After returning to the inn where he was temporarily staying.
Lorne carefully opened the gift box first and examined it under the room's dim gaslight.
There was nothing wrong with it. Then he picked up the crystal Monocle, put it over his right eye, and inspected it closely once more.
Strange... somehow, it feels different in a way I can't describe. But there doesn't seem to be anything wrong with it...
Lorne frowned slightly.
Remembering that his lady bodyguard was standing right behind him, Lorne finally decided to set his doubts aside for the time being.
"I'll leave the remaining balance under the bed," Lorne said over his shoulder.
"Understood."
The air rippled slightly, and Sharron's figure appeared soundlessly, dressed in her Gothic Court Gown. "It was a pleasure working with you, Miss Sharron."
"A pleasure... working with you." Sharron remained silent for a few seconds before responding in her ethereal voice. She seemed a little unaccustomed to such formal farewells.
"By the way," Lorne asked, "could I ask you for one more small favor?"
"Go ahead."
"Help me get all the documents I'll need for a new identity. 'James Scott' will need them."
"Yes." Sharron's answer was brief and to the point.
"Also," Lorne continued, "do you know an Artisan?"
"I'd like to have a Mystical Item made."
"I can ask around in my circles for you," Sharron replied.
Lorne then asked her to help him find out whether there was any way to turn a Mystical Item back into its original Beyonder characteristic.
Sharron did not respond immediately, but from her calm, unruffled gaze, Lorne felt that she had tacitly agreed to keep an eye out for relevant information.
"Thank you," Lorne said sincerely. "How should I contact you in the future? Should I still go to that