Mechanical Alchemist

PS. Cavin's head ached with the mundane routine; if you dislike it, then skip right through it.

The wedding ceremony lasted the whole day.

Su Lun was also dragged by Yekaterina Lants to meet almost all of her friends and relatives.

This round of meeting faces was tantamount to recognizing all the top elite of Ruying's upper class.

Those who were invited to the Lants and Regatti families' wedding were almost all people of the same level. Even the political enemies of the Lants family would be invited to such a joyful occasion.

The Lances, Rafael, Roberts, Andre, Rodriguez, Ernest...important members of these six ruling families of Ruying parliament were all present.

Seizing the opportunity to meet the guests, Su Lun also observed the visitors in secret.

He noticed that members from several of Lants family's political enemy families had a reaction to the "perfume" on his body, coincidentally or not.

Which is to say, these people were believers in the foreign gods.

....

The seats of the Ruying parliament's senior councilors from five families have not changed for hundreds of years.

They keep each other in check and band together to keep outsiders from carving up the parliamentary power.

Had it not been for Duke Raphael's overwhelming military strength becoming the "sixth councilor," this situation might have continued indefinitely.

In a sense, this was a very stable balance of power among multiple sides.

Even if they were competitive and sworn enemies, they could not do anything against one another.

Some senior councilors held so much power that even the Ruying royal family could not interfere with them.

But now, an uncertain weight has been added to the political scales—that of the Giant Hermit Society.

This forced the six councilors to choose a side, whether to oppose the foreign gods or to join them.

Lance, Raphael, and Roberts chose the "antagonist alliance."

Not only for self-preservation,

but it was also a rare opportunity.

It allowed them to stand on the side of absolute justice and wage relentless attacks against political enemies.

Even the Bonaparte royal family was happy to see this balance disrupted and helped to fuel the turmoil from the shadows.

Both sides were just measuring who had a stronger influence and who was more clever.

In the end, no matter who won, the victor would take all.

The political situation of Ruying in the future was bound to reshuffle; power would become more centralized.

Su Lun thought of the Lants family's series of arrangements and guessed that they were preparing for this particular change.

This was not much of a surprise.

What did surprise him was that the core figure of the Lants family's plan was not the "Tulip Duke" Bartolo Lance, often portrayed in newspapers as a tough and domineering figure,

but rather the family's fourth daughter.

The gentle lady who had never made a political appearance—Yekaterina Lants!

From the wedding, Su Lun had come to understand that, in the eyes of all outsiders, Yekaterina was perceived as a "dumb sweet princess."

People were only aware of her breathtaking beauty, but they had no idea of the fierce tiger within her heart.

Yekaterina's political cunning and maneuvers were unmatched by anyone Su Lun had ever met.

Beyond her outward softness and poetic demeanor, she had a dominance that no other woman had seen.

This marriage alliance with the Regatti demonstrated her grand plans.

Probably because of Yekaterina's honesty, having never deliberately hidden anything from him, Su Lun did not feel there was anything improper about her ambition.

Apart from his own gut feeling, which was favorable,

it was also because Mr. Jing had said that Master Pierre, like her, was a person with the same aspirations. To be accepted as a disciple by that Master before his death, her character was naturally not poor.

In their previous exchanges, Yekaterina had made a deep impression on Su Lun with one particular statement, "In this era, only the most centralized power can create a greater civilization."

Although she did not spell it out, Su Lun understood.

Though Su Lun had little interest in political matters, he still felt that it seemed quite alright.

The current Ruying royal family and noble class were truly rotten to the core.

It was like a withered tree, decayed, ancient, and lifeless.

...

Throughout the day, Su Lun was truly like a new friend.

He was already able to deal with Yekaterina's various friends and relatives with ease.

The two also found time to chat about many pleasant topics—poetry, ideals, alchemy, interesting anecdotes about the nobility...

The time passed not too tediously.

The various receptions finally ended as evening came.

Night fell, and a bright white moon hung in the sky, casting a stunningly beautiful nightscape over the vast Lingdun City.

This was a rare night with a visible bright moon.

Su Lun only later found out that the sunny day in Lingdun was entirely because of the wedding.

The Lants family had spent a lot of money on alchemy to disperse the fog that usually enveloped Lingdun City.

Such good weather would continue for several more days.

At nine in the evening, the motorcycle stopped at the entrance of "Rose Manor."

This was their new home.

Although neither of them was the first in line to inherit, both families had purchased this moderately-sized manor on the banks of the Lokwarren River.

The driver opened the car door, and Su Lun got out, holding Yekaterina's hand. Read exclusive chapters at My Virtual Library Empire

At this moment, Yekaterina turned back and asked, "Miss Anna, won't you come in and sit?"

The other bridesmaids had already left, only Anna was still with her.

Because her home was at the end of this street.

"I'd better not. I'll come over to find you tomorrow."

Anna looked at the couple with an ambiguous smile, then said, "I hope you have a wonderful wedding night~"

Hearing this, Yekaterina gave her a white look and laughed softly without a word.

The car door closed.

Ana held the bouquet she had caught during the day; a thought seemed to strike her, and the smile on her face faded as she murmured to herself, "Katyusha, I'm really envious of you."

...

As the groom, of course, he couldn't leave on the first day; at the very least, he had to make an appearance and come back together.

And there were also other matters to attend to, like, nao

"The items sent from the region of Rega are on their way. The alchemy notebook will be available for you soon. However, Mr. Su Lun, you need to stay in the manor tonight."

"Mm."

"..."

Even without outsiders present, Yekaterina did not let go of the arm she intimately held onto Su Lun's.

The two entered the manor.

At this time, Su Lun thought of earlier and casually mentioned, "Miss Anna didn't seem to be in a good mood."

Yekaterina's gaze flickered with a hint of a sigh; she felt somewhat sorry for her friend and said, "Yes. In a few months, she will be marrying a mine owner from the south."

Su Lun lifted an eyebrow upon hearing this and remarked, "Oh."

He guessed that such political marriages didn't hold much affection to speak of, and there was no choice involved. It seemed that Miss Anna was not quite satisfied with her betrothed partner.

As expected, Yekaterina said, "Anna doesn't like that mine owner's fiancé. So she has been quite unhappy since she returned."

Su Lun didn't know what to say upon hearing this; such matters were not for outsiders to comment on.

Political marriages were a time-honored tradition in Ruling, especially among high society, where matching family status was more important than a foundation of affection.

Neither spoke, and after a few steps, Yekaterina suddenly turned her head with a mischievous look and said, "There's nothing I can do to help her with this. Perhaps Mr. Su Lun, you could?"

Su Lun had yet to react when he replied with a question, "Me?"

Yekaterina seriously informed him, "Yes. Which noble in Ruling hasn't had a few lovers? She saw you at the Royal Academy ball before and was very pleased with you."

"..."

Su Lun rolled his eyes.

The noble circle in Ruling was indeed in disarray; after marriage, many spouses not only did as they pleased but could even share some amusing incidents with each other.

He said, "I'm not really interested in that."

Yekaterina blinked and chuckled, "Nor am I."

Su Lun didn't take it seriously; when not discussing serious matters, they could both joke around.

The two walked through the not too spacious garden to a three-story building.

Beyond the dwellings for the servants, the manor included a cellar, stables, gardens in front of and behind the house, and a swimming pool.

Although not too large, it had everything one could wish for.

As Su Lun walked, he sensed there were many people in the manor.

The servants Yekaterina brought were acquaintances who had grown up with her, including the housekeeper, servants, cook, driver, guards, and so on, totaling several dozen people.

Rega had also sent some servants over, but Su Lun had no intention of dealing with them.

The couple entered the small building, which was decorated luxuriously.

The first floor held the reception hall and dining room, the second included the study, leisure room, and maids' room, while the third housed the master bedroom, accessible only to the master and personal servants.

Su Lun and Yekaterina walked up to the third floor, where several maids were waiting.

He had seen them before at the Metzsch Manor and knew that Yekaterina had six personal maids who had grown up with her, her most trusted servants.

Still wearing their wedding attire from the day, they had just reached the floor when maids came forward to help them change out of their outer clothes.

Yekaterina didn't shy away from changing in front of Su Lun during the day, and now there was no hesitation either.

The two maids unfastened the hidden buttons at the back of the gown, allowing it to fall away, revealing a stunning figure exposed to the air.

Another two maids attentively began to undo the buttons on Su Lun's uniform, with careful and respectful demeanors, treating him completely as the man of the house.

After the busy wedding day, they both smelled faintly of sweat and alcohol, slightly weary.

Not considering Su Lun a stranger in the least, Yekaterina asked like a newlywed wife to her husband, quite openly, "Shall we take a bath together? There's an underground hot spring connected to the manor, and the water quality is excellent."

Su Lun was slightly startled by her words; he didn't understand why Yekaterina seemed completely unconcerned about being seen naked, but her expression showed no sign of unease.

The one inviting was entirely at ease, so naturally, Su Lun wouldn't feel awkward either; he smiled and said, "Sure."

Yekaterina smiled back and went into the room first.

Although Su Lun wanted to undress himself, he didn't have the opportunity to get involved; two maids adeptly removed every piece of his evening attire, both inside and out.

Only then did he understand what Sabina had said, about how gentlemen of high society don't have to lift a finger when they get home, as the servants tend to their every need in eating, dressing, living, and traveling. If they ever had to do something personally, people would assume they had gone bankrupt.

Su Lun wasn't quite comfortable with this kind of extravagant indulgence, but while he was still mulling it over, the two maids had already stripped him of all his clothes.

They were Yekaterina's personal maids, raised in the Lance family since childhood, and trained in professional servant etiquette. But it was probably their first time serving a man. Although they tried hard to remain composed, and their hands were steady, the blush on their cheeks revealed a touch of shyness to Su Lun.

After attending to his clothing, one maid began to organize the garments, while the brunette led Su Lun towards a room, "Sir, this way."

Su Lun entered. The room was spacious; the master bedroom was on the other side, and this area appeared to be designated for bathing, with the sound of water whooshing in his ears.

He approached the shower area, where the brunette maid removed her coat and apron, wearing only a thin white undershirt, and began to adjust the hot water. Because the clothing was so sheer and became damp from the warm mist, it clung to her skin, semi-transparent and tantalizingly revealing.

Being so close, Su Lun could see it all quite clearly.

The Lance family maids were all cream of the crop, tall and shapely, with looks that would stand out even in a crowd—truly a sight for sore eyes.

It wasn't long before the other maid, also dressed in a thin undershirt, walked in and the two began to help wash Su Lun's body.

This made Su Lun feel as if he were experiencing the services in a bathhouse in Old Lington—quite caring, indeed.

But neither of the personal maids had the slightest hint of worldly weariness; instead, he felt a twinge of guilt as if he were taking advantage of the young ladies.

...

The hot water streamed down without a trace of the boiler's rusty smell, but instead, there was a mineral freshness in the air.

Clearly, the tap water was of exceptionally high quality from a natural spring.

Su Lun never had to lift a finger; the two maids had already finished washing him.

"Sir, this way."

Although he had already seen the large bathtub in the room, the brunette still led Su Lun towards it.

As he rounded the corner and caught sight of the clear water-filled bathtub, Su Lun also spotted Yekaterina, who had immersed herself before him.

She saw Su Lun and asked with a smile, "How does it feel? Are Martina and Jessica's services to your liking? They are my personal maids and haven't served anyone else. If there is any inadequacy, I hope you won't hold it against them."

It was then Su Lun learned the names of the two maids, and he shook his head with a smile, "They are quite good."

At his words, the two maids behind him were visibly flattered and bowed their heads in surprise.

At that moment, as their gazes briefly met, Su Lun's peripheral vision caught the graceful figure in the pool.

Even when changing into her evening attire, she had at least worn an enticingly thin layer to veil her secrets; now, bathing, she was completely bare.

Be it the majestic peaks like sculpted snow before her chest or her well-proportioned abdomen and long, beautiful legs...

From head to toe, nothing was left to the imagination.

Su Lun didn't understand why Yekaterina was so unguarded around him.

Was it because the noble daughters of Lingdun inherently had such open-minded views?

Or did she see it as just a part of the marriage negotiations?

Or was there some other reason?

But the unabashed confidence she always exhibited made Su Lun feel like he was overthinking and even chided himself for possibly harboring improper thoughts.

Upon hearing his comment, Yekaterina laughed heartily, "In the future, they'll be yours as well."

Su Lun smiled without saying a word.

According to the customs of high society, once Yekaterina married Fick, her personal maids would be part of her dowry, naturally at the disposal of the male master, meant to warm his bed.

On days when the lady of the house was indisposed or away from home, they would relieve the master of his loneliness.

Or perhaps they were there as a warm-up act, setting the mood...

This was nothing out of the ordinary among the aristocracy of Ruying.

Su Lun was now personally experiencing the decadent lifestyle of the higher nobility, reminded of the noble customs Sabina had enlightened him about earlier.

Tsk tsk, talking about living life to the fullest, the Ruying nobility had truly mastered the art of enjoyment.

...

Six personal maids, two waiting outside.

The other four attended to the bathing and washing of the two masters.

As the masters were nude, it was only natural for the maids not to wear anything. At this moment, the four maids had already removed their soaked clothes, busy at work in their bareness.

Then, Su Lun's head and neck were gently pulled by a pair of soft hands and laid on a towel by the edge of the bathtub.

Reclining there, his tensed nerves from a long day eased under the delicate fingers massaging his temples.

And from this angle, the back of his head was just cradled in a soft embrace.

Unable to see the person behind him, Su Lun could clearly see Yekaterina and the two nude maids attending her on the opposite side.

Each had their own charms, all beautiful young women.

But next to Yekaterina, they were merely the greenery accentuating the red flowers.

With his eyes slightly squinted, Su Lun also savored this rare moment of relaxation.

The two of them remained in the water, without speaking.

In the expansive room, only the gentle sounds of running water filled the air, as if the whole world had quieted down.

Su Lun was quite enjoying this novel experience, finding it rather satisfactory.

Time passed swiftly.

They didn't bathe for long, approximately ten minutes later, Su Lun heard the splashing of water.

He opened his eyes and happened to see that graceful figure rise from the water.

Glistening droplets slid off the silky, porcelain-like skin, and even without trying, the enchanting view filled his field of vision.

The young princess of the Lants family truly possessed indescribable beauty.

Tonight was indeed a feast for the eyes.

Yekaterina Lants certainly noticed the unusual glance that fell upon her figure for an instant, but she didn't avoid it; instead, she responded with a slight smile.

Then, with an inquiring tone, she said, "Mr. Su Lun, would you like to try a pre-bedtime massage?"

Su Lun didn't linger in the bath either, "Sure."

He had already given the trial a go, so he might as well see what other pleasures the nobility enjoyed.

He stood up, and a maid behind him helped him step out of the bath, while another immediately began to towel off the water droplets from his body, wiping down his chest and back before kneeling to continue downward.

This left Su Lun unsure of where to let his gaze fall for a moment.

Whichever way he looked, there was a sea of fair, undulating peaks.

It seemed that Yekaterina Lants was accustomed to this, as she could talk leisurely to Su Lun, her demeanor unchanged.

"Mr. Su Lun, do you find the water here to your liking? I've been accustomed to it since childhood, so I had father bring a stream over from Metzsch Manor. It has quite a good nourishing effect on the skin, but the taste of silver sodium is a bit strong..."

"Are you satisfied with Jessica's technique? If you are happy with it, you could try it more often in the future..."

"..."

Su Lun didn't feel anything amiss.

...

Before long, the two made their way to the next room.

Without the warmth of the steam, he suddenly felt completely refreshed.

It was yet another unique experience.

The maid unfastened the towel around him and pointed to one of the two massage beds that were already prepared, saying, "Sir, you can lie down or be face down..."

Su Lun saw that Sabina, two meters away, was already lying face down on the bed, so he did the same.

What followed was a massage with unique techniques. The maids' fingertips carried a cool surge of Spiritual Power, gently touching the meridians, feeling utterly wondrous.

From the neck, down the spine, to the lower back, and the heels...

The cool Spiritual Power gently cleared his meridians and muscle fibers, progressively relaxing his body.

Although Su Lun hadn't worked out the intricacies of the massage technique just yet, he guessed that it must be some kind of "Secret Technique."

The rhythmic pressure even seemed to coincide slightly with certain Body Refinement Realm practices.

Su Lun used to mix with the gangs in the bathhouses, where he had experienced all sorts of massages.

In those public baths, photos claiming to depict "court secret massage techniques" were always hung up, and Su Lun had previously thought those were probably the real deal.

But now, having experienced the real thing, he realized it was completely different!

The meticulously detailed kneading by Jessica behind him was a high-end indulgence that made every pore in his body feel comfortable.

It was so pleasurable that time seemed to fly by.

"All done, sir. You can turn over now."

In a daze, Su Lun heard the maid's voice close to his ear and he turned over.

Next to him, Yekaterina Lants was also lying on her back.

Su Lun glanced at her.

At that moment, Yekaterina Lants, who had been silent for some time, suddenly spoke up, "Mr. Su Lun, if you're not in a hurry for anything else, you could stay at the mansion for a few more days."

"..."

Su Lun listened, unsure of how to respond.

It wasn't as if he had anything else to do; he could practice his cultivation anywhere.

But wasn't this marriage just a transaction?

This...

Before he could ponder further, Yekaterina Lants continued, "But if you do need to go out in the coming days, you might want to be a bit careful. The Lei family's main branch will likely act against you. I just did some Astrology, and the results suggest as much."

"Oh?"

Su Lun's eyebrows knit slightly as he listened.

It wasn't too surprising.

After all, having met with the Lei family during the day, he was increasingly certain that Lady Portia and her son William would be hostile towards him.

Yekaterina Lants went on, "William was after all my classmate at the royal academy, and from what I know of him, he's the type whose pride easily overtakes his reason. He won't allow any 'stain' in his life, and his jealousy could lead him to commit some rather extreme and paranoid actions."

After a pause, she spoke again, sounding quite helpless, "Even now, he's probably thinking about killing me too."

Su Lun chuckled, "He wants to kill you too?"

He didn't doubt her judgment one bit, nor did he suspect any ulterior motives in her statement.

"Yes," she said calmly, "And I also think, in the next few days, as soon as your whereabouts are exposed, an assassination attempt is inevitable, and it's very likely that William will take matters into his own hands."

Upon hearing this, Su Lun's mind began to race.

It was no good being the target of someone's thoughts all the time; it was time to think of a way to eliminate this threat for good.