Mystery: The Last Shepherd.

Chapter 653 The Dark Knight

"Next Saturday, at the ball hosted by Earl Hall, Ishmael, you promised me."

Archbishop Anthony smiled and said to Luzer.

"Uh, okay, I'll definitely be there then."

Lu Ze had already decided to investigate at the ball, so he naturally wouldn't refuse and readily agreed.

However, Anthony did not let him off so easily. Instead, he looked him up and down, as if he was thinking about something.

"Ishmael, it may be rude of me, but I must ask... have you never attended a ball before?"

Ahab Ishmael is said to come from the Kingdom of Deep Loss and is a specially trained talent... Regardless of whether Anthony believes this claim, based on their interactions over this period of time, it is clear that he does not pay attention to etiquette and cannot even maintain the modesty and restraint of the upper echelons of Rune.

"Yes, I have."

Luze thought for a moment and replied. He had once served as a bodyguard for Miss Audrey Hall at a ball attended by the Ruen and Fursac royal families.

"So, how well do you know the ball's flow, the etiquette for socializing, and the dance moves?"

"...Me, a clergyman, need to dance?"

"Of course we need it."

Anthony looked at his dismissive expression and felt somewhat helpless.

If he can't even dance, then forget about etiquette and manners. Bringing him to the dance and causing a scene would be embarrassing for everyone.

"Alright then, today is Sunday, there are still six days until the ball."

The archbishop looked serious and said to Luze, "Ishmael, from now on you must set aside some time each day to study the relevant courses... I don't expect you to be very good, but at least don't be impolite at the ball that day."

"Yes, I will follow your orders, Archbishop."

Lu Ze replied indifferently.

To be honest, he disliked the tedious and boring customs of the Ruen nobles. They thought themselves superior and were always comparing and competing with each other, but in reality, they were just empty inside and relied on material possessions to flaunt their status.

He had already decided that he would psychologically become invisible as soon as he entered the ball. This would prevent him from being disturbed and also make it easier to investigate any unusual activity within the aristocratic circle.

"Well then, I'll be leaving now."

After exchanging a few more perfunctory words with Anthony, Luze finally left his prayer room.

"Your Excellency Ishmael."

Many red gloves are waiting outside.

They've been working non-stop since the operation began yesterday. After arresting the criminals at the scene, sealing off the area, collecting evidence, and then conducting preliminary interrogations of the criminals, they are further pursuing other cult members in the network based on their confessions... It's fortunate that they are "sleepless," but it's also unfortunate that they are "sleepless"—from yesterday daytime to nighttime, and into today, not a single one of them has been able to sleep or rest.

And they work so hard because they naturally hope to gain recognition.

Thinking of this, Lu Ze looked at them, a rare smile appearing on his usually indifferent face.

"Archbishop Anthony was very pleased with us."

He said, "This operation can be considered a complete success. Everyone involved will have their contributions recorded and will receive appropriate rewards later."

Upon hearing such praise, the crowd cheered.

After working tirelessly for so long, it finally paid off!

After a brief commotion, the crowd finally quieted down. They all made a gesture with their chests, outlining the shape of the red moon, and said, "Praise be to the goddess."

Beyond their yearning for extraordinary abilities, their faith was genuine. Otherwise, why would they risk their lives to fight powerful enemies?

"Yes, beautiful goddess."

Upon seeing this scene, Lu Ze was moved. For the first time, he became somewhat serious, tapping his chest repeatedly and joining them in a low prayer.

The next instant, a portion of the "Black Knight" potion within him was suddenly digested.

really...

Lu Ze's expression remained unchanged, but he knew in his heart that he had guessed part of the answer correctly. Just as the term "Black Knight" literally means, when he served as the fighting force representing the goddess of "darkness," fighting enemies for her like a knight, it also corresponded to the name of the potion, which is why he had this level of understanding.

According to this theory, as long as he continues to serve as a deacon and fight enemies within the church, the potion will be further digested.

However, Luze felt that this level of acting was not enough to fully digest the potion; he needed to truly understand the real meaning of the word "knight." Only then could he possibly fully digest it as soon as possible.

Inside Earl Hall's villa in Queens.

"Are you already a Sequence 7 psychiatrist?"

Islant asked in surprise.

Nominally, she was Audrey Hall's tutor, but in reality, she was her contact person at the Psycho-Alchemy Foundation.

"Yes."

Audrey smiled slightly and replied.

"That's really...too fast."

Islant said sincerely.

Although she had been with the Psycho-Alchemy Society for a long time, she was only a Sequence 8 "Mind Reader." Audrey had surpassed her in just a few months and was still improving. Thinking of this, a hint of envy, even jealousy, flashed in her eyes.

That's nice... um?

Islant suddenly felt someone watching her, as if they could see through her darkness for a moment, and she quickly lowered her head.

"Ha ha..."

Beneath their seats, the golden retriever Susie looked innocent, panting with her tongue lolling out. Noticing Islant's gaze, the dog tilted her head slightly, as if expressing confusion.

"What is it, Miss Island?"

Audrey stretched out her fair, delicate fingers and combed the golden retriever's fur on its head, asking a question as she did so.

"It's nothing, probably just my imagination."

Islant snapped out of her daze and shook her head in reply.

"I see."

Audrey remained outwardly calm, but secretly increased the pressure of her stroking of the dog's head. This was a reminder to Susie that she couldn't be so direct when observing others, especially since the other person was an Extraordinary being with the "spectator" pathway, whose senses in this area would only be more acute.

If Islant knew that Audrey's pet had the same sequence as her, I wonder if she would have a mental breakdown.

"Alright, let's get back to the main topic and continue today's lecture."

Unfortunately, she was unaware of this and was still teaching Audrey psychology and some occult knowledge.

"When I entered, I noticed that there were many servants busy at your residence."

During the lecture, she suddenly mentioned something, intentionally or unintentionally.

"Yes."

Audrey replied, "My father is hosting a ball next week and has invited many guests."

At this point, a thought suddenly struck her.

Island asked me what this was about... should I try to get some information out of her?

"Oh, I see."

However, the other party showed no intention of pursuing the matter further, as if they didn't care at all, and continued lecturing, as if it had just been a casual question.