Fors's Speculation

Hobart's intimidation was perfectly suited for dealing with a scoundrel like DakHorm.

Ordinary threats would not have concerned DakHorm. The moment he saw Zachary and his own letter, most of his psychological defenses had already crumbled.

Moreover, through the intelligence he had gathered, he vaguely knew of the Beyonder World. After hearing Hobart's words and seeing the potions he had taken out, although he did not know what they were, an Ordinary person's spirituality made him feel even more keenly that the contents of those small bottles were far from simple.

Thus, the last remnants of DakHorm's psychological defenses also collapsed. "I-I only know this much. I also know, I also know that Hayman seems to possess many magical abilities!

"H-He accidentally revealed that he seemed to have dealings with a farmer named Hillman in the southern Suburbs!

"He also said that he found a clue to a treasure at 37 Minsk Street!

"That's all, that's really all!"

Hobart nodded in satisfaction. "That's more like it!"

He put away the potions and powders. "If someone claiming to be Hayman's Companion contacts you, tell him that we have interrogated you many times. Your injured leg is proof.

"You do not need to send us a message. When we come to the Azalea Bar, just say, 'The goods you ordered earlier have arrived,' and we will understand."

Hobart and Xue stood up together, and DakHorm hurriedly asked, "Then what?"

I haven't figured that out either! Hobart merely said, "That is not something you should ask."

He seemed to recall something. "By the way, where did you learn to read, write, and study grammar?"

"I attended Grammar School when I was young." DakHorm gave a bitter smile. "Later, my father's business failed, and we had no choice but to move to the East End.

"Sir, to be honest, I dream of returning to the South Bridge District, to my old home.

"But when I went back to look, another family was already living there. It had long ceased to be the home I remembered."

Another "business failure." Small merchants these days truly went bankrupt far too easily.

Hobart looked over the furnishings of the house. No wonder DakHorm's residence seemed so out of place in the East End. Then he marveled at Hayman's meticulous arrangements. Former members of the middle class like DakHorm would be more desperate than East End residents to live, or rather return to, a middle-class life.

Only intense desire could be more easily controlled and exploited by Hayman.

Hobart took a deep breath and, as he walked out, repeated something he had once said to Veil. "Do fewer things that destroy your conscience, and perhaps you will live a few more years."

"Sir, thank you for the reminder."

Accompanied by DakHorm's words of thanks, Hobart and Xue came out onto the street.

Xue quietly discussed it with Hobart. "I remember you said yesterday that during the Spirit Communication with Zachary, Hayman mentioned Bishop Hillman. Could he be...?"

Hobart replied in a low voice, "It is unlikely that Hayman accidentally revealed such important information. He must have had a purpose in doing so. We must not let him use us!

"Besides, Hillman is very likely connected to the Aurora Society. For your safety and mine, we will investigate this case no further!"

Xue had thought the same. She let out a long breath. "This has been the most convoluted and dangerous commission I have ever experienced."

If she had not worked with Hobart, she might still have been going in circles around DakHorm. She would never have found Hayman, nor would she have found Zachary.

Hobart smiled. "But the reward is quite substantial as well."

Commissions involving the Beyonder World might bring money quickly, but they were also dangerous. It would be best to take on fewer such commissions for now.

Hobart added, "You are attending Mr. A's gathering today?"

"Yes. Yesterday, I... I thought about it for a long time. Although Mr. A is dangerous, the gathering itself should be safe." Xue said, "So we plan to attend it as usual."

Hobart continued, "Can you bring me along?"

Xue froze slightly. "Y-You do not already have a reliable gathering?"

Hobart smiled. "The more gatherings like this one attends, the better."

Xue nodded. "All right. After lunch, we will go meet up with my friend."

Naturally, she understood that Hobart had contributed more than she had during this collaboration. If they split the spoils evenly, it would not be fair to Hobart.

Bringing Hobart to Mr. A's gathering was also a way of repaying the favor.

Without yesterday's tense atmosphere, Hobart and Xue began chatting casually. Yet they tacitly remained cautious and did not reveal specific information about themselves.

The two chatted happily, but Fors, following behind them, felt the urge to bite her Fingernails.

She had to remain constantly alert while following them, and she also had to guard against Hobart suddenly making a move.

Fortunately, the worst-case scenario she had imagined did not occur. Hobart did not seem to harbor any ill intentions.

But that was strange. Why would he have no ill intentions? Watching the two of them talk, Fors seemed to realize something. Could it be? Could this brat have taken a liking to Xue? Though Xue was not tall, she had a beautiful face and a rare air of youthful innocence. She fit the tastes of certain perverted Nobles perfectly.

No, no. She had to find an opportunity to warn Xue not to be fooled. Young masters like Hobart loved deceiving innocent Girls' feelings the most.

When Hobart was not paying attention, Xue left a message for her friend, explaining that Hobart would also be attending the afternoon gathering.

Fors covered her forehead. It's over, it's over. Xue may already have fallen for him.

Still, according to their prior arrangement, she carried the small suitcase to Viscount Glynt's residence to meet Xue.

1,600 pounds! It was the largest sum of money she and Xue had ever seen. Naturally, she could not let it out of her sight.

Two rental carriages stopped at the entrance to the viscount's residence almost simultaneously. The short Xue introduced the two. "This is my good friend, Fors. Fors, this is Hobart, whom I mentioned to you."

Fors said coldly, "Mr. Hobart, pleased to meet you."

Hobart paused slightly. "Miss Fors, from the way you look, it seems knowing me is not something that makes you happy."

So this was Miss Magician? She was probably a little over five feet tall, dressed in a high-collared long dress. Her brown curly hair hung somewhat messily over her shoulders, and her pale blue eyes were filled with exhaustion.

Hobart said meaningfully, "Miss Fors, you do not Looked very well."

Fors said somewhat impatiently, "Isn't it because..."

She took a deep breath before saying coldly, "Sorry, I need to speak with Xue alone."

Without waiting for Hobart's response, she grabbed Xue and left.

Hobart grew even more baffled. He watched the two ladies whispering to each other nearby, occasionally glancing his way.

"They must be badmouthing me," Hobart muttered softly.

Just then, Xue shouted, "Oh, Fors, has a curly-haired baboon taken up residence in your head?"