December 15, 1346, evening. The Sun had completely set, the black sky was dotted with stars, and the streetlights along the road had already been lit.
Since returning to Morse Town 11 days ago, Altair had been staying inside the castle, rarely going out.
But today, for the honor of the Sheffield Family, she had to come to Tingen City once again to attend the city-wide charity auction.
She wore a white Rococo-style dress with a cinched waist and layered skirts, paired with flesh-pink stockings, black patent leather shoes, and a simple pearl necklace, bracelet, and small earrings.
Together with Old Clayton, she rode in a magnificent carriage bearing the family crest, heading toward Baron Hoy's house on Ousna Street in the West District of Tingen City.
Speaking of Baron Hoy's name, few might know it, but many would certainly know the name of his stepmother, Madam Sharon. She was Tingen's most famous widow and socialite, one of the few people who could influence both the New and Old Parties in Tingen City.
Of course, all of this was merely her surface identity. Her true identity was the core controller of the Demoness Sect in Tingen City, a Sequence 6 Demoness of Pleasure.
However, it was clearly abnormal for her to host this "city-wide" charity auction, even if she was doing so on behalf of Baron Hoy.
In current society, the rules dictated that to host a "city-level" large-scale charity event, the host must at least hold the rank of a Count. Her stepson, Baron Hoy, was clearly unqualified to host a charity event of this scale; a lower-tier charity event would have been acceptable.
This was a clear overstepping of rank! Although she was influential in Tingen City, it didn't change the nature of this behavior—it was an outright provocation.
And the most frustrating part was that she was the only Count near Tingen City. Although she was currently "underage" and her status hadn't been widely publicized, those who needed to know already knew.
When the Sheffield Family carriage appeared on the street where Baron Hoy's house was located, the surrounding carriages made way one after another. Most of these people were there to watch the drama: a newly titled underage noble being overstepped by a noble two ranks lower.
If this matter wasn't handled well, the Sheffield Family's local influence would surely take a heavy blow.
Altair got a headache just thinking about such things. Originally, the best approach was cold treatment—ignoring her and not attending her event. Afterward, she could spread "mild negative reviews," such as "This Baron is too impatient," and so on.
But the old butler insisted on bringing her. She really couldn't understand why they came here; it was purely looking for trouble.
Once the carriage came to a halt, Altair had just stepped down when she saw the master of the manor, Baron Hoy, hurriedly coming to greet her.
Looking at the enthusiastic Baron Hoy before her, Altair felt something was off, thinking, "Is this man stupid? Doesn't he know why I'm here?"
Looking at the "fool" in front of her, Altair ultimately chose not to make a scene and instead followed him into the hall.
Not long after Altair entered, a woman in a black long dress walked over. She had fair skin, brown hair and eyes, curved eyebrows, a delicate nose, and lovely lips. Her gait was graceful, and she carried a fragrant scent, inadvertently exuding an irresistible charm.
Upon seeing Altair, Madam Sharon walked straight up, took her small hand, and said warmly, "Sister, I've finally met you."
Wait, "Sister"—she really was treating her as a member of the Demoness Sect. After pulling her hand away, Altair looked at Sharon with an unfriendly expression and said:
"Did your superior not tell you that I haven't joined you yet?"
Hearing Altair speak so bluntly, Madam Sharon stopped pretending. She led her directly out of the hall to a room deep on the second floor and pushed the door open.
The bedroom was luxuriously and magnificently decorated, with thick, precious carpets, a spacious layout, velvet duvet covers, and many ornaments inlaid with gold thread. Everything showcased the owner's extravagance.
Unfortunately, the room was very messy. Thin, sexy underwear and stockings were scattered everywhere, and the bedding on the bed was not neatly arranged but piled haphazardly to one side with many wrinkles, as if a battle had just taken place. There was even a faint scent of heather in the air.
Madam Sharon found a chair and sat down, saying warmly, "Sister, you know very well that once you consume the 'Assassin' potion, you are half a member of the Demoness Sect, and you have no other choice."
Altair chose a relatively clean chair, sat down, and replied, "True, but I can't join you for no reason. At the very least, there should be some benefits."
After saying this, she added, "Of course, if you can only provide me with Beyonder characteristics and potion formulas, I'm afraid I cannot join."
Madam Sharon gave an ambiguous smile and said in a sweet voice, "We are well aware of that. You can tell us your needs."
"'We'?" Altair repeated in a low voice, then asked, "Who do you represent? The Demoness Sect? Or a specific individual?"
Madam Sharon remained enthusiastic and said sweetly, "The Demoness Sect, of course. But you also know that there are many factions within the Sect; I also represent the White Saintess."
"Sequence 3 Demoness of Undying characteristic, sequence four Demoness of Despair characteristic, Sequence 3 Wanderer characteristic... sequence four Manipulator characteristic... Sequence 5 Shepherd characteristic... sequence four Shaman King characteristic... sequence four Alchemist characteristic..." Altair said calmly.
Sitting opposite her, Madam Sharon's expression gradually distorted upon hearing Altair's list, which sounded like a menu. She hurriedly interrupted, "That's impossible. Even if the Demoness Sect were emptied, it would be impossible to provide all the Beyonder characteristics you're asking for."
"Then what can you give?" Altair asked in return.
After calming down and pausing for a few seconds, Madam Sharon said, "The Demoness Sect can provide you with the Beyonder characteristics of the Assassin Pathway up to 'sequence four Demoness of Despair', one Shepherd characteristic, and one Astronomer characteristic."
"The White Saintess can provide you with one Traveler characteristic and one Dreamwalker characteristic."
Altair shook her head calmly and said, "What you're offering is too ordinary for me. The price isn't high enough."
"You should also know that these characteristics are very easy for me to obtain."
"If you have no sincerity, then forget it."
With that, Altair prepared to get up and leave.
"Wait." Madam Sharon quickly called out to the departing Altair, then glanced at a nearby mirror and said, "The Demoness Sect can provide you with two Beyonder characteristics for the Assassin advancement to sequence four, one Traveler, one Alchemist, one Shepherd, and one Imperative Mage."
"The White Saintess can provide you with one Manipulator characteristic and one Shaman King characteristic."
"But we need you to provide a stable supply of arms and some monetary compensation periodically, as well as assist us in completing missions.