Chapter 491

[Urge Update Sign-in]

Chapter 565 Dying with Unresolved Feelings (4K)

Mudrock said she wasn't feeling well and didn't really want to go. Shi Lei respected her wishes and didn't force her.

After he leaves at night, someone needs to stay at the inn to ensure everyone's safety. Compared to Texas and Xi, Mudrock is the best choice.

Shi Lei knew, of course, why she was unwilling to go. But this prejudice and discrimination was not an isolated case; killing a few city gate guards wouldn't solve the problem.

As compensation, he spent the entire afternoon in the Happy Pot giving Mudrock a physical and mental treatment. He also treated Texas and Xi as well, leaving them drenched in sweat and feeling completely refreshed before finally leaving.

Because they had things to do that evening, everyone had dinner at the hotel around 5 p. m. Maena arrived at 6 p. m. sharp, intending to take them to find a jewelry appraiser in town.

Shi Lei gave Mudrock a few instructions, then set off with the eager Exusiai and Lappland.

Maena led the three through the streets and alleys of the Enward District. After passing through five blocks, they came to a relatively secluded Commercial Street. Here, like neatly stacked building blocks, rows of low-rise buildings stretched as far as the eye could see. Although it was clearly a classic European style, the presence of telephone poles gave it an eerie eclectic feel.

Seeing that the atmosphere was rather dull along the way, Maena broke the silence and took the initiative to introduce Shi Lei and the other two:

"The shop we're going to next is the best Jewelry Appraisal Institute in the Enward District. There's a jewelry craftsman named Heinz who is quite skilled in appraisal. Although he's currently an apprentice, his abilities are among the top three in Sargon. I spoke with the owner before we went there. After the appraisal is finished, we can go directly to the Count Saxson's Mansion."

The sun had already set, and the jewelry appraisal shop was still brightly lit. Seeing that the door was closed, Maena gently knocked three times and politely greeted them:

"Mr. Heinz, I've arranged with your boss to come over tonight to have the gems appraised. Please open the door."

Seeing that there was no movement inside, Shi Lei used his Psychic Power to scan the store and the surrounding area.

They quickly discovered the back door of the jewelry appraisal center, where a robbery was taking place. Two masked robbers armed with knives were surrounding a Caprini Race man.

"Something happened later, let's go check it out."

Because of the rows of buildings here, you have to walk several hundred meters to get to the back door of a shop, which takes a lot of time.

Saving lives is a matter that cannot be delayed.

Shi Lei didn't offer any further explanation, nor did he waste time summoning the Rock platform. He directly used the Jade Shield to envelop the three people present, then leaped over the clock tower and parachuted into the back door of the appraisal institute.

Exusiai excellent dynamic vision; she understood the situation as soon as she saw the ground and shouted loudly:

"Hey, drop your weapons!"

The four people who suddenly appeared startled the two masked robbers. They hurriedly retreated to create distance, gripping their daggers tightly to bolster their courage.

Without Shi Lei Exusiai and Lappland swiftly subdued the robbers after landing. Their movements were decisive and efficient, without any fancy tricks.

A Caprini man wearing a monocle sat on the ground, trembling and looking extremely nervous.

Exusiai his cowardly appearance, Exusiai grinned and said:

"Don't be afraid, we're not bad people. The robbers have been subdued, you're safe now."

"Thank you... thank you all."

Lappland, with one of the robbers under her foot, complained about the security situation in Sargon:

"Ha, it seems the security here isn't much better than in Syracuse. Should we hand the matter over to the local law enforcement, or to the Duke in charge of this area?"

"If you need to call law enforcement, leave this to me. You guys go get the jewelry appraised first."

As he spoke, Maena walked over. He noticed that Caprini's man wore the signature monocle and asked somewhat uncertainly:

"Excuse me, are you Mr. Heinz?"

"Ah, yes, it's me. May I ask who you are...?"

"Mr. Heinz, I made an appointment with your boss tonight to have my jewelry appraised here."

"Ouch."

Upon hearing this, Heinz quickly stood up, dusted himself off, and then pulled out a set of keys to open the back door of the Jewelry Appraisal Institute, beckoning Shi Lei and the other three to enter.

"Excuse me, please come in."

Maena needed to call someone to detain the robbers, but waved his hand to indicate that he wouldn't go in.

"I'll go get the law enforcement officers. You guys keep an eye on those two for now. I'll be right back."

Exusiai and Lappland stood guard at the back door, while only Shi Lei followed Heinz into the testing facility.

There are many sophisticated instruments here, some used for cutting and processing, others for polishing and grinding. There are also some instruments he doesn't know the names of, and he doesn't know what they are used for.

"Sir, please wait a moment."

Heinz returned to his workroom, put on a mask and white gloves, and then came back to ask:

"What do you need authenticated, sir?"

The obsidian Shi Lei had previously created had been cancelled. Upon hearing this, he reached into his pocket and created a brand new obsidian on the spot.

"This."

Seeing the crystal-clear luster, Heinz's eyes lit up. He respectfully accepted it with both hands and quickly took it to the professional instruments for testing and identification.

Since the obsidian was flawless, he didn't use any instruments to cut it to avoid damaging its appearance. Instead, he used light-based equipment to conduct a very meticulous inspection.

After two or three minutes, Heinz put down the instrument in his hand, adjusted his monocle, and explained:

"Sir, this should be obsidian found only in the Sistag area. It's indeed of excellent quality and could be used as a beautiful ornament. But in terms of value, it can't compare to other high-end and precious gemstones."

His words were quite subtle, implying that obsidian was a somewhat cheap material. While not necessarily bad, it was certainly not suitable for formal occasions.

Shi Lei had anticipated this outcome.

Because Sistag sells obsidian as a souvenir, you can tell from that action that it won't be expensive.

He may not have any gemstones, but surely this Jewelry Appraisal Institute has some? By simply touching and analyzing their structure, they can replicate gemstones of even better quality.

Shi Lei has read many books over the years, including some popular science books on geography related to jewelry.

It states that the main component of jadeite is silicate minerals. The main component of diamonds is carbon. Sapphires and rubies, among others, are mainly composed of aluminate minerals. As for the color of a gemstone, it depends on the content of iron, titanium, and chromium in the gemstone.

Theoretical knowledge alone is not enough. You need to get hands-on experience and make it yourself before you can replicate it.

"Oh, I see. Could you show me which gemstone is the most valuable here? Even powder is fine; I don't really know much about gemstones."

I don't really understand, why are you even looking at it?

Heinz inwardly grumbled, but still put on a polite smile and led him to a piece of equipment:

"I polished a very rare Blood Gem yesterday; the fragments are all here. The gemstone is red on the outside and blood-red inside, the two colors blended together..."

Shi Lei stared at the various fragments on the scene, bent down and picked up a Red Crystals no bigger than a cotton swab:

Is this what you mean?

Heinz glanced at it and was quite certain:

"Yes, please don't take it away! I want to use it to mix with other materials and make a ring."

Shi Lei examined the Red Crystals for a moment, then placed it back on the workbench of the polishing instrument.

"If it's this material, then I happen to have it."

After saying that, he began making it on the spot. He took out a fist-sized, blood-red gem from his coat pocket.

Heinz was stunned. This gem was of the highest quality in terms of both appearance and color. It was also much larger than the blood-red gem he had polished yesterday.

Is this man carrying a treasure chest? How come he has everything? Or does he have many gems, and the obsidian is just something he uses to test his skills?

Another possibility is that it was made using Originium Arts. Because the other person took it from the same pocket both times. If the gems weren't packaged and were just placed together like that, they would make a clattering sound when walking.

Moreover, this customer and three others just descended from the sky. Such a large movement without making a sound is highly likely to be Originium Arts.

Heinz saw through it but didn't say anything, his eyes fixed on the blood-red gem, unconsciously licking his lips:

"Sir, may I take a look? I can provide a certificate of authenticity, which will be officially recognized."

After thinking for a moment, Shi Lei handed it over to the other party.

He came to Sargon for two reasons.

First, to inquire whether the Twin Empresses were involved in Cross-border Communication Project. Second, to find out whether they responded to the Old Duke Wellington's call for Multinational Allied Forces.

It just so happened to coincide with the Empress Festival, a major festival marking her Accession Anniversary. It wouldn't be appropriate to arrive empty-handed for such an occasion. Since Shi Lei hadn't prepared a gift beforehand, he decided to present a gemstone as a congratulatory present for the celebration.

Anyway, he could make them easily and quickly. Considering they were for the Twin Empresses, if one wasn't enough, he'd make two.

Heinz took the Blood Gem and immediately examined it with the instrument. The results were so extreme that they only strengthened his suspicions.

Heinz could only describe this gem, crafted using Originium Arts, as 'flawless'.

Those more valuable than this Blood Gem are not as Blood Gem. Those larger than this Blood Gem are not as pure. It is truly flawless, completely unlike anything Blood Gem could be considered a natural object.

"Perfect!"

Heinz turned off the instrument and returned the Blood Gem:

"This is the finest Blood Gem I've ever seen in my life. If this were a gift for the Empress, it would absolutely outshine most Duke's gifts."

Shi Lei sensed something was amiss, because he hadn't mentioned at all that it was a gift for the Empress, and couldn't help but ask:

How did you know I was delivering it to the Empress?

Heinz grinned, showing no sign of panic.

"Sir, you must be from out of town. Twin Empresses Evignad Gemini issued a decree at the beginning of the year, requesting a unique gem as a gift for the celebrations. Countless nobles and royalty across the country have been running themselves ragged trying to obtain this. Even if you don't want to present it to the Empress, others will have to buy it and present it to Empress if they have their eyes on it."

This explanation made sense, and the issuance of the edict couldn't be faked; they could ask Maena later to find out. Shi Lei, unaware of anything amiss, lowered his guard.

"Oh, I see."

Heinz walked to the workbench, unscrewed the thermos cap, took a sip of water, and continued the conversation:

"The Empress Festival will begin in two days. If you are to present the Blood Gem to the Empress, you must not show it to outsiders during this time."

Even without his reminder, Shi Lei knew the principle of not flaunting wealth. If he were to parade around with such a large Blood Gem, it would inevitably attract the covetous eyes of some people.

"Yes, I know."

Seeing the conversation suddenly turn cold, Heinz, not wanting it to end abruptly, enthusiastically suggested:

"Sir, I'll say something you might not like to hear. Such a fine gemstone is too good to just put in your pocket. If you don't mind, why not just buy a nice gift box? We do jewelry appraisal, but we also sell gift boxes."

This kind of marketing accurately grasps consumer needs, is logical and well-founded, and doesn't offend people. As the saying goes, clothes make the man, and proper packaging is still very necessary.

"Okay, show me around."

Shi Lei agreed and followed him to the warehouse where the packaging boxes were placed. Heinz recommended a black velvet box, which would better highlight the blood-red color of the Blood Gem.

Having just finished selecting the items, Maena, accompanied by two law enforcement officers, arrived at the back door of the Jewelry Appraisal Institute. After understanding the situation, they detained the two robbers and began to speak:

"Sir, I'm very sorry, but I'll have to trouble you to come with us to the station to give a statement."

Maena looked hesitant and politely declined.

"Excuse me, I have to go help out at the Count Sachsen's house tonight. If a statement needs to be taken, I can come back later or tomorrow to take it, is that alright?"

After saying that, he also revealed his identity.

Upon realizing they were Her Majesty the Empress's distinguished guests, the two law enforcement officers said it was alright and left the scene with the two robbers.

Watching the law enforcement officers walk away, Heinz frowned and sighed softly.

"Ah, Count Sachsen..."

He bit his lip at this point, then opened his mouth but didn't speak, looking as if he wanted to say something but hesitated.

Shi Lei noticed his deliberate attempt and didn't fall for it. But the straightforward and outspoken Exusiai picked up the conversation:

"What happened to the Count Sachsen?"

Heinz glanced up at Shi Lei, then quickly looked down to avoid eye contact, and explained to Exusiai:

"More than twenty years ago, Count Sachsen secretly mined an Originium Mine to create Magic Array for the Witch King. Later, the Twin Empresses successfully staged a coup, and the situation in Sargon was overturned overnight. To facilitate defection, Count Sachsen ordered the entire Originium Mine to be secretly blown up, burying all the workers still in the mine..."

He spoke so vividly, as if he were a survivor of the Mine Disaster. If the Mine Disaster orchestrated by the Count Sachsen were real, then the miners should all be buried deep underground and dead.

Unless...

Upon hearing this, Shi Lei quickly realized what was going on:

"Are you the son of a miner who died in a Mine Disaster?"

Heinz forced a wry smile and nodded with difficulty.

"Yes, I am the son of one of the workers. I heard that the Phantom Thief Refraction sent Crime Notice to the Count Sachsen, saying he would steal the necklace from his house. If he gains Her Majesty the Empress's favor through the gifts at this celebration, my father will surely die with regrets."

Staring at his genuinely tearful eyes, Shi Lei suddenly realized a serious problem.