Steampunk: Sixth Era Epic-Chapter 1429: Miss Gawder’s Package

"Are you very interested in this?"

Sean Asmon asked with a smile.

"Of course, actually, the reason I came here is related to this. I’m planning a story about demons, contracts, and love, and the local folklore is fascinating. I also know some things, why not, let’s exchange some information?"

Shard suggested, though he wasn’t sure if Mr. Asmon was aware of anything he didn’t know, but he wanted to caution the gentleman about the dangers here and advise against casual investigation.

"Alright, let’s exchange information."

The demonologist tilted his head slightly, while his eyes looked upwards, staring at Shard past the gas light:

"First, I’ve investigated that the Randall Valley region once had a prosperous ancient kingdom called ’Stonville Kingdom’ a thousand years ago. And this kingdom was destroyed because of a contract between the King and a demon."

This information is quite secretive, but actually, many folklore scholars can find it. The fact that Mr. Asmon could mention it shows he has indeed started his investigation. Compared to his previous attempts in Coldwater Port, Midshire Fort, and Huntington City, this time the scholar was closer to his target.

Shard nodded:

"Legend has it that there is an evil presence symbolized by the ’Petrified Rose’ in this area. But no matter how terrifying that presence may be, it’s ultimately afraid of the True God Church, so stories about that demon only appear in the countryside and woodlands of Randall Valley, while city folk rarely hear demon stories and consider them mere rural superstition."

Mr. Sean Asmon nodded slightly, jotting down a few lines in his worn-out notebook before continuing;

"The demise of the ancient Stonville Kingdom is surrounded by bizarre tales and stories. Here’s an interesting version I heard locally: The King, in order to maintain the prosperity and stability of the kingdom, traded with the demon to obtain a Heart of Stone, but the price was losing all emotions, losing the ability to love and be loved."

Mr. Asmon’s lips curled into a smile:

"A King who doesn’t understand love, sealed the entire nation away, plunging the kingdom into an eternal winter, attempting to prevent the demon from ’collecting debts’ and claiming his soul. But the demon posted notices and commissioned a passing demon hunter to collect the debt. Ultimately, the demon hunter helped the demon fulfill the contract and obtained the king’s soul, but in the process also banished and sealed the demon through the commission contract. Until about four hundred years ago in modern times, the evil fiend returned due to the 1498 Randall Valley earthquake."

"A rather intriguing story, although its moral isn’t as elaborate as the long story we’ve been discussing, it resembles more of a knight’s tale."

Shard commented, not entirely sure whether this version from the demonologist was true or not. Nonetheless, he shared his own knowledge:

"In the wilderness before the Common Era Calendar, the Sun Church had a ’Saint’ here, known as ’Sister Perry’. Her story still circulates in Randall Valley today. Saint Perry’s cemetery was once a local force against demons, I heard there were major archaeological findings at the beginning of the year by the local church proving the existence of Saint Perry’s cemetery, near Tahiti in the vicinity of Innas Forest."

"Oh?"

Mr. Asmon showed a look of interest, while Shard told him the approximate location of the church. He wasn’t worried about Mr. Asmon locating it in the woods, as the cemetery contained many Fifth Era secrets, and the church’s rituals around it prevent anyone from discovering it.

As a return for Shard’s information, Mr. Asmon revealed the precise location of rumored demon seals to Shard.

Compared to Shard’s vague indications, Mr. Asmon provided a much more detailed location.

Both shared their opinions on local demon folklore, and during the conversation, Shard advised Mr. Sean Asmon not to casually leave the city at present:

"The situation in Randall Valley is unstable recently, not only because of the plague. Have you heard of the Stonemason Guild affairs? There’s a stir about cultists in town paired with terrifying local demon legends; it might be safer to explore those stories when the city’s situation stabilizes."

Mr. Asmon gazed at Shard with a smile:

"Remember what I said when we first met? I always directly interact and reserve anything related to demons. The Randall Valley demon folklore is intriguing, but pacing myself is enough for me. You’re quite right; I plan to stay here till spring, considering warmer weather before deciding whether to continue local investigation or move to a new city."

"That’s a good plan, looking forward to our next meeting. Oh, I’m quite looking forward to the next Chapter of that demon story."

Shard said, beginning to pack his belongings on the table, including the sword hilt and Roder Card Deck, since it wasn’t too early anymore, he intended to leave.

"Indeed, looking forward to our next encounter, my friend."

The demonologist spoke, watching Shard pack up, then gazing at the withered black rose:

"May I have this?"

"Of course, it’s only a wilted flower after all." 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢

Shard nodded, although this was brought by the demon, the flower was merely a warning to Shard. It knew about every interaction Shard had with Osenfort. Shard had also checked, and the flower didn’t have any unusual abilities.

After tidying up, Shard reached out his hand to shake hands with Mr. Sean Asmon, whose hand was large but a bit sallow. Then, he walked through the laughing crowd towards the counter to settle the bill.

When he had collected his change and stood by the bustling counter again, he turned to look at Mr. Asmon sitting alone in a corner, wearing a yellow old robe with only stubble on his bald head. The latter raised his glass and gave Shard a little nod.

Shard smiled and nodded back before heading towards the side door of the tavern. Pushing the door open, he stepped into the countryside night. The cold wind outside cleared his head a bit, and the closing door also shut the noisy sounds behind him.

With hands in his pockets, he looked up at the clear countryside night sky and the countless stars. In the distance came the sound of a fierce woman yelling at her son, and the howling of hounds echoed far into the deep night.

"I always feel, compared to that Stone Mirror Demon who turned into Ston Osenfort, Mr. Sean Asmon is more... hmm... suspicious."

Shard joked as he walked along a village path, moving towards the distant city, shining with lights and tall buildings.

[Why do you say that?]

"She" asked gently.

"Just joking, after all, Mr. Asmon... anyway, matters with the demon will finally end on Friday."

He walked along, looking up at the moon in the night sky. Tonight, all three moons were in a waning phase. According to knowledge Shard gained from the "Witch Echo: Luvia," such a night was ideal for performing spells that induce sleep, restore physical and mental energy, reduce nightmares, and enhance the spirit. The "Enchantment of Desire" recorded in the "Book of Pink," "Dream of the Moon" which Shard hadn’t learned, and the Secret Technique for preserving the soul from the "Immortal Mystique" were all suitable to be performed tonight.

"Without realizing it, I’ve learned so much more."

He kicked a small stone at his feet, which bounced through the gaps in the crooked wooden fence into the yard of a roadside house. Immediately, barking sounded. A black hound, chained up, clawed at the low fence, barking at Shard outside of it. Then, catching a scent of a female dragon, it tucked its tail and barked one last time before producing a "whimper" from its throat and retreated back to its nest.

"The story here is ending."

Shard’s eyes shifted away from the direction of the timid dog and turned towards Randall Valley City, shrouded in clouds and mist, in the nighttime.

(Mia running...)

After a comfortable sleep at home, on Wednesday morning, Shard yawned as he went downstairs to fetch goat milk. Just as he opened the door, he saw the local post office’s carriage parked at his doorstep. The young red-haired mailman, freckled all over his face, was trying to carry a seemingly heavy box from the carriage to Shard’s doorstep under the direction of an old mailman.

"What is...this"-?

Shard asked hesitantly, wearing pajamas and slippers, while Mia, hiding behind Shard’s feet, curiously peeked out yet was a bit frightened by the strangers.

"Mr. Shard Suren Hamilton?"

The elderly mailman asked for confirmation with the delivery list. When Shard nodded, he handed the form for Shard to sign and acknowledge receipt:

"Miss Mia Sun Gold sent you a letter and a package from a town in the Eastern Kingdom. Please check them. If there are no issues, please sign here."

"Oh, I remember now."

Shard suddenly realized:

"Last month, she mentioned in a letter that she was tidying up the old house and would send me some interesting items as souvenirs to thank me for taking care of Mia. I didn’t expect them to really arrive. Oh, yes, sign here, is it?"

Shard signed his name with a fountain pen, seeing the young mailman struggling to set down the square wooden box, stepped forward and took the box himself. As for the letter, it was already tucked into his pocket:

"Thank you both, it’s really tough this early in the morning. I wish you have a pleasant day today."

He courteously thanked the mailmen before turning back into the house, and used his foot to nudge the door closed.

"Such a polite gentleman indeed."

The elderly mailman marveled outside the door, while the young man hesitantly looked at the door, then his own hands:

"He could lift that box so easily? I really ought to exercise more."