Chapter 55

Chapter 55: Aivana’s Promotion and Derton Manor (Five Updates)

Xia’er let go of the gun, placing it back in her satchel. With this movement, she quietly transferred the “Bloody Orchid” and other items into the warehouse.

She must kill Xie Lun swiftly and decisively. To achieve this, Xia’er chose to retrieve the Sealed Object, aiming for a fatal blow before the Potion inside him could begin its backlash.

The dizziness caused by anemia compounded with all the mental fatigue she had accumulated thus far, causing Xia’er’s steps to falter slightly.

Not until she saw two complete portions of Potion materials being fully extracted from Xie Lun’s body did Xia’er finally feel at ease.

It was over…

Xia’er took two steps back and collapsed onto the pile of rubble behind her.

“Xia’er!”

A voice called out, unclear whose it was, as Xia’er groggily opened her eyes. She felt herself lying in someone’s soft embrace but couldn’t remember who it was.

“It’s alright… Xia’er…” Aivana gently stroked Xia’er’s hair and spoke softly.

The pale complexion of the young girl in her arms made Aivana’s heart ache. Unconsciously, she had dropped the prefix “Miss” when addressing Xia’er.

“Nia, leave the rest to you,” Aivana said, turning to the knight.

“Yes, Miss,” came the metallic buzzing reply from within the armor.

Aivana cradled Xia’er in her arms, carrying her across the pile of rocks toward her own room. Looking down at the small figure curled up in her arms, she sighed inwardly.

So light…

So soft…

…

Comfortable…

The next day, Xia’er slowly opened her blurry eyes and stretched lazily.

How long has it been since I slept so comfortably?

It felt like lying on a soft bed after staying awake for several days straight; Xia’er’s mind was still hazy.

Where am I? Am I home?

Her thoughts gradually cleared, and memories of last night flashed through her mind.

“Cholera Origin”!

Xia’er abruptly sat up and looked around.

The spacious and bright room was enormous—ten times the size of her living room at home. The soft mattress was covered with smooth silk, and there was a faint, gentle fragrance resembling a young woman’s scent.

I passed out last night… Is this Aivana’s house?

Xia’er glanced down at herself. Her originally faded linen dress had been replaced with a loose and comfortable silk nightgown.

Hmm?

Who changed my clothes?

Looking around, she didn’t see her old dress but noticed a new set hanging by the bed.

A simple yet clean white blouse with lace on the shoulders, a tidy white undershirt and underpants, along with a black-red striped long skirt in the northern An Su style and a slender belt.

Is this left for me?

With no other options, Xia’er put on the clothes provided. They fit perfectly, just slightly oversized.

There were also some hair accessories and decorative ribbons hanging nearby, but Xia’er ignored them. After putting on her pristine socks and small black leather boots, she stood up and pushed open the door.

Hmm…

Xia’er looked around.

Which way should I go?

After wandering around for a few circles, nearly getting dizzy, she finally found the stairs leading downstairs. As soon as she descended, the aroma of coffee wafted towards her.

It was coming from the Drawing Room.

Xia’er headed in that direction. Through the wall blasted with a large hole, she saw the scene inside.

The entire Drawing Room looked as if it had been run over by a steamroller. Everything along one side was smashed to pieces.

Luckily, the tables in the middle were joined together, so even though the central table was crushed, the adjacent ones were still usable.

The broken wall led directly to the garden outside, sunlight slanting through the gaping hole onto the back of a dark-haired girl sitting at the damaged table. In front of her were two breakfast plates and two cups of hot coffee.

“Why are you eating here?” Despite the oddly beautiful and ruined atmosphere, Xia’er couldn’t help but comment sarcastically, “Is there no dining room in the house?”

“It’s closer to the stairs,” Aivana replied expressionlessly, taking a sip of her coffee.

“I’m afraid you won’t be able to find me.”

Xia’er sat directly across from her. Extreme fatigue and a long period of sleep deprivation had already left her ravenous. She speared a sausage and took a large bite, then gulped down a big mouthful of coffee.

After the food entered her mouth, the feeling of hunger that made her want to eat anything finally subsided. She looked at Aivana in front of her and asked, “Where’s my canvas bag?”

“I’ve put it away for you, and I haven’t checked it,” Aivana said elegantly as she cut off a small piece of sausage and slowly chewed it.

“Where’s Xie Lun?” Xia’er asked.

“The body and notes have been handed over to the Redemption Society, and I kept the spiritual materials,” Aivana replied. “His potion digestion hasn’t started yet; the third-rank ‘Cholera Origin’ potion was completely extracted without any contamination. Perhaps we can discuss the distribution issue.”

“Did you change my clothes?”

“Cough… cough…” The sausage Aivana had just swallowed almost came back up. She could no longer maintain her calm elegance and could only wipe her mouth with a napkin to cover her embarrassment.

“Your clothes were too dirty. If I didn’t change them, they would have stained my bed,” Aivana replied expressionlessly after putting down the napkin.

“Then why didn’t you let me sleep on the guest bed?” Xia’er asked curiously. “Don’t you have one?”

Aivana gave Xia’er a blank look, remained silent for a while, then picked up a piece of sausage like Xia’er did, took a direct bite, and mumbled, “I’m planning to resign from the Police Station job.”

How did she switch topics so quickly!

Just as Xia’er wanted to press further, she noticed a row of dark purple tooth marks on Aivana’s white neck and sighed softly.

Alright, since there are bruises from biting, this matter is even.

“Why are you resigning?” Xia’er asked casually while filling her stomach.

Upon hearing this, Aivana paused slightly before responding, “My ‘Listener’ potion digestion has been completed.”

To tell the truth, Xia’er helped her finish the final digestion of the potion—she heard quite a few shocking messages all coming from Xia’er’s mouth within a day.

And fortunately, she didn’t interfere much, so the potion digestion went very smoothly.

“‘Listener’?” Xia’er looked up at Aivana, asking curiously, “Are all the potions in the investigation team this type? Or are all the channels in your family this way?”

“No, both my family and the investigation team’s channel is ‘Detective,'” Aivana said nonchalantly, “This is why I am here rather than in An Su.”

Perhaps because the potion digestion was complete, Aivana was in a good mood, and she basically answered every question Xia’er asked.

“Where is my sister?” Xia’er asked the last question.

“She works in the jewelry store under my name; there aren’t usually many customers,” Aivana said, “You’re carrying the bacteria of dehydration disease, so it’s best not to contact her for now.”

“Hmm…” Xia’er fell silent. For so many years, she hadn’t been separated from her sister for more than a day. Waking up and not seeing her sister or the familiar house felt somewhat strange.

“I told her I’m a psychologist, and you became my assistant,” Aivana said calmly, “She clearly didn’t believe it, but with your letter, she didn’t say anything. You’d better send her a letter every day, and I can help disinfect it.”

“Thank you.” Xia’er said, suddenly realizing something and asked curiously, “Psychologist?”

Aivana nodded: “Yes, the next rank of the ‘Listener’ path is ‘Psychologist’.”

Is Aivana about to ascend?

Xia’er took a sip of coffee.

She also realized how limited her own strength was, and she gradually figured out some patterns of how the system awarded points.

Maybe, she could use the money from selling the ‘Avenger’ potion to buy another potion and try digesting it in a simulation.

It’s necessary to obtain more potions and rituals; gaining more power means having a greater ability to protect oneself.

Where can these potions be obtained?

“Miss Aivana.” Xia’er looked up.

“Call me Aivana.” Aivana lowered her head and ate a small piece of sausage.

“Aivana, can you help me guarantee entry into Derton Manor?” Xia’er looked at her and asked, “I want to buy some potions.”

“Derton Manor?” Aivana, upon hearing the name, looked up at Xia’er with some confusion and hesitated for a moment before asking, “Do you know what kind of place it is?”

“No.” Xia’er shook her head decisively.