Chapter 72: Cipher: Do you want to do it?
You saw the situation and knew that if Cipher continued to be so unyielding, it would likely lead to trouble. Her methods might work on the streets, but against someone as unfathomable as Aglaea, they clearly weren't enough.
You quickly stepped forward, gently tugging at Cipher's sleeve, signaling her to calm down. Then you immediately explained, "This... Sister Aglaea, Fei'er is just joking. Actually, these items were accidentally acquired by my family many years ago. But later, my family fell into decline and suffered some unfortunate changes, leaving only me. These are some of the relics my family left for me, and they are also my... last reliance."
Aglaea's green eyes gazed deeply at you; those eyes seemed to penetrate your heart, seeing into the depths of your soul. Those invisible Golden Threads brushed gently against you, as if probing for something. After a while, the threads on her fingertips returned to stillness; she didn't seem to detect the scent of a lie.
"Is that so...?" Aglaea nodded lightly, her tone softening, "The sorrow and resilience in your eyes don't seem feigned. The deceased are gone, but the living should cherish their relics and make good use of their value. Since these are family heirlooms of this young guest Orion, then I will accept them."
Cipher secretly gave you a "thumbs up" gesture and mouthed silently, "You're good! Kitten! You can handle this!" She didn't expect that this Tailor Woman, who seemed like an ice mountain, would be convinced by your few words. You returned her smile.
Based on the actual value of your items, Aglaea selected several well-made, understated yet exquisitely crafted ready-to-wear garments for you. These clothes did not appear ostentatious at first glance, but those in the know could immediately discern their extraordinary value.
"These clothes are enough to allow you to live decently in Ohema, and can also be exchanged for enough Liheng coins when needed," Aglaea said. With the transaction complete, you and Cipher both breathed a sigh of relief, smiles appearing on your faces. With these "hard currencies" in hand, you wouldn't have to worry about your livelihood for at least a short time.
Just as you were holding the exchanged clothes and preparing to leave, Aglaea called out to you: "Please wait, both of you."
You turned back, puzzled. "A transaction is a transaction." Aglaea's gaze swept over the somewhat torn clothes you were wearing, and she continued: "Meeting is fate. As a small bonus for today's transaction, and also as my gift for meeting two young guests for the first time, I will prepare a suitable set of casual clothes for each of you."
Cipher's eyes instantly lit up, like a cat discovering a new toy: "Really? Tailor Woman, you're so generous? Then we won't be polite!"
Aglaea shook her head helplessly, but did not correct her address, seeming to have grown accustomed to it or disdaining to bother. She gestured for you to follow her into the inner room of the Weaving Workshop, and took out a soft measuring tape and a clipboard. She first measured Cipher, her movements professional and swift. Cipher, however, fidgeted restlessly, constantly asking questions and showing curiosity about everything in the Weaving Workshop.
When it was your turn, Aglaea's movements noticeably slowed down and became more meticulous. She picked up the soft measuring tape and carefully measured your shoulder width, arm length, and waist. Her fingertips would occasionally brush against your skin, bringing a comfortable coolness. You noticed she measured very slowly, and her beautiful green eyes remained focused on your face, as if she wanted to engrave your appearance into her mind.
[Aglaea, however, was exclaiming inwardly: Ohema... no, the entire Amphoreus, I have never seen a child with a countenance like yours. Cipher's appearance is already rare and beautiful, but this child... every line of his features is like the most meticulous masterpiece of the Goddess Moneta. Especially those unique golden eyes, clearly carrying a coldness that keeps people at a distance, yet revealing a certain hidden vulnerability deep within, making one feel pity and a desire to explore further. Aglaea always had a special fondness for things of "beauty," and at this moment, she couldn't help herself.]
Her gaze was too focused, making you feel a little uncomfortable, and your cheeks flushed slightly. "Sister Aglaea... are you done?"
Aglaea came to her senses as if waking from a dream, a fleeting look of embarrassment flashing across her face. She cleared her throat and returned to her usual demeanor: "Ah... Yes. You can pick up your clothes in three days."
"That's great! Thanks, Tailor Woman! Kitten, let's go!" Cipher was already a bit impatient and pulled you out. You looked back at Aglaea. She stood there, her gaze towards you a little dazed, yet tinged with reluctance.
Once you were further away, Cipher excitedly shook your arm: "Kitten, Kitten! Did you hear? We'll have new clothes in three days! And they're handmade by that Tailor Woman, so they must be worth a lot of money!" She then patted the package of ready-to-wear clothes you exchanged, proudly saying, "And with these clothes, we can exchange them for so much delicious food! Ohema... we came to the right place!"
"Mm." You responded, but your mind was still replaying Aglaea. That woman gave you a very unusual feeling.
"What are you spacing out for?" Cipher nudged you with her elbow. "Speaking of which, Kitten, you were really something just now! You managed to bluff that Tailor Woman, who seemed cunning as hell, with just a few words! 'Family fallen into decline, last reliance'? Tsk tsk tsk, where did you learn those lines?" She mimicked your tone at the time, stifling a laugh.
Knowing she was teasing you, you casually said, "I read it in a book."
"Hmph, always books, just because I don't like reading." Cipher pouted, "But as long as it works! Come on, let's find a place to stay first, and then plan how to make our mark in Ohema!"
You settled into a secluded but relatively clean small inn in Ohema. The dawn machine meant there was no night here, and Cipher was initially unaccustomed to it, but she was quickly captivated by Ohema's prosperity and "opportunities." The few ready-to-wear garments you exchanged from Aglaea were carefully hidden. They were indeed, as Aglaea said, of extraordinary quality and craftsmanship, and quite valuable.
Over the next few days, you would spend your days (according to Ohema's clock) exploring places like the Cloudstone Market. You saw from a distance Ohema's guardian—the World-Bearing Titan Kephale—whose mountain-like body bore the dawn machine, enveloping the entire holy city in daylight.
Cipher looked at the well-dressed, lavishly spending wealthy merchants and nobles in the market, her emerald cat eyes gleaming with excitement. She pulled your hand and whispered, "Kitten, look, there are so many rich people here, it's practically overflowing with fat sheep! Our small-time antics in Dolos are nothing compared to this place... We need to pull off a big one in Ohema!"
After a few days of scouting, she targeted a wealthy family living in the noble district of the city, rumored to have many treasures in their collection.
"So, Kitten, are you in or not?" Cipher looked at you with expectant eyes.