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Chapter 514: Intimidation

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If you dig deeper, you're likely to uncover the "Rose of Redemption," perhaps even a hidden "Red Angel"... Several times just now, I've been dancing right on the edge of a cliff! Fortunately, I've managed to restrain my curiosity about the strange occurrences at the Seville Lemon Restaurant and the Post Office—kept myself from rushing in. Klein withdraws his gaze, only to find that even the sun pin can't prevent a cold sweat from beading on his back. Against the grand arrival of the "True Creator," it is the unknown, the unexplosion that strikes him as more terrifying. At this very moment, Klein can't help but imagine what he might see—or what might happen—if he suddenly pushed open the main doors of the Post Office, or slipped around to the back and climbed in through the window. He keeps picturing all sorts of eerie, horrifying scenes, and is quite shaken. Meanwhile, he decides to prepare the solar holy water for the passengers who dined at Benshie Port last night, to ensure no lingering risks remain. What's wrong? Erlan noticed something unusual about Gorman Sparrow. "I remember a past event," said Kaine, using the Clown's ability to keep his facial expression steady. Internally, he was relieved that he hadn't taken any risks last night and had now smoothly departed from Bancesport. Regarding the hidden secrets of the "Rose of Redemption" and the "King of Angels," his only thought was: report them immediately! Otherwise, wouldn't they simply go on living through the New Year of 1351? If he chose to withhold the information and only investigate once he achieved sufficient rank and strength, gaining benefits at that point, then what if something unforeseen happened in the interim—such as the crisis being triggered prematurely, or the cultists still remaining and claiming the lives of one after another? In that case, Kaine felt certain he would carry deep guilt, burdened by remorse, and the situation would quickly spiral toward uncontrollable chaos. Of course, whistleblowing requires both approach and strategy—Klein wasn’t foolish enough to simply tell Alran or write an anonymous letter to the Storm Church, as that would bring an immense amount of trouble. First, the official authorities would certainly launch a strong investigation into Germain Sparlo’s background, and many matters would inevitably come to light upon deeper inquiry. Moreover, the current identity might be exposed to the "Rose of Redemption," potentially triggering a hunt by the "King of Angels." Germán Sparo seemed unwilling to speak of his past. Ailran chuckled, produced a small black wooden box, and tossed it over. Klein reached out to catch it, conveying his curiosity with a glance. "Fish bladder—can be used to craft useful items, especially valuable at sea." The extraordinary materials on the fish's body…150 pounds, generously offered…how generous the captain was! Klein almost forgot what reaction Germán Sparo should have at this moment. Fortunately, in terms of performance, he was quite experienced, and immediately frowned. "I saved you not for payment," he said. Ailran laughed heartily. "I'm giving you this not as a return for your rescue," he added. "Are we friends, then? I've often seen friends offer items like this to help strengthen their companionship—doesn't that seem quite natural?" That was truly well said—completely unchallengeable. Klein held the black wooden box, silent for several seconds, before finally nodded. Ailin yawned, rubbed her mouth, and removed the ship-shaped hat from her head. "I'll head back to my room to rest a bit. See you at noon," she said. Klein politely waved, guiding Daniz all the way to the outside of Room 312. He noticed that Tannah and Danton had already risen early and were waiting at the door. "Uncle Sparlo, what are you holding there?" Tannah asked curiously. Klein said nothing, simply opened the lid of the small black wooden box. Inside, a layer of black velvet lay smooth, with a circular, translucent object resting quietly in the center, radiating a deep, water-like blue glow that spread in gentle waves. "From that day—the fishfolk..." Danton thought for a moment, then said firmly, "the swim bladder!" At Klein's gesture, Daniz opened the door. Tannah stepped in lightly, her hand extended from behind her back. She held a thick stack of cash—ten-pound and five-pound notes. "My father, my mother, and Uncle Crevell, along with Uncle Dirmo's family, have asked me to deliver this 150 pounds to you!" Dona smiled warmly. "They say this isn't enough to express their gratitude—just a supplement for the supplies you've consumed, though... weren't those things rather expensive?" "Actually, it's quite sufficient," Kline thought, accepting the 150 pounds to ease the anxiety of the ordinary people like Uldi. Seeing Uncle Germán Sparro place both the cash and the small black box into his coat pocket, Dona exhaled in relief, finally completing the task her parents had entrusted to her. She quickly regained her composure, her genuine enthusiasm returning, and asked with a mix of curiosity and slight apprehension: "Uncle Sparro, what exactly were those creatures last night? Were the ghost stories real? Were your abilities—jumping out of the flames and making light fall—something you were born with, or did you develop them over time? Is this magic, or is it simply witchcraft?" "Stop, stop, stop—you've asked too many questions…克莱恩, overheated and breathless, removed the 'Sun Brooch' from his chest and tossed it onto the bookshelf in the living room, then casually replied, 'That's called an extraordinary ability—achieved through certain rituals and potions. Many ghost stories have their roots in such traditions. The monster we saw last night was created through a dark ritual. As for the rest, ask him.' He glanced sideways at Daniz. 'How amazing!' Danon and Danton exclaimed simultaneously. Immediately, Danon's eyes sparkled as she said, 'Uncle Spalro, you're exactly like the 'supers' described by King Roxel. Can we, too—through rituals and potions—become someone like you?' Danton nodded vigorously, echoing his sister's words, and both of them felt a strong sense of anticipation. At that moment, Danon noticed a subtle sadness in Uncle Germán Spalro's eyes. Immediately, she saw the magical uncle smile, his lips curling upward in a somewhat strange expression. Cain spoke in a low, steady voice: "This is not something to be envied or anticipated. Once you choose this path, you will be constantly accompanied by danger and madness. You may win them a hundred times, a thousand times—but as soon as you lose once, you will become like that fallen bishop." As he spoke, he leaned on his cane, removed his formal dress, and rolled up the sleeves of his shirt. One arm had grown thin and wrinkled, as though it belonged to a man well past a hundred years of age, while the other was translucent, revealing the veins, muscles, and tendons beneath the skin. At the same time, a dense network of pale flesh growths appeared on his face, causing Donna and Danton to gasp in alarm and retreat in succession, nearly colliding with the door. Cain, with the fine growths dotting his face, maintained his upward-curving smile. "Can you see it now?" "This," he said, "is madness." "No... Donna and Danton nearly lost their minds, staggering and rushing to open the door, then sprinting out. After taking a few steps forward, they fell to the ground, struggling to maintain their balance. 'It's so terrifying... so terrifying...' Danton kept whispering softly. At that moment, they heard the door to Room 312 slam shut. Donna gradually calmed down, yet couldn't stop thinking about Mr. Spalro's appearance just moments before—tiny flesh buds gradually covering every inch of his face, his arms either wrinkled or translucent, not much better than the monsters they'd seen last night. For some reason, she remembered his eyes, and the words, 'This is madness.' Her vision suddenly blurred, and tears streamed down her face. 'Donna, Donna, what's wrong?' Danton was startled by her reaction and momentarily forgot that he himself was also afraid. Donna sobbed, saying, 'I don't know... 'I just... I just suddenly feel so deeply, so deeply sad.' Room 312. Daniz saw that Klein had returned to his normal self and couldn't help but exhaled, "Actually, there's no need to scare the children this way—it'll make them have nightmares. Just tell them that the magic potion is risky enough, and they'll be fine." As soon as he finished speaking, a sturdy wooden staff, streaked with blood and grime, flew toward him, accompanied by a statement devoid of any emotional inflection: "Clean." Daniz reached out to catch it, but his smile froze on his face. According to the customs of the Kingdom of Rouen, noble lords with estates gradually depart from Beckland after the New Year's ball, returning to their homes to enjoy the peaceful life of country estates or castles, and only reappear in the capital in June, resuming their daily social routines. Of course, a powerful noble like Count Hall, who also serves as a major banker, will need to travel back and forth regularly to manage his affairs. Moving, however, is no easy task—many belongings must be carefully organized and transported in advance by a portion of the servants, who are sent to the estates or castles ahead of time. Once everything is in place, the household members finally set off. After this Tarot gathering concludes, I should be boarding the steam train back to East Chester County... I hope that gentleman vampire truly manages to secure the fruit of the Elder Tree and the dragon's blood, so that I can, before leaving Beckland, earn the title of "psychologist." Audrey thought to herself, drifting into reflections. At that moment, Countess Katharine approached, smiling and inquiring, "What are you thinking about?" Well… you're now an adult, and when you return to Beckland in June, you can start looking for something to do—any plans? Audrey answered almost without thinking: "Mother, I'd like to join the church's charitable organization." I want to truly get to know this world… she silently added to herself. "A very good idea," the countess agreed. She then gave a few instructions and descended to the second floor to check on household matters. Audrey composed herself, turned her head slightly, and smiled gently at the golden retriever crouched beside her: "Susie, are you excited? You'll be able to run freely across the green meadows and chase through the lush forests once again." She was teasing Susie, since the dog wasn't really a proper hunting dog and had been given as a gift. Susie instinctively wanted to stick out her tongue, but restrained herself with a ladylike grace. Without hiding her feelings, she replied: "Of course, I love running—but I hate those wild, untamed ones." "Are you referring to the hound dogs that Dad and his family keep? Audrey held back a smile, preventing it from spilling out. She glanced at the wall clock and noticed that the Tarot gathering was about to begin.