Chapter 344: The Witch

Chapter 344: The Witch

Above the gray mist, silence prevailed.

Everyone was stunned by Luke's audacious idea.

Luke was the first to break the silence, shaking his head with a smile, "Well, I'm just offering a suggestion to streamline the government system, it's just a hypothesis. There's no need for such a strong reaction."

"Your 'Emperor' hypothesis is truly frightening, Mr. 'Emperor'."

Aurelia tugged at the lace on her skirt, her mood especially complex.

This feeling was like... it was as if someone had said they had an incurable disease, and the doctor told her that as long as she died once and came back to life, everything would be fine.

"Of course, we all know this is just a hypothesis..."

Algy coughed a couple of times in the awkward atmosphere, "After all, this matter is truly grand and challenging. Even the gods may not be able to achieve it."

"Indeed, whether or not the Seven Great Gods would object is another matter. This world still has many hidden existences that are second only to the gods, and even on par with them. There are also greater crises beyond that."

Luke lowered his head in thought, his tone serious, "Moreover, even if we liberate the entire world, there's no guarantee that the laws enacted by the 'Emperor' will be perfect. The advantage of centralizing power is that the enacted laws can be well-enforced, but if the pace is wrong, everyone will make mistakes. And excessive centralization and unification can stifle the diversity of the people, creating a mental barrier, which is also a challenge..."

"Hehe, now that I think about it, there are indeed many problems and difficulties. Winning the war is just the beginning; the subsequent arrangements are the key..."

Luke laughed a few times, looked around, and his tone became lighthearted as he added nonchalantly.

"Well, don't mind my words. It's really just a hypothesis."

Silence fell upon the gray mist once more.

But is it necessary to think so far ahead for a hypothesis? Are you really considering starting a war?

Recalling that the other party had chosen the "Emperor" card at the beginning, Algy and Aurelia both felt as if ants were crawling all over their bodies. Algy felt that this wasn't something he, a newly promoted Sequence 7, should be thinking about, while Aurelia wondered if she had inadvertently opened a can of worms.

Up above, Kline also felt his mouth twitch slightly as he listened. The more they talked, the more real it seemed, and he had a feeling that Mr. 'Emperor' was genuinely planning to declare war on the entire world.

At that moment, he felt a sharp pain in his head. The meeting had gone on for some time, and his spiritual energy was nearly depleted, so he raised his hand and lightly tapped his fingers twice.

"This gathering is now concluded."

"We obey your will."

Algy and Aurelia stood up and bowed simultaneously, and Luke waved his hand casually.

Kline leaned back, severing the spiritual connection, and this time, the three phantoms disappeared without the lingering presence of Mr. 'Emperor'.

It seemed that there were still many secrets above the gray mist...

He opened his eyes, looking weary, and returned to the administrative office from the washroom. As he sat down, intending to rest his eyes for a while, he suddenly noticed that Mrs. O'Leanna beside him was looking at him with a strange expression.

Kline glanced at himself, puzzled, but couldn't find anything amiss. After a moment of hesitation, he asked, "Mrs. O'Leanna, is there something wrong with me?"

"No, it's nothing."

Mrs. O'Leanna smiled and nodded, "I was just wondering if our outstanding Hoy University graduate has a girl he admires, or if he has ever thought about settling down with a beautiful lady, having two adorable, well-behaved little angels who would kiss his cheeks when he returns home tired."

Little angels? They would be little devils!

Kline sighed and spread his hands, "Unfortunately, I don't have a lady as beautiful, gentle, and charming as you, Mrs. O'Leanna, in my surroundings."

"If you don't mind, I can arrange something for you."

Mrs. O'Leanna smiled, "I know a few excellent girls who would be a good match for you."

"I'd like to focus on work and becoming an official member first, and consider these matters after improving my family's financial situation."

Kline's smile almost faltered as he listened, and he found a polite excuse to decline, silently complaining to himself.

Why do I have to face marriage pressure even after being transported to another world? Is this something universal across the entire universe?

"Well, I won't force you, but do take care of yourself."

Mrs. O'Leanna didn't insist, but she smiled and reminded him meaningfully, "Don't stay in the washroom for too long, and don't come out looking so tired."

Kline froze for a moment before realizing what she meant.

I didn't! I didn't do anything! You're making it up!

He was doing something proper in the bathroom!

...

Barkeland, Queens District.

Aurelia, dressed in a light-colored long dress with a high collar, high waist, and mutton sleeves, looked exquisite with her delicate features and fair skin, radiating youthful beauty.

At this moment, the most dazzling gem of Barkeland loosened the restrictive clothing on her body, disregarding her ladylike image, and flung herself onto the large bed, writhing in frustration.

She was reflecting on her recent statements at the Tarot Society gathering.

Since she didn't have access to a circle of Extraordinary Beings, she could only discuss trivial matters she had heard from her father. It would be inappropriate to talk about how to gracefully faint and avoid socializing at social events with Mr. Fool, Mr. Hanged Man, and Mr. Emperor. "I hope Mr. Emperor was just a hypothetical."

Aurelia sighed, and the golden retriever beside her jumped onto the bed with a light leap, rubbing against its young mistress's long legs that exuded youthful energy in an attempt to comfort her.

"Good Susie, you're the only one who can comfort me right now."

Aurelia hugged Susie, stroking her soft fur, and gradually relaxed. She recalled the recipe for the 'Spectator' magic potion, pursing her lips.

"Perhaps the 'Spectator' can answer my questions."

The ingredients mentioned by Mr. Hanged Man weren't particularly rare, and she should be able to find them in the family treasury...

Knock knock knock! The door suddenly echoed with knocks, and Earl of Hall's voice sounded from outside.

"Barkeland's most dazzling gem, it's almost time for the banquet. Are you ready?"

Aurelia hurriedly picked up Susie from the bed, as pets were not allowed on the bed. She then tightened the bindings around her waist, making herself appear more slender and graceful. After straightening the dress that had been constricting her, she put on a perfect smile and opened the door.

She showed a hint of distress, "Father, please don't call me that, it's embarrassing."

The Earl of Hall, whose once handsome features were now obscured by his weight gain, smiled and extended his right arm.

"Alright, my little princess, we'll be late for Duke Nigen's banquet if we don't hurry."

"This is already the second banquet hosted by Duke Nigen this year, and it's not even September yet."

Aurelia asked casually as she linked her arm with her father's.

The Earl of Hall spoke in a calm tone, "He is a representative of the Conservative Party advocating for the revision of the Poor Relief Act. Before the bill is revised and implemented, he needs to find more partners. This won't be the only time; there might be one or two more banquets this year."

Aurelia tried to recall Duke Nigen's stance, as she usually didn't pay much attention to such matters. She vaguely remembered that the proposed revisions were aimed at protecting the rights of low-level workers and reducing taxes.

"It sounds like a good thing. I didn't expect Duke Nigen to be such a kind gentleman, advocating for the common people."

The Earl of Hall chuckled and shook his head, as if amused by his daughter's words. "The revision of the Poor Relief Act can indeed improve the lives of the common people, but that doesn't make Duke Nigen a good person. Interests are the driving force behind all actions..."

As he spoke, his eyebrows furrowed, and then relaxed, "Today, my little princess seems to be very interested in politics. Has Alfred spoken to you about anything recently?"

Aurelia had two older brothers. The eldest, Hibbert Hall, was expected to inherit the title and most of the property from the Earl of Hall. The second son, Alfred Hall, would only receive a small portion of the inheritance, which led him to venture out in dissatisfaction with the noble inheritance system, hoping to one day return home in glory and earn his father's respect.

As for Aurelia herself, being a daughter, she wouldn't receive much of the inheritance from the Earl and Countess of Hall, even with their deep affection for her. She would receive even less than Alfred. As a result, she had a good relationship with both her brothers, as there was no competition between them.

On the contrary, the two brothers were like fire and water, constantly at odds with each other. The Earl of Hall's question was out of concern that his daughter might be drawn into the conflict by Alfred.

"How could that be? I always remember the wise words of the dear Earl of Hall, who taught me that politics is a vulgar game for men, and that girls should not be tainted by such matters."

The latest chapter is out!

Aurelia pouted and pretended to be dissatisfied, acting coy, "It's all because Father keeps discussing these topics with his guests, making me a little curious."

"Alright, alright, it's all my fault.

In the dimly lit basement, Algy slowly opened his eyes, gazing at the ritual setup by the Tarot Society, which he silently tidied up, trying to block their invitation. As a "Expiator" raised by the True God Church from a young age, he had done some unsavory deeds and acts of betrayal, but he also harbored a sense of fear towards the unknown and secretive existence.

After being invited by the "Fool," he attempted to escape, but the ritual props were ineffective. He was still drawn into the meeting above the gray mist.

"Perhaps, this is also an opportunity."

Recalling the "Playing Method" and the "Law of Supernatural Aggregation," Algy's gaze deepened. He no longer felt particularly averse to the Tarot Society. Without a special encounter, he would die as a Sequence 6 "Wind's Beloved" at most, or a Sequence 5 "Sea Singer."

But now, he saw the chance to knock on the door of divinity and become a powerful half-human, half-divine being.

...

At 2 Narcissus Street, Luke stretched lazily, quickly getting out of bed. After a moment's thought, he called for Parrot.

Parrot, wearing an apron and preparing dinner, stood awkwardly in front of Luke. These days, he had been working hard, earning protection, a place to stay, and food, living much better than when he was a thug. It even reminded him of his student days.

Luke asked concisely, "Do you know Ms. Shelun?"

"Of course, Ms. Shelun is the most famous socialite in Tinggen City. Some of her scandals have even made it into the newspapers!"

Hearing this question, Parrot became slightly excited, his face turning red, showing the longing of a sixteen or seventeen-year-old boy for a beautiful woman.

He tentatively asked, "Sir, are you interested in Ms. Shelun?"

He felt that the sir might be disappointed. Although Ms. Shelun was a socialite, not just anyone could approach her. Only the powerful and influential would have the chance to be in her bed.

"I'm not the Emperor of Rossel."

Luke snorted. The Witch Path, starting from Sequence 7 "Witch," would make those who consume magic potions become female and possess extraordinary beauty. The higher the Sequence, the greater the charm.

Ironically, due to a certain taboo, the Witch sect strictly controlled magic potions and did not allow the existence of witches who were originally female, leading to the relentless pursuit and killing of pure female witches. As a result, all existing witches were males who had undergone gender transformation.

Although the higher the Sequence, the more one's humanity faded, and gender became less of a concern, and the extraordinary traits of witches were modifications from the inside out, with no difference from real women. Great figures like the Emperor of Rossel, Alista Tudor, and the Medicis had all become men who welcomed other men. But Luke was definitely not included.

There were already enough abstract Lukes; screwing men was something he didn't need to do. If he really wanted to taste the flavor of a witch, he would choose to raise a purely female one himself.

"Do you think Ms. Shelun's fame is significant enough?"

"Very significant!"

Parrot answered with certainty, "Her picture in the newspaper has been an enlightenment teacher for many!"

He hoped there was no one inside...

Luke raised an eyebrow, thinking it was a good opportunity to experiment with "Attention" and "Spectator" mushroom robots. The former suggests that the mushroom robots were once a spacefaring civilization.

...

On a quiet Olsner Street at night, illuminated by gas lanterns, with a crimson moon hanging high.

Luke, dressed casually, walked down the street with few pedestrians. When no one was paying attention, his entire body began to change rapidly. His height decreased by a head's length, his physique slightly adjusted, and his facial features completely transformed into those of a stranger.

After a moment, he stopped in front of the tightly locked gate of Ms. Shelun's mansion. He extended his right hand and gently caressed the sturdy iron gate.

Two seconds later, the lock automatically popped open, and the gate quietly opened as if welcoming its master, without even making a creaking sound.

Luke walked in boldly, and no maids or servants blocked his way.

As a believer in the evil god "Primordial Witch" and a "Joyful Witch" who would be hunted down if discovered, Ms. Shelun naturally wouldn't easily leave people in her mansion.

Luke walked through the courtyard, and the door opened silently.

At this moment, he stopped and squinted.

In front of him, transparent, crystal-like, and invisible to the naked eye, fine silk threads crisscrossed and occupied the entire room.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end