Detective Agency of the Bizarre
Chapter 863 - 56. Verification

Chapter 863: 56. Verification

"Don’t be so cautious, Caesar. Think about it, this is the best opportunity for us to promote ’Phantom’." Professor Daisy Schmitz tried to persuade Professor Caesar: "Everyone will know it is us who discovered the hero!"

Professor Caesar wanted to argue, but it turned into a powerless sigh, "Nuno and the others know you are using Mr. Lu Li, they won’t let you off easily."

"This is not exploitation, Professor Caesar." Dean Lawrence couldn’t hide his excitement. "It’s just giving a hero who has given so much the honor he deserves."

"And then achieve your own goals?" Professor Caesar sneered.

"What if that goal is noble?" Professor Daisy Schmitz shook her head. "We at Phantom have been quiet for too long... How many students are in your linguistics course? Six or seven? Not even as many as Nuno’s archaeology... Look out the window at the real Kleinse University, we, with just one manor, a few professors, and dozens of students, aren’t even worthy of being called Phantom."

"Nuno won’t accept this excuse." Professor Caesar simply said.

"I’ll go persuade him." Dean Lawrence quickly said.

Professor Caesar no longer insisted, looking at Lu Li beside him: "And have you sought the opinion of this person, rumored to be the legendary Exorcist?"

"We were just about to do that." Believing in practicing nobility rather than exploitation, Professor Daisy Schmitz said to Lu Li, "Your Excellency Luli, we wish to—"

"I don’t mind."

Lu Li interrupted Professor Daisy Schmitz’s further persuasion, piecing together their plan from the conversation.

"Just don’t forget your promise."

"Promise...?" Professor Daisy Schmitz was momentarily stunned, recalling something, "You mean the Shadow of the Maiden and the Merchant?"

"Yes."

"Rest assured, we will mobilize everyone we can to find their whereabouts for you!" Professor Daisy Schmitz said excitedly.

Persuading them was simpler than imagined, and Dean Lawrence was equally thrilled.

Phantom Kleinse University had been silent for too long, even if it was part of the real Kleinse University, with few students attending, only a pitiful few dozen students, many of whom viewed Phantom as a stepping stone, hoping to use their excellent performance to attract the attention of the giant tree and enter the real Kleinse University...

"I don’t understand, what do you plan to do with Lu Li?" Katerina suddenly spoke.

Remembering there was still a Hunter present, Professor Daisy Schmitz explained their collaboration with Lu Li.

Phantom Kleinse University would help Lu Li find who he was looking for, while they would gain notoriety by promoting Lu Li.

"What do I get?" Katerina’s question was direct.

And being direct has its benefits.

"Everyone will know that you were the one who brought back His Excellency Luli, and you will gain a lot of fame." Professor Daisy Schmitz answered.

Sounds... not bad.

Katerina was easily persuaded.

Thus, the first benefit of the cooperation quickly emerged, as Lu Li and Katerina, who were supposed to be in the conference room waiting for representatives from the giant tree, were warmly received and each taken to the top floor of Phantom University, to luxurious suites used to host noble dignitaries, where hot water, food, and clothing awaited them.

When the clothes were delivered, Lu Li made a request, asking for a set of garments.

Warm hot water dispelled cold and fatigue, as Lu Li’s face sunk under the water, feeling a brief peace, as if thoughts were pulled away from reality.

While Lu Li and Katerina rested, Dean Lawrence was in action.

He hired many people to spread rumors in the streets and alleys, using his connections to contact nobles, officials, newspaper reporters, and even theaters, to tell them about Lu Li’s information and to rehearse and perform a play about Lu Li’s story as soon as possible.

All of this, of course, was predicated on Lu Li truly being Lu Li. If he wasn’t—

"You will become a joke."

Dean’s Office.

A tall woman wearing a wizard’s hat, in a purple robe that could barely conceal her figure, said.

"We always have been, Lady Raleia." Dean Lawrence answered bitterly.

Lady Raleia didn’t dwell on the subject long: "Bring the ’hero’ then, truth and illusion will eventually be revealed."

Dean Lawrence left his seat: "Please come with me. Professor Daisy Schmitz, could you please call Mr. Lu Li."

Professor Daisy Schmitz obliged, exited the Dean’s office, and knocked on the suite’s door on the top floor.

"Your Excellency Luli, I am Professor Daisy Schmitz."

Click—

A moment later, the door opened, revealing Lu Li, washed of dried mucus and dust, in brand-new clothing.

He wore a snow-white shirt outlining a slender frame, with slightly damp black hair hanging over his forehead, making his eyes, like black gemstones, all the more mysterious.

"How nice..."

Professor Daisy Schmitz couldn’t help but remark, bowing slightly, "Your Excellency Luli, the representatives from the giant tree have arrived and are waiting in the conference room."

"Hmm."

Lu Li donned a black coat, instinctively reaching to an empty waist, then retracting his hand.

"The visitor is Lady Raleia, Professor of Mysticology on the giant tree." Daisy Schmitz mentioned as Lu Li left the room.

"Shouldn’t we call Katerina as well?"

As they passed by Katerina’s room in the corridor, Lu Li said, "She is very wary, it’s best to inform her of our whereabouts."

"Of course." Professor Daisy Schmitz signaled the guard at the door, or rather the guards on watch, to knock and call for Katerina, then continued to lead Lu Li to the meeting room.

Many were gathered in the meeting room, including the professors of "Phantom" and some unfamiliar faces Lu Li had never seen. They watched Lu Li curiously.

Except for Professor Nuno Alexandrovich. He wasn’t in good condition, and to prevent any incidents, he was left in the ward awaiting results.

Entering the meeting room, Lu Li became the focus, attracting all attention.

"He’s really good-looking..."

Lady Raleia’s young assistant whispered.

"Heroes typically have handsome appearances, as do deceivers." Lady Raleia spoke, her wide wizard’s hat covering half her face, placing a rectangular stone block with a hole on the table.

"Put your finger in."

"What is this?"

Lu Li gazed at the stone block, seemingly cut from something, its front vaguely outlining the contours of lips.

"The Mouth of Selonces, it can taste purity and corruption, truth and falsehood." Lady Raleia looked at Lu Li.

In the conference room, only the sound of subdued breathing could be heard, as Lu Li, under everyone’s gaze, approached the table, extending his right index finger into the unsettling, dark opening.

"Forewarning you, if you’re not so clean, it’s best not to do it." Lady Raleia suddenly spoke, arms crossed: "The Mouth of Selonces will bite off your finger, and the wound cannot be healed."

Lu Li paused slightly, then inserted his finger into the Mouth of Selonces.