Steampunk: Sixth Era Epic

Chapter 59 Mrs. Lawrence

After agreeing on the trading price, seeing that Shard had a troubled expression, Old John added,

"This price actually isn't too much of a disadvantage for you, I can even give you a new wand for free, so we're even."

He pointed to the one hanging behind Shard on the wall of the shop, used as a decoration, with a lion's head at the top. The dust that settled on it made it look very much like an antique:

"I can assure you, even if you check the prices elsewhere, you won't find a better deal... Come back next time to support my business, and I can offer you a discount."

Shard stared at him, as Old John, smiling, took out ten one-pound notes from the biscuit tin under the counter:

"You might want to think it over."

After much arguing, Shard finally left with twelve pounds and five shillings, a new wand, and a membership of Old John's Pawnshop.

With enough money in hand to cover his debts for the month, Shard had essentially solved all the problems he had faced since arriving in this world. A new life was beckoning to him, and he was filled with hope for the future. Thus, when he returned home at noon, he had packed meals from the restaurant to share with the cat Mia, who was staying in his house.

Naturally, he only fed her what she could eat.

Shard found that being a detective might be considered a home-based job, as he didn't leave the house on Thursday and Friday, just stayed in and read books, but didn't feel at all like his career progress was being hindered, which made him quite satisfied with his choice of occupation.

The two days of study were quite fruitful; Shard had gained a basic understanding of all 19 compulsory courses. However, the study of Arcane Technique and Sorcery, "Perception of Time" couldn't proceed due to a lack of materials, and "Cyndia's Silvermoon Blessing" was hindered by the continually overcast nights.

The Arcane Technique "Illusion of the Moon Shadow" was mastered by Shard during the nights when the moonlight was obscured. According to the requirements, he laid flat on the living room floor in the dark, his head facing the window.

He covered his face with a silk cloth embroidered with the emblem of an Old God, provided by the Academy, and then enticed Mia to jump over his face. After the cat jumped over, keeping his lower body still, he sat up, and the cloth naturally corroded, enabling Shard to learn this Arcane Technique.

Within the realm of Mysticism, Silvermoon also has the meaning of "Protector of Cats." It was fortunate that he had a client's cat entrusted to his care; otherwise, Shard would have to find a cat himself.

Although the above steps were odd, Shard had mastered the "Illusion of the Moon Shadow" in this way. Unlike the unconditional casting of Silvermoon Slash, the Illusion Technique had to be performed at night, but it did not require any spellcasting materials.

"Let's give it a try."

He was a very principled man; in situations where his own life wasn't urgently in need of money, such a significant remittance should be spent on the cat rather than on himself.

This behavior gave Shard an inexplicable sense of self-satisfaction, so much so that when he received the second letter of the day, which included the gas bill, steam fee, and water bill for his apartment, his mood wasn't too adversely affected.

It was now the end of June, and these bills were due. However, being very frugal, which was typical of any Hamilton, the total of the three bills came to less than seven shillings, a sum that Shard found satisfactory.

Because that afternoon was the time for the study gathering at Dr. Schneider's Clinic, Shard ate his lunch and fed the cat early, wanting to start his journey as soon as possible—it was quite a distance to the doctor's clinic.

But before he could leave, a visitor arrived.

She was a woman in her thirties, almost as tall as Shard, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, who arrived directly by carriage at the entrance of No. 6, Saint Delan Square.

She stomped up the steps in her high heels with a commanding air but appeared very surprised when a young man opened the door.

"Are you looking for Detective Sparrow Hamilton?"

Shard asked in equal surprise.

"Yes," Your next read is at empire

said the lady, sizing up the young man who had answered the door.

"Uncle Sparrow has passed away, and I now handle all his cases. May I ask who you are..."

"Mary Lawrence."

Shard should have immediately realized who this was, but since he was no longer planning to pursue that commission, it took him a moment to recognize that this was Mrs. Lawrence, the client who had commissioned the tracking of her husband's mistress, Lady Lassoya.

It was evident that Mrs. Lawrence, though regretful of Sparrow Hamilton's death, also felt dissatisfied, expressing distrust towards the young detective in her tone.

Shard didn't mind because he indeed wasn't a trustworthy detective. But since the client had approached him proactively, he could only let her in, and after they seated themselves, he handed her the report already prepared by the former detective.