Backlund, West Borough, Phillip's Department Store.
This is the most prestigious department store in the Loen Kingdom, accessible only to nobles and affluent individuals with membership status. Luxurious carriages bearing various family crests are always parked outside, as this place not only serves as a shopping paradise but also a renowned social venue due to its strict entry policy.
At the moment, Xio was in one of the fitting rooms, having easily "convinced" both the attendant and the store manager to lend it to her. She removed her wig and elevator shoes, neatly repacking a high-end dress.
Although she really liked this particular dress, she wasn't willing to spend so much money on it—especially since it was just for her persona in the Tarot Club. If she started wearing it in her daily life, she might be recognized by Miss Audrey. That would certainly be awkward… or maybe just awkward for her? Xio thought with a slight smile, echoing Ebner's logic.
With the 800 pounds Miss Justice had just transferred to her via Mr. Fool securely stashed away, Xio returned to MI9 headquarters on Belot Street No. 9 and entered Lady Vera's office.
Lady Vera, whose features radiated a strikingly heroic charm, casually gestured toward the chair in front of her desk, inviting Xio to sit before saying, "I have a task for you."
"Please go ahead," Xio immediately straightened up, automatically assuming her bounty hunter mindset, prepared to assess any potential risks.
"No need to be so tense. This is a personal request…" Vera said, pulling out a file and handing it to Xio. "I'd like you to investigate the whereabouts of this particular item. But if you uncover any leads, do not engage it directly—report back to me at once."
She added with a slight smile, "It's a long-term assignment, so no rush."
"An investigation about an item…?" Xio relaxed, letting out a small breath. Then she opened the file and saw something that instantly shocked and surprised her: the words "Wishing Lamp, Codename 0-05."
Why would Lady Vera be looking for the Wishing Lamp? And right after it was just discussed in the Tarot Club… Just what secret does this lamp hold?
Despite the turbulent thoughts racing through her mind, Xio showed no reaction. After all, her experience in the Tarot Club had taught her to maintain composure. As she read further, she found most of the details similar to what Ebner had shared—save for one additional line: "A true god once attempted to destroy the Wishing Lamp but failed…"
Feigning astonishment, Xio raised her head and gasped, "A '0' grade Sealed Artifact?"
"Don't worry. Although it's a '0' grade Sealed Artifact, it isn't usually very dangerous—as long as you don't make any wishes," Lady Vera explained with a small smile, adding with a more persuasive tone, "If you manage to locate it, I'll make sure you're provided with the Judge and Disciplinary Paladin materials you need."
"Even if you just find a lead, I'll consider giving you part of the materials."
The offer was quite generous… but it wasn't excessive for a "0" grade Sealed Artifact. I don't actually need to retrieve it, only provide a location or leads, she thought. And Lady Vera had always looked after her, so it would be hard to refuse…
After a brief moment's deliberation, Xio nodded and said, "I accept this commission."
"Excellent," Vera said with satisfaction, passing another document to Xio. "This is your advance payment."
Upon taking it, Xio realized it was a list of prisoners to be interrogated...
---
In Empress Borough, within the luxurious Holman Estate.
Audrey was still reflecting on today's gathering when her personal maid Annie approached with a piece of paper in hand.
"Miss, you've received a telegram," Annie announced, smiling. "It's from the Byron East Coast."
From Alfred? Audrey eagerly accepted the message and read it carefully:
"Dearest sister, I've looked into the matter you mentioned. As a brother who doesn't wish to disappoint you, I've done my best.
"Unfortunately, while dragon bones can indeed be found, it's impossible to obtain remains from an adult or elder dragon; it's as though they never die naturally.
"I suspect dragons return to a single burial site before death, a place unknown and unreachable to outsiders, which is why such bones can't be found.
"And those who die by accident are likely rare…
"On a brighter note, something that may cheer you up—
"The rainbow dragon lizard you wanted arrived at Pritz Harbor last night. I've instructed that it be delivered to your estate outside town."
The item "Tower" wanted is indeed hard to come by… Audrey sighed inwardly, then turned to Suzy, who was battling some snacks and smiled gently.
"Suzy, your present has arrived," she announced.
"Woof?" Suzy looked at her owner in puzzlement.
---
Meanwhile, on the Aarenheim, sailing swiftly across the Sonia Sea, Ebner was also reading a letter, this one from Viscount Karen.
Shortly after the Tarot gathering had ended, Silica had delivered the message and, in exchange, taken another bottle of Ammanda Potion.
"I greatly appreciate you informing me of Lydia's whereabouts. I'll be heading to the Sonia Sea as soon as possible.
"Additionally, regarding your inquiry on the Sauron family's '0' grade Sealed Artifact formed from the Conqueror characteristic, I only know so much.
"Since I declined to join Roselle's Misty Sea expedition, he began to distance himself from me afterward.
"That was quite disheartening because Roselle was genuinely a charismatic leader. Following him was not just my ancestor's command but later became my own sincere devotion.
"Back to the subject, I only know that it's called the Calamity Seal and is designated '0-22.' It was created when the Death God fell, initially just an inert object. But for some reason, it suddenly 'came to life' and caused prolonged unrest in Intis until Roselle came to power and stabilized the situation.
"I'm not certain if Roselle granted it 'freedom' later on, given that I was more an external official by then and not among his trusted aides. However, based on certain clues, it seems Roselle liked that Sealed Artifact and often carried it.
"When he entered White Maple Palace and crowned himself Caesar, he even considered using the Calamity Seal as the nation's emblem… though it had vanished by that time.
"This is all I know about '0-22.' I hope it's helpful…
"Your friend, Karen."
The Calamity Seal… using that as a national seal? Roselle, you must have been truly out of your mind by then, Ebner mused, setting down the letter. Then he glanced at the little bat still perched outside his window and thought to himself, Judging by Karen's tone, it seems Lydia did, in fact, run away from home.
Along with Gwyn, who was fleeing from a marriage, and that wealthy young runaway, Terrance… the three of them forming a group really seems like fate.
(End of Chapter)