Investment and Price

After listening to Will's words, Altair began to ponder the nature of fate. In his Original World, there were also those who held certain understandings of "fate." For example:

"Fatalism," found in some religious Doctrines, posits that fate is predetermined and follows an unchangeable trajectory.

"Voluntarism" argues that fate is shaped by individual choices, efforts, and environment. Humans possess agency and can alter their life's path through action.

"Compromise Theory" suggests that fate comprises both a "predetermined framework" and "variable space." Factors like birth and talent are foundational conditions, but within this framework, individual decisions and struggles can expand life's possibilities.

In the world of "Mysteries," however, "fate" is understood not as a fixed trajectory, but as a torrent woven from countless possibilities.

Extraordinaries can use their sequence abilities and divination rituals to glimpse or slightly influence the direction of fate. However, attempting to alter high-level fate lines will invite an unbearable "Fate's Backlash."

After finishing his ice cream, Will looked at Altair, who was still lost in thought, and said, "You don't need to think so much. What's destined 'fate' will happen inevitably. It's just the way it happens that matters. Heh heh. That's where people's choices come in."

"It's like how I 'prophesied' your family would rise. But when it would rise, and how, that requires your own efforts."

Hearing about the "prophecy," Altair asked curiously, "Regarding the prophecy about my family, it mentioned we would rise through means other than being a 'Hunter.' But the 'family' has had many people choose other paths, only for them to die mysteriously not long after."

"Mm," Will nodded, then shook his head. "That's right, it basically all fits. But one point is wrong: those people didn't die mysteriously. The Main Reason was that your family wanted the 'prophecy' to happen sooner, thus causing the deaths of those individuals."

"Fate's gifts always come with a price. Those people couldn't bear the cost of fate arriving early, and death became the best release."

After hearing Will's explanation, Altair tapped his fingers on the table repeatedly. He suddenly stopped, as if struck by an idea, and asked, "What do you need me to do?"

Will smiled. "I thought you wouldn't notice. It's nothing major, I just need you to provide me with some help within your capabilities in the future."

"Although you are special, you can't yet block others from investigating you. When the 'Storm Church' was investigating you, I happened to discover it and dealt with it for you. I feel fortunate for that decision back then."

"Of course, I also know that matter wasn't a big deal for you, easily resolved. I can give you some compensation."

Will looked up and thought for a moment before saying to Altair, "You will rise completely through a transaction. As for what transaction, I don't know."

"Is this a prophecy?" Altair blinked, asking curiously.

Will nodded.

"What kind of prophecy is this?" Altair muttered to himself at this moment.

Altair, unwilling to give up, asked, "Are there any other hints?"

Will didn't speak but shook his head.

Before Altair could ask further questions, Will stood up and said, "I've already taught her the 'Method of Acting.' She can just act normally from now on."

"If you need anything, you can contact me via 'Paper Crane.' Let's meet less in person. I need to go back, or my mother will worry. Goodbye."

Not long after Will left, Vera woke up, her face filled with panic. She said to Altair, "Count Altair, I just dreamed of a Great Serpent in my dream. He explained a lot of knowledge about acting to me. Is this dangerous?"

Altair turned to look at Vera, his "lucky" Maid. He felt an indescribable envy. Little Snake personally teaching her the Method of Acting? What kind of treatment was that?

Seeing Altair's strange gaze, Vera silently lowered her head, her eyes starting to redden, looking as if she were about to cry.

This was mainly because Altair feared Vera would be affected by the "Monster's" high spirituality and see things she shouldn't. Thus, he had often instilled in her stories of "curiosity killed the cat."

Seeing Vera's state, Altair lost interest in teasing her. "It's okay, Vera. That Great Serpent was just teaching you acting normally, there was no malice."

"Really?" Vera, who was silently grieving, looked up at Altair and asked, "Really? Count Altair."

Seeing her expression, Altair said with heartache, "It's true, don't worry."

Once Vera's mood returned to normal, she immediately noticed that the ice cream she had ordered had completely melted.

She then looked at Altair with pitiful eyes, conveying that she needed another order of ice cream to soothe her wounded soul with dessert.

The result was that Altair had the waiter bring her another serving of ice cream. Vera then happily ate the ice cream in her bowl.

After Vera finished eating, the time was infinitely close to noon.

Altair chose to pay and leave. A total of eight ice creams, three small cakes, and two pots of sweet iced tea. It wasn't much, costing only 9 Sule and 8 Pence.

The largest expense on the bill was the ice cream, which often cost around 1 Sule per serving. However, considering the presentation of those ice creams, Altair felt the price was reasonable. They had complex decorations, accompanied by pastries and toppings.

When the Carriage arrived home, Altair got out and entered the hall. A Servant reported that Vivian was waiting for him in the dining room for their meal.

As Altair removed his coat and hat and entered the dining room, he found Vivian in her pajamas, supporting her head with her hand, looking bored. He said as he walked, "When did you wake up? If you were hungry, you could have eaten without waiting for me."

Vivian reacted, straightened up, and looked up with a smile. "I haven't been up long. And when you left this morning, you said you'd be back for a meal, so I waited a bit longer. I asked the kitchen to make your favorite Fepot Noodles."

As Altair approached, the two shared a passionate kiss. They were forced to break apart only when the Maid brought lunch into the dining room, and they began to eat, chatting as they did.

Vivian stirred her Fepot Noodles with her fork and asked, "Was the person you met today very special? You seemed quite conflicted when you left."

Altair nodded and stated directly, "Very special. It's mainly due to ancestral connections, and we haven't been in contact for so long that the sudden invitation surprised me."