Angel glanced at the Black Earl and nodded without objection.
The Black Earl’s intentions were already clear. Since there was an intelligent being inside the box that could communicate, he would definitely go and meet it, even if not for the ticket.
"The Cicia you mentioned is willing to answer your questions, and even hints at answers to things she can’t say. Did you do something?" the Black Earl asked.
The Black Earl’s purpose was obvious, and given his position, he didn’t need to hide anything.
Angel: "I made a deal with her, but I can’t discuss the details at the moment. However, I can assure you it has nothing to do with our exploration, or even this Underground Aqueduct."
"The deal isn’t over yet. Cicia answering my questions was just part of her transaction with me. The item I’m trading with her hasn’t been prepared yet."
"I’ll set up a private barrier here and prepare the item for the trade inside. Once it’s ready, I’ll enter the box again to complete the transaction with her."
"Before that, you can go ahead and trade your tickets with her."
The answer the Black Earl wanted wasn’t this. But given that Angel was right there, he could easily sense the blood flow, heartbeat rate, and all physiological responses in Angel’s body.
The Black Earl could confirm Angel wasn’t lying. His deal with Cicia had no relation to the Underground Aqueduct or this exploration.
It must be a personal transaction.
Angel even planned to create a barrier specifically for this trade item, considering his status. Perhaps it’s some sort of alchemy tool? And possibly one that’s hard to describe or has a special effect?
The Black Earl thought about this and ultimately decided not to pry further.
Since Cicia was willing to "trade," if she could trade with Angel, why not with him?
...
Once Angel explained the situation regarding the treasure, he told the others they could trade their tickets anytime.
Angel himself began setting up the private barrier, calling upon Earl Mi and Speedy.
The others assumed Angel was going to engage in alchemy and didn’t say anything, instead considering what treasures they might use for the trade.
As Angel set up the barrier, he also watched the progress of others... and their treasures.
Since he had already shown his gold coins to everyone, it wasn’t too inappropriate for him to glance at their treasures, right?
With this thought, Angel looked at each person.
The first to trade was Vay. Unlike others, he didn’t seem overly concerned about the treasures and didn’t appear conflicted. He casually took out a black crystal ball shimmering with eerie light.
One could tell at a glance this was an alchemical item. However, Angel could sense that the crystal ball contained a dense death aura, which wasn’t refined through alchemy but accrued over time.
"I remember, isn’t this the medium you use for your Death Sense, and you’ve used it for many years. Are you really trading it for a ticket that’s not particularly important?" Dox asked in surprise.
Vay: "This item indeed holds significance for me and it’s very convenient to use. But, my Lord instructed me long ago to dispose of this crystal ball due to its heavy death aura. While it enhances my Death Sense ability, if I rely on it too much, my abilities will stagnate."
Vay scratched his head, somewhat embarrassed: "But I can’t bear to discard something I’ve used for decades, so I’ve been keeping it around."
Dox: "You’re willing to part with it this time?"
Vay: "I have to replace it eventually. Besides, after trading it away, I can find an alchemist to refine a new one, and the new one is sure to be better than the old."
When Vay mentioned "seek an alchemist to refine," he sneaked a glance at Angel.
Since Angel had been observing the treasures, he happened to meet Vay’s gaze.
Angel understood what Vay intended without any words.
Vay was likely hoping Angel would help him refine a new crystal ball...
Angel wanted to be a good leader and maintain his demeanor. Given Vay’s previous defense, he really couldn’t refuse.
Under Vay’s expectant gaze, Angel dryly smiled: "If you don’t mind waiting, I..."
"I don’t mind! Not at all!" Vay immediately interjected.
Angel: "Then when you have time, tell me your specific requirements, and I’ll evaluate the situation."
Vay nodded enthusiastically.
Angel sighed lightly in his heart and then, with a slightly playful tone, spoke seriously: "But if you want me to refine it, the price won’t be cheap."
Vay: "No problem, my Lord can set any price!"
He dared to make such assurances without specifying what he wanted. Truly befitting the wealthy Noah Clan...
Having committed to this, Angel could only smile and nod. Yet, inwardly, he felt quite bitter. Just when he escaped Lord Rhein’s crystal ball nightmare, Vay now wanted him to refine a crystal ball. Honestly, wizards and crystal balls aren’t even standard pairs.
...
Looking at Vay’s treasure and meeting his gaze led Angel to reluctantly accept an alchemy request. But as an alchemist, Angel wouldn’t truly resist engaging in alchemy.
Thus, Angel didn’t plan to restrain himself and continued boldly observing the treasures of others.
Vay’s treasure had accompanied him for decades, during which Vay, while running his shop, had many people approach him for divinations about death. Consequently, the crystal ball was stained with countless death auras, making it a very "meaningful" treasure.
Cicia shouldn’t reject Vay this time.
After examining Vay’s, Angel turned his gaze to Kaier.
Kaier had previously mentioned he had something he wanted to discard but couldn’t bring himself to.
And when Angel consoled him, Kaier’s eyes had reddened.
At that time, Angel speculated that what Kaier intended to discard might be linked to emotions, such as familial bonds separated by time and space, lost friendships, or unattainable love.
But when Kaier took out the item he meant to discard, Angel’s expression froze momentarily.
What Kaier produced was... a wrinkled piece of parchment.