Marinda arrived at No. 44 White Bird Street in a carriage at exactly seven o'clock — although it was entirely feasible to walk from No. 6 White Bird Street to No. 44, she had to take the carriage to avoid any 'rumors.'
This was the 'dignity' that nobles pursued.
It annoyed Marinda to no end, yet she had no choice but to comply.
The day she was to inherit the title of Baron Kemir was fast approaching, and at such a ti, she would not permit any complications.
But...
It really was uncomfortable.
'A false world made up of false people, and the most terrifying part is that I am one of them!'
The lady began to use self-deprecation to distract herself from her depression.
Of course, there was also her favorite—
Whew!
A strong mix of mint and peach smoke was heavily exhaled onto Arthur by the lady.
Seeing Arthur frown, Marinda's mouth quirked up, and then, without waiting for Arthur to speak, she handed him a rectangular wicker box — it contained the gifts suitable for a 'first visit' and the items promised in a previous deal.
Imdiately, Arthur's attention was captured.
There were four items inside.
They were a Glory Potion, a scroll, a pair of boots, and a book—
Na: Glory Potion (Perfect)
Type: Magic Potion
Quality: Hero
Attributes: Perfect Bloodline
Remarks: When Master Alchemist 'Lady Abel' turned to potion-making, everyone was skeptical of her—there was too much evidence that there was only one genius like Master Hercules. However, when she presented the improved Glory Potion, everyone chose to close their mouths. This potion in your hand is the crystallization of talent and luck, accidentally concocted, with only thirteen made in total. This is one of them, well-preserved, and of exceptional quality.
...
Perfect Bloodline: If you possess a Bloodline, it will help you perfectly repair it.
(Note: This is a standard 20 ml test tube filled with potion liquid.)
...
After examining the Glory Potion (Perfect), Arthur did not imdiately consu it.
His Bloodline was Dark Serpent, and who knew what sort of reaction might occur during the repair.
Even the slightest observation by Marinda might give away his secrets.
Therefore, he had to take it alone.
He put the Glory Potion (Perfect) back into its individual brocade box, then back into the wicker box, and Arthur picked up the scroll—
Discovery of the Secret Technique 'Cat Claw,' undergoing ritual assessnt...
Assessnt passed!
Spirituality assessnt ongoing...
Assessnt passed!
Yes/No: Spend 100 XP to learn this secret technique?
...
'Cat Claw?'
'The Cat Claw from the Cat Cave?'
Looking at the text prompt, Arthur quickly unrolled the scroll to inspect it, his eyes gleaming with joy.
Previously, when Marinda ntioned a secret technique possibly from the Cat Cave or the Cat Faction, Arthur instinctively thought it was from the 'Cat Faction.'
He had not expected it to actually be from 'Cat Cave'!
Similarly, Arthur carefully placed the secret technique back into the wicker box.
Just like the Glory Potion.
This technique, too, needed to be studied alone.
Not because he feared being discovered, but because he wanted to create the illusion for Marinda that 'I have already mastered it'—it definitely wasn't to swindle more from Marinda, but purely to maintain the 'modern Black Cat's' aura of mystery and power.
Yes, that was precisely it!
With this resolute thought, Arthur's gaze then fell on the pair of boots.
...
Na: Black Cat Boots
Type: Armor
Quality: Epic
Attributes: 1, Silence; 2, Lightness; 3, Stealth; 4, Black Cat's Warmth
Remarks: These were the boots of the last 'Black Cat,' who died in battle. After his death, the boots ended up in the hands of an unknown individual, and after nurous transfers, were acquired by Marinda and handed to you—I care about what I have, and I cannot lose them, even if... it ans I must die!
...
Silence: When you wear these boots, your footsteps will make no sound.
Lightness: When walking, running, or jumping, your body is extraordinarily agile, much like a real cat, allowing you to effortlessly perform acrobatic flips and leaps mid-air.
Stealth: When moving through shadows or darkness, you automatically receive a stealth bonus.
Black Cat's Warmth: When you master a secret technique such as 'Cat Claw,' wearing these boots allows you to incorporate the 'Cat Claw' effect into your kicks, and other secret techniques such as 'Silent Successive Steps' will be enhanced.
(Note 1: Silence, Lightness, and Stealth can stack with other secret techniques and Bloodlines.)
(Note 2: Black Cat's Warmth can only enhance 'Cat Claw,' 'Silent Successive Steps,' and other Cat Faction/Cat Cave secret techniques.)
(Note 3: Black Cat's Warmth can boost other leg-based secret techniques from the Cat Faction.)
(Note 4: Black Cat's Warmth supports other reasonably attachable props on oneself.)
...
Upon seeing the Black Cat Boots, Arthur did not hesitate at all— he took off his shoes and put on the Black Cat Boots.
Of course, Arthur did not forget the Lannister's Height-Increasing Insoles.
He solemnly placed them inside the Black Cat Boots.
Watching this scene, contempt flickered in Marinda's eyes.
"Such a vain man!" she exclaid.
She wondered why Arthur suddenly looked 1 centiter taller—it turned out he had inserted height-increasing insoles.
Only...
Those insoles were likely secret technique items.
'Do they have other unknown effects?' she pondered.
"Is this the essence of the 'Cat Faction. Black'?"
Marinda thought, her heart slightly chilled.
Then, as this lady examined the last item Arthur was looking at, she surveyed No. 44 White Bird Street like a hostess and gave her appraisal.
"For your first salon, won't you add a little extra decoration?
At the very least, you should hang the oil painting of your grandfather at the entrance, as the eldest of the Kledos Family, it is the proper tribute. Upon entering the hall, you should display the crest of the Kledos Family, and at the dining table, you shouldn't use table cloths for an evening salon but rather choose plain-colored table flags.
And these candles, why not use the classic high-standing trident?"
Facing the empty No. 44 White Bird Street, Marinda voiced her opinions.
Arthur, on the other hand, looked puzzled at the 'nu' in his hand.
Yes!
It was indeed a nu!
Who sends a nu when moving into a new house?
After flipping through it twice, confirming it was just an ordinary nu, Arthur raised his head to look at Marinda, who was continuously talking.
Seeing her smile, the young 'Spirit dium' nodded repeatedly, appearing genuinely receptive—
"Ah, right, right!
You are absolutely correct!
So, my dear, the decoration here is all yours—please don't skimp on your gold coins. After all, as a mber of the Kledos family, arranging grandpa's portrait and crafting the family crest is naturally part of your obligation, isn't it?"
Having said this, Arthur returned to the sofa in the hall, continuing to yawn with Pendragon in his arms.
Though he wanted to catch up on sleep, Arthur, who actually hadn't slept much, maintained a groggy state.
He definitely wouldn't be hosting the salon this evening if not for the worry that sothing unexpected might occur.
In fact, he was quite taken aback by that incident.
Arthur truly hadn't expected that an accidental tracking could uncover such a matter.
How should I put it?
EMMM…
'Typical of South Los!'
Arthur made an apt summary and then planned to take a short nap before the salon started, but the next mont, the young 'Spirit dium' had to open his eyes to look toward the other side.
Marinda sat opposite him, puffing away at her smoke. Seeing Arthur open his eyes, the lady imdiately asked with a smile—
"Aunt Cassandra is in Inner Bay, right?"
Arthur instantly beca alert.
He knew Marinda's personality well; she definitely wouldn't ask without reason.
Since she asked, it must an that sothing significant happened in Inner Bay and it was related to the Kledos Family.
With this alarming realization, Arthur, keeping his composure, half-laid there and lazily replied.
"She isn't."
"Oh, but I received news that Faske, one of the 'One of the Seven Great Golden Manes' responsible for South Los, was assassinated last night while reviewing ssages about the Kledos Family.
So suspect it was your family's doing!"
Marinda elongated her tone.
Arthur imdiately rolled his eyes.
The young 'Spirit dium' said—
"Would anyone believe such a far-fetched accusation?
My aunt is a well-read, gentle, and kind lady; how could she possibly commit an assassination?
If it really was my aunt's doing, then my uncle Drake in Sidon Fortress wouldn't be a noble Knight, but that newly erged Western Sea Pirate General!
Moreover, for the safety of the Kledos Family, with my uncle's temper, he would definitely try to secretly lead a fleet into Inner Bay and bombard Lion Palace to thoroughly intimidate the Golden Lion Family from setting their sights on the Kledos Family.
But see, such a thing never happened.
Thus, soone must be shifting attention and framing our family."
Arthur stated emphatically.
Marinda stared intently at Arthur, trying to spot any flaws on his face.
But there were none; Arthur's expression was genuine.
Both his eyes and the expressions on his face showed it.
'Indeed, I was overthinking!
'The Kledos Family, though noteworthy, could not have done such a thing—it's more likely soone else frad them!
Oh, discovering that the Old Lion intends to move against the Kledos Family, soone preemptively frad the Kledos Family… such tactics are awfully familiar!
Who would be so eager to test the Old Lion?'
Marinda thought to herself, feeling increasingly pleased.
For her, it was a trendous good fortune.
With the Old Lion's personality, he would definitely find the real culprit.
Before that, his attention wouldn't focus on South Los.
As for making a move against the Kledos Family?
The Old Lion would absolutely not withstand being labeled 'senile' unless there were conclusive evidence!
But the assassin who dared do this was obviously very confident.
He must have set up more than one trap.
So—
It's ti to watch the show unfold!
Just probing Arthur was rely her instinctive reaction.
If there were gains, that was good.
If not?
It was to be expected.
Without additional gains, but unable to hide her good mood, Marinda took out her specialty tobacco, preparing to take a puff, her gaze suddenly caught on Grandma Andor and others busy in the kitchen, and the lady was montarily stunned.
Grandma Andor, she knew her.
To so extent, very well.
Because Grandma Andor had been the cook of Baron Kemir before she was to inherit his title.
The next mont, the lady looked at Arthur with a skeptical gaze and whispered—
"Have you discovered sothing remarkable again?"
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