Mystery: The Last Shepherd

Chapter 161 The Queen's Reward

Because of the manuscript, Luze and Sophia were led to a throne woven from pea vines.

Though called a throne, it actually looked more like a comfortable hammock. Slightly above their eye level, it only allowed Luze to see the top part of the black boots—a white, tiered skirt with a girlish style draped naturally, concealing her legs.

The combination is a bit odd, but it works surprisingly well.

Lu Ze thought to himself.

He didn't look up to see the owner of the boots, but stared straight ahead, waiting for the other person to speak first. He could feel a gaze sweeping down on him, lingering on him for a moment.

That gaze seemed to pierce through his body, reaching right to his deepest depths.

"Ok?"

After scrutinizing him for a moment, the other person suddenly uttered a soft question, "A lucid Mystic Path Extraordinary?"

Discovered by her!
How did she figure that out?!

Lu Ze's heart tightened suddenly, and he almost jumped up. But immediately, he activated the illusory tide to protect his consciousness, which allowed him to quickly regain his composure.

All of the above actions were completed in a very short time. In Sophia's eyes, he only swayed slightly, and even after his sequence was exposed, he did not react excessively.

"Oh right, they said you were a 'shepherd'!"

Sofia seemed to recall something, "I used to call you 'Mr. A'."

"I am not Mr. A."

Lu Ze immediately retorted. Because the moment she uttered that name, the gaze above her seemed to turn extremely hostile, and if she didn't explain, who knew what she might be done to. "I don't believe in a true creator, that guy is just a madman who talks nonsense."

As always, they directly and forcefully denigrate the true Creator, quickly and powerfully proving that they are not His followers.

"A sober shepherd who has reached Sequence 5?"

On the throne, the Queen's voice was tinged with curiosity, "How rare! Including you, I've only ever seen two people this lucky. How did you manage to do it?"

"Well, this is because of some unexpected events."

Lu Ze chuckled dryly, not intending to explain.

"You don't want to talk about it? That's understandable."

The lady on the throne spoke calmly, knowing that Lu Ze was hiding something, but she did not use her power to force him to speak.

There was a moment of silence, and the atmosphere became so quiet that it was impossible to breathe loudly.

"By the way, Your Majesty, we have come to present the manuscript you requested."

Sophia quickly broke the silence, stepping forward and speaking. She turned back, gesturing for Luze to retrieve the item. An invisible servant floated over, took the manuscript from Luze, and presented it to the Queen.

Lu Ze saw the manuscript fly from the servant's hands, floating automatically in the air, each page standing upright and laid out in order for the other to examine. The Queen quickly scanned the manuscript, muttering numbers and formulas under her breath, seemingly verifying its authenticity.

She can still understand these things.
Lu Ze thought to herself. That's true; someone might forge the manuscript to deceive her—if someone were bold enough.

“Yes, it is indeed Hermoshuain’s manuscript.”

She confirmed it.

At that moment, Lu Ze could feel a sigh of relief coming from Sofia beside him.

The manuscript pages were carefully folded away, received by invisible servants, and taken directly away. It seems the Queen is determined to win this deal.

“I’ll offer £5000, or exceptional materials of the same price, or some troubles I can resolve for you.”

She said so.

£5000!
Luzer was stunned by the enormous number. Even if he split the money with Sofia 30/70, he would still get 3500 pounds, which was a huge sum of money, enough for an ordinary person to live a luxurious life in Backlund.

Even if you don't take the money, if you exchange it for other corresponding items, it will be equivalent to a Sequence 6 extraordinary item!
Lu Ze was still thinking about what to change when he saw the red-haired girl next to him excitedly step forward.

"Your Majesty, I would like to obtain the Hunter's Path Sequence 7 and Sequence 6 potion recipes. It would be even better if you could provide the corresponding potion main ingredients!"

She said excitedly. Hmm?
Lu Ze couldn't help but glance at the other person.

She actually wants something like this?

Judging from Sophia's numerous extraordinary items and the aura she exudes in her words and actions, she must be a descendant of an extraordinary family with a rich heritage. How could someone like her lack such low-level potion recipes and materials?

“按照市场价格，序列7的魔药配方800镑，序列6要1500镑。对应的魔药主材料一件各600镑和1500镑。”

The Queen's Way.

There are two main ingredients for the potion, meaning that obtaining both would cost 1200 pounds and 3000 pounds respectively.

Upon hearing the exorbitant price of the potion, Sophia, who had been excited, froze. After a few seconds, she looked at Luze beside her with a hint of resentment, her eyes conveying the message: "If it weren't for you, I could have taken all of these."

Lu Ze smiled noncommittally, "Selling just one of your extraordinary items will suffice."

"Do not sell!"

The other person said angrily, turning their head away and refusing to look at him.

"Aren't you guys together?"

"The Queen asked."

So Luze explained briefly that the manuscript was obtained by both of them together, with an agreement to split it 30/70. According to the contract, Sophia would receive 30% of the 5000 pounds, which is 1500 pounds, only enough to buy two sets of Sequence 7 main ingredients or a Sequence 6 potion recipe.

“Your Majesty, I am willing to pay an additional 500 pounds, adding to my 1500 pounds, for a total of 2000 pounds, in exchange for the complete Hunter's Path Sequence 7 potion recipe and extraordinary materials.”

Sofia said, seemingly having made up her mind.

"can."

The owner of the black boots gave a few instructions, and then an unseen servant came forward and led her to the back to retrieve the necessary items.

"And you, what do you want? Money, extraordinary items, or some help?"

After seeing Sofia off, the Queen asked Luze again.

Lu Ze thought for a moment.

Do you want money?
As for money, I'm not particularly short of it for the time being.

Luze had received several hundred pounds from that noble lady last time, which was enough for him to live on. Besides, he estimated that he would be staying at Sequence 5 for a long time and didn't have an immediate need to buy Sequence 4 potions.

Currently, he has two main problems: his mental state and Lanius. The former often leaves him half-mad, while the latter, carrying the offspring of an evil god, undoubtedly harbors deep hatred for the one who caused him to become this way.

Among these, mental health issues are the top priority to address.

But how credible is this queen?
If I ask her to help me with my mental health issues, she will inevitably try to pry into my mind and may expose my peculiarities. If she discovers my peculiarities and takes the opportunity to steal from me, will I be able to resist?
Lu Ze hesitated.

He's already been scammed once, so he's bound to be cautious.

How about choosing an extraordinary item? 3500 pounds, which is roughly equivalent to a Sequence 6 item. It's not particularly strong, but it's not particularly weak either. Wait a minute.

Suddenly, an idea struck him.

Yes, I wonder if there are any extraordinary items that can treat mental illnesses. That way, I could heal myself while avoiding direct exposure.

"Your Majesty, I wish to obtain extraordinary items through the audience pathway."

Lu Ze spoke up.

Are you seeking treatment for your mental state?

Without a second thought, the Queen asked directly.

　Thank you to reader Orison_H for the 1100 Qidian coins.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)