Mystic Overlord: Reading Gives Strength
Chapter 321 - 320: The Girls in the Garden

Chapter 321: Chapter 320: The Girls in the Garden

Hughes had told Ronald that the time consumption was not an issue.

When he arrived at his destination by carriage, the elapsed time was exactly sixteen minutes.

Thanks to the incentive of money, the driver’s bold driving skills, and technical assurance, a few minutes were saved for Ronald.

"Sir, thank you very much."

He turned his head to pay the fare to the carriage owner and then Ronald entered the Lilac Path Garden.

Twenty minutes ago, the entity using the name "Lumy" had been in this place.

With the dual assurances from his royal identity and his friend Claudia, Ronald trusted the accuracy of the Prophetic Spell immensely.

So is this guy still here now...

With full caution and prudence, Ronald began his search.

During this season, there were plenty of decorative green plants around the Lilac Path Garden, and they were meticulously maintained.

Flowers such as primroses or crabapples, which bloom early in spring, could often be seen here.

In a city like Springs, having such a refreshing and pleasant environment, it was only natural for people to enjoy spending time here.

As far as Ronald could directly observe, there were at least a dozen noblewomen and young ladies strolling through the garden.

—It truly lives up to its reputation as a genuine affluent area.

So taking advantage of the moment when no one noticed him upon entering, Ronald began to recite softly,

"Volume eleven, page two hundred sixty, section six."

"Its name is Styx.

The dark water flows downwards, reaching the dim and daunting cliffs below.

..."

After activating the spells "Fury" and the lie detector, Ronald then continued deeper into the garden.

With the ability to perceive emotions enveloping him and the discernment of a lie detector at his disposal, he could conduct his search with very high precision.

So striding boldly, Ronald walked through the garden, not minding in the least that the young ladies in the garden cast their glances towards him.

But in fact, this was Ronald’s intent.

Ronald was well aware of the utility of his own face and the kind of emotional fluctuations ordinary young ladies would exhibit upon seeing it.

Should someone in the Lilac Path Garden see him and feel fear,

That person would most likely be Lumy in disguise.

Only this individual would have an emotional reaction like that due to their encounter on Black Mountain.

Even if the other party managed to control their emotions quickly, Ronald was confident he could catch that fleeting moment.

However, reality proved somewhat disappointing.

Maintaining the ability to perceive emotions, Ronald toured the Lilac Path Garden as quickly as possible but, even though many young ladies cast admiring looks at him, none of them showed even a brief flicker of fear.

As expected, Ronald sighed inwardly.

Perhaps he had arrived one step too late.

Ronald didn’t believe that there had been a leak of information, so Lumy’s departure was either a coincidence or the other party also had some efficient detection methods and had sensed his arrival in advance.

Which one could it be...

"Exc... excuse me, sir, may I disturb you for a moment?"

As Ronald pondered over the matter, a demurely dressed young lady came up to him, encouraged by her friends.

Ronald nodded slightly,

"What can I do for you?"

Standing somewhat awkwardly in front of Ronald, the young lady took a deep breath before speaking, lifting her handkerchief and curtseying,

"Well..."

"Sir, I see the weather is nice today. May I ask if you would like to join me for an afternoon tea?"

"Uh..."

Faced with the young lady’s invitation, Ronald’s expression faltered.

After traveling through time, he had crammed a lot of lessons, including a section on noble etiquette.

At this moment, the way the young lady clutched her handkerchief as she curtsied, as well as her invitation to have tea, were clear indications.

This young lady, undoubtedly, wished to develop a romantic relationship with Ronald.

It seemed that today, not only had he failed to find Lumière, but he also had to decline the young lady’s invitation...

With these thoughts in mind, Ronald immediately assumed an apologetic demeanor,

"Miss, I am terribly..."

"..."

"Sir, may I please finish speaking!"

Ronald had barely begun to speak when the young lady, long accustomed to the social circles, sensed his impending refusal.

Thus, she interrupted him anxiously, almost pleading,

"I am Clare, the daughter of Count Elmos!"

"If you are willing to share this afternoon tea with me, I believe we will have a far more pleasant time together afterward!"

"..."

Ronald was momentarily at a loss for words.

This girl... she was bold and forthright indeed.

In addition to her clear invitation to Ronald, she was now even directly mentioning her advantageous family background in hopes of swaying him.

Such initiative and openness...

Ronald did not actually dislike it.

It was just unfortunate that he had no intention of entering into a romance with the young lady, as there were things he needed to do.

He quickly formulated a potentially helpful excuse in his mind.

Ronald then shook his head with an expression of regret,

"Lady, I’m really sorry."

"The reason I came here was actually to assist a friend in searching for a young lady. Approximately twenty minutes ago, he encountered a beautiful woman here, but it seemed she had some urgent matter and left the area in haste. My friend was unable to follow her due to waiting for me."

"It was after discussing this matter at the entrance that I made my way to the Lilac Path Garden."

"After all, if there is a destiny between them, it’s better not to be disrupted for such reasons as waiting for me."

"..."

"Ah, is that so?"

Upon hearing Ronald’s explanation, the young lady’s face showed initial astonishment.

After carefully observing the man’s face and deciding that he indeed had his own difficulties, she shook her head with a complex expression,

"Sir, you really are kind-hearted."

"But if that’s the case, you could wait a moment for me."

"If possible, maybe my friends and I could discuss the matter and offer you some help."

This was an unexpected boon.

Ronald’s initial plan was to deal with the young lady and then ask around the garden by himself.

But if it went as the young lady suggested, letting her and her friends discuss it...

It was blatantly obvious which method would be more effective—strangers’ inquiries or acquaintances sharing information.

Therefore, with utmost sincerity in his voice, Ronald nodded gratefully,

"If that’s really possible, then I’d be much obliged."

"..."

Facing Ronald’s thanks, the young lady smiled faintly,

"Then, sir, do you mind telling me your name now?"

Ronald replied without hesitation,

"Ronald, Ronald Adler."

"Just call me Ronald."