Chapter 512

Chapter 385 Transaction

Northern Tivyán, Church District.

In the bustling corner of St. Hymn Cathedral, under Dorothy’s control, the zombie puppet Ed smiled and presented his terms to the royal knight before him, while Misha, due to her previous experience dealing with this detective, was not surprised by his proposal.

“Rewards… Alright, what do you want this time?”

Looking at Ed in front of her, Misha spoke directly, and Ed responded seriously.

“At least four secret transmissions, preferably all ‘Cup,’ but if not enough, some ‘Stone’ and ‘Shadow’ will do as well. Additionally, seven ‘Shadow’ storage items. If you have any intelligence on the Star Number Repair Association, we can reduce the price accordingly.”

Waving one finger, Ed stated his price to Misha. After a slight pause, Misha continued speaking.

“Seven ‘Shadow’ storage items, and the secret transmissions… That’s quite expensive. Unfortunately, the most valuable information about the Star Number Repair Association that we have is about the ruins under the Crown University. You should have already explored that place, so there isn’t much valuable information for you.

“However… Since we are both enemies of the Eight Pinnacle Nest, couldn’t you give us a slight discount out of consideration for our common enemy?”

Misha negotiated with Ed, who maintained his smile as he replied.

“Enemies are enemies, business is business. Please forgive me, Ms. Misha, although our relationship with the Eight Pinnacle Nest is somewhat strained and we occasionally have minor conflicts, the fundamental contradictions are not significant compared to yours. For now, we do not have the obligation to confront the Eight Pinnacle Nest head-on.”

Dorothy had Ed say this. Listening to Ed, Misha’s face sank slightly. After a brief pause, she sighed and said,

“Alright, I agree to your terms. When I return to the bureau, I will send you what you need through the White Stone Craftsmen Guild.”

“Very good, pleasant cooperation, Ms. Misha.” Ed continued smiling at Misha, while she pondered the purpose of this mysterious society behind the scenes.

‘Ordinary societies even when needing secret transmissions would request specific ones related to their spirituality. This society, however, demands such a varied list: ‘Lamp’ and ‘Shadow’ last time, and now ‘Cup’ and ‘Stone’ along with a bunch of storage items. What could they be planning?’

Misha thought curiously, while inside the carriage, Dorothy manipulated Ed to continue speaking.

“By the way, Ms., there is one more thing to remind you. Given that the big nail in your bureau has yet to be removed, please do not disclose any details of our transactions to anyone else in your bureau. It would be best to open a private account in the Artisan Guild, where we will send you the data. Once you receive it, study and keep it yourself. Do not share it with anyone, not even your most trusted colleagues or superiors.”

With a cautionary tone, Ed told Misha this. After hearing Ed’s words, Misha narrowed her eyes and responded.

“You’re practically asking me to investigate the Eight Pinnacle Nest alone.”

“Otherwise? Until we know the identity of the big insider, this is the safest approach. Your role is to investigate insiders, and working discreetly within the bureau won’t raise suspicions.

“The Eight Pinnacle Nest orchestrated such a large operation to destroy Duke Barret’s research, using many resources. This proves that Barret’s research is crucial, possibly exposing the root of the Eight Pinnacle Nest’s conspiracies. If you truly want to bring down the Eight Pinnacle Nest, this research must continue undetected by them. Under your continued work, they remain unaware. We anticipate that when the research finally yields significant results, you will be able to unveil the Eight Pinnacle Nest’s secrets and turn the tide.”

Ed said seriously to Misha. After some contemplation, Misha nodded and responded.

“You make some sense. The Duke’s research is indeed important. I will consider your suggestion.”

“Very well, we will soon send you the documents. Pay attention to receiving them.”

Ed responded, then took out a small booklet from his pocket and handed it to Misha.

“This is an extraordinary item that allows us to contact each other. You can write on it to reach us, which is safer and faster than going through the Artisan Guild. Keep it.”

After saying this, Ed handed the booklet to Misha, who examined it briefly before putting it in her pocket.

“Different large societies often have different means of extraordinary communication. I’ve never seen anything like this before… What are your true intentions? Why are you expanding your influence in Tivyán? Why are you in conflict with the Eight Pinnacle Nest? What is your name?”

After securing the booklet, Misha looked seriously at Ed and asked. Ed chuckled and replied.

“Hmm… Your questions might take some time to answer fully, Ms. Misha. Just remember… Our goals pose no threat to the kingdom you protect…

“Now, the only question I can answer is the last one about our society. You can call it the Rosy Cross. I am a member known by the code ‘Detective.'”

Ed said to Misha, bowing slightly at the end. Looking at Ed, Misha murmured thoughtfully,

“Rosy… Cross?”

…

Soon, Ed and Misha’s meeting came to an end. In the distance, Dorothy controlled Ed to leave the church, then safely retrieved the zombie puppet before returning to the northern outskirts of Tivyán by carriage.

After several hours of travel, Dorothy returned to her home in Green Shade Town. She warmed her cold hands and went to the living room fireplace. Squatting down, she added sufficient firewood and accelerants, and with a tiny spark from her fingertips, ignited the fire.

Then, Dorothy fetched pen and paper and began copying part of the information she saw in Duke Barret’s files. According to the transaction, she would provide all of this information to Misha.

‘To sum up, although I dislike the Eight Pinnacle Nest, there is no fundamental conflict between us. There’s no need to clash with them head-on. Therefore, it’s better for the official authorities to handle the confrontation. I’ll just provide occasional support and reap the benefits.’

As she wrote, Dorothy thought to herself. Although she was curious about the Eight Pinnacle Nest’s conspiracy and who the so-called Night Demon was, she did not want to spend time investigating these secrets personally. Let the internal disputes of the ‘Shadow’ faction resolve themselves. Her focus remained on the research of ‘Enlightenment’ and her own advancement.