Mystery Detective of the Steam World

Chapter 517 A Visitor in the Night
"...Why did things turn out this way?"

The old butler's voice coming through the microphone was a little distorted, perhaps reflecting his current mood.

"How would I know? You should ask the Holy Bishop."

Li Wei declared that he wouldn't take the blame; in fact, the whole thing was caused by the Holy Bishop, and had nothing to do with him. He didn't open the Gates of Hell, nor did he break the seal…you agree, right?
"What is the current attitude of that saintess?"

“She is willing to continue assisting the Empire, and in my opinion, this young lady should be of great help to the Empire.”

"Oh?"

Li Wei wasn't lying. This era wasn't one of those ancient hero-driven empires, especially for empires. If they wanted to continue developing and reunify, they needed to comprehensively enhance the empire's power, not simply find a few strong individuals to bolster its image.

From this perspective, the addition of the Holy Maiden is undoubtedly the greatest benefit to the Empire.

Because she was an alchemist, and her greatest skill was the synthesis and manufacture of various substances, in Li Wei's view, this was simply the empire's greatest gain!
Although Li Wei wasn't an expert in this field, he knew that materials were the foundation of everything. In fact, many scientific ideas failed not because the theories were incomplete, but because the materials didn't meet the requirements.

For example, the idea of ​​a space elevator was first proposed by Russian scientists in 1895. More than a hundred years have passed, and the biggest problem restricting the space elevator is still materials.

Nuclear fusion is another breakthrough that everyone has been trying to achieve, but it has not been achieved after so many years, and one of the biggest reasons is also the lack of materials.

Putting aside such lofty science, let's just talk about what Li Wei wants now: he also hopes to build a spaceship like in science fiction. The Empire has coal, which is enough to provide fuel for its power, but the problem lies in the lack of suitable materials.

Similarly, the special alloys used for the mecha's outer shell, engine blades, steel cannons, and so on, all require the support of materials science to be truly developed. It's not something you can simply come up with in a lab and expect it to come to fruition.

Materials science is the most difficult science to produce results in; it's known as one of the four major pitfalls of biochemistry, environmental science, and materials science—once you're in, it's not easy to get out. Dr. Tester also told Li Wei that the biggest limitation of his steam power generation system, which he developed based on the technology of those alien monsters, was also materials. If the materials had better thermal conductivity or better wear resistance, he envisioned that the power of this energy system could be further improved!
Building a model of an aircraft carrier out of a metal shell is something anyone with a bit of handicrafts can do, but actually building an aircraft carrier is not as simple as just taking a piece of steel plate and welding it together.

As the most powerful alchemist of that era, the Saintess truly possessed many material formulas. In fact, according to her, she could even use alchemical techniques to specially process two materials to create entirely new composite materials.

She also has ways to refine and manufacture materials such as plastics.

Although Li Wei was not familiar with this part, just listening to what the Holy Maiden said, he could only marvel at how terrifying the ancient alchemy methods were, far more terrifying than any panacea or elixir of immortality.

It's a pity, though. The saintess said that back then, when heroes emerged in droves, it was basically like cultivating immortality—whoever cultivated the longest was the most powerful and awesome. Materials were only considered for forging weapons, equipment, or special items… Even Arthur never thought of using materials to improve the empire; at most, he would improve the tempering techniques of the empire's soldiers' armor and weapons…

It can only be said that it was a limitation of the times. But there was nothing that could be done. No matter how much a large group of soldiers improved their equipment, they couldn't deal with an enemy who could move mountains and fill seas with a mere gesture.

However, times change. At least in this era, there will not be a single person like King Solomon who could destroy an entire army.

Hmm... I hope it won't exist in the future.

Li Wei thought of the mutants in superhero movies, wondering if such people would ever appear in the world. If they did, how should they be dealt with?

But in any case, improving the overall strength of human civilization is never a bad thing.

As for whether mutants will appear in the future, we'll see when that happens.

Li Wei chatted with the old butler for a few more minutes. The butler said he would report the matter immediately. Satisfied at having gotten rid of the troublesome matter, Li Wei hung up the communicator, turned off the light, went to bed, and closed his eyes.

After an unknown amount of time, Li Wei woke up again.

However, he did not wake up naturally, but was startled awake by a pressure, like being paralyzed by a ghost—Li Wei opened his eyes and saw a dark figure sitting on him.

"…Miss Saint, what are you doing?"

By the moonlight, Li Wei looked at the saintess before him. She was wearing a shirt, and her long golden hair cascaded down her body, shimmering faintly in the moonlight.

Upon hearing Li Wei's question, the saintess tilted her head slightly.

"repay."

"……………repay?"

“You saved my soul from its seal, and it’s only natural that I want to repay you.”

As she spoke, the saintess placed her hands on Li Wei's chest and moved closer to him. Her deep blue eyes stared at Li Wei, containing a hint of moisture.

"In our time, it was normal for rescued girls to express their gratitude to heroes in this way. Isn't it the same now? Back then, Arthur would stay at the homes of the girls he rescued for several days afterward."

The amount of useless knowledge I've gained is too much; I have absolutely no desire to know any of Arthurian legend.

Li Wei silently cursed in his heart, "I never expected that Emperor Arthur would be this kind of person."

"And I'll help you even more..."

The saintess leaned close to Li Wei's ear and whispered something, her fragrance, like orchids, wafting past his ear.

"I heard you're the current captain of the Thistle Knights, right? So, wouldn't you like to become the ruler of the empire? I can help you achieve that goal. If you're willing, the entire empire, including everything else, will be yours..."

"This doesn't sound like something you should say."

Li Wei raised an eyebrow, looking at the saintess with surprise.

"Aren't you one of Arthur's twelve knights? Are you trying to incite me to rebel?"

"I am loyal to Arthur, not to the Empire."

The saintess chuckled softly.

"My feelings for the Empire aren't actually that deep. Besides, Arthur is dead. So, if you're willing..."

As she spoke, the saintess extended a finger and gently stroked Li Wei's chest.

"You too can become the ruler of an empire."

Li Wei stared at the saintess without saying a word. After a moment, he reached out and grasped her hand.

"I appreciate your kind offer, but I have no intention of doing anything so troublesome."

"You don't want to?"

Upon hearing Li Wei's answer, the saintess's eyes widened in surprise.

"If you become the ruler of the empire, then you can do whatever you want throughout the entire empire, right?"

"There's no such thing as a free lunch."

Li Wei curled his lip, scoffing at the saintess's words.

"If you want to run the country well, there will be endless troubles and it will be incredibly complicated. Of course, if you have no conscience and just want to enjoy yourself, this might not be a bad option. But unfortunately, I'm not that heartless. In my opinion, things are fine as they are now, without so much trouble."

Li Wei was speaking the truth. His current status and position were more than enough to satisfy him, allowing him to do what he liked and influence some of the empire's policies through his own power. In Li Wei's view, that was sufficient; becoming emperor would be no different from being imprisoned.

and……………

"Her Majesty the Queen once suggested that I marry Her Majesty the Princess, so you don't need to worry about that." If Li Wei wanted to be emperor or king, he could just agree without hesitation. There was no need for the Saintess to go through all the trouble of usurping the throne and rebelling.

Besides, if all else fails, Li Wei can always run away.

Now that he has the ability to control puppets at unlimited distances, he is no longer afraid of running away.

"I see..."

The saintess nodded thoughtfully, then bent down. Li Wei felt a sudden darkness before his eyes, and his breathing became rapid.

"........."

A moment later, the two slowly separated, and the saintess stuck out her tongue and licked the corner of her mouth.

"How are you? Do you feel a bit more energetic?"

"How could you..."

Li Wei looked at the saintess with a surprised expression. Just now, he could feel a scorching power surging into his body.

Not only that, Li Wei even saw that the countdown to his lifespan, which had been decreasing in front of him, had actually increased by several tens of minutes!
Moreover, a brand new prompt appeared in front of Li Wei's eyes from the system.

[Gaining an unusual ability—Life Absorption]

“I am an alchemist, and I am very good at treating illnesses. I can sense that although you look lively and energetic, your life force is much weaker than that of ordinary people.”

As she spoke, the saintess smiled and looked at Li Wei.

"Originally, I wanted to make you emperor, but it seems you have no interest in that, so I had no choice but to repay you in this way. Through this method, you can obtain a portion of the life force of other people... Of course, it doesn't matter if it's male or female?"

"So, what will happen to those whose life force I have absorbed?"

Li Wei ignored the Holy Maiden's teasing and instead frowned slightly as he asked, "What the Holy Maiden said reminded me of those evil cultivators I've read in novels... It's supposed to be a fantasy world, yet they're still playing these games?"

“You don’t need to worry about that. Most people can recover after a rest, a good night’s sleep, and some food. But you’re different… I can feel that your life force is decreasing most of the time, and only increases occasionally. It’s really strange.”

Actually, it will increase, but only after the task is completed.

So, the lifespan of ordinary people is different from mine? Hearing the saintess say that, does that mean that ordinary people only lose their maximum lifespan each day, and can recover their lifespan by eating and resting, but my lifespan is lost along with my maximum lifespan?

"Aren't you afraid that once I have this ability, I'll do whatever I want? Like capturing a whole bunch of young girls and draining their life force in order to achieve immortality?"

In games, this kind of ability is usually reserved for villains.

"That's your problem, not mine."

When Li Wei asked her question, the saintess simply smiled.

"This was originally just a gift I received by chance, but I never used it."

"That really surprises me; I thought you knew how to use it."

“I am an alchemist, I don’t need to use such crooked methods, and I don’t want to use this method to absorb other people’s life force.”

So that's how it is. For the Holy Maiden, this ability is considered cheating.

"Now, let me teach you how to use this ability..."

As she spoke, the saintess moved closer to Li Wei again, looking at him with a smile on her face.

"Don't worry, they can't hear anything from outside."

Faced with the saintess's invitation, Li Wei did not hesitate any longer, and soon he answered with his actions.

Then, the night passed.

When Li Wei opened his eyes again, it was already broad daylight, and there was a rapid knocking at the door.

"Sir? Sir!"

"What is it, Lieutenant Horn?"

Li Wei glanced at the saintess beside him, who was still fast asleep with her eyes closed. She had clearly been through a lot and hadn't woken up yet.

"The airships dispatched by the Empire are about to arrive."

"I understand, I'll go check it out."

"Ugh... what's going on?"

At this moment, the saintess opened her eyes and asked a question.

"The Empire's special envoy has arrived. Let's pack up and prepare to greet him."

"Ok."

The two quickly changed their clothes, then walked out of the cabin and arrived at the floating city's dock, where Katie was already waiting, looking impatient.

"How slow, Mr. Levi, why are you only getting up now?"

"I went to bed a little late last night..."

Li Wei glanced at the saintess, who remained calm, as if nothing had happened.

Why are you here?

"Hehe, you'll see when the time comes."

Katie made a face at Levi, then looked back at the dock. A moment later, a platinum-colored airship passed through the clouds and slowly docked at the floating city's pier. Levi then saw the hatch open, and a group of fully armed steam-powered soldiers stepped out and lined up on both sides.

Steam-powered soldiers?

Considering that Katie had unexpectedly come to greet him, Levi had a pretty good idea of ​​who the person coming was. They were likely royalty, and of high status, since ordinary people didn't have steam-powered soldiers as guards. Even for Levi, the steam-powered soldiers were a raiding party, not bodyguards.

But when he saw the other person come out, Li Wei couldn't help but be surprised.

He had expected Princess Louise to arrive, but it turned out to be...

"Your Majesty?"

(End of this chapter)