Mystery: The Last Shepherd

Chapter 39 Employment Commission
After successfully using the goddess's power to create the slumbering spell, Luze fell into deep thought. Not because he was depressed about becoming a follower of the goddess, but because he was analyzing the reason for the rapid absorption of his potion.

A cryptic person is someone who prays to a hidden being.

Was it because praying to the goddess of secrecy for power, which fits the name of the potion, that it was digested so quickly?
No, it's not just that.

Lu Ze recalled carefully that the moment the potion was rapidly digested was not when he was praying, but the instant he received the goddess's response and attention.

Yes, praying is just an action; the true purpose of praying is to receive a response from a hidden being!
The key point is—to establish contact with the hidden existence!

He quickly recalled the name of the Sequence 8 potion, "The Listener".

First pray to the hidden being to establish a connection, then listen to the voice of the great being and become a believer—that's how this path works, and it all makes sense!

So, could we change the object of our listening to a goddess? Would that give us hope of advancing to Sequence 8 instead of becoming a fanatical follower of the true creator?
In an instant, Lu Ze's thoughts raced, and a bright path seemed to appear before him, making him unable to contain his joy. Although it might not succeed, having hope was always a good thing.

So his happy mood continued into the next day, and he was all smiles even while eating.

"Lu Ze, has something good happened?"

Rosanne couldn't help but ask.

"That's it."

Lu Ze laughed and tore off a piece of bread, dipping it into the vegetable soup.

This meal was considered a work lunch. Since it was inconvenient for them to go home for lunch, they ordered food from the Old Wells Restaurant across the street, which was then delivered by a waiter.

Because he had official business to discuss, Dunn went to a meeting with the captains of the Mechanical Heart and the Punishers. Klein, on the other hand, went to the Divination Club for lunch. Including those on vacation, those on duty underground, and those who hadn't finished their work, in the end, only he, Leonard, Rosanne, and Frye were having their working lunch in the lobby.

Frye was cold on the outside but warm on the inside, and rarely spoke, so it was just the three of them chatting casually. The midday sun was lovely, and sitting in the spacious hall, eating and chatting, was a pleasant and leisurely experience.

"So what exactly makes you so happy? Did you get a large sum of money from somewhere again?"

Leonard said jokingly.

"No, I'm just happy thinking about going to the theater with my sister this weekend."

Lu Ze smiled and brushed it off.

He always felt that Leonard was different. Whether it was through verbal probing or his daily behavior, he seemed certain that Luzer was extraordinary. Not only that, he always had the confidence of someone who was the protagonist of a story, and he was relaxed and at ease in front of anyone.

"Going to the big theater to see a performance is wonderful!"

Upon hearing this, Rosanne said with envy and longing, "I haven't been there in ages! It's awful. Work drains all my energy, and even on my days off, all I want to do is sleep in bed. Why haven't any new office staff joined yet? I need someone to save my dark circles!"

"At this point, you should think about those who rarely need to sleep."

Leonard tapped his chest and laughed.

“Sleep is a gift from the goddess, I should be happy.” Rosanne gave Leonard a resentful look, then looked at Luzer, “So when your sister goes to the show, she’ll definitely wear a pretty dress, right?”

"A skirt? I didn't notice. She probably only has two regular skirts."

Luze casually replied that they bought those two dresses when they first moved. Cecilia said that buying expensive ones to go to school would be too conspicuous, so she only bought two simpler dresses.

He was taken aback when he saw Rosanne's expression.

"Only the skirts you usually wear?"

She asked, enunciating each word clearly.

"Uh, right?"

Lu Ze sensed something was wrong. Rosanne's chest heaved as she took a deep breath.

"Mr. Luzer Lundauer, do you think it's appropriate for a beautiful young woman in the prime of her life to wear only a very ordinary dress on a day like going to the theater?"

"It doesn't seem appropriate."

After thinking for a moment, Lu Ze replied honestly.

He almost forgot that in this world of limited entertainment, going to the theater has become a highly ritualistic affair. Many middle-class families, even if it costs a lot, will maintain appearances and dress appropriately to attend such elegant events.

Although Lu Ze felt that clothes were just clothes and performances were just performances, based on common sense, not preparing a nice dress for his younger sister was indeed a dereliction of duty on his part as an older brother.

—Especially since he's not short of money right now.

“It’s too late to order a custom-made one,” he said thoughtfully. “Then let’s just take her to buy one that’s readily available.”

"Buying in-stock items directly might be very expensive."

Is anyone here?

An angry voice suddenly rang out, interrupting Rosanne's words. The group looked up and saw a woman in a gorgeous dress striding in. She was somewhat older, with a slightly plump figure, and her face was filled with undisguised anger.

"Madam, is there anything I can do for you?"

Leonard stood up first and bowed to the woman.

The woman, who was initially furious, first swept her gaze across Leonard's face, then lingered on Luzer's face for a moment. Her angry expression softened considerably. "Hmm, do you have any capable people here? I need some help."

A capable person?

Lu Ze thought for a moment before realizing what was going on. Oh right, this place officially claims to be a "security company." Security companies in Rune's area probably handle bodyguarding, escorting, investigations, and some of the more dangerous work. So, looking for "capable people" is a euphemism, implying that the work might involve illegal or gray areas.

But we are actually regular night watchmen.
Just as Lu Ze was about to refuse, Leonard cheerfully spoke up, "That's right, ma'am, we are certainly very capable, but I wonder what you need us to do?"

Upon hearing his question, the woman's face, which had just softened, turned fierce again:
"Catch them in the act!"

Mrs. Pound, who works at the dockside logistics company, recently suspected her husband was having an affair because the other woman was frequently coming home late and her attitude towards her had become increasingly hostile. Growing increasingly suspicious, she had a huge argument with her husband and, still seething with anger, went out to find a private investigator. By chance, she ended up with Blackthorn Security Company.

"Is it possible that your husband is just busy with work?"

Luo Shan, who was eating melon seeds nearby, asked curiously.

“Impossible!” Mrs. Pound denied categorically. “I have solid evidence.”

"What evidence?"

Rosanne pressed for an answer.

"He's been eating out less often, and the portions aren't as large!"

Mrs. Pound said indignantly.

Lu Ze pondered those words for a few seconds before finally realizing what this formidable woman was saying.

"puff!"

Even the usually composed Frye couldn't hold back and spat out his entire mouthful of black tea.

(End of this chapter)