hotmtlnovel Chapter 101 Libraton
Chapter 101 Libraton
"It's not just the 'Eternal Silence Church,' but also the 'Shield of Watchers' that we're cooperating with."
Upon hearing Violet's words, Suren was stunned.
"What's this? Two of the four major churches have betrayed us?" Suren couldn't help but feel a little strange.
"However, they won't openly break ties with the other two churches; they'll just offer some other forms of assistance. You're not qualified to know the specific details yet."
Violet waved her hand and looked at Elisa, saying, "Elisa, arrange a spare guest room for him and inform him of some precautions."
After saying that, she sat back down at the table, ignoring the three of them, and began to peruse the files in front of her, refocusing her energy on her work.
Elisa bowed and then took her leave with Suren and the other two.
Returning to that brightly lit corridor, Suren's heart was far from at peace.
"Violet is definitely hiding something. With such unclear information, I'm in a very passive position right now."
Suren sighed inwardly, "My strength is still too weak. I need to hurry up and improve it."
"Then come with me, Mr. Suren," Elisa said with a polite smile.
Afterwards, led by Elisa, Suren went up a long staircase and arrived at the second floor of the castle.
Suren followed behind Elisa, listening to her explain some of the rules and general organization of the Eternal Oath Knights.
Suren knew, of course, that the other party was hiding something, since he was just a collaborator and there were many inside stories that couldn't be told to him.
"That's a general overview of the division of labor within the Eternal Oath Knights. Also, there's something I need to tell you."
Elisa's tone suddenly became much more serious at this point. She looked earnestly at Suren and said, "By joining the Knights, you must abide by the Knights' four oaths!"
She solemnly began to recite:
"My sword protects those who cannot protect themselves."
My words measure truth and justice.
I swear to bind our alliance with blood and honor.
"My will is to restore the old oath and rekindle the glory."
Etherine, standing to the side, also wore a solemn expression.
Although Suren didn't take it to heart, he couldn't show it directly, and could only silently criticize the Knights' doctrines.
"The so-called oaths are nothing but tricks to control members, just like the so-called corporate culture of those unscrupulous companies in my past life..."
After Elisa finished reading, Suren said with a smile, "But I'm not an official member, so I shouldn't need to take an oath, right?"
"You certainly don't need to take an oath, but I still suggest you look into it."
Elisa tilted her head and reminded her, "After all, you might be working with other members in the future, so it doesn't hurt to get to know them."
Suren remained noncommittal, ceasing his discussion on the topic and instead inquiring about other matters: "Ms. Thorne, besides the Fate Weavers, are there any other civilian organizations?"
"How much do you know about grassroots organizations?" Elisa didn't answer, but instead threw out a question.
Suren pondered for a moment and said, "I don't know much. In my memory, the ones that are considered important are the 'Gate of Truth,' the 'Night Owl Brotherhood,' the 'Mist Exchange,' and the 'Golden Dawn Knowledge Society.'"
"You know quite a lot." Alyssa nodded approvingly. "However, the 'Night Owl Brotherhood' and the 'Mist Exchange' are just underground business associations; they don't have much real power."
As for the "Golden Dawn Knowledge Society," it was established too late, has little accumulation of knowledge, and even has very few awakened members; it can only be considered a third-rate organization.
Suren asked instinctively, "What about the Gate of Truth?"
"The Gate of Truth..." Elisa's expression became much more serious. "This organization is quite mysterious. What's most terrifying is its infiltration. Its members are distributed in every corner of the city, usually disguised as intellectuals."
Even we were infiltrated by them, but fortunately, the leader discovered the threat in time and eliminated the traitors who had infiltrated.
Etherine, wiping her mouth, said, "However, we also thwarted several missions of the Gate of Truth afterward, which can be considered as a way of avenging our previous defeat."
Upon hearing this, Suren couldn't help but mutter to himself, "It seems the conflict between the Eternal Oath and the Gate of Truth is almost irreconcilable."
"However, the Gate of Truth has become quite active lately, which isn't good for us." Alyssa suddenly sighed, "The Gate of Truth seems to be supporting weaker smaller organizations lately, I wonder what they're plotting..."
A thought struck Suren: 'That classical wisdom society's ceremony was held under the guidance of the Gate of Truth...'
In an instant, Suren made many connections. He even suspected that his time travel was related to the Gate of Truth, but then he thought that the other party didn't seem to have that much power.
At this moment, Elisa was of course unaware of Suren's inner thoughts. She continued, "Aside from these organizations, there are basically only second-rate organizations left, such as the Ancient God Research Association and the Rusty Rail Merchant Guild."
In reality, there are very few truly powerful organizations; most are just second-rate, mediocre groups.
"Is it because of the Church's suppression before the Age of Rift?" Suren countered.
Elisa nodded, then suddenly said, "We're here."
Suren was taken aback, only then realizing that they had unknowingly arrived in front of a door.
Elisa pushed open the door and led Suren into the room.
The room was much larger than Suren had imagined, and it was fully furnished with bedside tables, wardrobes, and other furniture, making it much better than the hotels Suren had stayed in before.
"It's getting late, Suren, why don't you stay in the guest room for the night? As for what happens after that..."
Hearing Elisa's words, Suren smiled and said, "Actually, I'd like to settle in Libraton temporarily. If possible, I'll leave tomorrow."
"Oh well."
Elisa nodded. After all, this was Suren's private matter, and she shouldn't pry. However, she still smiled and said, "Let Etherine take you into the city tomorrow, since you're unfamiliar with the area."
Just as Suren was about to refuse, Alyssa continued, "Libraton is a very big place, you know. If you were to do it all by yourself, you might not even be able to find a place to rent on the first day."
Seeing this, Suren turned around and, seeing that Etherine didn't seem to have any objections, stopped refusing and agreed to the other party's arrangement.
……
As night fell, Suren lay in bed, still pondering the events of the day.
According to Violet, the reason she tried to win me over was because of Casper's prophecy, but that reason is too vague and cannot be fully believed.
"And she said her goal was to overthrow the church's rule and establish a truly orderly kingdom?"
Suren couldn't help but scoff, thinking to himself, "Given the current supernatural system of this world, what happens after the Church is overthrown? It's just a transformation from a Church that pursues equivalent exchange to an Eternal Covenant Knights that pursues oaths. There's no difference between the two."
"Unraveling the truth behind the power is the most important thing. Cooperation with the Eternal Oath is simply a matter of mutual benefit; we must remain cautious."
After making up her mind, Suren immediately began to think about her next plan.
According to Suren, things should be done step by step, and the housing problem should be solved first tomorrow.
As for his public profession, after much deliberation, Suren decided to use a secondhand dealer as a cover, while secretly taking on commissions under the identity of "Twilight Removal Agent".
"After all, to advance, one must constantly experience events. Only by becoming an agent can one avenge Karl and Professor Derwent!"
……
The next day, at the eastern gate entrance of Librardton.
Suren, disguised as Karen Dantès, stands behind Etherine, who is in disguise, as she speaks with the priest guarding the gate.
After Etherine provided the proper entry permit, Suren and Etherine were able to enter Libraton.
"The Eternal Covenant Knights are indeed quite powerful; they even managed to obtain proper entry permits for the city."
Suren sighed inwardly, but it made sense, since the "Eternal Covenant Knights" had already made connections with both churches, so getting the entry permit was a piece of cake.
Following behind Etherine, Suren finally stepped into Libraton, the capital of the "Prince of Equilia".
Upon entering the city, Suren was immediately captivated by its prosperity.
The eastern entrance to the city seems to connect to the central district, so it is much more bustling here, with all kinds of shops on both sides, and well-dressed gentlemen and ladies can be seen everywhere on the roadside.
Suren noticed a railway track installed on the road, and in the distance, a makeshift steam train was heading towards him.
Its shape resembles a miniature steam train, except it lacks the heavy locomotive and instead has a simpler, miniature version of the locomotive. Overall, it looks more like a uniquely shaped steam bus.
Suren was not surprised by this product that was ahead of its time. After all, the Church was even capable of advancing technology to the electrical age, but they were simply unwilling to do so.
Etherine nudged the dazed Suren with her elbow: "It's time to go, Karen. You'll have plenty of time to enjoy this later. We need to hurry and get to 'Sevier's Agency' now."
Suren had already told Etherine about her plan to open a secondhand shop on the way here, and Etherine took the opportunity to arrange a rental for Suren.
The church did not monopolize the rental and sale of houses, but left it to the nobles. "Sevier's Agency" was a relatively well-known agency in Libraton.
Since the distance wasn't far, the two didn't take a steam bus but walked instead.
After crossing a street, Suren noticed a towering building in the distance.
Because they were far apart, Suren could only see the towering top of the tower, but even from the tower, one could tell that the building was extraordinary.
Noticing Suren's gaze, Etherine also turned to look, then said with some disgust, "That's the sanctuary of the Libra Church."
Suren understood and secretly memorized the location of the building before continuing to follow Etherine.
Suren then asked with some curiosity, "Are you very familiar with Libraton?"
"Of course, after being adopted by my mother, I studied in Libraton and was often active there afterward," Etherine answered frankly.
Suren knew that the activities Etherin was referring to were assassinations and intelligence gathering, after all, she was the deputy of Elisa, the head of the "Shadowweavers," a department under the "Eternal Oath Knights." Of course, it would be natural for Etherin to become the head of the "Shadowweavers" after she was promoted.
As for the fact that she and Violet were adoptive mother and daughter, Suren was not surprised, after all, the difference in their appearances was too great.
Before long, the two arrived at "Sevier's Agency". The building was even more luxurious than the most luxurious hotel that Suren had seen in Loren Town, making Suren feel like a country bumpkin.
The two entered the agency, which wasn't crowded.
Soon, Su Lun and his companion were led by a waiter to meet a well-dressed white-haired gentleman who introduced himself as a senior employee of the agency.
"So, sir, do you have any special requirements for the house you want to rent? What is its purpose?" the employee asked kindly.
Suren pondered for a moment and said, "The main purpose is to open a shop, and it also needs to accommodate my housing needs. There are no special requirements for the location, but it would be best if the neighborhood was safe; I don't want to be constantly harassed."
"Of course, sir. Our Severia Real Estate Agency is a high-end agency. The worst houses we sell are in the St. Woods area, where the safety is absolutely guaranteed."
The employee seemed very confident about this, and then he asked, "Excuse me, what kind of shop do you own? More details will allow me to recommend a more suitable property."
"There doesn't seem to be any need to hide it..."
With this in mind, Suren replied, "I am a collector, but I prefer antique items, so I plan to open a flea market. It doesn't need to be too big; just enough to satisfy my personal collecting desires."
"Haha, you've come at just the right time." The employee laughed, took out a map from the drawer, and pointed to a location: "A few days ago, a secondhand dealer contacted us to transfer the shop. He also said that the furniture in the shop is for sale as well, and the furniture price is only half the market price."
He paused for a moment, then said with a somewhat obsequious smile, "However, the rent in this location might be a bit higher."
"Price isn't the issue, the key is that it's suitable." Suren didn't care. After all, he now had over 4000 pounds in assets. Although he might be a little short of money to buy extraordinary materials, he could still afford to rent a place lavishly.
Suren carefully examined the map and found that the location the other party pointed to was in the Breton district, which was very close to the Upper Town and Clay Lane, so it could be said to be a good location.
Before coming, Etherine had explained the area distribution of Lebraton to Suren. Lebraton is basically an area where the middle class lives, while Clay Lane is an area where the working class lives.
"Yes, the location might not be suitable for others, but it's perfect for me."
Suren weighed the pros and cons in her mind: "According to Bald Toby, although the Mist Exchange doesn't have a fixed location, it's usually in slums and working-class areas to avoid the church, so I'll definitely have to travel back and forth frequently."
However, Suren was still somewhat uneasy, and he asked again, "Why does that secondhand dealer want to transfer ownership of the shop?"
"He said it was because his mother was sick and he didn't have time to take care of her at the moment."
Seemingly to allay Suren's suspicions, the employee added, "By the way, that secondhand dealer has a batch of goods that he said he didn't have a chance to take away, which can help you get through the initial receiving stage."
The employee's words only made Suren more wary: 'There's no such thing as a free lunch. This sounds increasingly suspicious.'
After thinking it over, Suren, wanting to be on the safe side, said, "I'm planning to go and check it out in person. Is that convenient?"
"No problem, sir! I'll take you there right now!" The employee stood up immediately, after all, in his eyes, Suren had already become a major customer.