Author: 冬瓜茶仙人 / Winter Melon Tea Immortal

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

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Chapter 152

“Prima.” The other’s gaze fell on her face, noticing her current panic. “What’s wrong?”

Prima recalled the words she had just overheard on the stairs from her father. “If they arrive, have Causter take them to the conference room to wait for me.”

“They” referred to Louis and the other Elders? But the Elder Council usually convened for significant matters, so why summon them at such an odd hour?

“Are you here for a meeting? What happened?” Prima asked urgently.

Louis looked at her in silence for a moment, as if evaluating whether to tell her.

“Adan encountered an assassin,” he said. “The auction might change.”

Prima’s eyes widened. “But—”

“Now’s not the time to discuss this. Try not to go out these days,” Louis interrupted her, clearly not wanting to say more. “Has your father come downstairs? I don’t want to be late.”

She suddenly remembered the terrifying scene she had just witnessed, her face fluctuating between different expressions. But Louis seemed not to expect her to answer and started walking towards the conference room.

As he passed Prima, the usually reserved girl suddenly grabbed him.

“Louis, please…” She paused, distressed. “Be careful of him.”

“Who?” Louis turned his head to look at her, the wall lamp casting a shadow on his face.

“My father.” Her voice almost broke into tears. “Something’s off. I just saw…”

Her words were cut off by Louis’s actions. He raised his hand and lightly touched Prima’s lips, then smoothly moved to her cheek, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

Even though the timing was wrong, Prima’s face quickly turned red. Louis rarely showed such affection, especially towards Prima, who had always liked him. He was usually polite, but never intimate.

But before she could feel any joy, a voice from behind made her lose all color in her face.

“Prima? At this hour, a lady should be in bed,” Khalif said in a low voice.

Louis looked at her calmly, then nodded past her. “Lord Khalif, I’m here.”

Khalif came from the unlit hallway, ignoring Louis and looking at his daughter, who shouldn’t have been there, with an unreadable expression. “Prima?”

Prima took a deep breath and turned around. “Father.”

“Why aren’t you in bed?” Khalif asked again.

“I—” Prima was momentarily speechless, desperately thinking of an excuse. Louis, standing behind her, lightly poked her back. Khalif didn’t see the small movement.

An idea flashed in her mind. She glanced back at Louis and then lowered her head. “Because Louis came, so I…”

Her explanation was vague, but her panicked and guilty expression fit the mindset of a girl acting impulsively to see her crush. Her uneven breathing and slight sweat suggested she had rushed over to speak to Louis before the meeting.

“How did you know Louis was here?” Khalif continued to look at her.

“I had Maria watch out for me, to inform me no matter the time, so she woke me up.” Prima twisted her dress, avoiding eye contact with Khalif, taking the opportunity to wipe her sweaty palms with the fabric.

“You shouldn’t have done that.” Khalif’s tone changed slightly. Though still reprimanding, Prima could tell he had accepted her excuse, and she felt a wave of relief.

“I’m sorry.” She obediently apologized.

Louis stood silently behind them, showing no involvement in their conversation.

“Is everyone here?” Khalif asked, as if noticing Louis for the first time.

Louis responded indifferently, “I just arrived, sir.”

Meaning he didn’t know either.

Prima picked up another implication: Louis was indicating that both of them, including Prima, had not been there long and had just run into each other.

Khalif nodded. “Come along then.”

He led the way to the conference room, and Louis followed. Before leaving, he told Prima, “You should go back to bed.”

Prima glanced at Khalif’s back. She felt he looked more upright than when they met tonight.

“Don’t worry,” Louis said again. “Go back.”

Prima had no choice. Louis telling her not to worry at least meant Khalif hadn’t heard their earlier conversation.

Thank goodness.

She always knew Louis was reliable, and his recent actions made her feel… Louis seemed to have known about Khalif’s secret all along and covered for her, without distancing himself because Khalif was her father.

This strengthened her resolve to discuss what she had seen with Louis. No matter what Khalif was planning inside, his behavior was highly unusual. As the head of the Wolf Family, he was the one who could least afford to have problems. Prima emotionally resisted acknowledging that Khalif was crossing a line, but the existence of Xanye had already alerted her. She had just been deceiving herself, thinking it was another affair.

Unlike her brothers, she never got involved in family affairs and had no official duties. Louis was one of the few she could trust who also had access to the core of the family. Instinctively, she wanted to confide in him.

But how could she talk to Louis privately? Inviting him to her room was out of the question. Khalif wouldn’t allow it, and she couldn’t do it herself.

Prima returned to her room, restless and unable to sleep.

……

Charlie sat in the second seat from the left, a spot Louis would usually choose to minimize eye contact with Khalif. It was difficult for Khalif to observe Louis’s expressions through the bulky Elder sitting in the first seat.

Louis didn’t quite approve of Charlie taking the risk to attend the meeting tonight, but Charlie wanted to meet Khalif in person. After all, he once had a 50% chance of becoming “Louis” and sitting here.

He didn’t want to know anything about the man who was wholeheartedly pursuing him. Prima, whom he had just unexpectedly encountered, was quite similar to how Louis had described her. Although greatly loved by Khalif, she hadn’t inherited Khalif’s obstinacy and excessive greed. She was rather clever.

Charlie was half-focused on the meeting, but it wasn’t a big deal after reporting on Adan’s current situation. While an Elder being attacked was significant, the upcoming auction in two days was even more critical. Without a host, many plans would be disrupted.

He hadn’t participated in the competition to take over Adan’s work. As usual, such an important matter wouldn’t be entrusted to Louis, whom Khalif had always been wary of. Khalif seemed to want the remaining Elders to temporarily co-manage, but the three of them immediately started arguing over their respective authorities.

“The astrologer’s identity is special. I have reason to believe Adan’s incident is related to him,” someone said. “To be able to break through and attack an Elder on our turf, not many forces have that capability. If we don’t eliminate this threat first, whoever takes over will continue to inherit the risk.”

“How do you propose we eliminate this threat? Do you have a suspect?” another Elder asked, as the conflicts of interest made everyone less polite than usual.

“This is Louis’s job.” The person began to shirk responsibility.

Hearing his name called, Charlie didn’t respond immediately. The incident happened suddenly. When Adan’s assistant found the boss, who had been working overnight, lying in a pool of blood in the study, Adan had already lost consciousness and naturally couldn’t identify the culprit. Louis’s quick initial inquiry revealed that everyone working overnight was too exhausted to notice anything unusual.

“Judging by the amount of blood loss and the location of the wound, it looks grim.” This was Louis’s initial assessment. “But there’s no need to tell them immediately.”

He had said this to Charlie.

If Louis’s reserved approach was his usual stance at Elder meetings, no wonder Khalif had never liked him, Charlie thought.

“Three doctors are currently trying to save him,” Charlie said calmly. “There weren’t many suspicious traces at the scene. Adan isn’t good at fighting, so he didn’t even knock over an ink bottle. But since there were about dozens of people working in one building during the warehouse fire incident, the attacker, able to strike swiftly without being noticed, was evidently very professional.”

“How convenient. Indeed, there are such professionals in White Bridge,” someone immediately said. “Azman, what do you say?”

“Ah?” Azman reacted a bit slowly.

“Those women,” the person said bluntly. “The people from the Lion Family—you’re responsible for entertaining them. Don’t tell me you don’t know if they’re sleeping in their beds at night or out hunting.”

“I’m responsible for making everyone feel at home, which definitely doesn’t include monitoring them,” Azman retorted.

Khalif gave him a severe look, and Azman immediately backed down.

“I’ll investigate whether they left their rooms tonight… Every villa has my people, although they are better at other things,” he added. “But they are all vigilant enough.”

“You should have had the answer ready before coming here.” Khalif seemed especially stern tonight. His grim expression made Azman shiver.

“But discussing this is futile. I see now. Expecting you all to cooperate is less reliable than training a monkey to dance,” Khalif continued. “I ask you all to fully assist Louis in investigating the culprit.”

“What about the auction?” an Elder asked.

“I will personally host it,” Khalif said, crossing his hands on the table and scrutinizing each person sitting below him. Everyone was familiar with this suspicious gaze. Khalif had never hidden his mistrust of these men, who could be considered his right-hand men.

It had always been this way. The Elders didn’t quite agree with his decision. The responsibilities and powers of each Elder were established. Now, Adan’s unexpected incident gave Khalif an excuse to reclaim power. Who knew if he would let go after the auction ended? If Adan died and Khalif decided not to nominate a new Elder, turning five Elders into four would be a terrible omen.

It would directly shake the centuries-old decision-making system of the Wolf family.

“Should we then deploy personnel and materials?” an Elder asked, unwilling to give up. “But it would risk leaks during the transfer…”

“There’s no need.” Khalif withdrew his gaze. “I’ll take over, but you…”

He looked straight in Louis’s direction. The elder sitting between them coughed and moved back a bit.

“Before the fireworks on the last day of the auction, you need to find out the truth,” he said sternly. “No matter if the culprit is a Lion, a Fox, or a power coveting White Bridge, anyone daring to provoke us at this time must pay a blood price.”

“Okay.” Charlie’s unchanged expression and overly concise response made Khalif’s furious command seem somewhat ridiculous.

What he thought at the moment was: It’s like a pillow falling into the lap of someone sleepy. With the irritable father leaving the nest, it was the perfect time to flirt with the daughter—he was very interested in Prima and the unfinished conversation.

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<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 冬瓜茶仙人 / Winter Melon Tea Immortal

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

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Chapter 151

No one dared to enter Khalif’s bedroom to report the latest developments.

Just over ten minutes ago, Khalif’s confidant, who had first reported Adan’s attack, had half his head crushed by a bronze deer head statue. Blood spread into ominous shapes across the carpet, trailing from the hallway to the stairs as they carried him out, leaving everyone terrified.

He had every reason to be furious. Adan was the chief organizer of the auction. If he died, all plans would be disrupted. Even if they gathered others to piece together the remaining three days, the imperfect execution would tarnish the Wolf’s reputation.

Xanye, too, had never seen him like this—his eyes bulging, veins popping, and breathing like a raging bull. The sight of the subordinate, half-dead from a single blow, was enough to instill fear. No one could be sure if he had enough reason left not to vent his anger on everyone in sight.

While others could avoid him, Xanye, sharing the room, had no such option. She had means to protect herself, but Khalif’s current fury was terrifying. It wasn’t the time to break ties with him, so she tried to diminish her presence, curling up on the bed in silence, her mind racing to understand what had happened.

“Call them all here!” Khalif roared, pacing the room like a trapped beast. “Everyone! Come see me immediately!”

The people outside the door, eager to escape the storm, quickly relayed his order, knowing he was referring to the Elders.

A few maids, almost in tears, dared not enter to clean the blood. The furious butler had to drag them to the stairwell for a scolding. The commotion Khalif made nearly alarmed the entire house. Prima woke up, thinking something was wrong, and put on a robe to check, but her governess stopped her in the hallway.

“A young lady of a good family doesn’t need to intervene in outside affairs,” the strict, middle-aged woman said. “You should stay in your room. Whatever happens, your father will handle it.”

Prima was anxious. “Did you hear that noise! Father rarely acts like this. What if something’s wrong? What if—what if there’s a fire?”

“If there’s a fire, someone will inform us.” Even at two in the morning, the woman, impeccably dressed in her gown, remained calm. “If you’re scared, I can read a chapter from Chris’ novel with you.”

“…No need,” Prima said. “I’m sorry for disturbing your rest. I’ll stay in my room.”

The woman, who was also half Prima’s maid, stayed in the room next to hers for convenience. Only after Prima obediently returned to her room did she turn and go to her own.

But Prima didn’t go back to bed as promised. Instead, she sat on the stool, lost in thought.

She thought of Priscilla. This was Prima’s first friendship with an outsider. In just a few days, she was almost irresistibly drawn to her. Priscilla wasn’t much older but had married far from home and, while pregnant, came to White Bridge, saying she “wanted to see the famous auction.”

Such independence and courage were qualities Prima lacked and longed for. She had been vaguely unhappy with her life but felt it was ungrateful to complain under such privileged conditions. Meeting Priscilla, who embodied her ideal self, gave her a clear concept of what she wanted.

A woman like that wouldn’t be deterred by a governess’ untimely advice. Prima, too, felt frustrated at being treated like a ten-year-old. After sitting and thinking for a long time, she decisively pinned up her curls.

She was going to see for herself.

Both ends of the hallway had stairs. To avoid disturbing others, she carefully descended the left side. Her soft shoes made almost no sound on the carpet. Like a sneaky little cat, she headed for her father’s floor.

Usually, even at midnight, there were guards near Khalif’s room, but tonight, his outburst had scared everyone away, or he had driven them off in his rage. The two floors were deserted.

Prima instinctively wanted to check on her father’s safety but heard his voice before reaching the hallway.

“Stay here,” Khalif’s voice said.

“I can help you check the dosage,” Xanye replied.

“No need.” Khalif sounded impatient. “This isn’t the first time. Go back to your room. If they arrive, have Causter take them to the conference room to wait for me.”

Xanye said no more. Prima didn’t want to see her, so she waited in the stairwell, but after a while, she realized Khalif had taken the other staircase. She lifted her skirt and turned to go down.

Khalif moved quickly. Even when she reached the corridor connecting to the living room, she didn’t see him. The hallway to the study and conference room was pitch dark, but the path to the basement was lit.

Why head to the basement? Prima hesitated for a moment. Her rebellious mood tonight made her follow without much thought.

Khalif had no lantern. The walls to the basement were inlaid with dimly glowing fluorites, providing just enough light to see a step or two ahead.

She had never been to the basement. As a child, she was afraid of monsters lurking in dark corners and didn’t dare go near. As she grew older, Khalif told her, “Dangerous weapons are stored there, not suitable for visiting.” Prima preferred sunny outings with friends and never seriously considered the mysterious basement.

Thinking of this, she moved quietly, not wanting to alert Khalif, and tiptoed down. The stairs weren’t carpeted. The cold stone beneath her soft shoes sent chills up her spine, making her wonder if she was underdressed.

However, the strange decorations on the walls distracted her most of the way. Although there were no wall lamps installed, every few steps there was a clock of various kinds—not the grand, intricate gilt floor clocks usually found in studies or banquet halls, but smaller ones that could hang on the wall, differing in style and size, from modern automatic wall clocks to antique timers. Prima glanced at a few and noticed that none of them kept accurate time. Each displayed a different time. The most extreme was a teardrop-shaped enamel clock, whose hands had stopped completely at 3:30 in the afternoon.

In addition to these clocks, there were many decorative doors on the walls. Although Prima had never been down here before, she knew her basement only had one level, accessible by a spiral staircase like a tower. But now, besides the clocks and fluorite stones, there were doors more bizarre than the mismatched clocks. Some were tall and narrow, just a willow wood door frame nailed to the wall with no handle; others looked realistic in the dim light but felt like paint on the stone when touched; and some were installed at ground level, only an inch high, like the one her friend Marie had on her bedroom door for her pet cat to come and go freely.

Such strange, impractical decorations had nothing to do with taste. This irrational setup could only mean one thing—it was related to magic.

Prima’s steps slowed.

Was this Xanye’s doing? The Wolf family was pragmatic, valuing magic but not excessively. Since Xanye’s arrival, Khalif had increasingly indulged in magic, which worried Prima, who wasn’t involved in family affairs, and now those worries were confirmed.

Khalif not only researched magic with the Monkey but also set up a lab under their floor. Judging by the setup, it had been there for a while.

But clocks and doors—what kind of magic was this? If it were altars, bat wings, and snakes, she could understand. But these seemingly purposeless items—were they magical or mere decorations for dark arts?

The basement had only one level, and the stairs weren’t long. Just as Prima reached the bottom, expecting Khalif in the end room, she saw a light ahead—from a door ajar.

A door?

Prima quietly approached and found a wooden door less than four feet high, with a wooden handle, different from the decorations. It was real and open, the light illuminating the steps.

The door was ajar, and the light spilling out illuminated the stairs. She could hear Khalif inside, making sounds like someone who had been strangled and was now painfully gasping for air, interspersed with curses.

Suddenly, she didn’t dare push the door open. Whatever Khalif was doing inside, he certainly wouldn’t want his daughter witnessing it. So, she lifted her skirt and peeked through the crack.

Inside was an ordinary room with a ceiling only a few feet high. The tall Khalif had to stoop to enter, but right now he didn’t need to stand straight because he was curled up on the floor, back to the door. His white nightgown was disheveled, revealing a large bunch of keys at his waist.

Beside him was a toppled crystal vial, its contents spilled. Prima wanted to see if it had a label, but then her father suddenly convulsed violently, his skin turning a horrific purple-red.

Prima wanted to push the door open and help him up immediately, not caring if she would be scolded later. But before she could move, Khalif let out a painful scream and curled up even more, completely unaware of Prima’s horrified look from outside the door. She turned her head and saw a small clock hanging by the wooden door start to chime. The sound was particularly clear in the quiet underground. As the clock chimed, Khalif’s hair, which had started to turn gray, gradually became black and shiny again. His slightly swollen body, a sign of old age, began to thin down. Prima could even see the veins on his exposed hand becoming more prominent and his muscle lines becoming more defined.

Prima covered her mouth, but she already knew what her father was doing. If it wasn’t time magic. It was body transformation. Either way, it was a forbidden area of magic for centuries. The Monkey might take pleasure in trampling on taboos, but he was a Wolf! She took a panicked step back, then decisively turned and ran up the stairs she had come down. The wooden clock behind her was still chiming, each sound striking her heart like a heavy hammer.

She wasn’t sure if it was her imagination, but the fluorite lights on the walls seemed dimmer than before. Sweating in fear, she ran without caring where she was headed. Just as she felt dizzy, someone suddenly grabbed her.

She almost screamed, thinking her father had caught up with her.

The person seemed startled as well and quickly let go.

“Watch your step,” they said. “What’s wrong?”

Prima looked up, her sweat-soaked bangs sticking to her cheeks. A handsome man stood before her, dressed neatly and even wearing gloves, as if for a formal event.

“Louis!” she whispered.

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<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 冬瓜茶仙人 / Winter Melon Tea Immortal

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

---

Chapter 150

“I don’t care about the causes and effects. I just want to know how much damage was done to the warehouse,” Adan said sternly as he walked past the crowd. The fire was completely extinguished, but the mix of burnt smell and steam, combined with the still hot air, was very unpleasant.

The people who were blocked by his words were full of frustration, but they didn’t dare say anything more. They had to follow him sullenly. A path had already been cleared for them, but since they didn’t dare move the goods without permission, most of it was haphazardly piled on either side.

Alexander was there with more than ten people—armed, with others taking care of the firefighting. His main role was to maintain order on behalf of Louis and prevent those detained workers from being beaten to death by the Bravi family members.

Alexander did not go deep into the warehouse. Adan appreciated this favor from Louis, and his face softened when he saw him.

“We caught four arsonists, and another one fell unconscious on a pile of debris in the chaos. The body has already been taken away,” Alexander said. “The boss has sealed off the entire street—everyone nearby at the time was gathered in the front building. After routine questioning, they will all be released since many of them were guests who got caught up in this.”

Adan nodded. “I’ll send someone to handle the explanations and apologies, and compensation will come from my account.”

It was only right. Although Alexander was Louis’s assistant, he was much easier to get along with. He smiled and glanced discreetly at a small group of people not far away.

They were Bravi’s men, Adan’s cousin. Bravi was a good-for-nothing who used his connection to Adan to throw his weight around. Seeing trouble, he wanted to show off but ended up getting himself into trouble and was severely beaten in the chaos. Many people’s emotions were stirred up, and it’s hard to say if some of them didn’t just take the chance to vent personal grievances against him.

This was also why that group was extremely dissatisfied and wanted Adan to come and take charge. Bravi was badly hurt and had been sent to the doctor, along with two loyal lackeys. Given the severe outcome, they thought it ridiculous and unforgivable that Alexander had only caught four workers.

In their view, this was absurd and unacceptable. After all, Alexander was Louis’s man, and they interpreted his inaction as a sign that Louis was openly opposing Adan, which made them doubly frustrated.

Adan clearly understood the nature of his cousin’s family. If it weren’t for his mother’s personal request, he wouldn’t have given a job to such a troublesome relative.

But appearances had to be maintained.

“How is Bravi?” he asked casually while watching his subordinates check the items.

“He wasn’t touched by the fire but was injured by the agitated crowd and was carried to the carriage,” Alexander said objectively, which inevitably drew a few hostile glances.

“You say it lightly,” a short-haired man sneered at him. “Have you ever experienced bleeding so much?”

“Maybe that’s exactly what he expected,” someone added in a not-too-loud voice.

Adan frowned.

It wasn’t a secret that Alexander came from Paradise Island since he was brought out by Fahim—those who were a bit older had heard rumors about the White Wolf. If he hadn’t been born sick and destined not to live long, the head of the family at that time could have ended up differently.

Alexander was brought back when his condition hadn’t yet worsened dramatically. At that time, he was one of the most prominent figures in the family, and his background couldn’t be hidden.

Although no one tried to hide it.

Now, hearing these comments, it was unclear if it was due to anger at Louis for not arresting enough people or if they genuinely thought Alexander had some connection with those workers. Either way, this trend was dangerous.

“I must stay to check the warehouse,” Adan said decisively to Alexander. “Send a few people with you to calm the people in the building. Those workers should be handed over to Louis.”

Alexander nodded. He was used to this kind of malicious discrimination and wouldn’t lose his composure over a couple of sarcastic remarks. At this moment, someone sent by Louis came to fetch him, so he took the opportunity to return to the office.

“Where are the workers being held?” Alexander asked after getting into the carriage.

“In the same building but locked in the basement. They’ve already been questioned once and haven’t been given water,” a young man replied.

The carriage jolted a bit. Having been working overtime for several days, Alexander needed to focus intently to read the initial written reports clearly. As he read, his brows furrowed more and more.

Those workers seemed to have nothing left to lose. After being caught, they didn’t stay silent but vented their endless resentment at the interrogators. Filtering out the overly subjective and intense content, Alexander found that their reason for causing the disturbance was that “their relatives and lovers were killed in the inner city”. This wasn’t groundless anger. He did have some vague memories of the names mentioned in the report.

Because he had sorted through those files himself.

But the names listed had received compensation, based on his fuzzy memory, at least not within the past one or two years. Since they accepted compensation at that time, why did they suddenly erupt now?

There was no reason for this.

Alexander rubbed his sore nose and reread the report. The deaths of relatives were in the past, but the anger of these people erupted recently, meaning there had to be a trigger—he was startled by a possibility that crossed his mind.

Unless those people learned the cause of death. If they died in accidents, it wouldn’t be so bad. But if they were tortured to death by those lawless scoundrels—many of whom were unimaginably cruel and imaginative, like Bravi…

Speaking of which, was Bravi really just accidentally involved?

A minute ago, Alexander was sure that the trouble was caused by that reckless guy being bored and arrogant, but now he thought there might be another layer to it.

The familiar four-story building was in sight. Alexander rolled up the papers with a complicated expression. He could guarantee that no one else had the authority and the initiative to gather those files, and besides his boss Louis, no one else could access them.

Was it really Louis? Why would he do this? And why not tell him?

From a positional and functional standpoint, Louis certainly didn’t need to report anything to Alexander, but they had grown up together, and such a thing had never happened before.

Feeling inexplicably uneasy, Alexander knocked on Louis’s office door, unaware that someone was watching him from the shadows.

“Do you think Louis will tell him everything?” Charlie asked quietly.

Neither Dwight nor Shivers answered. Frankly, their interactions with Louis could be counted on one hand, and though they looked similar, the brothers had vastly different personalities. Louis was very reserved, and though Dwight could sometimes sense his hidden emotions, this far from counted as understanding him, not to mention Charlie’s biased “my brother” speeches, which misled more than helped.

“Did he tell you everything?” Dwight asked in return.

“Must you hurt me this way?” Charlie was Louis’s closest person, but even so, he couldn’t claim to know what Louis was thinking. Up until now, he mostly relied on instinct to gauge Louis’s intentions. Though he was usually right, being called out by the Duke still hurt a bit.

“Louis isn’t a cold-hearted kid. He just doesn’t like people worrying about him,” Charlie said.

Although they agreed to kill Khalif, Louis never disclosed Khalif’s guard arrangements or daily schedule to them. The intention was clear—he wanted to do it himself.

But Charlie didn’t plan to let him have his way.

“If Alexander can make him more candid, that’s good. If not, I have my methods,” Charlie said confidently. “Khalif has personal guards. With Louis’s character, he will likely choose a frontal assault, but having been the head for so many years, the odds are unpredictable.”

“Would you be more candid than him?” Dwight looked into his eyes.

Charlie: “Of course. I’m a pacifist and more strategic.”

“For example?”

“For example, first figuring out what secret Kurt dug out from him. I have a feeling it’s important,” he said seriously. “Also, I want to meet with Priscilla.”

“At this time?” Dwight frowned. Erica had reported Priscilla’s unstable condition for days and suggested keeping her under the doctor’s supervision two days ago. But she was still early in her pregnancy, which wasn’t a good sign.

“I won’t overstep and say unnecessary things. Priscilla is smart. Even if she doesn’t know what we’re plotting, she can sense being the only one kept in the dark, which isn’t good for her health,” Charlie explained. The sharp analytical skills might run in the family, but this time, keeping someone completely in the dark could be more dangerous.

“At least wait until…” Dwight stopped mid-sentence as they all fell silent, hearing a flurry of footsteps approaching rapidly. A minute later, someone knocked urgently on Louis’s office door.

“Mr. Louis! There’s trouble!” they shouted.

Almost simultaneously, the door opened from the inside. Alexander stood there, his expression as calm as during the day, revealing nothing about what Louis had said to him.

“Look at the clock. Why are you shouting at this hour? What’s going on?” Alexander said.

“Mr. Adan was attacked! He’s in critical condition!” The leading man panted as he spoke. “We just learned—they’ve already gone to report to Lord Khalif.”

Louis’s face appeared behind Alexander. Perhaps from staying up late, he looked even paler than usual.

“I’ll go immediately,” he said. “Where did the attack happen? Where is he now?”

Almost reflexively, Alexander said, “I’ll go with you.”

Louis put a hand on his shoulder, and Alexander realized, pursing his lips.

“You have another task.” Louis’s face was expressionless. “He said he wanted to see the list when he woke up—in ten minutes, he’ll be woken up, and we’re already behind schedule.”

---

<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 冬瓜茶仙人 / Winter Melon Tea Immortal

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

---

Chapter 149

“Dad?” Prima stood on the stairs, watching as Khalif strode in, unusually alone, with Xanye nowhere in sight.

“Prima.” Khalif’s face lit up even more when he saw his youngest daughter. “Did you go out just now?”

Prima had already changed out of her outdoor dress and followed Khalif into the living room, where the maid lit incense and served hot tea.

“I went to see a friend,” Prima said softly, sitting down next to her father.

Being the youngest and unmarried, she was the only child still living in Khalif’s house. Khalif stroked her long hair. “Don’t come back so late next time, especially these days.”

During the auction period, White Bridge was always bustling and chaotic. Apart from Adan, Louis was the busiest. Though Khalif was confident no one would dare harm his children, Prima was still an innocent girl. Khalif didn’t want her to encounter any unexpected situations.

“My friend isn’t well, so I talked with her for a while,” Prima said obediently.

Looking at her, Khalif sighed. “I still see you as the little girl who would cuddle against my leg on the carpet, but you’ve grown so much.”

Prima felt a bit hurt by this remark. Since family affairs were delegated to senior cadres, Khalif wasn’t that busy. However, his time was mostly taken up by various women, and it had been a long time since the father and daughter had had a conversation alone like this.

She cherished this moment.

So, Prima took the initiative to find a topic. “Did you go to the auction just now?”

“I just went to meet someone.” Khalif smiled. “Adan is very capable. There’s no need to keep an eye on the auction—though there was a minor accident tonight. A warehouse caught fire.”

“Was anyone hurt?” Prima was surprised by the news.

“Nothing serious. Louis is handling it,” Khalif said nonchalantly. “That boy doesn’t smile much, but he reacts quickly.”

“Louis is very capable,” Prima immediately defended Louis, disliking Khalif’s critical tone.

“But he’s not proactive enough. Honestly, isn’t Adan better?” Khalif said.

“Dad, Adan is already married,” Prima said helplessly.

“I had my eye on him years ago, back when he was still single, but you weren’t willing,” Khalif said. “There are plenty of young men in the family… But,” he paused, as if pondering something.

Prima was a year and a half younger than Louis, having just turned twenty-five.

“But there’s no rush. I still hope you can stay with me a bit longer,” he said gently. “After all, your brothers and sisters have grown up and started their own families. Only my little daughter still acts spoiled with me.”

“Who was it a few days ago saying, ‘My Prima, look more at the young men around you or you’ll become an old maid soon’?” Prima pretended to be shocked.

Khalif laughed heartily.

“You’re still young. There’s no rush for another year or two,” he said cunningly. “But don’t stay out late with friends anymore. A good girl shouldn’t indulge too much.”

“I wasn’t out shopping. I was visiting a friend who wasn’t feeling well. Talking with someone makes her feel better.”

“Oh, was it Ellie or Annie? If it’s contagious, like rashes or colds, you shouldn’t get too close.”

Prima was about to say it was a friend expecting a baby, but she hesitated.

Priscilla had mentioned her complicated situation with the father of her child, unwilling to discuss it much, which seemed like a private sorrow. It felt inappropriate to disclose it, even to her father.

Moreover, her father was always quite amorous, and if he became interested in Priscilla, it wouldn’t be good. Despite being pregnant, Priscilla was still gentle, noble, and attractive. Typically, nobles wouldn’t involve themselves with the Black Gold Families in such matters, but unnecessary socializing would be an additional burden for Priscia.

So, Prima, in a rare decision, lied. “No, she had a fever and headache from staying in the garden too long the other day, and the doctor is still observing her.” She didn’t mention her friend’s name.

Tonight, Khalif was unusually cheerful, and upon hearing this, he just murmured and didn’t press further.

Prima finally noticed her father’s exceptionally good mood tonight. “You seem very happy, father. Did something good happen?”

“I went to see the astrologer,” Khalif said.

Prima’s eyes widened. “The astrologer?”

The auction catalog of White Bridge was famous across the continent. She naturally knew that the legendary figure was now under Khalif’s control.

“Yes. I think he truly lives up to his reputation,” Khalif said, rubbing his chin. “Tonight’s meeting gave me quite a surprise—if it weren’t so late, Prima, you should have a couple of bottles of wine with me.”

“I’m not sleepy now. I can drink some wine.” Prima nodded and instructed the maid to fetch some from the cellar.

“What surprise did he give you, father? Did he perform astrology?” The topic piqued Prima’s interest. Girls always had a natural curiosity about romantic divination.

“His prophecies are expensive, but I made another deal with him.” Just thinking about the results of tonight’s conversation made Khalif feel all his blood boiling, more thrilling than drinking a big bowl of fresh deer blood.

……

“It comes for one person,” Khalif said gravely. “For years, we’ve been trying to verify whether that person still exists in the world, or… if they will appear again.”

Kurt, who had lived in seclusion for years, had never heard of the ancient legend of the Wolf Family, but he didn’t need too much background. Those overly subjective narratives could sometimes blind one’s eyes, leading them entirely away from the goal.

He stared at the hem of the Lamp Bearer’s cloak in silence for so long that Khalif almost lost his patience before he seemed to come back to his senses and looked up again.

“Prophecy and defining history are two different things. The price must be negotiated separately,” Kurt said bluntly.

Khalif’s brows twitched, noting that the seemingly young astrologer’s tone was outrageously arrogant in that brief statement.

Defining history?

Even sages and prophets wouldn’t dare to boast like that. But in some sense, astrologers under the stars were indeed more prophetic than prophets. In this age where gods and demons had disappeared, if anything was close to the divine, it was those who could interpret the stars—their bodies were as mortal as anyone else’s, but their minds coexisted with the stars. Even the proudest elves would have to admit this.

“If you think something is more valuable than freedom,” Khalif cautiously bargained.

“Freedom is priceless,” Kurt said flatly. “So, I don’t believe you can pay that price.”

Currently, the fate of other astrologers was either death or imprisonment. Perhaps the other two living ones preferred to describe their situation as being “honored guests of the throne”, but let’s be real, no amount of luxury or prestigious titles could cover up the plight of being denied personal freedom.

The Emperor of the Empire couldn’t promise an astrologer freedom. How could a mere clan leader of the Black Gold Family do so?

From the day Kurt learned to read the stars, he never stopped fleeing. He had heard sweeter words, hidden temptations, and vague promises than the most popular courtesans. Khalif’s self-assured bargaining chips were of no use to him.

Khalif’s expression changed several times. He had indeed intended to use verbal loopholes in his deal with the astrologer. Even if they signed a flawless contract tonight, Khalif could transfer the astrologer to someone else, absolving himself entirely—so long as it wasn’t by his hand, a blood oath couldn’t determine if he breached the agreement.

But the astrologer wasn’t so easy to deceive.

“What do you want?” Khalif finally conceded the initiative.

Kurt rolled his eyes and gave him a smile.

“I want a place,” he said softly. “Suppose there’s a place you’d rather no one else ever knows or set foot in—a place where you hide your deepest regrets or greatest hopes. Tell me, and I’ll give you the answer you want.”

……

“A secret place?” Louis frowned, his gaze falling on Charlie’s slightly damp hair.

“You mean the astrologer will make such a deal with Khalif in exchange for a prophecy?” Shivers found it hard to understand. “Just to have leverage over clients?”

“I’m probably the only one who knows—it’s not for leverage. It’s just Kurt’s habit,” Charlie said, feeling warmer after drinking half a pot of tea spiked with strong liquor. “His entire life has been spent on the run, so finding a reliable hiding place has almost become an instinct. Kurt likes to ask those who come to him for such a place. He won’t trust the Wolf who kidnapped him, no matter how many beautiful visions they paint or even promise him freedom. So, the price can only be this.”

Not many people could find the astrologer, and even fewer could make more than one deal with him, so no one had been able to summarize this point before.

“Because our situations are similar, he’s willing to talk to me more. For him, a reliable place, free from pursuers or assassins, is more precious than a king’s treasury. It’s thanks to exchanging for such places that Kurt has become the only astrologer in the world not employed by anyone.”

“Khalif’s exchange location might not be suitable for hiding,” Dwight pointed out.

“Then use it as leverage,” Charlie said. “This is very useful to us. We need to find a way to meet him before he’s sold. Khalif suddenly digging up old accounts and precisely targeting events from twenty-five years ago is impossible without the astrologer’s calculations.”

“In that case, the deal must have been made,” Shivers mused. “Khalif completed the exchange—the blood oath will bind him from lying.”

“I’ll have Alexander compile a list before dawn,” Louis said, still frowning.

“But what if he goes mad and captures everyone on the list to bleed them to verify who can summon the Lamp Bearers?” Shivers worried Khalif might do just that.

“He would face impeachment,” Dwight said. “Not all the Wolves are crazy. A cursed newborn is different from someone’s son, brother, or friend. That’s why Lestrop experimented on innocent women.”

“No need to complicate things,” Louis said firmly. “We just need to deal with the immediate situation. If Vasilia fails, I’ll handle it. Khalif cannot live until the end of the auction.”

“It’s ‘we’ll’ handle it. When will you break this habit?” Charlie corrected him.

Louis ignored him.

---

<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 冬瓜茶仙人 / Winter Melon Tea Immortal

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

---

Chapter 148

“What did you say?” Adan rarely lost his composure, his expression twisting—not only because of the importance of the warehouse Louis mentioned, but also because he had to hear about it from Louis. Shocked and furious, Adan nearly took his anger out on Louis.

But he quickly regained control.

To hold the White Bridge auction in his hands, Adan wasn’t an impulsive brute. Within a minute, he figured out the key points: Khalif’s secret meeting with the astrologer was conducted in secrecy. He had been waiting here early on, and unrelated personnel weren’t allowed in. This must have affected the reports from his subordinates. Furthermore, maintaining security was within Louis’ responsibilities. If there was a major incident, it made sense for him to take immediate control. Since he was here, it meant the situation on Policon Street was beyond Adan’s subordinates’ capabilities.

As for that fool Bravi, Adan didn’t care much. He was just a good-for-nothing cousin on his mother’s side, always flaunting Adan’s name. If Louis hadn’t initially thought the troublemakers were dockworkers, Adan might have suspected that the idiot got drunk, set his coat on fire in the warehouse, and caused the commotion.

Maybe it was related to him—Bravi was terrible with people. Even lowly workers could bite back if pushed too far…

“What exactly happened? What about the warehouse?” Adan took a couple of deep breaths (though the underground air wasn’t fresh) and asked.

“The cause is still under investigation. Several troublemakers were caught, but you know, ‘they’ don’t have the guts or ability,” Louis said, implying something deeper. “As for the warehouse—you might want to check it yourself. There are auction items in there. If you don’t mind—”

“I’ll go check.” Adan didn’t hesitate, feeling a pounding headache.

Louis was right. There were indeed auction items stored in that warehouse. Following the principle of not putting all eggs in one basket, he habitually stored items in different warehouses each auction. Just thinking about the possibility of losing such an important warehouse—and the endless overtime coordinating and explaining to follow—his anger flared up.

Moreover, he didn’t trust anyone else to handle the inventory. The items for auction were extremely valuable. This was Adan’s responsibility, and even Elders of the same rank couldn’t invade this domain. In this, Louis had shown respect, and Adan appreciated it.

After all, if Louis entered the warehouse under the pretext of preventing losses or investigating, it would be justified even in Khalif’s eyes.

“Alexander is waiting for you there,” Louis said.

Adan hesitated, knowing Khalif was still at the end of the corridor.

“I’m here waiting for a report. That’s my only reason for being here,” Louis said coldly, indicating he wouldn’t cross the line to peek at the legendary astrologer.

“Alright,” Adan finally said. “I’ll head over. Take care of things here.”

……

Jim was very anxious. He knew his brother usually worked at the docks and rarely entered the inner city but hearing that the troublemakers were dockworkers made it impossible for him not to worry. Compared to other fellow townsmen who had little access to important figures, Jim knew better than anyone how they would deal with those who angered them—the “garbage”.

Especially the person in front of him. Even if Jim hadn’t heard of Louis’s ruthless reputation, tonight’s brief encounter was enough to feel his unapproachable demeanor. He refused everyone’s courtesies, didn’t converse with anyone—didn’t even sit down. He just stood there silently and straight, making anyone in the same space with him feel immense pressure.

In this suffocating atmosphere, it was a relief when Khalif finally emerged. Jim and the others didn’t dare look up, bowing and waiting in the corners for instructions.

“What are you doing here?” Khalif’s voice was unreadable, but those who knew him well recognized it as a sign of displeasure.

Louis pretended not to notice his mood and repeated what he had told Adan—this was a valid reason, and he could feel Khalif’s violent aura diminish significantly.

But Khalif still didn’t like anyone entering this area. It wasn’t until they were several floors up that he turned and glanced at Louis.

“How much was lost from the auction items?”

“Adan is on his way to check. I controlled the fire before it got out of hand, so the deeper parts of the warehouse should be intact.” The more valuable the items, the deeper they were hidden, just like the astrologer’s room they were leaving behind.

Louis could tell Khalif was in an unusually good mood, which was rare. Normally, Khalif despised any disorder among his subordinates. Tonight, with Adan absent and Louis appearing where he shouldn’t, Khalif would usually have lashed out multiple times. But this time, he only asked about the auction items, not making a fuss.

There was only one explanation for this odd good mood: Khalif had gotten valuable information from the astrologer.

But what could Kurt have said to make Khalif so pleased and lenient? Louis’s expression remained impassive, so Khalif didn’t notice his subordinate’s frantic thoughts, trying to find an opening to probe.

Before Louis could come up with a good reason, Khalif spoke.

“Louis, have you had your birthday this year?” Khalif asked casually, like a relative making small talk. “I remember your birthday is after Prima’s. How old are you?”

“I’ll be 27 next month,” Louis replied without showing any extra emotion.

“I see.” Khalif suddenly stopped and turned. Louis also stopped, letting him scrutinize him.

They had exited the staircase and were crossing the corridor and foyer to reach the street, where Khalif’s carriage and guards awaited.

Khalif was unusually cheerful, almost amiable towards Louis, which was itself a dangerous signal.

As if contemplating something, Khalif stood for a moment before continuing to walk. It wasn’t until they exited the corridor and foyer that he dismissed the attendants and stopped by his carriage.

“I need you to do something for me.” His voice was strange, as if trying to suppress some great excitement, though it had been years since Khalif felt anything like this.

The hairs on Louis’s neck stood up, an intense foreboding washing over him.

“By tomorrow morning, I want a list of every 25-year-old in the family.” Khalif’s voice shook slightly but was kept low. Louis had to focus to understand.

“All of them,” Khalif repeated, his eyes gleaming strangely. “As long as they are alive and carry the Wolf’s blood—you know what I mean.”

Even if they don’t qualify to be given the Wolf’s name or were merely the result of someone’s momentary pleasure leading to an accidental offspring who was exiled to a distant place early on, as long as the blood in their veins comes from the Wolf Family.

Louis felt nailed to the spot. After a few seconds, he replied, “I understand.”

Even after Khalif’s carriage disappeared around the corner, he didn’t move. Adan’s subordinates dared not rush him but also didn’t dare to invite him back underground. The astrologer’s identity was too sensitive, and Khalif had ordered no one to enter or leave without permission.

Luckily, Louis didn’t intend to return. He stood in place as rain began to fall. He waved off the waiting carriage and slowly walked along the wall, the increasingly dense rain soaking his hair and shoulders. He didn’t care, his mind wandering, until footsteps behind him snapped him back to reality.

But it was too late.

The person behind moved swiftly, locking an arm around his neck and pulling him into a narrow alley.

It was late, and the streetlights didn’t reach these dark corners. Louis held his breath, ready to counterattack, but a familiar voice stopped him.

“Lost in thought?”

The raised arm froze, and the assailant released him, allowing him to turn.

Even in plain dark clothing, the Duke’s striking beauty made him stand out, causing a hitch in Louis’s breath. He took a step back, observing closely.

“Oh, it’s you,” Louis said.

“I don’t understand why you think this would work,” the Duke said, annoyed. “Stop mimicking his tone.”

Louis—or rather, Charlie, disguised as Louis—tried to perk up. “You figured it out again? Even Khalif—”

“That’s because they don’t recognize someone silly enough to stand in the rain thinking they still have a hat on.” The Duke snapped. “Besides that, you did a passable job. Did you meet the astrologer?”

The word “astrologer” seemed to trigger a nerve. Charlie flinched reflexively.

Dwight confirmed something was wrong. “What happened?”

Charlie didn’t answer immediately, glancing around. Dwight, sensing he had something to say, pulled him quickly to the other end of the alley, where Shivers and the carriage waited.

“Get to Louis’s place quickly,” Charlie said as soon as he got in. “Immediately—”

He was greeted by the Duke’s clumsy and rough tousling of his hair.

Having never taken care of anyone and being somewhat annoyed by Charlie’s behavior of not avoiding the rain, the Duke was a bit heavy-handed, turning the already slightly curly coppery-gold hair into a messy ball.

Charlie, feeling dizzy from the rough treatment, had to hold up his hand to stop him.

“I’m serious. Khalif just gave an order.”

“What order is so important?” Dwight threw the towel aside, crossing his arms.

“He wants to thoroughly investigate all twenty-five-year-old Wolves. Do you know what that means?” Charlie’s eyes were wider than usual, filled with complex emotions. “The Lamp Bearers… appeared in the town where the mother gave birth, exactly twenty-five years ago.”

Standing nearby, Shivers ears perked up at this, momentarily forgetting everything else. “But I thought your ages were—”

“Fahim added two years to our ages. Louis was brought to White Bridge by him—at that age, the difference between eleven and thirteen wasn’t much, especially if they were malnourished.” Charlie looked at Dwight beside him, finally letting out a breath he had been holding, and leaned wearily against the carriage wall. “That was the last layer of protection he gave us.”

---

The author has something to say:

I actually quite like the uncle. I’ll give him some extras if I have the chance.

---

<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 冬瓜茶仙人 / Winter Melon Tea Immortal

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

---

Chapter 147

“A strong wind is blowing outside. It might delay the delivery carts, but we still have tea and butter biscuits.” Jim asked softly, “Is that okay?”

Kurt didn’t care much about it. “It’s fine. Is it windy outside?”

Jim nodded and glanced at Kurt, who was completely relaxed, lying in a rocking chair with a geography book spread over his face, motionless.

Very undignified.

But Jim knew he was an important person, possibly a real nobleman. The wealthy Wolf and Monkey Families were like emperors in White Bridge, but supposedly, they had no noble titles. Some fearless elderly people, who weren’t afraid of death, on Paradise Island occasionally said that even dressed in formal wear, carrying canes, and eating white bread with red wine every day, they were just wolves in human clothing yearning for civilization. The human world would never accept them.

Most people didn’t understand this, but after serving this important person for a few days, Jim began to grasp its meaning. This man never pretended to eat with a full set of silverware, nor did he change clothes every couple of hours to flaunt his refinement. Yet it was this (overly) composed demeanor that set him apart from everyone else here.

“It got completely dark at four in the afternoon, but there was no rain, just wind. Papers were flying everywhere, and all the ladies moved their activities indoors,” Jim said, knowing that after being confined for so long, Kurt was interested in anything about the outside. He carefully chose what he thought were trivial details to share, hoping to cheer him up. “I heard someone say a stubborn gentleman insisted on walking his pet in this weather, and his little dog was blown up to the second floor by the wind—luckily, it landed on an open balcony, and someone caught it.”

“Good thing you don’t have to stay underground with me all the time. I thought you couldn’t go out for fresh air,” Kurt said.

“I’m usually at the end of the hallway,” Jim said quickly. “I only go upstairs to fetch clean sheets and clothes. You can always find me.”

He quickly filled the kettle and started cutting a fist-sized melon to prepare a fruit platter with grapes.

Kurt lifted the book and glanced at him. “Is someone coming later?”

Jim was startled, almost cutting his finger.

“You don’t have to answer. I’m just asking,” Kurt said, noticing Jim’s discomfort. He shrugged and tossed the book aside.

He didn’t like eating fruit. A few biscuits were enough for a late-night snack. Jim must be preparing for someone else.

Jim didn’t dare to answer—it should be Mr. Adan informing him personally. So he silently finished cutting the fruit and arranged the biscuits on a small silver plate.

“Sorry,” Jim whispered as he was about to leave.

Kurt, whose hair was overgrown, brushed aside his bangs and glanced at him.

“Don’t be silly,” Kurt mumbled, turning over dangerously in the rocking chair. “Go ahead. They don’t like anyone talking to me for too long.”

To be precise, they didn’t like anyone who couldn’t pay talking to him for too long since astrologers could charge by the word.

Hearing the heavy iron door close, Kurt climbed off the rocking chair and began pacing the room, muttering softly.

He had been confined here for two weeks and three days. It was now a quarter past eight…

The long star charts in Kurt’s mind flipped like a thick book. He couldn’t see the stars but knew their daily trajectories well.

After a while, he stopped and scratched his head. “Double overlay?”

He saw very few living beings in this wretched place each day, but today there had been more than usual—besides Jim and Adan, there were Khalif and Xanye.

He had already refused Xanye’s proposal. So, the next visitor must be Khalif?

As if confirming his thoughts, Adan knocked on the door.

Once again, Adan just greeted him briefly before letting Khalif in.

Khalif didn’t know Kurt had foreseen this meeting a few minutes ago. Seeing his knowing expression, he thought it was just an astrologer’s usual enigmatic act.

“We meet again, Mr. Astrologer,” he said.

Kurt sat back in the rocking chair. “Are you here to make a deal too?”

“Let’s be clear: astrologers don’t make free deals. That’s a principle, even for the jailer.” To prevent unreasonable demands, Kurt stated plainly.

“I understand,” Khalif said seriously. “We can discuss the payment first.”

“What can you offer me?” Kurt asked wearily. “I know White Bridge is wealthy.”

“How about freedom?” Khalif suggested meaningfully.

Hm?

This unexpected answer caught Kurt’s attention.

“You mean ‘freedom’, as in letting me go?” he asked.

“Yes,” Khalif said. “As long as my questions are answered, this price can be arranged.”

Kurt doubted it. The entire continent knew that Astrologer Kurt was listed on White Bridge’s auction catalog. Now claiming to release him was hard to believe.

“Not every auction item gets sold. The more valuable it is, the more likely it remains unsold. After the auction, I can arrange a ship for you. You can choose to leave on your own or have someone come for you,” Khalif said sincerely. “A verbal promise isn’t binding. We can make a blood oath ensuring you leave White Bridge’s territory and aren’t pursued by the Wolf or Monkey for a year.”

“Going through all this trouble to release me makes me curious about your question,” Kurt said, staring at Khalif with eyes hidden under his messy hair. “I need to know your question before considering the deal.”

Khalif didn’t answer immediately, instead scanning the room: bookshelves, desk, pens and paper, star maps, and nautical charts adorned the walls. Despite having all these tools, Kurt hadn’t even opened an ink bottle. Adan had sent a clever servant to spy, but the astrologer sensed it and spoke only nonsense. They replaced him with a careful but simple-minded person, which made Kurt talk more, though it was mostly useless chatter.

Only a proper deal could reveal his true value.

“I want to know if the ‘Holy Grail’ really exists and when it will appear next,” Khalif said solemnly.

“‘Holy Grail’? What is that?” Kurt had never heard of it.

“If the stars are truly omniscient, they can tell you,” Khalif said cunningly, pushing a small crystal box toward Kurt.

The crystal box was transparent, showing a small piece of cloth inside. But the cloth looked strange, its edges blurry as if it were a thin, colored mist rather than a solid object.

“What is this?” Kurt’s face grew serious. “Neither human nor object, not a wraith… Is it real?”

“It’s a piece of the Lamp Bearer’s robe,” Khalif said. “Caught on a stone in a small town 25 years ago. It should’ve disintegrated immediately but remained due to materials mixed from an old church renovation.”

“The best mages we found sealed it in a crystal box before dawn. It’s not a physical object.”

Seeing Kurt correctly identify the essence of the cloth, Khalif explained the legend of the Holy Grail and the Lamp Bearers but omitted the part about the World Dragon.

“Since then, the Lamp Bearers have appeared two or three times but always vanished quickly. I want to know why and if the Holy Grail has any hope of reappearing,” Khalif said.

“That’s an interesting legend.” Kurt smiled for the first time before Khalif. “But your offer isn’t enough.”

“What’s more valuable than freedom?” Khalif retorted.

“Freedom is relative for me. Even without you and the Monkey, countless others would capture me,” Kurt patiently bargained. “Don’t worry, wealth means little to me. Just add a bit more, and we’ll have a deal.”

“Like what?”

“Like the place you least want others to step foot in,” Kurt said. “The first place that comes to mind when I say that—the blood oath will know if you lie.”

Khalif glared at him, but Kurt remained unfazed.

“This is a fair exchange,” the astrologer said smoothly. “And what’s there to fear? I’m alone and powerless. Even if I knew, I couldn’t enter.”

The silence lasted so long that Kurt thought Khalif would refuse. Then he heard him say, “Deal.”

……

“Did he ask about your birthday?” Adan inquired.

Jim nodded, his pale skin, rare on Paradise Island, reddening with nervousness, making him look perpetually shy.

“And then? Did he say anything else?” Adan pressed.

“No,” Jim replied. “Then he asked about the weather… He’s always interested in the weather.”

Weather… Maybe astrologers don’t need to observe stars to make predictions? Adan wondered, puzzled. Such talents were too mysterious. No one knew how their powers worked.

“Sir,” Adan’s assistant, Leslie, entered, glancing at Jim before speaking. “Mr. Louis is here.”

Louis? Adan frowned. Why would he come now? Because of Khalif?

“Lord Khalif is still inside. I can’t leave this floor,” Adan said. “Bring him here.”

Louis had already come down. Leslie was just announcing it. Within minutes, Adan saw Louis in long boots enter the room.

“You look much better. Why are you here now?” Adan smiled. “Where’s Alexander?”

“You don’t know?” Louis skipped the pleasantries. “Your warehouse is in trouble. Some dock workers set the whole street on fire. A guy named Bravi—isn’t that your cousin?—almost burned to death.”

Adan’s smile froze, and behind him, Jim’s eyes widened at the mention of dock workers.

---

<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 冬瓜茶仙人 / Winter Melon Tea Immortal

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

---

Chapter 146

Louis provided Dwight and his team with a lot of conveniences within his authority. One such convenience was the specially designed carriage equipped with eavesdropping and surveillance prevention measures. However, its downside was that anything with Louis’s personal touch would easily draw attention within White Bridge. So, along the way, the Duke and the Knight Commander had to switch vehicles once, weaving through a series of connected buildings, even passing through a women’s dressing room of a theater before finally reaching the designated meeting place.

As they passed a counter filled with scales, Shivers glanced back at the towering cabinets reaching up to the ceiling. Though the drawers were closed, the lingering scent of tobacco in the air made it clear what kind of business this shop was running.

“Looks like despite the ‘agreement’, there’s still a lot of mutual distrust,” Shivers remarked, his voice low, blending with the creaky sounds of the staircase underfoot.

They had entered the tobacco shop through another secret passage, not seeing the sign outside. For such a place to serve as a secret meeting spot, it was clearly not controlled by the Wolf or Monkey families. Though such neutral zones in White Bridge weren’t non-existent, they were certainly rare. The effort behind maintaining such a spy-friendly venue under the scrutiny of both families indicated significant backing, likely from either the Fox or Lion Families.

Dwight kept as far from the wallpapered walls as possible. Whether due to neglect or infrequent use, he noticed trembling cobwebs and cautious little creatures peeking out from the cracks, making rustling sounds. The dusty air made his throat itch.

Had it not been for his recent travels, which made him somewhat accustomed to the fact that humans must coexist with various creatures, he’d be hard-pressed to resist the urge to burn this hellish place down.

“If—” He was about to speak while staring at a strangely shaped stain on the left when the previously heavy and stagnant air suddenly changed with alarming speed. Both Shivers and Dwight felt a chilling murderous intent at the back of their necks.

Shivers didn’t bother looking around the dim, narrow space. Instead, he stepped forward, meeting the sound of a blade slicing through the air with a reverse block. The heavy force behind it made his expression turn serious. Rather than sidestepping to deflect the blow, he pushed forward, forcibly repelling the attack.

Dwight, standing behind him, didn’t move, his right hand on his cane, focusing on the rear—but there had been no signs of traps or ambushes on their way up, and there was no noise from below. Was the assailant alone?

Shivers stared at the woman before him.

She had high cheekbones and a prominent nose, typical features of someone from the icy tundra. Standing backlit in the staircase, she halted after her failed attack, lowering her hands while studying them, especially Shivers.

“Yitzfa’s recommendation is more reliable than I thought,” she said. “If he’d sent a weakling who only plays with swords, we wouldn’t have had much to discuss.”

Shivers didn’t lower his short sword, still held protectively in front of the Duke. His expression didn’t soften at her mention of Yitzfa.

“That’s your reason for attacking?” he asked coldly.

“Attacking?” The woman paused, then laughed heartily. “That was just a greeting—please forgive me.”

She stepped aside, repeating, “Please forgive me, gentlemen.”

…Attacking without a word, then apologizing so easily—Shivers had never met such a peculiar person and was momentarily taken aback.

The killing intent had vanished after the initial strike, and they could both feel she now bore no malice. But that didn’t excuse her earlier abrupt assault.

“Alright, Green,” Dwight called from behind. “How long are you two going to stand there?”

That seemed to settle things. Vasilia, impressed by Shivers’ skills, felt a bit disappointed to find he was likely a noble—Yitzfa had specifically noted this. Otherwise, she might have wanted to get to know him better.

“You handle a sword well, with enough strength. You wouldn’t have achieved this without over ten years of relentless practice,” Vasilia remarked. “Yitzfa didn’t lie to me.”

Shivers looked around. The small, cramped room had only one door and no windows. Even the furniture was minimal, giving it a desolate look.

And Yitzfa wasn’t there.

“He didn’t give us many details.” Shivers thought for a moment. “Are you Vasilia?”

Her demeanor and skill suggested she had the authority and strength to lead northern mercenaries, so he guessed boldly.

Vasilia didn’t deny it, instead asking, “When did the Empire start taking an interest in White Bridge?” Yitzfa hadn’t explicitly identified their affiliations but gave hints—non-Doran continent, likely nobles, pointing to forces from the Constantine Empire.

“It has nothing to do with the Empire,” Shivers calmly replied. “Our target is the astrologer.”

Vasilia nodded, finding this reason convincing. This year’s news of the Wolf Family capturing an astrologer had spread faster and wider than the spring breeze across Doran. If it weren’t for the ancient non-interference pact between the Black Gold Families, Vasilia herself would have wanted a piece of the action.

“The astrologer is the Wolf’s highlight. Khalif won’t let anyone ruin his plans easily,” she said.

“His will isn’t our concern,” Shivers replied.

Vasilia paused, then looked at him with admiration.

“I usually find noble airs hypocritical and pretentious, but coming from you, it’s not so off-putting,” she said, her fierce demeanor softening with a vibrant, burning smile, making her quite captivating despite not being traditionally beautiful.

“Then let’s kill him,” Vasilia said lightly. “I can see that’s why you’re here.”

“And you? The Monkeys?” Shivers asked.

“Sven, that old man… As the head of the Monkey, he hasn’t been seen publicly for ten years,” Vasilia said. “Compared to Khalif, he’s overly cautious. It’s hard to get to him unless you penetrate deep into the Monkey Family.”

“Even if he suddenly came knocking, offering his neck, killing him wouldn’t change much. A man over a hundred years old isn’t hands-on. The Monkey has plenty of heirs to continue their ‘business’,” Shivers said bluntly. “He’s not like Khalif.”

Khalif’s method of restoring his waning power was to consolidate control and interfere with the Elders’ daily duties. If the Monkeys didn’t distract him, and if he didn’t lack trusted aides, he’d want everything under his control. His excessive meddling and divisive tactics had already intensified the conflicts among the high-ranking officials. If he died without a strong successor, it would likely cause a power struggle within the Wolf.

“So, like you, I want Khalif dead,” Vasilia said easily. “They’ve been jumping around behind the Wolf’s protection for years. The Wolves guard them in exchange for half their fruits of labor.”

If the Wolves were too weakened to protect them, things would get easier.

“Khalif’s power may be waning, but his strength is still…” Shivers stopped mid-sentence, noticing the Duke’s sudden frown.

Vasilia followed his gaze, seeing the overly elegant man finally move, raising his eyes to her.

“What’s set up in this house?” he asked.

“Some confidentiality and barrier spells,” Vasilia raised an eyebrow. “Why? You didn’t invite a reporter to this assassination meeting, did you?”

“My messenger is blocked,” Dwight said. “Open the window.”

A round, cautious little sparrow stared at the closed window, sensing an untouchable presence. But it didn’t wait long before the window opened from inside. The intimidating aura disappeared with the opening, and it darted in like a small cannonball.

It almost knocked Shivers off balance.

“What a lively communication spell.” Vasilia watched the gray sparrow. “Very clever… Almost lifelike.”

Shivers didn’t respond. The sparrow hopped energetically in his palm before turning back into a paper bird. Carefully unfolding it revealed a complete square letter.

Just as Shivers handed the letter to the Duke, they heard the jingle of the downstairs bell—indicating a door opening, but the shop wasn’t open tonight.

“It’s my people,” Vasilia said decisively, listening to the approaching footsteps, then slammed the window shut with a bang.

“My Lord, there’s unrest on Polican Street. A group set fire to the warehouse, killing several managers. The whole area is now locked down. Emily and the others are there tonight. The Monkey claims to evacuate and settle people, but really they’re just detaining everyone. Miss Susanna asked me to—to seek your instructions…” a short-haired girl said in one breath.

Vasilia frowned. “Calm down. Who started the fire?”

“Not sure. Some say dock workers, others say servants accompanying their masters to check goods, but none confirmed.”

“Tell them to stay put,” Vasilia ordered firmly. “It’s not our concern. Don’t provoke suspicion.”

“But…” The girl noticed the others in the room and suddenly fell silent.

“Go down,” Vasilia dismissed her and shut the door, turning back to them.

“Dock workers?” she asked sharply.

“Not our doing,” Dwight said leisurely. “For now. Now, if you don’t mind, we have something to discuss.”

Facing Vasilia’s suspicious gaze, the Duke had Shivers hand over the letter from Charlie.

It contained the rabbit-headed shopkeeper’s usual flowing script:

Tonight at nine.

Villa No. 5, East District, Basement Level 3. 

Private meeting with the astrologer.

The message ended with a sketchy wolf’s head, clearly indicating Khalif.

---

The author has something to say:

Vasilia is a warrior mage.

---

<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 冬瓜茶仙人 / Winter Melon Tea Immortal

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

---

Chapter 145

“I won’t cause trouble as long as I know Jim is alive,” Jason said.

Eugene sat opposite him, legs splayed out, watching a few men squatting together in the distance, fervently discussing something. After a long while, he finally said, “Do you plan to persuade him to come back?”

Jason remained silent.

If he could persuade Jim to return, Jim wouldn’t have left in the first place. Everyone knew what the inner city was like. For people like them, dignity and respect didn’t exist. To the two major families, the value of a living person was far less than that of a pet carried off a merchant ship.

But even with this knowledge, once an opportunity presented itself, people would still leave continuously—Jason knew why.

Paradise Island was simply too impoverished. Any energetic young person with hopes for the future wouldn’t choose to tread in their ancestors’ heavy footprints, repeating this endless life of hunger and hardship.

Jason had experienced that phase too. Even now, he hadn’t settled for the status quo. He chose to make Paradise Island his starting point, no matter how minimal the progress. He respected his brother’s decision, but hearing those terrifying stories passed down through generations was one thing; witnessing his fellow people being systematically registered as various fatal accidents was another.

“I want to ensure his safety,” Jason finally said. “I just can’t trouble you with my matters, and I have no means to pay anyone to do this for me.”

……

“Let him come,” the Duke said after hearing Eugene’s report. “Lend him some clothes so he won’t be thrown out—under such circumstances, even if you guarantee finding his brother, he won’t believe you’ll genuinely try.”

Eugene thought the same, but—

“People on Paradise Island are already planning to infiltrate the inner city. Some don’t believe the list, while others are so angry they’ve lost their reason. Without Jason, there won’t be anyone to restrain them,” Eugene cautiously said. “If conflict breaks out between Paradise Island and the inner city, things could spiral out of control.”

Having spent the most time on Paradise Island, Eugene had felt the sudden shift in atmosphere the deepest over the past two days. The originally planned actions to incite anger weren’t even necessary. Public resentment had already started boiling over. Even the mild-mannered who had placed all their hopes in Aquinas’s promised afterlife were becoming infected with hatred, their language growing more radical.

“Then you’d better prepare for a fight,” Hall said firmly. “After everything that’s happened, you don’t think Paradise Island and the inner city will calmly sit down to negotiate compensation and boundaries, do you? They don’t even have a seat at the table yet. If it makes you feel any better…”

Hall patted him on the shoulder. “Just think of it as helping them gain that seat.”

Shiloh also wanted to encourage Eugene. After all, he had taught him swordsmanship for so long, and if it really came to a fight, it would be his first actual combat! The teacher was looking forward to it!

But before he could step up and pat Eugene’s shoulder too, the door opened from the outside, and Shivers walked in, causing everyone in the room to turn and look at him.

“I didn’t know you had friends here, Captain,” Hall said, clearly teasing. “But we’re pressed for time, so matters of the heart should probably—”

“It’s not what you think,” Shivers cut him off stiffly, presenting a letter to Dwight.

The Duke tilted his head, not immediately reaching for it.

“This should be a letter for you,” he said slowly. “Have you confirmed its contents?”

Shivers felt a bit embarrassed at this. He could use authority and fists to silence the knights, but he had no such power over the Duke.

Who could blame him for spending an entire night out without a good reason, returning covered in noticeable marks? In this house devoid of women, secrets were hard to keep among the Brandenburg Knights, who had grown up together.

Especially the youngest, Shiloh, who exaggeratedly exclaimed every time he saw him. If not for their pressing tasks, he would have surely faced a beating. To make matters worse, a servant from the Green Shade Villa had returned the vest Shivers had worn to the banquet, along with a verbal message.

He went back but didn’t see Yitzfa. Instead, he found a letter in the place Yitzfa had indicated.

Dwight knew that if the letter contained only romantic drivel, Shivers wouldn’t present it this way. But with the knights making a fuss for so long, he wanted to join in the fun.

“It’s a letter from the Foxes, subtly mentioning their plans with the Lions in White Bridge,” Shivers said formally. “From the drugs the Monkeys are selling in the gambling houses, it’s clear they’ve encroached on Lions’ core interests. The Lions might act this time, but with limited personnel in White Bridge, they need temporary cooperation. This way…”

They could cover their blind spots on the Monkey end.

Dwight raised an eyebrow and finally took the brightly colored envelope—which still had a faint scent of perfume, typical of romantic gestures.

Those nearby could smell it too. Even Hasting looked at Shivers with interest.

And you say you’re innocent?

The letter’s contents were concise compared to its elaborate packaging, suggesting that more details needed to be discussed in person. Ideally, the rabbit-headed shopkeeper, with his charm and proficiency in various coded languages, would be the best negotiator. But he was busy shadowing Louis to master his behaviors and mannerisms (and to bond as brothers per Charlie’s insistence), making him unavailable. Even using Louis’s name for a private meeting with Lion could draw unwanted attention.

Dwight knocked on the table. “I’ll go meet them. Shivers, you’re with me. Eugene, support Jason. Hasting and Shiloh, inform Erica before returning to Paradise Island. Tell them to keep a low profile—things might get unstable in the inner city in the coming days.”

“And keep an eye on Aquinas. He might run,” Dwight added as if recalling an unimportant detail. “That old coot has a knack for reading the room. He might have sensed something from your actions—make sure to keep him in check.”

Shiloh was surprised but agreed. He hadn’t noticed anything off about the seemingly timid old man, but the Duke’s assumption made sense. The atmosphere on Paradise Island was tense, and Aquinas, known for shifting with the wind, should be closely monitored. If their “spiritual leader” disappeared, it would be challenging to mobilize those who had resigned themselves to a passive life.

Shivers felt conflicted. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to see Yitzfa again. He had been eager to talk that morning, but as time passed and he calmed down, he felt an unusual fear. What would he say? Apologize for his loss of control and recklessness? Did Yitzfa need to hear that? If he wanted to hear those words, he wouldn’t have left before dawn.

Though drunk, he hadn’t blacked out. Reflecting on that night, he realized that initially… Yitzfa had made the first move.

So what was this? Shivers was thoroughly confused. He thought Yitzfa didn’t think much of him. Despite often mingling in high society, Yitzfa sometimes showed disdain for the wealthy nobles, which conflicted with his one-night stand with Shivers.

“What are you thinking about?” Dwight finally spoke up. “Is that Fox so beautiful that just thinking about him twists your expression?”

Shivers realized he had zoned out next to the Duke. Since when did the Duke care about his subordinates’ gossip?

“I thought you were used to this sort of thing,” Dwight continued. “But you’re acting strange this time. Were you the one who got dumped?”

The blonde Knight Commander was almost like an idol for girls in Lemena, even famous across the Empire. Meanwhile, the renowned Duke of Brandenburg, despite his striking beauty, was equally famous for his unapproachable demeanor. Apart from his sister Priscilla, no one had seen him show any warmth to a woman.

This reputation was somewhat exaggerated. Dwight was always courteous to women, but Shivers’ gentle nature often made Dwight seem stricter and colder by comparison. Seeing Shivers face rejection was quite novel for Dwight.

“Sir, it’s not like that between us.” Shivers coughed. “Compared to that, isn’t the upcoming meeting more important?”

Dwight snorted.

Meeting with the Black Gold Family felt degrading, and he had no other feelings about it. If it weren’t for the dire circumstances—

The young Duke fumed at the thought, feeling that Rabbit Head’s friend, like Rabbit Head himself, was prone to causing trouble. If only he hadn’t foolishly been dragged back to White Bridge by the Wolves… but with the threat of the World Dragon looming, Khalif still needed to die.

Before heading to White Bridge, he had written to the Empire, and the Emperor had taken the matter seriously. Support from Constantine was on its way, but it wouldn’t arrive in time. Once the auction ended, the astrologer would be taken away, potentially causing a power struggle at sea.

In short, it was all a mess.

“Does Rabbit Head know about this?” he asked. Louis’s identity gave them insight into many internal affairs of the Wolf Family, but they needed to supplement their information on matters outside the inner city. The sparrows had been busy traveling between the two places these past few days.

“I’ve already sent a messenger. If things go smoothly, we might receive a reply before the carriage arrives,” Shivers said. “Speaking of which, Mr. Charlie is a genius. His Gray Sentinel’s short-range communication speed is incredibly fast. When connected directly to him, it’s almost like using a magic stone, but at a negligible cost.”

He sincerely praised, “This invention alone could make any mage famous. Even though he never performs elemental magic and always modestly claims he’s just a trickster, he’s actually far more capable than most.”

But these words made Dwight’s face darken. He turned to the window, and by now, the sky had already darkened, reflecting his elegantly shaped profile in the black glass.

“Yes,” he said coldly.

This tone made Shivers pause, and then he realized something, so he said nothing more.

---

The author has something to say:

Priscilla: Gentle Shivers, how about switching guard posts among the knights occasionally?

Shivers: ?

Priscilla: Because I’m worried my brother will live alone if you follow him all the time.

---

<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 冬瓜茶仙人 / Winter Melon Tea Immortal

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

---

Chapter 144

“Many people misunderstand astrology, thinking the stars can answer anything,” Kurt continued. “But the stars don’t always watch over humans. Thinking otherwise is rather arrogant.”

“We haven’t even said anything yet. Why are you so quick to refuse?” Xanye giggled. “Are you angry?”

She glanced around meaningfully.

It was hard for any man to stay angry with such a beautiful woman speaking so frankly. Moreover, Xanye had nothing to do with Kurt being kidnapped.

However, Kurt wasn’t skilled in the art of communication, and Xanye wasn’t his type. He shrugged. “No one likes being a prisoner.”

He couldn’t be bothered to debate with these two uninvited guests about the morality of treating people as commodities. But Kurt wasn’t stupid. He wouldn’t help them and then count the money they gave him. He didn’t want to waste time with polite words.

“I know the prophecies of an astrologer are priceless, so I won’t arrogantly set a price. Today, I just wanted to see what a legendary astrologer looks like. Consider it a whim of curiosity,” Xanye said, dropping her playful tone, which slightly altered her entire demeanor.

Khalif glanced at her.

This was different from what they had discussed. Khalif was sure Xanye wanted to learn something from the astrologer, but he understood her temporary retreat. Besides restricting his freedom, they had no effective means to force Kurt to make a prophecy.

Astrologers were too valuable, and it was difficult to obtain accurate information from them without their consent. Physical harm or mental torture would affect their rationality, leading to inaccurate prophecies.

This was one reason astrologers rarely had freedom. Even if they couldn’t be subdued through legitimate means, it was best to prevent them from serving anyone else. Who knew if one’s enemy might get a deadly prophecy from an astrologer?

“Astrologers are no different from ordinary people, except that they are better at calculations,” Kurt said. “After all, I’m just a human. Three hundred years ago, there was an elf astrologer, but that’s not a rare race. Not very impressive to look at.”

Xanye paused, scrutinizing this pale man, unsure if he was naturally so blunt or if he was subtly mocking them.

Khalif finally spoke. “Her family has always revered various mystical powers, so please don’t be too modest. I noticed the fireplace isn’t lit. Adan is getting more careless. It’s damp and cold here. Please take care of your health.”

Kurt glanced at the quiet fireplace, where the wood was neatly stacked.

“Mr. Adan was very considerate and assigned a capable helper. I just don’t like overly hot environments.”

“Do you like the cold? The north or high places, like wizards?” Khalif asked.

“Places rich in natural elements inspire creativity,” Kurt said, observing Khalif.

He wasn’t a medium and couldn’t see a person’s aura, but Khalif exuded an unsettling vibe that even without spiritual insight, Kurt could sense. He was curious about it.

Khalif looked at Xanye, who realized that this astrologer wasn’t the type to engage in subtle negotiation. She removed a small silk bag from her wrist, placed it on the table, and loosened the opening.

The seemingly decorative little bag was evidently imbued with space magic, as Xanye pulled out an object the size of a cantaloupe.

It was a crystal ball, but unlike the usual clear ones, it had a purple-red feather suspended inside, with dark purple tendrils radiating outward, making it look like a rare piece of amber.

Kurt sat up straight, and Khalif’s gaze was fixed on the crystal ball. It was clearly a seal, but even through the thick crystal, they could feel the extraordinary nature of the object inside.

“I know many kings and nobles would open their treasuries for an astrologer’s accurate prophecy. We don’t dare compare ourselves to such high-status individuals, but we’ve brought out one of the family’s most precious treasures. If you could take a look, my trip won’t be in vain,” Xanye said.

“What do you want to know?” Kurt asked, withdrawing his gaze, feeling puzzled. He had thought Khalif was the one with questions, but so far, he hadn’t shown any interest in making a deal, while the woman had changed significantly, becoming much more serious.

“Inquire about the object inside the crystal ball.”

Kurt made a sound of understanding but didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he leaned back in his chair, adopting an almost arrogant posture. “What price are you willing to pay?”

Xanye and Khalif stared at him. At that moment, Kurt suddenly embodied the image of a legendary astrologer: cold, arrogant, and seemingly capricious. The pale, scholarly man they first met seemed to have vanished like steam.

“This crystal ball,” Xanye said without hesitation. “I can offer it to you on behalf of my family.”

Kurt was incredulous.

“That’s your sincerity?” he asked. “If you want to know what’s inside, unsealing it is the quickest way. Since you haven’t managed to do that for so long, it proves you can’t control or re-seal it. Using a hot potato like this to trade with an astrologer would make the kings rejected by us roll in their graves.”

Xanye felt embarrassed. The crystal ball wasn’t as worthless as Kurt suggested. In fact, if it were shown on the mainland, countless mages and scholars would pay a high price to see or obtain it, especially high-level mages.

Even though it was sealed, the feather inside still exuded the aura of an ancient dragon, possibly from the World Dragon.

The World Dragon was known to have the most terrifying, world-destroying power. Even the slightest evidence of its existence was extremely valuable.

Xanye only wanted confirmation from Kurt. As he said, even if the Monkey Family could unseal it, they couldn’t re-seal it. The bloodline of the Holy Grail only existed in the Wolf family. Despite attempts at intermarriage, the Monkey Family couldn’t extract that mystical bloodline. Given this, unless they could annex the Wolf Family, the World Dragon was a threat rather than hope.

Being refused by the astrologer was expected. Xanye didn’t persist, putting the crystal ball back into the silk bag. The bag had a secondary seal to block its aura. Once closed, the unsettling energy that had made everyone’s head ache disappeared.

This was the Wolf’s territory, and Xanye didn’t want to press further in Khalif’s presence. She decisively gave up.

Khalif, however, looked thoughtful. This astrologer, though not worldly, wasn’t naive either. He had revealed little useful information. But no matter. The Monkey Family was always cautious and stingy, unable to offer a reward worthy of an astrologer.

Khalif planned to return later that night to see the astrologer alone.

Adan waited at the end of the corridor. After escorting Khalif and Xanye away, he returned.

“It’s one in the afternoon. Would you like some tea and biscuits?” he asked.

Kurt, still in a daze, replied, “Ah… yes, please, a pot of tea.”

During the awkward meeting, several things had caught Kurt’s attention. Since being brought to White Bridge, he hadn’t calculated anything. They had assigned a servant to clean his room regularly, but Kurt suspected even his hair would be examined, let alone his notes.

But it didn’t matter. No one knew Kurt could perform calculations in his head. Using pen and paper was just quicker and felt more formal. He had considered writing nonsense to provoke the Wolf Family, but the young man assigned to serve him seemed kind and stressed by his role as a spy. Considering himself kind-hearted, Kurt refrained to avoid getting the boy in trouble.

Otherwise, dealing with a less scrupulous person would be more troublesome.

Kurt smiled at the young man who brought in a tray. “Is it cinnamon tea? Thank you, Jim.”

……

“Awen? I know him.” Jason sat on a large rock, his muscles still steaming. It was break time, and most people were gathered in small groups, eating and talking.

“He’s a tall, quiet guy. Apparently, he’s friends with your brother,” Eugene said.

Jason looked like he was about to jump off the rock, but he restrained himself. “That’s him! So, Jim is still alive?”

Thank the heavens. He had heard many death rumors, some confirmed, but no one knew how those names had leaked from the inner city or if they were all accurate (and complete). Jason, who hadn’t heard from his brother in a long time, didn’t want Jim to be among those names, but the uncertainty was torturous.

This was the best news he’d heard in these chaotic days. He had been overwhelmed by people’s sad stories, barely holding himself together.

Emotions spread quickly among people, amplifying as they went. Jason sensed that the negative feelings would soon reach a breaking point, but he had no idea what to do about it.

After all, if there was anything more terrifying than death, it was the death of a loved one.

Eugene quickly added, “Don’t worry. He’s probably fine. Before the auction, he was a napkin attendant at Green Shade Villa.”

“And then he disappeared,” Jason said sharply. “Taken away. Of all times, during the auction. He must have been assigned to serve ‘external’ guests.”

Eugene fell silent. Hollow reassurances were useless. Jason, a resident of Paradise Island and part of White Bridge, understood what could happen during the auction better than these outsiders.

“Can you help me?” Jason suddenly grabbed Eugene’s arm. “I shouldn’t ask, but Jim is my only family. I need to find him.”

Eugene said, “The inner city is complicated. Even if I help you get in, finding Jim will be difficult.”

“At least let me meet Awen,” Jason insisted. “I know him. Seeing me will remind him of more details.”

---

The author has something to say:

Let me explain why Jim, and not someone from the Wolf Family, was chosen to approach Kurt.

First, no Wolf Family member has the necessary skills to serve someone. They’d rather die. This is also to make Kurt less wary.

Second, Jim, who learned to serve upper-class people and read and write (rare among lower classes) while dating a young master, aligns well with Kurt’s needs for astrological calculations.

---

<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 冬瓜茶仙人 / Winter Melon Tea Immortal

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

---

Chapter 143

Khalif stood in front of a wall, admiring a painting hanging there.

It was the work of an unknown artist, titled “Hope”, but its content had little to do with the title. The artist had subversively placed heaven between two deep gorges, with a faint light emerging from the horizon and devils with black wings peering down from above.

The theme of swapping the places of heaven and hell was quite avant-garde. If this were placed in a city governed by the church, this painting alone would be enough to condemn its creator to death.

“Oh, this painting looks really scary,” Xanye said softly, her tone lacking genuine fear. But Khalif enjoyed her overtly pretentious behavior and laughed heartily.

“Is this something Adan brought from your place?” he joked. “I remember there was a white marble statue here last year.”

“We revere God too much to collect such paintings.” Xanye almost leaned completely against Khalif. “This is… ah, very disrespectful to God.”

One of the officers standing behind them had a slightly pale face, finding it hard to relate to their contrived conversation.

The Monkey Family’s love for black magic wasn’t new, but the Wolf had recently issued an order to remove all protective charms from the guest villas.

Typically, those who paid attention to details would carry basic protective items while traveling, but if any carefree noble disregarded this old tradition, their house would be open to all sorts of unknown entities.

As a member of the Wolf family, he couldn’t question or oppose the family head’s decisions at work, but many, including himself, took extra protective measures in their private lives.

This wasn’t considered disobedience. Khalif wasn’t tyrannical enough to interfere in the private lives of family members. Because of this, many high-ranking members had already sent their wives and children to live outside White Bridge under the guise of vacationing. Those with insufficient status and wealth, like himself, strictly forbade their families from moving around at night.

Lord Khalif was unaware of how much his orders made everyone nervous, fearing that the increasingly brazen black magic from the Monkey Family might affect the guests. If it only swallowed destitute drunkards or those from the giant trash heap, it would be one thing, but what if it accidentally targeted a truly wealthy and powerful guest?

Luxury and confidentiality had always been the foundation of White Bridge’s standing on the continent. If its reputation collapsed, could the Wolf family continue its glory?

His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of hurried footsteps. He glanced up and stepped aside to make way for the newcomer.

“Lord Khalif.” Adan, with his thick eyebrows and big eyes, greeted Khalif before nodding to Xanye. “Miss Xanye.”

Xanye’s coquettish expression turned cold, and she remained silent, clearly not intending to return the greeting. But Adan didn’t mind. He stepped forward to stand by Khalif’s side.

“We currently have three sufficiently powerful guests interested in the astrologer and eager to meet him. Many others have requested to see him before the final auction, but per your instructions, I’ve refused and reserved two slots for the last two days.”

Khalif turned to Xanye. “Shall we go see him then?”

Xanye squeezed his arm. “But I want to see the astrologer alone. You know women have many secrets.”

“Absolutely not. I won’t let you be alone with any man in the same room,” Khalif said. “Only women would be interested in an astrologer. That Countess was the same. But I don’t believe in those nebulous prophecies. If it weren’t for your interest, I wouldn’t bother coming—unless it’s just to see what my highest-priced auction item looks like.”

“Fine,” Xanye said, a bit displeased. “We’ll go together.”

Adan lowered his eyes, pretending not to notice the couple’s constant touching and teasing while they talked.

Although it resembled the passionate performances in many clubs, the actors were a major leader and an enchantress, leaving the spectators’ heads buzzing rather than anything else.

“The astrologer resides on the fifth level, under the highest security,” Adan said, leaving the other officers behind to lead the way personally.

“Isn’t the fifth level a warehouse?” Khalif asked casually.

“Yes,” Adan replied without breaking stride. “The fifth underground level is usually used to store items that can’t be exposed to air. We decided during a meeting that it was the safest place for him.”

No windows, only doors, deep underground, with even the air feeling thick and stale—they believed this would most effectively suppress the astrologer’s abilities.

After all, this was a professional who could find truths in stars, wind directions, and shadows. Even though the astrologer appeared as gentle and frail as a high school teacher, Adan, under immense pressure from the auction, chose the most secure method.

Because this was the Wolf’s most important item of the year.

Khalif stopped asking questions. As they descended the circular staircase, it grew darker, despite the many lights on the walls. Khalif idly squeezed Xanye’s soft hand, his mind calculating other matters.

His disdain for the astrologer was for show. He actually had questions to ask but planned to meet the astrologer alone in secret.

With Xanye present, it was hard to speak freely. Khalif knew many thought he was besotted with Xanye, which was laughable. His apparent indulgence was merely because she was currently the most useful person.

Besides, he was very interested in why Xanye wanted to meet the astrologer. As long as he was present, nothing she asked would be hidden. If it happened to be one of the Monkey Family’s closely guarded secrets, all the better. Khalif wouldn’t have opened his core desire to a second person if the Holy Grail and time reversal didn’t involve magic, which was the Monkey’s forte.

Adan kept his breathing light, counting steps as they reached the end of the corridor where Astrologer Kurt was kept.

Originally, there were no rooms on this lowest level. They had converted an office into a livable space and, under heavy security, made it as comfortable as possible. It was ironic—they treated the astrologer like cattle for sale but still held a reverence for his mysterious powers, not daring to be too harsh.

Of course, the astrologer might not appreciate this gesture.

Adan slipped his hand into a small, bat-shaped hole next to the iron door. A mechanism triggered, causing a sharp, cold pain as if a carnivorous animal was licking him. Adan’s expression didn’t change, but he wiped his bleeding fingers with a handkerchief once he withdrew his hand.

This door’s “lock” was similar to the auction storage, opening only with Khalif’s or Adan’s blood. As the highest-ranking official under Khalif at the auction, Adan didn’t like this method. It might also offend the astrologer inside, who once said, “In an unventilated place, the smell of blood lingers for a long time.”

…He hoped Khalif wouldn’t be too rough with the astrologer. The man looked too delicate and weak, and he was one of the few who could read the stars. Speaking harshly to him felt like a sin.

Adan pushed open the seemingly heavy but smoothly gliding door and entered a narrow antechamber before knocking twice on the second oak door.

A hesitant voice came from within. “…Please come in?”

Adan turned the doorknob, stepped back, and let Khalif and Xanye enter.

“Wait outside,” Khalif said to Adan as he passed, then led Xanye in.

Astrologer Kurt, praised and pursued by many, was inside.

Khalif and Xanye looked at the young man reclining in the chair. He looked back at them and then smiled almost amiably.

“Hello,” Kurt said.

Khalif found it amusing.

He didn’t believe the astrologer could be unaware of his situation. Although Adan was clever, his gentlemanly nature made him want to reason with everyone, even as a kidnapper, explaining everything clearly.

But this man didn’t seem to be collapsing. Despite being held underground in White Bridge, he appeared composed.

Meeting Khalif, he showed neither fear nor the expected arrogance. As an astrologer, he was inherently noble, with no need to bow even before a king.

“Hello,” Khalif said with interest as Xanye closed the door behind him.

“Do you know who I am?” he asked.

Kurt thought for a moment. “I don’t know your name. Perhaps you are the current leader of the Wolf Family?”

Khalif hinted, “So, even without windows, the stars can tell you the answer?”

“Oh, not really.” Kurt spread his hands casually. “That’s a stereotype. Astrologers don’t always calculate answers. It was just simple reasoning. Mr. Adan said he’s in charge of the White Bridge auction. Someone who leads him and waits outside must be higher-ranked. So, you must be either the head of the Wolf or Monkey family.”

It had been long known that the Monkey’s head was reportedly on his deathbed, so Kurt figured it had to be the Wolf leader.

Although years of seclusion had left his social skills far behind those of the rabbit-headed shopkeeper, Kurt still understood the principle of not speaking ill to someone’s face. Therefore, he wisely refrained from expressing his disdain for the elderly members of the two families.

“My name is Khalif,” Khalif said, sitting opposite him. “Forgive me for being too busy to greet you earlier.”

Kurt blinked, at a loss for words.

What discussion could be had between a hostage and a kidnapper? He didn’t know.

But they seemed to expect him to say something… What should he say? Did he miss his chance to throw a tantrum or righteously condemn their actions of auctioning him against his will?

But the whole world treated astrologers this way, and a passionate speech would only exhaust him without gaining his release.

He hesitated before asking, “Did you come today to have your fortune read before someone buys me?”

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The author has something to say:

Imprisonment doesn’t work on homebodies.

Kurt: Do you want to buy a book? Signed copies available.

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