They all call me Great Master

Roschek had not finished speaking when Arthur had already guessed what the other was about to say—without any hesitation, he opened the skill panel, chose "Bluff," and spent 30 XP to level it up twice.

Arthur was afraid that he was too excited, which might give him away.

There was no helping it, Roschek had given too much!

He didn't believe that the other party had only brought out some treasures from the 'Mouse Council.'

The items in this wicker box must be extremely valuable artifacts from the 'Mouse Council.'

What could they be?

Props from the Mystic Side?

Or perhaps knowledge?

Or could it be secret techniques?

Desire filled Arthur's heart, but he maintained a detached expression on the surface.

Such an expression, upon being seen by Roschek, immediately made the founder of the 'Mouse Council,' who seemed more a merchant than a person from the Mystic Side, express his admiration again.

No wonder he is from a secret family; he even knows about this box.

"Lord Kledos, your insight, as formidable as your family, inspires awe—"

"'Atos's Box' is among the treasures of the 'Mouse Council.' It contains an individual space, though not comparable to 'Atos's Gold Box' that can store living creatures, but it will certainly make your life much more convenient.

Of course, the items inside are all yours too!

These will all be a testament to our friendship!"

At that moment, Arthur was immensely relieved that he had leveled up "Bluff" twice.

Otherwise, he would definitely have shown a flaw at this time.

'This wicker box is actually a space item!'

In the three days of discussions with Alberts, this young detective had mentioned space items more than once— the advent of space items had significantly increased the difficulty of solving cases, as no one could be sure if the murderer might have stowed the body inside one.

Arthur didn't agree with this.

After all, since the beginning of the Silver Age, there had been an unwritten rule: any alchemist who could create space items was qualified to be called a 'Master.'

And every prop made by a Master Alchemist was sought after by people from the Mystic Side.

Even, it could be regarded as a heirloom.

How could such a prop be used to store corpses?

How could such an item merely be described as 'some treasure'?

But Arthur didn't show any sign of surprise. He looked at Roschek indifferently and said softly.

"I thought it might be the work of Master Hercules."

Roschek was startled, then revealed a bitter smile.

"If it were that master's work, Isidore would definitely carry it with him."

The co-founder of the 'Mouse Council' spoke truthfully.

The status of a Master Alchemist is extraordinary.

But Hercules is even more revered.

Because this Potion Master is honored by all Master Alchemists as 'the Master among Master Alchemists.'

Of course, more Master Alchemists prefer to call him 'God of Alchemy.'

Because the 'Hercules' Airship' that this master once made not only could hold an entire nation within it but could also shuttle through space— reaching any destination in an instant.

However, many Potion Masters opposed this title, arguing that Hercules should rather be revered as 'God of Potions.'

This naturally was due to the miraculous effects of the four potion variants 'Hercules' Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Iron.'

Especially the [Hercules' Gold Potion], rumored to grant a lifespan akin to that of the Immortal Breed.

Moreover, from some unknown time, rumors began that 'Hercules' creations contain the secret to becoming a god'—many consider it a mere rumor, but it doesn't stop everyone from cherishing the idea of owning a creation of Master Hercules.

After all, everyone harbors the thought 'if others can't, it's because they're not smart enough, but I definitely can.'

Arthur certainly knew this—though he had learned it from Alberts, that didn't stop him from using it to further bluff Alberts' uncle.

He could see that the other party had a delightful misunderstanding about the 'Kledos Family.'

And since the other party was going back to Rosha Castle and wouldn't stay long in South Los,

then naturally, he should let the misunderstanding deepen!

The long-hidden 'Kledos Family,' faced with the precious 'Atos's Box' to others, showed no further interest.

To earn the 'friendship of the Kledos family,' a creation of Master Hercules would be necessary.

Roschek, immersed in his self-constructed scenario, was clearly at a disadvantage.

After a moment's hesitation, this co-founder of the 'Mouse Council' took out a small box from his pocket and said.

"This is the 'Blood Marquis's Ring,' crafted by the Marquis to help his son better control 'Spirituality'—it can harmonize and stabilize a certain level of 'Spirituality,' and is a treasure to any person from the Mystic Side!"

As he spoke, Roschek placed the small box on top of 'Atos's Box.'

An item that can harmonize and stabilize 'Spirituality'!

Arthur was once again thankful that he had leveled up "Bluff" twice, for he could hardly control his rapidly accelerating heartbeat otherwise.

What was considered a Talent's "Spirituality" was of utmost importance to all Mystic Side Persons.

It pertained to both strength and life or death.

Especially during conflicts that might arise in rituals of different schools or powers, artifacts that could harmonize and stabilize "Spirituality" became particularly valuable.

Unfortunately, such valuable artifacts, apart from circulating among nobles, were simply non-existent in ordinary Secret Assemblies.

'Wealthy "Mouse Council"!'

Arthur sighed inwardly.

At the same time, he had begun to speculate whether Roschek had taken the most valuable artifacts from the "Mouse Council" with him?

Just look at the "Atos's Box" and "Blood Marquis's Ring" in his hands!

And not to forget the first item he took out.

When Arthur looked over, Roschek, quite considerately, also placed that first item on top of "Atos's Box."

It was a copper coin.

Unable to inspect it closely, Arthur suppressed his excitement and nodded slightly.

He knew when to stop, after all.

When Roschek took out the "Blood Marquis's Ring," his heartache was so visible that his eyes twitched, which Arthur noticed clearly.

After all, the reputation of the Kledos Family stemmed from the other party's imagination; they were not the so-called real secret family!

Having acquired quite enough, trying more would be risky.

And seeing that Arthur had finally approved, Roschek was overjoyed.

This founder of the "Mouse Council" grabbed his nephew and was ready to leave quickly.

But at this moment, Arthur spoke softly again.

"That Countess is the true master of South Los."

The meaning of his words was clearer than day.

He, representing the Kledos Family, had let him go.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

But he could not influence that Countess.

Arthur's approach was one of taking things easy, relying solely on skills… no, solely on technicalities.

Roschek smiled.

"Nobles are not trustworthy and must always be guarded against, a lesson I've learned well—I have my own way out."

This founder of the "Mouse Council" was confident.

Arthur felt an urge to ask about this secret escape route.

However, to maintain the prestige of the Kledos Family, he could only nod his head with a smile.

Seeing this smile, Roschek was startled.

No way!

Had his "secret passage" been discovered?!

But upon further thought, it was indeed possible it had been discovered!

Otherwise, why would he have been caught by surprise?

And all along, his counterpart seemed calm and collected!

Realizing this, Roschek once again bowed to Arthur—

"Thank you for your magnanimity!"

After speaking, he pulled Alberts and left.

But as he passed by Arthur, the young man suddenly stopped and stared blankly at Arthur.

"Arthur, are we still friends?"

As he asked this question, Alberts choked up, his face on the verge of tears.

Arthur smiled and nodded his head.

"Of course!"

"Remember to write to me!"

Although the "Mouse Council" was finished, and its apparent assets were gone, some "invisible assets" would still remain.

How could he let them slip by?

Hearing Arthur's affirmative words, Alberts was finally reassured, the young man smiled as he wiped the corners of his eyes and followed his uncle away.

Arthur stood still, watching their figures disappear into the distance before finally summoning two "Hands of Void" to test for any dangers.

Confirming there was no danger, he immediately had the two "Hands of Void" pick up everything and returned to No. 2 Cork Street.

The moment he entered the door, Arthur, who had been holding back all along, immediately rushed to examine his spoils of war.

The next moment, Arthur gasped in shock.

Hiss!