Mysterious: The Innate Sacred Body of Destiny

Chapter 390 I Will Protect You

"Hugh, you and Fors did the right thing."

Seeing Hugh's slightly worried expression, Lorne affirmed their actions and spoke gently.

"After I became famous, various forces paid close attention to me, which was unavoidable. A commoner hero who suddenly appeared, saved the Duke, and quickly became famous," it would be strange if the authorities didn't investigate his background.

At this point, Lorne sighed softly and shrugged helplessly: "That's why I chose to go on a business trip to avoid the limelight a while ago —"

"It seems being a celebrity is tiring," Hugh sighed, able to imagine the feeling of being watched by countless eyes.

"Hmm." Lorne nodded slightly, his gaze becoming deep. "Hugh, just follow the plan you discussed with Fors."

5"

"The official investigation is unlikely to be over anytime soon, but they probably won't be focusing too much attention on you."

"Although it's possible they already know we're friends and are trying to gauge my reaction, they'll still be interested in information related to me. That's something we can use."

"You should provide the other party with some information at appropriate times, mixing truth with falsehood. I'll also provide you with some exclusive information that can't be found in public but is ultimately unimportant; you give that to the masked man."

"Okay. But—really, there won't be any problems?" Hugh was still a little worried, after all, this might be playing with fire with the official intelligence agencies.

"Don't worry, I will choose the content carefully." Lorne smiled confidently.

"Moreover, after thinking about it, there are quite a few advantages to doing this." He held up two fingers.

"Firstly, it will help you complete your mission smoothly. Some little-known information can help you increase your value and status in the eyes of that masked man."

"That way you'll be able to get more valuable and better-paying tasks in the future, and earn more money."

"Secondly, it might also mislead the official investigation to some extent, making them think that I have no more secrets to uncover."

"Anyway, let's just hold back for now and wait for this storm to pass. Xiu, for safety's sake, try to avoid going near my factory these days, lest you attract attention."

"Okay, I understand." Hugh nodded seriously and kept those words in mind.

Seeing Hugh's serious expression, Lorne said sincerely, "Hugh, thank you for trusting me so much. I know that you took on quite a bit of risk by accepting this commission."

Hearing Lorne's earnest thanks, Hugh's face flushed even redder, with the tips of his ears turning a light pink.

Her gaze darted around, avoiding Lorne's eyes, and her voice was softer than usual: "We're friends, after all. Besides, Scott, you've helped Fors and me a lot, and I sometimes want to repay you."

"Yes, we're friends," Lorne chimed in with a smile.

The two chatted for a while longer, and Lorne told her some things about the "Fool" and reminded her to be careful.

"That...that evil god, does it really have followers?" Hugh recalled the terrifying feeling of being watched back then, and his body couldn't help but shrink back.

"Yes, at least in Backlund, there have been rumors about it lately." Lorne nodded.

"What if He comes after me again—" Hugh was still somewhat afraid. That level of existence was simply beyond the capabilities of a mere Sequence 8 like her.

"Probably not. If there were any major disturbances, the three major churches would have already taken action. Besides—" Lorne lowered his head, looking directly into Hugh's eyes, and said earnestly, "If that evil god really comes looking for you again, I will protect you."

Hearing this promise, Hugh's heart skipped a beat. Surprise, relief, and a strange, indescribable flutter—a mix of emotions made her cheeks flush uncontrollably once more. She quickly lowered her head, staring at her toes, and whispered, "Okay—"

After exchanging a few more words, Lorne took his leave. He had originally wanted to see Fors one last time, but considering that she hadn't woken up by the end, and that disturbing a lady's beauty sleep would be very impolite, he had no choice but to ask Hugh to give her his regards.

However, he didn't rush back. Instead, he carefully checked the area around the rented house for a while to make sure there were no extra eyes watching before leaving with peace of mind.

"That'll do—"

On his way back, he found a red mailbox on the street and mailed a reply he had prepared beforehand.

That was an offer letter to Benson Moretti.

Loggert Arms Factory, office.

"Sherlock, I've troubled you to run errands for me again."

Lorne looked at Klein, who was acting as the "messenger," and gave him a polite but slightly apologetic smile.

He later secretly went to see Charles again, and the two talked a lot about the trading company and signed a number of new supplementary agreements.

The basic structure of the company was set, with Lorne as the boss and in control. Charles, on the other hand, would invest discreetly in a private capacity, becoming a behind-the-scenes shareholder who would not participate in day-to-day management but would provide channels and advice.

Since neither of them is suitable to appear in public frequently, Charles has brought in Klein to serve as a messenger again.

"I didn't expect that you, Mr. Scott, would already be back from your business trip. There hasn't been any word about it in the newspapers yet," Klein said, somewhat surprised.

"Yes, I just got back a few days ago, and the outside world doesn't know yet. I'm really fed up with those nobles' endless invitations, and I want to relax for a couple more days," Lorne said mysteriously, his eyes slightly narrowed.

"So, you have to keep this a secret for me."

"I've always kept my mouth shut." Klein nodded, then, as if suddenly remembering something, couldn't help but joke, "By the way, did any noble ladies send you love letters this time you came back?"

"Uh—" Lorne paused for two seconds, then chuckled helplessly.

"Yes, there are quite a few."

"I'm already thinking about whether to pretend I didn't receive it or write a polite rejection letter. Just imagining writing so many letters makes my wrist hurt."

"Why not try meeting them? Maybe—"

Klein was unusually indulging in some gossip, but before he could finish speaking, Lorne waved him off.

"Stop, stop, stop. You're not even married yet, so don't worry about me. I want to enjoy my single life a few more days."

"As Emperor Roselle once said, single people are the freest and happiest."

"If you're really that interested, I can introduce you to someone."

"A detective as brave, intelligent, and gentlemanly as you is actually quite popular with girls."

Rosell said that too? Klein was a little confused, but he also understood the joking tone in Lorne's words and decisively waved his hand in refusal. He was joking; in his current state where he could run away at any moment, how could he dare to be in a relationship?

"By the way, Sherlock."

After waiting a moment, Lorne hesitated before changing the subject: "Do you—have connections with the church?"

"I guess so —" Klein replied ambiguously.

"Do you know anyone in the Church of the God of Steam and Machinery? I mean, someone of a certain rank, someone you can talk to."

"I know him." Klein nodded without denying it.

He recalled the "Mechanical Heart" butler, Ikonser, whose sexual orientation seemed somewhat off, when they were investigating that demon case together.

I was even forced to use the magic mirror called "Arods" once, and I was almost asked about some incredible secret.

Because the collaboration went relatively smoothly, they exchanged contact information midway through. Of course, after learning that the other party had issues with their orientation, he even went to the Gray Fog to have his fortune told, and only felt a little relieved after confirming that the other party didn't have any "special" thoughts about him.

"Could you introduce it to me?" Lorne asked.

"I can, but can you tell me why?" Klein was a little curious as to why Scott suddenly wanted to get involved with the "Church of Steam and Machinery".

"I own several machine factories, and I've recently been working on some new equipment, so naturally I need help with some technical issues in the field of mechanics. I'd like to establish some technical cooperation with the Mechanical Church."

That's a reasonable explanation. But I always feel that your faith in the "Goddess of the Night" isn't as devout as it's advertised.

Plus, I heard you have a good relationship with the "Storm Church"—you seem to have the potential to be a "traitor"—Klein thought to himself.

"Uh—the butler I know probably isn't directly responsible for this technical aspect. But—" Klein pondered.

"Given your current fame, I think he would be happy to help make the connection."

"Then I'll have to trouble you."

"However—" Klein looked at Lorne meaningfully and said, "If that butler does anything special to you, or is overly enthusiastic—that's none of my business."

Given Scott’s recent fame and appeal, as well as Iconsel’s peculiar “hobbies,” Klein felt it necessary to state a disclaimer in advance.

"what?"

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