Chapter 152: News Once Seen in the Simulation

News Once Seen in the Simulation

Avena sat across from Ciel, her right elbow propped on the table, palm supporting her cheek, watching Ciel eat with her head lowered.

It was evident Ciel was very hungry. Although she ate quickly, her table manners were methodical and pleasing to watch. Just watching Ciel eat seemed to increase her own appetite.

Although lacking any noble rules and etiquette, it didn’t give any uncomfortable feeling, rather appearing natural and graceful.

Avena took advantage of the pause in Ciel’s eating to scan the surroundings, the now somewhat empty kitchen and the adjoining living room, looking around.

Here... is where Ciel lived before?

Ciel came from the Clock Tower Alley district, but the harsh environment didn’t seem to affect her much... not at all like someone from the bottom layer.

Although Avena had no intention of discriminating against lower-class people, everything Ciel displayed still made her feel somewhat incredulous.

After Ciel finished eating, Avena looked up and asked, “There’s still some time before the banquet. Do you have any plans for the time being?”

Ciel put down her knife and fork, wiped her mouth with a napkin, thought carefully, then said, “Make a trip to the Church of the Savior Goddess, then report safety to my sister, Adele, and Amy.”

For the upcoming time, Ciel had no special plans. Besides making an offering to the Goddess, it was just reporting safety to her family and friends.

“After reporting safety, let’s go buy a formal dress together.” Avena glanced at the dress Ciel was wearing and said, “You don’t have a decent formal dress yet.”

Originally, Avena wanted to say “clothes,” as Ciel’s clothes, in Avena’s view, were just rags used to cover the body.

This wasn’t her exaggerating. Avena felt Ciel should wear more beautiful clothes, which would make her look cuter, rather than treating clothes as tools to wrap the body.

After all, dressing up nicely improves one’s mood.

“Buy a formal dress?” Ciel looked at Avena and asked, “For the banquet?”

“Yes.” Avena nodded.

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“Alright.” Ciel didn’t refuse. After all, she only had a few sets of clothes in total. Besides the somewhat expensive school uniform, the others were washed somewhat faded.

Previously, when attending formal occasions like Deton Manor, she always wore Avena’s clothes, but the size was slightly larger, not fitting particularly well.

The current Ciel didn’t have any Su pound anxiety anymore. First-tier potions and Reconstitution Rituals, she could get from Tara in the simulation. Tara would surely find a way to get them for her, so there was no need to worry about potions.

Even the leftover potions she had on hand could be entrusted to Avena to sell, exchanging for some cash to facilitate her actions.

“I thought you would refuse.” Avena was slightly surprised seeing Ciel agree so readily.

But thinking about it, Ciel seemed to have always spent money quite wildly. Whether it was thousands or hundreds of pounds, the money she got her hands on was almost always spent quickly, then she had to borrow money from herself.

This way of spending money wasn’t like a young girl, but rather like a desperate fugitive unsure if there’s a tomorrow, needing to squander all money before death.

Thinking of this, Avena couldn’t help but speak up, reminding, “Ciel, you need to save some money.”

“Save money?” Ciel took a sip of black tea, asking somewhat puzzledly, “Why?”

Honestly, Ciel had no intention of saving money at all. Thanks for reading on ManaNovel!

Whether it was horse betting, gambling, or killing and robbing, money came very quickly. If needed, just operate a bit in the simulation. Temporarily, she had no thoughts of saving money.

“You’re collecting potions, right?” Avena didn’t answer Ciel’s question, but asked back.

This was easy to guess. After all, almost no one bought five or six bottles of potions at once like wholesale.

“Yes.” Ciel nodded. She didn’t hide this point; she indeed needed to collect potions.

“If you want to collect all potions, then for one path’s potions, you need to save enough money.” Avena, after pretending to think for a moment, said mysteriously, “Probably... starting from ten thousand Su pounds.”

“How much?” Hearing this number, Ciel thought she misheard for a moment, hesitated, then asked, “Fourth tier?”

Seemingly satisfied with Ciel’s surprised little expression, Avena continued happily, “First tier.”

“What path?” Hearing this, Ciel was basically stunned. There were indeed a few paths that were quite rare, but she didn’t expect the price to be so outrageous.

This is the first tier, right? The darkest Deton Manor only sold it for 800 Su pounds.

At this point, Avena stopped keeping her in suspense, explaining, “‘Musician’. Actually, the ‘Musician’ potion and path cost at most 1000 Su pounds, but purchasing requires conditions.”

“One of the conditions is that it’s only sold to nobles—which means you at least need to donate or bribe your way into a baronetcy.”

“The price of donating a title now is probably upwards of ten thousand pounds... provided someone is willing to take the money and mention your name to the Queen.”

“Musician” is actually a path controlled by the royal family? Need to buy a noble title to purchase it?

“Black market? Deton Manor? Or can you buy it directly for me?” Ciel proposed several possibilities, asking tentatively.

“You might not be clear about the way to obtain the ‘Musician’ potion,” Avena shook her head, saying, “Even I basically can’t obtain it.”

Next, Avena patiently explained the method of obtaining the “Musician” potion to Ciel. After listening, Ciel also fell silent.

This is indeed difficult...

Obtaining the “Musician” potion and Reconstitution Ritual from the royal family is extremely difficult.

First condition, you must be a noble.

Second, you need to pass the royal family’s music theory and instrument assessments. After passing all assessments, if the royal family judges you have completed the Reconstitution Ritual, they will issue you a certificate.

Only with this certificate do you gain the qualification to purchase the potion, and only one bottle, taken under royal supervision.

This is considered the most difficult potion to obtain among known paths. However, for Ciel, it wasn’t entirely impossible.

Just need to spend Fate Points to raise music theory and performance to at least Lv.3, then study for a period in the simulation—perhaps less than a month, should be able to pass the assessments smoothly.

As for ten thousand pounds... obtaining it in the simulation is very simple; Ciel has many ways.

-

“I understand.” Ciel nodded, agreeing, “I will save money.”

After finishing the meal, Ciel tidied up her clothes and appearance, then went out with Avena.

Avena still had some time now, so she could accompany Ciel for a while longer.

As the two walked side by side towards the Church of the Savior Goddess, Avena seemed to want to find a topic, so she asked, “What are you going to the Church of the Savior Goddess for?”

“Donate some money.” Ciel said.

Whether in reality or simulation, Ciel had scammed the Church of the Savior Goddess too many times. After all, this is a world with transcendent abilities; Ciel wouldn’t be surprised if gods truly existed.

To avoid suffering the “Goddess’s” divine punishment or condemnation, Ciel still planned to donate some, consider it buying peace of mind.

After all, there might be many occasions to scam the Church of the Savior Goddess in the future.

After passing through North-South Stone Street, Ciel and Avena stood at the church entrance. However, Avena stopped at the steps, letting Ciel enter alone.

After all, Avena’s identity was special. To avoid causing misunderstandings, she wouldn’t enter together with Ciel.

And Ciel didn’t linger long after entering the Clock Tower Church. After stuffing two large 10-pound banknotes into the donation box, she bowed towards the statue of the deity, silently chanting “Sorry for offending before” in her heart.

After doing all this, Ciel turned around preparing to leave, but soon, she heard a somewhat familiar voice from behind.

“Only if your heart is pious enough, child, might the Goddess bless you.”

Hearing this gentle voice, Ciel turned her head and, sure enough, saw a familiar silver-haired figure.

High Priestess Uris.

At this moment, there was no one else in the church. High Priestess Uris sat alone on a pew, smilingly looking towards Ciel. Hearing Ciel’s footsteps stop, she continued, “Does this believer have something on her mind?”

“Sorry, I’m not a believer.” Ciel shook her head.

This was her first contact with High Priestess Uris in reality. They had interacted many times in simulations, and she had helped herself quite a bit.

“Hm?” Uris was slightly stunned, asking curiously, “Heard the sound just now... Did you insert two banknotes? 10 pounds?”

“20 pounds.” Knowing lies wouldn’t deceive Uris, Ciel directly told the truth.

“You are too wealthy...” Uris’s small mouth opened slightly, seeming somewhat surprised.

People donating so much at once might be common in other churches, but truly rare in the Church of the Savior Goddess.

After all, other churches basically had some connections with wealthy merchants and nobles. Among their believers were also many nobles and wealthy merchants, so donations were naturally not lacking.

But the Church of the Savior Goddess basically did things that offended nobles and wealthy merchants. Their main believers were mostly farmers and workers with little money. The money donated by one parish wasn’t even enough for the church in that parish to distribute relief food.

This was also the main reason why attendants of the Church of the Savior Goddess quickly went bankrupt after becoming “Ascetics.” All money was donated to their own church, and they had to constantly take on other jobs to subsidize the church.

It was only thanks to the past grandeur of the Church of the Savior Goddess that they managed to sustain until now; otherwise, the Holy See would have long been unable to make ends meet.

Therefore, upon encountering such a rare “developable” potential believer donating such a large sum at once, Uris had the thought of converting her.

“If you don’t mind, you can come with me to the private prayer room. I can lead you through a prayer, letting the Goddess also hear your wishes.” Uris showed a friendly smile, simultaneously extending her right hand towards Ciel.

“Don’t worry, the private prayer room only has us two girls, no one will disturb.” Seeming to dispel Ciel’s doubts, Uris explained.

Her explanation would have been fine, but explaining made Ciel remember the time she was taken to the private prayer room and tricked into having her face pinched for a whole evening.

The corner of Ciel’s mouth twitched. She said, “No thanks, I have very important things to do later, no time.”

“Is that so... Wish you success in your matters, may the Goddess protect you.” Hearing Ciel’s words, Uris didn’t insist further, just said a few auspicious words, then watched Ciel leave.

However, just after Ciel’s footsteps faded away, a slightly puzzled expression appeared on Uris’s face.

Strange... why did that child’s tone sound slightly resentful just now? As if I did something to her.

Do I know her?

However, Uris remembered the young woman’s voice and scent. If encountered next time, she could recognize her directly.

Unsure if it was Uris’s illusion, she always felt the young woman just now... seemed mentally unstable.

Uris put away her thoughts, didn’t take these things too seriously. Just as she stood up and walked into the side corridor, a figure blocked her path.

“Lord Bishop.” Uris lowered her head slightly, addressing respectfully.

“There is a top emergency.” Before Uris, the figure completely shrouded in white robes and a white mask spoke emotionlessly, “We need to return to the Holy See.”

Top emergency?

Uris was slightly stunned for a moment.

She had never heard this term before, but it wasn’t hard to guess the danger involved.

“Yes, Lord Bishop, I will immediately arrange the handover work.” Uris replied.

“No need, leave directly, with me.” The white-masked bishop slowly spoke, his plain tone carrying an undeniable command.

Uris, who originally wanted to take advantage of the handover work to remind her sister to be careful recently, had no choice but to nod, follow this bishop towards the back door, and board the carriage returning to the Holy See.

-

“Visit your family and friends yourself, I won’t disturb.” Avena glanced at the time on her stopwatch, then looked at Ciel and said, “I need to prepare for the banquet... Four o’clock, remember.”

“Okay.”

Not long after leaving the Church of the Savior Goddess, Avena bid farewell to Ciel.

She knew Ciel was going to catch up with her family next. Although she had indeed met Ciel’s sister before, the meeting then wasn’t very formal.

Now she wasn’t prepared on how to introduce herself to Ciel’s sister either, so might as well not disturb for now.

Avena boarded the carriage returning to the manor, while Ciel also found a carriage, destination Gem Avenue.

It was already ten in the morning. This time she slept somewhat long, but the benefit was significant mental recovery.

If she could continuously receive Avena’s healing, Ciel felt she could very steadily fully recover her spirit.

However, Avena’s own mental endurance capacity also needed consideration... Talk to Avena later, discuss the most suitable treatment plan.

Soon, the carriage brought Ciel to the entrance of the “Crystalline” jewelry store on Gem Avenue. Just as Ciel got off the carriage, she saw Lichie inside the store wiping the glass counter.

This time Ciel didn’t just stand outside watching, but walked straight towards the jewelry store, pushing open the door.

“Wel... Welcome to ‘Crystalline’.” Seeming not expecting someone so early—usually those noble madams only came shopping at night—Lichie quickly turned her back, fumbling to put on the mask hanging around her neck.

But soon, she felt an impact at her waist, as if something ran over directly, hugging her from behind.

“Little Ciel?” Almost instantly, this word slipped out of Lichie’s mouth. When she turned her head to look, sure enough, she saw a familiar smiling face.

Besides her sister, no one hugged her like this.

“Why are you here?” Lichie’s voice carried slight surprise, but quickly, she lowered her volume, pointed towards the stern-faced manager sitting behind the counter, and whispered, “I’m still working...”

“It’s fine...” Ciel released her hand, smiled at Lichie, then looked up towards the manager, saying, “Miss Avena asked me to bring Lichie over.”

“Go ahead.” The manager nodded, didn’t say much, still maintaining a stern face.

Then, Ciel directly took Lichie’s hand, walked out of the jewelry store, standing beside Gem Avenue, where crowds were beginning to gather.

“Did Miss Avena really call for me?” Lichie looked towards Ciel, blinked, and asked curiously.

“No, I lied to her.” Ciel smiled and shook her head.

“What if you get found out like this...” Lichie reached out and pinched Ciel’s cheek, giving Ciel a small reprimand.

“She won’t find out anyway.” Ciel acted nonchalantly.

Anyway, that manager was Avena’s former maid, now just helping Avena watch the store.

Moreover, whether Avena called for Lichie or not, the manager had no way to verify. Even if she really had a whim to verify, upon hearing it was a red-haired young woman who said it, Avena would most likely cooperate with her first, then ask her for the reason afterwards.

The current relationship between Avena and Ciel was probably beyond others’ imagination.

Randomly finding a coffee shop that looked well-decorated, Ciel was about to lead her sister inside when she suddenly thought of something, stopped, turned towards a street vendor selling dried yellowfin cod in front, looked back and asked, “Have you eaten?”

This kind of fish fried in an oil pan, crispy and delicious, is a classic street food in Berren City, also common in Clock Tower Alley, because it’s cheap enough, protein content also high enough.

However, besides fried fish and roasted potatoes, there weren’t many delicacies on the street.

“Not yet.” Lichie shook her head, walked smilingly to the vendor, and said, “Two fried fish.”

The fish sizzled in the oil pan. Lichie looked towards Ciel beside her and asked, “Busy recently? Haven’t sent any letters.”

“Indeed quite busy, studying a new language recently, been reading books all the time.” Ciel nodded, thought for a moment, then asked, “Sister? How about you recently? I went back home, found you went back to clean?”

“Mm...” Lichie nodded, saying, “Because I had to go to church, went to clean up along the way.”

Even though the lease was almost up, that place was still home that sheltered them from wind and rain for a long time.

Whether Lichie or Ciel, whenever free, or doing something important, they would subconsciously choose that place.

“Church... I went just now too, donated some money, begged the Goddess for protection.” Ciel replied.

“Aren’t you an ‘atheist’? Why start praying to the Goddess too.” Lichie asked curiously.

“Today’s life isn’t easy to come by, always have to beg the Goddess to watch over.” Ciel was quite frank. She spent a lot of money; she dared to wish for anything.

“Haha...” Lichie smiled and rubbed Ciel’s head, then seemed to think of something, saying, “Little Ciel, better not go to Clock Tower Alley recently.”

“Hm? Why?” Ciel took the roasted fish wrapped in oil paper from the boss, handed it to Lichie, then asked, “Is something happening there?”

Lichie hesitated for a moment, then said, “Recently many factories had people pass away... Some were due to the previous ‘dehydration syndrome,’ but quite a few were from overwork sudden death.”

“Now many workers are very resentful. Even the Blackwater Gang doesn’t dare collect protection fees now. Better stay away from Clock Tower Alley for a while.”

Sudden death from overwork... workers...

Isn’t this...

Ciel had seen this scene in the simulation.

However, in the simulation, she was a clerk, handling a case of workers collectively suing the mint factory manager. That case ruled the factory owner innocent, the magistrate was Baron Hastings.

But that was July 21st. Now it’s only July 2nd. Did things start brewing so early?

Ciel felt slightly uneasy in her heart.

However, this was just ordinary worker protest. Ansu nobles and wealthy merchants should have very rich experience dealing with it. Moreover, Avena’s assets were related to gem mining, shouldn’t involve her.

Taking a bite of the fried fish in her hand, Ciel swallowed the fragrant fried fish with some difficulty.

Not because it tasted bad, but because she was already very full just now.

“Okay, I won’t go to Clock Tower Alley later.”

Lichie and Ciel continued chatting for a while. After learning Ciel’s current life was good, Lichie also felt relieved.

Especially now that Ciel started studying again, this made Lichie somewhat pleasantly surprised. After all, she initially planned to let Ciel attend university college no matter how hard it was.

The current Ciel was clearly working hard towards her own goals. And it sounded like her relationship with that Miss Avena was quite good.

If not for the huge disparity in status, she also wanted to personally thank that Lady Avena face-to-face for taking care of her sister.

Later, Ciel still had to report safety to other friends. After strolling with Lichie for about an hour, she sent Lichie back to the jewelry store and bid farewell.

Looking at Ciel’s departing figure, Lichie felt waves of relief in her heart.

Unknowingly, the little sister who used to follow behind her had grown to the point of being self-reliant.

She wasn’t worried about Ciel encountering danger outside. With her sister’s vigilant personality, she absolutely wouldn’t put herself in danger.

Instead, Lichie had to worry, whether her sister would use the cleverness in her head for illegal purposes—after all, she heard some people study law just to exploit legal loopholes.

But her own sister probably wouldn’t... right?