"An author?" Audrey observed Glaerint's reaction, asking it casually. The natural topic that followed, she didn't hesitate to bring up in the presence of her close maid, Anne. Glaerint straightened up and chuckled, "Yes, I'm sure you've read her work—the recently acclaimed *Windsor Manor*, which has been widely praised over the past two months."
"I like that book, especially the composed Miss Sissi." Audrey replied with a gentle smile. Meanwhile, she rolled her eyes internally at her own pretense. After all, her real passion had never been novels; the reading of *Windsor Manor* had stalled at one-third for nearly a month. Since joining the Tarot Circle, meeting the powerful Fool, and becoming a true exceptional person, she had been systematically integrating the mystical knowledge she'd gathered, focusing on psychological studies, and had lost interest in other pursuits.
Viscount Glaringte led Audrey toward the living room, furnished with sofas, and smiled warmly as he said, "I'm certain you'll have a most favorable impression of Miss Forth-Wolfe, for she is just like the Countess of Stormhaven—calm, intelligent, and relaxed." "And, my dear Miss Audrey, would you mind playing the piano for us? That would be the very best tribute to literature and to novels." Audrey gazed at Glaringte's profile, sensing in his expression, tone, and certain gestures a desire to showcase his admiration. He wants me to be his means of display... Audrey thought, as though meeting him for the first time. She maintained an elegant smile and replied, "My music teacher, Mr. Vicanar, the pianist, believes my recent progress has noticeably declined and that I need more practice." "Very well."
"Gleinert was about to say something when he suddenly spotted a woman approaching the long table to take a dessert, 'This is Audrey, Mrs. Fotherst, author of *The Storm House*,' he said. Audrey looked up and saw that the Fotherst lady was in her early twenties, about 1.65 meters tall, wearing a cream-colored, gathered-at-the-neck long dress with a standing collar, her brown hair slightly wavy, and her light blue eyes turning toward Gleinert with a mixture of amusement and curiosity."
Within just a few seconds of observation, Audrey noticed several subtle details: "There are hints of lavender on Mrs. Furse's fingers—she enjoys rolling cigarettes..." "The way she holds her pen indicates clear calluses, consistent with her identity as an author..." "The movement of her arms suggests considerable strength, a trait less typical of a writer—unless she is particularly active, born with it, or has previously held another profession..." "The style of her *Wuthering Heights* is calm, rational, and precise—this appears to be linked to her earlier professional background..." "Her current gaze and expression are relaxed, as though she is looking down upon me and Grantham with a certain psychological advantage typically held by someone exceptional?"
"If she had been accidentally discovered by Glaerint as a remarkable one, she would certainly have felt awkward and uneasy, since she couldn't predict his reaction or the course of events ahead—uncertainty itself would bring fear."
"...This suggests that she has actively approached Glaerint and has already learned about our interests, thus feeling confident about what lies ahead."
"Why would a remarkable one choose to proactively engage with Glaerint? Is it for financial support? For access to extraordinary materials stored in the vault? Or perhaps for a specific matter requiring assistance?"
Audrey performed a precise bow according to noble etiquette. In her mind, she silently added: "Because I've been reading you for a month and still haven't finished."
Forthos returned the bow simply: "Good afternoon, Miss Audrey. Your beauty has made a strong impression on me—I already feel I've gathered material for my next novel. By the way, Lord Grelint praised your exceptional musical talent."
At the grand gathering, they exchanged only a few polite remarks, with no further conversation. As she watched Forthos move toward the table, her eyes fixed on a small cake topped with cream, Audrey turned away and followed Lord Grelint into the lounge.
Reflecting on the details she had just observed, she tried to grasp the essence of his thoughts, in order to gain the initiative in their future interactions.
Taking a step forward, Audrey, whose demeanor remained cool and neutral, stepped on the trailing edge of her skirt, causing her to sway slightly and nearly stumble.
At that moment, Anne, the lady's maid, promptly steadied her, preserving her graceful image. "Madam, the unique design of this dress requires you not to move too quickly," Anne whispered gently into Audrey's ear. "I understand," Audrey nodded, her cheeks flushing. I've simply been so absorbed in observing others that I've forgotten to pay attention to my feet... she sighed internally, feeling a bit disappointed. Throughout the salon, Audrey maintained an elegant and sweet smile in the presence of the attentive writers, critics, and musicians. Finally, as her facial muscles began to ache, she received a subtle hint from Viscount Graylin. After waiting a few minutes, she excused herself to go to the restroom, lifted her skirt, and rose slowly, leaving the salon.
Once she was certain no one was following her, she turned toward the study on the first floor and said to her personal maid, Anne, "I have something to discuss with Lord Glayntrit. You'll stay at the door and keep others out."
"Of course," Anne didn't find this unusual, as she knew her lady was a great admirer of Lord Glayntrit and often met with him privately to discuss matters of the occult. Upon entering the study and locking the door behind her, Audrey saw Lord Glayntrit seated behind the desk, playing with his pen, while Firth Walley stood before the bookshelf, casually browsing the volumes.
"Allow me to introduce you, Miss Firth, a true marvel," Lord Glayntrit said, setting down his pen and approaching.
"Is that so?" Audrey deliberately expressed her skepticism.
Firth pushed the books back into place and smiled, turning to say, "It seems I'll need to prove myself." She then walked slowly to the door and placed her right hand firmly on the handle.
Suddenly, Audrey felt a shock, as if Miss Forrester had turned into a phantom, passing through the door. Startled, she focused again and found Miss Forrester no longer where she had been. A few seconds later, the door, which had been locked and turned, opened of its own accord, and Miss Forrester Walpole entered from outside with a smile, while the maid Anne, standing near the doorway, was completely unaware of what had just happened behind her. "What a remarkable ability!" Glencarthur exclaimed in admiration. Audrey took a quiet breath and said, "I have no doubts now." At the same time, the way Forrester demonstrated her abilities confirmed to Audrey her true intentions—no matter how much money or materials were involved, such a remarkable person could never be daunted. Glencarthur's home had no such extraordinary beings to guard it... Was Miss Forrester hoping to leverage Audrey's and Glencarthur's status and resources to achieve something specific? Audrey made a conscious effort to remain a passive observer.
Vorth smiled softly, "Let us be honest with each other—we don’t have much time left." "I used to be a clinic physician; by chance, I became a remarkable one, and now it’s been over two years." "I’d like you to help me with one thing, and in return, I’ll guide you into the true circle of the remarkable, and share with you certain magic potion formulas and the corresponding materials." Hearing this offer, Glerint eagerly asked, "What is it?" "My companion has been imprisoned and is awaiting her final trial. I’d like you to rescue her—no matter what it takes," Vorth stated simply.
Audrey furrowed her brows. "Mrs. Fothergill, the abilities you've demonstrated should be quite suitable for such a task..."
Fothergill shook her head and smiled. "Not at all. In fact, where I can pass, she cannot. I can only visit her frequently and chat with her."
"Moreover, I believe a rescue mission isn't the best idea. Life is already so brief, and there are so many things we need to accomplish."
Audrey observed her face and posture, then asked thoughtfully, "I see. What charge has brought your companion to prison?"
Forsyth's expression instantly grew a bit awkward: "My companion is actually highly respected—people genuinely feel inclined to obey her. She possesses admirable character and kindness, I mean, well, she simply employs rather intense methods when persuading a certain villain..."
"Enn will smile and say, 'This helps relax your spirit; too much tension is not good for your health.' He takes up his hat and holds his cane, walking slowly toward the door. As he's about to step out, he suddenly turns and says, 'Forgot to mention this—whenever you hear any sound, don't open the Charnes gate unless it's opened from within.' 'Remember this, whatever you hear, no matter what happens.' Captain, if you say that, I'll be afraid... Kline's spirit instantly tightens, and he feels the deep, dim light beneath him surpasses even the elegant glow of the gas lamps.