Lord of Mysteries: Goddess of Origin

The attired man stood up from the wooden chair and mirrored Bogard and Dominick's gesture.

After doing this, he turned his head to face Selina and said, "We will be handling the process of transferring. All we need from you is a password and a signature, afterwards we will discuss further."

Almost forgetting the etiquette, the man lowered his head momentarily before introducing himself, "My name is Leith Pierre, captain of the Water-Current division of the Lord of Storms."

Selina returned his introduction with a curtesy, saying, "Angel Ivory."

"Ms. Angel, follow me." Leith instructed before turning towards one of the receptionists.

Selina didn't mind his brutely demeanor, trailing the man behind.

Arriving at the glass wall, its arrangement are eerily identical to how banks process their services. A small openings at the desk and a small hole at the level of the receptionist's head.

The lady receptionist have already slid a contract before Selina. 

Scanning its contents. She made a mental note of the specifics of the contract, including the process, the progression, as well as the inherent taxes.

So in total. Once they purchased everything, I'll receive 2.8 million once the procedure is done... The amount was still jaw-dropping, Selina casually dismissed at the small denotation of her inheritance.

With her signature signed. The receptionist then gave Selina a registration document, which requires her personal information and a password in mind.

The three Mandated Punishers each turned their head away from her.

After that, Selina returned the document onto the receptionist. The receptionist first labelled it as registered before entering a door behind her.

The quartet remained stationed, eyes darting from passing civilians out of ennui.

Half an hour later, the lady returned with a card marked with an emblem of a crossed light.

"Ms. Ivory's account have been certified. Please proceed towards the hall on the farther right if there's more inquiries." The receptionist informed with a genial tone.

"Good." replied by Leith.

Turning to glance at Selina, he gestured for the card from her hand before explaining, "The Church will transfer the money to your bank account by tomorrow. We'll need your card by then. You can hand it over to the receptionist for now."

Then what's the point in giving it to me then? The corner of Selina's mouth twitched.

Complying with Leith's instruction, she offered the card back to the receptionist.

The lady bowed shortly, then turned towards the door behind her once more.

Seeing this, Leith enlightened. "Now that the registration is done, we'll notify you once the inheritance is complete through mail." 

With a momentary pause he added, "We'll also need to discuss another topic, please follow us."

Skeptical at first, Selina recalled how Bogard and Dominick were able to traced her. Hesitant, she complied.

Trailing the three officers. Selina noticed the stares of the passing guests. Realizing this, she subconsciously minded her poise, walking with deliberate steps.

After ascending to the second floor of the bank, they reached another lounge, with the wooden chairs replaced by large couches and a door ahead presumably leading to the floor's remaining area.

Once the quartet each occupied a seat. Leith quickly brought their purpose for extending Selina's stay.

"Mrs. Ivory, we've already been informed of your situation. You're in the run, a constant hiding from the cult that are actively trying to retrieve you."

Selina clenched her skirt as she listened attentively at Leith's direct words.

Seeing this, Leith toned down his voice and offered, "We're here to propose a chance for you to join the Water-Current division of the Church of Storms. Through this, we'll be able to provide you with protection and comfort throughout the rest of your life."

Though her expectations were kept. Still, Selina didn't casually dismissed this possibility. The Mandated Punishers heavily consists of men as they believe women are of inferiority, this was a complete contradiction to her belief in the Evernight Goddess.

Once she joined this official organization, she will be subjected to complexity and possible hindrance to her goal of obtaining her potion's subsequent formula.

With this in mind, Selina still kept a soft smile and replied, "My apologies, but I'll be rejecting your offer."

After a momentary pause she added, "The reason being is that I'm a believer of the Evernight Goddess."

Leith maintained a calm demeanor as he replied, "That is fine. We don't usually invite ladies into the organization. Recognizing the dangers that heralds in our operations, we chose to adhere with the concept of man needs to protect the women."

Selina's perception of them slightly changed after Leith's explanation, muttering under breath, I see...

"But there's another option we'd like to inform you." Adjusting his posture, Leith continued, "As you're just an ordinary civilian. In order for you to maintain a peaceful life. We are offering for a change of identity through documents and serialized connections that can conceal you effectively, giving you a chance to move forward."

This was exactly what she needs! To disguise herself, she'll be able to completely cut ties with her gruesome past. Allowing her to slowly uncover a way to return home.

With a slight restraint, Selina nodded in agreement. "Yes... I prefer the second option."

As if Leith already knew her response, he added unhurriedly. "What name would you like to use?"

Once his words rang out, Selina fell into a deep thought. She couldn't casually disregard the identity of her body's former owner. At least for a while, as she integrates with this world, she hoped to retain Selina's memory with her own.

Just as Leith was preparing his words to ease her, she replied succinctly. "Selina... Selina Roy."

...

Upon obtaining the identity document. Selina was given the right to leave by Leith, she didn't waste time to exit the bank right after.

With her suitcase in hand and revolver strapped over her trouser, she navigated through the densely populated avenue.

There was the undeniable presence of the working class and the middle class completely separable from their garments.

Vagrants being relocated actively by the officials along with the consistent nauseating air permeating from the feces and narrow canals from the horses and vendors respectively.

After boarding a public carriage. She returned to the department of Yanzhi Working Class Housing Improvement Association. Passing Daffodil street in the process.

Meeting Groland once more. Selina was given a report of the house's state and overall integrity, while also mentioning the analysis they've made and the cost of renting amounting to one pound and three soli per week, with five pence for the furniture fee.

Her reason for choosing such a costly rental house was to seamlessly blend into the residents. She would only be staying for a maximum of two months before leaving Tingen and joining the circle of the nobles in Backlund, just like her father.

Satisfied, she handed the report back, along with the required documents to Groland.

Seated by one of the sofa. Selina could only wait patiently until Groland return with a contract.

The receptionist, Rowell, arrived earlier than Groland. Serving Selina a cup of Feynapotter Leaf tea as she sits idly by the lounge.

As time pass by, in under half an hour. Groland handed Selina a piece of paper, pertaining her right as the renter for a month as well as the house deed.

"Here's the house's deed." Groland turn to occupy the seat across from her. With a laid back poise, he added, "You know... There's a family of three from West Borough. Who managed to relocate to one of the houses in the Daffodil streets."

With her focus solely attended towards the paper. Selina failed to pay attention to Groland.

Seeing this, he continued nonetheless. As if talking to himself, Groland muttered audibly. "It would be nice if there's more people leave that horrid streets..."

Once she finished signing the contract. She immediately returned the paper to Groland.

Groland scanned the document for confirmation. Afterwards, turning his gaze back to Selina. 

"Here." He said, handing out an iron brass key to Selina. On its end was a miniature flat board. Etched on its surface was the words written in Loenese: 16 Daffodil Street.

Then a click rang from Groland's memory. He abruptly added, "Usually, our agents would provide tours for promoting the house." 

"That is... when they're browsing for the available residents." He exempted, donning a casual poise. "However, It would be unfair if we didn't give you a detailed layout of the house. For that, would you like for someone to accompany you in accommodating the resident?" 

I almost lose hope for a tour... Scoffing inwardly Selina let it pass her by as she replied. "I'll take you up on that offer."

After a delay, Groland uprooted himself from the sofa. Making his way to the staff room.

While waiting, Selina subconsciously brushed the brim of her sun hat. Twirling her fingers over its subtle straw surface.

After this, what should I have for lunch? Her thoughts drifted to the recipes she was taught. Relying on her memories, she listed inwardly. Roasted Sailfish with Horseradish cream? Beef Stewed with Aurmir wine? A Porchetta of Intis?

As her mind form dishes in succession, Selina gradually came to realized. Those were too expensive... If I have those meals for weeks, it won't be long before I lose money.

It was a given for an aristocratic lady to be a competent housewife if she would ever search for a spouse. Adding a scroll-full of skills needed for Selina to acquire, including its contents is being able to produce tantalizing meals.

Twenty minutes passed by and Groland returned with a company. A man wearing a dull-colored shirt of blue and white pinstripe, covered by a brown vest.

Arching his hand holding the cap to his chest, the man introduced. "My name is Welmer. A land agent of Yanzhi House Company. I am pleased to meet you Miss Selina."

"Me as well." Selina nodded in response. 

Seeing this, Groland didn't added anything further. Advising his client. "Miss Roy, If you have anything more to inquire. Don't hesitate to contact us."

Following this. Rowell, who was stationed by Groland, lowered his head at her before briskly walking back behind the counter.

Selina took her suitcase beside her and exited the Housing Company department.

With her stay already settled. Welmer gestured for a carriage to halt for them, boarding its wooden interior and heading back to the Daffodil Street.

...

Soon, they alighted. Lowering Selina and Welmer's expense by a single penny for the fare. They both made their way across a series of multifaceted hipped roof buildings by the road.

13, 15, and 16... Once arrived, Welmer took over ahead of Selina.

Marl Heath, the gentleman who have gone out of his way to greet Selina. Currently wasn't present by a resident next to hers, instead she saw a woman of age crouched by a soil bed, tending the garden with grace.

She must be Mr. Heath's wife... In thought, she dismissed her neighbor's presence at the moment. 

The residence stood with three chimneys atop. Its curtains are drawn behind the oriel windows, remained from when she left. But the polished door frame and the spotless glass stains of the place became apparent from before.

The Yanzhi House Company's Welmer took out a bunch of keys. While opening he said. "Our terrace house features a small front yard that can be used for basic gardening. It is the result of our innovative functions we call, environmental sustenance."

The door clicked open, but Welmer added before entering. "Providing residents with a hobby and to improve ambience of the locality."

Inside Inside was a corridor and ahead leads to a ight of stairs, while on each side are arched walls

that framed a path to the other areas of the house. 

The floor was carpeted with red large mat, designed with various patterns. While above exposes a candle chandelier. 

On each corner was arranged with two waist-level tables, on the left next to them was a grand clock. Its body consists of a wooden base and a transparent glass wall that reveals a chime hovering back and forth.

Indicating the time: 8:57.

Turning right of the corridor, beyond the arched opening was the living room.

Furnished with three couches that encircles a short tea table, it features an unlit fireplace and installed with multiple lamps across the walls. The room faces a wide veiled windows ahead, currently closed.

Welmer approached its railings and spread open its draped curtains. Revealing the bright sunlight coursing from the outside. "The living room was deliberately placed by the section facing the front yard for accessibility and a fireplace for the winter."

"Behind that door." Welmer pointed at the glazed window, at the back of the room. "Is the alley. There's a dumpster where you can use for disposing. Our department collects them in order at every end of the week to maintain a hygienic surrounding.

Selina examined the interior for twenty second before briefly nodding.

Following that, Welmer led her back to the corridor and across the living room section. "This is the dining area. It is already furnished with a table accompanied by cushioned chairs."

Arriving at the kitchen counter, built with a range hood, he added. "The area is also installed with the latest design for gas stoves. Cemented with a marble counter, it brings convenience for the cooking member of the family and a vent hood for ventilating smoke."

Subsequently, he amused. "It was a formal request from the tenants..."

But I'm alone though... The corner of Selina's mouth twitched involuntarily.

Nevertheless, she seems satisfied with the design, It not only encapsulates the modern kitchen area but it embraces it. Possibly in the following years, they might be able to invent an oven.

Returning to the corridor, ahead before the stairs was a descending path the leads to the basement.

Welmer explained in detail. "The basement lacks sufficient lighting, with its air in constant space, it is advise to let the door panes open for awhile before entering."

Selina nodded in acknowledgement.

On the second floor was another hallway, adorned with ornamental vases and a hardwood fence stoop next to the stairs. 

Ahead of the corridor was a space ladened with laced mats draped over a three sofa. It was placed by a bay window, which reveals the roaming pedestrians of the street and plated roofed houses.

Inside of the first room before the stairs was the bathroom, separated with an inner and outer area.

The outer consists of a shower head, a sink and a horizontal mirror that reflects its interiors. While the inner contains the bowel for private upcoming.

Across the bathroom was the library. It consists of a window next to the couch by the corner followed by a hardwood table. Three shelves were side by side in succession, revealing empty racks where books should be.

At a room next to the library was the bedroom.

The interior holds a single wide bed, placed next to one of the veiled windows. Empty bookshelf stood next to the leveled desk, facing the door and a cushioned chair.

Meanwhile, at the end of the corridor. The area contains a set of shelves, sofas, tables and a wide bay window, revealing the lively Daffodil Street. 

After the tour, Welmer accompanied Selina to the house entrance. With the key in hand, he said. "That's the end of the short tour. If you have anything to inquire, don't hesitate to contact our department."

Selina revealed an impeccable, genial smile. Saying in a soft tone. "Thank you."