Lord of the Mysteries

As Klein walked down Zouteland and while taking in the warm, humid breeze, he suddenly realized something.

He only had three pence of change. If he returned to Iron Cross Street via public carriage, it would cost him four pence. If he were to hand over a one-gold pound note, it would be akin to using a hundred-dollar bull to buy a bottle of cheap mineral water back on Earth. There was nothing wrong with that, but it was just quite awkward to do so.

Should I use three pence to travel three kilometers and walk the rest of the journey?Klein reached into his pocket with one hand as he slowed down his pace, considering other solutions.

That won’t do! Soon, he rejected the idea.

It would take him a while to walk the remaining journey. Considering how he was carrying twelve pounds—a massive fortune—it was not safe!

Furthermore, he had deliberately not brought the revolver with him, afraid that the Nighthawks would confiscate it. If he were to encounter the danger that instigated Welch’s death, there was no way he could fight back!

Get some change from a nearby bank? No, no way! There’s a 0.5% processing fee. That’s way too extravagant! Klein shook his head silently. Just the thought of the fees involved pained his heart!

Having ruled out one solution after another, Klein’s eyes suddenly lit up when he saw a clothing shop in front of him!

That’s right! Wouldn’t the normal course of action be to buy something appropriately priced to get some change? A formal suit, shirt, vest, trousers, leather boots, and a cane were all within budget. They had to be bought sooner or later!

Oh, it’s very troublesome when fitting clothes. Besides, Benson knows more about this than me and he’s better at bargaining. I should consider it only after he’s back…Then should I buy a cane? That’s right! As the saying goes, a cane is a gentleman’s best choice of defense. It is half as good as a crowbar. A gun in one hand and a cane in the other is the combat style of a civilized person! After debating internally, Klein made up his mind. He turned around and entered the clothing shop, Wilker Clothing and Hats.

The clothing store’s layout resembled the clothing stores on Earth. The left wall was filled with rows of formal attires. The middle rows were decked with things like shirts, trousers, vests, and bowties. On the right were leather shoes and boots placed inside glass cabinets.

“Sir, may I help you?” A male salesperson dressed in a white shirt and red vest came over and asked politely.

In Loen Kingdom, rich and powerful gentlemen of high standing enjoyed wearing black suits comprising of white shirts matched with black vests and trousers. Their colors were relatively monotonous, so they required their male servants, salespeople, and service attendants to dress more brightly and colorfully, in order to distinguish themselves from their masters.

In contrast, ladies and mistresses wore dresses of all kinds in glamorous fashions. As such, maidservants would wear black and white.

Klein thought for a moment before answering the male salesperson’s question. “A cane. Something that’s heavier and harder.”

The kind that can crack the skulls of others! The red-vested salesperson sized up Klein furtively before leading him into the store. He then pointed at a row of canes in the corner. “That cane inlaid with gold is made of Ironheart wood. It’s both very heavy and hard, and costs eleven soli seven pence. Do you want to give it a try?”

Eleven soli seven pence? Why don’t you go rob a bank! Big deal with the gold inlay!Klein was shocked by the price.

With an unperturbed expression, he nodded gently. “Alright.”

salesperson took down the Ironheart wood cane and carefully handed it

it heavy. He tried moving with it and discovered that he could

shook his head in

an excuse! The salesperson took back the cane and pointed at another three

This is made of ebony wood and inlaid with silver. It’s an hard as iron, costing seven soli six pence… This is made from the core of a white boli tree and also inlaid with silver, costing seven

then tapped them with his fingers to gain an understand of their hardness. Finally, he chose

take the one made from ebony wood.” Klein pointed at the cane with the silver inlay which

the future, if this cane is scuffed or stained, you can hand

the four gold-pound notes from his tight grip and removed two

seven soli six pence.” The cashier behind the counter greeted with a

planning on maintaining his gentlemanly image, but when he extended his hand with the one-gold pound note,

costs are very high.” the salesperson beside him answered. “Since our boss isn’t here, we are unable to lower the

the counter added,

handed the note over and received the black silver-inlaid

he took a few steps back and distanced himself from them. He swung

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

sounded heavy when the cane sliced through

prepared to see notes and coins, but was appalled to see the red-vested salesperson retreating far away. The cashier behind the counter had retracted

semi-regulated policy on firearms. To possess a firearm, one needed to apply for an all-purpose weapon usage certificate or a hunter’s license. Regardless of which type, one

firearm, but earning the certificate was extremely troublesome. Even merchants of substantial standing might not be approved. A hunter’s license was relatively easy. Even farmers in the suburbs could receive approval.

wary salespeople as the corners of his mouth twitched. He chuckled dryly. “Not bad. This

he had no intention to assault them, the cashier behind the counter relaxed. He handed

and saw two five-soli notes, two one-soli notes, a five-pence coin, and a one-penny coin. He could not help

and unfurled the four notes towards the light to ensure that the anti-counterfeit watermarks

when he was done. With the cane in hand, he tipped his hat and walked out of Wilker Clothing and Hats. He extravagantly spent six pence by taking a short-distance trackless

he counted the eleven pounds and twelve soli notes thrice before placing

brass bullets fell onto the table when Klein inserted the silver demon hunting bullets which had complicated patterns and

misfires. The remaining rounds were placed together with the five ordinary bullets in

place,

and buckled it securely. Then, he repeatedly practiced unbuckling and drawing the gun. He rested whenever his arms ached, and this continued until sunset when he heard the sounds of tenants walking

before putting his revolver

vest. He wore back his usual brownish-yellow

He heard the sound of nearing footsteps before the twisting sound of an inserted

Her nose twitched a little as she swept her gaze towards the unlit stove. The