Chapter 350: Order
Chapter 350: Order
In the Queen's District of Barkeland, a gentle breeze swept across the lawn of a lavishly furnished mansion. Several well-dressed gentlemen were engaged in pleasant conversation, creating a harmonious atmosphere.
Each of them wore a gentle smile, and they all conducted themselves with humility and courtesy. Their chat consisted of mundane topics, but it seemed exceptionally harmonious, as if they would never argue no matter what.
"Within the nobility of Barkeland, there exists a secret organization called the Psychokinesis Alchemy Society, whose primary Sequence is the Spectator, a Sequence that can subtly guide the course of events without anyone noticing."
Luke glanced at the maids and servants passing by occasionally and the butler who regularly checked in to offer assistance. He maintained a smile as he addressed Baron Lari and the newly recruited Baron Griya.
"Spectators of lower Sequences won't be able to detect my soul's reconstruction. Those of mid to high Sequences can directly access or enter the subconscious ocean through rituals, so you won't be able to hide your intentions from them."
"However, characters of such ranks usually lurk in the shadows, serving higher-ranking nobles like members of the Upper Parliament, high-ranking officials of Intelligence Nine, secular tycoons, and even nobles above the rank of count, including royalty. So, you don't need to worry too much, but it's essential to stay vigilant."
"Most members of the Psychokinesis Alchemy Society are ladies and young ladies who can socialize for reasonable purposes. Until I give the order, all of you should maintain your previous lifestyles, especially when dealing with women and those of higher social status."
Baron Lari affirmed, "Understood."
Baron Griya nodded in agreement, "I'll do as you say."
Luke nodded. He had modified these individuals' souls using his Dual-Hand, but he didn't make drastic changes. He only added a command at the lowest level, instructing them to obey him wholeheartedly.
The modified individuals retained their original natures, but when they were with Luke, they would surrender their self-will, prioritizing his words above all else.
"Very well, do you have any other questions?"
Baron Griya spoke in a low voice, "I'd like to know what you intend to do."
Luke gave him a faint look, "I plan to start a war, eradicate the slave owners who enslave the people, eliminate the parasites that hinder social progress, and overthrow the autocratic monarchy."
"Does... that include us?"
Luke chuckled softly, his tone gentle, "Think back to your life. If you were an ordinary commoner, and based on that premise, your actions wouldn't be considered if they didn't violate the law."
Baron Lari and Baron Griya's faces paled slightly.
...
In a cozy but not entirely comfortable room, a gas lamp provided bright and stable light. Hugh lay on the bed, reading through the various bills of the Rune Kingdom by the lamp's glow.
Compared to modern electric lights, gas lamps and candles could be a bit harsh on the eyes. Hugh would read for a while, then stop for a few minutes to relieve eye strain before continuing.
Whether it was understanding the role of the 'Spectator' or carrying out her work as an arbiter, a deep familiarity with legal knowledge was essential. This foundation, combined with specific circumstances, allowed her to exercise fair judgment.
This was the reason for her growing reputation.
If her verdicts weren't widely accepted and trusted, the Sequence 9's inherent dignity and excellent combat skills alone wouldn't be enough to establish her position in the gray area. Most low-Sequence Supernaturals, except for some special Sequences, weren't powerful enough to break free from the constraints of the law.
In recent years, the number of new legal regulations had increased significantly, and they seemed to be moving further away from the path of fairness...
After reading for a while, Hugh closed his eyes and rubbed his temples. During the break, he recalled the various provisions of the bills.
At that moment, a hot body pressed against him from behind, enveloping him entirely due to the significant size difference. Along with it came a tongue licking his small outer ear, clear breathing, and a pair of hands that roamed all over his body.
"Reading like this is too tiring. I think you need a mid-break."
Here we go again.
Hugh felt both resigned and compromising, as the intimate gesture made him blush from his cheeks down to his neck, and his breathing became heavy.
"Stop it, Jenova. That's not what I call a break."
His new boyfriend's clinginess was seriously interfering with his work.
"How can it not be a break when it's both relaxing and enjoyable?" Luke asked, sounding surprised. "Besides, I always give you a massage afterward to restore your energy."
And then you start the next round...
Hugh rolled his eyes. He was actually quite captivated by this new way of passing the time, and his boyfriend did help him regain his energy.
But after it ended, the complete relaxation made him not want to move at all, even when he wasn't tired. Every time he went to the bathroom, he was carried there, making Hugh feel increasingly decadent.
"I really can't right now, can you wait a little longer? Let me finish reading these recent regulations first."
Luke shrugged and released his grip on the petite and adorable Hugh, who resembled a delicate doll. He glanced at his watch; it was almost ten o'clock in the evening, which was already quite late for the people of this world.
"Did you always stay up late reading these things in the past?"
"No."
Hugh exhaled in relief, ignoring the subtle regret in his heart, and focused his attention on the book.
"It's just that in recent years, the amendments, cancellations, and additions to the bills have become more frequent. The laws have been gradually improving and getting better, but in the past few years, it seems... it seems like..."
She furrowed her brows in thought for a moment, then shook her head. "Perhaps His Majesty the King's previous achievements were not outstanding, and he seeks change?"
Luke was not surprised. Among the twenty-two Sequences, the two paths of "Arbitrator" and "Lawyer" that emerged from the torn Order of his embarrassing brother, the "Son of Chaos," held control over the world's rules.
The former leaned towards the positive aspect of Order, pursuing impartiality and equal justice, while the latter inclined towards the shadow of Order, the distortion of rules.
As King George III, he chose to strive for the Sequence 0 "Black Emperor" in the "Lawyer" path, which inevitably led to the distortion and transformation of the laws in the Rune Kingdom. Additionally, the "Black Emperor's" deification ceremony required the establishment of his own unique Order, consuming countless wealth and a large population to construct nine tombs, naturally tilting the direction of distortion towards the worse.
Only by oppressing the lower class and granting the upper class sufficient benefits, while causing the population to disappear during the process, could the conditions for quietly constructing the nine tombs be met.
"How's your progress with the magic potion?"
Luke changed the topic.
Hugh pursed her lips, "It should be fine, but I can't obtain the formula for the Sequence 8 magic potion."
"Arbitrator" was the official divine path, with most Extraordinary Traits being held by the royal family, Intelligence Nine, and some ancient nobles. This Extraordinary Trait was too sensitive, and not many were left outside the Legacy System.
However, at A's secret gatherings, there were people selling magic potion formulas, priced at 450 pounds. She still needed quite a bit of money, not to mention the main ingredients for the potion, which were even more difficult to obtain.
"There will be opportunities."
Luke patted Hugh's cheek and gently reassured her. He took out a gift box and smiled as he handed it to her, "This is for you."
"Hmm? For me?" Hugh felt a bit of surprise and took the box, then politely asked, "May I open it?"
Luke smiled slightly, "Of course."
Hugh opened the box, and on the soft crimson silk lay a beautifully crafted hairpin adorned with jewels. It rested quietly in the box, its beauty dazzling.
"It's so pretty, thank you."
Hugh couldn't help but reach for the hairpin, and in that moment of contact, she sensed something unusual, "This is... an Extraordinary Item?"
"Yes, this hairpin can make your footsteps lighter, allowing you to fall from great heights without injury. It can also grant you the ability to briefly turn invisible, concentrate your strength for a powerful burst, interfere with divination, and even use nearby mirrors as your substitute to block attacks. It can do this three times a day. It can also release a black flame that burns spiritual bodies, with a cooldown time of about a quarter of an hour..."
Luke slowly explained the effects of the Extraordinary Item, which he had crafted using his "Divine Machine Hundredfold Refinement" and the Extraordinary Trait of Sequence 7 "Witch." It had almost no negative effects and could be considered a slightly weakened version of the "Witch" in terms of power and flexibility.
Sequence 7 "Witch" was a qualitative transformation in the Witch path, making her comprehensively powerful and capable of crossing one or even two Sequences in battle.
Hugh, sitting beside Luke, listened with her eyes gradually widening in disbelief and astonishment.
What a powerful Extraordinary Item!
"This is too precious, I can't accept it."
Hugh reluctantly glanced at the hairpin and firmly closed the gift box before returning it.
"A's Extraordinary Gatherings have already started. You can sell this and exchange it for the formula or main ingredients of the next Sequence's magic potion."
Such an Extraordinary Item, with almost no side effects and comprehensive practicality, was of immense value. It could easily fetch two to three thousand pounds, and she couldn't accept such an expensive gift.
"I already have the Sequence 6 magic potion, so you don't need to worry."
"Hugh still shook her head, her expression softening as tears welled up in her eyes, brimming with emotion. She smiled brightly and snuggled into Luke's embrace.
'I appreciate the gesture, but this is too precious. You should take it back.'
Luke gently stroked Hugh's hair, feeling a mix of admiration and concern. She was a sensible woman who knew how to live frugally, but perhaps being too thrifty wasn't ideal either."
"If you don't want it, I'll have to give it to someone else. Do you want someone else to wear what I prepared for you?"
"Well..."
Hugh's determination wavered at his words. She hesitated for a moment before reluctantly nodding. "Okay, I'll keep it here for you. The ownership still belongs to you."
"I'll listen to you."
Luke smiled and placed the hairpin on Hugh's hair. The jewels on the hairpin accentuated her features, making her complexion even fairer and her facial features more captivating. Her aura also underwent a subtle transformation.
There was one function that Luke didn't tell Hugh about. When worn by a man, the hairpin would gradually transform him into a woman, and when worn by a woman, it would enhance her beauty.
'Does it suit me?' Hugh touched the hairpin on her head and looked up at her boyfriend shyly.
'It suits you perfectly.'
Luke's eyes blazed with passion as he hugged Hugh tightly. He slipped his hand under her clothes, his actions speaking louder than words.
The atmosphere became intimate, and their body temperatures rose. This time, Hugh didn't refuse; instead, she was more proactive and daring, meeting his movements with her own.
Luke sat at the head of the bed, his gaze fixed on Hugh. He encouraged and anticipated her every move. Hugh pushed back the hair by her ear, her face now exuding a sense of submission. She stared at a certain spot, her eyes filled with fear and desire.
After a moment, she swallowed hard and crawled over, using both her hands and feet. She looked like a resigned cat, glancing at Luke one last time before lowering her head in a mix of intoxication and shyness.
Luke closed his eyes and leaned his head back, taking a deep breath. His Adam's apple bobbed up and down.
The taste of the witch was indeed exquisite.
...
The next morning, the sun shone brightly.
Broken mirror fragments littered the floor, and Luke had cleaned and tidied up Hugh, who was covered in dirt from head to toe. He waited for her to fall into a peaceful slumber before getting up, feeling refreshed. He then cleaned their bedroom.
In the living room, the beautiful but weary Fols was sitting with dark circles under her eyes, looking as if she hadn't slept well. She was already in her usual spot, waiting for breakfast.]
Luke glanced at her and walked into the kitchen, quickly preparing the morning meal—white bread, fried eggs, and a bowl of lean meat porridge.
Fols, who was holding her plate, seemed much more polite than the previous two days. She politely smiled, her weariness and laziness evident.
This was partly due to Luke's culinary skills and partly because she had learned from Hugh that Luke was a mid-sequence Unique Talent. The once-lazy writer had softened, and she was willing to overlook Luke's apparent intention to stay without finding a new place.
'Is Hugh not eating breakfast today?'
Fols took a bite of the soft bread, closing her eyes in contentment. Even though it was just ordinary food, it tasted exceptionally good.
'She wants to rest more. We'll go to the gathering together this afternoon.'
Luke explained as he slowly enjoyed his breakfast, tapping the table with his index finger in a gentle manner.
'Fols, if you're not sleeping well, you can choose to move out. I can arrange a larger, more luxurious, and more secluded place for you.'
Fols paused her eating, swallowing the food in her mouth, and smiled. 'The noise last night made me want to leave, but the food during the day changed my mind.'
Besides, this is the house that Hugh and I rented. Why should I move out while you stay here so comfortably? Fols maintained her smile, but her grip on the knife and fork tightened as she stabbed the fried egg, feeling indignant.
She and Hugh had become close friends through shared hardships, bonding as best friends in a world that wasn't kind to Wild Talents.
To be honest, if either of them were a man, they might have been together by now, maybe even with children. Who would have thought that this Mr. Genoa would come along and sweep Hugh off her feet?
As Fols thought about this, she felt a twinge of melancholy. She had assumed that she and Hugh would spend their lives together, but now her friend had been mysteriously taken away by someone else. Such was the unpredictability of fate...
'Fols.'
A clear voice interrupted her thoughts, and she continued to savor the delicious food, asking nonchalantly, 'What's the matter?'
'Do you like Hugh?'
'Cough... Cough... Cough!'
A heart-wrenching coughing fit echoed through the living room.
(End of Chapter)
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