Steampunk: Sixth Era Epic-Chapter 1735 - 1734: Third Landing on the Island

Actually, Shard is more cautious than most people. He also knows that the expedition to the island again tomorrow on Wednesday is likely not to go smoothly, so before setting off on Wednesday morning, he carefully prepared the items to carry—naturally including important items like the Angel Feather.

After kissing goodbye to Luviya, who was holding little Mia, at the basement door, he walked towards the hidden wall.

Worried about not being able to finish the island’s business before evening, Shard set off quite early. Today, Tobesk City had a light drizzle, and Green Lake City was also raining.

The rain wasn’t heavy, at least not as much as last week’s downpour, but it didn’t seem like a good omen either.

Little John in the alleyway dumpster behind the hotel hadn’t "gone out" early in the morning, and Shard didn’t disturb him and the little dog resting, leaving some food and then departing. When he rounded to the front door of the hotel and saw that the Paradise Island Pharmaceuticals’ carriage hadn’t appeared, he knew Megan hadn’t arrived yet.

He pushed open the door and entered the hotel, greeting Mr. Soren Green behind the counter. A few minutes later, the hotel owner personally brought over a tray and newspaper, sitting beside Shard, who was in his usual spot.

After placing the morning tea and newspaper in front of him, Mr. Green didn’t leave. Instead, he pulled up a chair and sat at the side of the table.

Shard was not surprised, took a sip from his teacup, then unfolded the newspaper to check the news.

Mr. Soren Green hesitated for a moment before speaking:

"Megan’s aunt will probably arrive in about twenty minutes."

Shard’s eyes moved away from the photo of Miss Galina on the front page—Duchess looked at the photo with a very serious expression—and then glanced sideways at him:

"You finally admit that you and Ms. Helena Green are descendants of the fourth generation’s young daughter, Maria Edwards?"

The man in the apron shook his head helplessly:

"Didn’t you already figure it out? And I believe you’ve also realized that we realized you figured it out."

It’s a long sentence, but the logic is quite simple:

"Yes, I was actually waiting for Megan to tell me herself."

His gaze returned to the newspaper, with the headline reporting that the second batch of Kingdom’s negotiation delegation, led by Miss Galina, would be arriving tonight. The news stated the location of the train yesterday evening, so unless something unexpected happened, they would certainly arrive tonight. Hence, Shard would be able to see Galina, Tifa, and Angelina tomorrow morning.

"Aunt did intend to clarify everything with you, but..."

He cautiously glanced back at the hotel entrance, ensuring the brown-haired elder wouldn’t rush in immediately:

"But my sister and I thought it might be best to inform you beforehand, to prevent any possible shock at the time. Megan and Aunt Audrey..."

"I already know."

Shard interrupted him, not looking at his expression, but continued reading the newspaper:

"Dual soul, or something similar. I know since she wants to tell me herself, let her say it. I won’t be surprised; I’ve encountered similar situations."

"Is that so?"

Mr. Soren Green was somewhat puzzled, but as an ordinary person, he couldn’t accept too much Circle Sorcerer and mysticism knowledge, so he really lacked such common sense:

"Since you already know... there’s another matter, Aunt is actually..."

"Witch Council."

Shard said softly, ignoring Mr. Soren Green’s astonished expression:

"Why are you so surprised? Did I say something strange?"

He flipped the newspaper to the next page:

"If I can even know about her dual soul, then what’s the big deal about knowing her background? Don’t worry, I won’t mind her being previously wanted by the True God Church, or minding some mistakes she made while in a mad state. I believe Megan and Audrey are both good women."

"No, my sister and I were worried you might mind the witch part..."

"Why would I mind? A woman with extraordinary charm can only approach one man, why would I mind that?"

Shard curiously glanced at him, and Mr. Soren Green slightly opened his mouth, not knowing what to say.

"But since you want to talk to me, I do have some things I’m curious about."

"Please ask."

Mr. Green immediately nodded, as this conversation, orchestrated by him and his sister, had already taken an unexpected turn.

"How did Megan and Audrey discover you? And is there any special reason for you running a hotel here?"

Mr. Green sighed softly:

"This is related to our grandmother. In fact, Grandmother Maria Edwards never left the Green Lake Region. Yes, her three brothers each left, but Grandmother chose to stay. When survival on the island became impossible, Grandmother stayed in Green Lake City, then got married, had children, and lived an ordinary life. Probably because she was the youngest, Grandmother had the best relationship with Uncle Alphonse Edwards, and they never lost touch. So from a long time ago, the aunts have known us."

Shard suddenly understood, and Mr. Green lowered his voice to add:

"In fact, when my sister and I were born, the young aunts even held us."

This inadvertently revealed Megan and Audrey’s age, but Shard wasn’t foolish enough to point this out:

"So, that’s why you have such a good relationship with Megan?"

"Yes, as for running the hotel, it was actually an inheritance from our grandmother. This hotel has existed since her generation. There’s no special reason for running it, just that our grandmother wished for her descendants not to give up this industry. Green Lake Hotel is actually quite good, although busy, it also brings in high income."

"Did your grandmother ever tell you whether there was a special reason for not giving up this industry?"

Mr. Green nodded gently:

"Grandmother said that she hoped if one day in the future, a descendant of theirs originally from the four siblings returned to the family’s ancestral place, at least there would be a house here, a home, to welcome them back and let the family sit peacefully at the table for a meal."

Even an outlander with no relatives was moved by this, and Mr. Green continued as he looked up:

"Mr. Watson, my sister and I hope you will treat Megan and Aunt Audrey well. She has suffered enough hardships over the years. We know she’s very capable, but she’s also been lonely all along."

"You’re worried I’m a bad person?"

Shard asked in surprise, and Mr. Green shook his head slightly: 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

"My sister and I are just ordinary people. We don’t understand much and can’t do much for Aunt..."

"I understand what you mean, look at this."

Saying this, he took out his business card from his pocket, the one from the Hamilton Detective Office, and handed it to him:

"I was planning to tell them my identity in a few days; it was going to be this week anyway. You should recognize this name."

Mr. Green took the card and looked at it, appearing surprised as he looked back at Shard:

"’Hamilton Detective Stories’?"

"Do you play Roder cards? If you do, you might know my deck."

Shard handed his Roder card deck to him for examination. As the innkeeper grew increasingly amazed, he continued:

"I am that detective. By the way, I’m glad you recognize me because of that novel and not because of Roder cards or any gossip."

"But how could you be..."

He held the deck, face full of deep confusion.

Shard lowered his voice:

"If Paradise Island Pharmaceuticals can be, why can’t I be? It’s not surprising; I’m just a second-rate detective without much business."

He put down the newspaper:

"Don’t tell them yet; I still want to keep a sense of mystery."

It’s actually to coordinate with Miss Galina. The Red-Haired Witch has been looking forward to revealing both identities for quite some time.

The hotel door opened, and a woman with brown shoulder-length hair walked in. Mr. Green quickly stuffed the business card into his pocket, returned the deck to Shard, and stood up with him.

"Good morning, gentlemen, what are you discussing?"

Megan asked curiously.

"We were talking about Roder cards and detective novels. I’m a writer traveling the Old Continent."

The first part was true, the second part was false.

"Are you really a writer?"

Megan asked in surprise. Mr. Soren Green held a tray but said nothing. Shard thought for a moment:

"At least for now, I am still writer John Watson."

Since Megan was already there, the two immediately prepared to set off for the island. This time, they also traveled by boat, but instead of starting from the Duin River, they first took a carriage to Puhov Village on the north shore of Green Lake, and then took the prepared boat to set off.

Since they departed very early, it was only about eight in the morning when they reached Puhov Village. The rainy weather made the usually bustling Puhov Village much quieter, but the tavern was still visibly lively.

Disguised, Shard and Megan walked through the village holding umbrellas. As they reached the pier, they saw an impressive steam and sail-powered ship heading towards the center of the lake:

"It’s a Peace Church ship. They’ve been patrolling and monitoring the lake these days."

Megan said, then gestured for Shard to follow her.

It was clear that after last week’s "healing," Megan’s strength had recovered well. Although not fully recovering to the Eleventh Rank, she could use more of the High Ring Sorcerer’s power. Considering the church’s blockade and the island’s complex situation, she didn’t bring her followers this time, instead leading Shard to the small boat hidden in the reeds, and only the two of them set off for Central Lake.

This time, the small boat was not a steam-powered boat but the most traditional rowboat. The reason for choosing this boat was that this primitive wooden boat was more suitable for modification.

During the long week waiting to land, Megan assembled her followers to modify the boat. Various ritual circles were compactly inscribed on the bottom of the boat, and even the oars were modified and processed, making the boat itself count as a complete alchemical item.

The purpose of such modifications was naturally to help them avoid the church’s lake patrol teams and land on the island successfully.