In the stillness that seemed to have solidified, Emeric quickly mastered his expression, speaking with dignified gravity and a low, resonant voice: "Tell me the specifics." Kaine did not conceal much. He began with Oston Levitt's inquiry, then mentioned the warning he had received in a dream from an enigmatic figure—advising him not to resist the current of history, not to oppose the course of time. He then briefly described the sudden arrival of the telegram, followed by Cynthia's transformation, the scene as it unfolded, the secretary's arrogance, his own responses, and the subsequent investigation. The only details he omitted were that February 4th had been the first day of his arrival on the island of Orlavi, and his corresponding speculations. Of course, the specifics of the battle itself were also quite vague—he believed Admiral Emirius would understand. After all, a truly exceptional being's strengths and unique abilities are among their greatest secrets. Should these be revealed, understood, and strategically exploited, even a lower-ranked opponent might prove deadly. Indeed, many exceptional beings below a high rank can be both powerful and fragile! Emirius listened quietly, his expression showing no obvious change in the dimly lit room. The fact that he never interrupted or asked questions spoke volumes. After a moment of silence, he spoke with steady resolve: "The mysterious figure who entered your dreams emphasized the fate of the age and the prevailing currents?" "Yes." Kline had now restored the face of Germán Sparro and chose not to elaborate on the specific plans the mysterious figure had not mentioned regarding Oston Levet. Emirius paused again and then said: "Did you, in your dream, maintain my appearance?" "Yes, that's my secret." Caine replied succinctly. Emile nodded slightly, walked silently in small circles within the room, and then turned back to Gorman Sparrow, saying, "Your choice is acceptable." Hearing this, Caine felt as though he had received the most effective and final affirmation—his internal potions seemed to settle and digest. With a steady voice, Emile turned his body slightly and looked out the window, speaking without emotion, "I originally intended not to enter a contract with the duplicate, but rather to inform Cynia that signs of instability had emerged, making it impossible for me to be close to her within five days. However, due to certain developments, I've decided to change my mind." "If the strong provisions of the temporary contract hadn't been in place, even if I could have maintained my composure under ordinary temptations, last night I would have been utterly overwhelmed by the amplified desires... Of course, if Cynthia had known five days in advance about the restriction, she wouldn't have rushed to consume the powder from the 'Fertility Necklace,' thus avoiding the activation of the 'Tree of Desire' and its resulting transformation. In that case, the initiative would rest firmly with the Celestial Order, who could then find other reasons to compel Cynthia to take the potion... This truly seems to be targeted at me... What exactly does the 'Tree of Desire' intend to achieve, and what specific reason prompted General Emery to make this crucial change? Klein had a vague sense of the key point and, gazing at Emery's profile, asked: 'What reason?' Emery spoke without any expression: 'You needn't know.'... For the first time, Klein deeply resented this response." After a moment's thought, he produced the broken pendant and tossed it to Emirius: "This is the 'Reproduction Necklace' originating from the 'Tree of Desire.'" Emirius reached out to catch it, then looked down at it and said: "You may now leave. Go to Bilt to collect your payment." Didn't you think I'd know something you didn't want me to? Indeed, Oston's plans have already come to light and are known to their political rivals, while Emirius has been clearly uninvolved—so whether or not I know matters little... Klein had expected a long-term confidentiality agreement, but it seems such a thing isn't necessary after all. Noticing Emirius hadn't mentioned the other matter, he pointed at him and said: "Your clothes." Only then did Emirius lift his head, silently removing the double-breasted suit, including the shirt and vest. Klein had originally intended to request additional compensation, arguing that the difficulty of the mission had surpassed the agreed-upon scope. However, upon sensing that Cynthia’s situation had been brought about by his own actions, he felt uneasy and abandoned this plan. He quickly shed his comfortable dressing gown, donned a tailored waistcoat and formal suit, and followed Emile’s instructions, leaping from the window. Amidst the guards, each one seemingly blinded by some unseen force, he silently departed the villa. … The next afternoon, after a sound sleep at the inn, Caine left by carriage for the "Sweet Lemon" tavern, where he met with Bill特·Whitehead in the room on the second floor. "Everything's settled?" Bill特 asked, relieved and somewhat surprised. Caine nodded. "General Emirius has returned." "Now, the remaining payment?" Bill特 beamed, smiling warmly—having personally gone to the safe even after dispatching all his bodyguards to the lobby—retrieving the final sum of 500 pounds and a blue cufflink. "This is a magical item you crafted from the fishman's swimbladders," Bill特 explained. "It enables you to reveal hidden scales beneath your skin, making you as elusive as a fish and harder to catch, while also helping you withstand moderate injuries. With it, you can descend unaided to a depth of at least 15 meters and remain freely active underwater for ten minutes. The downside is modest: you may feel more fatigued than usual in hot or dry conditions." That is to say, these cuff pins should be used sparingly alongside the "Sun Brooch"—they shouldn't be mixed up. Kline took the money and the items from Bill特. "You're not worried about any issues?" Bill特 opened with a light remark. "Your business is here," Kline replied calmly. His point was simple: if anything went wrong, he wouldn't fear being unable to find someone accountable. Bill特's smile stiffened for a moment before he added, "It doesn't even have a name yet—perhaps you could give it one." "The Merfolk Cuff Pin," Kline said without wasting any brainpower. "…A very fitting name," Bill特 forced a smile. Pausing, he then said, "The artisan mentioned that he can inscribe the ritual for summoning spirits into a spiritually resonant material, maintaining it for up to eighteen months, though he'll need detailed information from you." "Ah, as per our agreement, I'll cover this cost—you needn't worry." "Very well. Let's make it a flute." Klein pulled out paper and pen from his pocket, swiftly writing down the ritual to summon his messenger. "A messenger? That's quite rare. It's not common for extraordinary beings outside the Path of the Dead to find suitable messengers." Bilt took the sheet and glanced at it casually. "Hm. If, during the preparation, a messenger accidentally materializes, you're supposed to give her a coin. What if you don't? Hah, spirits always have their oddities—there are ones who adore music, and others who wander right beside manure piles." What if you don't? Perhaps Lady Renette Tiniel will send you and your workbench's headband to me—she's a spirit with a castle of her own, possibly even stronger than I am. Well, without resorting to my "Staff of the Sea God"... Klein muttered under his breath, then spoke firmly: "We'll discuss the third promise regarding item creation another time." "Agreed." "Bilt didn't object. Then, with a touch of curiosity, he asked, 'Mr. Gorman, how did you manage to conceal the key points mentioned by Admiral Emery—namely, the secretary Lurian, the governor Oston, and Miss Sinicia?'... Kline made every effort to keep his face steady: 'Based on the records, carefully considered.' He didn't go into specific details. Standing up, he took his hat and bowed: 'I should be leaving now.' 'Good cooperation,' Bilt replied with a smile. After watching Gorman Sparo's silhouette fade into the doorway, he shook his head and chuckled to himself: 'This powerful and wildly passionate adventurer is truly a born theatrical performer?' Following lunch, his staff delivered the daily newspaper. While smoking his cigar and casually flipping through the pages, Bilt's expression suddenly froze. 'Last night, the newly appointed governor, Ben Conner, hosted a dinner party at the residence... Newly appointed governor? Governor Oston Levitt has been relieved of his duties?' Bilt stared in astonishment, picking up the remaining newspapers and seeing the same news. With his extensive network in Orlavi, he should have been well-informed about such a major event as the change of governor—yet this had happened with remarkable suddenness. Most people only began to learn about it once the new governor officially made his appearance. A few moments later, a collaborator secretly serving General Emmerius entered the room. "The General has asked you to investigate your circle and identify all members of the Celestial Sect, then send them to the sea," the collaborator conveyed. "Understood," Bilt replied, puzzled. "What exactly has happened? The Celestial Sect has been suffering severe setbacks since yesterday." "General Emmerius was assassinated by the Celestial Sect, Princess Sinicia was killed, Secretary Lurian was wounded, and several members of the General's guard were lost," the collaborator explained simply. "Ah?" Bilt stood momentarily stunned. This—this isn't exactly the target of attention that Marshal Emilius mentioned? I specifically emphasized it to Germain Sparo... Now, Cynthia has been murdered, the secretary Lurian has been injured, and Oston Levitt has been relieved of his governorship... Bilt's expression grew stunned as he moved his lips slightly. "Ordelie, the potion recipe has arrived with me, but you must make a sufficient contribution to obtain it." The female priest whispered softly when no one was paying attention. Ordelie glanced at her with a slight shift of her eyes and said, "Certainly." "Though, Madame Smyn, could you tell me its name?" The priest known as Smyn glanced around, then lowered her voice. "The Hypnotist."