Chapter 64: Farewell to Lavoisier City
Abyss rarely bought clothes. He had been wearing the same outfit for almost a year. Due to his necromantic practices, his body temperature was unusually low, resulting in minimal perspiration. His clothes rarely smelled. Before meeting his first follower, he would simply wash his clothes in a nearby river and dry them with magic if they got dirty. He had his master, a man with little regard for appearances, to thank for his lack of fashion sense.
Thus, while his magical catfish’s belly was filled with a vast assortment of treasures, Abyss’s wardrobe consisted mostly of armor gifted to him by the deceased. This shopping trip, guided by the three girls, was his first foray into the world of fashion.
Rebecca’s taste in clothing was unremarkable, but Leona and Flora were different. One was a princess raised in the lap of luxury, the other a Saint with a refined appreciation for art. They were experts in selecting clothes.
Abyss was indifferent to the process, simply nodding in approval whenever the girls expressed their liking for an outfit. And with Rebecca, the free-spending heiress, leading the charge, they quickly amassed a mountain of new clothes.
“Now we have outfits for every occasion!” Rebecca declared, observing Abyss in his new attire. “As expected of Flora, she has excellent taste! This suits you perfectly, Abyss!”
Abyss now wore a well-fitting black silk outfit. Black was his preferred color. The clothes were comfortable, not restricting his movements. The silk, a Lavoisier City specialty, was smooth, breathable, and more durable than elven silk, a perfect blend of practicality and elegance. He was pleased with Flora’s choice.
He also wore a new cloak, not his usual rough, black cloth one, but a mage’s silk cloak, imbued with magic arrays. This was Leona’s choice.
According to Rebecca, there was no need for him to dress like a pauper. As the leader of their group, he should present himself appropriately, showcasing his handsome features.
Everyone agreed. Except for Leona, who had read too many knightly romances, they weren’t fond of hiding their true nature. They believed that true strength didn’t need to be concealed. Abyss’s usual “low-key way” was simply to avoid alarming ordinary people and causing unnecessary chaos.
After purchasing a large quantity of food at Leona’s request, storing it within the magical catfish’s belly for future consumption, their business in Lavoisier City was concluded. Rebecca led them on a final tour of the city, bidding farewell to her birthplace.
Their leisurely activities soon ended, and they met up with Princess Givia, ready to depart.
…
“Safe travels, Princess Givia. And Mr. Abyss, until we meet again. I’ll miss you,” Titus said, standing beside the caravan, bidding them farewell.
Titus had solidified his position as the leader of Lavoisier City’s most powerful gang. With Eugene imprisoned and his factories seized and converted into Black Hat assets, the Goat Eyes gang members had started defecting. Titus, however, hadn’t accepted them all indiscriminately. He had implemented a vetting process, accepting only those who met his standards, preventing the Black Hats from becoming too large and unwieldy.
Abyss trusted Titus to bring order and prosperity to Lavoisier City, believing he wouldn’t be corrupted by power. He hadn’t left any spies behind to monitor him. He would return someday and see how the city had changed.
“Mr. Titus, we bid you farewell. Thank you for your hospitality and for providing us with these high-quality potions,” Givia said from inside the carriage, her voice carrying through the open window.
Abyss also leaned out of a window. “Titus, we’ll be keeping an eye on Lavoisier City. We hope you can restore order and prosperity.”
“I will, don’t worry. Within a few years, this city will become a bustling commercial hub. Every idle thug will have a decent job. The crime rate will plummet, and the city will flourish,” Titus said, smiling. Abyss sensed his sincerity. He was truly determined to change this city. Abyss nodded in approval.
“This ring is for you,” Abyss said, removing a ring from his finger and tossing it to Titus. “If you need to contact me, channel your mana into this ring. I’ll send someone to meet you.”
“Regarding the Outer Gods, right?” Titus asked, patting his chest. He had already received instructions from Abyss. “I’ll contact you if I find any information. You can count on me. Although I’m not an expert on this matter, that strange thing the Goat Eyes Gang was developing is definitely related. My patron will investigate it soon.”
“Thank you. Until we meet again, Titus.”
With a shout from the lead rider, the caravan, fully stocked with potions and its horses and wagons well-rested, departed, heading home. At Givia’s request, only Titus and a few of his trusted men were present for the farewell, avoiding any unnecessary attention.
Abyss and the three girls sat inside Givia’s carriage, their presence a testament to their newfound trust and their importance to her.
“Leona, I apologize. I intended to help you fulfill your dream after arriving in the Eastern Empire, but with the current situation, we need to go to the Ossi Kingdom first,” Abyss whispered to Leona.
Leona, sitting on Flora’s lap, her cheeks flushed, replied, “Since you put it that way, I guess I can wait.”
Abyss smiled, stroking her head. “Thank you, Leona. We might face a powerful Outer God and his Shadowlings in the Ossi Kingdom, a foe even stronger than the Lord of Submergence. Are you ready?”
“Hmph, bring it on!” Leona exclaimed, clenching her small fists, her eyes burning with determination.
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