Steampunk: Sixth Era Epic-Chapter 452 - Luviya’s Middle Name

As for the neighbor on the other side of Shard, who lived at No. 7, Saint Delan Square, it was rather unfortunate that he was not at home when Shard was preparing to visit.

Shard had seen from the documents left by neighbors at No. 5, the Smiths, and Detective Sparrow that the resident of No. 7 was a researcher at the Kingdom Army Steam Mechanics Research Institute, having inherited the house from relatives.

However, due to being away on business frequently, the old gentleman only returned home during the winter for a short stay each year. Since he was not at home, Shard saw no need to seek his opinion.

"The neighbors on either side are a retired senior government official from the kingdom and a researcher specializing in steam mechanics weapons. Detective Sparrow sure knew where to live."

Although Sparrow Hamilton had long been buried in a foreign land, his story still influenced Shard.

By Tuesday, the maintenance work at No. 6, Saint Delan Square officially began. With renovations required on the first and third floors, people coming and going made it difficult for Shard to read at home.

So he left home early, naturally taking the cat with him, as Shard was not comfortable leaving it in the current house.

Today's tasks were numerous, with the first stop being a visit to Luviya at the Prophet's Society.

Luviya had been recently investigating the out-of-control darkness beyond the city. Probably overwhelmed with work, she looked sleepy when he saw her.

"Good morning, Shard. Heard about the renovation at your place? The caravan transporting furniture yesterday nearly blocked the eastern exit of Saint Delan Square—news spread all over the society. The receptionists on the first floor were guessing—never mind, it's not a big deal. What do you need today? If you're looking for news on Daknis, I haven't heard anything yet. About the uncontrolled Angel-Level Relic outside the city, I've only identified it as 'Dark Realm,' but I've already got some ideas for further investigation."

"No no, I wanted to inquire about a male Prophet from the Fifth Era," Shard explained.

"The Fifth Era? Is it about your 'Time Key'?" Luviya asked, swirling the spoon in her teacup.

"Yes, although I'm not certain if he was part of the Prophet's Society, but I might as well try my luck. He's a male, probably alive around the Year 1784 of the Fifth Era."

Luviya smiled:

"Look, your time-traveling adventures have indeed run into trouble again. Shard, keep going, this information is not enough."

"He was originally from the Eastern Continent in the physical world of the Fifth Era, named Sludge Riddle, and his worshipped deity, 'Mr. Ring,' seems to be an Ancient God."

"Oh?"

Luviya's face changed from smiling to surprised. Seeing her expression, Shard knew Luviya recognized the name.

Stroking Mia, who had begun dozing off after a full breakfast on the table, Shard asked with a smile:

"You know? That's great then, I thought I'd have to search for quite a long time. Was he a former member of the Prophet's Society?"

"Yes, of course he was a member of the Prophet's Society, isn't that obvious? Shard, look, what is this?"

She pointed to her chest, and Shard looked intently. No one spoke for a moment until Luviya, her face turning red, asked:

"What are you looking at?"

"Uh... the spot you pointed to."

"I meant for you to look at this!"

She tapped the Ouroboros brooch on her chest, which was a badge only Prophet's Society staff were entitled to wear.

"Shard, what is the pattern of the 'Genesis: Fate' painting on the first floor? What is the pattern of this brooch? What is 'Mr. Ring'?"

Shard then realized:

"The pattern of 'Genesis: Fate' is the Ouroboros, the emblem of the Prophet's Society is the Ouroboros, Mr. Ring is the Ouroboros! Diviners of the Prophet's Society are believers in the Ancient God of Fate – the Ouroboros?"

"No no, only a few Circle Sorcerers in the society actually worship that ancient deity, and the society is not a church... though we do require every president to be a believer of that gentleman," Luviya corrected, but did not elaborate further on the topic:

"Let's go back to Mr. Riddle whom you encountered. Not only was this gentleman a member of the society, but he also has some connection to you," Luviya said cautiously.

"To me?"

"Shard, I once mentioned him to you, though I didn't reveal his name at the time. This Fifth Era Diviner's secret has been tightly guarded by the society; he experienced many events which directly influenced the development of the Prophet's Society in the Sixth Era."

"You've mentioned him before? Influenced the development of the society in the Sixth Era? Sorry, who is it?"

Shard was curious; he didn't recall Luviya mentioning a Fifth Era male Diviner to him.

"That conversation happened at your home, where I told you about the 'Impermanence Card,'" Luviya hinted. Seeing Shard frown in thought, she revealed the answer:

"Sludge Riddle, an Ancient Prophet from the early days of the Fifth Era. Centuries ago, the society sporadically acquired an Impermanence Card. While searching for related records, deep in our archives, we discovered another card and details about the 'Impermanence Card' and its rules of play within documents left by Mr. Riddle. Thus, the society learned the secrets of Impermanence. Based on these documents, Mr. Roder redeveloped the existing Roder Card system."

Shard took a deep breath:

"So you're saying, without Mr. Riddle, there wouldn't be the current Roder Cards?"

"One could say that."

Luviya nodded while holding her teacup, accustomed to having an extra cup of morning tea after breakfast:

"Although Mr. Riddle was just an ordinary person, before 'Impermanence,' his manuscripts and materials had already played a significant role in the society. This gentleman had experienced countless events but always managed to escape unscathed. Despite being a mere mortal, he researched demons, angels, evil spirits, and relics, and inevitably, this led to his mental instability in his later years, culminating in his suicide. However, his contributions to the studies of philosophy and mysticism had influenced countless individuals within the society."

Luviya spoke reflectively to Shard:

"Although the society's numerous transformations led to the loss of some materials, if you speak of a Mr. Riddle living around the year 1784 of the Fifth Era, it could only be him. After all, there weren't many outstanding men in the Fifth Era. I envy you, Shard, for such an exceptional prophet. Meeting him just once would greatly benefit me."

"So, I can only know about his data through the Prophet's Society?"

"Of course, outside the society, this gentleman is just a nameless man of his era."

Luviya stated with certainty.

"Then, Luviya, could you help me access the data? I need at least eight segments of information about the dangers he faced or the great achievements he had."

Luviya's expression showed some difficulty:

"Shard, that gentleman's data is of a top-secret confidentiality level. With my access... I will try to request authorization from headquarters, but I'm afraid it might not be possible to respond immediately. It could take a week, or even half a month."

"That's alright, I can wait. It's good to have a direction."

Shard was unconcerned about this, as this investigation was going more smoothly than the previous two.

He added:

"If it really becomes impossible, I'll think of another way. Anyway, you don't need to feel too troubled."

"If I can help you, it wouldn't be a trouble at all."

She said softly, then was pleased to see the expression on Shard's face:

"Interacting with scholars from the Fifth Era is a precious opportunity. Before your next time travel, think about the questions you might ask that learned gentleman. Perhaps some of the answers you've been seeking could be gained through simple inquiries."

"I understand."

Before parting, perhaps influenced by the Flesh of Desire, Shard thought again of the passionate kiss under the moonlight the previous night. Yet, neither Shard nor Luviya brought up what happened under the moonlight again.

It was an unspoken agreement, an unspoken agreement about their vague feelings. Shard was quite clear about his thoughts, especially after encountering 'Desire' in the basement of Aphrola Manor, he knew what he wanted; and Luviya, who had left like she was fleeing last night, also understood what she desired.

They would keep moving forward, that much wouldn't change, thus this was enough, without the need for further questions or confirmation.

"Luviya, I'm going to Coldwater Port to procure some materials to attempt enhancing Time Perception rituals soon. If there's any news about Mr. Riddle's data, remember to inform me immediately. Oh, you look exhausted, don't forget to rest."

Standing up, Shard prepared to leave.

"Compared to what you've been doing at Coldwater Port for two weeks, this is hardly tiring."

She stood up to see Shard off.

"Oh, by the way, Luviya, what's your middle name?"

Shard suddenly asked as he was about to leave.

"Why would you suddenly think to ask that?"

The purple-eyed lady flicked back some of her hair hanging by her ear, her bob swaying slightly as she stood up.

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"I just thought of it. During exam week, I learned that your middle initial is F, but what does it stand for?"

Full names were only brought up in very serious circumstances and very serious conversations, and asking about a middle name was quite a personal matter in this era. Luviya blushed slightly, blinking:

"Fiochi."

She said, in a perfect Draleonian common tongue, with an opera singer's intonation:

"Luviya Fiochi Annette."

Shard nodded:

"I'll remember that; it's a nice name."

"Thank you."

She tiptoed to give Shard a kiss on the cheek, the purple-eyed lady stepped back, standing by the window in the morning light with her hands behind her back, smiling:

"Go take care of your matters, oh, and don't forget your cat. If you leave it behind, I might just take it away."

"This isn't my cat yet."

Shard emphasized again, gesturing to Mia. The orange cat agilely jumped from the table into his palm, then climbed up to his shoulder.

"Good luck today, Luviya."

"Good luck today, Shard."