The Hermit's Payment
Time flew by, and when Lorry opened his eyes again, he saw that the hands of the wall clock were frozen at 2:30 in the afternoon.
He went to the Washroom to wash his face, and then came back and started writing the project proposal.
--A plan for industries in the Southern Continent.
What Lorry just told the First Manager about his plan to invest in industries in the Southern Continent was, while a temporary idea, had a multifaceted purpose.
First, leave a way out for this diligent subordinate who manages the Factory for you, and provide assistance to the best of your ability.
The second reason is for his own Advancement.
More precisely, it was to prepare for the "Dream Stealer's " ritual in advance, so as to avoid wasting time waiting meaninglessly when the time came.
Similar things are not difficult for Lorry.
After a moment's thought, he made a decision on the specific industry type, and then quickly completed his initial concept with swift, flowing strokes of his pen, amidst the soft rustling of ink.
East Chester County was still cold in early spring.
Inside the Hall Family's Castle, in the elegantly decorated yet girlish Study, Audrey Hall, her gaze sweeping over the antique clock and noticing it was nearly three o'clock, glanced down at the Golden Dog.
The man and the dog exchanged a quick glance, silently reaching a consensus.
The Golden Dog Susie immediately got up from the ground:
Woof woof!
As she called out, she made a movement toward walking outside.
"Well done, Susie..." Audrey thought to herself, then looked at her personal Maid, "Annie, Susie seems a little bored."
"You take her out for a walk; I want to read quietly for a while."
"Yes, Miss." Annie, who was waiting for her mistress's orders nearby, immediately stood up. However, she didn't leave right away. Instead, she carefully checked the fireplace to make sure it could provide enough heat for her mistress in a short time and wouldn't make her cold. Only then did she turn to look at the impatient Golden Dog.
"Let's go, Susie, I'll walk with you today."
"Okay, Annie... "Susie answered in her mind, then looked up and called out:
"Woof!"
"Hehe, all done..." Audrey thought excitedly. With herself alone in the Study, she skipped and hopped to close and lock the door. She poured herself a cup of Queen Black Tea at the perfect temperature, its aroma soothing, and then, carrying the Psychology book she was reading, she headed towards the lounge connected to the Study.
After finishing the chapter while lying on the soft bed, Audrey snapped open her exquisite silver Pocket Watch and saw that there were only fifteen minutes left until three o'clock.
She closed the book, turned over to find a comfortable position to lie down, and gently closed her jewel-like eyes, looking forward to today's Tarot Club.
I wonder if anyone has found the spinal fluid of the Black Hunt Giant Lizard or the fruit of the Hallucinatory Wind Chime Tree... I hope so, but it's not a big deal if not.
Susie had only been a "Psychiatrist" for a short time; I was just gathering information for her beforehand... Is this the value of the three thousand pounds I spent?
Emperor Roselle was right: time is money... and the reverse is also true: saving time with Pound is the most worthwhile thing in the world?
Lost in thought, the youngest daughter of the Earl of East Chester saw beams of Red Light before her eyes and arrived Above the Gray Fog. Under the magnificent Vault, "Justice" Audrey looked towards the head of the weathered long table, lifted her skirt slightly, and greeted him in a light tone:
Good afternoon, Mr. Fool.
Then, she greeted each member in turn according to her own habits, while subtly observing each member using her "Psychiatrist" abilities.
Fors looked very sleepy, as if she might fall asleep at any moment... Hugh was both worried and expectant, which made sense, given that she had asked everyone to help gather Beyonder Characteristic last week... Mr. "Sun" and Mr. "Moon" were glaring at each other... Sigh, neither of them was as composed as Susie??
Mr. World... Hmm, I can't see through him. He's a very mysterious man, very good at hiding his emotions...
The "Hermit" woman's emotions were incredibly complex—shock, trepidation, doubt... The "Hanged Man" man's reaction seemed quite similar to hers?? What major event had occurred at sea?
As this guess formed in her mind, she heard Mr. Fool's soft chuckle:
"You may begin."
After he finished speaking, the Gray Fog fell silent for a brief moment.
Audrey was slightly surprised, but her blue eyes quickly shifted and she realized the reason.
Mr. Hanged Man and Mr. Moon have only recently Advancement Sequence 6, and Mr. Sun, Fors, and myself have also Advancement Sequence 7 for a short time. Mr. World recently asked Fors' friend to help him with his Beyonder Characteristic.
In other words, apart from the two new members, the needs of the others are not urgent.
As for the Mythical Creature's blood that the "Hermit" lady specifically requested, no one even knew what it was, so naturally, they couldn't fulfill her request.
With that thought in mind, Audrey turned her gaze to another friend in the Real World.
"Why isn't anyone speaking..." Judgment muttered silently, then coughed and began to speak, "Gentlemen, has anyone gathered the materials I need?"
"Sun" Derrick withdrew his gaze from the Vampire and raised his hand slightly, saying, "I have the blood of the Lightning Pattern Black Snake and tourmaline."
"But I don't need the Pound you're talking about..." Audrey thought to herself. Her inner voice echoed almost simultaneously with Derrick's, "But I don't need the Pound you're talking about."
Upon hearing this, Xiu and her roommate exchanged a Concealment glance.
Fors said, "Here's what we'll do: you ask Mr. ' Fool ' to pass the materials on to Miss ' Judgment,' and the cost will be deducted from the previous debt."
"As for my portion of the payment, it will be paid by Miss ' Judgment '."
"The Sun" Derrick naturally had no objection to this, eager to pay off his debts as soon as possible, and nodded slightly, saying:
"Yes, Miss Magician, as you have suggested. I will Sacrifice to Mr. Fool as soon as the party ends."
In just one week, the rather difficult-to-obtain "Lightning Pattern Black Snake Blood" was acquired... No wonder it's Concealment gathering of the evil, cough, God organization...
Once the party ends today, I'll Advancement Sequence 7!
Xiu couldn't contain his excitement.
Last week, she used her Merit to exchange for the "Interrogator" Potion Formula, and the two materials mentioned by "Sun" are two of the auxiliary materials in it.
She has already collected the other two auxiliary materials through other channels.
As for the Main Ingredient, which is rare for ordinary people, there is no need to collect it. Both she and Albert possess the Beyonder Characteristic of an "Interrogator." The deal is settled.
All eyes naturally fell on the "Hermit" and the "Magician".
Fors shook his head first, indicating that he had no need for a transaction.
Seeing this, "Hermit" Cattleya said in a deep voice, "Miss Magician, please tell your friend that I have prepared the corresponding reward."
There are three types in total; he can choose any one.