“She?”
Siles froze slightly, almost instinctively associating this with Brewer’s fiancée.
Was it his fiancée who killed him?
Carol rubbed his finger where he had previously worn the crown ring and said, “Your fiancée?”
“Yes… her,” Brewer said hoarsely. “I, loved her. She, loved me too. So, she killed me.”
Siles listened in silence. Based on the current information, besides knowing that Brewer’s fiancée was the murderer, they knew nothing else. What they understood even less was, why did Brewer have this attitude?
Why did he let his fiancée kill him?
Carol stared at Brewer thoughtfully, finally asking straightforwardly, “What did they want you to do?”
“A… vessel,” Brewer said with difficulty, his voice sounding as if it would fall apart the next second. “I… was unwilling. I would rather, die. My family… that is a… vessel.”
“A vessel?”
Siles and Carol said in unison.
“A vessel… to revive… the Old Gods…” Brewer murmured, his voice gradually weakening. “The archives, are, the path. They wanted… a… vessel…”
As the sound of the last two words trailed off, Brewer slowly closed his eyes as well.
The wind scattered his final breath.
Siles and Carol fell silent at the same time.
Finally, it was Carol who stood up first and said, “It seems the mastermind intended to use Brewer as a vessel to awaken an Old God.”
Siles said in a troubled tone, “Can humans become vessels for the Old Gods?”
“I don’t know either.” Carol shrugged. “This is my first time hearing of anything related to vessels. That group of Old God followers seems to have come up with some new concept.”
Siles wanted to ask something but didn’t know where to start.
Carol shook his head. “Let’s talk about it this afternoon. We should head back first and wait for the results of the investigation on the Darrow family’s end.”
“Alright,” Siles said.
They bid farewell to the police officers and left together in a carriage. The weather was growing increasingly hot. Siles opened the window on the side of the carriage, which finally brought a trace of fresh coolness into the stuffy cabin.
They remained silent throughout the journey.
By the time they returned to Lamifa City, it was nearly twelve o’clock. Siles and Carol had a meal together near Atherton Square and then returned to the History Society.
Carol led Siles to an office on another corridor within the space behind the door on the top floor.
“The internal structure of the History Society is also a part of the introductory course. You all will learn about it later. In the space behind the door, different corridors actually correspond to different departments,” Carol said casually. “The one you’ve always gone to is the First Corridor, and we are now in the Second Corridor.
“The end of every corridor leads to the same place, which is the gathering place for Revelators I mentioned to you before. We call it the ‘Salon’.
“Right, by the way, without me leading you, it would be impossible for you to enter the Second Corridor. To you, it would be just like what that door is to ordinary people—you would completely ignore the existence of this corridor, thinking it was just an ordinary painting or a set of cabinets.
“The Second Corridor corresponds to the Revelators Danger Handling Center… or a name somewhat similar to that. But we can’t say that to outsiders. Anyway, we just call this place the Second Corridor.”
Siles said, “I understand.”
Carol didn’t say much more and pushed open the door to that office. The room number on the door was 333. From inside, a noisy, enthusiastic, and clamorous sound could be heard.
There were quite a few desks neatly arranged inside, about over a dozen, all piled high with files and documents. Everyone seemed to be talking, arguing, or debating something, making the atmosphere in this office extremely loud.
Carol pushed the door open and came in, making them pause temporarily.
“Who are you looking for?” someone asked concisely.
Carol said, “About the Darrow family.”
“Oh, oh, that’s me.” A young woman raised her hand. She hurriedly pulled a document out from a desk piled high with papers, then navigated through the others, came to the door, and looked at Carol. “I’m the one who went there.”
The three of them left this office and went to an empty office next door.
“Good noon, Ms. Bernie,” Carol said. “Tell me about the situation over there.”
“Just call me Clarissa,” Clarissa Bernie said somewhat shyly. She then picked up that file. “The Darrow family no longer exists, I’m sorry.”
Carol slightly furrowed his brow.
Clarissa said softly, “I know he was a Revelator you were guiding. Brewer Darrow, along with his parents, grandparents, his two older sisters, his younger sister, as well as the family’s servants and the old butler, have now all been confirmed dead.”
“How did they die?”
Clarissa wore a troubled expression. After a moment, she said, “Just like Brewer Darrow, they were all killed with a single fatal strike.”
Carol took a soft breath and said, “Clarissa, quite an extraordinary case has truly occurred in Lamifa City.”
Clarissa nodded.
Siles listened in silence on the side, not voicing any opinions. To say he was extremely sad and heartbroken over what happened to Brewer Darrow would be unlikely; Brewer was his classmate, but they hadn’t been that close.
Pity, regret, and slight annoyance, yes. If he could have realized something was wrong earlier, or let Mrs. Fuller and Angela know about the anomaly with Brewer’s fiancée sooner, things might not have escalated to such a tragic degree.
Wiped out entirely. Siles thought. This method was far too bloody and mad, making him unavoidably question the mental state of the murderer.
Just like Carol had mentioned, and just like what Siles had experienced, was it a sort of calm madness?
Carol asked again, “Besides Brewer, did anyone else’s body have traces of post-mortem mutilation?”
Clarissa shook her head and added, “Everyone’s body was in the Darrow residence. The bloodstains have been confirmed; that was the primary crime scene. However, it’s uncertain whether Brewer Darrow was killed at home.”
Carol murmured, “Then, why was Brewer’s body thrown into the desolate outskirts?”
Clarissa said, “That is still unclear.”
They fell silent for a time.
After a moment, Carol nodded to Clarissa and said, “Go back to your work, thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” Clarissa smiled a bit shyly and then left.
It was already past one in the afternoon. Siles and Carol walked together towards Room 666. In the corridor, Carol asked, “What do you think is the truth behind this incident?”
Siles organized his thoughts. “The followers of the Old Gods learned of the records in the Darrow family’s archives, then kidnapped Brewer, intending to use him as a vessel to awaken an Old God. But Brewer refused, so they chose to wipe out the Darrow family to silence them.
“…There are many doubtful points in this, such as who these Old God followers are, which Old God they wanted to resurrect, why Brewer could serve as a vessel, and why they would act so ruthlessly, drawing the authorities’ attention.
“For instance… where did the Old God followers learn of the existence of the Darrow family’s archives?”
Carol suddenly stopped in his tracks.
Siles also stopped, turned sideways, and looked at him silently, before saying, “You suspect me.”
Carol stared at Siles for a moment, then laughed and said, “To be frank, yes, I am suspecting you.”
“That’s normal,” Siles said calmly. “After all, among the information you currently know, Brewer did tell me about his family’s archives.”
Carol nodded, and then he added, “Besides, you are a research scholar. Even though I don’t want to say it so directly, but… do you know how many of these scholars have problems? It’s truly a staggering number.”
“…I know,” Siles said in a low voice.
Carol smiled and said, “Then, say something to clear your name? I’m not suspecting you that much, but we still have to speak with evidence.”
“From last Tuesday to Wednesday, the period when Brewer disappeared,” Siles said, “I was extremely busy and couldn’t possibly have had the time to be involved in Brewer’s disappearance. You can go to Lamifa University to investigate my whereabouts.”
Carol thought for a moment and said, “Indeed, you are a busy university professor. But, what if you hired someone else to do it?”
Siles looked at Carol with some distress. “Are you really suspecting me, or are you asking me to help you solve the case?”
He had already noticed that the History Society’s investigative style was vastly different from that of the Church of the Past. They were more like a pack of hounds… a group of police officers or detectives, sharp and persistent, placing great emphasis on logic.
Carol smiled and said, “I said, I don’t suspect you that much. You have no reason or opportunity to make a move against Brewer, but what you know is indeed our only breakthrough point.”
Siles pondered for a moment. “However, since we have already confirmed that the murderer is Brewer’s fiancée, and their engagement was decided a long time ago…
“Then, my hearing about the Darrow family’s archives on Monday shouldn’t have any connection or influence on the Old God followers’ plots against the Darrow family, right?
“Unless you can find evidence that I was connected to this family before Brewer was engaged to his fiancée. However, I truly met him for the first time at the History Society and heard the name Brewer Darrow then.”
Carol widened his eyes slightly, then laughed. “Professor Noel, you convinced me in an instant.”
Siles nodded calmly, unperturbed.
It was normal for him to be suspected for hearing about the Brewer family’s archives on Monday, because Brewer happened to disappear right after that; and it was equally natural for him to be cleared of suspicion because of the timing of that Monday.
Monday. At that moment, all fates had already been decided.
After clearing up these matters, Siles and Carol continued heading toward Room 666.
Carol said thoughtfully, “However, your explanation reminded me of something.”
“What?”
“Sunday. Why did Brewer’s fiancée meet with him? Once this matter leaked out, it would inevitably cause suspicion among the nobles, such as Mrs. Fuller and Angela, who heard about it.
“In other words, if something happened to Brewer, we, knowing about his meeting with his fiancée, would inevitably suspect her when working backward.
“Shouldn’t they have been more cautious?”
Siles pondered for a moment and said, “I have two guesses. The first is that they were already mad and bold enough not to care about the suspicious point of a private meeting before the engagement, but rather intended to make Brewer fall in love with his fiancée before the engagement, thereby ensuring the success of their plan.
“The second possibility is that Brewer’s fiancée and the other Old God followers had a divergence in their ideas.”
Carol caught on. “Indeed. The killer who struck a single fatal blow—that is, Brewer’s fiancée—and the others who mutilated the body post-mortem. Just from this behavior alone, one can see the divergence between them.”
“But…” Siles said. “They ultimately chose to kill. If Brewer was their chosen vessel, does that mean their plan this time has already failed? Perhaps they have already fled Lamifa City?”
Carol sighed and shook his head, adding, “It’s possible. But, we will still investigate this group of masterminds.”
They arrived at Room 666, and Carol pushed the door open and walked in.
Inside, the other four Revelators had already arrived. Mrs. Fuller and Angela sat together with heavy expressions, looking as if they already knew the fate of the Darrow family before coming.
On the other hand, Darrell and Eric seemed completely unaware, even looking at their companions in confusion.
Siles walked over, also sat down on the sofa, and remained silent.
Carol took a deep breath. “A piece of bad news that must be announced before this class begins. Brewer, along with his family members, have all met violent deaths not long ago.”
A dead silence fell over the room. Siles heard Darrell gasp sharply, and Angela let out a low exclamation of shock. He glimpsed Eric clenching his fists.
The only one maintaining calmness—solemnity—was Mrs. Fuller.
She sat there expressionlessly, and after a moment, said softly, “My condolences to him.”
After this sentence, the atmosphere in the room finally improved a bit. Carol also sat down, pondered for a moment, and told the people present the current results of the investigation.
Angela couldn’t help but ask, “If they really escaped, does that mean we will never be able to catch them?”
“Not necessarily,” Carol said. “However, followers of the Old Gods are indeed like rats in a sewer, very hard to catch.”
Hard, but not impossible.
Carol said somewhat seriously, “The most important thing is that we need to wait for them to show their hand.”
“…That fiancée?”
Carol said, “I’m afraid she is our only breakthrough point. At the very least, she did indeed appear at the engagement ceremony.”
They all fell into thought.
“Alright. There will be specialized people handling this matter.” Carol clapped his hands and said somewhat seriously, “If you want to personally participate, then perform well in the introductory course. After the introductory course ends, I will recommend you to different departments.”
“What departments are there?” Darrell asked eagerly.
“The Second Corridor, the Third Corridor, the Research Department, the Council of Elders, the Revelation Society…” Carol casually named a few. “After completing the introductory course, you will go to different departments to continue your in-depth study and research until you can stand on your own.
“Regarding these departments, this is also a part of your introductory course. Since the topic came up today, let’s talk about it.”
They all sat up straight, ready to listen attentively.
“Overall, the History Society is a very pragmatic, practical organization, whether it’s the parts related to Revelators or the unrelated parts,” Carol said.
He looked around and then said, “Take you for example. After joining the History Society, Revelators will go through four stages: introduction, learning, independent projects, and regularization. Only then can you be called a qualified Revelator.
“Of course, some exceptionally talented Revelators will finish this process in a very short time. Even without being regularized, they are already more powerful than regularized Revelators.
“Regularization is just in name; true strength is your own. You cannot get these priorities backward.”
Carol specially emphasized this point.
He then got down to business. “In the Revelators’ portion of the History Society, it is broadly divided into three branches: internal, external, and faculties.
“There is only one external branch, which is the Council of Elders I just mentioned. Most of the elders in the Council have deep seniority and immense strength, holding the right to speak within the History Society. The vice president is also among them.
“I wouldn’t recommend you go to the Council of Elders, by the way. Unless you have immense financial power or a prominent family history, only then can you win the favor of those old men.”
At this moment, Siles thought of what Carol had once told him about the tendency of some people in the History Society to “worship antiquity.”
It seemed the Council of Elders was not popular among young Revelators.
Carol touched on the topic lightly, then continued, “The internal branches are more complex. Administratively, they are divided into the First Corridor, the Second Corridor, the Third Corridor, and the Research Department.
“Calling them ‘corridors’ isn’t very formal, but it has become an accepted convention. The First Corridor is the administrative department, which also includes those of you who have just become Revelators.
“The Second Corridor is the investigative department, specifically responsible for investigating the dangers encountered by Revelators, as well as incidents involving Old God followers, Old God pollution, out-of-control Time Traces, and the like.
“The Third Corridor actually corresponds with the Research Department. The Third Corridor is the combat department and frequently collaborates with the Second Corridor. The Research Department, as the name suggests, studies the power of Revelators.
“Usually, the two departments that entry-level Revelators go to most often are the First and Second Corridors. The Third Corridor sees slightly fewer. The Research Department even fewer.”
Carol nodded towards Siles. “However, I will recommend Professor Noel to the Research Department.”
He purposely called Siles “Professor Noel” at this time, carrying a hint of teasing and respect. The others also let out good-natured laughter. From the first day Siles came to the History Society, he seemed to have already been connected with the Research Department.
“As for the faculties of the History Society,” Carol thought for a moment, “if you’ve joined university clubs, you should be able to understand. Faculties are similar in nature to clubs, small-scale organizations driven by interest.
“Different faculties have their own activity times and application methods. For the specific details, you can go to the Salon… which is the area at the end of the corridor, to check them out.”
They all nodded in understanding.
Angela asked curiously, “Carol, you also mentioned the Revelation Society just now. Is that a faculty?”
Carol froze, saying in surprise, “I mentioned the Revelation Society just now?” He suddenly burst into laughter. “Oh no, this wasn’t something you should know at this stage, but I accidentally let it slip.”
The others cooperatively laughed along.
Carol’s gaze subtly brushed over Siles.
Then, he said, “Well, since it’s already been mentioned, I’ll say a few more words. The Revelation Society, or rather, the Dawn Revelation Society, is a… uh, mysterious organization within the Society?
“It does belong to a faculty, but no one knows who founded this faculty or who its participants are. Anyone who joins the Revelation Society must not reveal their identity or appearance.”
Angela’s eyes lit up, looking very fond of the mysterious atmosphere of such an organization. She asked, “You just said faculties are driven by interest, so why was the Revelation Society established?”
Carol cleared his throat and said, “To await the revelation of the dawn.”
Angela waited for a moment, then said blankly, “That’s it?”
Carol nodded.
The others were speechless for a moment.
Angela was silent for a while, then asked in confusion, “It’s so mysterious… then why did you mention it, and even say it’s not something we can know at this time?”
“Because the Dawn Revelation Society… once did a major thing.” For some reason, Carol instead sighed. “It caused a huge uproar within the History Society.”
Angela asked, “A good thing or a bad thing?”
“Neither good nor bad,” Carol said. “Alright, let’s not digress further on this issue. The Dawn Revelation Society hasn’t recruited members externally for ten years.”
It hasn’t recruited members externally for ten years, yet Carol specifically brought up this organization today. Siles thought. He found it hard to believe that Carol had accidentally revealed this information.
This man, who looked cheerful, always wore gorgeous robes, and smiled, wasn’t such an imprudent person. Before this, when he first mentioned out-of-control Time Traces, he could carefully avoid any possibility of directly mentioning the Blessed Ones.
How could he have let it slip?
He must have done it on purpose.
But who among the people present was he intentionally bringing up the Dawn Revelation Society for?
Siles looked at his classmates, finally thinking, Was it to tell me?
Did Carol intentionally reveal this piece of information just to tell Siles? But Siles didn’t think there was anything about him worthy of Carol doing so.
Unless Carol still suspected that he was connected to the tragic massacre of the Darrow family.
But Siles also believed that the conversation they just had in the corridor was enough to clear his suspicion. He had no motive or reason to lay a hand on the Darrow family.
So, was it because he knew the secret of the Darrow family itself? But the people present here, they all knew it now.
…Yes, they all know. Siles suddenly realized.
Knowing about that picture, knowing about followers meeting the deity… knowing such a secret, was this the condition for joining the Dawn Revelation Society?
But, Siles thought in distress again, if this matter was truly so important, why didn’t the dice prompt him with an increase in his Knowledge attribute when he first heard Brewer mention it?
Perhaps it was because in some past literary works, it was also mentioned that deities personally met with followers. He actually knew about this matter, but at that time, he didn’t connect it in the direction of extraordinary powers.
Siles gave himself an answer.
After this, Carol brought up the points to note when going to work in different departments—he did indeed use the word “work”.
For instance, the Second Corridor had the best treatment but was also the busiest and most dangerous. He said this to Eric, guessing that Eric would definitely look for a place with rich rewards.
Eric nodded, indicating he understood, but did not change his original intention. His original intention, of course, was that he wanted to give his family, his wife and daughter, a better, brighter future.
His becoming a Revelator was largely due to this mindset.
As another example, the First Corridor might seem leisurely and comfortable, but there might be some… in Carol’s exact words, “the office atmosphere might not be that peaceful.”
Mrs. Fuller, however, said, “I’m old, I’m afraid I have nowhere else to go but the First Corridor.”
Carol smiled and said, “I think you’ll find good opportunities in the First Corridor.”
Angela was hesitating between the three choices of the First Corridor, the Second Corridor, and the Council of Elders. They could all tell that Miss Angela Clayton likely came from an extraordinary background, but she was somewhat unwilling to rely on her family status.
But Carol tactfully said, “However, I think the Council of Elders is also welcoming your arrival, Angela.”
Angela looked as if she had thought of something, and said huffily, “Alright, alright! Then the Council of Elders it is! Once I come into power in the future…”
She plunged into a beautiful fantasy.
Darrell Hobbs ultimately chose to go to the Third Corridor. He said, “My brother is a knight of the Church of the Past, and I want to learn from him too!”
The young boy seemed to have found the direction for his future development.
Carol also nodded. Finally, he looked around at the five Revelators, smiled, and said, “I realized you guys actually chose five different places to go.”
The First Corridor, the Second Corridor, the Third Corridor, the Research Department, the Council of Elders. They had the History Society fully covered.
Angela smiled a bit embarrassedly, then asked, “Carol, is our introductory course coming to an end?”
“Yes,” Carol nodded. “Starting from next week, you will be going to different departments.”
Angela said in surprise, “I didn’t expect it to be this fast.”
Carol laughed. “The introductory course is just an introduction, there isn’t that much content. If you want to learn more rituals and obtain more Time Traces, you’ll have to wait until you go to different departments.
“After today, I will send your applications to the different departments and wait for their replies. In the following classes, we will learn new rituals.”
“New rituals!” Darrell said excitedly. “What are they?”
Carol smiled mysteriously and said, “I can’t reveal it to you in advance. In short, they are far more practical than the two rituals you previously learned.”
Darrell looked as if he absolutely couldn’t wait any longer.
They continued chatting for a while about the introductory course, the different departments of the History Society, and their future work. Carol seemed to understand the different job contents within the History Society very well.
He added, “I know you might be worried that the work at the History Society will take up too much of your time and energy, but you can treat this work as a part-time job, or perhaps, a bounty mission you take on when you have free time.
“Although I call it work, and there are indeed many who make a living out of it, there are also quite a few people who have their own primary jobs and only occasionally, or from time to time, show up at the History Society.”
This statement brought a sigh of relief to Angela, Darrell, and Eric. The first two had to go to school, while the latter had to continue working in the West City, at least for a short period.
Of course, Siles didn’t have that much time to dedicate to the History Society either.
The only one among them who could stay at the History Society for long periods was Mrs. Fuller.
After a lively conversation, at about three-thirty, Carol ended today’s introductory course early. He didn’t say why, but everyone had their own guesses.
After he left, the five sat in silence for a while. They could all sense that there was indeed one person missing here. It brought a certain helpless regret.
Finally, Angela spoke first—it sounded more like she was muttering to herself: “I feel like this is a… secret kept together by the five of us.”
“No, it’s a responsibility,” Darrell retorted.
Angela didn’t argue with the young boy, instead nodding in agreement. “Right, responsibility. We can’t… forget Brewer’s existence.”
At this moment, Mrs. Fuller said, “I have a proposal, see what you guys think.”
“Let’s hear it.”
The highly respected Mrs. Fuller was the most revered among them. Perhaps second only to Siles’s authority in terms of knowledge. But when it came to life experiences, Siles was far inferior to Mrs. Fuller.
Mrs. Fuller said, “After next week, we will go to different departments, but we can still set a fixed time to meet every week, keep in touch, and communicate.
“We can talk about our lives, or our work at the History Society, or knowledge regarding Revelators, or… the progress of Brewer’s case. Anything goes.”
Angela nodded. “I agree! It’s like a faculty! Even though I don’t know how to apply for a faculty, we can have a small gathering.”
“Where?” Darrell asked curiously. “At the History Society? Or somewhere else?”
Angela exchanged a glance with Mrs. Fuller, then said, “Perhaps we can ask Carol if we can continue using Room 666.” She looked somewhat excited. “This is our secret organization, kind of like that Dawn Revelation Society!”
She seemed to be obsessed with the Dawn Revelation Society.
Eric asked steadily, “And the specific time?”
“How about every Saturday at 2:00 PM?” Mrs. Fuller suggested.
“No problem.”
Everyone agreed to this choice.
Finally, they looked at each other and unanimously said, “For Brewer.”
It was a tragedy that occurred right beside them, yet they were powerless to reverse or prevent it. They couldn’t just forget about it, so they decided to find a way to shoulder this slightly heavy responsibility.
Of course, continuing to keep in touch was also a good channel. In the future, they would have more connections, helping each other out, and everyone was happy to see this happen.
“Should we invite Carol?” Darrell asked, then answered his own question. “Never mind, he’s too powerful. We need to improve our own strength.”
Darrell’s old-fashioned way of speaking drew laughter from the adults.
Darrell rolled his eyes and snorted at their strange smiles.
After deciding on this matter, their relationship became a bit closer. Angela didn’t seem to care much about keeping her identity secret anymore, complaining to them about the elders in her family contacting an elder in the Council of Elders for her in advance.
She said, “I want to go to the Second Corridor more! I really don’t understand why parents have to force their children to do things according to their wishes!”
This statement immediately gained Darrell’s agreement. Still in his rebellious phase, Darrell had even more complaints in his heart than Angela. The two chatted enthusiastically.
Mrs. Fuller and Eric, instead, took this opportunity to chat about their experiences in educating children. Siles looked left and right, and ultimately decided to join the discussion on parenting—even though he was still young.
And soon, just like the evaluation he had received from Bertram Finn, Mrs. Fuller and Eric also began to highly praise Siles’s prowess in child education, making Siles extremely embarrassed.
The topic gradually shifted to other areas.
Eric sighed about how popular the topic of the Ashless Land had been recently.
Siles knew that he was actually talking about how the discussions regarding the Archduke’s development plan for the Withered Wasteland had been making quite a clamor recently in the Old City.
Unexpectedly, Mrs. Fuller and Angela also agreed with this point.
Mrs. Fuller even said, “I’m also wondering if I should invest in a trade related to the Ashless Land.”
“Because of the Archduke’s Withered Wasteland development plan, right?” Angela said. “If you ask me, there’s no rushing this matter at all. The plan was announced this year, who knows, actual construction might only truly begin next year.”
They all nodded.
Siles remarked, “It’s just that, even before that, undercurrents have already begun to surge within the city.”
Mrs. Fuller sighed and couldn’t help but say, “That’s true.”
“There is always a process of preparing and gathering momentum beforehand. Everything leaves traces to be followed,” Siles said in a low voice.
“Yes,” Mrs. Fuller nodded in agreement. “I hope Lamifa City doesn’t become overly chaotic in the foreseeable future.”
They all agreed with this sentiment. Afterward, they stood up, bid each other farewell, and returned to their respective homes.
Siles’s thoughts were quite complicated; the events of the day had sparked various ideas within him. He walked alone for a while near Atherton Central Square, had dinner nearby, and planned to take a walk to digest his food before heading back to 6 Hayward Street.
This time, he didn’t see the painter.
He stood at the end of the boulevard, frowning as he looked toward the edge of Atherton Square—the painter was indeed not there.
Because the description in the Brewer family’s archives shared similarities with the painter’s works, he had cared somewhat about that painter, and even bought Leon’s manuscript as a result—which had then triggered the strange dream.
Chaotic lines high in the sky. The thing hiding in the dark clouds.
Siles wondered once more, what exactly was it? Which deity did it symbolize?
…Wait, not too long ago, he had just thought of a similar question—Leon’s manuscript. His dream. The pitch-black night sky in the dream.
Lusmi. The bright beacon flickering high in the sky.
Weren’t the stars exactly what hid within the dark clouds?
The drawings, the dreams. The family archives. Everything seemed to point to the same deity.
Siles almost instinctively wanted to look up at the evening sky. He guessed a few bright stars had already revealed themselves. But at this moment, he felt an immense pressure bearing down on his neck, making him completely unable to raise his head.
Finally, he took a deep breath, didn’t look up at the sky, and stopped thinking further. He buried this thought deep in his heart, waiting for more evidence to prove his speculation.
Siles took a public carriage, swaying back to Lamifa University. This rather unpleasant riding experience actually made him forget those worries and unease, filling his mind only with the exhaustion of wanting to lie in bed.
He returned to 6 Hayward Street at nearly seven o’clock. There were no letters for him this time. Lorenzo opened the door and greeted him as usual. He seemed to be reading a newspaper, so he casually mentioned to Siles with a sigh, “I heard there was a massacre case in the city, really dangerous.”
Siles remained silent for a moment, finally sighing and saying, “Yeah.”
Unaware of the details, Lorenzo nodded, wished Siles a good night, and returned to his room.
Siles stood there for a moment, then shook his head, returning to his room to take a bath, wash up, do his laundry, and prepare the suit he was going to wear tomorrow and the lesson plans he needed to bring.
Thinking of the set of casual clothes he had claimed expenses for at the underground trading fair, he couldn’t help but sigh.
He had to find time to buy clothes. Right, he also wanted to place a potted plant in his office. Siles planned silently. There was also the issue with his eyes. If he was truly nearsighted, he needed to pay attention to his eye usage and get a pair of glasses as soon as possible.
There were many trivial matters in life too. Siles let out a sigh.
At night, he spent a little time writing his novel.
He planned to ask Kellogg if there were any suitable translators to recommend during his elective class on Thursday, and then write a letter to the merchant Ranmir to talk about the travelogue and ask if he had any publishers to recommend.
This couldn’t be rushed. But ever since his financial situation became a bit more solid, Siles didn’t have such a strong desire to earn money, wanting to write this novel entirely according to his own wishes.
This made his writing process much more enjoyable.
He also very rationally forced himself to go to bed earlier. He felt that the experiences of the entire day had truly been overwhelming—it seemed that since arriving in this world, he often felt this way.
Having gone to bed early and fallen into a deep sleep, Siles jolted awake from his dream at four in the morning once again.
He had had that dream again.
