Soon, the Moonlight Carriage started up again, continuing towards Moonlight Town.

Inside, only Lawson and Aurelia remained.

Silence filled the carriage before Aurelia smiled, "Lawson, why don't you look at me?"

Lawson kept his eyes lowered, staring at the floor, replying flatly, "You're too beautiful, I'm afraid I'd lose composure."

"Hehe~ Aren't you curious?"

"I'm waiting for your explanation."

Aurelia seemed to take it for granted Lawson wouldn't refuse her, making herself at home as if it was her private coach.

She took off her cloak and stretched lazily, barely concealed beneath her skirt.

"Would you believe me if I said I was bored and looking for fun?"

Lawson laughed coldly inwardly but kept up appearances.

"I would believe that."

Aurelia went on, "I hope I'll get to sample your cooking frequently on this trip together."

Lawson shook his head. "I have a mission, afraid I won't have time."

Inwardly, he felt puzzled. How did this Winterless Apostle know so much about Aurelia's past?

Could she have read Veronica's soul? Or were there other hidden Winterless Apostles in Silver Moon Castle?

It made no sense.

"Lawson, I feel you don't trust me," Aurelia said, laughing awkwardly.

"Trust takes time, we've only met a few times," Lawson replied mildly.

"Oh! You're not wrong, but I'm still not used to being alone with someone as shrewd as you. I feel like all my hidden secrets will be easily seen through!"

With that, she opened the window and called out delicately, "Shabboleth, I'm sorry for hiding things before. Can you forgive me?"

Hearing this, Lawson knew Shabboleth would cave immediately.

Sure enough, just 5 seconds later, Shabboleth returned to the carriage, grinning foolishly at Aurelia.

"Never imagined the tavern drinker would be such a beauty!"

Aurelia smiled demurely. "I heard about Moonlight Town, and since I was bored, thought I'd come along for some fun with you all. Do you agree?"

"Why wouldn't I agree?! We were just lamenting being shorthanded! I'm overjoyed you want to help!"

Shabboleth slapped his thigh heartily. "So happy to hear you say that! But I'm out of money, so I'll rely on you for expenses the next few days. Alright?"

She blinked beseechingly, and Shabboleth's heart skipped a beat, like a fish flopping on dry land.

With a grand wave, he declared generously, "Small matter, no need to say more! Lass, take this pouch, buy whatever directly."

Lawson eyed the pouch, estimating 30 crowns. Considering Shabboleth's spending lately, probably all he had left.

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In other words, with just sweet talk, he'd handed over all his money.

But Lawson reconsidered - Shabboleth wasn't usually so muddle-headed. His generosity was likely motivated by the 200 crown operational fund.

For this mission, the 200 crowns were held by Lawson. Not small, but wouldn't last under Shabboleth's habits.

With a silent sigh, he thought, "True to a foolish squire, pockets leaking all over."

Rather than daily coveting, best to make clear now.

With that thought, Lawson took a pouch from his luggage, counted out half, and handed it to Shabboleth.

"Here's what we have left. Take half for yourself. But the remaining 100 crowns are operational - don't waste them."

Shabboleth chuckled awkwardly, scratching his head. "Lawson, I'm embarrassed."

Lawson looked scornfully. "Uncle, your intentions are written on your face, so stop pretending."

"Hehe, Lawson knows me well."

Shabboleth put away the pouch, then turned to Aurelia. "Lass, don't think I'm easy to trick. I'm giving you money because I misunderstood you before and feel guilty."

Aurelia's face took on a 'touched' expression as she murmured gently, "I know, Elder Brother Shabboleth. I never blamed you."

With just expression and words, Shabboleth melted. He laughed deliriously, all smiles.

Watching this, Lawson's mind stirred slightly.

"The old chap has a weak will but is generous to friends."

"With maneuvering, I could probably gain a noble title, maybe even a baron with my own fief."

History books on Earth praised wise rulers, but for the ambitious, the most desirable was a foolish lord.

If above was shrewd and capable, those below could only obediently follow orders.

Whereas if above was lazy and generous, those below had ample space to freely maneuver.

The problem was pushing Shabboleth into nobility wouldn't be easy or quick, success dependent on luck.

For now, he'd adapt to circumstances and seize opportunities.

For the remainder of the trip, with the beauty joining, Shabboleth was no longer sleepy.

All the way, he chatted and laughed with Aurelia, seemingly endless things to discuss - news, boasting of deeds, as if he could never run out of words.

Aurelia kept smiling and listening, occasionally interjecting a flattering remark, keeping Shabboleth completely enraptured.

This freed Lawson to curl up in a corner, seemingly resting with closed eyes, but actually continuously working on his spell virtual machine.

Whenever a new spell modification idea arose, he'd input it to test-run simulations, then carefully analyze strengths and weaknesses.

By five in the afternoon when they arrived at Moonlight Town's entrance, Lawson had a satisfactory result.

'Successfully created: Super Bullet Spell. Add to spellbook?'

'Add.'

The power was barely satisfactory, still far from Lawson's ideal, but its might already greatly surpassed all his current spells. Still useful in special circumstances.

"Rename?"

"Shock Fireball."

Spell Name: Shock Fireball

Type: Quadra-stellar extremes fire logic spell.

Power: 92.8 (Upper Mid-tier)

Evaluation: Makes great use of fusion extremes to maximize explosive impact. Though far from perfect, power not to be underestimated.

Max Cast Time: 0.5 seconds

Max Cast Distance: 100 meters

Mana Cost: Extremely High (Caster can only cast twice bare-handed at current mana level)

Bare-handed allowed two casts. With Crescent Staff and Focus Potions, four casts should be possible.

"Not bad. Attacks good for now. Also need to improve defenses, few I have now seriously lacking."

As he pondered this, they arrived at the castle gates in Moonlight Town's center.

The castle was surrounded by stone walls, built of wood and stone. Moss covered the shaded exterior, many visibly damaged corners reflecting the owner's straitened finances.

The residence was in the back courtyard, the administrative offices in the front.

Shabboleth explained, "Viscount Philin's dwelling. Residence in back, town offices in front."

As they entered the front courtyard, several people already waited there.

The leader was a tall, dignified man in a fine fur coat - none other than the master himself, mid-stage pinnacle warrior Viscount Philin.

Proper etiquette dictated he personally welcome the Earl's emissary, but his expression was aloof, gaze gloomy. Especially when Shabboleth alighted, Philin's eyes flashed unmistakable darkness.

Inside, Lawson watched closely.

Seeing his reaction, Lawson turned and softly reminded 'Aurelia', "I suggest changing into battle armor before disembarking, otherwise Shabboleth may be summoned back prematurely for rash actions."

Aurelia smiled. "No problem. Or should I just change back into male clothes?"

"As you think fit."

With that, Lawson also exited and walked up behind Shabboleth.

Shabboleth strode up to Philin, exchanging indifferent pleasantries.

"I've arranged lodging. Afraid I've contracted illness lately, feeling unwell, so I won't attend the banquet. Do as you please."

Having said that, he left without waiting for a response.

His attitude was decidedly uncooperative.

Shabboleth was angry, also at a loss. He glanced at Lawson.

Lawson said softly, "Act as if nothing happened. Just keep in mind."