A knight who understood the dragon language, and even primarily used it during key stages of his growth… No wonder the Psychological Alchemy Society wanted to get hold of the notes he left behind… Audrey came to a realization and withdrew her thoughts, then happily and seriously began discussing the grammatical issues with Michel Deit.
Soon, they ended the discussion of the notes, and Michel started introducing the subsequent items in the collection.
As time passed, the tour gradually came to an end. Audrey had originally planned to wait until next time to make a purchase request, so as not to appear too purposeful, but the friendly and amiable atmosphere, along with the natural conversational groundwork, made her keenly feel that this was an opportunity. So, using the ability of the "Lie" necklace, she blushed with embarrassment:
"Mr. Deit, that helmet of the Sauron royal family from the War of the White Roses is a fine item to commemorate my ancestors. I venture to ask, may I buy it from you? And also that notebook from the Twenty Years' War, because I greatly admire the knights who held out on Sonia Island, I would like to have it as well.
"I know this is an impolite request, but I hope you can understand my feelings. Of course, you have the right to refuse."
Her eyes shifted, dodging slightly, half intentionally and half genuinely making herself appear guilty, timid, and pitiable.
For a moment, Michel unconsciously averted his gaze and said in a gentle voice:
"I am a collector. I do not sell my collection."
His tone and wording were not resolute enough… The information gathered earlier indicated that he was a gentleman who valued his reputation very much; buying his collectibles directly with money was probably an unacceptable method for him… The Psychological Alchemy Society didn't assign someone else to this task, partly to give me the chance to accumulate contributions, and partly because they were wary of the associate professor's attitude on this matter… I have to change my approach… Before this visit, Audrey had carefully prepared different plans based on the intelligence she had obtained. After a moment's thought, she directly changed the subject and asked instead:
"Mr. Deit, I heard that you are seeking to establish an institute of antiquities inside Stoun University?"
"Yes, that has been my goal these past few years." Michel looked back at Audrey and answered frankly.
Audrey sketched a faint smile and said:
"I am very interested in this area of research and have great respect for you. I hope to see you achieve your wish.
"Well, I would like to donate £1,000 in cash, 2,000 acres of land nearby, and a profitable manor to Stoun University and the college you belong to, in order to initially establish a public fund for the collection and preservation of antiquities. I know it's not enough, but I will persuade the ladies and gentlemen I know to make contributions as well. (Note 1)
"Mr. Deit, you are the most professional antiquities collector and researcher I know. Would you be willing to serve as the head of this public fund?"
Two thousand acres of land near the university, worth about £6,000, plus the manor and cash, Miss Audrey was donating nearly £10,000… With such a public fund for antiquities collection and preservation, the difficulty of getting my institute approved would be minimized… Michel fell silent for a few seconds, then revealed a sincere smile and bowed solemnly:
"Dear lady, your esteem for scholarship moves me. Its light is enough to rival your beauty and your cultivation. I think I have no reason to refuse your invitation.
"I have already copied the contents of the notebook. I will send it and the helmet to your residence tonight, as a gift from a sincere friend."
Success! Audrey's heart rejoiced, and she only wanted to praise herself, but on the surface she remained reserved and composed, without any breach of etiquette.
"It is my honor," she said sincerely.
Although those two items were definitely not worth £10,000, she wouldn't lose anything by this.
In her plan, this proposal had three purposes, three gains!
The first purpose was naturally to obtain the items, complete the commission, and smoothly acquire the "Hypnotist" potion formula from the Psychological Alchemy Society.
The second was to maintain and enhance her reputation, status, and image by donating to academic research and preservation of ancient objects. This was something most nobles and wealthy people did. Even without today's donation, Audrey contributed £3,000 or more to various charitable organizations every year, so she believed her father, Count Hall, would not stop her from making similar arrangements with a small portion of her estate.
The third was that a foundation focused on antiquities collection and preservation could easily come into contact with valuable historical materials and mystical items. Audrey wouldn't need to appear in person; just sitting at home, she might receive things helpful to herself, effectively using £10,000 to leverage more funds and establish her own "power base."
Of course, if Michel Deit did not accept this exchange, she had other plans: the Kingdom Higher Education Commission had members of the Hall family and noble friends she knew. As long as the associate professor had certain needs, she would surely find a way to satisfy them.
However, Audrey didn't particularly like this method, feeling it was not entirely honorable and seemed to harm the public interest.
After the matter was settled, Audrey stayed a little longer, chatting for about a quarter of an hour to make the conclusion of the visit seem not at all abrupt.
Then she took her leave from Michel's house and returned by carriage to the Hall family villa in Stoun City.
At about eight in the evening, she received the Sauron royal helmet and the notebook from the Twenty Years' War as promised.
Audrey put on white gauze gloves, sat down at her desk with interest, set the helmet aside, and seriously paged through the notebook.
She found that the things recorded were very fragmentary. The early part mainly described how the knight stationed on the Ancient Elf Island learned to brew Sonia blood wine, how he chased after the local ladies, and how he spent his boring time. The middle and later parts moved into the Twenty Years' War period, focusing on cursing the Fusak people, complaining about comrades, considering defensive plans, etc., and ended after the first loss of Sonia Island.
"Except for the grammar which has habits similar to the dragon language, nothing else seems too problematic, and I can't see where clues are hidden..." Audrey frowned slightly and closed the notebook.
Just now, she had used mystical methods to examine it, but still found nothing.