Looking at the mirror that had been abruptly 'hung up', Lucius felt the king had also been 'a bit off'; he could only abandon further probing.
Still, he could conclude that the royal scheme laid on him at least did not fear Uncle-Master Leif finding out.
For now, Lucius had to fabricate his future identity. A washout at naming in his past life, he could only borrow a ready-made one: 'Altair Sheffield!'
Once the identity was compiled he had Hahn place it directly at the manor gate, while Lucius returned to his room to wait for Uncle-Master Leif.
Out of sheer boredom he wondered why Roselle had skipped the internal-combustion engine and gone straight to electricity, yet failed to invent some entertainment—game consoles, for instance. With those he'd have something to do at night... When Leif Strauss slipped in alone through the window he found his grand-nephew nodding off.
After gently rousing Lucius he prepared to activate the Sealed Artifact to alter his memories.
Once fully awake Lucius spotted the gold pocket-watch in Uncle-Master Leif's hand and asked, 'Is that the Sealed Artifact?'
Leif Strauss answered while channeling spirituality into the watch.
'Indeed. It's a Grade-Two Sealed Artifact, 2-14 Hypnotic Pocket-Watch.'
'It can alter memory and cognition while the target is unconscious, though effectiveness varies with the target's strength.'
'For instance, it can make an ordinary person believe plain water is poisonous; subconsciously they will refuse to drink until they die of thirst. Against anyone at sequence six or higher it is basically useless.'
'The side-effect is that the user's own emotions—greed, lust, rage, envy, etc.—will be violently amplified for a short time.'
Hearing this, Lucius became certain the artifact was fashioned from a Hypnotist characteristic of the Spectator Pathway, sequence six.
When the watch gleamed gold Uncle-Master Leif said, 'I've infused it with spirituality. Tell me the name and identity you've chosen.'
Lucius then watched his uncle speak to the watch: 'From tomorrow my name is Altair Sheffield, the only daughter of my father Reinhard Sheffield. Lucius Sheffield is merely my alias...'
Afterward, strolling through the house as if it were empty, he opened door after door and used the Sealed Artifact on every servant... When all was done he remarked, 'Altair Sheffield—nice name. Looks like I've gained a grand-niece in my old age; who'd have thought my wish for a granddaughter would come true through you.'
Lucius could only swallow the teasing; after all, this path was his own choice. 'Uncle-Master, are you all right?' he asked helplessly.
Leif blinked in surprise.
'I mean, after using the Sealed Artifact, has it affected you?' Realizing his own emotional leap, Leif recognized the side-effect. 'Of course it has. But if the little Princess Altair gave me a hug I'd recover at once.'
Lucius's face darkened; he no longer wanted to humour this unserious uncle.
Seeing his expression, Leif guiltily stroked his beard. 'The backlash depends on strength; this time it wasn't severe, though I may still act out of character for a while.'
'Well, it's late; I'll be off. I'll return tomorrow morning.' Lucius walked him out of the villa, and, though told there was no need, politely watched until he vanished from sight.
On the way back Lucius saw the Moon for the first time in this world—a crimson Moon. Recalling the little rhyme about it sent a shiver through him and he quickened his steps without looking back.
No sooner had he stepped inside than he met Hahn, who asked, 'Miss Altair, why are you still up so late? Is something the matter?'
Guilt flashed through Lucius. 'It's nothing, Steward Hahn. I was in the garden checking for stars. Aren't you resting either?'
Hahn rubbed the back of his head. 'I feel as though I forgot something. I remember getting up once, then somehow fell asleep again—and my head keeps throbbing.'
Altair said hastily, 'Perhaps you've overworked these two days. Get some rest; the household can't do without you.'
'Good night, Hahn.'
'Good night, Miss Altair.'
About to leave, Hahn noticed 'Altair's' attire and forgot sleep altogether. 'A young lady shouldn't always wear gentlemen's suits, miss. If you dislike dresses there are other feminine styles...' Lucius nearly tripped on the stairs—his own fault; he had to endure it.
He kept his face calm. 'I understand, Steward Hahn, but I have no other clothes at the moment.'
The next morning Lucius was woken again—his third forced awakening since crossing into this world.
This time it was simply Uncle-Master Leif arriving early and bringing today's outfit—a unisex ensemble.
Puzzled, Lucius wondered whether yesterday's Sealed Artifact had affected the old man more than expected.
After breakfast he was obliged to don the clothes: a fitted shirt with flounced cuffs, black trousers, waistcoat and coat.
Leif Strauss praised the outfit as perfect—neither women's wear nor obvious disguise.
Guests began arriving at nine; the Memorial Service started at ten.
First Uncle-Master Leif, then Colonel Karel Duarte and others spoke of their grief over Old Sheffield's passing, followed by friends and comrades.
After Lucius thanked the attendees, a royal herald proclaimed his ennoblement as Count, bringing the service to a close. He and Uncle-Master Leif then bade the guests farewell.
Once outsiders had left, only 'family' remained in the Sheffield parlour—true insiders.
Uncle-Master Leif introduced them one by one: these connections were the Sheffield Family's real wealth, worth more than gold pounds.
When asked why he had been made a count, Lucius replied that generations of military honours had been accumulated and spent on this promotion. The elders were puzzled but finally understood why the Sheffield title had remained unchanged for so long.
After mutual introductions they apologised for lacking gifts today; their stewards would deliver them later.
A simple luncheon followed, after which the venerable guests took their leave.