Mysterious: The Innate Sacred Body of Destiny

Chapter 386 Scott's Mistress

Inventors Club, Tingen.

Because we unexpectedly found the patent for the bottle-making machine here, and other investigations in Tingen have also been completed.

With nothing to do, Lorne decided to treat this period as a rare vacation, and this club, filled with the smell of engine oil, became his most frequent place to relax lately.

"The transmission structure of that feed port definitely needs improvement. The current design relies too much on gravity and is prone to jamming."

""

"The overall design concept is fine, but in order to adapt to mass production, this part of the connecting rod must be reinforced."

At a long table covered with blueprints, Owens was enthusiastically discussing improvements to the bottle-making machine with Lorne. Although Owens was a self-taught inventor, his intuition and ingenuity in solving practical mechanical problems were outstanding, and Lorne learned a lot of useful tips from him.

At the same time, through the introduction of Owens, a "local", he also got to know many other members of the club.

"Mr. Disenke, look, this is the peeler invented by Mr. Itt, it's quite interesting—" Owens enthusiastically introduced a slightly reserved man beside him.

He was a thin man with deep-set eyes.

He is also the one who is transferring the patent for the peeling machine.

"Anthony It," the man introduced himself somewhat nervously.

"It's a very interesting design, but it feels impractical," Lorne commented, looking at the design sketches. "Could you add some other features?"

"For example, cutting into chunks or slices? Can we bring them together? Or—not considering human power, but using steam power instead?" "Yes," Itte said eagerly.

"Actually, there are already some slicing and dicing machines on the market, but I've always felt they're too bulky. I can try to integrate these functions into a compact drive system."

"But that would require redesigning the molds and cutting tools—and if it's machinery used in a factory, it would take me some time."

Then, he raised his head, his eyes filled with longing: "Give me some time, and I'm sure I can do this job well—"

"Furthermore, I have traveled to Backlund before and am very familiar with the area—"

He glanced subconsciously at Owens, who was beaming beside him, then looked at Lorne with hopeful eyes; the meaning couldn't be clearer.

He also wanted a job in Backlund.

Upon hearing this, Lorne frowned slightly.

It seems that Owens, with his big mouth, couldn't help but say something to his inventor friends.

"Seriously, aren't they afraid of losing their jobs?" he thought to himself.

However, to be honest, this kind of machine that can efficiently process food is indeed very practical.

This kind of machine is incredibly useful for anything involving food processing or production. Whether it's making pickled products, canned fruit, or—potato chips.

That's right, potato chips.

Since we've decided to start a soda factory, how can we forget about the perfect snack that goes best with "happy water"?

Although fried foods similar to potato chips existed in this world very early on because of Emperor Roselle, they were basically made to order in family workshops or restaurants.

There is no truly industrialized and standardized production of snacks yet. This is a huge, untapped market gap.

While large-scale frying technology remains a problem—it's always good to first develop a practical food processing machine.

Moreover, it's not just about potato chips. The ability to process food on a large scale is also strategically significant for canned goods production. Now he's in the arms business; who knows, in order to expand his supply chain, he might even start producing military rations in the future.

With a soda factory already built, building a snack factory or food processing plant doesn't seem like a difficult task.

From arms to soft drinks to snacks—Lorne suddenly felt his business empire was expanding in a strange direction.

However, just because someone came this time doesn't mean they'll be talented every time.

After thinking for a moment, he didn't agree immediately, but stood up and said, "Excuse me, I need to go to the restroom."

After entering the empty cubicle, Lorne took out a hard currency and tossed it upwards.

The coin tumbles in the air and lands heads up in the palm of your hand.

Looking at the divination results, Lorne straightened his collar and returned to the hall.

"How long will it take you to get that integrated slicing and dicing system working?" he asked directly, looking at the anxious Itt.

"Six months—no! If it's fast, a few months will do!" It said through gritted teeth.

"Hmm," Lorne said slowly.

"I can give you this opportunity."

Upon hearing this, both Itt and Owens showed joy on their faces.

But the next second, Lorne changed the subject.

"I know what you're thinking, Mr. It. I also know what Owens told you."

His cold gaze swept over the two of them, instantly cooling the previously excited atmosphere.

"I can pay you an advance as a guarantee for the materials and basic living expenses of your prototype development. If your design meets my requirements within the agreed timeframe, I will buy it and provide you with a corresponding job with a salary no less than Mr. Owens's."

"but----"

Lorne leaned forward slightly and lowered his voice.

"I don't want this to be a chain reaction where I hear you can help find a job, so I give it a try."

This is not a refuge for down-on-their-luck inventors.

Seeing their faces turn somewhat pale, Lorne's tone softened slightly: "Of course, as long as you can produce something of real value to prove your abilities, I will not be stingy with gold pounds."

"Mr. Owens, I think we should sign an agreement. I don't want to see a bunch of people coming for interviews when I go to Backlund."

"Yes—yes! I understand."

17

Backlund, an office in MI9.

"Hayr Macht".

Wearing a gray uniform, Elvi flipped through the documents in his hands while listening to his subordinates' reports.

"Yes, according to our investigation, this is the woman James Scott has had the most public contact with."

"Although there is no conclusive evidence, we believe that her relationship with James Scott is definitely not ordinary, and she is very likely his lover."

"A lover? Tell me more." Elvi looked up.

"Yes," the subordinate quickly added, "Although James Scott manages that women and children's aid fund, he himself has hardly visited it since the foundation began operating."

"Hayr Macht handled almost all the day-to-day management and fund allocation."

"It is particularly noteworthy that the distribution of those remarkably effective potions this time was also entirely under the responsibility of this Miss Hazel Macht—"

"The fact that James Scott entrusted something so important and prestigious to a young woman who was not a relative speaks volumes."

"Go on," Elvi said, tapping her fingers lightly on the table.

"Hayr Macht's father is Mauri Macht, a member of the House of Commons."

"Lower House—" Elvi showed little expression, only slightly raising an eyebrow to signal his subordinates to continue.

"He had been in contact with James Scott for several months. According to the investigation, he appears to have used his connections to help Scott sell a batch of weapons to the military."

"Furthermore, Maurice Macht himself frequently visits that foundation to help out, and even personally participates in the distribution of supplies, accumulating considerable notoriety in the East District. It's clear he wants to build momentum for his upcoming political elections and seek further advancement."

"Each gets what they need, right?" Elvy nodded. They had confirmed that James Scott's rescue of Duke Negan was an unexpected accident. Although he now seemed closer to the conservatives, his previous identity as a factory owner and his beliefs clearly leaned towards the New Party.

It's perfectly reasonable for MP Macht to want to use the "Eastern Hero's" fame and his daughter's relationship with him to pave the way for his political career.

Although Senator Macht's current situation may be somewhat awkward due to the Negan affair, Scott's "hero" image is still very valuable. Moreover, the fact that he has never publicly and explicitly taken sides makes him a highly sought-after figure for both factions.

"Their relationship has never been publicly acknowledged—at least neither of them has ever mentioned it in public. This is evidence that we believe they may be secret lovers."

"Is it possible that they are simply partners? Or that they are just mutually benefiting?" Elvi countered.

It's understandable that Senator Macht wanted to gamble on his political career and his daughter's future, so he chose to work with James Scott, who wasn't that famous at the time.

Although they are no longer in the same league, this was a very likely scenario a few months ago.

As the owner of a small factory, it's logically understandable that he would try to curry favor with the congressman's daughter to gain access to resources and connections.

"We can't completely rule out that possibility, so we've done some side investigations," the subordinate replied, clearly prepared.

"Through some means, we learned from one of the maids in the Macht family that James Scott had some emotional friction with Hazel Macht at the Macht family mansion —"

"It is said that the atmosphere was very subtle at the time. The two stayed in the room for a long time. When they came out, Miss Hazel's expression was strange, as if she was both angry and shy."

"At least the servants, and even Maurice Macht and his wife, seemed to tacitly accept the ambiguous relationship between the two."

"And they even danced together at a previous charity gala."

"Is it possible that they are secretly dating?"

"We've had our doubts, but given their current relationship and James Scott's current fame and status, it's unlikely."

"After all, he is a big shot now, and many old-school nobles and bankers also have their own ideas about him."

"From a profit perspective, this is not worthwhile."

"Hmm," Elvi murmured.

"The feelings between young men and women, oh—is it just a fling—?"

"Well done. Continue the investigation. See if Hazel Macht and Scott have any more clandestine ways of meeting."

"While you're at it, also investigate whether James Scott has any other lovers."

After his subordinates left, Hervé looked at the pile of documents in front of him and fell into deep thought.

"You like women? That's true, heroes are men too, especially young men—"

"We could try starting from this angle—"

"And—Morley Macht."

Elvi's gaze shifted to another file.

"Want to advance further in politics? — An ambitious but powerless New Party member."

"You could try making contact."