Audrey's Beauty

On Thursday morning, Hobart accompanied Barton in the Law Firm's carriage to Earl Hall's Residence.

In the carriage, Barton introduced, "Earl Hall is a noble with far-reaching vision and a wise mind. While most lords are still living off their land and family estates, Earl Hall has already been actively investing in banking and emerging industries."

Hobart nodded. Wasn't he Justice's father? Hobart still remembered him somewhat.

Barton sighed. "The reforms in the Loen Kingdom over the past few years have been like a sieve. Some nobles seized this opportunity to gain greater wealth and political status, while most nobles declined.

"However, nobles care greatly about appearances. Even if they have disputes among themselves, their first thought is to settle them privately through negotiation. If they truly go to Courtroom, it means both sides have completely fallen out and are willing to disregard the dignity of being nobles for the sake of some wealth and assets."

Barton was deeply trusted by Earl Hall. Whenever the earl had an important transaction or partnership, he would ask Barton to review the contract. If he encountered any economic disputes, he would also seek Barton's opinion.

Hobart had seen Earl Hall's Residence from afar before. It had not seemed particularly remarkable from the outside, but once he entered, he realized that the earl's residence was far larger than he had imagined.

Just beyond the entrance was an enormous garden, with sculptures, fountains, a vast lawn, and carefully trimmed landscape trees.

Lawns were a symbol of nobility in this era. Ordinary households would not plant grass, because it brought no profit and required effort to maintain.

Only nobles, who did not rely on such land for their livelihood, would choose to grow grass.

Gradually, lawns became a symbol of nobility and wealth.

Hobart and Barton rode their carriage to an imposing three-story European-style building, where Earl Hall's Butler was already waiting outside the door.

The Butler politely exchanged a few words of small talk with Barton, while not forgetting to praise Hobart's handsome appearance.

Only then did Barton and Hobart enter under the Butler's guidance. Inside was a magnificent hall, with many works by artists hanging on the walls and furnishings that were mostly priceless antiques.

Earl Hall was waiting outside a Reception Room. Although time had left obvious marks on him, he remained strikingly handsome. One could imagine that in his youth, he must have been a noble who captivated countless girls.

"Mr. Barton, you always look so well," Earl Hall said with a smile. "Is this your new assistant?"

"You look as radiant as the morning sun, bringing warmth to everyone around you," Barton replied with small talk. "Yes, Earl. He is an outstanding student at Backlund University, a very fine young man."

Earl Hall examined Hobart. Black hair, dark eyes, handsome features, and especially a sunny, open smile, like a young man from next door dropping by for a visit.

"Only when I see such outstanding young people do I truly feel that I am old," Earl Hall said with a sigh. "Please, come in."

"Father!" A crisp call stopped all three of them. They turned toward the sound.

Hobart saw a peerless beauty walking gracefully toward him. She had golden hair and emerald eyes, her long hair lustrous as gold, her bearing pure and elegant, and her green eyes like the purest gemstones.

Hobart could not help staring. She was undoubtedly the most beautiful young lady he had ever seen in both his lives.

Barton cleared his throat as a reminder, and Hobart finally came back to his senses. Somewhat embarrassed, he said, "My apologies, Earl, and to this beautiful young lady as well. Your beauty has left me stunned."

Earl Hall smiled. "There is nothing to apologize for. The pursuit of beauty is part of a gentleman's refinement."

This incomparably beautiful young lady was naturally Miss Justice, Audrey.

Hobart sighed inwardly. No wonder even Klein had lost his composure a little when he first met Audrey and wondered whether she might be a Witch. She truly was beautiful beyond reason.

The earl asked Audrey as she approached, "My beautiful daughter, what do you need from me?"

"Hello, Mr. Barton." Her excellent upbringing led Audrey to greet Barton warmly first, and she did not forget to give Hobart a gentle smile.

Only then did she say to Earl Hall, "Father, after you finish discussing business, may I ask Mr. Barton a few questions in private?"

"Of course," Earl Hall said with an indulgent expression.

Barton also said, "Beautiful young lady, it would be my honor."

He continued, "Please allow me to introduce my assistant, Hobart. He is a student in the Law Department at Backlund University. If you wish to inquire about legal matters, I believe Hobart can be of service to you."

Earl Hall smiled. "It seems you have high expectations for this young man."

Barton nodded. "Yes."

Hearing their conversation, Hobart was slightly taken aback. He roughly understood that Barton was recommending him to the earl's next generation.

In Loen's legal circles, only students or assistants whom a Great Lawyer considered highly promising would be recommended to their primary clients or their clients' descendants.

It was somewhat like being a closed-door disciple.

But the problem was that Hobart believed he might leave the Law Firm once he had digested the Potion. Why was Barton nurturing him like this?

However, this was not the time to think about it. Hobart gave Audrey a slight bow. "I would be pleased to serve you."

Audrey clearly did not trust Hobart very much, but out of respect for Mr. Barton, she said, "Very well, Mr. Hobart. Please follow me."

Watching the two young people leave, Earl Hall smiled. "Perhaps I should consider finding a young man as an assistant as well."

He sighed. "Being young is wonderful. It always makes one feel so full of vitality. Even I feel filled with strength now."

Barton smiled. "Then let us begin our work."

The two spoke as they entered the Reception Room.

Meanwhile, Audrey led Hobart into the garden. Yet even the most beautiful flowers there seemed to pale beside Audrey.

Walking ahead, Audrey asked, "Mr. Hobart, have you handled any Criminal Cases?"

Hobart froze. He could hardly say that he had handled only one case in total. "I have studied many related cases and can help you analyze the matter and offer suggestions. If it needs to be settled in Courtroom, Mr. Barton can represent you."

Audrey lightly frowned before continuing, "I have a friend. During a conflict, she accidentally crippled her opponent..."

Miss Justice, that friend wouldn't happen to be Xue, would she?