Because providing Ling Rune directions and guidance was part of the basic second-year course, "Ling Rune Theory Basics (Intermediate)," at Saint Byron's, this book, "The Book of Mad Thunder," was not charged for. However, it wasn't sold to Xia De but rather lent to him.
Just like "The crazy light chaser," Xia De needed to return the book after acquiring the Ling Rune, or purchase it at a high price.
In addition to guidance on the two-ring Ling Rune, Xia De also applied to the Academy Library, wanting to learn a Miracle or spell specifically for detoxification, and preferably one that would not only be effective for himself but also be able to treat others. In the upcoming second banquet, he was going to taste the blood brew of that deity, and Xia De couldn't guarantee that he would be able to withstand it.
The Academy quickly provided a list based on the Ling Runes Xia De currently mastered, but the Library recommended not a Miracle, but the spell 【Kiss of the Tree】 . It was a rather straightforward name, as this was a spell created by imitating the power of the foreign species—the Elf Girl.
This detoxification spell was quite versatile. The casting material was any wood, and depending on the amount and depth of the toxin, the quantity of wood required would also increase. As the user's own level increased, the effect of the spell would become increasingly excellent, and even if it couldn't clear the toxin, it could at least weaken its effect.
Because the learning materials involved "two complete branches of elf wood" and "1 pint (approximately 5 Elf Springs) of spring water," including materials, this spell would cost Xia De a high price of 500 pounds.
"This is a high-level spell, quite precious. Moreover, Elf Girl materials themselves are very rare. Aside from Saint Byron's, Zaras Academy, and the 【Church of Nature and Malice】, which are connected to the Elf Girl race, you simply cannot find any other way to obtain them."
The doctor said from the side.
"I know it's precious. Just from the description 'effective against most toxins,' I know it's very precious. pounds are earned to be spent."
Xia De nodded and, with great reluctance, began to pull out stacks of money from his pocket.
"You actually brought so much money?"
Dorothy Louisa was very surprised.
"Oh, for a rainy day."
Xia De explained, the money had actually been turned into toys, so he wasn't afraid of losing it:
"But, in this world, do Elf Girls really still exist?"
"Of course they do. The Three Great Arcane Academies are not just one academy. Saint Byron's in the far north shelters many Outliers races, and they also provide quality students for the Academy. Although I haven't been to Saint Byron's, a friend from the previous group said that Saint Byron's land area is no smaller than Tobesk."
The doctor said.
Xia De first recalled his two visits to the librarian Daniste, and when he took the elective course "Closed Space," he had seen the Academy's Different race students. At the time, he only thought it was because the Academy had a good reputation among all races, but he hadn't expected it was because the Academy itself was with them.
"I heard Elf Girls are all pretty. I wonder if there will be Elf Girls among the students sent to Tobesk for the off-campus practice this winter."
Dorothy Louisa watched Xia De counting money and said casually. Luvia, not knowing what she thought of, wrote a few words in her notebook and handed them to Dorothy Louisa to see. The Golden-haired girl smiled, her face slightly flushed. This was probably a joke between unmarried girls.
With one less person, the study session was also shortened, but everyone missed Priest Augustus and wondered if he would get used to the weather in the southern part of the kingdom, and what kind of gifts that old gentleman with outdated aesthetics would bring them when he returned.
After the study session, Xia De, as usual, left with Dorothy Louisa.
Leia had promised to help Xia De acquire the 【Sleep】 Ling Rune, and after a week of consideration, Xia De decided that since his three-ring currently didn't have a single Ling Rune, he might as well aim for the inspiration - 【Sleep】 - which Leia and Dorothy Louisa were most proficient in.
As for the inspiration 【Thunder】 obtained from reading, based on the previous experience, it would take at least two months to show any signs, so Xia De didn't feel there was a conflict.
"Although Leia and I nearly share abilities, that is her acquired Knowledge after all. It's definitely better for her to teach you than for me to teach you. And the only problem now is that Leia cannot leave Yodel Palace to have a private meeting with you without being noticed."
"Actually, you don't need to use the word 'private meeting'."
Xia De reminded him, and Dorothy Louisa in the carriage snorted without responding.
"So, for now, she can only appear in my body and teach you with my face."
"That's quite good."
Xia De nodded, and seeing Dorothy Louisa looking at him, he added:
"Of course, I actually hope to see your soul with your face."
Only then did the Golden-haired girl smile.
When they returned to Saint Delan Square, the servants who had helped Xia De clean the room on Saturday afternoon had already left. Xia De and Dorothy Louisa discussed the adventure of the new key again, but since Dorothy Louisa's mental endurance was far weaker than the witch's, when Xia De mentioned that saint, she waved her hand, signaling Xia De not to continue:
"My eyes almost really turned red just now."
This was the power of Knowledge and the "weight" of a god.
After dinner and a shared cat walk, Dorothy Louisa entered a state of "rapid Sleep" on the sofa in Xia De's house. After a few brief seconds, she opened her eyes and smiled at Xia De.
Perhaps because he knew Leia's arrival in advance this time, Xia De could discern the difference between Leia and Dorothy Louisa from her lazy and elegant demeanor.
"No, Xia De, I am still Dorothy Louisa."
The Golden-haired girl said very seriously, as if she had read Xia De's thoughts:
"I just closed my eyes and then opened them; I didn't swap with Leia. This is to tell you that a Ring術士 cannot be deceived by appearances. Also, if you mistake me for someone else, even if you mistake me for Leia, I will be angry."
Saying that, she closed her eyes again, and after a few seconds, her eyes opened:
"Good evening, Xia De."
She smiled and greeted Xia De, her elegant and lazy demeanor clearly different from before. But Leia unexpectedly saw that Xia De was timid and dared not greet her.
Her Royal Highness raised an eyebrow. Under her suspicious gaze, the young Detective picked up the cat lying beside him.
"Meow~"
Pinching Mia's waist, who didn't know what was happening, he straightened his arm and held the cat towards the Golden-haired girl. Only after realizing Mia was struggling slightly did he determine the truth and immediately said with a smile:
"Good evening, Leia."
"What are you doing... Oh, I understand. It seems Dorothy Louisa just played a little joke on you."
Her Royal Highness immediately guessed what Dorothy Louisa had done:
"How about next time when I kiss you, we suddenly switch bodies, and then see if you can tell if there were two people before and after the kiss ends."
Such a joke was truly too malicious.
Since Xia De chose the inspiration 【Sleep】, Leia's teaching naturally centered on the ancient fairy tale "sleeping princess," which she used to connect the low-ring Sublimation Words.
This was just the first lesson, so that night, Leia only generally let Xia De understand the multi-version story content of "sleeping princess," to facilitate Xia De's subsequent understanding and study of ancient manuscripts.
And speaking of those ancient manuscripts and translations, Xia De finally remembered that he had once again burned a fairy tale written on parchment in the Darkness Domain for the Mystic Lock - 【Kiss of the Tree】.
That parchment scroll was given to Xia De by Dorothy Louisa at Leia's request. After he destroyed it, he never mentioned compensation. That item was worth at least four figures in pounds.
"Why did you suddenly think of this?"
Leia asked, thinking for a moment:
"Forget about compensation and such; after all, it was originally specifically found for you to learn Miracles, and didn't you 'lend' me that 【youth everlasting leaf】?"
"Alright then."
Xia De said, and then thought of the four printed versions of the 1 shilling banknote. These printed versions, obtained from the 【god's gift box】, were originally intended to be given to Leia as a gift for her return to Tobesk, but due to various reasons, they had been delayed and were still in Xia De's hands.
Taking advantage of the time today, Xia De took them out and showed them to Her Royal Highness.
Leia initially didn't believe they were genuine and suspected Xia De was joking. But only after repeatedly examining the four printing plates did she truly confirm that they were genuine articles stored in the Delarion Kingdom Mint.
"You..."
She looked at Xia De, and Xia De didn't know what meaning she wanted to convey:
"How long have you had these things?"
"I got them when you returned to Tobesk from Coldwater Port, and I've kept them in the basement. How about it, are they useful to you? If not, I'll destroy them now. Keeping these printing plates in the basement, I always feel like I could turn into a criminal at any moment."
"Don't rush to destroy them!"
Leia immediately stopped him, then thought for a while, quite troubled:
"They're definitely useful, but I haven't thought of how to use them yet, but they're absolutely useful. Xia De, you've really given me a big surprise! Keep them here for now."
"Hmm?"
"I can't think of any other place safer than behind the hidden wall in your basement. After all, no matter who possesses them, once discovered, the consequences are no laughing matter."
"Alright then, I'll keep them here for now. Anyway, they're not big and don't take up much space."
Xia De picked up Mia, who was standing on the stack of metal plates:
"However, if I could really use these printing plates to print banknotes myself, I would have many ways to disrupt the economic order of this country."
"You have that kind of Knowledge too?"
Leia asked curiously, holding her teacup. She planned to linger a bit and finish this cup of tea before switching back with Dorothy Louisa.
"Hmm, but we shouldn't do that, should we?"
Xia De looked at Her Royal Highness, and Leia then understood his meaning:
"Of course."
Leia said softly, then sipped her tea from the cup. She didn't meet Xia De's inquiring gaze, and her answer was vague.
Although Xia De had heard of Leia's ambition from Jialinna, Leia's attitude still startled him greatly.
He raised his hand and rubbed his eyelids twice, then said:
"Luvia, don't pretend to be interested in the teacup. Look into my eyes."
"Oh, Xia De, please don't make me answer that question, okay?"
Her Royal Highness replied softly.
"No, not that question. Please look into my eyes."
Leia looked up and met Xia De's gaze, then saw the sea of stars in the Outsider's eyes:
"How is it? Is it pretty?"
He blinked.
"You, you really are..."
She covered her mouth and smiled in a very ladylike manner:
"But, it is indeed very pretty."
