Thanks to the efforts of the Countess's guard, Kirk Street retained its usual tranquility and vitality that morning.
The newsboys' cries woke one household after another like alarm clocks. Mothers began preparing breakfast, while fathers went out to buy newspapers as usual.
Neighbors who knew one another well exchanged greetings in their yards.
When Old Charlie had been there, he had always greeted the neighbors with a warm, enthusiastic smile.
Arthur did the same after taking his place-except that, as Arthur's reputation had soared over the past two weeks, the neighbors' smiles always grew a little stiff when they saw him.
And they would quickly retreat indoors, using all sorts of methods and excuses.
That morning was no exception-
"Morning!"
"M-morning! Sorry, I need to use the bathroom!"
Arthur waved to his next-door neighbor, Mr. Duer, who supposedly worked at a trading company as a middle manager. After stammering out a reply, Mr. Duer turned and hurried back inside. In Arthur's memories, the rather talkative Mr. Duer would always drag Old Charlie into a conversation lasting ten minutes or even longer whenever they met.
Nothing like this.
Ah, those days are gone for good...
Arthur sighed and turned his gaze toward Mr. Bernice, who had reached the gate with his steward and three bodyguards.
"Morning!"
Arthur smiled at Bernice.
The wealthy merchant would not flee in panic like Mr. Duer.
Instead, he smiled and said-
"Did you foresee my arrival?
Your abilities truly leave me in awe, Mr. Credos!"
Gone were his earlier caution and wariness.
After yesterday's experience, the wealthy merchant was clearly much friendlier.
Of course, the more important reason was that he needed a favor.
Arthur knew that perfectly well.
"If getting up early to read counts as 'foresight,' then South Los must have several thousand 'prophets.'"