After the philosophy lecture, Klein felt as though he hadn't slept for three or four nights straight, his mind buzzing with concepts and terms—skepticism, metaphysics, a priori and a posteriori knowledge, nominalism and realism, social Russellianism, existentialism, positivism, and so on. If not for his incidental exposure to philosophical knowledge during his studies of the original body's history, he doubted he could have even made it through the lecture intact—something far more demanding than the non-interactive education he had experienced on Earth, where he could still nod off, zone out, or read a novel or browse his phone when things didn't quite make sense. "Hamid actually differs from my expectations—he's lively, warm, outgoing, and his lectures aren't dry. He doesn't quite fit the mold of a typical philosophy professor, nor does he embody the particular notions often held by followers of the 'Lord of the Storm'." Klein rubbed his temple with one hand and turned to leave the doorway, heading toward the staircase deep in the hall, back toward the third floor, while his personal servant, Richard, followed silently behind. During this process, he noticed that the maids and servants were all busy with their own duties, never slackening, and only paused to offer a polite greeting and bow when he, the employer, passed by—demonstrating a strong sense of etiquette. Tanya still showed considerable ability in managing household affairs... Claryn moved along the third-floor corridor toward the semi-open room. Even before entering, he saw the butler Walter hanging two double-barreled hunting guns on the wall, adding a sense of rugged strength and grandeur. This was a common feature in the homes of prosperous merchants—"hunting licenses" were easy to obtain, and the power of double-barreled guns was substantial, sufficient to enable the maids and servants to repel intruders or even kidnappers. After securing the guns, Walter stepped back two paces, examined them carefully, and then withdrew a gold-case pocket watch from his inner pocket. *Click!* He opened the watch, looked at the inside of the lid, and the usually stern and formal expression on his face softened noticeably. Klein cleared his throat to draw the butler's attention, then pushed open the half-opened door and stepped inside. Walter closed his watch, placed it back in its original position, and bowed slightly. "Mr. Klein, we've secured six 'Hunting Licenses,' purchased six double-barreled hunting guns, and the corresponding shot shells." Klein had the Colt revolver tucked under his arm—the fact that it was there wasn't particularly significant to him—and merely nodded, indicating he'd heard. He then offered a warm smile and casually inquired, "When I was reviewing the materials from the 'Household Servants' Assistance Association,' I noticed that you seem to already have a wife and children, Walter?" As a butler—or, more precisely, the head butler—is essentially the employer's deputy, a trusted confidant involved in nearly every matter, it's customary for every employer to cultivate a good relationship with their butler. Klein, too, wished to do so. Moreover, he remembered that Ardoth, the 'Mirror,' had mentioned that there would be further developments involving Walter the butler. Walter replied seriously: "Yes, while serving as a country house servant at the Viscount Conrade's estate, I came into frequent contact with a lady due to certain duties, and developed feelings for her. Under the watchful gaze of the goddess, we married and had a daughter, who is currently studying at a grammar school, with hopes of passing the entrance examination for the University of Beckett—though that is something we will consider only two years from now..." When speaking of his wife and daughter, the usually reserved butler unconsciously softened in tone. ——At present, all churches emphasize the importance of the family, in response to the pressures and spiritual challenges brought by the advancement of technology; the only difference lies in the varying emphases among the churches: Night emphasizes equal partnership between men and women, mutual support within the family; Storm highlights men being busy outside the home while women manage the household, serving as the supportive pillars for the former; Steam promotes technical learning and active labor, with each member excelling in their own strengths and complementing one another. Klein felt a strange sense of reflection and said, "Does Miss Tania remain single?" "Yes," Walter replied, his expression once again serious. "In modern society, male servants and female maids still lack equality—not merely in salary. While housekeepers and male stewards, as well as assistant maids, earn comparable annual salaries ranging from twenty-five to fifty pounds, the deeper issue lies in underlying values and attitudes. The Church is actively striving to change these, though it faces significant resistance, since the goddess is not the only faith in Runes." He paused and added, "Male servants may marry, but female maids who establish families often face unemployment or are relegated to the lowest tier—temporary hires who need not reside in the household, such as laundry maids. Only when they reach the rank of housekeeper does this situation begin to shift. Yet this level of achievement is beyond the reach of young, inexperienced women." Klein did not pursue the topic further; he merely nodded gently and stepped toward the armchair. At that moment, his eyes swept over the stack of newspapers piled on the side table. A thought struck him, and Caine stopped, turning slightly to address the butler. "I saw an advertisement in the newspapers about the share transfer of the Beckland Bicycle Company. Have the professional lawyers and accountants come over and consult on the details. I'm quite interested in this industry—should the price be right, I'd consider purchasing." In that very instant, Caine realized a point: a wealthy man arriving in Beckland with substantial funds in pursuit of further opportunities would surely pay close attention to the share transfer of the Beckland Bicycle Company. Even if he didn't personally see the industry's potential, he would likely seek out information—otherwise, it would undermine his character. Of course, he could also raise the price slightly, selling that 10% stake for more money… Well, he had to remember—not to be too greedy. If he raised it too high and ended up losing it, he’d have to cry. That would plunge all his liquid assets into the ground, leaving him unable to cover even the basics of daily living. While envisioning this pleasant scenario,克莱恩 quietly reminded himself of the necessary caution. “Yes, sir,” Walter didn’t ask any further questions; he simply agreed. At 4:35 p.m., Richard, the personal servant, knocked and entered the room, where Downe Tangé was leisurely reading a book. “Mr. Dowie, Mr. Moray Mahert and his wife, Ms. Léa Mahert, along with the Bishop of Saint-Séverin, Electra, have come to see you.” Moray Mahert? The member of the House of Commons? And why has the Bishop of Saint-Séverin also come?…克莱恩 paused, smiled, and inquired, “Is there such a courtesy?” He had only attended two etiquette lectures so far and understood that among this class, visits weren’t as direct—instead, they first sent their butlers and servants to deliver invitations or arrange visiting times. Richardsen habitually lowered his head and said, “Yes.” “The butler mentioned to the neighbors that during his visit to deliver business cards and gifts, he informed them that you’ve been at home every afternoon for the past week.” “In this case, neighbors who receive the card will learn about your situation, observe the relevant details, and then be able not only to send their own servants to formally invite you, but also to make a semi-formal visit between 4 and 5 p.m., passing by as if on a walk. Indeed, ladies would wear appropriate walking attire—otherwise, it would be considered improper—and you could then invite them to enjoy afternoon tea.” As Crane walked toward the door, allowing Richardsen to take off his coat and put on his own, he casually asked, “Then why is there still Electra the Bishop?” "That was precisely what he had been most concerned about—the earlier question had merely served as a lead-in. Richardson responded smoothly, as if well prepared: 'Bishop Elektra was visiting at Mahert's home this afternoon. She must have mentioned you during their casual conversation, and thus decided spontaneously to come by for a walk.' His hands remained completely unaffected by his words, skillfully adjusting Donatien Tholos's attire. His wife, Lyana, came from a prominent legal family, providing numerous resources for her husband's political career and sharing the same devotion to the Night Goddess. Electra wore a double-breasted black clerical robe, appearing only in her early forties—her deep blue eyes serene, her face slender, with a somewhat unremarkable facial structure that yet somehow felt inherently pleasant. She was one of the bishops that Kline had encountered when he had made donations to the altar box. Upon seeing Daven Thonard enter, Morit Machet stepped forward, smiled lightly, and said: "I've been hearing for several days now that a devoted follower of the Night Goddess has moved into apartment 160 on the street. I've wanted to visit, so I made this unexpected stop today, having just happened to be walking by. Please forgive our intrusion." Kline smiled and, with a gentle clockwise motion on his chest, tapped four times. "All that's needed at this moment is to praise the Goddess." "Praise the Goddess!" Electra and Lyana nodded silently, then each traced a red moon on their chests. After the small talk, Caine invited each of the three guests to take their seats, while the maid promptly served tea and coffee—having previously asked the guests what they preferred, as the housekeeper, Tania, had done. "Mr. Tangtse, I hear you're a merchant from Dices. Could you tell me, in what industry did you previously operate?" asked Mory Machet casually, adding a light remark. "Your surname always brings to mind so many things." He was referring to the surname of the protagonist in a best-selling novel by the King of Rosel. Caine smiled and responded with a witty question: "What industry does finding a treasure belong to?" Which was precisely the theme of that novel. Before the gentlemen could respond, he launched into his well-rehearsed narrative: "I once owned my own mining operations, but as you know, every mine eventually runs out. Cities built around mines will inevitably decline." He subtly referenced his birthplace—several resource-driven cities in the Dese County—where crime syndicates thrived and numerous invisible magnates flourished, making it difficult for ordinary people to fully investigate Doun Tangtes' background without spending over six months. Bishop Elektra nodded thoughtfully, "So you've chosen to seek new opportunities in Beckland? I wonder, which of our members guided you into the Church?"