Mystery: The Witch of Desire

Emily smiled and shook her head, took out her wallet from her handbag, and took out her saved salary to pay the bill.

"It's rare to find such a perfect fit, so consider it a gift from me. Besides, a suit can be worn for a long time, and you're an adult now."

Emily practically emptied her wallet; all the salary she had advanced from Mr. Teyvat was spent on this suit.

Looking at her earnest and radiant appearance, Levi didn't refuse any further, feeling a warmth in his heart.

After packing their formal attire, the two left the clothing store and slowly walked along the street toward the public carriage stop.

As they passed a softly lit jewelry store, Reeves suddenly stopped, his gaze falling on Emily's smooth neck, and he chuckled softly:

"It's not enough for me to dress up properly; you have to dress up beautifully too."

Chapter 85 Ms. B's Promise

As he spoke, he led Emily into the store, where they browsed among the rows of exquisite jewelry illuminated by the lights, finally settling on a sapphire necklace with a simple yet elegant style. The pendant was a small crescent moon, with a tiny sapphire set in the center, exuding a subtle yet perfectly tasteful luxury—understated yet captivating.

"This one suits you perfectly."

"I speak softly," Levi said, raising his hand to fasten the necklace around her neck. The gleaming silver chain gently brushed against her delicate skin, the crescent pendant dangling in the hollow of her collarbone, swaying slightly with the rise and fall of her chest. The sapphire shone with a warm and deep luster in the light, making the lines of her neck appear even more slender and graceful.

Emily leaned closer to the mirror, looking at her radiant reflection with anticipation. A smile unconsciously crept onto her lips, and her eyes were filled with joy. But when her gaze fell on the price tag, her expression immediately froze, and a clear hesitation appeared on her face.

This necklace costs a whopping three pounds and fifteen sols! That's almost as much as the suit I was wearing earlier.

Levi didn't give her a chance to refuse. He went straight up to pay, raised his hand to gently fasten the necklace clasp, and only withdrew his hand after confirming that it was securely on.

Emily watched his actions, her lips moving as if she wanted to stop him several times, but ultimately remained silent. Only after Reeves paid and turned away did she look at him with a hint of reproach and heartache, gently complaining:

"We're really living a luxurious life today."

Levi laughed:

"We're all still young, what's wrong with indulging a little?"

Emily returned a gentle, joyful smile. The two returned to their lodgings together, had dinner, and then practiced ballroom dancing. Compared to his awkward and clumsy appearance the night before, Levi was now much more skilled, his steps steady, and his coordination with Emily was becoming increasingly seamless.

After finishing his ballroom dancing practice, Levi went back to his room and browsed through the books he had borrowed from the library for a while, studying Jason's occult notes. As night deepened, he turned off the lights and went to bed.

The next morning, after Emily finished breakfast and got ready, she prepared to head to Mr. Teyvat's house.

“I’ll be back around four o’clock this afternoon, and then we’ll go to Mr. Tewat’s house together for the party.”

She said this to Levi as she straightened her skirt.

A hint of confusion flashed in Reeves' eyes:

"In that case, why don't you just stay at his house? You can come out and pick me up when I arrive. Wouldn't that be more convenient?"

Upon hearing this, Emily couldn't help but chuckle softly.

“That’s not in accordance with high society etiquette. Since this is our first time attending a party at Mr. Tewat’s house, there should be a formal family visit. Oh, and we should bring a suitable gift. Could you buy a bottle of wine? Around 2-5 sols will do.”

As Levi listened, the corner of his mouth twitched slightly. The rules of high society were indeed tedious and headache-inducing.

"Okay, I'll go buy the wine."

After Emily left, Rivero packed up and returned to the hotel where he had changed clothes last time, where he changed into women's clothing.

Afterward, he headed to the Sail Tavern in the dock area to confirm that Danitz had not left any new intelligence or information.

There are about five days left until the day that Mr. Tewat's important shipment, as Danitz mentioned, arrives at the port.

Reeve walked to the bank and looked out at the wide, rushing Tasok River. Cargo ships filed through the locks one after another, docking and loading/unloading at the wharf in a noisy yet orderly manner.

During this period, the Hyena Gang has been unusually well-behaved and has not caused any new trouble.

Everything seemed to be brewing calmly, quietly waiting for the day Mr. Teyvat's cargo ship would arrive at the shore.

"I wonder how the official investigation by the Extraordinary Ones is going? Have they uncovered any problems with the Riverside Theater?"

Levi stood silently on the shore for a while, enjoying the breeze, before turning and leaving the dock area to head towards the Flamingo Bar.

After arriving at the Flamingo Bar, Levi passed through a secret passage and arrived at Ms. B's secluded room.

She was sitting there flipping through a book, and she didn't look up when Levi came in, as if she was already used to his presence.

Reeves was not displeased by Ms. B's coldness, but instead spoke sincerely:

“Ms. B, I’m going to Mr. Teyvat’s party tonight.”

Ms. B looked up and said with a hint of mockery:

"What, have you changed your mind? Do you want me to teach you ballroom dancing?"

Levi shook his head:

“I’m afraid something unforeseen might happen, so I hope to get your help if I encounter any danger.”

Upon hearing this, Ms. B sighed and stood up:

"You need to understand that our relationship is merely that of a superior and subordinate in a secret organization. I am not your mother or sister, and I have no obligation to take care of everything for you, understand?"

Levi didn't speak, but just stared at her calmly.

Ms. B sighed again, turned around and walked back to the table, took out a small mirror from the drawer, and handed it to Levi.

"If something happens, I will sense it."

Levi bowed slightly to express his gratitude, then left the Flamingo Bar with the mirror in his hand.

Then he set off for the Golden Phoenix District, where he bought several mirrors at a grocery store along the way. When he arrived near Mr. Teyvat's house, he scattered the mirrors in hidden corners around the villa.

This was an experience he learned from fighting alongside Ms. B last time. If he could obtain the ability of a Mirror Stand from the Mirror Being, then these mirrors would be of great use.

Unless something unusual happens, it doesn't matter. In Ruen, which has already achieved basic industrialization, mirrors are not expensive.

Then he returned to his residence at 46 University Street, spent 2 sulphurs at a nearby department store to buy a bottle of decent Intersea wine, and tied a ribbon around it in a bow.

Having done all this, Levi returned home, where he carefully placed his weapons, mirror, and the vain butterfly into his inner pocket, fully prepared. Then, he lay in bed, closing his eyes to rest, quietly planning his actions for the night:

"Greet the host politely and gracefully, offer the prepared red wine, exchange pleasantries with every guest you make eye contact with, wait for the opening dance, dance ballroom dances, dine, chat with guests, and at this time, you can excuse yourself to go to the restroom to sneak into Mr. Tewat's house to investigate..."

Levi pondered and refined every detail of each step, and time slipped away as he thought.

At exactly four o'clock in the afternoon, Emily returned home on time, her steps light and her eyes full of joy:

"Levi, let's start getting dressed! ...Quick, check if my eyeliner is crooked?"

An hour later.

Emily wore a graceful light apricot-colored long dress, with a striking sapphire crescent necklace around her neck. It accentuated her fair skin and lively temperament, making her beautiful in just the right way—understated yet captivating.

Reeve also changed into that dark gray patterned suit, tied his bow tie, and looked every bit the young gentleman.

The two looked at each other and smiled.

"Let's go, let's set off."

Chapter 86 Klein

As dusk deepened, the front of Mr. Teyvat's villa was already brightly lit, the warm yellow light shining through the carved windows and illuminating the courtyard as if it were daytime. The stone path in front of the door had been carefully swept, and potted plants of white roses and ivy were placed on both sides, with a faint fragrance filling the air.

Guests arrived in droves for the party. The men were dressed in sharp suits and bow ties, while the women wore gorgeous long dresses and exquisite makeup. They walked in twos and threes, chatting quietly as they entered the villa courtyard.

At the main entrance, Mr. Teyvat and his wife were greeting guests side by side. Mr. Teyvat was dressed in a well-fitting, dark suit that accentuated his slightly plump figure. He wore a gentle smile and greeted each guest with a handshake and pleasantries, his tone humble yet measured.

Beside him stood Lady Teyvat, dressed in a champagne-colored satin gown, a pearl necklace around her neck, her makeup exquisite, her eyes gentle, nodding and smiling at the guests, occasionally whispering a few words in response.

Emily, holding Revy's hand, walked slowly to the main building entrance. Mr. Teyvat looked over and nodded slightly in welcome.

"Miss Amy, you've arrived."

Mrs. Teyvat also greeted her with a smile and reached out to take Emily's hand:

"Miss Amy, welcome! You look absolutely stunning tonight."

Emily curtsied slightly in return, also praising Mrs. Teiwat and expressing her gratitude for her hostess's welcome.

Then, she extended her hand to Reeves and introduced him:

"This is my younger brother, Leon."

Amy and Leon are both aliases for the two men. They had previously agreed not to use their real names in social situations until they were out of danger. Those who could attend Mr. Teyvat's party were all his relatives and friends, or prominent figures in high society, so Levi wasn't worried about being discovered by bounty hunters or gangsters.

Rivi bowed slightly in greeting to the host and hostess, and offered Mr. Tewat the prepared Intersea wine.

Taking this opportunity, he activated his spiritual vision to observe Mr. Teyvat's body up close, but found nothing unusual.

Mr. Teyvat accepted the wine, and after some pleasantries, invited Revi and his companion into the house to welcome the next group of guests.

Passing through the ornate, heavy oak door, the two entered the main banquet hall. The hall had a soaring dome, adorned with magnificent chandeliers, and the walls were painted with beautiful religious murals. The floor was covered with a dense, fine red carpet, on which footsteps made only a very soft sound.

Two long tables stood in the center of the hall, with delicate pastries and fresh fruit arranged on silver trays. Crystal goblets were filled with clear, bright liquor. Servants in uniform, impeccably dressed, moved about, carrying trays to refill drinks and clear away empty plates. Elegantly dressed guests gathered in small groups, chatting casually and occasionally letting out a quiet, restrained laugh.

Since the reigns of King Levi II, he had never witnessed such a magnificent and extravagant scene. For a moment, he unconsciously widened his eyes, his gaze filled with a sense of novelty as he constantly surveyed everything around him. Although Emily had visited Mr. Teyvat's mansion several times, this was the first time she had personally experienced such a formal and grand banquet, and her heart was filled with barely suppressed excitement.

The guests in the hall were all prominent figures, impeccably dressed and with distinguished bearing, completely different from Levi and Emily. Levi was secretly apprehensive, fearing an awkward silence, when a figure broke through the crowd and strode towards them.

"Teacher, you've arrived."

The one who spoke was Mr. Teyvat's daughter, Elizabeth, who was dressed in a beautiful dress, followed by a simply but very well-dressed girl, her classmate Melissa.

Melissa also gave Emily a slight bow, lifting the hem of her skirt:

"Hello, Ms. Amy."

Hello.

Emily smiled and returned the greeting to the two girls, then extended her hand to Revy, introducing them:

"This is the brother I mentioned to you, Leon. He's also in high school and is about to graduate. If you have any questions about your studies, you can discuss them with each other."

Reeve greeted the two girls with a smile. Elizabeth's bright eyes kept looking him over, while Melissa seemed a little reserved, only exchanging a polite glance with him without giving him much attention.

Just then, Levi felt a curious gaze fall upon him. He turned his gaze slightly and saw a thin man dressed simply but properly standing in his direction, looking as if waiting to come up and talk to him.

Melissa brought the man over at the opportune moment and introduced him with a smile:

"This is my older brother, Klein, who is studying history at Hoy University. I also have an older brother who couldn't attend the party because he had to work the night shift. I'll introduce him to you next time."

"Mr. Klein is a truly outstanding student in the History Department at Hoy University."

Emily smiled upon hearing this, displaying a mutual appreciation unique to academic high-achievers.

Klein nodded politely and responded somewhat shyly:

"Miss Amy, you flatter me. Melissa told me that you are a year ahead of me, so you are my senior."

As Reeves watched them exchange pleasantries, he began to internally assess Melissa's brother:

"This Mr. Klein seems a bit shy, like a scholar focused on research. He's quite similar to me in build, both of us are slender and about the same height. Both Melissa and Klein, though dressed simply, are well-mannered and likely come from families that, while not wealthy, are well-educated."

Reeve nodded silently, his first impression of the brother and sister was not bad.

Several young people stood in a corner of the dance floor and began to chat casually. Elizabeth was particularly talkative, and the topics ranged from mystery to song and dance performances, even including Sharani, a popular actress in Tingen.

“My father had originally intended to invite Miss Sharon to the party, but she has an important performance at the Riverside Theatre tonight. It’s such a pity, she’s so charming…”

Elizabeth said this with some regret, while Reeves couldn't help but inwardly grumble:

"If she comes, I'll have to run out the window..."

Just then, the guests in the hall were mostly in their places. Mr. Teyvat walked slowly to the center of the hall and delivered a few words of welcome in a gentle yet solemn manner. He then solemnly praised his god, the Lord of Storms, and the other guests also praised their respective gods.

Emily drew a triangular emblem on her chest to praise the god of steam and machinery she worshipped, but she was surprised to find that Levi had drawn a crimson moon on his chest!

"When did you convert to the goddess of the night?"

Emily asked in surprise.

Chapter 87 Mrs. Sharon

Levi paused for a moment. He didn't actually have a strict faith, and praising the goddess was just a subconscious act due to his recent frequent contact with the Night Watchers.

He responded somewhat awkwardly:

"I now believe in every upright deity, and each of them has something worthy of our respect."

Emily shook her head noncommittally, disagreeing with Levi's point of view, but she didn't say much. As a college student, she wasn't particularly devout in her belief in God.

The dinner then moved on to the ballroom dancing segment.

As the melodious and soothing classical music began to play, the guests rose to their feet. The men extended their hands in invitation, and the women smiled and nodded, as couples entered the center of the dance floor. According to Ruen etiquette, the first dance was for married people to dance with their spouses, while unmarried people usually danced with members of the same clan of the opposite sex.

Emily glanced at Reeves instinctively, her eyes filled with anticipation and tenderness, quietly awaiting his invitation. Reeves smiled faintly, bowed slightly to Emily, and calmly extended his hand. The next second, he felt the warmth from her palm.

On the other side, Klein also extended an invitation to Melissa. The two pairs of young siblings stepped onto the dance floor together.