Elyon was curious if this mysterious eastern nation was a version of the great gastronomic empire of his world, known for its black-haired populace. It was a pity that only an embassy would be established; the world's restrictions on intercontinental exchange meant there wouldn't be large-scale personnel movement, and thus, Aegisburg would lack a Celestine consulate.
Ah, Elyon slapped his thigh in realization. If there was one place in Aegisburg that was safest and most conducive to hiding, it would be an embassy. Generally, Aegisburg's police and military couldn't just barge into an embassy to search for criminals. Most embassies in Aegisburg were located at the border between the Gonia and Royal districts, and by treaty, each embassy had a monthly shipment exempt from customs inspection, making the smuggling of explosives a breeze.
However, with at least ten embassies from the western continent in Aegisburg, plus those puppet states and chieftaincies from the southern continent, there could be over twenty possible sources. Elyon had been told to back off, so perhaps it was best to leave this matter to Emma if the opportunity arose.
At eight in the evening, Elyon wasn't asleep yet when he suddenly felt dizzy and found his spirit in that strange conference room, the peculiar orb still floating above.
"Good evening, gentlemen, and good evening, Mr. Administrator," Miss Rose's voice was tinged with joy, a mood impossible to hide when one is in high spirits. Today, Miss Rose had donned an evening gown, seemingly fresh from a social gala—a daily affair for a noble lady.
Elizabeth had indeed returned from a friend's coming-of-age celebration, as Elyon had guessed. Naturally, those who could befriend a princess were nobility themselves. Although it was someone else's celebration, Elizabeth became the center of attention, excusing herself from various dance invitations under the pretense of feeling unwell and retiring to a vacant guest room. After all, fainting on the spot would certainly cause a stir.
Her good mood was undoubtedly due to attending Mr. Orb's gathering tonight, an event far more intriguing than the dull and pretentious noble soirées. Tonight, she would also receive the potion from Sailor, and henceforth, Miss Rose would not just be an object of admiration but one with her own thorns.
After greeting everyone, Elizabeth observed the three men around her. Sailor still dressed like a ship's captain or first mate, while Mr. Scale had shed his priestly garb for casual attire. The detective next to her, known for his odd behavior, was still in his white-striped hospital gown, though the bandages were gone, indicating his arm had healed.
"Detective, have you regained your health?" Elizabeth inquired.
Elyon, pondering how to glean information about potential time-traveling predecessors from the group, replied without much thought, "Healthy? I was healthy on the 5th."
The others looked at him quizzically, and Elyon, realizing his attire, explained, "You won't believe it, but I've been hospitalized again. This time, no broken bones, just a severe drain on my mental energy and a bit of blood vomited. I should be discharged tomorrow or the day after."
Such dedication? Drake was almost certain this detective must belong to a special operations department or the navy's superhuman forces.
A superhuman spending most of a week in a hospital could mean either highly dangerous assignments or a somewhat unsound mind. However, a mentally unsound superhuman usually couldn't stay in a regular hospital; they would be bound by various runes and artifacts or simply thrown into the special operations department's underground semi-prison.
"That's good to hear. I wish you a speedy recovery," Miss Rose offered warmly.
Elizabeth then checked her pocket, surprised to find she could actually bring her wallet into this meeting. She pulled it out, and though the banknotes appeared misty as if insubstantial, they felt tangible.
"Here, Sailor, the transaction we agreed upon last week. I've prepared 200 pounds in cash," Elizabeth said as she took out the banknotes from her wallet.
Drake looked a bit troubled. The raw materials had been ready for a while, easy to find at sea, and he had even added an extra 20 pounds.
Of course, the materials together cost no more than a hundred pounds, but he couldn't guarantee success, and his reputation was at stake, though it seemed no one here could recognize him as the infamous pirate.
"I must remind you one last time, Miss, the elixir does not guarantee you will awaken as a superhuman, and there's a small chance of side effects. Are you sure you want to proceed with the transaction?"
"Yes, I long for the extraordinary."
Hearing her confirmation, Drake accepted the deal. A hundred pounds in pure profit was a significant income, and who knew, this wealthy young lady might become a regular customer with an interest in various magical or runic artifacts. Drake cleared his throat and bowed respectfully to the orb.
"Respected Administrator, the materials are ready in my quarters. Could you materialize or transport them here?"
The orb's robotic, synthesized voice filled the air, "No problem, as long as the materials are still on that table."
Drake quickly interjected, "Just the materials, please. They're on the table."
He hoped his identity wouldn't be exposed if everything was transported, but the orb seemed powerful enough to make his entire ship disappear without a trace.
A flash of light, and a delicate little vial and a paper-wrapped bundle appeared. Drake handed them to Miss Rose and accepted her twenty banknotes.
"Boil with pure water until it reduces to a small bowl of slightly golden, transparent jelly. If possible, add some cane sugar or honey. Then drink it down. Remember to consume the elixir within half an hour of completion; otherwise, the magical essence will dissipate."
Elizabeth took the items with excitement, "What's the purpose of the sugar and honey? Are they necessary?"
Drake replied with a serious face, "To mask the taste. If you don't mind bitterness, you can leave them out."
Hearing this, Elizabeth decided to add the best cane sugar she had; the taste of bitterness was not something she wanted to endure.
"Gentlemen, have any of you seen this type of writing before? Mr. Administrator, could I trouble you for a piece of paper and a pen?"
No sooner had Elyon finished speaking than a piece of paper and a pen appeared before him. He quickly wrote down several characters: 的, 壹, 是, 在, 不. These were some of the most common Chinese characters, chosen for their ubiquity and lack of special meaning. If the others had seen them before, they would likely remember.
"Of course, I won't ask for your help for free. I can offer translations of these characters and other knowledge in return. Naturally, you can also accumulate contributions with the Administrator for your assistance. If you prefer cash, I can provide some financial support."