Lord of Mysteries

Chapter 102 The Fabric Merchant

Klein thought about it more and more and it seemed very likely; otherwise, who would borrow those journals for no reason?

"Hmm, the study of the ancient ruins of Mount Hornachis is such a niche field that, apart from the relevant lecturers and associate professors, most enthusiasts probably haven't even heard of it. Even the original owner of this body, a history major, only learned about it from the Antigonus family notes... Although Tingen is a university city, there shouldn't be too many people interested in this... Even if there are, they're mostly on university campuses, so there's no need to go to the Deville Library to borrow it..."

"Most importantly, the borrowing time just happened to be recently..."

"Now that I think about it, there really is a problem. I wasn't perceptive enough at the time to think of it... Sigh, it seems I don't have the talent to be a detective or play Sherlock Holmes..."

As his thoughts raced, Swain, the owner of the "Dragon Bar," asked in bewilderment:

"Is there a problem?"

Because there were other customers and bartenders around, he could only ask general questions.

"No problem. I was just thinking about how to investigate this gentleman. You know, Haynes Vancent died at home." Klein had already prepared his explanation.

He didn't want the "scapegoats" to also become interested in the ancient ruins of the Hornachis peak.

"Vancent is a fairly well-known fortune teller in Tingen, and he often comes to my place." Swain, as expected, was brushed off, and recalled, "Thinking back carefully, the gentleman in the portrait did indeed come with Vancent at first..."

"That's exactly what I want to know. Did you remember his name?" Klein immediately pressed.

Swain chuckled and shook his head:

"I won't ask my customers' names or identities unless I already know them, like old Neil."

"Okay." Klein deliberately feigned a hint of frustration.

Whether Swain knew or not was irrelevant to him, because he could investigate at the Deville Library.

Borrowing books from a privately donated library inevitably leaves personal information, and such information is highly credible!

It's worth noting that Klein only managed to get his library card because of a letter of introduction from a senior associate professor with his official seal.

Even if that gentleman forged the information, there's a high chance he left clues that could help me with my divination... Klein watched Swain walk toward the bar, then thoughtfully entered the billiards room.

He didn't rush to the Deville Library to investigate, intending to complete the purchase first. After all, no one could say for sure whether there would be any dangers or if there would be any need to use ritual magic.

After passing through several rooms, Klein entered the underground trading market, where there were very few stalls and customers, clearly indicating that it had not yet reached its peak.

He had just taken a step forward when he suddenly saw Admitso, the "monster" who had said he smelled of death, standing in the corner.

The pale-faced young man, whose unfocused eyes held a terrifying madness, also noticed this and looked over.

Their eyes met, and Admisor suddenly covered his face with his hands, frantically leaning against the corner of the wall, moving step by step.

He quickly moved to the side door and staggered out.

"Is this really necessary? It's just that I almost blinded you last time... but I didn't do anything... Honestly, it's like I'm some kind of demon." Klein's expression stiffened slightly.

He shook his head and smiled, no longer thinking about the "monster," and went to the stall that had been set up, where he began to select and buy things purposefully.

Half an hour later, Klein had spent most of his savings, amounting to several pounds.

After counting the remaining 3 pounds 17 soules in his pocket, he stroked the metal bottles in the small inner pocket of his black trench coat with a mixture of heartache and satisfaction.

"This is the 'Amanda' hydrosol that Ms. Daly used."

"This is a mixture of bark and leaves from the dragon-patterned tree."

"Essential oil extracted from the deep sleep flower."

"Dried chamomile petals."

"This is the 'Holy Night Powder' that I just made myself using the ingredients."

……

Klein repeatedly recalled the contents of each small pocket to avoid being flustered and unable to find the materials he needed in an emergency.

Relying on his special abilities in the mysterious realm, he quickly completed the memory and stepped towards the exit.

Suddenly, he caught a glimpse of a somewhat familiar figure out of the corner of his eye.

This is a young lady wearing a light green, light long dress. She has smooth, shiny black hair, a round face, long, narrow eyes, a sweet appearance, and a gentle temperament.

Was it the lady who was trembling abnormally last time? She certainly seemed fine now... I didn't expect her to be a fan of the occult as well... Klein slowed down, pondered for a few seconds, and finally remembered who she was.

He had to admit that, apart from "Justice," whose appearance he couldn't see clearly at the moment, this young woman was the most beautiful girl he had seen since he transmigrated to this other world.

A sweet and gentle young lady stood in front of a stall selling books on occultism, and somewhat rudely half-squatted down, her fingers tracing over an ancient book.

The ancient book had a cover made of dark black cardboard, with the words "Book of Witches" written on it in Hermes.

"It contains records of witches' black magic. Although I haven't dared to try it myself, some people have, and it is indeed effective," the stall owner said, seizing the opportunity to promote his wares.

The gentle and sweet-looking lady hesitated for a few seconds before saying:

"What kind of image does a witch have in your mind?"

"A witch? An evil one who brings disaster, disease, and suffering," the stall owner replied after a moment's thought.

Klein didn't hear their conversation because he had already walked quickly out the door. He was in a hurry to get to the Deville Library, to finish everything and go home to make dinner for his brother and sister, tomato oxtail soup.

…………

Backlund, Crown Racecourse.

Audrey Hall, dressed in a white gown with mutton sleeves, ruffles, and lace at the chest, stood in the VIP box, gazing at the horses galloping at full speed.

She wore a veiled hat adorned with blue ribbons and silk flowers, and light-colored gauze gloves. Her gaze was aloof and distant, as if she were unable to engage with the lively occasion.

Just as the horse crossed the finish line, her friend, Viscount Grelint, approached and whispered:

"Audrey, you have a different kind of beauty every time I see you."

"Is there something you need?" In the past, Audrey might have briefly indulged in the other person's praise, but now, she could tell from Grelint's words and expressions that her friend had ulterior motives.

Grynt, who inherited the title at just twenty years old due to his father's early death, was a slightly thin young man. He glanced around and chuckled softly:

"Audrey, I have met a true extraordinary being, an extraordinary being who does not belong to royalty."

You always say that, and you always disappoint me… Audrey looked straight ahead and spoke with an elegant smile:

"Really?"

"I swear on my father's name, I have witnessed his extraordinary power," Grylint replied softly.

Audrey wasn't as excited about this as she used to be, because she herself was now an Extraordinary, but considering the need to avoid arousing Grynt's suspicion, she widened her eyes, forced a surprised smile, and asked in a trembling voice:

When will I be able to see him?

Well, it would be good to meet other extraordinary individuals; I can't bring every little thing to the Tarot meeting to solve... Besides, I need my own resources, resources I can exchange with Mr. Fool and the Hanged Man... Not everything can be solved with money... Sigh, after sending out that thousand pounds, I need to be more frugal...

Grynt was pleased with Audrey's reaction and looked out at the racetrack, saying:

"Tomorrow afternoon, there will be a literature and music salon at my home."

…………

Inside the Deville Library.

Klein took out his identification and badge from his pocket and placed them in front of the administrators.

"I am a trainee inspector from the Special Operations Unit of the Ahowa County Police Department. I have something I need your cooperation in investigating," he said in a deep voice, recalling the police dramas he had watched before.

The administrators looked through the identification and badges, exchanged glances, and nodded, saying:

"Officer, please ask your questions."

Klein read out the names of journals such as *New Archaeology*, and concluded by saying:

"I need the borrowing records for these periodicals, from the last two months."

He discovered that one of the librarians was the same person who had served him before, but the person clearly did not recognize him.

"Okay, please wait a moment." Several administrators got busy and quickly found the most recent borrowing records.

Klein carefully flipped through the pages, searching for the names of the journals he had borrowed.

There weren't many such names, only one. He borrowed the journals several times, and the ones he borrowed basically included the ones that Klein knew. The earliest borrowing record was at the end of May, and the most recent one was last Saturday, the day before Haynes Vancent died.

Klein ran his fingers over the borrower's information, memorizing it thoroughly:

"Sirius Arepis, a cloth merchant, lives at number 19, Halls Street..."

(End of this chapter)