"Good morning," Madam Helene said, her silver eyes looking over as she chuckled playfully, "Next time you visit, you should consider putting 100 Fels in the offering box. That would make it much more 'reasonable' for me to have someone bring you in here."
This trend cannot be encouraged. Earth Mother Church clergy should be as simple and honest as Bishop Utravsky. Ebner grumbled inwardly, while outwardly nodding in response, "I'll consider it next time."
Madam Helene is indeed a bit of a money-grubbing vampire... In this regard, Cullen and Lydia are completely different from her, not at all like her biological children.
"Is there something you need from me this time? Do you want me to intercept another Demigod?" Madam Helene changed the subject, asking with a smile.
Madam, do you see me as someone who constantly causes trouble for Demigods? While complaining inwardly, Ebner shook his head and said, "I'd like to ask you to help me find a qualified and reliable butler, preferably someone with connections in the Church of the Eternal Blazing Sun...
"Additionally, I need to rent a garden villa in the Sauron District. It doesn't need to be too large, but it's best if it's not far from the Sauron family's ancestral home."
He paused here, then added, "I've already been to the 'Association for Assisting Household Servants' and the 'Housing Rental Association,' but I haven't found anything satisfactory."
After hearing Ebner's requests, Madam Helene pinched her chin in thought. After a moment, she began,
"The garden villa isn't a problem. I own a house that meets your requirements. It's a four-story building with over twenty rooms, a stable, servant quarters, and a considerably large garden. It's only a street away from the Sauron family's ancestral home, and the neighbors living nearby are Intis bankers and owners of large enterprises...
"Its furnishings are very exquisite, with many famous paintings and antiques. The furniture and utensils are also top-quality items that I personally selected..."
Ebner frowned upon hearing this, cautiously inquiring, "The rent for this house isn't cheap, is it?"
He had clearly researched the market and knew that the annual rent for similar properties wouldn't be less than 3,000 Fels.
"Of course, it's not cheap. Someone offered me 5,000 Fels in rent, and I still didn't agree." Helene first established the house's value, then changed her tone, smiling, "But what can I say, you just feel so close to me? So, as long as you can help me accomplish one thing, I'll rent this house to you for free."
"What is it?" Ebner didn't agree rashly. Although Madam Helene was Lilith's favored one and theoretically wouldn't harm him, her personality was somewhat eccentric, so it was better to be cautious.
"I want you to use your detective skills to help me find someone. She used to be called 'Shirley,' but that's undoubtedly a false name... Hmm, she's a believer of the 'Primordial Moon,' currently hiding in Trier, and I'm certain she hasn't left," Madam Helene said, her expression becoming serious.
Ebner pondered for a moment, then tentatively asked, "Is that a 'Witch King'?"
He remembered Cullen mentioning that his mother had been looking for materials for his promotion to Demigod for over a hundred years without success.
"Exactly. Her mind suddenly went awry during last week's 'Blood Moon,' exposing her whereabouts. I detected her and severely wounded her.
"But she possesses a magical item that is very adept at escaping and concealing aura, so she ultimately managed to flee... I can only vaguely sense that she's still somewhere in Trier," Madam Helene said, taking out a portrait of the person and handing it to Ebner.
Last week's Blood Moon represented the fall of the "Primordial Moon"... Not directly losing control means she either wasn't a firm believer, or her belief was actually directed towards the "Mother Tree of Desire."
Ebner accepted the portrait thoughtfully. With just a glance, he noticed something oddly unsettling about the "Witch King" named Shirley. Her facial features were distinct, yet when combined, it was impossible to remember her appearance, as if one had prosopagnosia.
"Is this her innate ability, or the power of a magical item?" Ebner asked, then continued, "Do you have any of her hair or clothing?"
"Of course not. How could a 'Witch King' possibly leave those things behind?" Madam Helene shook her head, then pointed at the portrait. "I suspect she possesses a high-Sequence Beyonder item from the 'Seer' pathway, which is why she has this strange effect that can even influence portraits."
A "Seer" pathway... some ability of a "Bizarro Sorcerer"? If she truly holds such a magical item, it's no wonder she managed to escape Madam Helene and remain unfound...
However, I can try!
After a moment of thought, Ebner activated his "Pure White Eye," directly using his once-daily "prophecy" ability.
Before, such a "prophecy" with little preliminary information and an opponent capable of concealment wouldn't yield valuable insights...
But now, with the uniqueness of the "Wheel of Fortune" entering the space behind his "Pure White Eye," Ebner could clearly feel the improvement in his "prophecy" capabilities.
Moreover, the revelations he received were no longer just a few words or a sentence. More often, they would directly show relevant scenes.
For instance, at this moment, a picture of a house with a green roof appeared before Ebner's eyes.
After noting the various details of the image, he asked Helene for paper and a pen, then set up a ritual to draw the scene he had witnessed in its entirety.
Madam Helene was somewhat surprised that Ebner had a result so quickly, but after seeing the drawing, she sighed. After all, there were too many houses in Trier that looked similar to the one in the drawing, making it impossible to pinpoint which one it was.
However, Ebner, with his many methods, was full of confidence. He believed he could find the target within a day or two, and Madam Helene's mansion was definitely going to be "freeloaded" by him.
Seeing his confident demeanor, Helene didn't think Ebner was boasting. She just smiled and said, "Then I'll await your good news...
"These two days, I'll also help you find a suitable butler and tidy up that villa."
.....
In the Bedroom on the Third Floor of Ancient Vine Manor, Trier Suburbs
Helene looked at Tracy, who was flushed and panting on the bed, unable to move. She finally withdrew her hand and said with a smile in her eyes, "That's enough for today. I still have work to do.
"Besides, Ebner said that although this technique helps with your recovery, it should also be done in moderation..."
Tracy looked at a different Helene than before, biting her lip, and asked, "What... what exactly have you learned from him?"