Well, it wasn't the mushroom I ordered—otherwise, I'd have had to waste the whole dish. I'd already come to terms with mushrooms, but that subtle aroma tucked inside the letter just now sent me right back into a fit. Kline's expression quickly returned to normal. He pulled back his left hand, picked up the cup beside him, and took a long gulp of the icy water. "One more," he said, as if nothing had happened, turning his head slightly to the waiter standing at the entrance of the prep area. At the same time, he pressed gently against the fabric at his abdomen, rose slowly, and offered a polite apology before heading toward the private restroom in the dining room. This restroom, situated opposite the dedicated prep area, stood on either side of the main entrance. Furse, hidden behind the cabinet, listened to the footsteps drawing near and the restroom door closing, and couldn't help but lean closer to Hux's ear again, speaking softly with a touch of amusement: "For the second time! They've only been in this room for just over half an hour, and D'Artagnan has already gone to the restroom twice!" "The first time it was clearly urine. If this time is still the same, then it suggests that the gentleman's kidneys, bladder, or prostate isn't in good condition. 'It's out, it's out—truly just urine. Hmm, he must drink a lot of water and frequently visit the restroom. Oh, being a wealthy man isn't easy, and especially not easy for a well-looking one!' He glanced at his friend with a look of mild exasperation. 'This has nothing to do with you. Be serious, be focused—we're on a mission! And, the member named Machet—his bodyguard seems quite capable, perhaps even exceptional. We must be especially cautious.' Folshe had to suppress his urge to speak, pulled back slightly and said: 'They're all stationed outside the door, completely unprepared for someone to pass through the wall—far from professional. Well, we'll discuss this later.' At that moment, Clain had returned to the table and settled into his own seat." He took a sip of iced water, sipped on a glass of white wine, and smiled at Senator Mahert. "It's been just over two months since I arrived in Beckett. I've been constantly busy adjusting to the environment here, never quite able to launch a new venture. Every morning I wake up, I see the pounds flowing out—never coming back. Honestly, it's time to do something." He casually hinted at his willingness to get involved in arms trade. Senator Mahert, gently stroking his cup, responded with a warm smile. "I completely understand. I went through that phase myself." "How much capital can you currently set aside? I can introduce you to a few friends who might be interested in partnering with you." Crane replied calmly. "Right now, I can manage up to twenty thousand pounds." "You're more financially secure than I expected," Mahert remarked with genuine admiration. Under normal circumstances, a gentleman who could commit twenty thousand pounds in liquid funds at once would have a net worth well into the tens of thousands. Before Daven Tante even had a chance to be humble, he casually remarked, "You didn't buy a 3% stake in Coym Company earlier? With that, you could secure at least £10,000 as collateral—something that would ease your financial strain." Klein immediately smiled and sighed, saying, "Actually, I've already donated those shares to the church, intending to establish a scholarship fund for the poor." "Donated to the church?" Mahet hadn't yet met the rector or bishop of Saint Samuel's Church today, and since he was out of town, he hadn't even received an invitation—so he was completely unaware of this development. Both Lady Liaina and Héloïse, who were enjoying their meals, raised their heads and instinctively turned their attention toward Daven Tante. Among their circle of acquaintances, it wasn't uncommon to find friends who could bring £10,000 in cash, but those who could commit such a substantial donation directly—there were only a few. And among those few, how many were truly willing to do so? Not one, until now. Daven Tante! "Yes." "Klein nodded calmly." Without the goddess's protection, I would have perished long ago in the chaotic southern continent. When I was young, if I had had the chance to attend school and read books, my life might have been entirely different. I want to give children who long for a change in their fate a sense of hope." "Your character, as generous as your kindness, is truly admirable," Lady Liyan remarked sincerely, setting down her knife and fork. Hairel nodded slightly, and the gaze of Dauin Tholais softened. Seeing her parents engaging in conversation about charitable matters, she excused herself and rose from the table, walking toward the restroom, her right hand seemingly casually resting on her abdomen. At the entrance, as she was about to turn right, she suddenly paused, turning her head to gaze at the cabinet in the preparation room. A slight furrow formed on her brow, revealing a moment of mild confusion, before she looked away again and turned the handle of the restroom door. After washing her hands, Hayourel seemed to have forgotten the anomaly just moments before, touched the necklace at her chest, and returned to the table. Once the dishes and desserts were served, dinner concluded, and the four guests left the private dining room, each accompanied by their servants, joining the two bodyguards outside to head home. At that moment, Hayourel suddenly stopped and said, "My earring must have fallen inside—apologies, I'll be a moment." Without waiting for Lady Liyan to send a servant to search, she turned and walked a few steps around the corner, returning to the dining room. Hayourel lowered her hand covering her left ear and entered the dedicated serving room, walking directly to the cabinet, placing her hand upon it. She had intended to open the cabinet door swiftly, but after a moment's thought, she instead held the necklace in her other hand and slightly turned her body, preparing for a possible sudden attack from within. Inhaling deeply, Hairel took the opportunity while the server was clearing the interior tables, and suddenly pulled the cabinet open, revealing its contents. Aside from spare tableware and tablecloths, there was nothing else. Hairel once again expressed bewilderment, as though unable to believe what she had just seen. "I clearly sensed that there were valuable items inside," she murmured, quickly closing the cabinet door before the server could catch up, and stepping out of the dedicated prep area. "Perhaps... she's also someone extraordinary, with a certain spiritual intuition..." Folshe hesitated, speculating. "Mr. D'Artagnan's life must be truly difficult. He constantly faces conflicts among the nobility and wealthy, and not only does he have a housekeeper devoted to studying black magic, but there are also mysterious extraordinary beings nearby. Oh, by the way, what's her name?" "Hyel." Hoo was searching for Mr. D'Artagnan's carriage, preparing to hide below, when his gaze suddenly fixed. "Folshe, look at that person—her behavior is a bit unusual." Folshe followed her line of sight and spotted a middle-aged man in a black suit, pacing anxiously back and forth at the edge of the street. "What exactly is unusual?" Folshe didn't have the time to observe carefully and simply asked. He simply replied, "He looks like a well-dressed gentleman, but his shoes are quite dirty—clearly not brushed in some time. You know, there's a lot of dust in Beckett. Also, he keeps rubbing at his armpits from time to time. I'm certain there's a pistol hidden there. Besides these details, his expression and posture reveal his unusual state. "Well... they're almost ready. I'll go to the carriage side now. Keep an eye on this man and protect Monsieur Dantès." "All right." Fothergill found it rather troublesome, yet quite interesting, so he stepped back to a shaded spot and closely observed the entrance of the Indiesserenzo restaurant. Twenty to thirty seconds later, Doun Dantès and the Machet family emerged, saying their goodbyes and preparing to board their respective carriages. At that very moment, a two-wheeled carriage rushed out from the street at high speed, threatening to tip over at any moment. The horses pulling the carriage stared wildly, as though startled, charging straight into the entrance of the Intisserenzio restaurant. Two bodyguards of Mahert rushed forward—one to subdue the panicked horse, the other stepping aside to protect the member of parliament, his wife, and his daughter. At that moment, the middle-aged man who had been lingering approached steadily from behind, drawing a revolver, his face contorted as he aimed it squarely at Mahert's head. His revolver had already been knocked aside and landed at Hayur's feet! Immediately thereafter, both he and the startled horse were subdued by the bodyguards. "Why attack me?" Member Mahert controlled the turmoil in his emotions, taking a step forward and asking in a steady voice. The middle-aged man burst into loud laughter, his expression frantic as he shouted, "It's all you! It's all of you! Talk about air pollution, talk about switching to smoke-free coal! My factory went bankrupt, my children died, my wife committed suicide!"