Chapter 275 - 275 Poaching

275 Poaching

In the carriage heading back to the market district, Lumian stared out the window, reflecting on Gardner Martins actions after completing the mission.

He felt that the Savoie Mobs boss didnt seem too concerned about the suitcase they risked their lives for. The boss merely glanced at it casually and placed it on the desk.

Was it really some kind of test? The Iron and Blood Cross Order possesses information about the spine-dangling head and headless monster. As long as I stick to the prescribed procedure and dont act independently, they wont really come after me?

But the Boss used to be a Conspirer. Perhaps he just wanted us to see the suitcase, but it might not reveal his true intentions

Regardless, the head-only trader and the headless humanoid monster are real. What do they symbolize? Can I trust the words of the former? He disappeared for months searching for the entrance to Fourth Epoch Trier and experienced terrifying events. His head and body got separated, and both gained consciousness?

When Boss said, The Demon is our friend, and h.e.l.l is someone elses, it felt like he was warning me not to trust others easily Did he mention this because he was satisfied with my performance on the mission?

Has he sent someone to secretly follow and observe us in detail? Or maybe Giant Simon or Rat Christo are not as scared as they seem and one of them is secretly working as a spy for the Boss?

Since the Boss didnt keep me here, the audit isnt over yet. Could someone be tailing this carriage and lurking in the shadows?

Heh heh, Mr. K and his subordinates love doing this too. Itd be amusing if they ran into each other

In the carriage, Rat Christo and Giant Simon, who were using the Salle de Bal Brises carriage to return to the market district, grew a bit uneasy as Lumian remained silent and gazed out of the window.

After five minutes of indescribable silence, Christo forced a smile and asked, Ciel, what are you looking at?

Its too cramped, Lumian sighed, disregarding the question.

Christo and Simon exchanged glances, thinking that Ciel might be mocking them for taking up s.p.a.ce in the carriage.

After hesitating for a moment, Christo decided to share his intentions.

He lowered his voice and said, Ciel, I want to use this opportunity to talk to you. d.a.m.n it, I didnt expect Simon to join us!

Son of a sow. I was the one who suggested borrowing the carriage in the first place! Giant Simon retorted.

Ignoring him, Christo continued, Ciel, this mission has allowed me to reacquaint myself with you. Apart from Boss, you are the most intelligent, powerful, and calmest Beyonder around me.

The calmest? You havent seen me when Im impulsive Lumian teased, deliberately provoking.

Is that so? Am I more intelligent than Brignais and stronger than Franca?

Rat Christo was at a loss for words. After a few seconds, he said, Uh, well what I mean is, in the future, when the Boss a.s.signs me secret missions, I want your help to a.n.a.lyze and figure out what to do. I dont want to be fl.u.s.tered when facing a similar monster next time.

Oh, intel has come knocking on my door? Lumian smiled and replied, I dont mind helping, but arent you afraid the Boss will be angry if he finds out?

Christo glanced at Lumian, then at Giant Simon beside him, and his tone turned cold.

If you keep quiet, and we keep quiet, the Boss wont find out.

Simons eyelids twitched, and he added, My thoughts align with Rats.

He didnt want to die on the next secret mission either.

Lumian pondered for a moment and grinned.

Alright, I can a.s.sist, but I cant guarantee Ill uncover the truth or find a way to avoid danger based solely on your descriptions. Also, I might make some small requests.

No problem! Rat Christo agreed without hesitation.

Todays encounter alone wouldnt have pushed him to this state. He had just escaped the mirror people incident, and his nerves were on edge.

Giant Simon also expressed his agreement. Then, he looked at Lumian and cursed himself softly,

He cleared his throat and said, Ciel, my Big Bro, I apologize. I wasnt too friendly before, and I even encouraged you to deal with Red Boots when you were new to the Savoie Mob and knew little about us.

Im a rough and unrefined guy. I cant say pleasant words, but I hope you can accept my apology. In the future, I, Simon, will follow your lead!

Wow, youve grasped the situation so quickly, and youre so humble This fellow is quite a talent Lumian pretended to be nonchalant and replied, Ive already forgotten about the past. Besides, have I targeted you or sought revenge recently?

With that said, Lumian added inwardly, Well, its mostly because Im too busy to bother with a mere mob leader like you

Simon breathed a sigh of relief, convinced that Ciel wasnt too petty.

Lumian smiled and questioned, Why do you call me Big Bro? Im much younger than you.

Simon smiled sheepishly.

Youre already a Sequence 7. In terms of strength, I should call you Big Bro.

Lumian couldnt help but jest, If you stick to addressing someone by their Sequence, will you have to call me Uncle once I reach Sequence 6?

Simon hesitated for a moment before clearing his throat.

If you wish

d.a.m.n it, isnt this guy too shameless? Is he like this even when talking to the Boss privately? Rat Christo turned his head in surprise and looked at the burly man, who stood more than 1.9 meters tall, as though this was the first time he had met this giant.

Simon continued, But I believe Ill reach Sequence 7 before you hit Sequence 6.

You must have just become a Pyromaniac. It might take years, even decades, to fully master the power of flames and withstand the next potion.

He was implying: Haha, I was just joking. Perhaps well both be Sequence 7s soon, and youll still be my Big Bro.

Upon hearing this, Lumians mind wandered back to the moment he had used invisible flames to burn Susanna Mattise to death, feeling the potion digesting a little inside him.

However, he couldnt be sure as he hadnt yet completed the first acting principle, making the degree of digestion unclear.

Combining past experiences and recent events in the market district, Lumian sensed that the first acting principle was close to being revealed, but it always fell short. His thoughts lacked clarity, and he had a feeling that he needed to wait for the right opportunity.

His mind then s.h.i.+fted to Gardner Martins possible covert observations and subsequent tests.

As a result, Lumian decided to postpone his plans to attend Mr. Fools bishops preaching at Lavigny Dock in the square district the day after tomorrow. He felt it would be better to wait until he pa.s.sed the test and officially joined the Iron and Blood Cross Order.

But what about my psychiatric treatment scheduled for tomorrow afternoon? Should I still go?

I believe my mental state and emotional control have improved over the past few days, but Ill need the two ladies to confirm it. Yes, they always use Psychological Invisibility. Madam Justice is a true demiG.o.d, so its unlikely for Gardner Martin or his subordinates to see her. As a Hunter, its normal for me to have an interest in studying plants. After visiting the botanical garden, Ill have a coffee and take a break. No one can accuse me of anything Lumian made a quick decision to continue the psychiatric treatment the next day.

However, before heading to Masons caf, he planned to spend two to three hours exploring the nearby botanical garden.

Once the carriage stopped at Salle de Bal Brise, Lumian went upstairs to enjoy a cup of coffee while watching Giant Simon and Rat Christo leave Avenue du March.

Around 4 p.m., he put on a dark wide-brimmed round hat and left the dance hall. His destination was Francas place at Rue des Blouses Blanches to discuss the peculiar mission and Gardner Martins behavior in the afternoon.

As Lumian strolled along Avenue du March, a sudden thought struck him.

If Boss is indeed sending someone to watch my actions during this period, he might think Im having an affair with Franca if I frequent her apartment on Rue des Blouses Blanches.

But maybe, as a Trierien, he wouldnt mind?

Right, theres already a rumor about me having an affair with Jenna. Im going to Rue des Blouses Blanches to find Jenna, not Franca. He wont be suspicious

Lumian calmed himself and arrived at 3 Rue des Blouses Blanches. He knocked on the door of Room 601.

Franca, who was wearing her usual blouse and light-colored pants, snapped, Why are you here again?

At that moment, Lumian noticed peculiar drawings on her facea t.u.r.d on the left side and a dark green turtle on the right.

Lost at cards? Lumian raised an eyebrow.

Franca had mentioned playing cards with Jenna and her dancers, involving strange punishments without money being at stake.

Franca glanced back and lowered her voice, Jenna has been in a bad mood lately. Im trying to find a way to cheer her up.

Lumian followed her gaze and noticed that Jennas face was also decorated with strange drawingsmoles and a pigs mouth. The lead dancer had similar marks.

In that case, Ill wait for you to finish, Lumian said as he entered the living room.

a.s.suming Ciel was there for Jenna, the lead dancer hurriedly got up, washed her face, and left Apartment 601.

Being in a better mood, Jenna teasingly asked Lumian, Are you here for me or Franca?

That came out wrong Lumian replied honestly, Boss a.s.signed me a strange mission, and I want to consult Franca.

Curious, Franca asked, What mission is it?

Lumian briefly recounted the noon encounter, including how he managed to keep Rat Christo and Giant Simon in check, making them follow his instructions.

Both Franca and Jenna were scared by the head-only trader and the headless monster, and they fell into silence for a moment.

After a few seconds, Franca clenched her teeth and said, Gardner Martin, that son of a b.i.t.c.h!

Whats wrong? Jenna didnt understand why Franca suddenly cursed the Boss.

Franca explained vaguely, I suspect this mission is Gardner Martins way of testing Ciel. He wants to see if Ciel is fit to enter the core group.

Dammit, f*cking h.e.l.l, Ive been with him for so long, and he still doesnt trust me. He doesnt even want to test me!