Steampunk: Sixth Era Epic

Chapter 375 The Hermit Society's Deal

The conversation with the school ended, and the five of them started talking about their own lives.

Dorothy was excited, urging everyone to subscribe to the Steam Bird Daily starting next week. Her detective novel was about to begin serialization. Unlike her previous works, which were published directly through a publisher, this was her first attempt at newspaper serialization.

If Shard remembered correctly, most of the editors at the Steam Bird Daily were students of Professor Luisa. Therefore, no matter the quality of the detective novel, she was likely to get a favorable amount of page space... it wouldn't surprise Shard at all if the serialized novel appeared right after the front-page news.

"Dorothy, even novels serialized in newspapers should have a name. What are you going to call your detective novel? Is it still 'Mystery of the Blood Letters'?"

Luviya asked curiously.

"No, I plan to write it as a long serialization story. Now, the name is 'Hamilton Detective Stories'."

"Hmm?"

Shard, who was about to sip his tea, choked.

"What's wrong?"

The blonde girl smiled at Shard:

"Using a real detective's name makes the story seem more authentic. If my novel becomes famous, Shard, it's also a way to drum up business for you. Besides, Hamilton isn't such an uncommon surname. It won't lead people back to you."

"Do you all have any plans for next week? Even though the summer exam week is over, I still have to remind you not to neglect your studies."

The doctor asked again.

"I plan to advance to Inner Ring by the end of the year. Now, the Sublimation Incantation is no problem at all."

She glanced at Shard.

"With the 'Forged Philosopher's Stone' as a substitute for the Ritual Core, I now just need to get those ritual materials that don't necessitate a relic substitute."

This was Dorothy's plan.

"Holy Prayer Day is over, and I don't have anything important for the rest of the year. Church work is quite leisurely, I've enrolled in a new elective and am studying the making of magic potions."

Priest Augustus said. Generally, a priest's life is the most relaxed.

"I've been very busy lately. In half a month, the Big City Player Roder Card tournament will start. The association is currently sending out invitations, and players from both the Old Continent and the New World are gathering here. I won't have much free time until probably before September."

Luviya said regretfully.@@@@

Finally, it was Shard's turn, and he thought:

"Lately, I've been helping a noble resolve a matter about fish. After I'm done with this next week, I'll probably handle two cases left by the former detective. Oh, and with the new school year starting, so many books to read—it'll take a long time to go through them all."

Then, he asked Priest Augustus:

"Does the Church's training of Circle Sorcerers also involve so much studying?"

It seemed Shard had never heard Iluna complain about having to study; she'd only mentioned her days training at the Papacy.

"Mr. Hamilton, how may I assist you?"

"You know me?"

Shard asked, surprised.

"I know all the local nobility,"

the middle-aged man said with a smile.

"I have arranged to dine here with a friend, please find me a table by the window. Also, please bring the menu once my friend arrives."

"Certainly, Mr. Hamilton, right this way."

This was probably the advantage of having a notable title.

He led Shard to a seat by a large round table by the window, which had a white tablecloth and a golden candelabra on it. Shard placed his hat on his right-hand side by the window and then took out a box of Roder Card matches from his pocket and placed it on his hat, which was the signal for the meeting.

Sure enough, not five minutes later, a middle-aged gentleman with neat black hair walked in.

Calling him middle-aged was a bit misleading, for he was probably over forty, but he looked very spry and energetic. Carrying a cane, he spoke briefly with a waiter at the restaurant's entrance and then, following the waiter's direction, looked toward Shard.

[Circle Sorcerer.]

A whispering voice echoed in his ear.

Shard stood up with a smile and greeted the man, who seemed very scholarly and also approached with a smile.

Shard extended his hand:

"Good evening, sir. I am Shard Hamilton, a detective from Saint Delan Square."

The middle-aged man did not hesitate and warmly shook Shard's hand:

"Good evening, Mr. Hamilton. I am Siver Rondale, working in the University District."

[Four Rings.]

The whispering voice continued softly, and Shard's smile deepened:

"Are you also a professor?"

"No, no, I do secretarial work at the University Federation, which is an administrative position,"

Mr. Rondale said, then sat down with Shard. So far, their meeting seemed like a normal encounter between friends with no trace of a secret deal.

The waiter quickly brought two menus, and Shard opened his and checked the prices first, feeling fortunate that he had eaten dinner already.

Using his habit of eating less in the evening as an excuse, he painfully ordered just a small fruit salad. Since Mr. Rondale also knew that this meeting was not for dining purposes, he similarly refrained from ordering too much, silently understanding Shard's cue.

"We need not overly indulge in pleasantries, Mr. Hamilton. What is it that you want from us, or should I say, it's not just you seeking us, but there is someone else behind you trying to reach us?"