Chương 40: 25.1. A Surprise Lunch

Travelling the empty roads and streets of central Zentrum. After using his movement technique for nearly an hour, Faust finally began seeing some activity. The occasional carriage speeding by in a blur or some exotic horse whizzing by. Hearing noise in the distance, Faust slowed down. Now, people are passing every few moments. The carved stone tiles became smooth marble inlaid with jade murals of dragons and phoenixes. Faust stepped onto what he could only imagine was Main road.

Luxurious carriages embossed with gold, jade, silver, some kind of sparkly violet ore— all passed by at reasonable speeds, pulled by equally stunning creatures, from armoured tortoises, to horses that were simply on fire. Faust rubbed his nose slightly, the simultaneous smell of fire clashing with the relaxing scent of a fresh breeze. The store fronts were no less unique. A large square front with a small entrance flanked by massive purple and gold banners was advertising itself as a tailor.

Faust wondered if he should enter. Then shook his head. He had been recommended to the Golden Circle boutique, so he would check there first. Though… The person recommending it seemed rather… incensed. He turned and started walking up the street. Far in the distance, he could see the forbidden city rising like a mountain from the ground, at the peak of which stood the royal palace.

He focused his eyes on the different establishments, but only because he didn't want to respond to the numerous incredulous gazes in his direction. The aura of Golden Core cultivators was swarming the place. Though most were guardians rather than the young ladies and masters who were most present. Many of whom only had auras at the Meridian Opening. It wasn't those guards who were the ones looking and scoffing either. How annoying. Faust thought, his eyes narrowing slightly.

It almost made him want to aim beyond Nascent Soul just to rub it into these snide heirs faces. Unfortunately, it was unrealistic to aim further than that. Going further was a multigenerational effort. It would be nice if he lived long enough to see his great grandchildren reach such heights. His eyes twitched violently. As if in protest to his thoughts. Faust left his thoughts as a golden gleam caught his gaze.

'Golden Circle Boutique.' He stopped in his tracks. Several particularly luxurious carriages sat just outside the massive golden building. Several guards were mingling while the couches of each carriage used whisper techniques to have their own conversations. Standing at the precipice— the corner between the Golden Circle boutique and the next building— Faust took a step closer to the wall and tapped it a few times with his finger.

"Ah yes. An entire building of Fire Quartz Spirit Gold. Just what my wallet needs." Faust decided in that instant to turn around and go back to that purple and gold banner tailor he saw earlier.

"Sir Faust?" A voice called from behind him. Arghhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!! His mind wailed inside. Faust paused with great reluctance. He couldn't pretend to ignore it when he couldn't even place the voice that had called to him, so he couldn't risk offending the wrong person. He turned around against his will. A dark robed woman with a sagging face stood there. Her rotting Nascent Soul aura quickly jolted Faust's memory. It was Han Ci's bodyguard from his room in the Han Estate. Why are you here?!

Faust bowed slightly and cupped a fist.

"I'm afraid I haven't heard your name senior."

"You missed the young master's invitation." Why would you bring that up? Now even the nearby guardians and young heirs are looking.

"I apologise, senior. I was occupied elsewhere for a time and didn't receive the letter until the date had already passed." Please be here on your own. Just leave it at that. I apologised already. He was well and truly done if a Nascent Soul expert pursued the issue.

"..." The woman remained silent— until Han Ci in the flesh came hobbling out of those bright golden doors and into the light. NOOOOOOOOO!!!!

"Oh? The passing scholar who dared give me a fake identity is here in person after snubbing an invitation?" I wouldn't call it snubbing. Don't twist my actions.

"I apologise, young master. It was my lack of foresight that caused me to miss the letter." Faust calculated the fastest way to leave according to the general disposition of a young heir. He had to do things properly and in the most boring way possible in order to lose their attention. Faust pulled out a box from his spatial pouch— it was filled with some moderately valuable herbs— and offered it to the young master.

"Please accept this humble gift as an apology." He calmly offered, bowing low enough to face the ground. Heh. Faust congratulated himself. Proper and boring. Apologise and offer a gift as remuneration. Now accept the gift and move along! Unfortunately, the silence stretched for one second. Then two. Almost a minute passed in silence. Then. Han Ci sighed. Faust felt his whole face spasming violently as he stared at the ground. A hand gently pushed the box back.

"Now, now. Since I went through the trouble of inviting you. We can be considered friends no? There's no need for formalities."

"..." Faust didn't even have a response to that logic. We met once now we're friends? I was trying to escape wasn't I? Faust resisted a sigh, controlling his facial expression to something neutral as he stood back up straight.

"The young master is too generous. I wouldn't dare call someone from my station the friend of one so sublime." Faust carefully returned the box to his spatial bag, looking around. While people pretended to be disinterested, the crowd around had only grown. In fact, many of the young heirs and even gruff guardians in armour were nodding to his words. Get the hint, young master!

"Nonsense. After a good drink, all men are equal. As my father likes to say." Han Ci gently shook his head, before coughing a few times.

"What? You mean like 'man proposes it, liquor confirms it?'" I didn't mean to say that out loud.

"Pft—" Han Ci almost laughed, then sputtered and heaved his chest, almost falling backwards before being caught by the old woman in black robes. Great, I almost killed him with my stupid jokes. Faust bowed again with a cupped fist, "I wish you a swift recovery and won't disturb the young master further."

"No— No— It's just a mild cough. If you're free now, perhaps we could take this to a nearby restaurant." Han Ci waved his hand. Faust willed his eye not to twitch, locking down his facial expression before responding.

"It wouldn't do for a commoner like me to intrude on the young master so heavily when you're feeling under the weather. I can visit your estate whenever the young master has time." Faust stitched a plausible response together. Unfortunately he had accidentally mentioned the young master's poor health. Not taboo but certainly not looked upon favourably. Faust sighed internally. The situation literally couldn't get worse. Even while coughing, Han Ci shook his head and waved his hand.

"Nonsense—" Faust caught the movement of the carriages lined up in front of the Golden Circle boutique.

"—As a friend, how could it be wasting my time." Han Ci continued, before noticing the movement and pausing. Almost everyone turned to see the commotion. Faust's eyes widened. The royal crest emblazoned across the side of the red and gold carriage. The empire's flag. The red uniformed guards and the two familiar maids. IT CAN GET SO MUCH WORSE!!!

"Naturally, the young master is correct. It's a fine idea, I will follow the young master's arrangements." Faust responded a split second later. His face turned serious as he addressed Han Ci. Unfortunately, Han Ci was focused on the carriage coming to a stop in front of the boutique. Please respond to me quickly.

"All kneel for her highness!!! The fourth princess of the empire!" The guard shouted. Han Ci only dipped his head and cupped a fist, along with many of the other heirs. While everyone else kneeled with their heads practically touching the ground. Faust saw his chance and took it. He threw himself to the ground in a perfect bow while scooting as far away from Han Ci as possible without looking like he was doing it on purpose.

The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Special technique! Irrelevance! The princess, in tight, frilly black dress with a short skirt and red and white accents, stepped out.

"Seeing you after only a few weeks. What a coincidence." The princess threw some hair over her shoulder, stepping forward like she was a model on a runway.

"Indeed. It's my honour to see you once again, your highness Shuyue." Miu, looking around the carriage before exiting, quickly followed behind her with her head down. Faust made the mistake of glancing up and meeting Miu's eyes. His gut twisted as his instincts began screaming. He quickly looked back down. Don't say anything you ignorant foo—"Sir Faust?" Miu's small voice carried over.

"..." All the tension left his back and shoulders. Maybe I'm cursed? Faust wondered. The ground seemed so peaceful and relaxing right now. He sighed. A small, quiet. Exhausted sigh. All the energy he had just… Vanished. While he had never specifically studied royal etiquette, Faust was relatively certain that with multiple gazes on him and no excuse to remain bowing, that he was meant to change posture to engage in conversation. The question was whether he stood up completely or rose to kneel on one knee.

He took a guess and slowly stood up fully, matching Han Ci, before cupping a fist and bowing his head slightly.

"I greet your highness and miss Miu." Faust greeted the two as respectfully as he could.

"Allow me to introduce my friend, Faust, your highness Shuyue." Han Ci added. Faust prevented himself from shivering as the princess looked him up and down.

"Well. You seem like an interesting character. Your junior sister was quite insistent on inviting you to a gathering."

"Was she?" Faust tried to inject surprise into his voice. But he just felt… I'm so tired right now. It came out almost sarcastically.

"You appear particularly unimpressed sir Faust." The princess teased, stepping closer.

"I'm ecstatic, your highness. The honour of being able to speak to someone of your stature in this lifetime is simply overwhelming."

"Is that so?" The princess spoke, now standing right in front of him. It was just that… Her height was maybe average height, while Faust was… Well above average. So she was looking up at him. Faust tried to recall if there was any etiquette for this situation, but couldn't recall any. He added studying royal etiquette to his list of things.

"If your highness Shuyue is free. I was just about to have lunch nearby?" Han Ci broke the tension, attracting her highnesses attention. The princess turned towards Han Ci briefly, then continued past them both, "Then, I should be quick, no?" Han Ci moved slowly, swaying slightly but following her on her own strength. His bodyguard followed and Faust almost smiled. Was this… A chance to escap—"Sir Faust?" Miu's voice asked again. Ah. Right. You were here too. Faust had his hopes dashed.

He briefly looked over Miu and met the eyes of one of the princess's attendants.

"... Shall we follow?" Faust asked. Miu nodded and the two followed Han Ci and the princess inside. Faust gazed at the Fire Quartz Spirit Gold making up the walls and door. He could physically feel the money weighing on his soul. Just entering made his wallet feel lighter.

"Is something… Wrong with the building sir Faust?" Miu suddenly asked. Faust glanced down at her. Part of him wanted to berate her for dragging him into this when he almost escaped. Another realised heaven was already playing tricks on him and it probably wouldn't have mattered either way. He sighed, then began explaining. Miu looked up at Faust. He seemed… Exhausted. Almost like a different person to when she had last seen him. She observed him carefully.

He was also a commoner, but he seemed to have a better handle of the situation than her. It should be safe to ask him… Right? Faust was scrutinising the walls. Miu built up her courage. Just the sight of this place brought back bad memories. She didn't even dare turn around to see if Ning was following them.

"Is something… Wrong with the building sir Faust?" She asked. Faust glanced at her, then sighed.

"The whole building is an artifact."

"R-really?!" Miu looked around. But the place looked completely ordinary. Just a lot of gold and wood. Huh? Wood? Why was there wood put with the gold? As if reading her mind, Faust answered.

"Fire Quartz Spirit Gold and Deity Birch wood of some type."

"Deity?"

"Worship can become a source of Faith which is a type of Spirit Energy. A very potent form of it. Deity birch only grows when it's worshipped, making it infamously difficult to grow." Miu thought it over, "but if it has to be worshipped… Who would worship a tree?" Faust glanced at her, then looked ahead.

"The righteous way to do it is by raising a certain type of squirrel with the tree. The tree drops a certain type of nut and if the squirrel has some level of spirituality and the Deity Birch is the only tree around, then the squirrel can be trained to worship the tree. But…" Faust suddenly stopped.

"But?" Miu asked.

"... That method is slow. It can be sped up by making people worship the tree, since humans have far more spirituality."

"Why would people—""Mind control. Brainwashing. Grooming. Threat of torture. There's many ways to make people worship a tree if you're powerful enough." Miu looked at Faust, then at the wooden beams she saw, each a creamy white wood that blended well with the gold, her eyes widened in horror.

"I don't think a place in central Zentrum would buy from a non-reputable supplier. But most Deity Birch is produced by demonic sects… Or religious ones. Like the Holy Sea Sect."

"Wh-what is it used for?"

"The roots are an ingredient for several enlightenment pill recipes. The leaves are an ingredient for high end spiritual teas. The bark has incredible defensive properties and the wood is a perfect array carrier. I couldn't say for certain but I would say it's the most valuable tree that's produced on a large scale."

"Is that so?" Faust's eye twitched and Miu almost jumped. Han Ci had separated from the princess, who had entered one of the side rooms.

"As far as I'm aware. Perhaps the young master would have further insight?" Faust asked. Han Ci thought for a moment, then shook his head before turning to his bodyguard, the dark robed old woman.

"For the righteous faction maybe." The old woman croaked.

"But the demonic sects produce more valuable things in far higher quantities using their twisted methods." She spat out almost every word, making Miu step back from the pressure.

"Miss Miu." Ning's voice suddenly sounded from behind. Miu really did jump, turning around to find Ning's impassive glare.

"R-right." Miu remembered what they were here for and obediently followed Ning into another hall. She saw Faust eye Ning for a moment, before rubbing his chin. Looking back towards Ning, Miu almost crashed into her back when she suddenly froze, glancing towards the room the princess had entered. A moment later, she continued forward into the same hall as last time. The doors slammed shut and Ning snapped her fingers. Miu flinched and braced herself to be manhandled.

But before the various maids could touch her, Ning coughed loudly, getting their attention.

"Please be gentle. She is her highness's guest." The maids all stared for a moment before nodding and bowing. Then, instead of surrounding Miu and throwing her clothes off, most of them moved back giving her space.

"Please raise your arms, miss. We need to undress you first." One of the maids asked politely.

"..." Miu just blinked a few times.

"Miss?" The maid asked. Miu snapped back to reality, shaking her head and raising her arm obediently, letting the dress she was in be removed. She peeked at Ning again. She was constantly glancing at the door. Compared to how they swarmed her last time, only one or two maids approached her at once, removing or adding some piece of clothing or accessory and asking politely each time. It was… Different. This time, because the maids were being so… gentle compared to last time, the visit took more than an hour.

At the end, Miu followed Ning out, where Faust and Han Ci were staring at each other silently.

"Uh…" She wanted to say something, but they seemed really… intent in their staring. Faust suddenly caught her gaze and raised an eyebrow.

"Are you unfamiliar with whisper techniques?"

"Whisper techniques?" Miu asked.

"Techniques for silent or hidden communication." He clarified. Miu shook her head.

"..." Faust looked at her silently for a moment. Then pulled out a thin book from the pouch at his waist and held it out for her.

"Then you should learn one. Especially if you're in the company of such… prestigious company…" Miu stared at the book. It wasn't until Faust shook it that she carefully grabbed it from his hand and opened the first page. It… wasn't that complex. She closed it carefully and bowed deeply.

"Thank you. Sir Faust."

"You're quite generous." Han Ci commented.

"I'm always generous to juniors."

"Can you hand out sect techniques like that?"

"It's not a sect technique." Faust shook his head.

"The more common whisper techniques are more likely to be eavesdropped on. Since they're not complicated techniques. It was the first technique I made myself from scratch." He explained.

"You made it?" Han Ci asked. Faust nodded.

"From the day I joined the sect. I wanted to recreate the story of taking my enemy's head from a thousand miles away with a sword." He began.

"But there was no Qi Refining level technique to do so. Thus. I went about learning how to create my own."

"... And… How did that go for you?" Even Han Ci almost jumped at his bodyguard's unexpected question. Only Faust seemed unbothered, his eyes staring at a random decoration on the wall.

"Uh— Not very well. I almost didn't meet the sect's requirements because I was busy learning the mathematics behind how techniques are created." He began, "but— eventually I did get there. Due to their simplicity. The first technique I created from scratch was my own whisper technique."

"Was that version the first?" The bodyguard demanded.

"... Yes…" Faust rubbed his chin, "it was so convoluted and unnecessarily complex that it ended up being a high level whisper technique just by accident."

"No wonder." The old woman clicked her tongue before going silent. Miu had no idea why the bodyguard who'd been so quiet was so annoyed at the technique.

"Haha!" Han Ci chuckled loudly.

"Which reminds me. We were talking about you getting something for the coming gathering, no?"

"No need." Faust adamantly refused, holding a hand up.

"How could I have a friend buy me a gift just because I'm short of assets?" Han Ci coughed before smiling, his pale complexion making him look like how Miu would imagine a schemer, "now, now. There's no need to discuss money with friends, is there?" He insisted.

"It would be best to look presentable at my little gathering would it not?" Shuyue's voice suddenly cut through the air. Miu didn't react so much, but Faust and Han Ci both bowed their heads in her direction, along with everyone else in the hall.

"As you say your highness." Faust responded before Miu saw him meet the eyes of several of the store's maids, before walking forward and following one through a set of doors.

"Now, how did you find this visit, Miu?" Shuye suddenly asked, walking up beside her.

"Ah! It… It wasn't that bad this time." Miu shrank back slightly.

"This time?" Shuyue asked, sideyeing Ning, who was keeping her head bowed to the princess. Faust gazed at the massive frosted mirror covering one wall of the hall. He felt really empty right about now. Several maids of the store were taking his measurements.

"Your budget sir?" One of the maids asked.

"Recommendation?" Faust asked.

"Our cheapest services are five hundred gold."

"Of course they are. I didn't want to enter this place at all." Faust complained, before checking his spatial pouch. He had brought a good portion of what Rozaline had given him for his Meridian Map. That was, a sum of twenty thousand gold coins. He took a deep breath.

"I can afford two thousand gold or so." He answered with much difficulty. It hurt his heart to say, like a weight pressing down.

"Hah… It's so hard to earn money but it disappears so quickly…" Several of the maids unconsciously nodded along at the statement. Soon enough, several outfits were brought out and Faust tried a few of them. Each one had intricate golden embroidery, multiple defensive enchantments and arrays along with other functions such as temperature control and Qi attraction. After several outfits, Faust chose two. One was a simple white scholar's robe similar to Faram's style, with no outward embellishments.

The other was a less humble red and gold set of robes.

"They'll do nicely. However I'd like the writing on the back of the white robes to be removed, I also don't want the red and gold robes to have any writing in their patterns, just keep it to leaf or dragon patterns or something." Faust explained. The maid standing nearby nodded, writing it down in a notebook.

"I'll quote you for… Two thousand and fifty imperial gold. With half to be paid upfront and the rest to be paid on collection." Faust nodded. Letting over a thousand coins fly out of his spatial pouch and pass to the maid's control, disappearing into the ring on her finger.

"Your order should be ready in three days at most." Faust nodded and exited the hall. The princess and Han Ci were in conversation while Miu listened with her head down on the side. Han Ci glanced over before suggesting, "shall we have lunch now?" The princess didn't respond, but led the way.

"Red Tray pavilion I assume?" Han Ci nodded. Faust tried to slow down and hang with the servants. But Miu slowed down to come beside him and then the servants moved back further. Goddammit MIU! Faust cursed internally. His final chance to slip away vanishing before his eyes.