Clockwork Clown

"I reckon starting tomorrow, there will be new rumors about me at school."

Inside the carriage, Cecilia put down her schoolbag and shook her head.

"Rumors?"

"Yes, back when I enrolled, didn't you ask Captain Dunn for help, brother? He went to the Tingen City Police Department Chief to smooth things over with the school, so on the day I enrolled, I was surrounded by a lot of police officers," Cecilia said helplessly. "But then a rumor started circulating that I was the police chief's illegitimate daughter."

Luther couldn't help but smile.

"Isn't this a good thing? At least no one will dare to bully you anymore."

Luther knew that some things were inevitable in an all-girls school, and his sister was so beautiful that she was bound to attract Envy. Although the idea of her being an illegitimate child was a bit absurd, it at least guaranteed her safety.

"Although no one has come to cause me any trouble..."

Cecilia looked at Luther's face, recalling the commotion he had caused at the school gate, and couldn't help but sigh, "When I go back to school tomorrow, there will definitely be rumors that I'm keeping a gigolo."

Keeping a gigolo? Me?

Luther chuckled to himself. If you include the past period, it seems that you could actually say that.

"Alright, Luther, let's not talk about that. When did you get back?"

"Just this afternoon, I got back and couldn't wait to pick up my lovely little sister, but she rejected me. It really made me sad," Luther said with a laugh, trying to cheer Cecilia up.

"..."

Cecilia looked somewhat speechless, so she simply ignored his joke and continued, "Was the business trip smooth? Did you encounter any danger?"

"Everything went smoothly; no danger was encountered."

Luther lied without batting an eye.

"Really?"

Cecilia stared at Luther's face and asked.

The connections between her family members made her feel that things weren't so simple.

"Of course it's true, why would I lie to you? I only provide technical assistance; the dangerous work is all done by the locals." Seeing that Cecilia seemed unconvinced and wanted to press for more information, Luther had a sudden inspiration and changed the subject, "By the way, sister, guess what we're going to do today?"

"What are you doing? Aren't we going home?"

"Of course not, we'll go to a clothing store and have a dress custom-made for you!"

The carriage hired by Luther passed through Daffodil Street without stopping, and continued on to the bustling commercial Howes Street.

The carriage stopped in front of the largest clothing store in the neighborhood.

Beneath the "Barber Clothing Store" sign, the left-hand glass window displays the latest fashion styles, with intricate patterns adorning the ruffles of the skirts, and tasteful color combinations creating a beautiful and elegant overall look. The right-hand window showcases various high-end fabrics, with a sign that reads "Professional Measurement and Custom-Made Clothing."

Upon entering the clothing store, the environment was quiet and elegant. Instead of a dazzling array of clothes, there were separate spaces partitioned by screens, accompanied by soft music that masked the conversations between customers and waiters.

"Sir, what do you need?"

A waiter in a shirt and vest stepped forward and asked respectfully. His eyes lit up when he saw the faces of the Rondal.

"I want to order a formal dress and a casual dress for my sister."

Luther said, "Could you please have a tailor come over?"

Please wait a moment.

The waiter turned and left, and soon brought in a female tailor and assistant to take Cecilia's measurements in a private room to discuss clothing styles and combinations. Luther, like most gentlemen, patiently waited outside, enjoying the tea and snacks served by the waiter.

"Meow."

A soft meow came from below. It was the pet cat of one of the guests, lying at Luther's feet, looking at him with its wet eyes.

Do you want to eat something?

Luther broke off a small piece of the less sweet pastry and placed it in his palm. The kitten stuck out its barbed tongue and licked the pastry crumbs clean.

After a while, Cecilia came out and told Luther that she had chosen two dresses. One was an ivory-white casual dress, simple in style, slim and slender, with only lace decorations on the cuffs and hem, which perfectly accentuated the girl's youthful charm; the other was a light purple off-the-shoulder gown, with a layered sweetheart neckline for a luxurious feel, and a skirt decorated with pleats and gold trim.

Two outfits, including the customization fee and material cost, totaled 10 pounds, so expensive it made you want to grin.

"Sir, the image and temperament of your brother and sister are really great. If you two are willing to become models in our store, then we will not only customize clothes for you for free, but also pay high remuneration..."

After emerging from the cubicle, the female tailor made a very excited suggestion.

"No need."

Luther paid a 3-pound deposit and said with a smile.

Turning his head, he saw his sister playing with the kitten, a smile on her face. Even after the other customer came out and left with the kitten, her gaze lingered on the cat with a reluctant look.

Luther's heart skipped a beat.

Yes, Cecilia likes cats.

Flipping through his memories, it seems that his younger sister has loved cats since she was a child. When Luther was lucid, he had seen her playing with the landlord's cat and the cats on the street. Unfortunately, his family's situation made it impossible to keep cats, so her love for them was buried in the trivialities of daily life.

After a while, I'll try to get my sister a cat. She usually gets off work so late, it would be nice for her to have an animal to keep her company.

With this thought in mind, Luther and Cecilia left the clothing store.

After enjoying his remaining vacation, Luther returned to work. As soon as he entered Blackthorn Security Company, Dunn called him into his office.

"The Cathedral has replied, agreeing to both of your requests. Effective today, your salary will increase from £6 to £8 per week. Additionally, you may choose one item from the relatively safe Level 3 Sealed Artifact to carry daily as a supplement for combat."

Dunn said to Luther, "So, which Level 3 Sealed Artifact do you want to choose? What's your idea?"

"Yes, Captain, I already have a goal."

Luther replied.

Before leaving the company for the holiday, he had obtained a list of Level 3 Sealed Artifact and their detailed descriptions. After studying them carefully, he selected the one that best suited him.

"Oh, which one are you going to choose?"

"I choose Sealed Artifact 3-169, 'Clockwork Clown'."

As he said this, the detailed description of the Sealed Artifact involuntarily flashed through his mind:

Number: 0169.

Name: Clockwork Clown.

Danger level: 3, there is some danger, use with caution.

Sealing method: Avoid prolonged contact with living people.

Description: A Clown Doll with a wind-up clockwork mechanism on its back.

By holding the Clown's keychain and consuming Spirituality, you can wind it up, but it won't turn at this time. The keychain will only turn when the user taps the Clown's head, at which point the Clown will laugh.

When the Clown laughs, the user's movements become agile and their strength is enhanced, making them appear like a professional circus performer. One user once hopped on one leg, leaping back and forth between 5-centimeter-wide iron frames without falling.

Side effects: Those who possess the Clockwork Clown may occasionally burst into uncontrollable laughter. This laughter often occurs at the most inopportune times, leading to embarrassing situations for the user. One user was transferred after laughing uncontrollably when his boss fell awkwardly; another user laughed uncontrollably while confessing his feelings to his crush, only to be perceived as being toyed with, resulting in a heartbreak.