[2 Daffodil Street]
Since Benson had to work overtime that night, the dinner table only had Edward, Klein, Melissa, and their maid, Bella.
The meal consisted of pea-stewed lamb, Desi pie, tomato mushroom soup, honey-roasted meat, and butter-fried toast. It wasn't an extravagant feast, but for the Moretti family, it was a rare "grand meal".
Since Melissa was present, Edward and Klein avoided discussing anything related to the supernatural.
Instead, Klein shared amusing anecdotes from his job at the security company—particularly about Leonard, who carried himself like a true protagonist. Meanwhile, Edward talked about his experiences in Backlund.
Dinner lasted until 8 PM, after which Edward took his leave.
Melissa reluctantly returned Lilith to him, and Klein escorted him to the street corner.
As they walked, Edward suddenly asked, "Klein, when do you plan to tell Melissa and your brother about the existence of Beyonders?"
Klein paused for a moment, his expression complex.
"If possible, I hope they never find out," he said in a low voice. "The Captain once told me that we Beyonders may appear to have abilities beyond ordinary people, but in reality, we're just a bunch of miserable wretches constantly resisting insanity. I think being an ordinary person who knows nothing at all might actually be happier."
"Hmm…from what I've heard in Backlund, the future of the Loen Kingdom is likely to be far from peaceful."
"Not peaceful? You mean…"
"Yes…The friction between Loen and several neighboring countries is intensifying. At any moment, it could escalate into war! Whether they're Beyonders or ordinary people, no one will be able to stay out of it. But at least Beyonders have a better chance of protecting themselves than regular folks do."
Klein froze.
War?
That word felt incredibly distant to him.
Growing up in the modern era, he had only ever seen war through the internet. He found it difficult to imagine what warfare in a supernatural world would be like.
In the original novel, Klein first felt a true sense of crisis and the urge to grow stronger after Old Neil lost control and died. But right now, Old Neil—though not in great shape—was still alive, so Klein naturally wasn't feeling the same level of urgency.
Edward felt it was necessary to put a little pressure on him—after all, this man was supposed to be the future savior of the world.
"But you don't have to worry too much," Edward added casually. "Nothing has happened yet, after all. See you later."
———
[5 Tulip Street]
The moment Edward stepped back into his apartment, a black bird materialized out of thin air.
Lilith, who had been dozing on his shoulder, jolted awake in alarm. With a swift motion, she darted under the sofa, crouching low in a predatory stance.
The black bird flitted past, leaving behind a note before vanishing.
Edward picked it up and read the message:
—Just received word—your bounty expires in two days. Also, I found two pages of Emperor Roselle's notebook—Xio.
Edward rubbed his forehead.
"Ah…I completely forgot about that."
Two weeks ago, when he first arrived in Backlund (or rather, his second arrival), he had been ambushed by Xio. That was when he learned someone had placed a bounty on him—issued by none other than Viscount Glaint.
Something about it felt deeply wrong.
Based on the timing, the bounty had been placed before Edward had even transmigrated into this world. In other words, he shouldn't have existed here yet.
So who would put a bounty on someone who didn't exist?
And how did they have an accurate portrait of him?
Could it just be a coincidence—someone who just happened to look like him?
Hopefully, I'll get some answers tomorrow.
At that moment, Lilith suddenly sprang out from under the couch. Rising onto her hind legs, she furiously swiped at the air where the black bird had disappeared, her little paws flailing as she let out an enraged "Meow meow meow! ╰（｀□′）╯"
If those meows could be translated, Edward was sure they'd be full of profanities.
He grabbed her by the front paws and lifted her up, chuckling.
"Lilith, do you think I should find you a potion to drink?"
He grinned slyly.
"How about an Assassin potion? Who knows, maybe you'll turn into a catgirl~"
"Meow! >(·)<"
———
The Next Morning.
For the first time in a while, Edward got a proper night's sleep—he had prepared an extra-large bowl of cat food for Lilith in advance.
After stuffing herself, she curled up obediently in his arms, soft and fluffy, making for an excellent hand-warmer.
Once he finished washing up and getting dressed, he had breakfast and then set out.
His first stop was the Blackthorn Security Company, where he took a day off. His reason? Yesterday's sudden induction into the Nighthawks had been too abrupt, and he had some personal matters to take care of.
Dunn Smith approved the leave without hesitation.
At 9:30 AM, Edward knocked on the door of Xio and Fors' apartment.
There was a long pause before he heard heavy footsteps inside.
Then, the door was abruptly yanked open, revealing a disheveled, groggy-looking Xio. She scowled at him.
"What do you want?!"
Edward held up the note. "Didn't you ask me to come?"
"That doesn't mean you had to be this early!"
"But it's already almost 9:30."
Edward gave her a once-over, then smirked.
"Miss Xio, have you been influenced by Miss Fors?"
Behind her, Fors stuck her head out, toothpaste foam still around her mouth.
"Mr. Edward, speaking ill of a lady behind her back is hardly gentlemanly~"
Xio shot him an annoyed glare before stomping back inside. Moments later, she returned with two sheets of paper and handed them over.
"Fifteen pounds in total."
Edward glanced at the pages. Seeing that they were written in Chinese, he paid without hesitation.
Xio narrowed her eyes.
"What? You planning to stick around and watch a lady wash up and get dressed?"
Edward backed away immediately as she cracked her knuckles menacingly.
"Wait, wait, I haven't finished talking."
He cleared his throat and continued, "You mentioned in your letter that my bounty has two days left. If we go now, will we still make it in time?"
"Of course!"
Xio's eyes lit up at the mention of the bounty. After a brief moment of thought, she said, "Wait for my signal."
She then added, "Just so we're clear—I'll take you there, but getting the reason behind your bounty is your problem."
"No issue."
Edward suddenly remembered something and added, "By the way, I told you last time—unless it's an absolute emergency, try to avoid using my messenger. I've rented a place at 88 Minsk Street, so if you need to contact me, just send a letter there."
"Isn't using a messenger faster and more convenient?"
Edward spread his hands. "It is more convenient for you, but I have to pay it every time. The fee is about 10 gold pounds per delivery. Of course, if you're willing to cover the cost, then by all means, go ahead."
Xio's eyes widened. "10 gold pounds per trip?!" Relying on her fists, she sometimes had to handle multiple arbitration cases just to earn that much!
"I wish I had a job like that," Fors muttered as she lounged on the sofa. "Ten deliveries a day would be 100 pounds, 3,000 pounds a month, and in a year…Ah, what a wonderful thought."
She leaned back, closed her eyes, and indulged in her fantasy.
Edward and Xio exchanged glances and shook their heads helplessly.
Before long, Xio put on her knight-style outfit, strapped on her triangular blade, and headed for the door. "Once I confirm the time for the operation, I'll come directly to 88 Minsk Street to find you?"
"No problem."
They stepped out together—Xio heading straight for the pub where the bounty had been issued, while Edward returned to 88 Minsk Street. He used the vanishing cabinet to enter Audrey's suitcase space.
Thanks to their efforts over the past few weeks, the interior had expanded to over a hundred square meters, divided by wooden partitions into four rooms: a bedroom, a living area, a sitting room, and a storage room.
She had initially wanted to add a washroom, but the complexity of the plumbing system forced her to abandon the idea.
Apart from the storage room, which was filled with miscellaneous items, the other three rooms were lavishly furnished. It wasn't that she particularly enjoyed extravagance—rather, these were the only styles available in the Hall family's collection.
Upon stepping into the sitting room, Edward was met with a peculiar sight: a heap of objects that clashed with the otherwise elegant decor—television, DVD player, discs, a Famicom, and other electronic devices. Clearly, they had been put to good use.
He could just imagine the dignified and graceful Miss Hall staying up late, engrossed in Contra or Super Mario. That would certainly be an amusing sight.
After inspecting the space, he ascended the ladder and knocked rhythmically on the suitcase. A few minutes later, Audrey descended with a tray laden with a lavish breakfast.
"I was just about to eat when you arrived. Would you like to join me?"
"Of course," Edward replied, taking out two diary pages. "And we can also take a look at the Roselle Emperor's diary pages I just found."
Her emerald-green eyes gleamed slightly as she broke into a delighted smile. "That sounds great."
They sat side by side as Edward began translating.
——
March 2nd
My recent actions seem to have aroused suspicion among those around me. I need to be more careful; otherwise, these "natives" might just burn me at the stake, thinking I'm a demon.
Got diarrhea again today. Even though I repeatedly told them to boil the water before drinking, these idiots kept forgetting. Just my luck.
The toilet design here is outrageous. The third-floor toilet actually connects directly to the first-floor cesspit.
——
March 3rd
Yesterday, I almost fell into the toilet while using it. I nearly became the first transmigrator to die in a latrine. No, I need to invent the modern toilet as soon as possible.
——
March 4th
…Failed.
Roselle, oh Roselle, have you forgotten how close you came to falling into the toilet? The next few days, I must find a way to make a proper flush toilet!
——
March 5th
Miss Marti is really beautiful.
——
After translating the first page, Audrey wore a peculiar expression. "Emperor Roselle's early years were really…something."
She struggled for the right word before finally saying, "And to think that his motivation for inventing the modern toilet…was nearly falling into a cesspit."
Edward burst into laughter. "Hahaha! So let's all give thanks to that toilet—without it, who knows if you'd even have proper sanitation today!"
"…That's terrifying."
Praise the Emperor!
Edward then took out the second diary page.
——
sigh. So boring. There's nothing here.
Why did I suddenly end up here? I just took a nap.
I really want to go home. sob sob
So boring, so boring, so boring. Not writing anymore, I'm going out for a walk!
——
This diary entry was short and contained little useful information. However, Edward's expression subtly changed.
"This page…wasn't written by Emperor Roselle."
Audrey picked up both pages and compared them. "Why do you say that? Because the handwriting is different? But these could have been copied down by later generations."
Edward pointed to the beginning of the second page. "It's not just the handwriting. Everyone has their own writing habits, a unique storytelling style, and subtle differences in wording. But this entry's tone is completely different from Roselle's usual style! It feels more like…a child scribbling nonsense."
"So, someone forged this page?"
There had been fake diary pages in the original Lord of the Mysteries, but those were all crude forgeries filled with nonsensical ramblings. This page, on the other hand, was simple yet coherent—and, most importantly, the writer clearly knew Chinese.
A thought surfaced in Edward's mind.
"Could there be…another transmigrator?"
Who was this transmigrator? When did they arrive? What traces did they leave behind? And most importantly, with another transmigrator involved, was this world still the Lord of the Mysteries he remembered?
"You okay?" Audrey asked.
Edward forced a smile. "Just wondering—if this page wasn't written by Emperor Roselle, then who was the author? Who else in this world understands Chinese?"
"The Fool," Audrey answered without hesitation. Then she frowned. "But this entry…doesn't seem like something a great being would write. Let's present it to The Fool at next Monday's Tarot Gathering. Maybe He will have an answer."
No.
He would probably be even more shocked than me.
———
[Note]: Don't forget to VOTE. It keeps me motivated.