Steampunk: Sixth Era Epic

Their hands clasped together, gazing at Shard up close again, Princess Margaret Anjou instinctively avoided looking into his eyes, believing it was a subconscious reaction of caution toward the powerful Circle Sorcerer.

Before the meeting with Shard alone, Princess Margaret had contemplated many scenarios, but never imagined Shard would be so composed:

"Rejed's Hamilton, you don't seem at all surprised that I'm a student of Xerxes? Did you recognize me last week?"

She asked softly, taking the first step to seize control of the conversation.

"No, no, Your Highness, I certainly did not recognize you. But how does whether or not you are a Circle Sorcerer affect me?"

Shard released his hand, and since there was a layer of gloves, the Princess, with her faint witch power, still did not notice anything unusual about Shard:

"Moreover, I think that since you have exposed your identity as a Circle Sorcerer to me, you will not threaten me with something like 'Knight, you don't want your identity exposed either', correct?"

He leaned slightly against the wall, looking at the Princess:

"I think I can trust you; Miss Galina has praised you. You are a very qualified Royal Lady."

Princess Margaret was somewhat surprised by this sudden compliment. She had expected that the handsome gentleman opposite her would be as apprehensive of unknown Circle Sorcerers as she was.

Still maintaining the elegance and decorum of a noble maiden, she said:

"Mr. Hamilton, yes, we are both from the Three Major Academies, and there's no conflict between us, which is enough for us to trust each other. And I even want to thank you for helping me capture that head last week."

Thinking of the scene in the foggy alley where Shard swung the terrifying black chain towards the head on the wall, Princess Margaret's mouth twitched. She still didn't know how many rings Shard really had, but she figured he was certainly at least in the Inner Ring, much stronger than her Four Ring level:

"Detective, I invited you here this time to give you a commission, yes, a commission from a Circle Sorcerer."

Shard raised an eyebrow. He hadn't expected to be called out for this:

"Interesting, your commission, could you first introduce exactly what needs to be done? Generally, I don't engage in illegal activities."

"I wish to commission you to find a Female Sorcerer."

Under the gaslight, she instinctively lowered her voice, as if fearing someone:

"Yes, a Female Sorcerer. I have some information about her, but I cannot personally go looking for her, nor can I send someone obviously related to me, or once discovered..."

She hesitated but then spoke out the target:

"Lives around Saint Delan Square and its surrounding streets, female, should not be older than 30 years, and her profession might be related to mathematics or at least proficient in mathematics. Her character should be quite nice, with top-notch looks and figure, not fond of socializing with men."

The Princess couldn't possibly tell Shard that she was afraid Miss Sylvia would discover her 'small actions', so she casually found a reason to explain why she wanted to commission Shard for this task:

"Saint Delan Square and nearby streets house many of your Draleon's nobles and high officials. I cannot investigate personally, as any diplomatic issue would be no small matter. Detective, you live in Saint Delan Square, so it should be convenient for you to conduct the investigation. Help me find that Female Sorcerer, and the commission fee can be set freely, Gold Pound is not an issue."

Although not spoken aloud, Shard instinctively understood that the other party was looking for himself, or rather, was seeking the 'apprentice' Miss Sylvia claimed to have. He remembered the Witch mentioning her lies to the Princess:

"Hmm..."

Seeing Shard's hesitant expression, the Princess slightly frowned:

"I am sorry, is there a problem?"

"It's not really a problem, I'm just not sure..."

If Shard refused now, the Princess might look for someone else to investigate, causing more trouble. But the problem was, Shard was very sure that according to the description given, no such person could be found. If a target similar to 'Miss Pawo' was found, it would certainly be the wrong answer:

"I am not very sure if I can indeed find her. If someone like that Female Sorcerer resides nearby, they must be well-hidden."

"Yes, she is not weak, so I don't require you to definitely find her, just give it a try. Mr. Alan Madison speaks highly of you. He heard many things about you from Dr. Schneider and knows you are a kind, upright, and steadfast gentleman whose handled cases have never had any unexpected incidents."

Shard wasn't quite sure how the doctor commented on him, but clearly, the 'second-hand evaluation' the Princess received was problematic. Out of four cases left by Detective Sparrow, apart from Mia, the other three had significant surprises.

After some thought, he finally nodded:

"I can take on this task. Before you leave the area, I will give you a reply."

He pondered whether to fabricate an investigation report following Detective Sparrow's tradition or to directly inform the young Grand Witch:

"As for the reward, I think Gold Pound is unnecessary."

The Princess quietly took a step back, calculating the time to the salon's start at seven was less than four minutes and slightly quickened her speech:

"You are a distinguished guest from afar, no need to mention Gold pounds, Your Highness. I currently hold a commission regarding Sir Plisha, initiated by his admirers locally. I wish to learn about Sir Plisha from you, which will aid in completing the commission."

Sir Plisha and Princess Margaret were part of the same group; of course, she believed Shard did not know this fact. Hearing Shard's request, she slightly sighed in relief and genuinely admired the gentleman's poise before her.

The legendary Shard Hamilton first beguiled the Duchess' Maid with eloquent words, then established his fortunes through associating with Galina Cavendish. But based on her understanding gained after arriving in Tobesk and what she witnessed at Lakeside Manor, it might be Galina Cavendish who had latched onto this promising young Circle Sorcerer:

"No problem, Knight. I can tell you some of his stories, but not right now. How about Sunday? I'll visit you at your home. I've always heard of the fame of Saint Delan Square but have never visited, and I happen to have some free time on Sunday."

She paused briefly before adding:

"Knight, you have earned my friendship, the friendship of Margaret Anjou."

Shard nodded slightly and asked as the Princess was preparing to leave:

"I heard Sir Plisha is a distant relative of the Anjou Royal Family. His grandmother and your grandmother are twin sisters. I wonder if there's something special about his paternal lineage, the Plisha Family."

"Will admirers entrust you to investigate this?"

The princess with light golden hair asked curiously, then casually answered:

"Plisha is a very old surname, it was noble even before the United Kingdom was established. I've heard that a long time ago, this surname represented a very ancient family of Circle Sorcerers, with extraordinary and sacred power passed down through their bloodline. Of course, this is just a rumor. If you're curious about it, we can talk about it on Sunday."

After saying this, she was ready to turn and leave but hesitated for a moment and asked:

"May I ask, Mr. Hamilton, from whom did you learn mathematics? Was it a scholar or an academy?"

Shard blinked:

"Have you not investigated my identity? I have no diplomas or graduation certificates; I taught myself mathematics after becoming a Circle Sorcerer."

Margaret Anjou certainly couldn't investigate the exact date Shard became a Circle Sorcerer, nor would Mr. Alan Madison tell her.

"Talent and years of study? I understand."

She took a deep breath, appearing quite shaken. After bidding farewell to Shard, she left the stairway and quickly led her maid towards the room at the other end of the corridor where the book salon was held; she couldn't be late for such an occasion.

Shard stood in the shadow at the stairway watching Princess Margaret's back:

"Usually, once you talk of 'ancient families,' there are definitely many stories behind. Initially, I just wanted to see if I could start from the princess's perspective to try and gather Spiritual Light of the 'Guiding Moon,' but unexpectedly there's such a rumor."

"Does the rumor of the ancient family concern you?"

"It doesn't."

He was ready to return:

"At least for now, it doesn't."

It was now seven PM, all invited guests arrived punctually, and Shard, after wiping his shoes, once again took a seat beside Sir Plisha.

Lecia smiled and clapped her hands, signaling everyone to quiet down. Standing in front of the fireplace, she took out a book and thanked everyone for coming, especially thanking Princess Margaret, and then this book salon officially began.

The book salon is not a particularly serious event, where people can enjoy tea and desserts while participating in interesting activities.

The salon is hosted by Lecia, initially inviting people to share the books they've been reading lately. Those willing to share may stand before the fireplace, turn their back to it, display their bring-along books, and share interesting content or knowledge gleaned from them. Shard brings Dorothy's "Hamilton Detective Stories," which really isn't suited for such a "elegant" book salon, but Shard volunteers to share.

Princess Margaret brings a traditional Carsonrick fairy tales collection, "Poem of Dreams," from the 1853 edition with fifteen newly collected tales, among them, the story of the Mermaid Princess is a story she particularly shares.

Baron Lalair from Tobesk shares a book called "Summit Lightning," where they put arrays of iron rods on peaks to try and attract lightning, thus deduce the specific causes and estimate the specific power of lightning.

Unfortunately, this book is not popular science, but rather first-person disaster memoirs, as most of the unfortunate ones encountered in the mountains have yet to be found.

Sir Plisha beside Shard shares an essay collection he read in Tobesk called "Song of the Moon." This book was published this spring, author unknown, and the essays are divided into three chapters: "Chapter of the Yellow Moon," "Chapter of the Red Moon," and "Chapter of Silvermoon," each with essays related to a specific moon. The entire collection features 17 articles, showing how much Sir Plisha enjoys this book, particularly sharing "Chapter of the Yellow Moon."

Sharing their own books livened up the salon's atmosphere, as well-dressed gentlemen and ladies actually brought out science books and even popular novels to share. Lecia intentionally hinted for Shard to speak as well, but Shard slightly shook his head, and so the princess did not mention Shard's name.

After sharing books, people gathered in small groups, discussing topics they liked.

Princess Margaret certainly sat with Lecia, surrounded by noble ladies of the same age; Prince Nasser Cavendish gathered familiar friends at another spot; while Shard originally wanted to continue discussing Carsonrick's scenery with Sir Plisha, unexpectedly, Little Princess Angelina walked over:

"Knight, do you mind if I sit here?"

She, with her friend Lisa Iceberg, the young daughter of the Esberg Family, sat on the sofa to Shard's right:

"Knight, what are you discussing?"

"Good evening, Your Highness, we were discussing scenery and detective stories."

Sir Plisha spoke respectfully, while Shard added from the side:

"Yes, Sir Plisha also asked me why I don't personally write my own stories. Oh, writing books is quite troublesome, besides even if I wrote, I wouldn't use my name as the story's protagonist, it would make people think I'm bragging."

"Then what name would you use?"

Little Princess said happily, since Lecia was not around, and she sat beside Shard, which was quite an improvement.

"How about the name 'Angie'? I've always liked this name."

Sir Plisha suggested.

"I feel that Hamilton Knight's name is better."

Miss Lisa Iceberg said blushing.

Shard thought of his hometown friends, and then connected to a name:

"Jenkins..."

Remembering his friend's hobby, he fabricated a surname and added a background:

"Jenkins Willamette, with a cat named Chocolate. Sounds nice, but Your Highness, never mind detective stories, my stories, people have seen them in books and papers. What have you been reading lately? I hear the royal family's grammar teacher is a very strict old gentleman."

March hangs high in the night sky, with the bright atmosphere in the second-floor room just right. Silver Cross Avenue was empty, the evening breeze swept leaves into alleys. So far, Lecia's book salon has yet to present any waves.