The past was built upon collecting unique characteristics.

"When you advance to the second stage, what comes with it is 'inherent ability,' the specific form of which will depend on your destiny and etheric qualities."

"What changes the third stage and higher levels will bring is beyond my knowledge," Earl White said frankly, shaking his head.

"The path to advancement for each extraordinary destiny is a unique secret, held by different forces or organizations, and rarely known to outsiders."

Mori quietly processed this vast and complex information before asking the last, and most important, question.

"So how exactly does one obtain extraordinary abilities, or rather, destiny and ether?"

Upon hearing this question, Earl White suddenly chuckled, appearing much more relaxed.

"Hehe, that depends on your choice. Every organization or force will have a different approach."

"The Church's path to 'grace' requires obtaining God's favor through special rituals, the Royal Family's 'honorable ranks' require 'signature,' and as for the 'disciples' controlled by our family..."

He paused here, as if considering whether to reveal more, but ultimately revealed some of it.

"It opens the path by 'witnessing' certain things. Please forgive me for not being able to go into the details, as this is a family secret."

Morian nodded in understanding; the answers he received today far exceeded his expectations.

He only remembered to taste the coffee in front of him after talking for a while. When he picked up the cup, the liquid inside was already slightly cold, but the aroma was still there. He took a sip and the bitter taste immediately melted in his mouth.

That's why I prefer drinking tea... Morian thought to himself.

"I can only give you a general overview. If you want to know more details, you can attend more extraordinary gatherings." Earl White spoke calmly and patiently, "Those gatherings are usually held in underground locations. Participants exchange information and trade items, but you'll have to judge the authenticity of some copies or fragments yourself."

"Of course, choosing to join an organization means losing a certain degree of 'freedom.' While gaining protection, you also have to bear corresponding responsibilities. I believe you understand that."

That's why he didn't rashly join the church. Morian nodded thoughtfully.

He had indeed considered the shortcut of acquiring extraordinary knowledge through the church, but ultimately abandoned it, choosing instead to seek other opportunities to access the extraordinary.

While large organizations can certainly provide resources and protection, for someone like me who harbors secrets and is accustomed to being unconventional, maintaining the status quo may be the wisest choice.

"I heard from Charlotte that your firm is recruiting an assistant?" Earl White suddenly changed the subject.

"Yes, what's wrong?"

The sudden turn of events caught Morian off guard.

"What do you think about having Charlotte as your assistant to help with the investigation?"

"...Huh?" He was speechless for a moment, his brain not processing it.

"It is precisely the time for her to go out and gain experience," Earl White's smile deepened. "This is also the expectation that the family, including myself, has for this child."

Morian opened his mouth, unsure how to respond for a moment. His gaze fell on the coffee cup in his hand, where a ring of dark brown coffee stain remained on the cup, like a mark of some kind of destiny.

"You don't need to worry too much about Charlotte's abilities. She is capable enough to protect herself and won't be a burden to you during the investigation."

The count before him, Charlotte's father, seemed to have misunderstood his silence.

Indeed, I have seen it, but that's not what I'm really worried about... Morian chuckled awkwardly.

"I appreciate your trust, but I simply don't have enough savings to pay my assistant's salary right now, and the firm's income is unstable."

The most practical issue, and also a premise that must be clarified.

Unexpectedly, Earl White was taken aback at first, then let out a soft laugh, as if to say, "This is not a problem at all."

"No salary is required." He waved his hand. "I will give her a monthly allowance for personal expenses, which is enough to cover all the expenses of your daily investigations."

"To be honest, what that child cares about more than money is experience and growth, and being able to actually do something."

No need to pay salaries, and stable operating funds—is there really such a good thing?

"Your Excellency, have you consulted Miss White about this matter?" Morian couldn't help but ask.

"Of course I asked her; in fact, she was the one who brought up the idea to me."

"She said that during her brief time with you, she felt a rare sense of pleasure and understanding." Earl White looked at Morian with a smile, which made Morian feel a little uneasy.

Since the other party had gone this far, he had no choice but to shut up.

Given Charlotte's abilities, she is definitely an assistant who far exceeds the required standard. What's more, she doesn't need a salary every month, so what is there to complain about?

"I understand," Morian said with a resigned expression. "If Miss White doesn't mind the firm's simple conditions and is willing to assist as an assistant, then I naturally welcome her."

"Well then," Earl White stood up, his movements calm and elegant, and extended his hand, "it seems like a pleasure doing business with you, Detective?"

Morian quickly stood up to show due respect, shook the other person's hand, and responded earnestly:

"It's a pleasure working with you, and I will do my best."

The handshake lasted for a moment, then the two released each other simultaneously, with Earl White walking to the door first, as if to see the guests off.

"Are you going back to Bet City now? Or will you stay at the Earl's mansion for the night? I have plenty of rooms here, so arranging them won't be a problem."

Morian declined without hesitation, picking up his suitcase and top hat from beside the sofa: "Thank you for your kindness, but I'm more used to going back to the firm, and besides, I have some things to take care of."

That's true, but not the whole story.

Spending the night in an unfamiliar noble residence can be quite uncomfortable. While it may be manageable for short periods, maintaining proper etiquette at all times can feel restrictive for those accustomed to solitude.

Earl White didn't try to persuade him to stay, but simply nodded understandingly: "I look forward to seeing you again, Detective."

"Me too, Your Excellency the Earl."

Morian responded by taking off his hat, bowing, and then turning and walking out of the reception room.

The door closed gently behind him, and a maid walked in front of him, leading him out of the mansion and arranging for a carriage for his return journey.

Only after Morian's figure had completely disappeared from sight did Earl White slowly walk to the window, watching the carriage travel along the flower-lined path and disappear at the end of the road.

After a long while, he sat back on the sofa wearily, raised his hand to rub his temples, and looked no longer like the composed and elegant nobleman, but more like an ordinary father worried about his daughter.

Only the head maid, Ava, remained standing in the spacious reception room.

"Aren't you curious," Earl White sighed heavily, his weariness barely concealed, "wondering why I felt comfortable letting Charlotte go out to gain experience and become a detective's assistant?"

Ava stood by, hesitated for a moment, unsure whether to speak, but finally gave a brief and respectful reply.

"Yes."

This answer seemed to have been expected by the Count. His gaze did not fall on Ava, but lingered on the empty flower-lined path outside the window.

"I just wanted to take the gamble, however good it might be."

"In order to deviate from her fate as a 'gardener,' I, this incompetent father... could only make such an attempt."