Arter Mercury

Upon hearing Saint Orchid Kui's words, Paris was taken aback for a moment, then fell into a reverie.

"Your gift was delivered along with the Saint Orchid Family's convoy," Paris asked cautiously, rubbing his hands together. "There are many sculpture-like objects inside, and the Saint Orchid Family's butler didn't particularly emphasize them. May I ask which one it is?"

Clearly, he couldn't recall which sculpture Saint Orchid Kui had given him, even after racking his brains.

Saint Orchid Kui waved her hand dismissively. "You can't even tell? The bust I gave you was one I sculpted myself!"

President Paris looked in the direction Saint Orchid Kui was pointing, his expression changed slightly, and then he hurriedly ran over, casually tore off the label that read "Evil God Sculpture for Sacrificial Pursuits of the Great Wilderness Tribe," stuffed it into his mouth and swallowed it, and then personally carried the statue over.

"Oh dear, so this is the sculpture of Lord Nightless Sky Fire Apricot that you carved! It's so exquisite that we thought it was the work of some sculptor," Paris hurriedly called to his Servant, "Quickly, move this sculpture to a display case closer to the center, and label it as a work personally made by Lady Saint Orchid Kui."

Paris spoke seriously, Saint Orchid Kui nodded.

"That's more like it... Fire Apricot would definitely want to see such a wonderful gift as soon as possible."

Paris immediately smiled and said, "Yes, I thought so too... Lord Nightless Sky Fire Apricot will definitely like it very much."

At Saint Orchid Kui's request, the sculpture's display case was placed next to the largest display case closest to the aquarium, creating a striking contrast.

Standing between the two, Saint Orchid Kui couldn't help but sigh.

"While this aquarium is quite valuable, compared to the sculpture I poured my heart and soul into, Sherlock... your 'heart' has already lost to me!"

"After all, this is a sculpture of Fire Apricot herself— Fire Apricot will definitely be deeply moved when she sees it."

Saint Orchid Kui said with delight.

Upon hearing this, Paris behind him looked at the statue, then opened his mouth as if to say something, but the words stuck in his throat.

In the end, Paris could only shift his gaze to the aquarium next to him and change the subject. "Hey, why are there so many bubbles?"

The vice president of Divine Power Group, whose face was flushed from holding his breath, quickly shifted his attention. "Is the oxygen concentrator on?"

"Impossible, this aquarium doesn't have an oxygenator."

Paris said casually.

After all, apart from the pink Octopus, everything in this aquarium belonged to him.

The vice president of Divine Power Group nodded in agreement. "That's probably the air intake. The ride was bumpy, and the top isn't completely sealed off. Plus, the tank is so big... Speaking of which, compared to this aquarium, isn't this Octopus way too small?"

"This Octopus might grow really big," Paris said thoughtfully. "After all, I've seen documentaries about these things called 'Octopus' in Ocean worlds. They can be several stories tall and feed on Ocean ... There was this Jack Sparrow, a legendary mercenary who was eaten by a super-sized Octopus."

"I see."

The two chatted back and forth, their conversation completely devoid of the scheming and backstabbing of their initial meeting, instead filled with genuine and spontaneous joy.

After all, they were both trying to distract themselves so as not to lose their composure in front of Saint Orchid Kui because of his sculpture.

Saint Orchid Kui spoke up again at this moment.

"Speaking of which, what about Sherlock?"

"As an ordinary Commoner, shouldn't he be entering now?"

In response, Paris repeated the same words he had previously spoken to Nightless Sky Huo Le.

"Mr. Sherlock said he has a surprise in mind, so he will arrive a little later."

Saint Orchid Kui raised an eyebrow.

"A surprise? A crooked path!"

"What surprise could be better than showing your sincerity by arriving early?"

"It seems that Sherlock has been completely defeated by me..."

"After all, he only recently started pursuing the Nightless Sky Fire Apricot, while I've been pursuing her for a long time. That's a victory!"

"Secondly, my gift is handmade, full of sincerity and love, which is a double win!"

"Finally, today I, as Noble, arrived early, while he, as Commoner, planned to arrive late... This is a triple victory!"

Finally, Saint Orchid Kui proudly announced, "It seems that I am destined to be the one Fire Apricot chooses."

Although they didn't know who Saint Orchid Kui was talking to, Paris and the people around him applauded when they heard him say that.

"Well said!"

After saying that, Saint Orchid Kui suddenly moved closer to Paris.

"President Paris, please tell me in a lower voice... Where did Sherlock go, and what time will he arrive?"

President Paris said helplessly, "I really don't know!"

He himself was also very curious about where Sherlock had gone and what he had been doing.

Saint Orchid Kui scrutinized Paris, then scoffed, "Quite loyal, isn't she?"

Just then, another commotion arose at the doorway.

"Your Excellency... why did you arrive early as well?"

As the butler from Nightless Sky greeted them again with a respectful yet unexpected air, those inside could easily guess...

"More Royal Nobles have arrived first?"

"Who is it this time?!"

Then, a gaunt old man with white hair and beard, wearing a dark blue robe, slowly walked into the exhibition hall, leaning on a cane.

He was accompanied only by a butler wearing a white mask, with few servants in his entourage.

However... no one thought that the old man in front of them was of low status.

Everyone bowed again in respect, even Saint Orchid Kui, who was also Royal Nobles Direct Lineage heir, had to slightly bend her waist and step forward to greet him.

"Your Excellency Arter Mercury, I, Saint Orchid Kui, greet you."

The elderly man, whose steps were slightly unsteady and whose body was somewhat hunched, paused with his cane, and spoke in a serious yet calm tone, "Saint Orchid Kui? Saint Orchid Jin's Third Son, is that right?"

"It's been many years since we last met. The last time I saw you, you were too young to remember anything... Are your parents in good health now? Ah Jin worked incredibly hard when she was young, and she practiced Alchemy like crazy. I'm afraid some of the aftereffects are showing as she gets older..."

"In response to your question, my father's health has been relatively good these past few years. Although he has some minor ailments, they are not serious," Saint Orchid Kui paused, "My mother... is still the same. Her condition has not worsened, but she is still bedridden."

Arter realized his mistake, then shook his head. "I misspoke... People get confused when they get old, and they say whatever comes to mind. I'm sorry if I offended you."

"Not at all, you meant well."

Saint Orchid Kui spoke softly, then suddenly felt her palm being held by Arter Mercury, and a warm current surged through her.

"This is...?"

"Life essence. I was the head of the Mercury family when I was young, but I've forgotten all my powerful skills. I only have a few tricks left, which might be of some use," Art Mercury said calmly. "You've studied alchemy; go back and pass it on to your mother."

Saint Orchid Kui pursed her lips, then bowed again.

At that moment, he suddenly felt that he was a terrible person for accepting the assassination commission.