Chapter 91

Chapter Ninety-One: Returning to Derton Manor and Jiti’s Frustration.

“Ah… Hmm… What’s going on… Is there an earthquake?!”

Adelle, who had been sleeping soundly, suddenly felt a jolt. Her hand flailed forward blindly, and when she grabbed Aivana’s hand, she was pulled up to stand.

Still groggy from being awakened so abruptly, Adelle stumbled forward instinctively but was quickly held in place by Aivana.

After a few seconds, Adelle’s vision slowly focused, and she saw Aivana standing before her.

“Good morning…” Adelle greeted weakly, showing no signs of morning grumpiness.

“Xia’er seems to be having some trouble with her body. Can you take a look?” Aivana said, stepping aside and pointing to Xia’er, who sat by the bed sipping water in small gulps.

At this point, Adelle fully woke up and turned her gaze toward Xia’er, noticing her pale face not far away.

“What happened?” Adelle asked as she moved forward, but tripped over the table leg, almost losing her balance. Quickly, Aivana steadied her and helped her walk to Xia’er.

Adelle instinctively reached inside her clothes to feel around but only touched her soft skin through her nightgown.

“Aivana, can you get my cloak for me?”

Once Aivana handed her the cloak, Adelle opened its inner side, revealing an array of neatly arranged medical kits and surgical packs. She took out a stethoscope and began diagnosing Xia’er.

Adelle’s technique grew more adept as she used various tools to examine Xia’er. After finishing, she frowned slightly.

“Strange…” Adelle muttered. “Your body shows no abnormalities, but you definitely feel pain, right? Xia’er.”

Xia’er nodded lightly, feeling herself entering a peculiar state—like time was distorted. Not just the sharp pains of cuts or gunshots, but even the burning sensation of fire occasionally coursed through her body.

After listening to Xia’er describe her pain, Adelle slowly turned to Aivana.

Aivana, looking at Xia’er thoughtfully, seemed to understand something too. Adelle stepped aside, realizing this was beyond her expertise.

This was likely caused by mental contamination or stress-induced confusion, common among Extraordinary Persons after severe psychological trauma.

Aivana, the Listener researching the Replication Ritual of Psychologists, specialized in handling such cases.

But why would Xia’er, an ordinary person, exhibit such severe symptoms?

Adelle made room for Aivana, who stood before Xia’er and softly said, “Xia’er, relax and close your eyes.”

Xia’er slowly closed her eyes, trying to ignore the physical pain. Then she smelled a familiar scent of a young girl, followed by the warmth of a gentle embrace enveloping her.

A soothing lullaby drifted down from above:

“Rock-a-bye baby, on the tree top…

When the wind blows, the cradle will rock;

When the bough breaks, the cradle will fall,

And down will come baby, cradle and all…”

The melody repeated gently, causing Xia’er to feel like she was endlessly falling into darkness, yet her mind became calmer, as if entering a void devoid of sensations.

Contrary to Xia’er’s calmness, Aivana’s voice started trembling as she tentatively tried to heal Xia’er’s spirit. The moment she touched Xia’er’s spiritual essence, overwhelming waves of pain and despair flooded her mind, making her voice waver.

In the darkness, Aivana couldn’t see any images but could empathize deeply with these feelings, as if Xia’er were crying and recounting her suffering directly to her.

What kind of experience could accumulate such immense Negative Emotions and energy?

As Aivana felt herself struggling to hold on, she sensed a slight prick on her arm, as if some medication had been injected into her veins.

A few seconds later, Aivana’s wavering spirit stabilized and became invigorated, allowing her to maintain her composure.

She continued humming the short lullaby until three minutes passed, then slowly released Xia’er from her embrace.

Upon opening her eyes, Aivana saw Adelle nearby, using a cotton swab to press on the needle mark on her left arm. Clearly, Adelle had administered the injection moments ago.

At this point, Xia’er also opened her eyes. She felt the world vividly bright, as if her spirit had been cleansed. Those mere three minutes rejuvenated her more than a full day of sleep.

Xia’er looked at Aivana with surprise; it was the second time she’d witnessed Aivana’s abilities. Besides hypnotism, the Listener clearly possessed an indescribable healing power that worked exceptionally well for Xia’er.

“Xia’er…” Aivana took a shallow breath, steadying her emotions before speaking. “I’ve temporarily made your spirit forget the pain and fear, but I can’t heal it now.”

“This kind of spiritual pain usually accumulates over years in Extraordinary Persons—I’ve never encountered such a case before…” Aivana admitted, though she had previously helped Nia stabilize her spirit.

Seeing Xia’er’s complexion gradually return to normal reassured Aivana somewhat.

“Don’t worry too much. As long as I regularly help you heal spiritually, the condition won’t worsen,” Aivana added, trying to comfort Xia’er.

Adelle raised her hand slightly, offering quietly, “I… can also help treat you.”

Through Aivana’s actions, Adelle understood that her own safety depended entirely on Xia’er’s protection.

Looking at the two girls before her, Xia’er smiled sincerely and said, “Thank you both.”

Aivana could heal spirits, while Adelle treated bodies—it felt like carrying around two powerful “healers.”

Feeling mentally fine, Xia’er realized she was hungry. Coincidentally, neither of the others had eaten either, so Xia’er went downstairs to cook a simple stew of potatoes and meat in the kitchen—fresh vegetables had spoiled, leaving only potatoes, meat, and bread.

After eating their fill, Xia’er felt nearly perfect again and was about to leave for Derton Manor when Aivana interrupted her.

“Are you planning to go to Derton Manor?” Aivana asked.

“Yes.” Xia’er nodded. “There are things I need to confirm to avoid mistakes.”

“I’ll go with you.” Aivana stated firmly.

Nia, standing by the door, nearly stumbled upon hearing this. “Huh?”

Xia’er had already mentioned that Derton Manor was the base of the cultists, and on the 23rd at noon, a high-ranking bishop from the Arrival Sect would visit. Why did Lady Aivana say she would go along?

“Why?” Xia’er instinctively wanted to refuse but decided to hear Aivana out.

“Previously, I attended almost every event at Derton Manor to buy interesting things,” Aivana explained. “If I don’t go this time, it might seem strange.”

Aivana’s reasoning was somewhat forced but still reasonable. With Nia accompanying them, Xia’er’s safety would be better assured.

Besides, Xia’er could always summon another [Saddana Badge] anytime, ensuring her safety within the Arrival Sect’s territory.

With Georgine’s arrangements, Jiti’s investigation into Xie Lun’s death should have stopped, and they were likely preparing for the “Divine Servant” summoning ritual.

“Adelle, you…” Xia’er turned to Adelle, intending to tell her not to come, but Adelle cut her off immediately.

“I’m coming.” Adelle didn’t offer any reasons, trusting her instincts that staying with Xia’er and Aivana would be safer than remaining alone.

Xia’er: “You shouldn’t come.”

Adelle: “Wah… please don’t leave me here alone…”

Seeing Adelle fake-crying, Xia’er sighed and said, “You’re still under investigation. Aren’t you afraid of getting caught once we arrive? If you’re scared, you can go to your sister.”

“But my sister will see through my lies,” Adelle replied miserably. “If I go to her, she’ll know something’s wrong. You told me not to share these things with others, but I can’t hide anything from my sister.”

That was true…

If Adelle went to Yulis, Yulis, with her lie-detection ability, would likely uncover everything after a brief inquiry.

However, regarding disguises…

Ten minutes later.

Adelle’s originally silver-white hair had been dyed completely black with chemicals, and she wore a full-face mask cast by Nia. She was dressed in an elegant gown bearing the Russell family crest.

Even if she claimed to be Aivana’s distant cousin, no one would doubt her.

Her original membership card, of course, could no longer be used. However, Xia’er, Aivana, and Nia could vouch for her new identity and help her obtain a new membership card.

After making thorough preparations and briefing everyone on precautions, Xia’er boarded the carriage driven by Nia, heading towards the outskirts of the city.

…

The stables at Derton Manor were already filled with horses and carriages. Even in the afternoon, people kept arriving, many traveling from neighboring cities.

They must have set off immediately upon receiving the event invitations, eager to exchange or purchase rare Extraordinary materials or meet new contacts.

At this moment, Georgine paced back and forth in the empty card room.

The entire card and chess room was permeated with a faint, refreshing lemon scent.

Under the carpet-covered stone bricks, there had already been a significant amount of blood poured out in a certain pattern, slightly warmed to retain its properties as it seeped into the cracks between the stones.

All this was arranged exactly as the Bishop had instructed.

Kada…

At that moment, the door to the card and chess room opened, and a person wearing a black chip mask walked in gracefully before closing the door behind them.

“Most people have arrived. I’ll issue instructions later for them to proceed to the sanctuary one by one.”

Jiti glanced at Georgine in front of her, hesitated for a moment, then asked, “Will… will the Bishop really come tomorrow to conduct the ritual?”

“Of course, absolutely true.”

Georgine tilted her head slightly, all traces of her previous deference towards Jiti gone from her tone as she looked directly at her and questioned back,

“Are you doubting me? Doubting the Bishop?”

“I…”

Jiti took a deep breath, suppressing her emotions slowly, gritted her teeth, and said, “No.”

Summoning a divine servant?

Even those high-ranking figures couldn’t accomplish such a feat; could a mere Bishop do it?

Probably just another half-mad fanatic trying to exploit the resources of subordinate priests to carry out their own rituals or delusions.

She could only grit her teeth and silently work through these wild imaginings while also considering the consequences of failure.

This Derton Manor—she definitely couldn’t stay here any longer.

Talking about hosting a ritual and inviting so many people to Derton Manor… Jiti didn’t need to think hard to know who the sacrifices would be.

Jiti had already begun quietly erasing all traces of herself and the Arrival Sect from Derton Manor.

When the blame came down, she could ensure she bore no responsibility and push all the failures onto that mad Bishop…

Then she would reinvent herself and move to a new city to continue developing.

Jiti certainly hoped everything was real, but if there truly was a way to summon a divine servant, why wouldn’t the Bishop report it when a Grand Bishop came for inspection?

Wouldn’t that gain more attention?

Or did he want to contact the divine servant alone? Desire greater power? Or was he purely a fanatic whose mind was half-corrupted by potions?

No matter what, after all this was over, she had to make sure that the ungrateful Georgine suffered…

Holding a chicken feather as if it were an imperial edict, yet she herself couldn’t find any way to provoke hostility or attack thoughts against her.

This made Jiti feel stifled and amplified her desire for higher authority even more.

If she could also have the Bishop’s level of power…

“What are you still standing around for, Jiti?”

Georgine smirked mockingly, “Today, we have quite a few distinguished guests coming. This isn’t the time to daydream, is it?”

“You!!!”

Before Jiti could say anything, Georgine cut her off immediately.

“I have important matters to attend to,”

Georgine said coldly, “You don’t want the Bishop to arrive and see things unfinished, do you?”

“Alright… alright… alright…”

Jiti laughed in anger, repeated several “good”s, then turned and stormed toward the door, slamming it shut as she left.

Georgine watched Jiti’s retreating back with a cold eye, and a faint trace of murderous intent began to emerge in her heart.

This was her best chance to kill Jiti.

Now, she had the ability.

She reached into her pocket and touched the warm Bishop’s insignia, and the venomous thoughts in her heart gradually dissipated.

Compared to the Bishop’s mission and the ritual, whether Jiti lived or died was not as important anymore.

After the divine servant arrives, all suffering in this world will be eliminated, and the world will begin to change from Borough City.

And she would be among the first guides of the new world…

After confirming all the details were correct, Georgine also opened the door to the card and chess room.

The card and chess room resumed normal operations…

“Damn… shit…”

Jiti cursed under her breath as she walked along.

She took a deep breath, adjusting her state so others wouldn’t notice her current anger.

Passing through several doors, Jiti arrived at the front hall. At the sight of a guest being led in by a waiter, she instantly slipped into her role.

A faint smile appeared beneath Jiti’s black chip mask as she stepped forward, and the aura of a manager grew stronger with each step.

“Baron Jordan, rare visitor.”

Jiti smiled and gave a respectful curtsey to the well-dressed old baron in front of her.

“Ho ho ho… Indeed, it has been a long time since we last met, Manager Miss. Business has been good recently, hasn’t it?”

The old baron chuckled, extending his hand and playfully squeezing hers twice as they shook hands. “When do you have time to honor me with dinner together?”

“Haha, I’m really swamped lately. As you can see, I’ve been busy enough to come out and greet guests myself… Come, take Baron Jordan inside, give him a hundred chips, put it on my tab, and get a room ready for the baron, free of charge.”

Jiti smiled, subtly withdrawing her hand as she said: “Wish you luck filling a sack of money today.”

After dismissing the lecherous old baron, Jiti furrowed her brows and wiped the place where his hand had touched her with a handkerchief until her skin turned red. Only then did she stop and throw away the handkerchief.

Old Baron, enjoy yourself inside, the longer the better. It’d be best if you didn’t return tonight and stayed at Derton Manor.

Tomorrow, when that crazy Bishop comes, you’ll witness what true fear looks like.

After briefly collecting herself, Jiti looked up and saw a familiar dark-haired figure walking elegantly across the red carpet.

On top of a white blouse hung a black-and-gold short cloak, below which was a pair of perfectly sculpted thighs encased in lace-trimmed white silk stockings and leather boots, every step taken on the red carpet exuding grace.

Every movement radiated the perfect demeanor of a young lady, noble and elegant.

Behind her followed a dark-haired girl, a blue-haired girl, and a knight fully clad in silver armor.

These two girls had equally flawless legs, though the darker-haired one’s legs carried a hint of suppleness, clearly showing slight marks from the black stockings hugging her thighs—a comforting thought indeed.

Especially the shorter blue-haired girl, Jiti’s gaze lingered on her silk-covered calves for a while until Aivana Rossul approached, snapping her back to reality, licking her dry lips.

Truly deserving of being friends with Miss Rossul, these young ladies’ delicate feet were impeccably maintained…

“Miss Rossul, you’ve finally arrived. If you hadn’t come, Derton Manor might have gone bankrupt.”

Jiti had met this young lady many times. She was a major customer of Derton Manor.

One could say that most of the peculiar extraordinary items piled up in Derton Manor, which ordinary extraordinary people wouldn’t buy, were purchased by this young Miss Rossul.

For instance, various extraordinary material-based skincare products and cosmetics, and short swords that become dull upon contact with human flesh causing no harm whatsoever… Besides her fondness for collecting cosmetics, she also liked gathering peculiar items.

Perhaps this was the world of the wealthy.

Jiti had tried multiple times to get closer to this young lady, but unfortunately, Miss Rossul remained aloof, treating everyone with a deadpan, indifferent expression, making it impossible to close even the slightest distance.

However, the satisfaction of conquering someone with such a detached personality, seeing their expressions change, was incomparably gratifying…

Previously, she had never dared to move against this young lady, only planting informants around her.

The Rossul family was deeply involved in extraordinary affairs, with considerable strength. More importantly, the Rossul family controlled numerous extraordinary individuals on the “detective” path. Any attempt to act against her would require careful consideration of whether one’s intelligence could withstand scrutiny.

“Hmm.”

Aivana briefly glanced at Jiti without much response, turning instead to Adelle behind her. After a brief silence, she spoke, “Cousin, go exchange your membership card first. The three of us can vouch for you.”

“Oh? Is this young lady a first-time visitor?”

Jiti looked at the plain dark-haired girl wearing a silver mask, noticing her obviously more prominent chest compared to the other two. Even without seeing her face, just judging by her legs, Jiti knew she must be a beauty. “No need for a membership card, young lady. Anyone from the Rossul family is our esteemed guest.”

“Um… um… thank you…”

Adelle was so nervous she could barely articulate her words, especially knowing she was speaking to the head of the cult. Sweat trickled down her back.

But she still remembered Xia’er’s instructions: only say “um,” “thank you,” and “sorry.”

Gazing at the clearly nervous Adelle, Jiti’s eyes narrowed slightly beneath her mask.

Rossul family member? First visit to Derton Manor?

A collateral branch without extraordinary talent? Girls like this, inexperienced with the world, were the easiest to deceive… If they left early, she’d need to find out her address.

“Let’s go, see if there’s anything new.”

Aivana nodded slightly toward Jiti’s direction, then led Xia’er and the others forward. As they passed by Jiti, she added, “Manager, please reserve a ‘Royal Suite’ for us. My friend may stay for a while.”

Staying overnight?

Jiti’s eyes lit up, unable to hide her widening smile.

When the Bishop came tomorrow to perform the ritual, the ‘Crown Guard’ would likely be sacrificed first.

As for the aloof young lady and her two companions, she’d deal with them herself…

The group passed by Jiti, and her gaze slowly shifted to the sky-blue haired girl. Although masked, Jiti could see through the mask to the…

Suddenly, Jiti felt as if several pairs of blood-red glowing pupils had abruptly opened before her eyes. She stumbled backward several steps, the lingering terror swirling in her mind, refusing to dissipate.

What’s going on? Why did the potion suddenly boil for a moment?!

She quickly concealed her discomposure, raising her eyes to look at the blue-haired girl’s retreating back.

Clearly an ordinary person, but why…

Was it an illusion?

Jiti stared at her back, but the sensation from earlier did not return.

“Phew…”

Perhaps her mindset had been affected by Georgine, or maybe the prolonged suppression of her emotions caused her potion to lose control slightly.

Recently, troubles seemed to pile up endlessly, making it an exceptionally unlucky period.

Jiti couldn’t wait for tomorrow to come.