Lord of Mysteries: The Color of the Stars

owl?

Did the owl speak?

Julian frowned slightly, staring intently at the owl.

Perhaps influenced by Susie, the "Daydreaming Dog," he didn't feel out of place at all when faced with his own bizarre conjecture.

The owl ignored Julian's gaze and continued:

"Didn't Vladimir mention the batch of gemstones and minerals he obtained from the Eternal Night Plain a few days ago? There's a high probability that they contain polar pyroxene, but I don't know if the age meets the requirements."

Now that you mention it, it does seem to be true.

Vincent nodded upon hearing this, but after noticing Julian's strange expression, he suddenly slapped his forehead:

Oh, I forgot to introduce you.

"This is Grace. She was originally a medicine-making assistant to one of my 'beast tamer' friends. She is an owl with extraordinary abilities and intelligence... Now that friend has handed her over to me."

"Grace, this is Julian, a member of my clan, who fled from Lenburg to Rune."

"It's a snowy owl, not a common owl."

Grace shook her head and corrected her in a rather human tone.

"Hey, this is interesting."

Julian looked at Grace with a curious gaze. He knew that a "Beast Tamer" at Sequence 8 could help animals become extraordinary beings, which was unique among the 22 divine paths.

"Are you a supernatural being? What sequence are you?"

He asked the question.

"I am also a 'Beast Tamer'... It was Vincent who helped me find a Sequence 8 potion, which enabled me to advance."

Grace replied.

"Interesting. You are the second animal I know of that has taken a magic potion and become a superhuman."

Seeing Julian's curious expression, Vincent suddenly had a flash of inspiration and said:

"By the way, Grace, didn't you ask me to find a new home for your child these past few days? What do you think of this guy?"

"what?"

Julian paused, then looked at Vincent with a blank expression.

"Don't look at me like that. Don't you want a talking owl?"

Vincent pointed to the little owl resting with its eyes closed next to Grace:

"Because of Grace's special status, these little guys can all take Sequence 9 potions."

"Believe me, having an animal helper will make your life and work much easier."

"Especially owls, they need very little sleep and can fly, making them incredibly versatile."

"It's a snowy owl."

Julian frowned and spoke up for Grace, who looked dissatisfied, which made the snowy owl show a satisfied expression.

He then added:

"Regarding what you just said, well... it's not impossible, provided Grace agrees."

"You are a very polite gentleman, much better than Vincent."

Snowy Owl Grace spoke in a girlish voice:

"For that reason, you can choose one of my children, all of whom are capable of taking Sequence 9 potions... but please be careful not to choose dangerous paths, such as 'spy' or 'criminal'."

"Don't worry, I'll make the arrangements."

Julian had a thought, and following Grace's instructions, he chose the only male kitten among the three owls.

The dazed little guy was still half asleep and almost fell off Julian's shoulder.

"You can give it a name."

Vincent spoke up at the opportune moment.

"Let's call him Ethan."

In Ruen culture, "Ethan" is the name of a wise man, symbolizing integrity, endurance, and a sense of responsibility.

Given that owls are associated with "wisdom" and "insight" in the cultures of the Northern Continent, Julian thought the name was very appropriate.

"It's a very good name. Thank you on Ethan's behalf."

"Thank you too, Grace."

After exchanging thanks with Grace, Julian turned to look at Vincent again:

"Is that polar pyroxene you mentioned reliable?"

"It should be fine. Polar pyroxene from 2000 isn't too hard to find, it's just that the price might be a bit high."

"There are many people in Backlund who like to collect these colorful stones, and those that are over 1000 years old are very sought after... These can even sell for around £1000 at auction."

"However, through my channels, it can be obtained for around £700 including the agent fee."

In response to Vincent's words, Julian said:

"That sounds alright... but please try your best to lower the price for me, just until you think it's reasonable."

"You look really rich."

Vincent raised an eyebrow.

"A little, but not too much."

Julian waved his hand.

"Then leave a £200 deposit with me first, and come back tomorrow evening at 6 pm, then we'll settle the balance."

"No problem."

After reaching an agreement, Julian turned and left with Ethan the owl, then found a nearby hotel that allowed pets to stay.

The next morning, Julian left Ethan at the hotel and then headed straight for the meeting place with "Justice".

Julian had previously informed Audrey through a prayer with Mr. Fool that he had sent someone to bring the main ingredients for the "Psychiatrist's" potion to Backlund, and mentioned that the package would most likely arrive at its destination before 2 p.m. today.

Considering Audrey's aristocratic lifestyle, Julian judged that she would only be available to pick up the goods between 2 pm and 4 pm, when her parents were not at home.

The delivery address left by Audrey was a cargo storage area outside an office building, which Julian judged to be likely owned by the Hall family.

After putting his packed package in the storage area, Julian turned and left, then went to a coffee shop across the street and ordered a pot of Dipsy coffee.

Bathed in the afternoon sun, Julian sipped his coffee and gazed at the office building across the street.

Although it is taboo for participants to meet "offline" at a secretive gathering of extraordinary individuals like the "Tarot Club," it doesn't stop Julian from taking a peek at Audrey's true face from the sidelines.

After all, the original work mentions that this "righteous" lady's appearance is comparable to that of a high-ranking witch, and Julian is very curious whether this description is true.

At approximately 3:46 p.m., he indeed saw a slender and graceful figure appear on the street corner.

It was clearly a young girl wearing a brown cloak, about 168 centimeters tall.

The girl seemed a little nervous. She walked quickly but gracefully towards Julian's direction.

Even through the cloak, Julian could vaguely make out her exquisite nose and lips, as well as her loose, flowing golden hair and perfect figure.

"This is Audrey... Even though I can't see her whole face, she's really beautiful."

He couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

But before Julian could admire Audrey for even a few more seconds, he spotted a furtive figure lurking behind her, following her at a distance that was neither too close nor too far.

He was a young man, handsome, with blond hair and blue eyes, and tall and thin.

Julian recognized him the moment he saw him.

"Is this the young man I saw outside Vincent's shop last night?"

At that moment, his eyes narrowed slightly.