WCBD CH134

Chapter 134: A Temporary Separation

Listening to a little boy tell stories in a dream, even for Mr. Ghost, was an incredibly wondrous experience.

However, Hal’s tender voice and mature tone also made him realize the uniqueness of the Ashless Lands. He listened quietly.

Hal said, “All these stories I’ve heard, I learned from my mom. When I couldn’t fall asleep as a child, she would use those stories to coax me to sleep.”

Mr. Ghost thought, Then that was the lady calling Hal to dinner in the square.

Hal, of course, didn’t know Mr. Ghost had seen him in reality. He continued, “My mom always mentions a little girl. That girl seems to appear in all the legends, and sometimes she also turns into an adult woman or an old lady.

“Her name is Cynthia. My mom said everyone knows of Cynthia’s existence. She is like a sprite of the desert, the guardian deity of Biedel City.”

…Cynthia?

Mr. Ghost narrowed his eyes, unable to stop thinking about that book—The World of Little Cynthia. He didn’t think this was a coincidence; perhaps many of the stories in that book were related to this Cynthia that Hal spoke of.

…Or rather, who exactly was this mysterious Cynthia?

He didn’t voice his question. Obviously, Hal merely treated this Cynthia as some fictional character, not a historically real figure. He continued recounting those stories.

“Cynthia was a little girl born in the forest. She also appears on the sea, the desert, and the plains. It was when my mom was telling stories about Cynthia that I learned the world isn’t just this annoying sand.

“Cynthia is like… a sprite. I don’t think she could exist, but my mom always believes the stories of Cynthia. She said the witch in the desert used to snatch the bad children in Biedel City away.

“But Cynthia said that even though they were bad children, they were still the children of Biedel City, so it should be the residents of Biedel City who educate these children, not the witch’s turn. After that, the witch never came to Biedel City to snatch bad children again.

“Mom also said that by the seaside, people always catch fish. Sometimes, people would find precious treasures in the bellies of the fish, so they desperately went into the sea to fish, almost catching all the fish.

“Cynthia stopped them, saying that wasn’t a good habit. Fish, like people, need to rest and reproduce. So those fishermen walked into the ocean themselves and let the fish eat them.

“The residents there would cut off their own hands every so often and throw them into the sea, using this method to help the fish in the sea grow.”

Saying this, Hal made a subtle expression. He seemed to feel this story was weird but didn’t know exactly what was weird about it. After all, he had never been to the seaside and had never stepped outside Biedel City.

So quickly, he continued, “I also heard a story about the forest where Cynthia was just born. It said there were some small sprites in the forest, and if people could catch those sprites and eat them, they could live forever.

“Some people went into the forest to look for these sprites. But they walked and walked in the forest, couldn’t find the sprites no matter what, and even got lost themselves. So they confessed their sins to the forest and promised never to look for such sprites again.

“So the forest let them leave. But later, someone broke their promise and still wanted to find the sprites. However, he didn’t dare step into the forest again, so he had to burn the forest down, hoping to force the sprites inside out.

“Cynthia appeared at that time, and she said the forest is the habitat of the sprites. If the forest is gone, the sprites will definitely die, and then this person will never be able to get the sprites again.

“That person regretted it. But it was too late; a massive fire was already spreading through the forest. People say that’s what formed this vast desert. This used to be plains and woodlands, but now it’s just…

“How do the adults describe it? A bar… barren, desert.”

Hal’s voice gradually lowered. He crouched there, reaching out to swish the water in the fountain pool in front of him. He said, “They really are some weird stories, aren’t they?”

Mr. Ghost pondered silently, but he quickly snapped back to his senses and said, “They are indeed somewhat disjointed. However, do you know why the witch in the desert wanted to snatch the bad children away?”

“I don’t know either,” Hal said. “Mom just said that if I don’t behave, a witch will come catch me. And if I get caught, I’ll never be able to come back.”

Mr. Ghost thought, Three stories.

The witch in the desert, the fishermen by the seaside, and the ambitious man outside the forest. In these three stories, Cynthia stood opposite these three types of people.

However, based solely on these three stories, Siles couldn’t discern the stances of these people. Was it related to the deities?

If the deities in the latter two stories were fairly obvious, then the story of the “witch in the desert” seemed somewhat inexplicable. What deity was the desert related to?

Or perhaps, inferring from the information in the last story, this so-called desert might have been the former forest… Trisli’s domain? Completely destroyed because of the ambitious man’s arrival?

Mr. Ghost was utterly puzzled, but he did realize that Cynthia was very likely a past believer, or even a proxy of a deity. She might have lived in the Age of Silence, or perhaps a bit earlier in the Age of Shadows.

Her deeds had been passed down due to various reasons, but it was also highly likely they had been altered over the long course of history, adding some inconsequential elements—for instance, the point Hal just mentioned about bad children being snatched away by a witch, which reeked of a parent trying to scare a child.

Regardless, looking purely at the latter two stories, the greed of the seaside fishermen and the ambitious man outside the forest was very evident.

Could that be because people’s psychological states had changed after the “shadow” struck?

Mr. Ghost pondered the possibilities but couldn’t reach a very clear conclusion.

He asked, “Do you know anything else about this mysterious Cynthia?”

“Oh, ghost, you aren’t actually taking this seriously, are you?” Hal’s eyes widened, and he said with some surprise, “I think this is just my mom trying to scare people.”

“Even fictional stories have a certain research value,” Mr. Ghost said in a low voice.

“Do they?” Hal said dubiously. “Alright, let me think… Ah right, Mom once said Cynthia doesn’t like to sleep.”

Mr. Ghost was taken aback and subconsciously asked, “Doesn’t like to sleep?”

“Yeah. You think it’s weird too, right? I do anyway,” Hal said. “Mom said Cynthia never sleeps, probably because she doesn’t like it.”

Doesn’t sleep… could it be related to Akamara? But if she was a believer of Akamara, shouldn’t she like sleeping? Mr. Ghost felt it was slightly strange.

Hal racked his brains for a long time, then shook his head and said, “I really can’t think of anything else, ghost. Is this enough?”

“Of course, thank you, Hal,” Mr. Ghost said. “When you wake up later, you can go to Biedel Square at six o’clock in the morning to collect your bounty.”

“Bounty! That sounds really cool!” Hal said. “Can we meet again in the future? In dreams. Maybe I can find out more stories, and I can tell you then.”

“Of course,” Mr. Ghost said. “If your companions also obtain relevant information, you can have them relay it through you. I will give them a certain bounty, and I will also give you a commission.”

Of course, he could currently use doll number one to deliver the money. But after a period of time, he might have already left Biedel City, and how to deliver this money would also be a problem.

However, he also had a vague idea in his mind. He thought it might be quite feasible—after all, on the planet reflected in the lake of the mysterious farm, those few plants clearly existed. It couldn’t possibly just be a mark.

If things from the dream could appear in reality, then did it strictly have to be the reality “beside” him?

He planned to verify his idea later.

Hal’s eyes widened in pleasant surprise as he confirmed the exact amount of the bounty with Mr. Ghost—calculated in the currency of the Duchy of Konst, one useful piece of information would yield ten Duke coins. Hal had just told three stories, so Mr. Ghost would give him thirty Duke coins.

If his friends could provide any useful news later, it would still be ten Duke coins, split seven-to-three, with Hal taking three coins.

This amount was actually beyond Hal’s expectations. To him, just telling stories to a weird-looking guy who called himself a ghost in a dream could earn him so much money, which was truly astonishing.

He quickly swore, “I will continue to look for more stories, Mr. Ghost; just you wait!”

Mr. Ghost was indeed looking forward to it very much. After all, this was Biedel City. There must be bizarre tales circulating here that were completely different from those in Lamifa City, or even the entire Duchy of Konst.

People wouldn’t have their guard up against children; if children pressed them for stories, adults would comfortably recount those legends.

However, Mr. Ghost still instructed Hal to be careful and not run into any danger.

“Of course I understand, Mr. Ghost,” Hal said. “We’ve all lived in the Ashless Lands our entire lives!”

This made Mr. Ghost smile. The lofty ambitions of young children—such things always brought a smile to his face.

Subsequently, he bid farewell to Hal and returned to the isolated island.

The deep-sea dreams still maintained their tranquility. He subconsciously looked at the towering doll. Many of the spider silks on the doll had broken off, but they still restrained its movements.

Considering the actions of the six dolls in the mysterious farm, he was also very curious about the doll’s possible behavior once it was freed from its restraints. However, that couldn’t possibly happen in the short term.

If all six dolls becoming his “actors in the play” meant he had fully mastered Akamara’s power, then he was still a long way from that.

He wisely didn’t overthink this matter.

Then, he looked at the saplings on the isolated island.

Hal Goss was also a vigorously growing little sapling, contrasting pleasantly with Garland’s and Emil’s saplings nearby. While Chendo’s little sapling and Jonathan Bryant’s withering vine were quite different from the children’s dreams.

Chendo wasn’t dreaming, looking like he was sleeping very soundly.

Jonathan was dreaming; his dream was a scene of blood red and various oppressive, agonizing sights. He didn’t look closely.

Emil was also dreaming. He dreamt that he solved a 4×4 Rubik’s Cube in just a few moves, smiling as he accepted everyone’s praise and commendations. The scene was amusing.

And then there was… Garland.

Garland was also dreaming. She dreamt of that mysterious underwater city, the buzzing lantern fish, the pure white lighthouse, and the bright light of the lighthouse. She stood beneath the lighthouse, looking up at it, her gaze exceptionally vacant.

He reached out and touched this dream bubble, entering Garland’s dream.

Garland subconsciously turned her head and instinctively said, “Mr. Ghost… Ah! I know you! But, I don’t remember how I know you.”

Mr. Ghost also looked at her quietly and said, “That’s okay. How have you been lately?”

“How have I been?” Garland tilted her head. “Someone told me that I don’t have a family anymore, only an insane grandfather who doesn’t even recognize me as his granddaughter. So, I have to go to a… a church, to learn some knowledge. Is that right, Mr. Ghost?”

“…Yes, Garland,” Mr. Ghost said. “Do you feel sad?”

Garland looked blank for a moment, then said, “I… Garland doesn’t know either. If Garland is that Garland, then Garland should have a mommy and daddy who love her very, very much, right? But Garland doesn’t seem to be that Garland.”

Saying this, she looked up at the lighthouse.

After a moment, she said, “It’s like, the real Garland can enter this lighthouse, but I’m not that Garland, so I can only be stopped outside. But after being stopped outside, I don’t know where to go either.

“Mr. Ghost, what do you think I should do?”

Mr. Ghost also remained silent for a moment, then he walked over and crouched down in front of Garland. He said, “Garland, even if you are not that Garland, you are yourself, a unique Garland.

“Even if the lighthouse is not open to you, other places will become your home. You have already done very well.”

Garland stared blankly at him, then whispered, “Really? I’ve already done very well?” She tilted her head, “What did I do?”

“You helped me. And many, many other children,” Mr. Ghost said. “Garland is a very, very good child.”

Garland thought blankly for a while, then said, “I don’t seem to remember. I don’t seem to remember a lot of things. But, thank you, Mr. Ghost. I’m very happy you said that, even though… even though I forgot it all.”

“It doesn’t matter, Garland. Everything is in the past, and you have already done very well.” Mr. Ghost gently stroked the hair of the little girl in front of him. “You will have a very good life later on.”

Your grandfather would also be happy for you right now, Mr. Ghost thought. Even if that old man had gone insane and had his mind destroyed by an out-of-control Time Trace, he probably would never forget in this lifetime that he still had a granddaughter named Nona.

Even if Nona herself didn’t remember this anymore…

But all of that was in the past. Disasters, suffering, pain. All of that was far away from the little girl in front of him. She could use a brand new name and start a brand new life.

And when she grew up into a woman who was excellent and strong enough, perhaps at that time, driven by her own curiosity, she would embark on a journey to find her past.

That would be a story for the future. She would have a story of her own.

Whether it was Garland or Nona.

Garland tilted her head, her expression very innocent and vacant. But at the same time, she seemed very happy. She hesitated for a moment, then said, “Mr. Ghost…”

“What is it, Garland?”

“Can I give you a hug?” Garland said.

Mr. Ghost froze slightly, then smiled, “Of course, Garland.”

They hugged gently.

Garland said, “Thank you, Mr. Ghost… you are probably someone from that memory I forgot. I’m sorry, I forgot that memory. But I’m doing very well now. I’m learning new knowledge.

“I don’t know how to describe it either… It’s very profound knowledge. There’s a little boy learning with me; he likes to talk even less than I do. But they all say that when I learn it well, I will become very, very powerful.

“By that time, Mr. Ghost, I’ll be able to do many, many things I couldn’t do before.”

Mr. Ghost said, “Of course you will be able to do them, Garland.”

Garland turned her head and looked at the lighthouse not far away. Finally, she said very childishly, “If this place isn’t open to me, then I can go elsewhere! This is the sea; there must be many, many more interesting places!”

“I look forward to you finding interesting places,” Mr. Ghost said. “Garland, do your best.”

Garland nodded vigorously and said, “I will, Mr. Ghost.”

The dream suddenly shattered. He returned to the isolated island, remained silent for a while, and finally let out a slow sigh. He thought, if only he could have done something sooner.

But from the moment Anselm Norrison decided to steal that copper-cast flower, things seemed destined to head in this direction. The power of the deity only exacerbated the tragedy of this story.

It seemed everything was irretrievable, or rather, this could already be considered a good ending.

Garland had also realized the difference between herself and the little girl in the novel. She realized she lived in the real world and would continue to live in this world. She was like a newborn sapling, carefully yet proactively and boldly exploring this world.

He thought for a moment and ultimately decided to be more positive. Regardless, Garland herself had decided to enthusiastically embark on a new life. Those past stories shouldn’t disturb the girl’s current life, at least not now.

Regretting past choices was merely self-consolation to escape reality. He was very clear on this point.

His emotions slowly calmed down. Afterwards, he first looked for Herman Grove’s dream, but didn’t find it. Perhaps this archaeology student wasn’t dreaming.

Then, he tried to search for Professor Dunlop’s dream. The search method he used was similar to when he previously made checks on the feather, relying on intentional direction rather than a full name. Unfortunately, he still didn’t find it.

He didn’t know if Professor Dunlop just wasn’t dreaming or if this method of searching wasn’t quite right. In any case, he probably wouldn’t be able to confirm the situation of the missing archaeological team tonight.

At this time, he had to admit that in this matter, Ligadia’s power might be more useful than Akamara’s power. After all, Professor Dunlop and his group disappeared in a foreign land, which fell under the domain of Ligadia’s power.

He didn’t know the other people in that team. Perhaps he could ask Lorenzo indirectly later.

Since he couldn’t find the dreams, he didn’t plan to continue wasting time on the isolated island. He went to the mysterious farm and learned from the dolls that, just as he had thought, he could use the planet reflected in the lake to have the dolls travel to the locations marked by the plants.

Of course, this was limited to locations that had plants and also limited only to the dolls traveling. The dolls had to return on the same day, which meant it had to be done while he was in the dream.

However, he quickly realized a problem and asked, “What if I want you to go to the corresponding places during the day?”

The doll answered stiffly, “We cannot do that right now, sir. We can only realize your thoughts when you come here in your dreams at night.”

He couldn’t help but feel regretful. However, he also noticed the doll said they couldn’t do it right now. In other words, when he mastered more of Akamara’s power, he might be able to use Akamara’s power during the day.

“…So, the foundation of Akamara’s power is indeed the dreams of the night. And the night is also included in the scope of Lusmi’s power.

These deities’ powers really are intertwined, he thought.

Soon, he bid farewell to the dolls in the dream and then woke up right on time at four in the morning.

It was still early, so Siles slept for a little while longer. Around five o’clock, he got up. Chendo was still sleeping, so Siles didn’t disturb him. After quietly washing up, he got dressed, took the dolls, and left Old John’s Inn.

In the early morning, there were already some people active in Biedel City. Siles blended in among them and wasn’t conspicuous. He walked near Biedel Square, casually placed the dolls under the shade of a tree, and then went to a small stall near the square to buy breakfast.

At the same time, he multi-tasked, secretly manipulating a doll to walk up to the boy who was looking around the square.

The tiny doll reached out its hand and gently patted the top of Hal Goss’s shoe. Hal looked down in surprise and saw the doll, along with the three banknotes in its hands.

His heart pounded, never imagining this would be the method of transaction. He squatted down, took the money from the doll’s hands, and whispered, “Thank you, Mr. Ghost.”

The doll tilted its head and didn’t respond.

Just at that moment, a drunkard—who had likely spent the night in a stupor in Biedel Square—staggered past them. He said gruffly, “Get out of the way, brat! Hmm? What is this?”

He subconsciously kicked out, but the doll nimbly dodged. That scene shocked the drunkard sober, and he stared dumbfounded at the very agile doll.

Hal Goss, seeing the situation was bad, had already carefully taken two steps back, blending in with the crowd of children around him, looking inconspicuous.

The people around noticed the minor conflict and looked over curiously. The doll seemed to hesitate subtly for a moment, then went pitter-patter and ran away.

Some children exclaimed in surprise, even wanting to chase after the doll. However, the experienced adults knew this was clearly no simple thing, so they hurriedly held their children back.

The drunkard looked left and right, then muttered in a low voice, “I must still be half asleep,” and staggered away again.

The lively early morning scene at Biedel Square stagnated for a moment, and only gradually returned to normal shortly after the doll disappeared. Siles pretended he hadn’t noticed anything that had happened; he simply bought his breakfast and left Biedel Square.

At a corner, he walked into a secluded alley, squatted down, and locked eyes with the doll that was obediently squatting there.

The doll’s pitch-black, small round eyes stared at him, as if to say, how did that cause such a commotion?

Siles couldn’t help but sigh. He thought, it seems Biedel City will soon have new marvelous rumors. This couldn’t be called an accident. However, leaving aside Hal, who knew the inside story, Hal’s friends wouldn’t think they could use this to exchange for a bounty with Mr. Ghost, right?

And at that time, Hal would definitely sneakily tell them that this agile doll was Mr. Ghost’s incarnation.

…He could almost imagine the children’s excited and shocked expressions.

He unexpectedly discovered that Mr. Ghost had actually unknowingly become the children’s secret friend.

Siles shook his head, caught between tears and laughter. He put the doll in his pocket, then returned to Old John’s Inn. Chendo was already up and washing. Siles told him what had just happened, and then said, “This group of children has become our helpers in Biedel City.”

“There is also a group of children like this in Lamifa City,” Chendo laughed. He said, “You always manage to get along well with children.”

Siles felt it was hard to deny this point.

This was a quiet morning. Because of Professor Dunlop’s situation, the others were in no mood to go out and play. They gloomily read books and chatted in the hotel, waiting for the train’s departure in the evening.

Siles reorganized his luggage, because he needed to give the portion of materials he had finished reading to Chendo to take away. He could give the two documents from the Church of the Past, as well as some books he had brought onto the train, to Chendo.

Chendo said, “I hope… when you return, you won’t bring too many new books?” His tone was a bit teasing.

Siles: “…”

That seemed unlikely.

But he also laughed, and said, “I am still very much looking forward to the Praia family’s library.”

“Then it is also very much looking forward to your visit,” Chendo said. “I am too; I am very much looking forward to you being able to visit the Praia family.”

Siles looked at Chendo.

Chendo hesitated for a moment, then said, “Just as you saw in the dream. In a sense, the me in the Praia family might be the me in the truest sense, even if I don’t really want to admit it. And I hope you can see… control, that essential me.”

Siles was silent for a moment, and finally smiled helplessly. He pulled Chendo over and kissed his lover, who was both frank and unfrank.

“Don’t worry, Chendo,” Siles said. “I know what you mean, and you also understand my thoughts.”

Chendo wanted to say something but finally slowly fell silent. He looked at Siles and said in a very calm and gentle tone: “Of course. I understand your thoughts. The Praia family… I will do it.”

He gently nuzzled Siles’s neck, as if confirming Siles’s existence. He whispered, “I will not disappoint you.”

After a brief intimacy, they were about to embark on a new journey.

The train heading to Kingsley, the port city of Middleton, was scheduled to depart at 8 PM on February 29th and arrive at 2 PM on March 3rd. They would spend a total of four days and five nights on the train.

For this reason, Siles specifically took a bath before departing that afternoon.

On March 1st, when they arrived at a certain station in Kansas, Chendo would get off and return to the Praia family. Actually, he could have used his own power to quickly return to his family, but he preferred to stay by Siles’s side for two more days.

When they set off, the atmosphere within the group was slightly better. Lorenzo seemed to be slowly stepping out of the shadow of Professor Dunlop’s incident, but occasionally, a trace of uncontrollable worry would still show in his changing gaze.

This was also inevitable. Furthermore, this news also caused the several companions who had come to the Ashless Lands for the first time—and were thus feeling excited and thrilled—to instantly calm down. They obediently stayed in the hotel and never clamored to go out and play again.

…Lorenzo especially so. He could be said to have completely fallen into tranquility.

They headed northwest all the way, the scenery passing by gradually changing from desert to plains and then to snowfields. However, Siles clearly felt the weather was gradually becoming dry, the humidity in the air wasn’t as high, which also made him feel a bit better.

Just as Chendo had said, the climate in Kansas was much more comfortable than in Konst.

On March 1st, Siles and Chendo parted ways. The train would stop at this station for thirty minutes.

Chendo silently hugged Siles. When it was truly time to part, he actually couldn’t say a word.

After a moment, he said, “This is the longest time I will be separated from you since we met.”

When they were in Lamifa City, even though they would sometimes not see each other for a few days because they were busy with their own affairs, at that time he was very clear that they were very close to each other.

But now, they had to be apart for at least a week. Furthermore, Siles was also going to such a distant country.

At the same time, Chendo also knew perfectly well that his beloved deity would definitely go explore those dangerous secrets related to the deities. Of course, he wasn’t saying Siles couldn’t do this. He just inevitably felt worried.

He sighed imperceptibly, and then said, “I will finish the affairs with the Praia family as soon as possible. When the time comes, if there’s enough time, I can go to Middleton to find you…”

“Don’t worry, Chendo,” Siles said softly. “I will be back soon.”

Chendo was silent for a while, and then said, “I will wait for you.” Even if this anxious, long waiting time seemed to have permeated his soul. As if he was born to wait for Siles’s appearance.

Siles kissed him, and then bid him farewell.

Chendo stood alone in place. For a moment, he really wanted to catch up with the train—it wasn’t like he couldn’t do it anyway—but, at the same time, he was also very clear that Siles needed him to return to the Praia family to explore the connection between the graveyard near the family mansion and Tauohetia Cemetery.

He needed to master Ligadia’s power as soon as possible before he could help Siles.

Chendo took a deep breath, feeling the cold winter air soak his lungs. However, he then thought that, no matter what, spring was already close at hand.

He stood for a while, allowing himself to slightly immerse in the reluctant emotions. Finally, he reined in these soft emotions and hid them deeper.

“Fine, damn Praia family,” he muttered softly, as if once again becoming that arrogant, powerful explorer of the Ashless Lands, “let me see exactly what secrets you have hidden over these many years.”

He revealed a cold smile. As the train left the station, it was time for him to do what he had to do.

Siles returned to the carriage, stood by the window, and watched Chendo’s figure gradually shrink and finally disappear.

Doctor Chester stood beside him and asked, very puzzled, “Professor, why didn’t you let Mr. Chendo come along?”

Chendo possessed miraculous power—even though Chester didn’t know it was Ligadia’s power, back then, he had seen with his own eyes Chendo travel back and forth between the House of Hales and Biedel City overnight.

And the distance between Kansas and Middleton was just a bit further. Chendo could completely travel with them and then choose a suitable time to return to Kansas.

Siles said calmly, “If he follows me around all the time, Chendo won’t have the mind to do proper business.”

Chester: “…”

This statement seemed very reasonable, but from another angle, it also seemed a bit problematic.

Siles didn’t explain further.

Chendo Praia has his own power and tasks, just as Siles Noel possessed and explored Akamara’s power. After meeting Siles, Chendo was saved in a short amount of time.

But at the same time, romance had also hindered his steps in exploring the truth, or at least delayed them. Because Chendo indeed saw Siles as his deity. Siles occupied the center of Chendo’s life, almost captivating Chendo’s soul.

But Siles believed it was time to let Chendo go study his power on his own. This was something that always needed to be done, and Chendo couldn’t keep putting it off.

Therefore, no matter how Chendo showed his desire not to leave Siles’s side, Siles remained unmoved. This could perhaps also be considered Siles’s “strictness.”

…He hoped Chendo could keep up with his steps, not just as a “lover,” but also as a “companion” and “comrade-in-arms.” The sudden passionate romance might have made Chendo lose his reason and calmness, but Siles didn’t want him to be like this forever.

Siles sighed slightly.

Aside from these highly rational considerations, Siles naturally also felt reluctant about the temporary separation from his lover. However, serious business was ultimately laid out before them; they couldn’t choose to escape in self-deception.

Soon, Siles reined in his various thoughts. The train had already begun to accelerate; they were heading toward their final destination.

Chester hesitated and finally said, “Perhaps you’ll think I’m talking too much. But, Professor, I roughly know what you are doing. Those… Old Gods, or Old God followers.

“What I mean is, it is indeed quite important, and simultaneously dangerous. You are doing very, very good things, but I also very much hope your life could be more… how should I say it, be a happy ordinary person?”

Siles and Chester laughed together.

“I can understand your thoughts, Doctor,” Siles said. “We ultimately need to live in this world. I once expressed a similar view to my apprentices. I also have to admit that sometimes, Chendo’s presence also makes me breathe a sigh of relief.

“However, the problem has already presented itself, and we must solve it. This is my philosophy.”

Chester nodded and said, “It’s also okay to relax occasionally. This is my philosophy.”

Siles looked at his friend silently, and finally smiled helplessly, saying, “Alright, Doctor, I understand.” He then changed the subject, “However, can I ask you a question?”

Chester looked at him in some surprise. He suddenly realized, and then sighed rather heavily: “Starting to talk business again, are we?”

Siles said honestly, “Yes.”

“…Alright, Professor. What’s the question?”

“Regarding your family.” Siles weighed his tone, “I don’t think I’ve ever heard you mention your parents.”

Chester was somewhat surprised to hear this. He stared at Siles for a while, and then said, “Stop keeping me in suspense, Professor. I also very much want to know about my parents.”

Siles was taken aback.

“They went missing when I was very young.” Chester sighed, “Left me with enough money to live on, and a nanny to take care of my life. But, they disappeared. I always thought I was an orphan, until today when I heard you mention my parents.

“…So, Professor, you’ve probably investigated something?”

Siles considered for a moment and then said, “Actually, the Church of the Past told me. Doctor, do you remember that apostate Hamlin?”

Chester nodded, and then suddenly realized: “So at that time, the Church of the Past also investigated me? That’s not really a surprise, a necessary investigation, but I’m sure I wasn’t involved in the apostate’s affairs. And then, they investigated the issue of my background?”

Siles nodded: “They didn’t seem very sure whether they should tell you about this, but I thought it was still necessary to ask the person involved. After all, we are about to head to Middleton.”

Chester said blankly, “Middleton? So, my parents are related to Middleton?”

“Your mother,” Siles said. “According to the results of the Church of the Past’s investigation, your mother came from Middleton and had some connection with the Church of the Past. I guess the Church of the Past is also investigating her disappearance.”

Chester was very shocked to learn this. After a moment, he shook his head and marvelled, “How wondrous. To think I’m hearing about my parents’ affairs now.”

Siles was instead inwardly glad that Chester was mature and old enough to treat this matter with a calmer attitude, especially now that he had untied the knot in his heart from his younger days.

If Chester were younger and more radical, then Siles probably wouldn’t have told him about this so easily.

Siles then said, “Chief Knight Bunyan has probably been thinking about when to talk to you about this in detail. If you want, you can chat with him before we arrive in Middleton.”

Chester nodded slowly. A more obvious curiosity appeared on his face. He said, “I’m somewhat curious why my mother would come to Konst from Middleton, and why she would choose to leave.”

Siles hesitated, and finally just nodded.

Chester laughed and said, “Professor, I think you’re probably very curious too, right?”

Siles helplessly admitted this. He originally wanted to hide his curiosity so as not to affect Chester’s mood. However, his friends clearly knew his personality very well.

Chester checked the time, and then said, “Just in time; it’s 2 PM, this is a suitable time for a conversation. Professor, shall we head over together?”

Siles was taken aback, looking at Chester with some surprise.

Chester smiled bitterly and said, “I think I also need the company of a friend… to face matters regarding my parents.”

Siles was silent for a moment, and reached out to pat Chester’s shoulder in comfort.

He said, “Then, let’s go.”

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