Mechanical Alchemist

Seeing the black butterfly brooch on Princess Theresa's chest, Su Lun's gaze faltered.

He immediately realized that things might be more complicated than he had anticipated.

The more he thought about it, the more his hair seemed to stand on end.

On his first day after crossing over, he had encountered a ghostly little girl called "Pestoya" in this very manor, in this very banquet hall.

That little girl had given him a brooch just like this one.

After using the All-knowing Eye to see that there was "???" information inside the brooch, he, to be safe, had hidden it in a corner of the caves.

Looking back, he still felt that hiding the brooch had been a very necessary action.

This was a world of mysterious powers.

Every time the All-knowing Eye identified "???" information, it involved extraordinarily sophisticated matters.

Although Su Lun didn't know what exactly it was, it most likely involved some indescribable entities.

Moreover, Su Lun was no longer the ignorant newcomer that he was on the first day of his arrival.

He now understood that the people in the cursed spaces, no matter how real, were either remnants or illusions.

Generally speaking, even ghostly entities were non-player characters with lower intelligence.

But after experiencing so many cursed spaces and encountering many creatures, Su Lun realized that Pestoya's intelligence was not on the same level as those he met before.

Emotions, conversations, logical thinking abilities...

Pestoya was just like a real person!

This made Su Lun even more convinced that the cursing space level of this "Storm Manor" must have been unimaginably high.

Or perhaps, very special.

After all, Pestoya also had another identity, she was Sir Isaac's beloved daughter!

With this background, now that Su Lun understood part of Dawn City's history, he was more convinced that there were ancient secrets involved.

So, the appearance of that brooch here...

Became all the more eerie!

....

The moment he saw Princess Theresa, Su Lun diverted his gaze and then subtly shifted his position, trying to avoid being seen by her.

Upon seeing the brooch, two thoughts reflexively popped into his head.

1. The brooch he had buried had been dug up by someone, and it was just an ordinary cursed object;

2. There was a big problem with this brooch;

Su Lun's way of thinking always leaned towards the worst.

He chose option 2.

There was a very high chance that there was something wrong with the brooch.

Previously, he had been wondering what in the Dawn Relic could attract the direct involvement of a princess from a great Duke's family.

Now, it seemed either she had discovered some secret from the brooch, like a treasure map.

But even if it were a treasure map, she wouldn't need to come in person.

After all, the entire underground world was her family's mining pits, it would suffice to send someone else.

Or, there was some reason she had to come herself.

And urgently.

Whichever it was, Su Lun felt it best to not get involved.

Watching the lone and proud aura of Theresa, he also faintly understood what that familiar sense previously was all about.

...

The moment Theresa made her appearance, all eyes were focused on her.

Even within the inner city, those from the wealthy conglomerates who had seen this princess were extremely rare.

After all, whose tycoon daughter would frequent her own mines for no reason?

Most of those present would think her aloof face represented the dignified air of high nobility.

But who could imagine, perhaps the Ducal Palace in the inner city was just for show.

The occasional descent into the mines by her to inspect the situation was taken by these people as a gracious act.

After entering the banquet hall, Theresa didn't say a word.

But it was this indifferent attitude that excited these inner city people even more.

Ah... this indeed is true nobility.

Each of them was generous with their compliments, which sounded like whispers, but their voices seemed eager for their praise to be heard by the princess.

"Oh, Princess Theresa is absolutely beautiful, just like an angel..."

"To see the princess with my own eyes at this event, not to mention coming to this relic, even if it were to embrace death, I would not hesitate..."

"Yes, if she would allow me to kiss the tip of her foot, it would be the honor of my lifetime..."

"Ah! My Valen family will forever be the most loyal servants of the Duke and Princess Theresa..."

"..."

Su Lun listened, always feeling something odd in his heart.

This was his first time attending such an upper-class society gathering, and the culture of flattering the lords was something he found a bit hard to adapt to.

Fortunately, it seemed that Theresa had no intention of merely drinking and dining here; as soon as she arrived, she directly went into the main topic of the banquet.

Her lady-in-waiting announced, "Her Royal Highness, Princess, gathered everyone here for the Dawn Relic. The purpose of this mission is for everyone to explore the relic and find something..."

She rambled on about a bunch of things.

Listening to the lady-in-waiting's words, Su Lun quickly analyzed some key information.

Pioneering the wilderness and finding things.

It seemed that Theresa was also uncertain about where the "thing" was and needed to pioneer the entire relic.

Then there was a mission and also rewards.

Listening to the lady-in-waiting's words, it was about whichever family could find what the princess wanted would certainly gain favor from the Duke's estate and become the foremost family in the inner city.

...

"All major families must arrive on time and follow the routes to the core area of the relic..."

Before long, the lady-in-waiting finished speaking.

She waved her hand and commanded softly, "Draw lots!"

As her words fell, a group of servants came forward carrying trays.

The heads of the major families stepped forward to draw lots; it was like cutting a cake—the relic was divided into over thirty routes, and the one you drew was yours.

By some coincidence, young Rena drew and received number sixteen.

Number fifteen was the Olli family, and number seventeen was the Clark Family...

This meant that on the road to hunt in the wilderness, enemies flanked them on both sides.

Compared to young Rena's troubled face, Su Lun looked at this scene and couldn't help but chuckle to himself, "These guys do have some tricks, even managing to rig the drawing of lots..."

But that was also just fine.

He was still thinking about that treasure in Young Master Danze's possession.

This expedition to hunt in the wilderness was fraught with danger, and it was highly likely that the young master would bring it along.

After the drawing of lots ended, Princess Theresa left the scene.

Su Lun also inexplicably sighed in relief.

Only then did that sensation of pain quietly pressing at his forehead disappear.

Though he had only seen a familiar butterfly brooch, he felt a vague apprehension.

....

Everyone thought that the official banquet would follow after the princess's departure.

But unexpectedly, at that moment, several maids walked in with trays covered by silver lids, and began serving the "main course."

When the main course was served, a thick scent of blood immediately swept through the banquet hall.

People exchanged glances, initially thinking it was some sort of exotic "sashimi."

With Princess Theresa already gone, the attendees at the banquet were no longer so restrained.

Curious, someone opened their plate to take a look.

All eyes turned to watch.

But to their horror, they discovered it was a simply marinated bloodied head!

Not all the young lords and ladies of the inner city had experienced the sight of blood, and, at this sight, everyone turned pale and instantly exclaimed in shock. But since it was at Miss Theresa's temporary residence, each of them covered their mouths, none daring to scream out loud.

Someone recognized the origins of the head, whispering in trembling terror, "This... isn't this the youngest son of Mr. Marino of the 'Tessali family'?"

As other plates were opened, it became clear—the Tessali family members were all accounted for.

From the eldest to the youngest, the heads of more than twenty direct descendants of the family were all present.

A banquet of heads...

The horrific scene stunned everyone present.

Looking at this table full of heads, these young lords and ladies of the inner city immediately understood something;

This was a warning to scare the monkeys.

But they also did not understand why the "Tessali family" had suddenly been annihilated.

"This... why is this happening..."

"Yes, wasn't Mr. Tessali actively responding to the call to hunt in the wilderness? They also sent quite a few people this time..."

"Could it be a mistake, or is there another reason?"

"..."

There are no secrets in the upper echelons of society.

At that moment, a woman stood up and revealed the real situation.

"Well... I kind of know what this is about. Mrs. Tessali had been unwilling to let her son come to hunt in the wilderness and, banking on chance, had a bodyguard's son come as a stand-in at the last minute. She even advised me to do the same..."

While speaking, this lady did not forget to express her stance, "I had warned them earlier not to use such tricks, and now look what has happened. It would've been fine if they had just followed the Duke's orders properly, rather than making a mess like this."

When this was mentioned, everyone understood.

They thought they had covered all their bases, but everything was under the control of the Black Tower.

This also made those young masters and misses who had planned to manipulate the hunting expedition unexpectedly feel a chill around their necks.

The firm attitude of Princess Teresa shattered any illusions they had.

For a moment, the grand banquet fell silent.

But...

These people, though without merit, had certainly endured hardships.

As subjects of Duke Rafael, those who could stand here were, after all, prominent figures from the inner city.

Was it necessary to warn them in such a brutal and ruthless manner?

It seemed not a crime deserving of death, yet Duke's mansion showed no mercy, erasing a whole major family just like that?

The crowd wore complex expressions, filled with worry, anger, confusion, and indignation...

Yet no one dared to speak out.

But the more prominent the families of the inner city were, the more they knew the terror of the Black Tower.

Especially those who had heard fragments about the rebellion fifty years ago from their elders, dared not say a word.

....

Su Lun watched from a distance, and his shock was no less than that of others.

However, it was not the shock of this bloody spectacle that affected him, but the method, which felt eerily familiar!

The same banquet hall, the same bloody methods...

Scenes from the past seemed to flash before Su Lun's eyes as he thought, "These tactics of Teresa... why do they feel like Pestoya's? Could it be a coincidence?"

For a moment, related clues connected in his mind.

He had a vague feeling that he had guessed part of the truth of the matter.

But some things contradicted each other, and something didn't feel quite right.

For instance, the critical question, why had Sir Isaac burned his own daughter?

Suddenly, an incredible guess crossed his mind, "Or perhaps... the Pestoya I met was not really Sir Isaac's daughter at all? If not, then who was she?"

The only certain thing now was that the butterfly brooch was definitely problematic.

....

Su Lun's thoughts continued to drift, and just then, Qiantiao came over from somewhere.

The only necessary part of the banquet had ended, and there was no need for them to stay.

She called out to the two of them, "Let's go, we're heading back too."

As she spoke, Qiantiao naturally took Su Lun's arm.

The three of them left the estate, and Lena asked, "Auntie, where are you and Mr. Zorro staying?"

Qiantiao replied, "The Rose Hotel."

Lena thought for a moment, seemingly realizing the conditions at the Rose Hotel weren't very good and warmly invited, "Oh, that's just right. I have a spare suite at my place; come stay with me!"

As she spoke, she added in a somewhat coquettish tone, "I haven't had a good chat with Auntie in such a long time..."

While rooms were hard to come by for others, this naïve girl of a landlord still had vacancies.

"Okay,"

Qiantiao naturally agreed happily.

The trio made their way downstairs.

"We drew the number fifteen line, and we'll depart the day after tomorrow at the latest. But we haven't yet recruited a hunting team or mercenaries..."

"That's not a big problem. You can also command the Cross Society's men and horses when the time comes. Mr. Zorro will be going too; he's very capable, so just turn to him if there are any problems..."

"..."

Su Lun listened to the two women's conversation on the side, unable to interject.

As they walked, he curiously noted that the gambling-addicted lady seemed to have gotten used to her ladylike dress, as he hadn't heard her complain about it anymore.

Before long, they reached the "Unicorn Hotel."

Su Lun had intended to return to the Rose Hotel for a good rest, but Lena invited him along as well.

He found it hard to refuse and followed them upstairs.

The hotel was luxuriously decorated.

The top floor had two suites, and since Lena, the young lady, was staying there, no one else was allocated rooms there.

The suite was several times larger than the room Su Lun had stayed in at the previous hotel, complete with a bathtub.

Qiantiao seemed very pleased, and the two women took one room.

Su Lun went to the other.

....

The bed in the room was very comfortable, very soft to sit on.

Thinking about going on the hunting expedition and likely not being able to bathe for a long time, Su Lun also took a quick shower in the bathroom.

It turned out that when one is bathing, their inspiration and thoughts are most active.

With his head covered in bubbles, as the hot water washed over him, it felt like weak currents of electricity stimulating his thoughts, making his senses clearer.

On the way back, he had continually thought about the "butterfly brooch."

Now, still unable to figure it out, he decided not to dwell on it anymore.

His thoughts shifted to the neighbor, Rena.

"Rena is really in a terrible situation now. From what she said, several branches of the family and the Olivers in the inner city seem to intend to thoroughly target the main branch this time. But her dad has such a large foundation in the inner city, he should have more tricks up his sleeve..."

Su Lun pondered to himself.

Could it be that the Black Tower was targeting the Reis main house?

He knew Qiantiao was a member of the "Mirror Organization," and he suspected that the Reis family was definitely associated with "Mirror."

But if that relationship had indeed been discovered, it should be the Umbrella Organization that would take action.

Or, could it simply be that the Duke's mansion didn't want to see too big a conglomerate emerge, and that's why they acted?

So, was the turmoil of the great Oliver family tolerated?

Su Lun's thoughts raced in his mind.

....

The room's soundproofing was excellent, and he could not hear any noise from next door.

But listening to the faint sound of flowing water within the walls, Su Lun guessed that someone next door was taking a bath.

It was probably Qiantiao.

Su Lun thought.

With a bathtub, that gambling-addicted lady would probably enjoy a good soak.

But suddenly, a flash raced through his mind.

"Huh! That's not right. Qiantiao has been acting strangely ever since we left the manor..."

Su Lun suddenly thought of something and frowned.

If this had been back in Old Lington, he might not have noticed anything.

But having spent so much time together with Qiantiao lately, he was now extremely familiar with her personality.

Although they left the manor together, hand in hand, as if very affectionate,

Su Lun still distinctly felt some differences in the minor details.

In that moment, an epiphany struck him, and he finally realized what had been bothering him all along.

The lack of that soft touch!

Qiantiao was very open with Su Lun since they were quite close. If it were any ordinary day, her carefree nature would have ensured she stayed close to him.

But just now, she had maintained a very rational distance.

"That 'Qiantiao' just now, wasn't really Qiantiao?"

Su Lun considered a possibility that deeply alarmed him.

And yet, he was also very confused.

"No, that can't be right! The aura and physique were exactly the same. Disguise couldn't possibly achieve that level."

He was confident that his current perception couldn't possibly have mistaken a fake Qiantiao for the real one without noticing.

And he felt that the gambling-addicted lady's capabilities had already reached the fourth tier; she definitely couldn't have been silently replaced by someone else.

But a sudden thought occurred to him.

Suddenly thinking about the mysterious appearance of that "butterfly brooch,"

Or perhaps some items that seal special abilities...

It might not be impossible!

"A special talent holder?"

Thinking this, Su Lun could no longer remain calm.

The more he thought about it, the more suspicious the previous "Qiantiao" appeared.

It was a difference in details that others would not notice!

.....

The more he thought about it, the more uncontrollable it became.

If his suspicions were correct, the problem was significantly serious!

Who would impersonate Qiantiao?

Had the Black Tower discovered some clue, confirmed her identity, and was now fishing?

That seemed unlikely...

But as this thought occurred, Su Lun recalled too many peculiar details.

What if he was overthinking it?

To clarify his suspicions, Su Lun decided to go and personally check the situation.