Steampunk: Sixth Era Epic
Chapter 1048 - 1048 Miss Sylvia's Investment

"This ring is meant for human use. If worn by a non-human race, while it resists diseases, it will significantly shorten the wearer's lifespan. It's often not worth it to resist illness at the cost of one's life."

The doctor commented, then offered his advice:

"You can keep the [Plague Doctor's Ring] for yourself. Although most Circle Sorcerers don't get sick, if you encounter an opponent skilled in disease abilities, this ring can be of great use. The containment method is also simple; just clean it with pure water once a month, otherwise, the wooden ring will take root and sprout."

Shard nodded in agreement; he was inclined to keep this ring rather than sell it. Such a relic with obvious functional direction usually doesn't fetch a good price unless you find a Circle Sorcerer in dire need. Thus, it's better to keep it.

As for the containment method, he had a special notebook to record the containment methods of all the relics in his home, to prevent forgetting those that required regular maintenance.

"Speaking of which, doctor, there's actually something else I'd like to ask of you."

Shard closed the red box and placed it beside his sword.

"Go ahead, don't be formal with me."

The blue eyes looked at Shard.

"It's like this... You mentioned earlier that you can use some methods to peep into someone's desires?"

"Yes."

The doctor nodded.

"I want you to help me look into a Circle Sorcerer. Specifically, a Five Rings, Sir Lakin Prisia. You met him at the Lakeside Manor banquet with Mr. Alan Madison."

Shard reminded, and the doctor recalled:

"I remember him. Last week, while drinking with Alan, he complained about the two Circle Sorcerers who came from afar, especially the middle-aged gentleman who had no intention of mingling with their group. Apart from meeting once at Lakeside Manor, Sir Prisia hasn't shown up again. Alan even speculated if the gentleman looked down on commoners without status."

"I don't think that's the case."

Shard defended Sir Prisia, saying:

"He's merely an academic spy."

This had to be told to the doctor to prevent any mistakes during his peeping.

"Hmm?"

The doctor raised an eyebrow, while Shard continued:

"I'll get you Sir Prisia's itinerary as soon as possible. Doctor, don't get too close. Although he's only Five Rings, his combat power is very strong. You just need to observe from afar and give a simple assessment... above all, do not dream about him."

To prevent errors, Shard specifically instructed.

"Don't worry, as a Circle Sorcerer, I have more experience than you."

The doctor accepted Shard's commission, and Shard planned to inquire Princess Margaret for Sir Prisia's itinerary. The doctor intended to take a week to complete this task, as he didn't always have time, and the visiting group wouldn't stay in Tobesk for long.

Before heading to the Canary Estate where the princess was staying, Shard first returned home to place his belongings down. At this time, the house only had the napping cat. At two in the afternoon, this lazy cat didn't even go downstairs to greet Shard.

However, when Shard took the "Plague Doctor's Ring" out of the red box, Mia let out a "meow~," quickly stood up from the windowsill, then trotted to Shard's feet, gently rubbing against his pants.

This cat was clearly interested in the "Plague Doctor's Ring."

"I'll let you play with it, but only one ring at a time."

He removed the "Transmutation Ring" from the cat's tail and handed it the "Plague Doctor's Ring." Although a bit displeased, Mia still happily carried her new toy to the windowsill.

After bidding farewell to the cat playing with the ring at home, Shard took a carriage in the heavy snow to the Canary Estate.

After half a week of "learning foreign languages," Shard was quite familiar with the Canary Estate where the princess was staying. The servants there all knew Shard was a friend of the princess in Tobesk, so they directly led him into the mansion.

Unfortunately, this Monday afternoon, Princess Margaret was having a tea party with local noble ladies. Shard, who originally planned to wait, quickly perceived Miss Sylvia through the badge on his chest. The Witch also knew Shard was there, so she had the maid invite Shard in.

Nominally, Miss Sylvia's role was Princess Margaret's mathematics teacher and personal physician. The room assigned to her in the manor was very close to the princess's bedroom. It was a room with an independent bathroom, dressing room, reception room, study, and bedroom, prepared by Draleon to accommodate visiting dignitaries in the group ensuring none of their statuses were overlooked.

But even so, in Shard's view, it was still the most modest living arrangement among the Witches he knew. If it were Miss Galina, Miss Aphrola, or Granny Cassandra handling affairs out of town, they would likely buy a small estate as a temporary residence.

"Did you get the Radiant Stone yesterday?"

The Witch sitting on the sofa asked after the maid closed the door. Her short black shoulder-length hair seemed to have grown since their last meeting. Miss Sylvia was wearing a light red long dress.

"Yes, the process was fairly smooth."

Shard nodded and sat on the short sofa to the side, which faced the window, outside of which heavy snow was falling.

"Miss Galina sent you a letter, which you might not have received yet. Tomorrow morning, head to the Duchess's estate; I'll also be there. We want to discuss the fourth chosen one and the Radiant Stone in your possession."

"Of course, no problem. I hope it won't snow again tomorrow."

Shard said, leaning comfortably against the back of the sofa:

"I came today to see Her Highness. May I ask when Her Highness's tea party will end?"

"In about an hour."

The Witch said, glancing at Shard:

"Your performance in the concert hall last night was truly astounding. I dare say even witches won't be like you at Four Rings... the sword you held last night was... No, don't answer."

She shook her head with a smile, looking into Shard's eyes:

"Perhaps soon, you will voluntarily tell me, won't you? Just as Miss Galina knows most of your secrets."

Without giving Shard a chance to speak, she picked up a file folder from the coffee table and tossed it to him:

"After leaving Velindale, I gave myself a short holiday, but I still have to return. Today is Monday; we will stay in Tobesk for about ten more days, then head back, otherwise, we'll miss the Year-End Festival. I'm planning to invest in some industries with the cash I have after returning; perhaps you could give me some advice."

As Shard opened the file folder, the Witch continued:

"You mentioned recently that the Vice President of the Truth Society appeared under a false identity relying on the local Witte Family. I've investigated the Witte Family's investment situation in recent years, which gave me a lot of insights."

Indeed, the investment plans in the file folder included items Miss Pawo had mentioned, such as bicycles and internal combustion four-wheel vehicles. Of course, Miss Sylvia was more interested in the industries around Carsonrick.

"These are certainly good."

Shard gave his advice while browsing through the files, even though as an Outlander, he was only a science and engineering student at some higher education institution in his hometown, his knowledge was still somewhat useful.

Knowing the specific application scenarios of new inventions and having experienced technology conveniences that this era has yet to experience, he could offer quite a few constructive suggestions on investing in the steam industry and new inventions.

Miss Sylvia listened intently, occasionally asking questions, and then waiting for Shard's answers. Although Shard was only half-understood on some issues, he could at least offer ideas.

"Unexpectedly, in addition to Space and Mathematics, you also have quite a talent for investments and new inventions."

The Witch was interested in four projects from the file folder, all industries and factories around Velindale City. The simple discussion took more than forty minutes, and as the parched Shard picked up the teacup to drink, the black-haired Witch looked more satisfied with him and couldn't help but sigh:

"If it had been me who met you first instead of Miss Galina, perhaps we would have already made enough profit to buy your house."

"Miss Aphrola said the same thing."

Shard said, but back then, the brown-haired Witch had extended other invitations at the campfire party.

"The third seat, Hevy Aurora? It seems you have quite a good relationship with the Council."

Miss Sylvia teased, then asked Shard:

"Interested in investing with me? You should have some savings; how about putting in a symbolic amount and managing these industries with me? Although it's in Velindale, I think you can find a way to travel to other cities freely from Tobesk, just as you appeared in that wine city of Huntington."

"Investment?"

Though aware that Miss Sylvia hadn't given up on making him a Witch Apprentice, thus inviting him to invest together to further bind their interests, Shard was still tempted.

He currently had five-figure savings, but gold pounds would eventually run out, especially after entering the Inner Ring, where expenses would be even greater. Though the wealth gained from Circle Sorcerer adventures was much, it wasn't a fixed income. If possible, Shard also wanted a steady income from having his own industry, not to get rich, but at least to meet daily expenses.

Until he finished the Path of the Twelve Divinities, he was destined to live as a mortal for a long time. And as an ordinary person, being without money was absolutely unacceptable, particularly since Shard was greedy enough to want it all. He couldn't live off Lecia's savings, Dorothy's royalties, or Luviya's salary, let alone the Duchess's estate to support a family.

The Detective profession, after all, could only be considered a hobby and a tool for maintaining social connections. In this flourishing Steam Age, if one wants to make big money, they have to consider investing in industries and factories.

"Having your own industry, receiving regular income every month, and being a detective residing in the Saint Delan Square District?"

Shard mulled it over, becoming more and more tempted.

But the issue was that if he agreed to Miss Sylvia's condition, it would not fundamentally differ from relying on Miss Galina's County of Saradiel to support a family.