It was a difficult case to solve—after all, why would anyone want to kill a child who already had one foot in the grave?
Moreover, the method of assassination was unorthodox. There were far better ways to kill someone; throwing them into a river seemed overly convoluted and complicated.
[You have successfully spent 1,000 V.P through the {Well of Greed} — Secondary Mission feature unlocked]
"Secondary missions are random missions without a time limit or penalty. Completing them can earn you V.P, although the number of secondary missions is limited, and they appear at certain intervals."
[Secondary Mission: Investigate Magic — 0%]
{Reward: Part Two of the Main Health Recovery Mission — 250 V.P}
Lloyd was astonished. He had just redeemed the {Eye of Envy}, only to discover that spending points unlocked new functions in the Paths of Transcendence.
The reason he had redeemed the eye was obvious: a visual ability would likely be very useful for an investigation.
[Eye of Envy]
Rank: Omega
"The Eye of Envy allows its user to evaluate objects and people under its gaze. The analysis may fail depending on circumstances."
Reading its description, Lloyd felt gratified—it was exactly what he needed.
But first, he had to test his new acquisition. Lloyd activated the eye while focusing on the ring on his finger.
[Megingjörð]
{Quality: Relic}
"Although its name is inspired only by a legendary artifact, this ring is undoubtedly very valuable. Its capability centers on enhancing the wearer's Touki, while also improving their health."
Lloyd was stunned by the immense value of the ring. At the same time, he was satisfied with the ability's effects.
As for the ring's function, if Lloyd truly was in the same world as the novel, he knew that Touki was a property of all living beings that provided protection against any phenomenon.
It made sense that such an artifact would be used on him, as his lack of magical power would prevent him from generating Touki, which was necessary for protection from the environment, diseases, and other threats.
No wonder he had been so sick.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
A small bell rang. Seconds later, Sebastián appeared quickly in Lloyd's room.
"Is something the matter, young master? Are you hungry? Thirsty perhaps? Do you want a book? Whatever the task, your faithful servant will attend to it immediately."
The boy had to gesture with his hand, signaling Sebastián to calm his enthusiasm; after all, it was difficult to speak without coughing uncontrollably.
Instead, the first thing Lloyd did was use the Eye of Envy on Sebastián. He wanted to test it on people; however, he also wanted to confirm that Sebastián could be trusted.
From what he knew, Sebastián was very loyal to him; still, one could never be too cautious.
[Reading Failed]
The boy sighed; he had expected such a result.
"Impossible... No, nothing is impossible for the young master, I am sure of it. Did some trait awaken—? Well, never mind, it's surely incredible if it comes from you," the butler nodded vigorously with a proud expression. "Go ahead, try again."
[Sebastián Morfeus]
Age: 65
"The most loyal servant of Lloyd Kaitos."
The description was somewhat vague. Additionally, Lloyd knew that someone with good control over their Touki could defend against a reading phenomenon and interfere with it.
However, while it was possible to defend and hide information, it was impossible to deceive the eye itself.
Thus, Lloyd was certain that Sebastián was loyal.
"Thanks for that, Sebas cough cough though I didn't call you here just for that," the boy had to pause to avoid a coughing fit. Looking at Sebastián, he seemed surprised that Lloyd spoke, but he was also waiting for Lloyd to continue. "As you know, the incident that nearly ended my life is quite suspicious. I don't recall the events clearly, but I can assure you I did not go to the river," the boy cleared his throat a little while Sebastián nodded at his master's deductions. "I don't doubt your abilities, but I also want to help find the culprit. This incident has opened my eyes: I must stop acting like a sickly child and survive. The first step is to eliminate that threat. I hope you'll help me with it."
The boy had to take a deep breath; fortunately, the coughing did not return to bother him.
"I couldn't agree more, young master!" exclaimed Sebastián. He seemed moved by Lloyd's words of determination, even wiping away a tear of emotion. "Even in the state you were born into, you still push forward. I am sure Miss Barbara would be very proud of you."
Lloyd heard a few more comments from Sebastián until he regained his composure.
"Forgive me, I lost my composure and strayed from the matter at hand. I, Sebastián Morfeus, will dedicate every fiber of my being to ensure you achieve your objective. Unfortunately, the mansion lacks qualified staff. We barely have five guards, aside from the personnel maintaining the mansion. As you already know, there aren't many you can trust."
Lloyd nodded, memorizing the information he had.
"I am aware. We must interrogate every member of the mansion. I believe I have certain skills to assist with that."
"I completely agree; just tell me, and I will immediately bring each staff member," affirmed Sebastián firmly.
"No, that would only scare the culprit. No one must know we are investigating," responded Lloyd in a low voice to avoid coughing again.
"Then, what do you plan to do?"
"First, you must leave and go incognito into the city. Ask about the news, but make sure they don't suspect you're gathering information."
Sebastián nodded at his plan. He was impressed by Lloyd's reasoning; after all, the only thing the boy had done in his life was read, so he was likely smarter than other children his age.
"I will live up to your expectations."
"As for me, well, it wouldn't be strange, now that my health has improved thanks to a certain ring, to take advantage of the newfound freedom of movement I've gained."
Sebastián was even more impressed: the boy planned to use the ring as an excuse for his recent improvement in health.
The butler himself knew it was likely something else, but he wouldn't voice his suspicions prematurely.
"We will wait a couple of days to make it believable. I must show progressive improvement. The most logical step would be to first go to the library."
"I completely agree; after all, the young master has always loved books."
Lloyd nodded, though there was another reason he wanted to go to the library; after all, he had a secondary mission worth completing.
Tomorrow, he would investigate everything he could about magic.