Miss Pawo paused and observed Shade's expression, but Shade stared at that symbol without much change in expression:
"For a defector who died years ago, the [Truth Society] actually dispatched its president?"
"Of course there is a reason for that. As for the reason..."
Miss Pawo smiled.
"The research results she mentioned before losing contact, concerning the creation of life, are immensely useful to us now. Lord God Summoner, my companions and I will remain in the area for some time. We can discuss this topic again when we have the chance.
"That defector possessed an identification ring. The pattern I manifested is the symbol on that one-of-a-kind ring. If you encounter it later, we would be very willing to pay a very high price for the information. Whether you find her friends or her laboratory, it would all have value."
She admitted that she had not come alone. As Shade looked at the symbol of "an eye set within a triangle," he struggled to control his emotions. Just a few hours ago, that ring had appeared among the relics Wei Ge had found belonging to her mother.
Shade no longer knew what to say. Though he would absolutely not believe everything Miss Pawo said, the identifier she had provided was most likely genuine. Wei Ge's mother—Lady Le May's problems—seemed even greater than he had imagined.
"What was her codename? Or did she use any other names?"
Shade asked again. The Sorceress raised an eyebrow, not expecting him to truly be interested.
"Are you...? She was once a Professor-level member of the [Truth Society], codenamed 'Baroness.' While in the organization, she was an expert in researching Alchemy Materials such as the Philosopher's Stone and Blood Essence of All Things.
"However, she was not a true noble. It was merely said