Mystery: But the Witch's Path

On December 15, 1346, in the evening, the sun had completely set, the black sky was dotted with stars, and the streetlights on the road were already on.

Since returning to the town of Morse 11 days ago, Altair has stayed in the castle and rarely goes out.

But today, for the sake of the Sheffield family's honor, she had to come to Tingen again to participate in the city's charity auction.

She wore a white Rococo-style dress with a cinched waist and a layered skirt, paired with nude pink stockings, black patent leather shoes, and simple pearl necklace, bracelet, and delicate earrings.

Together with old Clayton, they rode in a magnificent carriage bearing the family crest toward the House of Lord Hoy on Olsner Street in the western part of Tingen.

Few people might recognize the name Baron Hoy, but many certainly know his stepmother, Lady Sharon. She was Tingen's most famous widow and socialite, one of the few who could influence both the old and new political parties in Tingen.

Of course, all of this is merely her outward identity. Her true identity is that of the core controller of the Witch Cult in Tingen City, and the Sequence Six Pleasure Witch.

However, it is clearly abnormal that she is the one organizing this "citywide" charity auction, even though she is representing Baron Hoy.

However, the current social norm is that to organize a large-scale "city-level" charity event, the organizer must at least hold the title of earl. Her stepson, Baron Hoy, clearly is not qualified to organize a charity event of this scale. A slightly less prestigious charity event, though, would be acceptable.

This is clearly going overboard! Even though she's well-connected in Tingen, it doesn't change the nature of her behavior; it's pure provocation.

What's even more infuriating is that he's the only count near Tingen. Although he's currently a 'minor' and hasn't publicized his identity, he already knows everything that needs to be known.

When the Altair family's carriage appeared on the street where Baron Hoy's house was located, the surrounding carriages quickly made way. Most of these people were there to watch a spectacle: a newly promoted underage nobleman being overstepped in his authority by a nobleman two ranks below him.

If this matter is not handled properly, the Sheffield family's influence in the local community will definitely suffer a severe blow.

Altair dreaded this whole situation. The best approach would have been to ignore her, not participate in her activities, and then later spread mild negative comments, such as: "This baron is too hasty..." etc.

But the old housekeeper insisted on bringing her along, and she really didn't understand why they were here. It was just making things difficult for her.

As soon as the carriage came to a stop, Altair stepped down and saw the owner of the manor, Baron Hoy, who quickly came to greet him.

Looking at the enthusiastic Baron Hoy, Altair felt something was off, thinking, 'Is this guy crazy? Doesn't he know what she's here for?'

Looking at the 'foolish' man in front of him, Altair ultimately chose not to cause trouble, but followed him into the hall.

Not long after Altair entered, a woman in a long black dress walked over. She had fair skin, brown hair and eyes, arched eyebrows, upturned eyes, a straight nose and delicate lips, and a graceful walk. She also carried a fragrant scent, inadvertently exuding an irresistible charm.

Upon seeing Altair, Mrs. Sharon walked straight up to her, took her small hand, and said warmly, "Sister, I'm so glad to finally meet you."

"Little sister," Altair said to Sharon with a displeased expression, "she really thinks she's a member of the witch cult."

"Didn't your superiors tell you that I haven't joined you yet?"

After hearing Altair directly clarify their relationship, Mrs. Sharon abandoned all pretense of politeness. She led her out of the hall, to a room deep inside on the second floor, and then pushed open the door and went inside.

This bedroom is luxuriously and opulently decorated, with thick, expensive carpets, a spacious interior, velvet duvet covers, and numerous ornaments inlaid with gold thread—everything about it exudes the owner's extravagance.

Unfortunately, the room was very messy. Thin and sexy lingerie and stockings were scattered all over the floor. The bedding on the bed was not neatly arranged, but piled up haphazardly to one side, with many wrinkles, as if it had just been through a big battle. There was even a faint scent of heather in the air nearby.

Mrs. Sharon casually found a chair and sat down, saying warmly, "Sister, you know very well that ever since you took the 'Assassin' potion, you've been half a member of the witch's cult, and you have no other choice."

Altair chose a relatively clean chair, sat down, and replied, "Indeed, but I can't just join you for no reason. At the very least, you should offer me some benefits."

After saying that, she added, "Of course, if all you can offer me are extraordinary attributes and potion recipes, I'm afraid I can't join."

Upon hearing this, Mrs. Sharon gave a knowing smile and said in a sweet voice, "Of course we understand. You can tell us your needs."

"We," Altair repeated softly, then asked, "Whom do you represent, the Witch Cult? Or a specific individual?"

Mrs. Sharon remained enthusiastic and said in a sweet voice, "Of course it's the Witch Cult, but you also know that there are many factions within the cult, and I also represent the White Saintess."

"Sequence 3 Immortal Witch Extraordinary Trait, Sequence 4 Despair Witch Extraordinary Trait, Sequence 3 Wanderer Extraordinary Trait... Sequence 4 Manipulator Extraordinary Trait... Sequence 5 Shepherd Extraordinary Trait... Sequence 4 Witch King Extraordinary Trait... Sequence 4 Alchemist Extraordinary Trait..." Altair said calmly.

Sitting opposite her, Mrs. Sharon's expression gradually twisted upon hearing Altair's request, which sounded like reciting a menu. She quickly interrupted, "That's impossible. Even if you emptied the Witch Cult, you couldn't get all the extraordinary characteristics you want."

"Then what can you give me?" Altair couldn't help but ask in return.

After calming down, Mrs. Sharon paused for a few seconds and said, "The Witch Cult can provide you with the extraordinary traits of the Assassin Path to 'Sequence Four Despair Witch,' one Shepherd trait and one Astronomer trait."

"The White Saintess can provide you with one Traveler trait and one Dream Walker trait."

Altair shook his head calmly and said, "What you've offered is too ordinary for me, and the price isn't right."

"You should also know that these characteristics are easy for me to obtain."

"If you have no sincerity, then forget it."

After saying that, Altair prepared to get up and leave.

"Wait." Lady Sharon quickly called out to Altair, who was about to leave. Then she looked at the mirror next to her and said, "The Witch Cult can provide you with two extraordinary traits for an Assassin to advance to Sequence Four: one for Traveler, one for Alchemist, one for Shepherd, and one for Law Mage."

"The White Saintess can provide you with one Manipulator trait and one Witch King trait."

"But we need you to provide a steady supply of weapons and some financial compensation on a regular basis, and to assist us in completing our mission."