Chapter 34: The Emperor’s Property
“This… was once my home.”
As dusk settled over Lavoisier City, Rebecca led Abyss and the girls to an unassuming building in the city center. She gestured towards the two-story house, her voice filled with nostalgia.
Rebecca had changed her clothes. Her old shoes were still in the other world, and the dress she had been wearing for forty years was no longer suitable. Before leaving Lannis’s house, they had visited a clothing store, purchasing a new outfit and boots for Rebecca, along with some essential accessories. Now, adorned in her new clothes, she looked radiant, her beauty rivaling even the stunning Flora.
Abyss was surprised. “I thought your house would be more luxurious, considering your wealth.”
“This house was passed down from my ancestor—Baron Bottel. He made significant contributions to the development of alchemy. I have great respect for such a remarkable individual,” Rebecca said, gazing at the house, its windows glowing with warm light. “So I continued to live in his former home. I never considered moving—it has a large basement for my laboratory, which was more than sufficient. After my death, it became my legacy. In my will, I instructed Lannis to donate this house to the Empire, making it the Emperor’s property. It seems he has preserved it well. It looks almost exactly as it did before my death, well-maintained.”
People occasionally entered and exited the house, young and old, all dressed as alchemists. A sign near the gate, illuminated by the streetlights, read: “Former Residence of Baron Bottel Viper, Mendeleev Academy of Alchemy’s Second Research Institute, Imperial Property, Trespassing Forbidden.” It seemed the Emperor hadn’t repurposed this historically significant building but had turned it into a research institute for the Mendeleev Academy of Alchemy, a fitting tribute to its legacy.
Rebecca’s expression softened. She was pleased with the Emperor’s decision. Not only had the house been preserved, but it was now contributing to the advancement of alchemy, under the protection of the Empire.
No one was more powerful than the Emperor, Camper the Great. Anyone foolish enough to trespass on his property would face severe consequences. No gangster dared touch the Emperor’s assets, not even venturing near them.
As a result, the area surrounding Rebecca’s former home was a prime commercial district. The absence of gang activity made it a safe and prosperous area. At night, the shops were bustling with activity. Besides the alchemists working at the research institute, Abyss also noticed many young people, enjoying the nightlife, dining at restaurants, some even entering the institute.
“Those must be students from the Mendeleev Academy of Alchemy,” Rebecca said, noticing Abyss’s gaze. “The academy isn’t far from here. Those students, from all over the continent, attend classes during the day, then come here at night for entertainment or food. It’s a unique aspect of Lavoisier City. They didn’t frequent this area before, but now that it’s an institute, their activities have expanded.”
“How many students are there in the academy?” Leona asked, curious. She had received private tutoring from renowned scholars within the palace walls, never attending an academy.
“Over a thousand when I was alive. I’m not sure how much it has expanded since then,” Rebecca replied. “Tonight, I’m taking you to the Alchemy Club, the most entertaining place in Lavoisier City. After that, we’ll grab some food and find a nice inn to rest. We can meet with Lannis tomorrow morning and continue our journey.”
Rebecca had inquired about their ability to consume food, and after receiving Abyss’s confirmation, she had planned their evening accordingly.
Leona was excited. She was always eager to experience new things. Even the usually composed Flora seemed eager to visit the Alchemy Club. It sounded intriguing.
“What can we do at the Alchemy Club?” Leona asked, grabbing Rebecca’s arm.
“You’ll see. There are many things to do there. It’s a wonderful place. Most groundbreaking alchemical discoveries are showcased and discussed there. And even those who know nothing about alchemy can enjoy themselves,” Rebecca said, her voice laced with a hint of mystery, as she led them towards their destination. “It’s this way. Just follow me.”
They walked for a few blocks, stopping before a building.
Leona, seeing Rebecca stop, was about to rush inside, but Flora stopped her.
“What’s wrong?” Leona asked, glancing back at Flora, assuming her attire wasn’t appropriate. She quickly checked her clothes.
“Uh… It seems the Alchemy Club is gone,” Rebecca said, her voice filled with disappointment. “Leona, what does the sign say?”
“Hmm?” Leona looked up and saw a sign hanging above the entrance, depicting a perfume bottle and a few words: “Harper Perfume Shop.”
“Hmm… Did the Alchemy Club become a perfume shop?” Abyss asked, not discouraged. “Perhaps we can buy some perfume. I’ve been researching how to imbue corpses with a calming and pleasant scent…”
“Don’t even think about it!” Leona shouted, rushing back and kicking him in the shin.
Rebecca was disappointed. Forty years had brought many changes, and Lavoisier City was a rapidly evolving city. If the Alchemy Club was gone, their evening entertainment would be significantly reduced.
“Excuse me, are you looking for the Alchemy Club?”
As Rebecca was about to enter the shop and inquire about the Alchemy Club’s fate, a voice addressed them.
“Ah… Yes, we are,” Rebecca replied, turning towards the speaker. It was a young girl, barely a teenager, her face still carrying a hint of childishness. She held a leather-bound book and a small bag for alchemical ingredients slung over her shoulder.
Likely a student from the academy. It wasn’t unusual to encounter students in this bustling commercial district.
“If you’re looking for the Alchemy Club, I can take you there,” the girl said with a smile. “It moved last year. The Emperor invested in relocating it to a new location. I’m heading there now.”
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