Herta didn't feel troubled by the request.
The technology for creating Memory Bubbles was nothing more than child's play to her.
Expressionless, she nodded. "That's fine. But my memories can't be copied in such a short span—you won't get them right away. Honestly, I'd still recommend the pape—"
Before she could finish, Sylvester waved his hand decisively. "It's fine. I can wait."
If you actually ship the manuscripts here, they'll become toilet paper the moment they arrive.
"Well… alright then."
Herta sighed.
Making Memory Bubbles was too much trouble anyway.
It was so much easier to just throw in the paper manuscripts—clean out the old stock, too. But since Sylvester insisted on settling the deal that way, she had no choice but to agree.
A pity. It could have been such a satisfying two-for-one.
Though, if she knew Sylvester planned to send her manuscripts straight to a restroom, she might not have felt so regretful.
Receiving her confirmation, Sylvester smiled with satisfaction.
Trading away nothing but the name of a planet—one whose existence he wasn't even sure of—was, without question, a massive win.
"Good. Once the goods and payment both arrive, the deal's done," he said cheerfully. "Now then, shall we open another can?"
Herta shook her head. "No need. I've gained plenty today. I'll come again another time."
After checking the Curios she'd obtained, she decided to call it a day.
Even though she hadn't acquired the conceptual-power Curio she'd wanted, what she had now would keep her busy for quite some time.
Just that one hairpin alone was enough to launch an entirely new scientific discipline. To house such an ability—something bordering on idealism—meant most of her existing scientific theories could go straight into the archive room.
And the [Cognitive Seal]—that would be easy enough to dismantle and study. But the civilization behind it… that would demand a significant amount of her attention.
For the first time in her life, Herta felt the pain of having too many projects.
Before, it had only ever been excitement. But now—now it was a headache.
If only I could copy my dolls with my own intelligence included, she thought bitterly.
"Then, I look forward to your next visit," Sylvester said with a practiced shopkeeper's smile, ready to see them off.
At those words, before either Herta or Fu Xuan could react, Qingque's twin tails suddenly perked up like switches being flipped.
Clock-out time?
Yes! Eat, then sleep—perfect!
She shoveled the remaining food into her mouth, cheeks puffing like a squirrel's as she chewed, trembling happily.
Hurrying to her feet, she picked up her lunchbox and trotted over to Fu Xuan.
Not out of flattery, but—
Master Diviner, please, take the lunchbox back with you!
Just as she reached her superior, Fu Xuan's cool voice stopped her. "In that case, I'll open the remaining three cans."
As she turned her head toward the sound of those graceful footsteps, her subordinate froze mid-stride, one leg still lifted, clutching the lunchbox.
"What are you doing?"
Her gaze drew not only Herta's but Sylvester's as well.
Under the combined stares of all three, Qingque felt cold sweat bead down her back.
I was just going to tell you to take the lunchbox home…
But if she actually said that, her peaceful days would end right then and there!
"I—I'll go wash your lunchbox! Haha…"
Awkward laughter spilled from her lips as she slipped out the door, her heart a tangled mess of embarrassment.
Ugh, that was mortifying… Did I eat too much just now? How could I be so dumb?
Blame the chef—it's his fault for making the food so good!
Hmm, maybe I should ask where Master Diviner bought it… try it myself next time, hehe.
Before she'd even gone three steps, the moment her back turned, her embarrassment faded, calm returning.
"Wait!"
The sudden call made Qingque flinch. She turned stiffly, forcing a smile. "Wh-what is it, Master Diviner?"
No way… am I still in trouble?
Fu Xuan's tone remained as level as ever. "Once you're done washing it, come back quickly. You're coming to the Divination Commission with me this afternoon—I have something for you to do."
Phew. Not a scolding.
"Yes! I'll be right back!" Qingque wiped the sweat from her forehead and bolted from the Curio Trash Cans shop like the wind—gone in an instant.
"My weekly quota's still full," Fu Xuan said. "Since fate has brought me here today, I may as well open a few more."
She placed her Jade Abacus on the counter.
Sylvester accepted it, handed Herta's phone back, and waited quietly.
Fu Xuan didn't bother choosing—only three were left, after all. Might as well open them all.
She walked over to the shelves, laid her pale, jade-like hand on one of the can handles, and pulled it open.
A streak of blue light flashed, reflecting in everyone's eyes.
When it faded, an old-fashioned pistol appeared in Fu Xuan's hand.
"This is… [Zafkiel's Sixth Bullet – Vav]?"
Fu Xuan's voice carried a hint of surprise. She knew this Curio well.
It was a relic capable of returning one's soul to the past—just a few days back—allowing events to be rewritten. Used properly, it could turn a crushing defeat into a sweeping victory. Though it had no combat power itself, its potential was limitless.
Last time, she'd obtained three bullets. Two of them…
She sneaked a glance at Sylvester. Two had been returned to him because of his "insolent remarks", leaving her with only one.
Now that she had replacements, it was naturally a welcome gain.
But she distinctly remembered the Sixth Bullet being a purple Curio—why was this one blue?
Before she could ask, Sylvester explained, "That's [Zafkiel's Third Bullet - Gimmel]. It lets a living being instantly grow or regress, jumping their physical state to any point in time after birth. Like the Sixth, it comes with three shots."
"So, the Third Bullet," Fu Xuan murmured.
A trace of disappointment crossed her face. Its effect was far weaker than the Sixth's—limited in scope and lacking real combat value.
Unless its growth effect extended to strength as well as body, this would be a death sentence for any Xianzhou native.
Other than that… what use could it possibly have?
Fu Xuan discreetly glanced down at herself.
Then immediately lifted her chin with pride.
Ahem. After years of cultivation—and a little help from two doses of Fenglong Elixir—this seat has no need for such things.
She sealed it away without hesitation.
While Fu Xuan dismissed it, Herta, watching from the side, reacted quite differently.
"Time-related Curios?" she muttered under her breath. "Now that's rare."
And judging by Fu Xuan's expression, she had more than one of these time-altering relics?
Herta combed through her mental archives again, confirming she hadn't misremembered.
Wasn't most of this store's stock supposed to be worthless green junk? Why do they all feel like precious treasures instead?
As Herta pondered, Fu Xuan opened another can.
She wasn't paying full attention, so when the regal purple light illuminated the room, she blinked in surprise.
Her mechanical body didn't instinctively shut her eyes; instead, she stared wide-eyed at the Curio inside.
What was that—some kind of strangely shaped… fruit?
As the glow faded, Sylvester began his introduction. "This is a special Curio known as a Devil Fruit. Eating it grants you a unique ability, one that evolves alongside the user's own Path-power."