair was black, his eyes brown, and his chubby figure gave him a deceptively kind appearance.

However, Helene quickly overturned her initial impression.

When Darkwill, the Fat Pharmacist, noticed Ebner and Helene entering, his face showed brief surprise before twisting into an ambiguous smile. "Well, if it isn't the 'Hero Detective'. I didn't expect to run into you in Bayam… and you've brought another one with you?"

He deliberately glanced at Helene, his smile growing sly.

Another one? What does he mean by that? Does Detective Bryan have a habit of collecting maids? If I'm the only maid around now, does that mean he releases them when their contracts expire? Well, at least it means he's trustworthy… Helene's thoughts began to spiral.

This guy hasn't changed one bit… Ebner maintained a polite smile and ignored the remark, turning his attention to the girl brushing the owl's feathers.

The girl, Budy, still bore traces of festering wounds on her face and arms, but they had visibly improved since the previous night. More importantly, her spirit had changed—her once dull and hopeless eyes now glimmered faintly with life.

Even though she was performing such menial work, and her frail body clearly struggled with the task, she seemed content, even happy.

Is this what makes her feel like she's living a meaningful life? Such an… easily satisfied girl.

While Ebner was silently sighing, Darkwill followed his gaze to Budy and casually said, "She's the maid I hired for my pet…"

Still the same sharp tongue with a soft heart. That's just an excuse to keep Budy here for treatment, isn't it? And this level of activity probably aids in her recovery…

Suppressing a sigh, Ebner remarked with a teasing smile, "You don't even have a maid to care for yourself, yet you got one for your pet? It seems your owl lives better than you do."

Darkwill chuckled shamelessly. "I don't need anyone to handle personal hygiene for me. As for… other services… I can always head to the 'Red Theater' across the street!"

Before Ebner could respond, Helene, who had been standing idly, narrowed her eyes and turned her head sharply toward Darkwill. Excuse me? Are you implying something? When did maid duties overlap with the Red Theater? Just what kind of books do you usually read?

This guy really doesn't know when to shut up… Ebner sighed inwardly but decided to steer the conversation back on track.

He had come to check on Budy's condition and to purchase a key ingredient for the Mysticism Magister potion—the Dragon Blood Five-Colored Flower.

This flower was rare outside of Lunburg, Massik, and Segal, and Ebner had only recently learned from Vice Admiral Iceberg Edwina why it was so difficult to cultivate. It required Beyonder blood from the Audience Pathway or blood from a mystical creature of that pathway for nourishment.

In the Third Epoch, during the Era of Radiance, these flowers only bloomed on battlefields where Gem Dragons and Mind Dragons clashed.

The Church of Knowledge and Wisdom still held some of these Audience pathway formulas, and providing blood for such flowers was considered a minor expense.

Ebner had come to Darkwill with this request because he had a pet owl—a mystical creature likely aligned with the Audience Pathway.

Hearing Ebner's request, Darkwill squinted slightly, recalling how someone at the Amyris Leaf Bar's Beyonder Gathering had also been looking for the Dragon Blood Five-Colored Flower.

So that's why he came straight to me… This detective's abilities really are troublesome.

Feigning reluctance, Darkwill said, "I do have seeds of the Dragon Blood Five-Colored Flower, and I know how to cultivate them. But even if I start now, it'll take at least a month for them to bloom. And you must know—they're incredibly finicky. Some of their required nutrients are very expensive."

Exaggerating the difficulties to drive up the price? Classic tactic. I know this game. Ebner smirked internally but asked calmly, "What do you want in return?"

Darkwill grinned. "I want a Beyonder weapon—something practical and powerful. You know how bad the security in Bayam is. Even someone like Strongman Ozilwas killed last night. Who knows which bastard was behind that? It's not a big deal that he's dead, but the Amyris Leaf Bar still owes me payment for a batch of potions…"

"I'll be staying here for a while. While I have some defensive measures, a reliable weapon would make me feel much safer."

He paused, then added pointedly, "And no, I don't want that girl's hair!"

The killer of Ozil is standing right in front of you… How are you even this good at provoking people, Darkwill? And whose hair are we talking about—some ex-maid of Detective Bryan? Helene's mind raced with wild speculation.

Not asking about your teacher's whereabouts? I thought that would be your top priority. But then again, you probably just arrived in Bayam and aren't in a hurry yet.

A Beyonder weapon wasn't difficult for Ebner to provide.

"What kind of weapon do you want?" he asked.

Darkwill responded immediately, "The more powerful, the better. But I know you won't give me something worth far more than the Dragon Blood Five-Colored Flower. As for style… I'd prefer a whip."

At that moment, the owl enjoying Budy's massage suddenly straightened up, feathers ruffled.

A whip? Well, it does fit the image of a Beast Tamer… Ebner nodded. "No problem."

After finalizing the deal, Ebner and Darkwill chatted briefly about their recent experiences—only the shareable parts—before Ebner bid farewell and left with Helene.

After the two had left, Darkwill turned to his owl. "Well, Mr. Harry, did they hide anything from me? I still feel like something's off about the detective suddenly showing up."

The owl, unbothered by Budy's continued ministrations, replied in a surprisingly articulate voice, "Darkwill, please address me as 'Mr. Harry' when asking questions… Hmm, earlier, that girl questioned your views on maids, and the detective internally mocked your questionable taste in books. Are your novels truly that inappropriate?"

Darkwill's chubby face twitched. "That's not what I asked!"

The owl tilted its head thoughtfully. "The detective seemed curious and sympathetic about Budy… As for other matters, I couldn't tell. But… Darkwill, could you perhaps reconsider the weapon choice?"

(End of Chapter)