As for Xia De’s neighbor on the other side, the one at 7 St. Derain Square, he was unfortunately not at home when Xia De prepared to pay a visit.
Xia De had seen from the information left by the Smith couple, his neighbors at No. 5, and Sparrow Detective, that the resident of No. 7 was a researcher at the Kingdom Army Steam Mechanical Equipment Research Institute, and the house was inherited from a relative.
However, due to frequent business trips, the old gentleman would only return to stay for a period in winter each year. Since he was not at home, Xia De did not need to ask for his opinion.
“The neighbors on both sides are a retired high-ranking kingdom civil servant and a researcher studying steam mechanical weapons. Sparrow Detective really knew how to find a place to live.”
Although Sparrow Hamilton had already passed away in a foreign land, his story still influenced Xia De.
On Tuesday, the inspection and maintenance work at Saint Delan Square Six officially began. Because both the first and third floors were being renovated, the constant coming and going of people made it difficult for Xia De to read at home.
So he left early in the morning, naturally taking Mia with him, as Xia De was uneasy leaving her alone in the current home.
There were many things to do today, and the first stop was to visit Luvia at the Prophet Association.
Luvia had been investigating the out-of-control Darkness Field outside the city recently, probably keeping her very busy, so when Xia De saw her, the purple-eyed girl looked sleepy.
“Good morning, Xia De. I heard your house is being renovated? The news about the furniture convoy yesterday almost blocking the eastern exit of Saint Delan Square spread throughout the Association. The receptionists on the first floor were all guessing… never mind, it’s not a big deal. Do you have anything today? If you want to ask about Darkness, I haven’t heard anything yet. As for the out-of-control angel-level relic outside the city, I’ve only found out its specific name is Darkness Field, but I already have further investigation ideas.”
“No, no, I want to ask you about a male Prophet who lived in the fifth epoch.”
Xia De explained.
“The fifth epoch? Is it your time key?”
Luvia asked, swirling the spoon in her teacup.
“Yes, although I’m not sure if the person is from the Prophet Association, I can only try my luck. Male, approximate living era around 1784 in the fifth epoch.”
Luvia smiled:
“See, your time adventure journey has indeed run into trouble again. Xia De, keep going, this information is not enough.”
“His hometown was on the East Continent of the fifth epoch’s material world. His name is Slitch Riddell, and the god he worshiped, Mr. Huan, also seems to be an ancient god.”
“Oh?”
The smile on Luvia’s face disappeared, replaced by a look of surprise. Seeing her like this, Xia De knew that Luvia knew this name.
Stroking Mia, who was full from breakfast and starting to get sleepy on the table, Xia De asked with a smile:
“You know? That’s great, I originally thought I’d have to search for a long time. Was he a former member of the Prophet Association?”
“Yes, of course he was a member of the Prophet Association, isn’t that obvious? Xia De, look, what is this?”
She pointed to her chest, and Xia De looked intently. For a moment, neither of them spoke, until Luvia suddenly asked with a blush:
“What are you looking at?”
“Uh… the spot you’re pointing at.”
“I’m telling you to look at this!”
She patted the ouroboros brooch on her chest, which only Prophet Association staff were qualified to wear.
“Xia De, what is the pattern of the Founding · Fate oil painting on the first floor? What is the pattern of this brooch? What is Mr. Huan?”
Xia De then realized:
“The pattern of Founding · Fate is the ouroboros, the symbol of the Prophet Association is the ouroboros, and Mr. Huan is the ouroboros! Are the Diviners of the Prophet Association followers of the ancient god of fate—the ouroboros?”
“No, no, only a very small number of Ring術士 in the Association worship that ancient deity, and the Association is not a church, although we require every president to be a follower of that gentleman.”
Luvia corrected, but did not dwell on the topic:
“Let’s go back to Mr. Riddell, whom you met. This person is not only a member of the Association, but also has some connection to you.”
Luvia said cautiously.
“To me?”
“Xia De, I once mentioned him to you, but didn’t say his name at the time. The secret of this fifth epoch Diviner is strictly guarded by the Association. He has experienced many, many things and directly influenced the development of the Prophet Association in the sixth epoch.”
“You mentioned him? Influenced the development of the sixth epoch Association? Sorry, who was it?”
Xia De was a little curious; he didn’t remember Luvia mentioning a male Diviner from the fifth epoch to him.
“That conversation happened at your house, and I told you about the all things are impermanent card.”
Luvia prompted, and seeing Xia De frown in thought, she gave the answer:
“Slitch Riddell, an ancient Prophet who lived in the early fifth epoch. Centuries ago, the Association occasionally obtained an all things are impermanent card. While searching for related records, in the deepest part of the archives, in the materials left by Mr. Riddell, they discovered another card, as well as descriptions and rules for playing the all things are impermanent card. The Association thus learned the secret of all things are impermanent. Mr. Rhode, the president of the Association at the time, developed the current rhode cards system based on these materials.”
Xia De took a breath:
“So, without this Mr. Riddell, there would be no current rhode cards?”
“You could say that.”
Luvia nodded, holding her teacup. She was accustomed to an extra cup of morning tea after breakfast:
“Although Mr. Riddell was just an ordinary person, even before all things are impermanent, the manuscripts and materials he left behind had already played a big role in the Association. This gentleman experienced countless things in his life, but always successfully escaped. As an ordinary person, he studied demons, angels, Evil Spirits, and relics. Although this inevitably led to his mental instability in his later years and his death by suicide, his research achievements in philosophy and mysticism influenced countless people in the Association.”
Luvia said to Xia De with much emotion:
“Although multiple changes in the Association led to the loss of some materials, if it’s Mr. Riddell who lived around 1784 in the fifth epoch, then it can only be him, after all, there weren’t many outstanding men in the fifth epoch either. I really envy you, Xia De. If I could meet such an excellent Prophet, I would surely gain a lot.”
“So, I can only find his information at the Prophet Association?”
“Of course, outside the Association, this gentleman was just an unknown man of that era.”
Luvia said with certainty.
“Then Luvia, can you help me retrieve the information? I need at least eight pieces of information about the dangers this gentleman experienced or the great achievements he obtained.”
Luvia showed a somewhat troubled expression:
“Xia De, that gentleman’s information belongs to a top-secret security level. With my authority, I will try to apply to headquarters for access, but I’m afraid it will be difficult to give you an immediate answer. It could take a week, or even half a month.”
“It’s okay, I can wait. It’s good to have a direction.”
Xia De didn’t mind this point; this investigation was at least smoother than the previous two.
He didn’t forget to add:
“If it’s really impossible, I’ll think of other ways. In short, you don’t have to make it too difficult for yourself.”
“If I can help you, it’s not difficult at all.”
She said softly, then watched Xia De’s expression with satisfaction:
“Contacting a scholar from the fifth epoch is a very valuable opportunity. Before your next time key, you can think about asking that knowledgeable gentleman some questions. Perhaps some answers you’ve been seeking can be obtained by simply asking.”
“I understand.”
Before they parted, probably due to the influence of desire flesh, Xia De once again thought of the passionate kiss under the Moonlight last night. But neither Xia De nor Luvia actively brought up what happened under the Moonlight.
This was a kind of tacit understanding, a tacit understanding of a vague emotion. Xia De clearly understood his own thoughts, especially after witnessing desire in the basement of Aurora Manor, he knew even more clearly what he wanted; and Luvia, who left last night as if escaping, also clearly knew what she truly wanted.
They would continue to walk together, this would not change, so this was enough, no more questions or confirmations were needed.
“Luvia, I’m going to Coldwater Port in a bit to purchase some materials to try and enhance the Time Perception ritual. If there’s any new news about Mr. Riddell’s information, remember to tell me immediately. Oh, you look exhausted, don’t forget to rest.”
Standing up, Xia De prepared to leave.
“Compared to what you did in Coldwater Port for two weeks, this is not tiring at all.”
She stood up, ready to see Xia De off.
“Oh, by the way, Luvia, what’s your middle name?”
Xia De, who was about to leave, suddenly asked.
“Why did you suddenly think of asking that?”
The purple-eyed girl brushed a strand of hair from her ear, her bobbed hair swaying slightly as she stood up.
“I just suddenly remembered that during exam week, I knew your middle name started with the letter F, but what exactly is it?”
Full names are only mentioned in very serious occasions and very serious conversational contexts, and asking for a middle name was a relatively private act in this era. Luvia’s face flushed slightly, and she blinked:
“Fiocchi.”
She said in very standard delarion common language, with an operatic tone:
“Luvia Fiocchi Annett.”
Xia De nodded:
“I remember it, a very nice name.”
“Thank you.”
Tiptoeing to kiss Xia De’s cheek, the purple-eyed girl put her hands behind her back, smiling as she took a few steps back to stand in the morning light by the window:
“Go about your business. Oh, don’t forget your cat. If you leave her behind, I’ll kidnap her.”
“She’s not my cat yet.”
Xia De emphasized again, waving to Mia. The orange cat agilely jumped from the table into his palm, then climbed along his arm to his shoulder.
“Good luck today, Luvia.”
“Good luck today, Xia De.”
