As the sacrificial ritual concluded, the Snatcher leading the ritual took the Crow's Eye Stone and placed it on a nearby shelf for displaying items for sale.
His action caused a slight stir among those present.
This signaled that the gathering was about to enter the segment everyone cared most about... the trading of looted treasures.
The Six-Eyed Crows cult chose to have a High Priest officiate the "Third Perch" ritual partly out of respect for the Plum Moon Ritual, and on the other hand... perhaps because the items for sale this time were exceptionally unusual, requiring security.
"Before trading begins, I reiterate the rules of the 'Third Perch' to ensure any buyers present are aware."
The crow-masked High Priest's voice carried an odd hoarseness, but his enunciation was clear, without the coastal accent of Gormouth.
"The first is the free trading segment. Attendees can state their needs or items for sale, be it information, relics, or other spiritual materials... If both parties agree on the trade, we charge no additional fee."
"But if verification of the trade item by the cult is required, a 3% commission will be levied."
"After that, there will be a formal auction of consigned items. Goods come from the cult's collection and sellers' prior consignment. We provide appraisal and guarantee for the goods, charging a 5% commission from both parties. Large transactions enjoy tiered reductions."
"Finally, I am the host of this Plum Moon Ritual. You may address me as 'Ash Scar'."
After finishing the explanation, the feather-clad High Priest calling himself Ash Scar rapped the table beside him, signaling the start of free trading. Soon, regulars familiar with the gatherings began promoting items they intended to sell.
"I have a relic scimitar from Attilan here, engraved with Sun Forgers cult prayers. It can summon flames with just a bit of spirituality... 350 standard silver, any type of silver coin accepted, no haggling. Take it or leave it."
The speaker was an elder wearing a Third Perch mask. Features could only be glimpsed from the arm protruding from the black robe.
His arm was long, finger joints prominent, and covered in calluses. He seemed to be an Artificer.
"A vial of [The Constructed Flower] disciple's marrow fluid. Stored too long, it's begun to deactivate, but can still be used as medicine or pigment. Some also apply it to their face, said to grant unparalleled inspiration."
"After all, it's spiritual material. 80 standard silver is a very fair price. But I only accept Norlington currency."
The speaker was a young woman. Though her face couldn't be seen, a somewhat poetic cadence could be sensed in her speech.
While she spoke, another attendee was promoting his goods.
"Hey... I have a rose oil incense here. Mixed with pearl powder and special bone powder, the spiritual elements they contain will help you and your lover find the heart-fluttering feeling of first love... That innocence, sensitivity, yet feverish impulse..."
"65 Gormouth silver. Trust me, absolutely worth the price!"
...
Fran listened to their descriptions with interest but seemed to have no intention to buy. She merely tilted her head slightly and asked Detreka beside her.
"Detreka, does the title 'Ash Scar' have any special meaning?"
As a disciple of the Six-Eyed Crows, Detreka did have some understanding of her cult's codename rules.
She thought briefly, then explained to Fran.
"It's different from the Ash revered by Secrets-Hunters. In our cult, 'Ash' only represents a color. Some high-ranking disciples refer to themselves using parts of a crow's body. 'Scar' represents the wound left by a crow's sharp claws."
"Similarly, there are those who use 'Beak', 'Feather', or 'Eye' to refer to themselves."
Fran nodded slightly, then posed a new question.
"If I'm not mistaken, 'Eye' should refer to the highest rank?"
"Ah... yes. But my rank is too low; I haven't met a Searcher who can use 'Eye' as a title. I've only heard seniors mention it in casual talk."
Detreka responded quietly.
Though there were screens around, it wasn't a fully enclosed room. While talking to Fran, she felt inexplicably nervous, afraid of accidentally saying something taboo and being overheard.
As for the items the previous attendees were hawking, Fran seemed rather uninterested. She even raised a hand to cover a yawn behind her veil.
First, relics produced by the Sun Forgers cult – Sigrid could mass-produce such trinkets with a bit of material, so no need to spend money. As for the pearl incense with emotion-enhancing effects...
As a seasoned and skilled pharmacist, Fran could easily create similar drugs.
She had one ready for Medicae Primus Viola's graduation assessment.
The classic stimulant drug [Bud Stimulation (Bylestim)], made from demon blood and spirit bone powder. Just a few milligrams could cause a mortal to die ecstatically from overwhelming pleasure.
By the way, the diluted Bud Stimulation Fran fed the ascetic at the Sated Club earlier was exactly that.
"Ms. Vivian, aren't you interested in these goods?"
Seeing Fran resting her cheek on her hand, almost dozing off, Detreka was momentarily puzzled.
In fact, because it was the Plum Moon Ritual of the new year, the quality of goods at the Third Perch today was higher than usual. Sellers were basically offering things containing spiritual elements, not peddling ordinary junk.
Though Ms. Vivian's standards were surely higher than ordinary cult followers, for the sake of perfecting the patron's disguised identity, she could consider acquiring one or two items.
"Don't be impatient, Detreka. It's just the appetizer."
Fran noticed the thief lady's restlessness beside her and gently patted her to soothe her.
Just as she was waiting for the free trading segment to end, a man with a somewhat grating voice proposed a commission. And its content... was quite eye-catching.
"I want to buy some information. Those who know can communicate with me privately. Reward over 400 standard silver. If the information provided is sufficiently detailed, I can increase the price."
"Does anyone know why the information broker Louisa of the Abyssal Sea Tavern went mad?"
After he spoke, the voices of other regulars discussing prices nearby softened slightly.
Some were surprised. Louisa was one of the most well-known information brokers in Foy. Though aged, her spirituality and mystical knowledge were infinitely close to the Fourth Rank symbolizing High Priest.
Others showed keen interest. Through their own information networks, they more or less knew about Louisa's recent condition.
... That sinister, strange old woman was found in a dark street corner. When found, she had lost the ability to communicate, mouthing incoherent murmurs.
Rumors said Louisa had made progress towards High Priest ascension. Was it an error during the ascension process, or did someone act against her?
"Oh... I know something about that."
A moment later, Fran's voice broke the brief quiet.
Simultaneously, it attracted the probing gazes of other attendees.
The man who issued the commission had mentally prepared for no response. Hearing someone willing to provide information, he focused his gaze on the speaker.
"Good, then let's talk separately."
"But I declare upfront, I will judge the information you provide. I'll only offer payment after confirming its accuracy. If you only know some vague, ambiguous things, no need to waste each other's time."
Fran paid no mind to his slightly cold, harsh words, just signaled Detreka to wait there. Then she slowly walked out from the privacy screen.
"How coincidental, I also hate wasting time."
The man sized up her attire, his eyes flickering with a strange light.
Unified Faction? Those who still uphold the dual-faith theory nowadays are mostly genuine old-timers, even survivors from the Lost Age... But someone of that rank would definitely not have the leisure to participate in a peripheral gathering like the "Third Perch".
Even if truly seeking something from the Six-Eyed Crows, it should be at the "Oak-Shadow Nest".
Regardless, a lady who could afford Ahanta silk gauze probably wouldn't specifically come to swindle him for this small reward.
"You two, this way, please."
As he spoke, a server approached to lead the way to the meeting room.
As a Six-Eyed Crows disciple, he had mature and well-developed insights on reading people. Undoubtedly, these two were guests with sufficient qualifications, so more proper service should be provided.
As Fran and the client entered the meeting room, the server slowly went to Ash Scar's side, casting an inquiring glance.
For this type of informational free trade, the Six-Eyed Crows gained no commission, yet they remained enthusiastic about facilitating it. The reason was simple... these crows could obtain "another kind of more valuable 'commission' through other means.
"Heh... The content of these two's conversation need not be listened to. If you want to become a fool, you can try."
Ash Scar shook his head, not having him follow the usual practice of eavesdropping on the private room.
That man was a senior Moth cult disciple, and the lady calling herself "The Hermit" was of the ancient Lamp Moth Unified Faction. If these two so wished, they could easily lace their conversation with madness-inducing content.
—
Inside the Third Perch's meeting room.
"Madam, you may call me 'Inchworm'."
The man first stated his codename. It was a general term for a moth, subtly indicating his identity.
"Hermit."
Fran responded succinctly, saying no more.
Hearing this, Inchworm narrowed his eyes slightly, pondering the possible meaning of this title.
Tarot? The Hermit card also signifies "The Lantern Bearer". So, though this lady belongs to the ancient Unified Faction, she leans more towards the Lamp cult?
This wasn't good news. Most in the Lamp cult enjoy being cryptic. And some of their disciples, to pursue the Radiance, completely discard emotions, displaying unusually cruel behavior at times.
"Madam Hermit, since you accept this transaction, you must know some inside information. Tell me, what caused Louisa's madness?"
Inchworm spoke, no superfluous chatter, getting straight to the point.
Fran's amber eyes blinked slightly. After a moment's consideration, she gave an answer.
"Though the Carapace Kind Sacred Spawn remnant is dangerous and deadly, it is after all an intoxicating power, difficult to give up. At the same time, it was her only hope for continued survival."
"To gain and then lose—the enormous psychological drop can destroy most people's minds."
Hearing the information revealed in her words, Inchworm's expression instantly turned serious.
Madam Hermit knows the medium for Louisa's High Priest ascension was Carapace Kind remains... And her way of speaking is very direct, lacking the elusive and beguiling feel of the Lamp cult.
"My apologies. It seems you indeed know the inside story..."
An oppressive atmosphere pervaded the air. Inchworm felt his breathing was light, as if he had lost the ability to stir up spirituality against the person before him.
But then he realized his body was actually normal; that oppressive feeling was more like some sort of illusion.
"So, do you know why she became that way?"
"Hmm... Answering that seems not within the scope of our transaction. Mr. Inchworm, I have already, as you requested, told you the cause of Louisa's madness."
Fran's eyes narrowed slightly, her expression showing only utterly placid indifference.
"That question is a different price."
"How much do you want?" Inchworm looked at her somewhat with difficulty.
Since she already knew what was on Louisa, she must understand the true value of that Sacred Spawn remnant. In that case, the previously agreed 400 silver could only be considered some sort of extra.
"Don't worry, I don't have the habit of jacking up the price on the spot. How about... an additional 200 Norlington silver to buy out all information regarding Louisa?"
Fran didn't quote an overly exaggerated figure, just slightly raised the original price.
"A fair price. You are a generous lady."
This price was completely within Inchworm's acceptable range; he couldn't help but heave a sigh of relief. He then wrote 600 on a Norlington Central Bank check, signed by some anonymous financial organization.
"So, the answer to my earlier question is?"
Maintaining her indifferent demeanor, Fran's slightly upturned, lustrous lips remained hidden beneath the golden-thread veil, hard to see.
"Simple... Because I removed the Carapace Kind remnant from her body, freeing her from the erosion of Sacred Spawn flesh and blood, sparing her the fate of descending into an unclean entity."
"Besides that, I restored her health. Unfortunately, she didn't seem too pleased about it."
Her voice was like wind brushing past the ear, gentle and harmless. Yet Inchworm felt a chill suddenly rise from beneath his spine, flooding his entire body.
"So, Madam Hermit... you are the one who took the Sacred Remains from Louisa?"
"I thought I had given enough hints."
Fran raised an eyebrow, sighing softly.
"Such a polluting thing, and you all just put it on an experimental subject, flaunting it in public? That's far too irresponsible. I could only humble myself a bit... acting as a scavenger."
Without a sound, the steel tail vertebra of the "Chimera Spine" Sphinx extended from beneath Fran's gray gauze robe. Its vertebral tip sharp as a blade's edge grazed the lacquer coating of Inchworm's mask, like a serpent's tongue.
"The little story is finished. Mr. Inchworm, can you make the payment now?"
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