Mystery: But the Witch's Path

Chapter 29 Iron-Blooded Knight

December 1346, 6

The Sheffield family manor was unusually lively today, not only because the guards who had survived the trip with Altair's original father, "Hard Sheffield," were returning.

The more important reason is that Rafe Strauss himself, his great-uncle, has been promoted to become a demigod named Ironblood Knight, a Sequence 4 Hunter.

Given the relationship between the two families, this means that as long as Altair Sheffield is alive, no one will bother the Sheffield family. A demigod's lifespan is at least several hundred years, and unless they are killed, they are the ancestors of the family.

"Simon Blanco, what are your plans for the future?"

Altair looked at the tall, middle-aged man in front of him, who was wearing a black trench coat and a round hat, and asked.

Simon Blanco slowly shook his head. "Most of our squad are residents of the Baron's territory, and a small number are from orphanages sponsored by 'Sheffield.' Even if we were to disband, we wouldn't have anywhere else to go."

"On the way back, we discussed it and hoped that Count Altair could put aside past grievances and continue to keep our squad."

Listening to Simon Blanco's words, Altair could understand this choice.

The surviving members of this squad are all extraordinary individuals, and are not suited to returning to ordinary life.

Although existing extraordinary individuals have no trouble finding jobs, and everyone needs them, anything related to being extraordinary is deadly. You have to risk your life for a little bit of money, how much does it even cost in a month!

Since they all come from the Sheffield family, and they're going to be buying their lives anyway, they might as well choose a familiar old employer.

Moreover, he spends a lot of time in the military and is out of touch with the outside world.

Altair looked at Simon Blanco and said, "Since none of you want to leave, then stay. You can ask Hahn for an advance of some gold pounds during this time. You can stay in Backlund for the next few days, or you can choose to go home to see your family and let them know you're safe. The royal summer hunting event starts in five days. You can come back before the event begins."

Altair has not yet made any arrangements for this team, but he has a clear destination in mind.

They'll usually pack them up and send them to the factory so they can keep an eye on the factory's safety. After all, the factory plays a significant role in their future plans. As for their own safety, who can be as loyal as a pet?

........

That evening, Altair visited his uncle Rafe's house. Perhaps because of his advancement to demigod status, he felt as if he had become younger—not in appearance, but in a way that was difficult to describe. Perhaps this was his extraordinary charm.

Because Rafe Strauss is the absolute star of this banquet, he's been surrounded and hasn't had time to greet me.

So when Altair entered the manor, he greeted the butler to let him know he had arrived, and then casually chatted with a few people he knew.

.........

Seeing the person approaching, Altair quickly stepped forward to greet him, "Good evening, Uncle Rafe. You're becoming more and more charming to me."

After saying that, Altair thought of a funny thing to say: "Drink the 'Hunter's Potion, and become a man among men!"

Looking at the young girl dressed as Lucius Sheffield (Altaire's original name), Rafe Strauss felt a pang of regret for his past decision. He sighed and said, "Altaire, I never imagined that in just over two months, you would have made such a significant move, independently researching and developing a 'new type of gunpowder.' It seems my granddaughter might very well become the next Steam God's Child, surpassing Emperor Roselle..."

Hearing these praises, Altair remained calm and said, "It was mainly due to good luck, and also because my family happened to have some relevant data. After integrating those materials, I completed this invention."

As Rafe Strauss listened to Altair's refusals, he thought to himself, "Outsiders might not know what you have, but do you think I don't know? If you had such things, that old man would have taken them out and used them long ago."

Rafe Strauss knew about Altair's family situation, but since his own family had said so, he decided not to expose it.

Without mincing words, he said, "That's necessary. With your organizational skills, those documents would be like waste paper."

"By the way, I also brought back some gifts from your uncle when I came back from the Southern Continent. I've already arranged for someone to deliver them to your carriage. Remember to take good care of them when you get back, and also be careful. These are very valuable gifts."

Altair already knew this morning that Rafe had returned from the southern continent.

Simon Blanco and his group returned with his uncle via a special military transport unit. Otherwise, if they had tried to return on their own, they would still be adrift at sea.

Hearing about his uncle, whom he only knew from his memories and had barely spoken to, Altair was curious and asked, "Uncle Charles, how are things in the Southern Continent? I heard it's in turmoil again. And he hasn't been back for many years. Will he be transferred back to the Northern Continent this year?"

Altair's words made Rafe think. After he came to his senses, he said, "It's been six years. Every time, I'm the one who goes to him. He never comes back on his own. He should be transferred back. Then I can find him a wife and get married."

It seems that Uncle Rafe's main reason for advancing to the Southern Continent was to see his cousin. Every advancement for an Extraordinary is a challenge; failure means becoming a monster. Not everyone has a cheat code.

As for the second half, coming back to get married, that has nothing to do with me. If they come looking for me then, I won't acknowledge it.

"By the way, Kyrie said you guys have been waiting for me?"

"Yes, Uncle," Altair nodded directly. "Ever since the product was made and tested, it couldn't be sealed away. It's just that you were away at the time, so I've been waiting for you to come back to discuss the factory construction."

"Hahaha"

Upon hearing this, Rafe laughed and said, "I can tell from your eyes that you already have a plan, but you're putting it on hold because you don't have direct support."

Altair, whose scheme had been exposed, was not embarrassed. "I do have plans for those inventions. Of course, this plan requires various forms of assistance from different parties in the early stages. I'm not confident that I can persuade them to participate on my own."

"Isn't this so that I'll have someone to back me up when you come back, Uncle?"

Upon hearing the explanation, Rafe Strauss wasn't angry. Instead, he laughed and said, "You, you did a great job. If you had faced them directly, it would have been difficult to reach a consensus."

"Those old guys can only do so much for the family now, trying to secure more benefits. This will inevitably affect your interests and plans."

"After the banquet, tell me your thoughts, and I'll give you some advice."